Jets owner blasts 'false' report about heated exchange with Saleh
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson strongly denied a report stating that he had a heated exchange with head coach Robert Saleh.
Colleen Wolfe of NFL Media reported Wednesday on "Around The NFL" that Johnson and Saleh had a "very heated conversation" at the league's owners meetings, citing what she described as a " very reliable source."
"It was a little awkward," said Wolfe, who added that she didn't know what led to the reported incident.
Johnson blasted the report Thursday on social media.
All this nonsense about a heated argument between Coach Saleh and me at the League Meeting is absolutely false. It is yet another irresponsible report from NFL Network. Please disregard.
— Woody Johnson (@woodyjohnson4) March 28, 2024
Before Johnson's denial, there was speculation that the reported argument resulted from a disagreement regarding what New York should do with the No. 10 pick in this year's draft.
Wolfe released a statement addressing the situation later Thursday.
"No, I was not at the annual meeting, and yes, I was told of the exchange between head coach Robert Saleh and Woody Johnson by someone in attendance," she wrote. "Others on site Sunday night have since reached out and described the interaction differently. My intent wasn't to break news, I leave that to the insiders. My sincerest apologies to the Jets organization for the unnecessary distraction during such a crucial part of their offseason."
The Jets brought back Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas for the 2024 season despite posting their third straight losing campaign under Saleh in 2023. New York - which is 18-33 in those three years - hasn't made the playoffs since the 2010 campaign.
With Aaron Rodgers returning from injury, the Jets head into the 2024 season under pressure. The franchise made a pair of splashes this offseason, signing wide receiver Mike Williams and offensive tackle Tyron Smith, among other moves.