New York Jets appeal fine for tripping incident
The National Football League (NFL) slapped the New York Jets with a $100,000 fine after their sideline tactics were exposed. However, the Jets aren’t in a hurry to pay up just yet. The fine comes after Jets’ Strength and Conditioning Coach,
Sal Alosi instructed New York’s players to form a sideline wall during special team play, to disrupt the opposing team.
The tactic was discovered when Alosi tripped Miami Dolphins player, Nolan Carroll and the incident was investigated. Alosi was caught on camera extending his knee in front of Carroll causing him to trip. Carroll was hurt in the incident,
but not seriously, and was back in the final quarter of the game. The tripping incident occurred on 12 December and the Jets were fined by the league last week. This week that fine is being appealed.
New York’s Special Teams' Coordinator Mike Westhoff told reporters that the Jets were going to appeal the fine, and called the incident an unresolved issue. Westhoff said that he was not comfortable talking about
the issue. He said, “You know where I've stood on the thing the whole time. I was not involved in it."
Jets spokesman Bruce Speight said that it was a common practice to appeal fines. Speight added that the dialogue between the league and the Jets would remain confidential. When issuing the fine, a statement from the NFL said that
team’s were responsible for the conduct of their players and staff. The statement further said that all clubs had an obligation to make sure that everyone within the club complied with the NFL’s rules.
The Jets have maintained that Alosi’s actions were not condoned by the club, and that officials were not aware that Alosi had given such instructions to players. In addition to Westhoff, head coach Rex Ryan has denied any involvement or
even knowledge of the tactic.
The statement also said that the NFL expected any violation, or suspicion of violation of competitive rules by any team, to be reported to the league instead of being publicly criticised. Westhoff had accused the New England Patriots of
employing the same tactic. He added that while reviewing tapes of past games, he discovered that the Patriots formed a similar sideline wall. The $100,000 fine included a fine for Westhoff’s statement against the New England Patriots.
The league found Alosi guilty of ordering players to stand shoulder to shoulder on the sidelines, “to impede an opposing team's special teams’ players, and gain a competitive advantage.” The league said that the tactic was a competitive
violation and dangerous.
Alosi was suspended without pay until the end of the season for tripping Carroll. However, when the Jets found out that the incident was a part of a wider strategy, they suspended Alosi indefinitely. He also incurred a $25,000 fine from
the New York Jets. Initially Sal was uncooperative, but eventually he came clean and admitted that he ordered players to do so.
The decision to appeal the fine stands in stark contrast with the clubs earlier position. The Jets had maintained that they would comply with all of the league’s decision but have now appealed the fine. After the incident, the NFL sent
a memo to all 32 teams, regarding bench and sideline rules.
Throughout Westhoff’s press conference, he continued to emphasise the fact that he was not involved with Alosi. “Trust me, I'm not in the middle of it,” Westhoff said. “I don't want anything to do with it. I've had enough to do with it
already. It's ridiculous. The thing makes me sick.” Westhoff has been cleared of any wrong doing by the Jets and is continuing his duties.
The Jets will face the Indianapolis Colts this Saturday, as the playoffs begin.
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