Williams bristles over OBJ’s ‘low-cost photographs’ speak
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 crew, the Cleveland Browns, at MetLife Stadium.
The polarizing Williams bought testy and tried to alter the topic when, as a follow-up to his declare that he does not educate 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 function.
“Was that proper or incorrect?” he requested. “Once more, I do not wish to speak about that. Do you wish to speak about Cleveland? Subsequent!”
Williams mentioned he teaches his gamers to play inside 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 extensive 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 harm 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’ current comment about Ezekiel Elliott. Williams defended himself, then blamed the media for making it a narrative.
“You guys are cooperating, giving him consideration,” he mentioned. “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 mentioned, 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, mentioned 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 mentioned. “You consider what you consider. The those who 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 through which Beckham complained that he was focused.
“We play arduous, quick, bodily,” Williams mentioned. “We play harder for longer. We do this. It isn’t skilled flag soccer, OK? That is what we do. We play very, very arduous and we’ve to do every little thing to not damage the crew. Assault, that is what we do.”
Defensive finish Leonard Williams mentioned 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 mentioned. “He at all times says play on the sting, reside on the sting, however do not damage the crew. It’s a nice line. You’ll be able to play on the sting, you possibly can play nasty, however do not damage the crew. Do not get penalties and do not attempt to damage guys deliberately and do stuff that is going to harm our crew. It is like taking part in on a nice line.”
Browns coach Freddie Kitchens, who was on the Cleveland employees final season with Gregg Williams, needed no a part of the story on Friday.
“I haven’t got something to say about that,” he mentioned of Beckham’s accusations. “I have never seen something, and I coached with the man for a 12 months.”
Kitchens mentioned Beckham hasn’t expressed any issues about Williams to him.