Sheldon Richardson Takes Parting Shot at Brandon Marshall
By Erik Lambert
It’s no secret that the 2016 was a disaster for the New York Jets. This despite very high expectations from fans and media alike.
Things didn’t start off well with a prolonged contract squabble between free agent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and the front office. If that didn’t sour things enough, it got worse when a locker room divide began to form. This in turn led to squabbling between offensive and defensive players. Most notably defensive end Sheldon Richardson and wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Though it’s unclear what the details are regarding their disagreement, it was plain as day that the two weren’t fond of each other.
Richardson was the most vocal at the time. So it couldn’t have been a huge surprise when the young man was all smiles in the Jets locker room following a recent practice. When asked why his mood was so good, he just couldn’t resist taking a shot at Marshall.
Sheldon Richardson says Jets' locker room is a lot easier this year. Why so? "15 reasons why it's better." Hint: Brandon Marshall wore #15.
— Bob Glauber (@BobGlauber) May 23, 2017
🎥: Here's Sheldon Richardson taking a not-so-subtle jab at ex-teammate Brandon Marshall (who wore No. 15) #jets pic.twitter.com/gbnY3KWKgJ
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) May 23, 2017
This is nothing new with Marshall. He is one of the most notorious bridge burners in recent memory as far as creating locker room animosity. It’s a big reason why he’s now playing for his fifth NFL team after signing a two-year deal with the New York Giants. Among many things he’s known for being very opinionated and outspoken. Perhaps that’s why he loves New York and its vast media market. Problem is many players don’t think that sort of stuff belongs in a locker room.
Richardson is apparently one of them. Whether this improvement in mood is enough to prevent him from leaving the Jets in whole other topic to discuss. As things stand he believes the exit of Marshall will be addition by subtraction. Off the field maybe, but history shows teams never immediately get over the loss of a player of his skill level. One can imagine this beef could carry on for some time.