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Jets' Cromartie Puts Out Fire, Claims 'At The End Of The Day I'm A Corner First'

CORTLAND, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie spoke about his wide receiver comment for the first time on Friday, and clarified what many believed to be an insulting and controversial slight.

After saying that he was the second-best receiver on Gang Green, Jets wideout Chaz Schilens voiced his displeasure with the statement, and head coach Rex Ryan held a team meeting to reiterate that players must be careful about what they say to the media.

Although the fire has reportedly been put out, the outspoken former first-round pick made a point to say that he didn't mean anything by what he claimed.

"Honestly, I didn't mean anything by it," Cromartie said Friday, according to the New York Daily News. "I simply explained why I said it, that I could be the No. 2 receiver on the team (because of) my physical traits and my work ethic. That was my opinion. Of course, you guys (media) want to blow it up. But we're going to let that go. At the end of the day, I'm a corner first. Whenever that time comes to go out and play receiver, then I'll go out and go do it."

Still, the 28-year-old Florida State alum wouldn't go so far as to apologize for what he said.

"I don't regret saying it," Cromartie said. "Why would I regret something that's already been said? If the receivers felt like they were being disrespected, at the end of the day they can come to me and I can explain to them exactly what I meant. But no, I don't regret saying it all."

In his second year as a Jet in 2011, the seven-year NFL veteran recorded 45 tackles, forced one fumble and picked off four passes.

Do you have a problem with what Cromartie said, or do you think that his statement was completely overblown? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...

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