Jalen Ramsey is speaking out following Tom Coughlin’s criticism.
After the Jaguars executive vice president of football operations shaded Ramsey and linebacker Telvin Smith for missing last week’s voluntary workouts, Ramsey, along with his agent, David Mulugheta, confirmed that the Jacksonville organization was aware of the NFL star’s absence.
“To be clear, Jalen Ramsey is exactly where Jalen should be during his off season. He’s spending time with his young daughter and family while training in his hometown of Nashville. In addition the Jags are fully aware of why he is not taking part in the voluntary off season program,” Mulugheta tweeted Friday.
Ramsey then quote-tweeted Mulugheta’s message, writing: “‘Fully aware’ & ‘voluntary’ meaning I don’t HAVE to be there BUT they know the EXACT REASONS I am not. My teammates know it’s ALL love & know I’ll be ready when it’s time! 💯.”
As news about Coughlin and Ramsey continued to spread, former Giants safety Landon Collins, who signed with the Redskins earlier this year, suggested the cornerback consider a change of scenery.
“@jalenramsey if you don’t want to be on a team where your VP…. is all in the media, all in your mentions, talking about voluntary workouts and questioning your work ethic…then come to the Redskins (Suge Knight voice) #HTTR (24 + 23 + 45 + 20 = 🔒🔒🔒🔒),” Collins tweeted, to which Ramsey replied, “😂😂😭😭 love big brudda ✊🏾.”
The NFLPA has since blasted Coughlin, with president Eric Winston defining the association’s definition of” voluntary” to Pro Football Talk.
“Our CBA definition of voluntary is the same as the actual definition of voluntary and prohibits anyone from threatening players to participate in voluntary workouts,” Winston said.
“This is precisely the reason players negotiated strict work rules and bright lines when it comes to offseason activities. We know, from experience, that not all coaches and executives will adhere to them and we always pursue any violations to protect our rules.”