Jets CB Antonio Cromartie spoke to the media on Friday for the first time since his comments to ESPN on Tuesday when he called himself "the second-best receiver on the team."
Cromartie said of the comments, "I didn't mean anything by it [just] that I could be the No. 2 receiver on the team by my physical traits and my work ethic."
He said that the media blew his original comments out of proportion. As for how he sees himself, Cromartie said, "I'm a cornerback first. Whenever that time comes to play receiver, I'll go out and do it. I didn't in any way try to disrespect [the receivers]."
As for any reaction from the team, Cromartie said, "Nobody said anything."
However, he added: "I would rather them come say something to me about it," alluding to the fact WR Chaz Schilens told the media he was agitated by what Cromartie said. He then said that he felt Schilens was upset because it was portrayed to him incorrectly.
He concluded by saying with a smile, "Them boys (the receivers) can't catch a ball on our defense."
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