Jets defensive coordinator says defense supports QB Tim Tebow

Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine came out in support of quarterback Tim Tebow on Thursday. (US Presswire)

Former Jets RB LaDainian Tomlinson accused CB Antonio Cromartie on Wednesday of being one of the anonymous players who criticized QB Tim Tebow in a New York Daily News story. Cromartie denied the allegation Thursday. "I heard it, but I have no response for a retired player,"  he said.

Cromartie assured a group of reporters that if he were going to say something he would either say it publicly or directly to the person in question. "I'm not going to get into the media and say I'm anonymous, I'm not that type of cowardly person."

The other player Tomlinson accused, LB Bart Scott, also denied the accusation.

Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine made a statement about the situation at his weekly press conference Thursday.

"As a defense, we fully support Tim and I know this thing has been really overblown. We have standards to live up to," he said. "It's an unfortunate thing for [comments] to be attributed [anonymously]."

But Pettine said there might be a silver lining. "It's galvanized our guys a little bit. It's not guys sniping. It's not offense against defense. They would be justified in having ill will toward the offense, but it's been just the opposite."

As for his opinion of Tebow's football talent. "If I was ever involved in selecting members of a football team, he'd be top of the list," Pettine said.