Report: Acquiring Tebow Was Tannenbaum's Idea, But Nothing Was 'Forced' On Woody
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Former Denver Broncos executive Ted Sundquist, who interviewed with the Jets for their vacant general manager position, recently told ESPN that team owner Woody Johnson said that Tim Tebow 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.
On Wednesday, a league source denied that this was the case, the New York Post reported.
The source, who is said to have direct knowledge of the acquisition, admitted to the newspaper that it was in fact former general manager Mike Tannenbaum who came up with the idea -- and ultimately pushed for -- acquiring Tebow, but it no way was the decision "forced" on the owner.
"He owns the team," the source said in regard to Johnson. "All he had to do was say 'no.' Nothing is ever forced on Woody."
The source added that numerous members of the organization attempted to talk Tannenbaum out of bringing in Tebow, but the ex-GM didn't waver.
"The thing picked up steam quick," the source said.
Tannenbaum declined comment when he was contacted by the New York Post. He hasn't spoken to reporters since being fired by Johnson on Dec. 31, the day after Gang Green lost to the Bills to close out the season.
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.
Jets fans, when do you predict Gang Green will finally part ways with Tim Tebow? Sound off with your thoughts and predictions below...
