The Jets took a $100K kick chance from a teacher in the ultimate Grinch move

These holidays the New York Jets chose to go full bah humbug.

Ashley Castanio-Gervasi, a Jets season ticket holder who told the New York Post she attends games in honor of her late father, was given what she thought was an incredible gift: A chance to win $100,000. Castanio-Gervasi was chosen to take part in the “Kick for Cash” at the game on Sunday, which would have given her a chance to win what she calls “life-changing money.” The Jets then pulled out the rug, disqualifying the fan from taking part in the competition — all because she’s a high school soccer coach.

The Jets reached out to Castanio-Gervasi to take part in the competition after seeing her kick at a tailgate event back in September. At the time she told the team that she was a former Division I soccer player when asked about her background, which didn’t raise any concerns from the team.

“These two workers for the New York Jets kind of chased me down and invited me back to get into this competition,” she recalled. “The one question I was asked was if I played college soccer, and how long ago.”

It might seem like the Jets are trying to keep the field even without one fan having a significant advantage because of their background, but Castanio-Gervasi disclosed that she was a former player. Its unclear why the Jets think being a coach changes her ability as a kicker, but it doesn’t change the end result. They ostensibly strung along a high school math teacher who is also a soccer coach, making her think she had a chance of winning $100K during the holidays, then pulled it away due to a nonsensical technicality.

The Jets even tried to promote her participation further.

“The Jets had even promoted Castanio-Gervasi’s participation and asked permission to reach out to local media, with her local paper, the Long Island Herald, picking up the story earlier this month.”

This is absolute unacceptable. This wasn’t a guaranteed prize, the participant never lied to the team, and it’s far from a lock that somehow being a high school soccer coach makes you better and kicking NFL field goals — other than having kicking experience, WHICH THE JETS ALEADY KNEW ABOUT.

Jets owners Woody Johnson is worth $4 billion. The $100K prize money is one forty-thousandth of his net worth, which could have been won by someone who is unbelievably loyal enough to watch 17 Jets games a year. the organization is standing by their decision to keep her out of the competition.

At least the Jets wear green, because they’re in full Grinch mode.

UPDATE: The Jets have caved to public pressure and bad publicity, and will allow Ashley Castanio-Gervasi to compete in the kicking competition.