It seems that even when Rex Ryan isn’t trying to be controversial he just can’t help himself.
On a conference call Wednesday, the Jets head coach tried to compliment this week’s opponent, San Diego.
“Well, I think I would have had a couple of rings,” Ryan said. “I’m telling you, those teams were loaded. There’s no question about it.”
Thursday morning, the New York tabloids read “Ring Ding” and “No Ring Circus.” Not exactly how Ryan had hoped his comments would be interpreted.
Chargers head coach Norv Turner responded in kind.
“I didn’t have a chance to ask him this, but I was wondering if he had those rings with the ones he’s guaranteed the last couple of years.”
Ryan apologized again — after calling Turner privately Wednesday — at Thursday’s press conference.
“It’s all on me; I’m guilty absolutely,” Ryan said. “I did call Norv, I won’t get into that conversation but it was unintentional. I think we’re even because he did get me with a good comeback, there’s no question.”
All of this adds to a rivalry that has gone overlooked in the NFL. The Jets won at San Diego, 17-13, in the divisional round of the playoffs in Ryan’s first year with the team. And, of course, more infamously beat them in the 2005 playoffs thanks to a Nate Kaeding missed field goal.
San Diego stands at 4-1 this season, while the Jets are 3-3 with wins over Dallas, Jacksonville and Miami — who have a combined record of 3-13.
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