Rex Ryan stands by DC Dennis Thurman in wake of slapping allegation
New York Jets defensive coordinator was accused of slapping a woman in bar, but head coach Rex Ryan is having none of it and stands by his coach in full.
Thurman was accused of slapping a woman in the face in a New Jersey outdoor bar after she reportedly refused his advanced, according to the New York Daily News.
The woman, 28-year-old Jessie Steinberg, filed a police report stating that Thurman had made a pass at her (the amorous type, not with a football) and that when she rebuffed him, he slapped her in the face.
This was then followed up with a one-finger salute by Steinberg, as caught on camera by TMZ Sports.
Ryan, a longtime friend of Thurman’s, is absolutely unswayed by the report and stands by his coach one hundred percent in a statement:
"“Dennis Thurman, I trust, I respect. And I love Dennis Thurman. OK? It’s an honor to know Dennis. He’s a great person. I think when all the facts come out about everything . . . the guy I’m describing, everybody else will see the same way I do.”"
Beyond Ryan’s assertion of Thurman’s character, there were apparently witnesses to the alleged event that tell a different side of the story.
No charges have been filed in connection with the incident, but Morristown, N.J. Police have filed an Allegation of Simple Assault. The league states it intends to look into the matter further.