By Rich Cimini | ESPN.com
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — After one unproductive and controversial season with the New York Jets, running back Mike Goodson, who was a no-show for this week’s mandatory minicamp, was released Wednesday by the team.
Goodson, who faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of a gun-possession charge, lost contact with the Jets in recent months, irking team officials. He also failed to attend the voluntary portion of the offseason.
The Jets gave Goodson a “left squad” designation, a technicality that may allow them to avoid paying an injury settlement. Goodson is eight months removed from major knee surgery.
“This has kind of been building,” general manager John Idzik said.
“It was an accumulation of things. These aren’t knee-jerk decisions you make. You think them through thoroughly. In Mike’s case, we gave him what we felt was a very good ground to become a Jet and become productive. In the end, it didn’t work out.”
Goodson was one of Idzik’s first free-agent signings. The Jets gave him a three-year, $6.9 million contract in March 2013, thinking he’d be a key contributor on offense. Two months later, Goodson was arrested.
He and an acquaintance were found by New Jersey Police at 3 a.m. on a major highway, their vehicle stopped in a middle lane. Police say Goodson was incoherent and had vomited on himself. He was allegedly in possession of a semiautomatic weapon, a hollow-point bullet and marijuana. He was indicted in November on the gun charge.
Goodson received a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. He returned, played two games and blew out his knee. He could be suspended again if he’s found to be in violation of the personal-conduct policy. Despite the pending charges, Idzik said as recently as April 30 that he expected Goodson to be on the roster. The organization lost patience; the minicamp no-show was the breaking point.
“This league is all based on showing up on time,” owner Woody Johnson said. “One minute later, you’re late. You have to respect that. … [Goodson is] a talented player, but you’re no good to the team if you’re not here.”
On Tuesday, Rex Ryan was clearly miffed by Goodson’s absence, saying he hadn’t spoken to him. Ryan said “the situation will be dealt with.” And it was.
Idzik declined to say whether the Jets will attempt to recoup a portion of Goodson’s signing bonus ($1 million) or whether he’s concerned about Goodson filing an injury grievance. Idzik wouldn’t say whether he has been in touch with Goodson, who subjected himself to $69,000 in fines by skipping a mandatory team event.
“Suffice it to say we gave Mike ample opportunities,” Idzik said.
Goodson’s agent, Kennard McGuire, didn’t immediately return messages for comments.
This was an embarrassing chapter for the Jets, who signed Goodson despite various red flags. He encountered legal issues in his previous NFL stops with the Carolina Panthers andOakland Raiders. He was sued for paternity and child support by three women from August 2010 to May 2011. He has fathered at least six children with those women, one of whom he lived with for two years, records show.
In addition, Goodson didn’t pay a $56,465 bill at a Houston-area jewelry store. The store sued him, and after interest and fees, he ended up paying $84,423.44. The amount was garnished from his Raiders paychecks, according to records in Texas and California.
“We’re in the human business,” Idzik said. “We certainly do our due diligence … but you’re really not going to know for sure until you get that individual in your organization.”