Jets quarterback Geno Smith said he hated that he potentially caused a distraction for his team with several run-ins with police this offseason.
Smith opened up his press conference on Tuesday with a statement.
“I want to start by saying I really feel like coming out of OTAs, I felt like we built some positive momentum and I’m really happy with where this team is right now,” Smith said. “I really hate the fact that something I was a part of what could have been a distraction for this team, my teammates, this organization, because a lot of hard work has been put in and a lot of guys have put a lot of work in for us to be in a good spot as a team. I’m happy that I’m able to put this behind me; I’m looking forward to moving forward and continuing to build day by day with my guys.
“I really appreciate being a part of this team, a part of this organization again, and I look forward to building every single day in training camp, getting better as a team, getting better as a player, and continuing the positive momentum.”
The Jets reported for training camp on Tuesday and will conduct their first practice on Wednesday morning. Smith returned to the Jets in a March trade with the Raiders.
He had three incidents with Florida police this offseason. He was pulled over in April for driving with improper tags. Then, cops came to his house in June after a woman alleged that he “beat me up.”
The woman posted footage of the confrontation on social media but police did not press any charges. Finally, he was pulled over on July 6 for driving 70 miles per hour in an area with a 45 mph speed limit.
Smith said he has discussed the incidents with team leaders.
“I’ve had conversations with Coach [Aaron] Glenn, with [Darren Mougey], and with all the veterans on the team and the guys on the team. But like I said, we’ll put this behind us and we’re moving forward.”
When asked if he thinks he needs to do anything differently going forward to avoid negative headlines, Smith stuck to his script.
“I just look forward to practice tomorrow and moving towards the season,” Smith said.
The Jets placed edge Joseph Ossai on the physically unable to perform list for an undisclosed reason. They activated WR Tim Patrick off of the PUP list and he can practice Wednesday.
