Posted on Jan 06
Woody Johnson denies teenage son's influence on Jets' decisions, calls it a "smear piece"
u/alex •
Woody Johnson denies reports of his teenage son's influence on the Jets and dismisses allegations of dysfunction as a "smear piece."
Why it matters: The involvement of owners' family members in team decisions can raise questions about nepotism and potential conflicts of interest.
What's new: Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets, has vehemently denied recent reports claiming that his teenage son, Brick Johnson, wields significant influence over the team's roster and staff decisions.
Yes, but: The report from The Athletic suggests that both Brick and Woody Johnson's younger son, Jack, have been involved in decision-making processes within the organization.
What to watch: The Jets response to the allegations will shape public perception and potentially affect their search for a new coach and general manager this offseason.
Woody Johnson's statement: "I think the article is a typical smear piece -- unsubstantiated... It's absolutely untrue. Everything was out of context."
The bottom line: The Jets success on the field has been elusive, with a 14-season playoff drought, making any claims of dysfunction or interference by non-football personnel cause for scrutiny.
Our thought bubble: While it is not uncommon for owners to involve their families in team operations, transparency and accountability remain crucial to maintain trust among fans and within the organization.
The big picture: The issue of ownership dynamics and family involvement is not exclusive to the Jets but extends across professional sports leagues, raising questions about power structures and governance.
By the numbers: The Jets struggles are evident from their lack of postseason appearances, highlighting the need for stability and effective decision-making within the organization.
What's next: As the Jets continue their coaching and management search, they must address these reports and ensure that football-related decisions are made by experienced professionals.
Woody Johnson's response to his sons' involvement: "Brick has no role in the organization... No decision making, despite what you might read... In my family, my great grandfather took my grandfather to meetings when he was a teenager... That's the way you teach the next generation. That's what you do. It's an apprenticeship."
What to watch: The Jets actions moving forward will determine whether they can dispel concerns of dysfunction and maintain focus on rebuilding the team for future success.