The New York Jets released running back Mike Goodson on Wednesday. He had been absent from mandatory minicamp practice for two straight days.
Goodson was released with the designation of “left squad.” Last March he signed a three-year, $6.9 million contract with the Jets. Last May he was arrested on weapons and marijuana charges. He was then suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. In November he was indicted on a charge of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. If convicted he faces up to ten years in prison, according to ESPN. He turned down a deal that would have been a one-year sentence.
"We feel, in good conscience, that we gave Mike Goodson ... ample opportunity," Jets General Manager John Idzik said. We're in the human business. You can do as much research as you can (but you can't predict certain behaviors)."
The NFL could suspend Goodson again if he is found to be in violation of the personal conduct policy.
Goodson spent one season with the Jets. He had previously played for the Oakland Raiders after spending his first three season with the Carolina Panthers. He played in two games and had only seven carries for the Jets before tearing his ACL and MCL, according to NFL.com. He has rushed for 783 yards in 167 career rushing attempts.
As a result of the “left squad” designation, Goodson may have to give the Jets back the signing bonus that he got.