A few days ago, Tom Coughlin, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ executive vice president of football operations, took issue with two players missing voluntary workouts, so he spoke out on it.
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Telvin Smith were absent from the team’s facility, which drew the ire of Coughlin:
“We’re very close to 100% attendance, and, quite frankly, our players should be here building the concept of team, working hard side-by-side, constructing our bond of togetherness, formulating our collective priorities and goals,” he said. “Success in the NFL demands struggle. Those who have everything given to them become lazy, selfish and insensitive to the real values of team. The hard work that many try to avoid is the major building block for the development of an outstanding football team. It’s not about rights and privileges. It’s about obligations and responsibility, and the question is: Can we count on you?”
Not one to let anybody talk crazy about him, Jalen Ramsey took to Twitter and tweeted that the team knows why he’s not there and that his teammates also know he will be ready when attendance becomes mandatory.
This is the second season in a row that the 24-year-old corner has opted not to participate in the optional preseason workouts.
NFL Players’ Association president Eric Winston wasn’t particularly happy with Coughlin’s comments either:
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“Our CBA definition of voluntary is the same as the actual definition of voluntary and prohibits anyone from threatening players to [get them to] participate in voluntary workouts,” Winston said. “This is precisely the reason players negotiated strict work rules and bright lines when it comes to offseason activities. We know, from experience, that not all coaches and executives will adhere to them, and we always pursue any violations to protect our rules.”
Head coach Doug Marrone didn’t exactly back Coughlin in his comments:
“It’s a voluntary period; it’s an option,” he said, per John Oehser of the team’s official site. “I don’t try to concern myself with things that are out of my control. I’m sure they’re both working hard.”
Ramsey is in the fourth year of his rookie contract, and the team already picked up his option for 2020.
