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Report: Tim Tebow Was 'Forced' On Woody Johnson And Team President Neil Glat

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Now that the regular season is a few weeks old, we can take a deep breath and reflect on what Tim Tebow's first -- and likely last -- season in East Rutherford was all about.

Actually, who are we kidding? We still don't know what the Tebow experiment in New Jersey was all about.

The situation continues to get uglier, and now one party is reportedly playing the blame game.

Former Denver Broncos executive Ted Sundquist, who interviewed with the Jets for their vacant general manager position, told ESPN that team owner Woody Johnson said that the former first-round pick was "forced" on both him and team president Neil Glat.

Sundquist said that Johnson ultimately "jumped on board" with the idea of bringing in Tebow after opting to let the player personnel staff do what they felt was best for the team, according to ESPN.

"They realized it was divisive and hard on the locker room, and they wanted an exit strategy," Sundquist reportedly said in regard to what Johnson and Glat were thinking.

When Tebow was acquired by New York on March 21, writers and fans alike speculated that it was a publicity stunt to capture headlines and sell merchandise, PSLs and tickets. That speculation continued throughout the season, as Tebow never became a factor in Gang Green's offense. Despite starter Mark Sanchez's struggles, the 25-year-old was leapfrogged by third-string quarterback Greg McElroy.

Johnson's alleged comments allude to the fact that it was general manager Mike Tannenbaum who wanted Tebow in the fold. Tannenbaum was fired by Johnson the day after New York's season-ending defeat to the Bills in Buffalo.

Johnson consistently spoke highly of Tebow throughout the season, and he repeatedly denied that the decision to add Tebow to the roster was about drawing attention to the franchise.

"I think you can never have too much Tebow," Johnson famously told CNBC last August. Less than two months later on the same network, Johnson said that New York would "absolutely" keep the quarterback through 2014, the final year of his contract.

Used primarily as a personal punt protector on special teams in 2012, Tebow threw just eight passes on the season, completing six of them for 39 yards. He also rushed the ball 32 times for 102 yards. The former Heisman Trophy winner didn't score any touchdowns.

The Jets are expected to either trade or release Tebow in February.

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