Giants cut CB Jenkins over tweet
NFL
The Giants waived-injured cornerback Janoris Jenkins on Friday, days after he engaged in a Twitter conversation in which he used offensive language.
Jenkins had said he injured his ankle in Monday night’s loss to the Eagkes that dropped the Giants to 2-11 with nine straight losses. But coach Pat Shurmur made it clear that Jenkins’ actions on social media played a major role in the decision to release him.
Jenkins defended his use of the word “retard” in an exchange with a fan, saying it was acceptable language where he grew up.
“This was an organizational decision,” Shurmur said. “From ownership to management to our football operations, we felt it was in the best interests of the franchise and the player. Obviously, what happened this week, and the refusal to acknowledge the inappropriate and offensive language, was the determining factor.”
Moments after being released, Jenkins tweeted: “Best news ever. Thank you.”
Jenkins, 31, had used the word before as a Giant on Instagram in Aug. 2018. He remained on the team for almost two more full seasons and was championed by the Giants this offseason as a mentor and leader.
Shurmur said he was unaware Jenkins had used the word last year and so he wasn’t disciplined then.
A former Pro Bowl cornerback, Jenkins signed a five-year, $62 million deal with the Giants in 2016.
Recently, the eighth-year player has been highly critical of defensive coordinator James Bettcher and the team’s defensive schemes.
Jenkins will be available immediately to the league’s other 31 teams — including Sunday’s opponent, the Dolphins — waived with an injury designation but seemingly nursing a minor left ankle injury. He has four interceptions this season.
Cards cut Suggs: The Cardinals released veteran linebacker Terrell Suggs with three games left in a disappointing season for both the player and the team.
The 37-year-old Suggs had some good moments for the Cardinals early in the year but his production diminished in recent weeks. He’s played in all 13 games and has 35 tackles, including eight for a loss and 51⁄2 sacks.
Suggs, who played in high school in the Phoenix area and in college at Arizona State, signed with the Cardinals during the offseason after playing 16 seasons with the Ravens.
Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said the decision to release Suggs was mutual between the player and organization and the Cardinals wanted him to have a chance to land with a team that’s in playoff contention.
The 6-foot-3, 265-pound Suggs seven-time Pro Bowl selection two-time All-Pro. is a and
Dolphins reward Parker: With a breakout season, receiver DeVante Parker has become a big part of the Dolphins’ rebuilding plan, and now he’s under contract through 2023.
Parker, 26, signed a deal that could be worth up to $40 million, including incentives and bonuses.
An $8 million signing bonus is part of more than $20 million guaranteed, agent Jimmy Gould said.
Parker had signed a two-year, $10 million in March, and the fifth-year veteran has rewarded the Dolphins’ faith with 882 yards receiving and six touchdowns, both career highs, on 55 catches.
Extra points: The 49ers placed DT D.J. Jones on IR with an ankle injury, ending his season. Jones was already playing on an injured ankle and suffered a high sprain on his other ankle during last week’s win over the Saints. Jones started 11 games and tallied 23 tackles and two sacks this season . ... Seahawks DE Jadeveon Clowney (flu) was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Panthers. ... Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster will miss his fourth straight game Sunday against the Bills. Smith-Schuster returned to practice Wednesday as a full participant for the first time since suffering a knee injury but then aggravated the injury during Thursday’s session and didn’t practice Friday.