Sheldon Richardson on Jets' critics: 'I won't call them fans'
After another plane flew over the New York Jets' practice facility calling for general manager John Idzik's job this week, defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson responded with sharp words for fans planning other protests for team's final home game on Sunday.
Speaking to Kristian Dyer of Metro, Richardson rebuked Jets fans for their criticisms.
“I did not see the plane flying over but I heard about it. I don't have anything to say. It's Jets fans with too much money, they got nothing else better to do I guess,” Richardson told Metro.
“I don't call them fans, won't call them fans. I don't have anything to say about them.”
The plane's banner -- the second to fly over the Jets' practice facility since Nov. 5. -- read: "PENALTY FLAG DAY 12/21 FIREJOHNIDZIK.COM." The site has been distributing 10,000 yellow "penalty flag" towels at New York and New Jersey-area bars, calling for owner Woody Johnson to fire Idzik, team president Neil Glat and senior personnel executive Terry Bradway. Head coach Rex Ryan is also widely expected to be fired after the season.
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Richardson, 24, is in his second NFL season after being a first-round draft pick of the Jets in 2013. He has become an outspoken leader for the team this season, criticizing fans on multipleoccasions for their criticisms of quarterback Geno Smith and saying earlier this week that he was on the same level as All-Pro Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt.
Richardson, the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year, has 60 tackles and 6.5 sacks this season, four fewer tackles and 10 fewer sacks than Watt.
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The Jets (3-11) host the New England Patriots on Sunday before traveling to Miami for the regular-season finale vs. the Dolphins.
- Mike Fiammetta
