New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, left, and general manager John Idzik look on during NFL football rookie camp Saturday, May 17, 2014, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) (The Associated Press)
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – New York Jets coach Rex Ryan is defending the character of defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, who was accused of slapping a woman at a restaurant.
Ryan opened his news conference Saturday after the second practice of rookie minicamp by saying "I love Dennis Thurman," and adding that he knows his assistant coach "wouldn't put his hands on anybody, let alone a woman."
Thurman was accused of striking a woman during a discussion Wednesday at a restaurant in Morristown. Police said Thurman would not be charged in the incident, and no further investigation would take place. The Jets issued a statement Friday night saying the team "takes these matters seriously," and they would continue to monitor the situation.
Ryan acknowledges he didn't ask Thurman what happened, adding, "I don't need to ask."
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