Tuesday’s joint practice between the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers descended into chaos after multiple scuffles took place and a player needed to be taken off in an ambulance
The Jets' joint practice against the Buccaneers was derailed by multiple fights and a health scare
The Jets' joint practice against the Buccaneers was derailed by multiple fights and a health scare(Image: Getty Images)
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Tuesday’s joint practice between the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers spiralled out of control after multiple players got into brawls, with another needing to be taken off the field in an ambulance.
Ahead of Friday’s preseason contest, the Buccaneers — who were ruthlessly slammed as “disrespectful” by quarterback Baker Mayfield — traveled to the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey, for a pair of joint practices. It didn’t take long, however, for tensions to boil over between the two teams.
In the early stages of Tuesday’s session, Buccaneers right tackle Luke Goedeke appeared to shove Jets defensive end David Bailey following their one-on-one pass-rush drill. The rookie pass rusher didn’t take kindly to the gesture, promptly shoving the offensive lineman back and instigating a team-wide scrum.
Goedeke found himself at the center of another melee that kicked off after Jets safety Jarius Monroe intercepted Mayfield, as the 27-year-old could be seen hurling a New York helmet around 20 yards across the field.
With the Jets offense back on the field, tackle Armand Membou got his helmet ripped off by Buccaneers defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, leading to yet another scuffle.
As the fiery practice drew to a close, Jets defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. took on nearly half of the Buccaneers offense in a shoving match to mark the final fight of the afternoon.
Speaking to reporters during a subsequent press conference, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn acknowledged that “dust-ups” were inevitable during joint practices.
Aaron Glenn acknowledged that fighting was bound to take place at joint practices
Aaron Glenn acknowledged that fighting was bound to take place at joint practices(Image: Getty Images)
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“Our guys did a really good job there, but there’s more work to do,” he began. “Listen, I like everything about how practice was today. Obviously, there’s gonna be some dust-ups, that happens in every joint practice.
“But I thought the guys did a really good job of, man, forgetting about it, going to the next play and continuing to practice.
"Because that’s the one thing we’re trying to do, is get two days of good work with these guys.
Amid the handful of chippy moments was also a harrowing scene. Upon jogging off toward the sideline following a play, Jets cornerback Qwan’Tez Stiggers passed out, according to Glenn.
Jets training staff rushed into action, placing Stiggers on a stretcher with an IV and loading him into the back of an ambulance. The 24-year-old was swiftly taken to a hospital, with Glenn confirming that he is conscious.
“Our guys did a hell of a job, just like most medical staffs around this league do in situations like that,” Glenn said. “And they took the necessary steps just to make sure that we do everything we can to be on board when it comes to those situations.
“He was able to talk, and I want to make sure that I go and see him after this. Just to make sure I’m good with everything. But for the most part, he was good.”