from www.nytimes.com - On Wednesday, Rex Ryan declined to talk to reporters about the foot-fetish videos Deadspin showed of a woman who resembles his wife, saying it’s a personal matter.
In an article in The Star-Ledger of Newark, cornerback Darrelle Revis said Ryan addressed the issue with the team Wednesday morning: “He basically came in there and said, ‘You guys might know about the situation; some of you guys might not know. You’ll find out later on today. Right now, I feel embarrassed, but it’s something personal with me. We need to focus on Chicago.’ ”
In one of the videos, a voice similar to Rex Ryan’s is heard off camera. If those are in fact the Ryans in the videos and if they put them on YouTube — Ryan did not deny it — did they lose their right to say it’s a “personal matter” by posting them publicly?
“Woody and I have met with Rex,” General Manager Mike Tannenbaum said, referring to the owner, Woody Johnson.
“This is a personal matter, and he has our full support.”
The N.F.L. is also calling it a personal matter, although in this case it’s one that everyone is talking about.
What responsibility does Ryan have in representing the Jets and the league? Should he be reprimanded by either? Or is it essentially nobody’s business? Here’s Revis again, as quoted by The Associated Press: “Foot fetish? Whatever. I mean, that’s his wife. At the end of the day, that’s his wife and he can do whatever he wants with his wife.’’
(An issue like this doesn’t pop up every day. I hope you understand that we’ll keep a tight rein on the comments for this one). The transcript of the news conference is below, as provided by the Jets. Ryan did say of his wife, Michelle: “We’ve been married for 23 years. She’s awesome.”
Opening remarks…
The guys that did not practice (are) James Ihedigbo (knee and ankle), Eric Smith (concussion). (Smith) jogged today and seemed to be doing better. Santonio Holmes (turf toe), Tony Richardson and LaDainian Tomlinson are not injury related like we’ve done the last couple of weeks. Damien Woody (knee) did not participate today. Guys that were limited today, Trevor Pryce (hip), Darrelle Revis (hamstring), (Mark) Sanchez (shoulder). (Sanchez) was moving around well, but was limited with the amount of throws he took. Guys that were full today were Drew Coleman (groin), Antonio Cromartie (groin) and Nick Mangold (shoulder). Plus Brad Smith (hand).
On if he and his wife made the videos…
Obviously, I knew these questions were coming. This is a personal matter and I’m not going to discuss it.
On if he can confirm if it was him and his wife on the video…
Again, this is a personal matter. I hope you can respect the fact that I wish not to discuss it.
On if the videos affect the team…
We’re going to be ready to play Chicago and I am ready. This is my job and I’m focused on the job at hand.
On how the videos got online…
Again, this is a personal matter. I really don’t want to discuss it.
On if he has talked to the organization about the videos…
It’s personal.
On how not talking about the videos is perceived…
I just want to keep it as a personal matter and I’m not here to discuss it.
On the comments about the videos…
I understand that I’m going to be asked this question front-ways, side-ways, back-ways and all this. It is a personal matter.
On his wife…
My wife is beautiful. We’ve been married for 23 years. She’s awesome.
On comparing her to Gisele Bundchen…
I don’t want to say that. I probably shouldn’t have done that (laughter).
