DENNIS WASZAK Jr.
AP Sports Writer
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets running back Mike Goodson was a no-show Tuesday for the first day of mandatory minicamp, and his absence subjected him to likely fines by the team.
Goodson is recovering from a serious knee injury that cut his season short last year and required surgery. He’s also dealing with legal issues. He faces weapons charges after being indicted in November. He was found in a car along with an acquaintance with a handgun and a hollow-point bullet in May 2013.
Coach Rex Ryan said he has not spoken to Goodson, signed as a free agent last offseason, and was unsure of the reason for his absence.
“That’s a good question,” Ryan said. “I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him. But, certainly, I recognize the fact that he’s not there.”
Ryan also was not aware of anyone else in the organization having spoken to Goodson or his agent Kennard McGuire, who did not shed any light on the running back’s whereabouts when reached by The Associated Press
“Mike has to be accountable and responsible for his own decisions and actions,” McGuire said in an email to the AP.
Goodson was the only Jets player to not report, and he also didn’t attend any of the voluntary offseason workouts. The team, as part of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, can fine Goodson $11,575 for missing the first day of minicamp — with amounts increasing for each missed day. If he’s absent for all three days, Goodson could be docked more than $69,000.
“That situation will be dealt with,” said Ryan, likely alluding to fines.
Goodson’s spot on the roster was already tenuous, at best. He is now sixth on the depth chart at the running back spot, behind Chris Ivory, Chris Johnson, Bilal Powell, Daryl Richardson and Alex Green.
“Let’s just see what happens,” Ryan said when asked if Goodson could be cut.
Goodson, 27, was signed to a three-year deal in March 2013 to add a pass-catching threat out of the backfield. He was suspended for the first four games of last season as a result of his arrest. He played in just two games, rushing for 61 yards and catching two passes for 19 yards before tearing two ligaments in his left knee against Pittsburgh last October.
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