http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/11/jets_dl_coach_pepper_johnson_wont_talk_about_defen.html
Jets DL coach Pepper Johnson refuses to talk about defensive line in bizarre interview
Pepper Johnson
New York Jets defensive line coach Pepper Johnson answers a question after NFL football practice Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo | Mel Evans)
Connor Hughes | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com By Connor Hughes | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
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on November 15, 2016 at 2:31 PM, updated November 15, 2016 at 5:58 PM
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FLORHAM PARK — Maybe this is where Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson get their perceived lack of accountability?
Is Todd Bowles' job with Jets on the line?
On Tuesday, Jets assistant Pepper Johnson conducted the strangest media session of the year. The defensive line coach refused to answer questions from reporters about (seriously) the defensive line.
"Before we get started, there is no Pepper Johnson questions," Johnson said before being asked anything. "I'm not answering any questions."
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Johnson, who is required to speak to the media just three times a year, proceeded to inform reporters he would not talk about his players or the Jets' defensive line as a whole.
Here's a look at the bizarre back-and-forth:
Reporter: There's no Pepper Johnson questions?
Johnson: Yes. There's no questions for me, then I'm not answering any questions.
Reporter: Do you mean d-line questions?
Johnson: Uh, d-line questions, no Pepper Johnson questions.
Reporter: No questions about you, but you'll answer questions about your guys?
Johnson: No. The other way around.
Johnson was informed he would be reported to the NFL for not fulfilling his media requirements, which could result in discipline. He wouldn't answer questions on why he refused to talk.
The Jets have underachieved this season, and the underwhelming performance of Johnson's unit is one of the reasons. Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson have just four sacks between them.
And the two have created problems off the field, too.
Who could Jets target in free agency?
Who could Jets target in free agency?
Wilkerson and Richardson were suspended for the first quarter of the Jets' Week 9 loss to the Dolphins after showing up late to a team meeting. As NJ Advance Media first reported, the two have been late throughout the year.
"I have been late to meetings," Wilkerson said last week. "I did miss the walk-through prior to the Ravens game. Those actions are unacceptable. I definitely feel that, as a leader on this team, I need to do better. I respect the coaches, I respect everyone in this building. I take responsibility for my actions.
"Moving forward, it won't be an issue. As a leader on this team, I have to show better and do better. That's something I will do."
The Jets just awarded Wilkerson a five-year, $86 million contract extension in July. Richardson will be a free agent after 2017, and is looking for a similar payday.
Connor Hughes may be reached at chughes@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connor_J_Hughes. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.
Jets DL coach Pepper Johnson refuses to talk about defensive line in bizarre interview
Pepper Johnson
New York Jets defensive line coach Pepper Johnson answers a question after NFL football practice Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo | Mel Evans)
Connor Hughes | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com By Connor Hughes | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on November 15, 2016 at 2:31 PM, updated November 15, 2016 at 5:58 PM
4
shares 5 comments
FLORHAM PARK — Maybe this is where Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson get their perceived lack of accountability?
Is Todd Bowles' job with Jets on the line?
On Tuesday, Jets assistant Pepper Johnson conducted the strangest media session of the year. The defensive line coach refused to answer questions from reporters about (seriously) the defensive line.
"Before we get started, there is no Pepper Johnson questions," Johnson said before being asked anything. "I'm not answering any questions."
ADVERTISING
inRead invented by Teads
Johnson, who is required to speak to the media just three times a year, proceeded to inform reporters he would not talk about his players or the Jets' defensive line as a whole.
Here's a look at the bizarre back-and-forth:
Reporter: There's no Pepper Johnson questions?
Johnson: Yes. There's no questions for me, then I'm not answering any questions.
Reporter: Do you mean d-line questions?
Johnson: Uh, d-line questions, no Pepper Johnson questions.
Reporter: No questions about you, but you'll answer questions about your guys?
Johnson: No. The other way around.
Johnson was informed he would be reported to the NFL for not fulfilling his media requirements, which could result in discipline. He wouldn't answer questions on why he refused to talk.
The Jets have underachieved this season, and the underwhelming performance of Johnson's unit is one of the reasons. Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson have just four sacks between them.
And the two have created problems off the field, too.
Who could Jets target in free agency?
Who could Jets target in free agency?
Wilkerson and Richardson were suspended for the first quarter of the Jets' Week 9 loss to the Dolphins after showing up late to a team meeting. As NJ Advance Media first reported, the two have been late throughout the year.
"I have been late to meetings," Wilkerson said last week. "I did miss the walk-through prior to the Ravens game. Those actions are unacceptable. I definitely feel that, as a leader on this team, I need to do better. I respect the coaches, I respect everyone in this building. I take responsibility for my actions.
"Moving forward, it won't be an issue. As a leader on this team, I have to show better and do better. That's something I will do."
The Jets just awarded Wilkerson a five-year, $86 million contract extension in July. Richardson will be a free agent after 2017, and is looking for a similar payday.
Connor Hughes may be reached at chughes@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connor_J_Hughes. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.
