Tampering Charges Filed Against Jets for Woody Johnson's Darrelle Revis Comments

When Jets owner Woody Johnson told reporters he'd "love" for Patriots cornerback and ex-Jet Darrelle Revis to come back to New York, many wondered whether it violated the NFL's tampering rules. The league is looking into the same thing.    

An NFL official told ESPN's Adam Schefter (via Schefter's Facebook) that the league is currently looking into Johnson's comments and whether they were worthy of punishment. Johnson and the Jets would likely be fined if found in violation.

At his season-ending press conference, one in which he announced the firing of general manager John Idzik and head coach Rex Ryan, Johnson was asked about the team's decision to not bring Revis back in free agency. Johnson first complimented the team-friendly contract Revis signed with the Patriots before getting himself into hot water.

“It was our best judgment to do what we did," Johnson told reporters. "But Darrelle’s a great player. I’d love Darrelle to come back.”

Later, likely when notified his remarks could constitute tampering, Johnson issued a statement retracting his previous remarks, via Seth Walder of the New York Daily News.

“I misspoke today when I commented on Darrelle Revis,” Johnson said. “I would never interfere in the contractual relationship of a player with another team and should not have used those words. I called Robert Kraft this afternoon to emphasize those points.”

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

NFL rules prohibit team officials discussing a player who is currently under contract with another team. Revis, who has openly admitted he wanted to return to the Jets but was rebuffed, signed a one-year contract worth $12 million with a $20 million option for 2015. Given the cap ramifications, it's unlikely New England will pick up that option. 

The Patriots and Revis have reportedly discussed a contract extension but nothing is finalized. Should he hit the open market, Johnson may get the reunion he wants. The Jets have a ton of cap space and a desperate need at cornerback after getting through 2014 on masking tape and a glue stick at the position.

Johnson, however, may need to prepare to pay for it. Not only with Revis' salary demands but also with the NFL.

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