Iconic N.Y. radio host backtracks after starting huge Robert Saleh-Zach Wilson drama

New York sports radio legend Joe Benigno raised eyebrows on Monday when he suggested on WFAN that a text he recently received from New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh showed that Saleh isn't a fan of benched quarterback Zach Wilson. 

Benigno clarified those comments during a Tuesday appearance on the WFAN "Boomer and Gio" program. 

"Total misinterpretation by me of what he said," Benigno said about Saleh's message, as shared by Ryan Chichester of Audacy. "I was wrong about that. What he was basically saying was, 'All this time killing Zach and wanting him benched, and now you want me to play him?' That’s my bad. That’s my fault. That’s the story." 

After it was reported Monday that Wilson "is reluctant" to start again, Benigno said Saleh doesn't "like" the 24-year-old, per Arthur Weinstein of Awful Announcing. Benigno came to that conclusion after he told Saleh via text that the coach should go back to Wilson following back-to-back losses when the second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft was benched. 

"Are you kidding me?" Saleh possibly responded to Benigno. Benigno later said that Saleh may have written: "'Are you serious,' or something like that." 

Saleh told reporters on Monday afternoon that Wilson "wants to start" and "believes he's the best quarterback in the room and the best quarterback for this team." During a Tuesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Jets Week 1 starter Aaron Rodgers defended Wilson and also ripped individuals responsible for Monday's story. 

"I shouldn’t have done it," Benigno acknowledged about sharing details of a private chat with Saleh. "I don’t know what his real relationship is with Zach. I’m not there. I’m not in the locker room. But I totally misinterpreted what he said. I was wrong about it. I am fortunate enough to be able to go back and forth with him on a regular basis…I guess only time will tell. There’s nothing else I can say. I made a mistake here, something I shouldn’t have done." 

Wilson reportedly is on track to start when the 4-8 Jets host the 7-5 Houston Texans this Sunday. Perhaps those inside the Gang Green locker room can use the latest drama hovering over the organization as a way to rally around Wilson as he looks to make the most out of what could be his final opportunities to play for the franchise.