Mark Sanchez: Woody's 'protect yourself' comment a 'non-issue'

Woody Johnson raised eyebrows last week when he hinted Mark Sanchez was partly to blame for his shoulder injury.

But the veteran quarterback didn't seem bothered by the comments -- at least publicly -- when pressed Monday for a response.

"Listen, I wasn’t there for the interview," Sanchez said. "I’ve talked to Woody plenty since then. It’s really a non-issue."

During a Super Bowl XLVIII event in Manhattan Wednesday morning, Johnson said Sanchez -- who injured his throwing shoulder against the Giants on Aug. 24 -- should have protected himself on the play.

“I don’t have any regrets,” Johnson said, referring to the team's decision to insert Sanchez in the fourth quarter of a preseason game. “He’s an experienced guy. I wish he hadn’t gotten hurt, but you got to protect yourself, too.”

The Jets owner later clarified his comment, saying: "It's not his fault he got hurt. No player wants to get hurt."

On Monday, Sanchez insisted there was no hard feelings.

"It’s really a non-issue," he said.

Asked if Johnson apologized, Sanchez said: "I’m not going to get into the conversation. Things are great. Mr. Johnson’s great, he does everything he can to help this team win so that’s what we appreciate."

Asked by another reporter if he would have apologized to his player if the roles were reversed, Sanchez replied: "I don’t know. That’s hypothetical, I have no idea.

"When I own a team and my quarterback gets hurt, I’ll give you a shout. You’ll be my first call."

As for his thoughts on John Idzik, Sanchez said the Jets GM has been "great" keeping the lines of communication open with him and his agents.

He also said he believes Idzik wants what’s best for him.

Said Sanchez: "I think that’s the most important thing and that’s the only indication I’ve received."