A full five months after signing with the Jets, Mike Goodson finally emerged and met with the media yesterday.
There was plenty to talk about, although not much of it positive and very little the troubled — and newly suspended — running back wanted to discuss in detail.
But Goodson is back and proclaiming himself a new man, and that’s good enough for the Jets — for now.
“I’m going to work real hard and earn the trust of my teammates,” the former Raider and Panther said as he stood in the middle of the locker room after practice. “I’m not going to do a lot of talking. The proof is in your actions, and if I do the things that I need to do, I’ll earn the trust of my teammates back.”
Goodson needs to regain the trust of the organization, too, after an eventful offseason that went haywire not long after new general manager John Idzik signed him to a three-year, $6.9 million deal in March.
The Goodson signing blew up in May, when the speedy back was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a loaded handgun, possession of hollow-point ammunition, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop in Morris County, N.J.
Goodson’s case is expected to be heard in September or October, but he won’t be helping the Jets in the meantime because upon his return Monday, the NFL announced he is suspended for the first four regular-season games for violating the substance-abuse policy.
Goodson said yesterday he didn’t appeal the suspension and has come to “understand” it. He can work out and attend meetings at the Jets’ facility, but won’t be allowed to practice.
“I’m just going to work out, go to meetings and do everything I can to get ready for the fifth game,” he said, referring to the Jets’ Oct. 7 Monday night visit to the Falcons.
Goodson has not been seen or even discussed that much by the Jets since shortly after the arrest, and he declined comment yesterday when asked if he had been in drug rehabilitation program.
“Personal issues,” Goodson said. “I was handling some stuff that I needed to handle for me.”
Goodson, a fifth-year pro considered a great fit for the role of third-down back due to his speed and receiving ability, wasn’t able to study the playbook of new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and isn’t expected to play in tomorrow night’s preseason finale against the Eagles.
But the Raiders ran a similar version of the West Coast offense last year, and Goodson said that factor — combined with the four-week unpaid vacation — should help him get up to speed quickly.
“He’ll have to get in football shape without being able to practice, and that will be a challenge,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said yesterday. “But everybody makes mistakes. He’s back, and I’m happy about that.”
Goodson said the Jets were supportive throughout his rocky offseason, which is why he never worried his career with Gang Green might end almost as soon as it began.
“I just have my life in order now,” Goodson said. “I fully understand what the organization wants from me. Nobody’s perfect, but I’m better for the job, now that I did take the time that I needed.”