Apparently, it might not be a friendly competition in the New York Jets training camp between quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith.
ESPNNewYork.com is reporting that Smith will not attend Sanchez's annual chemistry-building camp in Southern California at Sanchez' high school alma mater, Mission Viejo High School. The camp is called "Jets West."
Several media outlets reported Wednesday that Smith wasn't there for the first day of Sanchez's camp. The New York Daily News reported that Smith, the rookie second-round draft pick of the Jets, was working out in Florida and would miss the entire weekend.
The Daily News added that the question of Smith attending Sanchez's team-bonding excursion became an issue when Smith responded with a "No comment" during a Jets minicamp when he was asked about attending.
A day later, Smith acquiesced.
"Sure, sure," Smith said to the Daily News about going to Jets West at the time. "We haven't talked about it, but from my understanding it's something that's done annually and all the guys go out there and it's been a great experience. Mark hasn't officially extended the hand to me but I'm pretty sure there's no problem there. I'm more than willing to go there."
Sanchez said at the time that everyone on the team is invited, although The Associated Press reported on Wednesday that it wasn't certain whether Sanchez did invite Smith.
The Jets' training camp officially begins July 26, and the two are expected to engage in an intense competition for the starting job.
The Daily news raised the question of whether Smith rejected Sanchez's invitation or Sanchez did not invite Smith to prevent him from bonding with teammates.
Either way, the relationship would not appear to be in good standing with speculation swirling ever since the Jets drafted Smith that he would assume the starting job sooner or later.
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