Revis -- Possible Tampering

You have to admit, BB invoking the league office to handle a violation of a rule technicality is a fantastic troll job.

Woody Johnson admits mistake in potential tampering with Darrelle Revis

www.prosportsdaily.com/Headlines/ExternalArticle?articleId=335460

Jets owner Woody Johnson might have stuck his foot in his mouth this morning during a news conference with the New York media.

Johnson was asked about Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis, who was interested in exploring the possibility of rejoining his former team last offseason before linking up with the Patriots on a two-year, $32 million contract.

"Darrelle is a great player, and if I thought I could have gotten Darrelle for that, I probably would've taken him," Johnson told the New York media during the news conference to announce the firing of Rex Ryan and John Idzik. "And it was our best judgment to do what we did. Darrelle is a great player. I'd love for Darrelle to come back."

Since Revis is under contract with the Patriots through 2015, that type of comment is grounds for a tampering investigation. An NFL spokesman officially declined to comment today when contacted by the Herald about the possibility of opening a tampering investigation.

Bill Belidick thought the league should take a deeper look.

“I would think that the league would look into those comments," Belidick told WEEI today. "I’m sure that’s something that they would look into."

Johnson, realizing his mistake, released a statement later today through the Jets Twitter account, saying: "I misspoke today when I commented on Darrelle Revis. I would never interfere in the contractural relationship of a player with another team and should not have used those words. I called Robert Kraft this afternoon to emphasize those points."

The NFL's anti-tampering policy states, "Any public or private statement of interest, qualified or unqualified, in another club's player to that player's agent or representative, or to a member of the news media, is a violation of this Anti-Tampering Policy. (Example of a prohibited comment: 'He's an excellent player, and we'd very much like to have him if he were available, but another club holds his rights.') In addition, speculation by a club owner, executive, or employee on whether a player under contract to a second club may play for a third club in the future may negatively impact the relationship between the player and the club currently holding his rights. If comments are found to have adversely affected that relationship, a finding of tampering can result. All clubs should be aware that improper disclosure of confidential trade discussions with another club may be a violation of this section on prohibited public statements."

It's clear Johnson's comments fall right in line with the example given in the NFL's policy. However, the wording suggests a guilty verdict -- if an investigation indeed occurs -- might need to find Revis' relationship with the Patriots has been "adversely affected."

There are multiple types of tampering, with private cases running rampant at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. The league, as a whole, essentially turns a blind eye to it, presumably because of how difficult it could be to enforce the rules that are danced on so universally.

But Johnson's comments were very much in the public eye, which could yield a different level of treatment. But then again, his mea culpa could have allowed him to escape the problem.

agreed....plus Woody would have to contact Revis's agent to constitute tampering and then I would concur that the Jets would have to lose a draft pick.  Worst case scenario, Woody gets a fine and maybe next time he answers "No Comment"

Thanks.  I don't disagree with you.  But in this case, I am questioning the logic of having certain NE trolls, not all, posting here.  We all know their act from the previous board.  Several of them (we all know who they are) are only here, as was the case on JI, to stir it up.  In addition, these particular posters add nothing of value imo. 

Obviously, I am a guest here too posting my opinions and have no say in the operational rules of this site.  I appreciate the opportunity, like all others, and think this site is awesome (thanks Ragu!!).  Once again, I am NOT advocating the removal of dissenting voices especially from our rivals. There are some NE trolls who add value and even an occassional smile with their posts. I am just discussing the NE trolling agitators (we all know who I am talking about).

If you are going to be a guest, act like it; at least show a modicum of class.  Unfortunately, a few of the NE trolls can't seem to figure that out.  Meanwhile, I am here to discuss NYJ football with my colleagues who are Jets fans.  Therefore, go Jets!!

Patriots.

Let them say whatever the fuck they want. Since when are they so interested in the rules.

And when does the murder trial start?!?!