Cromartie rips both sides in labor dispute
Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie had nothing nice to say about either side of the NFL labor dispute, even using a profane word to describe a union rep. Credit: Getty Images
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - With his football season over, Antonio Cromartie has turned his attention from calling out opposing players to calling out the participants in the NFL's labor negotiations.
Cromartie, who used a profane word to describe New England quarterback Tom Brady two weeks ago, used the same word Mondayto describe representatives of both the union and the league.
"Honestly, I don't give a damn if they get mad at me or not," Cromartie said before cleaning out his locker. "It's getting to the point where it's getting ridiculous. You're basically dealing with people's livelihoods. You're dealing with hundreds of thousands of other people in this workplace from the venues to everyone else. To me, you need to stop -- about it. If you want to say that you want to get into a room and meet, then do it. Don't just talk about it."
Cromartie then gave this characterization of how the two sides have handled the situation.
"You got our union rep acting like an --," Cromartie said. "They got their guys acting like --. So they just need to get their act together and just get it done."
The collective-bargaining agreement is set to expire in March, and both sides have been exchanging heated remarks during the past two weeks. Last week, NFLPA leader DeMaurice Smith characterized the dispute as a war. If there is no agreement in place, there is the possibility of a work stoppage next season.
Cromartie just completed the final year of a five-year contract. The cornerback is one of several Jets who will be free agents, including David Harris, Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith. It seems doubtful that the Jets will keep them all.
Cromartie was traded to the Jets from the Chargers before the 2010 season. He saw a lot of action this season as opposing quarterbacks generally shied away from throwing at Darrelle Revis. He also has been active in the locker room; his calling out of Brady two weeks ago served as a rallying cry of sorts when the Jets went to New England.
Cromartie clearly was disappointed to have the Jets' playoff run end in a 24-19 loss to Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday. He said he wants to remain a Jet but has had no contract talks with the club because both sides are waiting to see what happens with the labor negotiations. He called the situation frustrating and said the players aren't getting any information from either side.
Said Cromartie: "I hope I am back. I love playing with these guys. I love playing with this organization. They let you be a man here. It's definitely exciting."
