Ryan on Dungy's criticism: He shouldn't judge me

CORTLAND, N.Y. - Stung by severe criticism from usually mild-mannered Tony Dungy of his salty language that was captured on HBO's "Hard Knocks," Jets coach Rex Ryan Wednesday invited the former Indianapolis coach to visit and say it to his face.

Ryan's own mother reportedly said her son should wash his mouth out with soap, but Dungy, a devout Christian, turned it into an issue reflecting on Ryan's professionalism. He said he never would hire someone who curses as much as Ryan, and Dungy further suggested that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell should speak to the Jets coach about toning down his language.

Asked Wednesday for his reaction to Dungy's comments, Ryan said, "I've been a big admirer of Tony Dungy, and I'm sure a lot of people are. But I felt he unfairly judged me. That was disappointing to me. I've made a phone call to Tony and, hopefully, have invited him to camp anytime to spend a day with me and the organization. Maybe he'll have a different take on it."

Ryan explained he was unable to speak directly to Dungy but left a message and hopes to hear back from him soon. What clearly cut Ryan the deepest was the implication in Dungy's remarks that he is a bad person who lacks the level of professionalism befitting an NFL head coach.

"I'm always going to be myself," Ryan said. "I'm a good person. Just because somebody cusses doesn't mean he's a bad person. Just because a guy doesn't cuss doesn't make him a good person. I'll stand by my merits."

Dungy made his remarks during Dan Patrick's nationally syndicated radio show earlier this week after the first episode of "Hard Knocks" aired. Asked if Goodell should take action against Ryan, Dungy said, "I would hope that he does because I just don't think the league needs that. I don't think our young people need to hear that that's the way it's done to be successful. Because it doesn't have to be that way."

Ryan has not been contacted by Goodell and shrugged when asked if he found it surprising Dungy would bring the commissioner into it. "Like I said," Ryan said, "I'm surprised he judged me."

The second episode of "Hard Knocks" aired last night, and Ryan said he had "no idea" whether it would contain more of his cursing. Told that special teams coach Mike Westhoff would be featured, Ryan smiled and said, "Then, there could be more F-bombs."