JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--Maurice Jones-Drew was his usual chippy self at his press conference discussing why he ended his 38 day contract dispute with the Jacksonville Jaguars, "I play with a lot of chips on my shoulder, one more won't bother me," Jones-Drew said with a smile on his face.
Will the team fine Mojo for the holdout? The Jaguars and MJD want to keep the business side of that private, but the team could fine him up to a reported 1.2 million dollars for missing training camp and the four preseason games.
Head coach Mike Mularkey says, “I had a really good visit this morning with Maurice and I welcomed him in. It was good to finally speak face-to-face. I can tell he’s ready to go, so we’ll be working with him to get him up to speed as quickly as possible. It’s great to be able to proceed with our preparation for the opener and the season beyond with Maurice as part of the plans.”
General manager Gene Smith adds, “It’s great to have Maurice back in the building. He has been a valuable part of this organization, and his presence in the locker room and on the field will make those around him better. We’re glad to now have everyone in and working as a team to win football games.”
Jones-Drew held out with two years remaining on a front loaded four year deal meaning he was paid the majority of the cash up front. MJD says that, yes he had two years left on his deal but the holdout was in regard to his production and his value and that it was his decision all the way to hold out.
The running back says he will be ready for the opener next Sunday in Minnesota and that he is ready to do anything he can to help his team win. We will have team coverage including reaction from his teamates tonight on Action News and Action Sports 360.
