Saints' DE Cameron Jordan addresses night club accusations

METAIRIE, La. (AP) New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan said Friday he is ''clearly not pleased'' to be at the center of a night club incident that could reflect negatively on the franchise and added that he has addressed teammates and coaches about it.

''Everybody would like to be exonerated in any situation,'' Jordan said. ''I'm going to let the system play out as it shall and do my best to focus on every game and focus on the next day, being the best player, being the best captain, being the best dad that I can be.''

While authorities have not issued an arrest warrant or filed any charges, New Orleans Police released a report with a woman saying Jordan patted her on the backside and later lifted her boyfriend off his feet when he confronted the player in a bathroom. The couple also said Jordan sprayed them with champagne after the confrontation.

The NFL is also looking into the matter, which league spokesman Greg Aiello said is ''standard procedure with any incident of that nature.''

Jordan's attorneys have said the allegations are ''ridiculous,'' saying they were levied by ''a jealous boyfriend.''

According the report, the incident occurred early Sunday morning. The Saints open their regular season this coming Sunday at Arizona.

''There's a lot of things that people can say,'' Jordan said. ''I've done what I must do for this upcoming game. In terms of being a captain, I have to become the best captain I can be, set the standard high and go on from there.

''I have a family of my own that's been in full support, you know, a girlfriend and son and everything that you know I'm sure it's taken a toll on them,'' added Jordan, who's only child was born earlier this year. ''I just have to go forward and focus on this Cardinals game and have everything else fall where it will.''

While Jordan avoided discussing specifics about the incident beyond the statement his lawyers made earlier this week, he said in addressing the matter with his teammates, he stressed that his experience underscores that ''you always have to be aware of where you're at.''

Jordan, a first-round draft choice in 2011 who had a career-high 12 1/2 sacks in 2013, and 7 1/2 sacks last season, agreed in June to a five-year contract extension worth up $60 million. This week he was named a defensive captain along with veteran cornerback Brandon Browner.

When asked about Jordan being elected captain despite the player's recent difficulties, Saints coach Sean Payton said he remained confident in the character and chemistry in the locker room.

''You always want the best for your players, and as a coach, you're a father figure to them,'' Payton said. ''But I like this group we have now. I like the leadership we have on this team in regards to the makeup. And that's something that I think I've got a pretty good keen sense for.''

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