Ryan satisfied that Holmes' altercation was a simple miscommunication
Bob Glauber writes that, despite his character issues, Santonio Holmes can help the Jets win their first Super Bowl since 1969. Credit: AP
FLORHAM PARK, N .J. - Jets coach Rex Ryan spoke with Santonio Holmes about Thursday's incident on a Colgan Air flight from Newark to Pittsburgh and he is confident the wide receiver did nothing wrong.
"The facts of the story are that when the flight attendant came up to him, he was sleeping," Ryan said. "She woke him and told him to turn off his iPod. He said, 'Yeah, no problem.' He was tired, and never took out the ear [buds]. He laid back down. When the lady came by again , he said, 'I did. I can hear every word you're saying.' "
Holmes, Ryan said, then turned to a woman who was sitting next to him and asked her to listen in on his ear buds to prove the device was indeed off, which she verified.
After getting off the plane, Holmes was asked to remain so police could speak with him. Holmes wasn't charged and an incident report released by the Allegheny (Pa.) County police states Holmes "was asked to remove his iPod [at one point], in which he complied."
"He told them exactly what happened," Ryan said. "When Santonio told me, I totally believe him. It's one of those things. I believe Santonio, and I'm looking forward to him being a Jet."
Brunell on radar
Unrestricted free agent quarterback Mark Brunell visited the Jets last month and Ryan admitted they're considering bringing him on board.
But due to the "Final Four" restrictions, they have to wait until one of their UFAs - such as Marques Douglas - signs with another team, or until July 22 before they can ink the 17-year veteran who played with the Saints last season.
Extra points
Another rough day for rookie RB Joe McKnight, who got dehydrated and was doubled over in the morning practice for a second straight day . . . Ryan raved about LBs Cory Reamer and Kevin Basped.
