The Chargers traded cornerback JC Jackson to the Patriots for virtually nothing last week.
LA’s willingness to take virtually nothing was reinforced by Jackson’s alleged behavior in his final game with the Chargers.
NFL Media reports that Jackson “repeatedly refused” to attend the Raiders game last Sunday. According to the report, Jackson stood on the sideline with open-toed shoes “even when a teammate was struck and had to leave the field.”
Several coaches reportedly tried to persuade Jackson to play. He reportedly claimed he wasn’t warm enough.
The previous week, Jackson had been a true backup for the Chargers in Minnesota.
The fact that the Chargers, along with all other teams, own and operate NFL Media would implicitly confirm the veracity of the team’s claim. If the Chargers had not believed the contents of the report, it likely would not have been published on a platform partially owned by the Chargers. At least the team’s vigorous objection would have been noted.
The Chargers could have tried to void Jackson’s remaining guarantees and release him. It is currently unclear why the Chargers decided not to do this. It’s possible that most of the guaranteed money has already been paid out to Jackson.