Bowles' message to Jets when it comes to fighting: Don't!
New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles smiles during practice at training camp, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015, in Florham Park, N.J. Credit: AP / Frank Franklin II
Jets coach Todd Bowles is discouraging training camp fights by hitting his players where it hurts -- their pockets.
"There's consequences and repercussions for fighting,'' he told reporters after Friday's practice. "So they would be wise not to fight. I understand it gets hot, but they understand that you get thrown out of ball games [for fighting], so why do it in practice?
"You can't take your helmet off and go after another guy. First of all, it's dumb. Second of all, if you've got that much energy, you've got enough energy to run.''
Safety Calvin Pryor later confirmed fisticuffs come with a fine and sprints during practice. But so far, he and his teammates have heeded Bowles' message. Though there have been near-skirmishes and exchange of words here and there, players have kept their cool.
Said Pryor: "That's one thing coach doesn't play about. There's no fighting in practice. Guys are real clear on what he has to say about that.''
Bowles knows all too well how quickly tempers can flare in practice. The first-time head coach was a safety for eight years with the Redskins and 49ers.
"With the rules cracking down, you might as well practice what you're going to play,'' he said. "I understand it gets heated sometimes, someone feels cheap-shotted one way or the other and things are going to happen, but you have to keep it to a minimum.''
So, did he ever get into fights when he was a player?
"Everything was a street fight back then,'' Bowles said, laughing. "You help your teammate, you jump in. And yes, I fought.''
