Jets lend support to Edwards after DWI arrest

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez joined several teammates in expressing support for wide receiver Braylon Edwards in the wake of his early-morning arrest Tuesday on DWI charges in Manhattan.

Sanchez called Edwards "more than just a teammate, he's a family member" during a radio interview with ESPN 1050's Michael Kay Tuesday afternoon. Sanchez also said Edwards' arrest won't be a distraction for the team in the buildup to Sunday night's game against the Dolphins in South Florida.

The Jets announced last night that Edwards would play, but will not be in the starting lineup. According to NFL rules, a player cannot be suspended or deactivated after getting a DUI for the first time.

"I don't think guys will dwell on anything like that or let it affect their preparation," Sanchez said. "And I don't think Braylon will, either. He's going to want to move on as quickly as possible. We'll address it as a team, and I'm sure Rex will have the right message for us, and we'll be able to get on with our week."

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who was on Kay's show earlier, also said he didn't think Edwards' case would be a distraction.

"I really think sometimes, when you're on a team, you don't want to judge anybody's situation, because it can happen to anybody," he said. "As players, we're always behind our brother . . . If Braylon is in that locker room and we're constantly keeping [his spirits] up, just being there for him, that's what a teammate is about."

Edwards attended a charity event hosted by receiver Jerricho Cotchery on Monday night in Manhattan.

"As a teammate, obviously, that's something you don't want to see," Cotchery said in an interview on WFAN. "It's something that he's going to have to deal with personally and it's up to us as teammates to support him. I know Braylon personally and I spent a lot of time with him, and I know that he has a big heart."

Cornerback Antonio Cromartie said in an interview on SNY's "Jets Extra Point": "As a teammate, we're going to be here for Braylon."

With David Casillo