Jets' Marshall: Race Comments 'Had Nothing To Do With Judge' In Brady Case

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Brandon Marshall will continue to offer his opinions on NFL issues in his TV gig, and the New York Jets wide receiver stands by his latest comments.

Marshall made headlines Tuesday night on Showtime's "Inside The NFL" when he said that many NFL players believe that white players are treated differently by the league when it comes to discipline. Marshall was asked about his comments Thursday, and clarified that he wasn't referring specifically to the federal judge who dropped Tom Brady's four-game suspension following the "Deflategate" scandal with New England.

"It had nothing to do with the judge," Marshall said. "I was just saying what I thought was the opinion of a bunch of players. It had nothing to do with the case. It was just our approach."

Marshall, a regular analyst on the show, had said he spoke to a number of players of different races in some NFL locker rooms. In those discussions, he came to the conclusion that there are lots of NFL players "that believe that white players, specifically at the quarterback position, are treated differently."

PALLADINO: MARSHALL'S RACE COMMENT ONLY THE FIRST BRUSH FIRE FOR BOWLES 

The five-time Pro Bowler declined to take any further questions Thursday about those comments.

"The only thing I will say about that whole deal is," Marshall said, "I think we all know, whenever you talk about race, whenever you talk about religion and politics, it's uncomfortable and it can be tough at times."

Jets coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that he has no problem with Marshall speaking his mind, but wants his players to be careful when doing so.

"I think his opinion is well-warranted in what he said," Bowles said. "I'm sure you have cases back when I played. I've seen some things just as he's seen some things, but I'm not on that platform, he is, and he's got to be smarter."

The 31-year-old Marshall is in his second season on "Inside The NFL," and said he values his role on the show of being able to provide players' perspectives on NFL issues.

"I think it's very intriguing for the average fan to get an inside look into what the players are thinking," he said. "Get an inside look at what's going on in the locker room."

Marshall doesn't want to criticize his team during the TV discussions — or, other teams, and potentially antagonize opponents. But all bets are off when he retires from playing.

"Whew!" he said, smiling "A lot of headlines!"

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