Williams refutes OBJ’s ‘low cost shot’ accusations
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams refuted Odell Beckham Jr.’s accusations that he coaches his gamers to injure opponents, claiming Friday, “We do not do this. By no means achieved that anyplace I have been.”
Williams additionally appeared to scoff on the notion that Beckham is a “dynamic” participant, suggesting the New York Giants traded him as a result of they really feel the identical manner he does.
It made for a contentious interview session three days earlier than the Jets face Beckham’s present staff, the Cleveland Browns, at MetLife Stadium.
The polarizing Williams bought testy and tried to vary the topic when, as a follow-up to his declare that he does not train soiled ways, he was requested in regards to the New Orleans Saints’ Bountygate scandal. He was suspended for a 12 months by the NFL for his position.
“Was that proper or fallacious?” he requested. “Once more, I do not need to speak about that. Do you need to speak about Cleveland? Subsequent!”
Williams stated he teaches his gamers to play throughout the guidelines, however he refused to reply when it was talked about he was caught on tape telling his gamers to injure former San Francisco 49ers huge receiver Michael Crabtree.
Williams’ previous turned a difficulty Thursday, when Beckham advised reporters in Cleveland that Williams teaches “low cost photographs” and “soiled hits.” The receiver blamed Williams for his preseason ankle damage two years in the past that impacted his profession.
At first, Williams responded to the cost with humor, saying, “Odell who?” — a joking reference to Dallas Cowboys’ proprietor Jerry Jones’ latest comment about Ezekiel Elliott. Williams defended himself, then blamed the media for making it a narrative.
“You guys are cooperating, giving him consideration,” he stated. “Simply do not give him consideration.”
When a reporter prefaced a query by referring to Beckham as some of the “dynamic” gamers within the league, Williams interrupted.
“That is your opinion. What’s New York’s opinion?” he stated, alluding to the controversial commerce. “The Giants’ opinion? What did the Giants do? That is not a query for me.”
The outspoken Williams, 61, the Browns’ interim coach for the ultimate eight video games of the 2018 season, stated he does not think about Beckham’s feedback a private insult.
“No, I do not. This isn’t a part of what we do, OK?” he stated. “You imagine what you imagine. The those that know me know me. I haven’t got to defend it.”
Williams and Beckham have a historical past. Williams was the Rams’ defensive coordinator in 2014, when the Rams and Giants performed a fight-marred sport wherein Beckham complained that he was focused.
“We play laborious, quick, bodily,” Williams stated. “We play more durable for longer. We do this. It isn’t skilled flag soccer, OK? That is what we do. We play very, very laborious and we now have to do every thing to not harm the staff. Assault, that is what we do.”
Defensive finish Leonard Williams stated Williams does not coach gamers to injure opponents, however he acknowledged there is a delicate steadiness.
“He tells us to get the ball out, impose our will, be nasty on protection, hit the ball carriers,” Williams stated. “He at all times says play on the sting, reside on the sting, however do not harm the staff. It’s a advantageous line. You may play on the sting, you possibly can play nasty, however do not harm the staff. Do not get penalties and do not attempt to harm guys deliberately and do stuff that is going to harm our staff. It is like enjoying on a advantageous line.”
Browns coach Freddie Kitchens, who was on the Cleveland workers final season with Gregg Williams, wished no a part of the story on Friday.
“I haven’t got something to say about that,” he stated of Beckham’s accusations. “I have not seen something and I coached with the man for a 12 months.”
Kitchens stated Beckham hasn’t expressed any considerations about Williams to him.