Former New York Jets linebacker Bart Scott “couldn’t wait” to rip into Darron Lee. Here’s the harsh criticism and how Lee handled it after practice.
If we’re being honest with ourselves, former first-round pick and current New York Jets linebacker, Darron Lee, has been a punching bag lately for fans and media alike.
But nothing could’ve prepared him for the harsh words that Bart Scott had for him on WFAN Radio and SNY TV (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini):
- “I don’t want to say he’s soft, but he is a little plush right now. If I was in that locker room, I tell him you either need to drop your marbles or you got to go.”
- Or this: “It’s one thing to not be able to execute; it’s another thing for me to have to question your heart and that’s where we’re at with Darron Lee right now. I’m questioning his willingness to play the position.”
- And this: “Ryan Shazier is looking at his fellow brother Buckeye with disappointment, with sadness in his eyes and pain in his heart.”
From NFL players that I’ve spoken with on and off the air, the worst insult a man can throw is by questioning his heart. Bart Scott did that and some.
Fortunately (and the under-the-radar story within the story), Lee took the high road when the subject was brought up by the media:
“I like Bart, he’s a great guy. That’s all I have to say. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion.”
Former #Jets LB Bart Scott had some very critical comments recently of current LB Darron Lee.
Lee simply brushed off the criticism. I think Scott would respect how Lee handled himself here: pic.twitter.com/NxfyQ9mG9O
— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) August 27, 2018
Has Lee been the greatest linebacker in NFL history since being taken with the 20th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft? No. Has he been the worst? Also no.
But we all know what comes with being a first-round pick in the NFL: high expectations. If we’re being honest, Lee hasn’t lived up to expectations and 2018 may just be a do or die campaign for the former Ohio State product.
As of now, the Jets are putting their full confidence in him by making him the team’s primary defensive play caller. If he thrives in his new role, perhaps he can resurrect his career. If he can’t, new Jets linebacker Avery Williamson will take the role from him. (Both are splitting the play-calling duties as of right now.)
What can be confirmed is despite shrugging off Bart Scott’s criticism, Darron Lee “can’t wait” to prove the former Jets linebacker wrong and that campaign officially starts Sept. 10 during Monday Night Football on the road against the Detroit Lions.
