FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — An angry Rex Ryan addressed his New York Jets players for some anonymous quotes ripping Tim Tebow in a newspaper report, calling the comments “a cowardly thing.”
Ryan, whose Jets are 3-6 and have lost three straight, says Wednesday that he has no respect for players who say things to the media without putting their names to their comments.
A report in the Daily News says that more than a dozen players and members of the Jets organization believe there’s no chance Tebow could overtake Mark Sanchez for the starting quarterback job — with one saying of the backup: “He’s terrible.”
Ryan says the Jets never brought Tebow in to be the starter, and adds that he “absolutely wanted Tim here” when New York acquired him from Denver in March.
Roethlisberger has rib injury too, out vs. Ravens
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ben Roethlisberger’s sprained right shoulder is just the start of his problems.
The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback said Tuesday he also dislocated a rib while getting sacked in the third quarter of Monday night’s win against Kansas City. Roethlisberger sprained the SC joint in his shoulder on the play but says the rib issue is a bigger concern.
Roethlisberger said doctors are concerned the rib could cut into his aorta. He’s already been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. Backup Byron Leftwich will start in his place.
Roethlisberger said there is no timetable for his return because of the unusual nature of the injury. He is hopeful that he can return at some point but added he’s in considerable pain and has slept just four hours over the last two nights.
AP source: Hunter agrees with Tigers
DETROIT (AP) — A person with knowledge of the negotiations says free agent outfielder Torii Hunter has agreed to a two-year deal with the Detroit Tigers.
The person, who spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made, says the deal is pending a physical.
The 37-year-old Hunter hit a career-best .313 last season for the Los Angeles Angels. He’ll be able to fill a corner outfield spot for the AL champion Tigers, taking care of a major offseason priority for Detroit.
Hunter hit 16 home runs and had 92 RBIs in 2012. He could also help the Tigers improve their defense as they chase their first World Series title since 1984. Detroit was swept by San Francisco in this year’s series.