The owner of the New York Jets, Woody Johnson, took to social media to refute claims made by an NFL Network host regarding a supposed heated conversation between himself and coach Robert Saleh. Johnson stated that the reports of a heated argument were false and dismissed them as irresponsible reporting by the NFL Network. This response from Johnson was unexpected, as he typically does not engage in such public rebuttals.
Colleen Wolfe’s Allegations
NFL Network host, Colleen Wolfe, mentioned on the “Around the NFL” podcast that she had heard about the alleged dispute between Johnson and Saleh from a “very reliable source.” Initially, Wolfe claimed that the incident took place at the NFL’s cocktail reception on Monday night at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Orlando. However, she later corrected herself, stating that the disagreement occurred on Sunday night instead. Wolfe did not provide any additional information about the nature of the dispute, only mentioning that it became “a little awkward.”
The relationship between Johnson and Saleh has been closely scrutinized since the conclusion of a disappointing 7-10 season for the Jets. Tensions rose within the team following comments made by Johnson at the NFL Honors event in Las Vegas in February. Johnson expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance and emphasized the need for significant improvement in the upcoming season. Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas were put on notice by Johnson, who stated that they had to properly utilize the team’s talent to achieve success.
Response from Robert Saleh
Following Johnson’s remarks in February, Saleh addressed reporters for the first time since the end of the season on Monday morning. Saleh acknowledged Johnson’s feedback and stated that regardless of the tone, the owner’s messages were valuable for the team’s progress. Saleh emphasized the importance of Johnson’s insights and expressed gratitude for the guidance provided during the offseason, noting that it would benefit the team in the upcoming season.
The New York Jets have endured a 13-season playoff drought, the longest in any of the four major sports leagues in North America. The team’s aspirations for a successful season last year were shattered when quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury early on. Despite the challenges faced by the team, Johnson expressed optimism about the offseason acquisitions, stating his eagerness to win games and build a competitive team for both the players and the fans.
The recent allegations of a heated argument between Woody Johnson and Robert Saleh have been refuted by Johnson himself. As the New York Jets strive to overcome their playoff drought and improve their performance in the upcoming season, the focus remains on building a strong team and fostering a positive working relationship between ownership and coaching staff.