Sanchez, Tomlinson, express support for Braylon Edwards

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez expressed support for Braylon Edwards in the wake of this morning's DUI arrest, calling Edwards "more than just a teammate. He's a family member."

Sanchez, speaking on his weekly ESPN 1050 radio interview, said the Jets stood by the statement made earlier in the day by general manager Mike Tannenbaum, who expressed disappointment in Edwards' actions and chided him for not taking advantage of a program in which players can call for a car service if they're out late and concerned about driving home.

Sanchez told host Michael Kay that he didn't think Edwards' situation would be a distraction to the team. "I don't think guys will dwell on anything like that or let it affect their preparation," Sanche 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."

The Jets have not indicated whether Edwards will play in Sunday night's game against the Dolphins in South Florida. Under NFL rules, the league cannot suspend a player arrested on DUI charges for a first time.

Edwards' plea of contest to charges he punched a friend of LeBron James outside a Cleveland nightclub could put Edwards in a situation where he is a repeat offender of the league's personal conduct policy. But that determination would be made only when his DUI case is resolved. Edwards is scheduled to appear in Manhattan Criminal Court on Nov. 9.

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who was on Kay's show earlier in the day, 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, instead of trying to worry about what it can do to the team. "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."