Janoris Jenkins Released by Giants After Calling Fan 'Retard'

The New York Giants announced Friday that they waived injured cornerback Janoris Jenkins two days after he used an insensitive term in a tweet to a fan.

On Wednesday, when a fan questioned why Jenkins' statistical output hadn't led to more wins for the Giants, the 31-year-old corner responded with the following tweet:

Giants head coach Pat Shurmur noted in a statement that Jenkins' tweet played a significant role in the decision to part ways with him: "This was an organizational decision. From ownership to management to our football operations, we felt it was in the best interests of the franchise and the player. Obviously, what happened this week, and the refusal to acknowledge the inappropriate and offensive language, was the determining factor."

Following his release Friday, Jenkins suggested on Twitter that he was happy about the move:

The one-time Pro Bowler, also known as Jackrabbit, has registered 54 tackles, 14 passes defended and four interceptions this season.

Per ESPN's Jordan Raanan, Jenkins offered the following explanation Thursday when asked about the tweet to the fan:

"Where I'm from, we use all kind of words for slang. If it offends anybody, I'm sorry. It's a culture that I grew up in where I'm from, you know what I'm saying. We use all kinds of words for all kinds of slang. If you don't know, it's a 'hood thing. Whatever. I'm not calling nobody no name or pick at nobody. It's just something we use in the hood back at home."

Jenkins added:

"I never said it was right. I said that was a slang I use back at home. I never said it was right. It's just something I use at home.

"I regret it. But at the end of the day, it's my slang. So if you take it how you're going to take it, it's on you. I don't mean to offend nobody. My dad always told me, 'Speak freely and own up to what you say.' So I always speak freely as a man, and I speak how I want to speak."

Jenkins also denied that he sent the tweet during practice despite the fact that it was posted at a time when the Giants were practicing. He said he sent the tweet in the training room before practice started, but it didn't post until later because of poor cellular service in the training room.

The eighth-year pro, who is currently dealing with an ankle injury, had been the Giants' No. 1 cornerback this season. His departure likely means rookie first-round pick Deandre Baker will be joined by either rookie sixth-round pick Corey Ballentine, Sam Beal or Grant Haley as a starter.

Jenkins signed a five-year, $62.5 million contract with the Giants in 2016 after spending the first four years of his career with the St. Louis Rams. His deal had been set to expire at the end of the 2020 season.

Through 13 games this season, Jenkins had numbers similar to 2016, when he recorded 49 tackles, 18 passes defended and three interceptions with the Giants en route to his first and only Pro Bowl nod.

In eight NFL seasons, the 2012 second-round pick has amassed 459 tackles, 104 passes defended and 22 interceptions, seven of which were returned for touchdowns.