Jaguars Coach Jack Del Rio Makes a Point, Demotes Mike Peterson to Backup

Last week Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio became so angry at the insubordination shown by starting middle linebacker and team captain Mike Peterson that he sent him home from practice. Del Rio also fined Peterson $10,000.

But while Peterson is back with the team, he's not back in the starting lineup. Del Rio says he has permanently demoted Peterson to backup status, replacing him with Daryl Smith.

Sal Paolantonio of ESPN reports:

"Daryl Smith is our starting middle linebacker," Del Rio said in a telephone conversation after Friday's practice, as the Jaguars got ready for the undefeated Tennessee Titans. ...

Del Rio was asked if he and Peterson have reached any kind of meeting of the minds after last week's dispute.

"There will be no meetings," Del Rio said. "He has to embrace his new role on the team."

So Peterson is now relegated to special teams, which he hasn't played in years. And that's ridiculous. If Peterson was good enough to start before, why is he suddenly not good enough to start after he talked back to Del Rio? Benching players for insubordination might build character when it comes from a high school coach. It smacks of desperation when it comes from a professional coach.

Trouble in Jacksonville

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Mike Peterson has racked up over 900 tackles in his 10-year career. Now he's been ousted from his starting spot for insubordination and demoted to backup by head coach Jack Del Rio.

Scott Cunningham, Getty Images

The Jaguars came into the new season as one of the contenders in the AFC, but the last few months have been a nightmare off-the-field for Del Rio's team. Click through to see some of the other incidents that have surrounded the franchise.

Al Messerschmidt, Getty Images

July 10: Wide receiver Matt Jones was arrested and charged with possession of drugs. Police said he was cutting up cocaine with a credit card inside a vehicle.

Phil Coale, AP

Aug. 27: A lawsuit was filed against Dennis Northcutt in a California court. An ex-girlfriend claimed the wide receiver arranged for one of his cousins to beat her up.

Phil Coale, AP

Aug. 29: Fred Taylor was arrested outside a Miami Beach nightclub and charged with disorderly conduct. The running back later apologized for his behavior, and was not taken to jail.

Al Messerschmidt, Getty Images

Aug. 30: Even retired Jaguars couldn't stay out of trouble. Five-time Pro Bowler Jimmy Smith was arrested for a DUI in Jacksonville.

Phil Coale, AP

Sept 2: Richard Collier was shot inside his car while parked outside a Jacksonville apartment. The tackle was waiting in his vehicle for a woman at 2:45 a.m. with another player cut just days before.

Al Messerschmidt, Getty Images