INDIANAPOLIS – Jets coach Rex Ryan always draws a crowd, and that definitely was the case in the combine media center Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Ryan, the New York Quote Machine and media favorite, held court before what amounted to at least 100 media members, drawing choruses of laughter on several occasions. It’s the first time at this combine that nearly every seat has been filled, with reporters also standing on both sides. Listening to Ryan is worth the price of admission.

When it was suggested that Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha, who isn’t a free agent, reportedly wanted to be a Jet, Ryan didn’t hesitate with his response.

“There you go, trying to get me in trouble,” Ryan said. “I get myself into enough trouble. I really don’t need your help to get me in trouble. I think I’ll pass on talking about anyone who is under contract.”

Part of that “trouble,” of course, was the less-than-flattering photo of Ryan making an obscene gesture at an MMA event and a video in which he had trouble removing a jersey at a hockey game. 

Ryan later was asked for his thoughts on his ever-growing reputation growing to “near-mythical proportions” following said incidents, both of which occurred this offseason.

“I was surprised,” Ryan deadpanned. “I’m watching ESPN and I’m like, ‘Whoa, that’s not a real good shot.’ Yeah, I don’t know. That was kind of crazy.

“Don’t get me wrong, I get hit on all the time by women in New York. But, nah, it is kind of funny. It is kind of the deal in New York.”

There’s more – including an introduction in which Ryan thanked the media for keeping him in the headlines during the offseason – but you get the gist.

– Frank Tadych

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