04/25/24
December 13, 2010
Jets Coach Trips Dolphins Player: New York Jets strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi intentionally tripped Miami Dolphins cornerback Nolan Carroll during a punt in the team's 10-6 loss Sunday. "My conduct was inexcusable and unsportsmanlike and does not reflect what this organization stands for," Alosi said.
posted by Mr Bismarck to football at 09:22 AM - 47 comments
Somehow I can't help but think Alosi is only remorseful for failing in his attempt to blow out Carroll's knee.
Somebody prove me wrong here, please.
posted by NerfballPro at 09:38 AM on December 13, 2010
That should trump Harrison's $75,000 fines by I don't even know how much, plus suspension. For all the Jets fans who harp on Spygate, no one got "hurt" by it.
posted by gfinsf at 09:39 AM on December 13, 2010
Alosi's resignation in 10, 9, 8 ...
posted by rcade at 09:41 AM on December 13, 2010
On Mike & Mike this morning, they pointed out the irony of him winning a Governor's award during his college football playing days for outstanding sportsmanship.
posted by NoMich at 09:49 AM on December 13, 2010
Now he's got a Woody Hayes award to go along with it.
posted by beaverboard at 10:02 AM on December 13, 2010
Whoops, I didn't mean any of the actual prestigious Hayes awards that are given out every year, but a figurative one to commemorate Hayes' assaulting a Clemson player in the 1978 Gator Bowl.
posted by beaverboard at 10:28 AM on December 13, 2010
This happened in the CFL during the championship game (Grey Cup). There is video out there (I've seen it during a top 10 list of crazy Grey Cup moments), but I can't find it out in the wild. Here is a quiz where they reference it.
2. OK, here we go. Can't have a cup quiz without this question. In 1957 at Varsity Stadium in Toronto, a Hamilton player picked up a fumble and headed the other way for an apparent touchdown. Someone on the sidelines stuck out a foot and tripped him. Who was the player?
...
2. Ray "Bibbles" Bawel. The perpetrator of the incident took off out of the stadium and wasn't identified. David Humphrey, a young local lawyer who would go on to become an Ontario Court judge, admitted a few years later that he did it. A perfect example of being tripped up by the justice system.
posted by grum@work at 10:45 AM on December 13, 2010
He should be fired and have to go look for a job outside of football. He shouldn't get a second chance after doing that and then admitting that it was intentional.
posted by Hugh Janus at 11:32 AM on December 13, 2010
I don't know about getting a second chance, but he should be disciplined AT LEAST as severely as those DB's illegal hits on receivers, although IMO this is far worse. I also see this as a reflection of leadership on that team, or lack thereof.
posted by kcfan4life at 11:46 AM on December 13, 2010
As a longtime Jets fan, I've been waiting for their inevitable slide. And here it is, with the added bonus of a cheap shot from the coaching staff. Well done.
Sanchez gets a ton of heat, much of it deserved, but his receivers don't seem to have the stickiest hands. Schottenheimer's timid offensive schemes don't help either.
posted by afl-aba at 11:46 AM on December 13, 2010
The Jets have come a long way in seven days. Straight down.
posted by rcade at 12:17 PM on December 13, 2010
And they're sniping at each other and the coaching staff in general now. Anyone think Rex Ryan and his band of thugs (AKA the coaching staff) will be back next year?
posted by NerfballPro at 12:57 PM on December 13, 2010
Somewhat reminiscent of the Tommy Lewis-Dick Moegle play from the 1954 Cotton Bowl.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,819339,00.html
posted by TheQatarian at 01:13 PM on December 13, 2010
Out of curiosity, what happens if a player is in the open field headed for a touchdown and gets tripped by somebody on the sidelines?
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 02:05 PM on December 13, 2010
ESPN said that Alosi's apology had been issued by the Jets' PR department. Does anyone care to guess who wrote it?
what happens if a player is in the open field headed for a touchdown and gets tripped by somebody on the sidelines?
A quick look at the NFL rule book says that a touchdown may be awarded if there is a palpably unfair act that prevents the touchdown. I guess that would apply to someone sticking a foot out from the sidelines.
posted by Howard_T at 02:14 PM on December 13, 2010
Just want to mention that I think its still too early to write the Jets off. Sometimes a couple of humiliating losses can refocus a team.
I recognize that, historically, that isn't really the Jets' M.O., but this season has been a little nuts, so anything is possible.
To the issue at hand... well, that's as bush league a move as anything I've seen in the NFL. Its hard to upstage two huge losses, but Alosi's move managed to do it. I wouldn't be surprised if Alosi is a talk show and ESPN punch-line for at least the rest of the season.
posted by Joey Michaels at 02:27 PM on December 13, 2010
Just want to mention that I think its still too early to write the Jets off. Sometimes a couple of humiliating losses can refocus a team.
But refocus on what? "Winning" is a little too broad at this stage of the game. What specifically would the Jets refocus on that could give them some playoff energy?
posted by lil_brown_bat at 02:30 PM on December 13, 2010
Rex Ryan doesn't have an ounce of class and his team and coaching staff are becoming an extension of his personality. As a friend of mine use to say the Jets are "all sizzle and no steak"
posted by Atheist at 03:32 PM on December 13, 2010
The way the AFC stands this year, I think the only way the Jets don't make the playoffs is if SD ends up tied with them but KC wins the AFC West. And that can happen if both SD & KC win out (possible - they both play a run of weak teams - though KC does play StL next week and StL is fighting for the NFC West) and the Jets win 1 of 3 (also possible as their last game is against Buffalo, though it is in Buffalo).
