Jets' Richardson scolds fans on Twitter

Sheldon Richardson wants certain Jets fans to know one thing: he has a life.

The third-year defensive tackle took to Twitter Friday to express frustration over criticism that he's been missing from the team's practice facility in Florham Park.

"All I'm hearing from ppl is get to OTA's etc. like I jus wasn't at practice yesterday putting in wrk tho..," Richardson tweeted.

Richardson did not attend two of the team's organized team activities this week and Jets head coach Todd Bowles told reporters on Wednesday that Richardson has participated in half of the offseason program. Bowles also said he hadn't been given an explanation for Richardson's absence and he wasn't sure if Richardson would show up for Thursday's OTA session.

"He's been in and out -- as have a lot of guys," Bowles said Wednesday of the 2013 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. "He's been here half the time, half the time he wasn't.

"You hope everybody comes all the time, but unfortunately that's not the case. Guys have things they do in the offseason that they've probably had scheduled that they can't afford to miss, so I understand that part as well."

OTAs are voluntary, though most players do attend.

But Richardson defended himself.

"I have a life outside of football n I chose to enjoy my family a little longer so to u fans that know everything please worry bout yourself," Richardson tweeted.

Fellow defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson has also been a no-show. He's been absent this offseason as his contract talks remain stalled. Though he's under contract for 2015, Wilkerson is seeking an extension and has not attended any offseason workouts. He is, however, expected to be in Florham Park for mandatory minicamp, which begins June 9.