Holmes 'just wants the ball,' keeps quiet on Tim

Holmes 'just wants the ball,' keeps quiet on Tim

Evan Vucci/AP

Santonio Holmes doesn't care if Mark Sanchez (l.) or Tim Tebow is under center, the polarizing receiver just wants the football in his hands.

ORLANDO At the edge of a sprawling maze of sports fields in the heart of his home state, Santonio Holmes turned to the man a few feet away with this request: Dont tweet where I am right now.

The mercurial wide receiver has disappeared since the moment he slipped out of the Jets locker room three months ago without saying a word, escorted by a public-relations official, in the aftermath of an epic meltdown in the season-ending l oss to the Dolphins.

David Handschuh/New York Daily News

Holmes grew increasingly disgruntled last season. His discontent bubbled to the surface in the season finale when television cameras caught him jawing with teammates in the huddle before then-offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer benched him for the final few minutes of the game.

Holmes had already grown frustrated with Mark Sanchez during a meeting the Wednesday before the game. He failed to show up to a meeting organized by the quarterback the next day.

He has come to life from time to time on social media through a random series of tweets about everything from personal hygiene (Dont forget to change your tooth brush every 3 months) to a congratulatory note to Sanchez after the quarterback signed a three-year ex tension a few weeks ago.

Very happy for Mark & the entire team with his extension. Looking forward to getting back to work when I get back this amazing trip @nyjets

Santonio Holmes (@santonio10) March 12, 2012

After a nearly four-hour workout on Thursday, Holmes declined to discuss specifics about the past, present or future of the Jets. Hes been to Africa and back, undaunted by the perception that hes the villain who created the Jets locker-room mess that derailed their season.

The media dont make me and the media dont break me, Holmes told the Daily News, tapping his chest and extending his arms. Im Santonio Holmes . . . and thats it.

Although the enigmatic Holmes didnt want to discuss the circus atmosphere surrounding the team, friends who train with him told The News that he has purposely steered clear of making any public comments about the Jets recent trade for Tim Tebow.

He didnt r eally care (about the trade), said one player who trains with Holmes in Orlando. Tone just wants the ball.

Although Sanchez said a few weeks ago that he had recently spent a couple days with Holmes in Orlando and patched up any differences, the player who trains with Holmes told The News that Holmes simply wants to win regardless of whether Sanchez or Tebow is under center.