New York Jets coach Rex Ryan defended the character of defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, who was accused of slapping a woman at a New Jersey restaurant. The Jets issued a statement Friday night saying the team ''takes these matters seriously,'' and they would continue to monitor the situation. ''And Dennis Thurman, the guy that I know, wouldn't put his hands on anybody, let alone a woman, OK?'' Ryan acknowledged he wasn't at the restaurant with Thurman and never asked Thurman whether he did what he's accused of. Thurman was promoted to defensive coordinator before last season when then-coordinator Mike Pettine left to take the same job with the Buffalo Bills. More...