LaDanian Tomlinson On Jets' Environment: 'As Bad As I've Ever Been Around'

After the New York Jets missed the playoffs for the first time under head coach Rex Ryan, anonymous Jets players assailed the work ethic of third-year quarterback Mark Sanchez in the New York Daily News. In an interview that will air on Wednesday night's "Inside the NFL" program on Showtime, Jets running back LaDianian Tomlinson, who recently completed his 11th season in the NFL, says that the drama within the Jets' locker room was the worst he's seen in his career.

"And I’ve been around some locker rooms and quarterback-receiver situations and what-not," Tomlinson said via Josh Katzowitz of CBSSports.com. "But it was as bad as I’ve been around. You know it was at the point where I think the players could no longer do anything about it. There was nothing that the players could do. So when it gets to that point there are certain changes that need to happen. Can it be fixed, Cris (Collinsworth)? I think absolutely it can be. But they’re going to have to make some tough decisions."

Tomlinson defended Sanchez during a weekend appearance on ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown", but did concede that the organization has coddled the 2009 first-round pick out of USC.

"Yes he is (coddled), I would say a bit pampered because he has no competition. He has no real threat to say 'This guy may take my job'."

40-year-old Mark Brunell has been the No. 2 quarterback for the Jets over the last two seasons.

As for Tomlinson, he will be an unrestricted free agent in the off-season, but is contemplating retirement.

"I'm still at that point where I am contemplating retirement, but at the same time, I am leaving my options open," Tomlinson said. "I'm not saying that I'm completely done with playing football, I just don’t know yet. I'm obviously a free agent."

For more on the Jets, check out Gang Green Nation.