Aug 21st 2008 1:10PM by Tom Mantzouranis (author feed)
Filed under: Dolphins, Jets, AFC EastThough Brett Favre hasn’t felt shy about speaking on his behalf, we still don’t know exactly what Laveranues Coles thinks about the team’s decision to release Chad Pennington. That’s because Coles hasn’t said anything. And in the process, a lot of things have been said about him and his motivations.

But Pennington says that Coles’ refusal to speak is not born out of anger or petulance, that he’s simply misunderstood.
“He’s an extremely loyal guy. That’s what has made him great in the league, and it’s taken him a long way in life. … But once the games start and the whistle blows, he’ll play hard for the Jets. I don’t think anybody can ever question that.”
…
“[Coles’ silent treatment] is not something that I would make too big a deal of.”
By all accounts the only people Coles isn’t speaking to is the media (despite reports that he briefly left the team’s hotel in Cleveland a couple of weeks ago in anger). And Pennington’s right — Coles will not let his play diminish because his feelings are hurt.

Though you have to wonder if he wishes he didn’t sign a new deal earlier this offseason which precludes him from trying to force his way to Miami.