Smith got selected by the New York Jets in the second round (39th overall), which according to sports news sites, didn’t sit well with him. As it’s been reported this week, Smith thought he should have been No. 1 pick in NFL draft, and took the decision to part ways with his representatives from Select Sports Group after falling out of the first round.
The Jets passed on Smith with the Nos. 9 and 13 picks before grabbing him with the seventh pick in the second round (39th overall) Friday. Smith was the second quarterback picked, 23 slots after Buffalo took E.J. Manuel at No. 16.
While Smith didn’t have much to say about his decision, sources close to Smith said the young quarterback was expecting to be a “high pick” during this year’s draft, but his agent simply failed to do things that could have pushed his stock higher. One of them is the decision to keep Smith out of the Senior Bowl. According to the source, Smith wanted to play in the Senior Bowl, but was convinced by his agent to sit out the event. Smith was criticized for skipping the game, which usually gives prospects the chance to showcase their talents before the Draft. Despite the constant and massive coverage on this issue, Smith has simply denied this version.
"First and foremost, I want to make it known that I was never bitter about where I was selected because it's a great selection. Whether it was No. 1 or the last pick, I was coming in with the right mentality, and that's to get better and compete daily. I'm extremely ecstatic to be a part of the Jets organization. I'm not bitter about where I was selected, because I'm on a great team and I'm in a great position." Smith said during an interview on NFL Sirius radio.
But only days after the radio interview, Smith's ex-agents Jeff Nalley and Erik Burkhardt issued a statement to Pro Football Talk explaining some of the reasons behind Smith’s decision.
“We worked tirelessly for Geno Smith and all of our draft prospects. The NFL Draft is unpredictable, and we prepared Geno and all of our draft prospects, as we do every year, about what can happen during the draft. Not only did we tell him that what transpired on the first day of the draft was possible, the question of whether Geno would be a first- or second-round pick was arguably the most talked about subject in the three months leading up to the draft. We wish Geno the best.”
Now, switching agencies isn't a rare move in the NFL. What is being considered uncommon is the back and forth explanations and accusations from both sides. Despite the reasons behind this decision, the move still raises questions regarding Smith’s ability to deal media and sometimes the frustration that comes with playing in the NFL.
Remember you can bet your favorite games and sports anywhere and anytime with Sports Betting Online Mobile Sportsbook. SBO's Mobile betting allows members and betting fans to access our odds and lines, props bets, online casino and racebook and place bets right from a smartphone or tablet. It's as simple as that!
No comments:
Post a Comment