Jets Deserve Credit For Handling Of Goodson Matter

One of the Jets major offseason acquisitions was the signing of running back Mike Goodson to a three-year deal.  Goodson was supposed to play a major role in Marty Mornhinweg’s offense not only as a rusher but as a receiver out of the backfield.

Unfortunately Goodson was arrested on drug possession and weapon charges in May of this year.  He participated in mini-camp practice but was a no show when training camp began, only reporting to the team recently.  He will miss the first four weeks of the regular season after being suspended by the NFL.

The Jets as a whole from the front office, to the coaches and the players kept the Goodson situation quiet providing little if any information as to his whereabouts.  When he finally did return both the team and Goodson made statements saying the running back was dealing with a “personal issue” and the explanation has gone no further.  While Goodson made a mistake, putting himself in this tough spot, it appears the Jets are giving him an opportunity to put his football career and more importantly life back in order. 

With negativity often surrounding how the organization handles issues it seems like they should be praised for keeping Goodson’s affairs private allowing him to move forward.  The team didn’t have to give Goodson the time required to deal with his issue or allow him a chance to come back but they did.

The ball is now in Mike Goodson’s court and it is up to him to take advantage of this second chance.  It would have been easy for the Jets to just give up on him or say where he was but they decided to protect their player.  The organization appeared to handle a difficult situation in the correct manner and just for once deserves credit for doing so.

Dennis Agapito

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