The New York Jets benched defensive linemen Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson for the first quarter of Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo confirmed via sources informed of the situation that the defensive linemen were benched for being late to several team meetings, and teammates were wondering when there would be repercussions for the two. Wilkerson even missed out on a planned birthday celebration by being a no-show for a meeting, Garafolo reported.
"Those things are handled in-house," Bowles said Monday. "I'm perfectly fine with their commitment."
The New York Daily News and NJ.com both first reported the development.
"(Bowles) doesn't want to do this kind of stuff where he starts to take away playing time," Garafolo said on NFL Network's Up to the Minute Live on Monday, "but he's obviously been pushed to the brink in this case here to start taking playing time away from both of these guys."
After the 27-23 loss to Miami, Bowles declined to give a reason why he kept two of his best players on the bench for a quarter.
"That was a coach's decision," Bowles said.
The loss dropped New York to 3-6 and all but wiped out any chance to steal a playoff spot.
Richardson is likely on his way out of New York after his name was part of trade rumors. Wilkerson has been a colossal disappointment after signing a long-term deal this offseason.
