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Jets owner Woody Johnson was recently investigated by the State Department’s watchdog on allegations that he made inappropriate comments to some of his staff while serving as the United States’ ambassador to the United Kingdom, a job which he has held since 2017, according to CNN. Johnson’s alleged comments were viewed as racist and sexist.
One of the main accusations against Johnson is that he made “racist generalizations about black men and questioned why the black community celebrates Black History Month,” according to CNN. A person at the State Department also told CNN that Johnson would make “cringeworthy” comments about women. The report also notes that staff had trouble getting Johnson to join an event being held to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Although Johnson did not address any of the specific allegations when asked for comment by CNN, he did address the situation on Twitter, where he denied wrongdoing.
“I have followed the ethical rules and requirements of my office at all times,” Johnson wrote. “These false claims of callous comment about race and gender are totally inconsistent with my long-standing history and values.
Johnson has also been accused of trying to convince the British government to set up a future Open Championship at Donald Trump’s Scottish resort, which was a request Johnson allegedly made at Trump’s urging,
In a statement to CNN, a government spokesperson made clear that the State Department would back Johnson, despite multiple allegations.
“We support Ambassador Johnson and look forward to his continuing to ensure that our special relationship with the United Kingdom is strong,” the spokesperson said.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Jets released their own statement on social media:
“We are aware of the allegations against Ambassador Johnson, which he specifically denied in today’s following statement:
‘I have followed the rules and ethical requirements of my office at all times. These false claims of callous comments about race and gender are totally inconsistent with my long-standing history and values. ‘
Since the Johnson family became the owner of the New York Jets, the organization has consistently and actively supported, engaged and encouraged the development of many different initiatives for social justice, diversity, women and inclusion. These initiatives have been implemented internally and in our community. One of our core principles is to treat employees, players, coaches, and fans with respect and dignity, regardless of race, color, religion, or gender. These principles have been established by the Johnson family, which Woody has implemented in our organization for the past 20 years. “
Although Johnson has the support of the State Department and his team, he definitely does not have the support of one of his star players. After learning of the allegations, Jets safety Jamal Adams went to Twitter to ask for better leadership.
The NFL is also aware of the allegations, but decided to defer to the State Department when asked to comment on the case.
“We are aware of the report and will forward it to the State Department,” the league said, through the New York Daily News.
Although Johnson is technically the owner of the Jets, he has not been actively making team decisions since taking office. After Johnson accepted the role of ambassador, the job of leading the Jets was turned over to his brother, Chris Johnson. Woody Johnson has owned the Jets since 2000.
