We heard reports on Monday morning that Jets defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson were benched for the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Dolphins because of frequent absences from and lateness to team meetings.
It’s not the first time that Wilkerson has been disciplined in that manner since Todd Bowles became the team’s head coach. It does appear to be the first time that baked goods are involved, however.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports that Wilkerson missed both a walkthrough and a defensive meeting the day before the team played the Ravens on October 23. That Saturday was Wilkerson’s 27th birthday and, per Garafolo, there was a birthday cake to celebrate the occasion at the meeting Wilkerson is said to have blown off.
There’s no word about what kind of cake the Jets whipped up for Wilkerson’s special day or whether the rest of the team’s defenders enjoyed it without the guest of honor.
Bowles hasn’t commented beyond saying that it was a coach’s decision and said at his Monday press conference that he is satisfied with the commitment level of both defensive linemen.
