Mike Goodson arrest another twist in Jets’ spring saga

The odyssey of the New York Jets’ crowded offensive backfield took another turn Friday when running back Mike Goodson was arrested by New Jersey state police on suspicion of possessing drugs and a weapon.

Goodson was with Garant Evans, a 31-year-old man from Roselle, N.J., when state police discovered Evans’ vehicle stopped on Interstate 80 in Denville after receiving a 911 call from a tow-truck driver. A police report said marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a 45-caliber semiautomatic handgun were found.

A Jets spokesman released a short statement: “This is a pending legal matter. There will be no further comment until the legal process has run its course.”

Goodson, a fifth-year pro from Spring, Texas, who played last season with the Oakland Raiders after three seasons with the Carolina Panthers, was signed by the Jets to a three-year, $6.9-million contract in an effort to replace Shonn Greene, whom the team did not re-sign. Former New Orleans Saints starter Chris Ivory was also signed by the Jets.

Goodson’s troubles come a day after former USC star Joe McKnight, a kick return specialist who has been inconsistent as a running back, told reporters during a break in off-season training activities Thursday that “they’ll have to kill me” to take his roster spot.

“Whoever they bring in, I don’t care,” McKnight said. “You understand that? I don’t care who they bring in. They’ll have to kill me to take my spot.”

The Jets also have an open competition at quarterback with struggling starter Mark Sanchez trying to keep his spot after the team drafted West Virginia standout Geno Smith this spring.

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