Frustrated Jets' fan takes to air
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Frustrated Jets fans have taken to the air to vent.
Literally.
A plane with a banner urging the team to fire John Idzik circled several times above the practice field for about 20 minutes Wednesday as the players went through drills while New York’s embattled general manager watched.
The banner — in red, 5-foot uppercase letters — read “FIRE JOHN IDZIK” as it flapped behind the small plane. The plane arrived minutes after the media got to practice as Jets players began stretching.
“That was a first,” quarterback Michael Vick said after practice. “I think that was a bit extreme. That money that was spent on that jet fuel could have been given to some type of charity. Believe me, there are people out here in the world that need it.”
As it buzzed above, it appeared many players tried to ignore the plane after taking a quick glance — as Idzik stood on the sideline. Owner Woody Johnson was also attending practice, and was seen speaking with Idzik and Ryan at one point.
“Trust me, I get it,” Ryan said after the 1-8 Jets practiced. “I know our fans are really frustrated. There’s no doubt about it. Obviously, we’re very frustrated. Everybody is. We want to win. I personally don’t think it’s appropriate. We’re working our butts off — John, everybody — to find a way to win.”
The plane stopped circling shortly before the 30-minute period in which the media is allowed to attend practice.
“It’s annoying,” Vick said. “You see that and you’re out there trying to practice and put everything into practice and all of your efforts and then you see something that becomes a distraction.
“Then, there’s a whole bunch of negative thoughts that start going through your head and everybody’s attention is up in the sky as opposed to the practice field.”
Vick added that his teammates did a good job of maintaining their focus.
“I just think some of this is a little over the top,” Ryan said.
Ashley Chalmers, owner of Jersey Shore Aerial Advertising, told The Associated Press that his company flew the banner over the facility under a subcontract from another company and it cost a “frustrated fan” — identified only as a female — less than $1,000.
“I saw the team down there and, to be honest, I kind of felt bad for them because they’re having such a bad year,” said Chalmers, who piloted the plane out of Central Jersey Airport. “I didn’t realize how big this would become and I’m kind of stunned.”
Chalmers added that there’s “absolutely a chance” the banner will fly again Sunday over MetLife Stadium for the Jets’ game against Pittsburgh.