Not that they're going far in the playoffs, but then again anything can happen in the playoffs.
posted by kokaku at 03:42 PM on December 13, 2010
But refocus on what?
I'd suggest they start by refocusing their assistant coaches on not tripping players from the opposing teams.
That said, I'd start by getting the offensive line refocused on getting first downs. They were pretty good at that just a month ago but Sanchez's rhythm (or something) is just all out of rhythm with the rest of the line.
To whit, they don't seem to be playing so much like a team as a bunch of dudes who are pretty good at football but freaking out.
posted by Joey Michaels at 03:56 PM on December 13, 2010
Just want to mention that I think its still too early to write the Jets off. Sometimes a couple of humiliating losses can refocus a team.
But refocus on what? "Winning" is a little too broad at this stage of the game. What specifically would the Jets refocus on that could give them some playoff energy?
They could ask the Patriots. They've been on a tear after that dismal effort against the Browns.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 04:46 PM on December 13, 2010
As a related issue, there seems to be far too many people crowding the sidelines during these games. Look at the lineup standing alongside Alosi when this happened. Are you telling me a game can't be played without them hanging out down there? Get them the hell off the sidelines and up into the pressbox or stands.
As for what should happen, fire him. This shouldn't be handled with a fine. If the clown can't think any clearer, or act more professionally than that, he needs to find a new line of work. The league should step in and make a definite statement about this type of situation.
posted by dyams at 05:07 PM on December 13, 2010
YYM - not to derail from bagging on the Jets, but that loss to the Browns was probably the best thing to happen to the Pats this year - if they had rolled over Cleveland, I wonder if they'd've come out so strongly against the Steelers and Colts.
posted by kokaku at 05:35 PM on December 13, 2010
StL is fighting for the NFC West
I had to look that one up, and I see that they are actually tied for the division lead. Holy crap!
posted by bender at 06:11 PM on December 13, 2010
As a related issue, there seems to be far too many people crowding the sidelines during these games. Look at the lineup standing alongside Alosi when this happened. Are you telling me a game can't be played without them hanging out down there? Get them the hell off the sidelines and up into the pressbox or stands.
That is intentional. The NFL sent a message to the teams telling them to stay back.
posted by bperk at 07:36 PM on December 13, 2010
They could ask the Patriots. They've been on a tear after that dismal effort against the Browns.
I think that's because Hoodie made them run the stadium steps. I know I would have.
(gleefully, I might add)
posted by lil_brown_bat at 07:56 PM on December 13, 2010
Sanchez gets a ton of heat, much of it deserved, but his receivers don't seem to have the stickiest hands.
FTFY.
And...complete lack of class on Alosi's part. It's an embarrassment.
posted by cjets at 08:02 PM on December 13, 2010
Alosi has been fined $25,000 by the Jets and suspended without pay for the rest of the season.
No word on action from the league itself yet.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 08:15 PM on December 13, 2010
The league suspended him for the regular season AND the playoffs.
posted by cjets at 10:27 PM on December 13, 2010
One of the Boston Globe bloggers (Eric Wilbur) had a "what if" proposition in his blog today. It could happen if:
Indianapolis and San Diego each lose at least one more game in their next 2.
Miami wins its next 2 games.
Jets lose their next 2 games.
Patriots win their next 2 games.
This brings us to the final week of the season with New York and Miami tied for the last playoff spot. Miami will be 3 - 2 in the division, while Jets will be 3 - 3. Miami will be in New England for the final game vs Patriots, needing a win to make the playoffs and eliminate the Jets. Patriots, on the other hand, will have clinched home field for the playoffs because they would hold the tiebreaker over the Steelers. Does anyone think that Mr. Belichick would not take great delight in resting his starters for at least part of the game? By so doing, he could hand the playoff spot to Miami and rub it in very nicely to the Jets. In the light of recent events, I think a fair-sized portion of football fandom might applaud.
posted by Howard_T at 12:46 AM on December 14, 2010
Howard, you have your facts wrong. Even if the Jets lose their next two, they will still be 3-2 in division with their last game of the season against Buffalo.
Besides, as a Patriot fan, if there's one thing you should know, it's that Belichick plays to win in every game he plays.
posted by cjets at 01:01 AM on December 14, 2010
If he thinks Belichick would ask his players to throw a game Eric Wilbur clearly hasn't been paying attention.
It could all be moot by the end of this coming week anyway. With the Dolphin offence, well, offensive, Buffalo could end this fantasy this weekend.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 06:23 AM on December 14, 2010
it's that Belichick plays to win in every game he plays.
If he thinks Belichick would ask his players to throw a game Eric Wilbur clearly hasn't been paying attention.
Sure he has. The Pats played their backup QB (think it was Cassel at the time) in the last regular season game a few years back when it suited them to lose. None of which is to say Eric Wilbur isn't a blowhard whose output consists almost entirely of flights of fantasy.
posted by yerfatma at 10:17 AM on December 14, 2010
Agree with all of the above that there is very little likelihood of Belichick deliberately throwing a game. Also agree that Eric Wilbur's imagination tends to run away with his keyboard. Still, it does make for a scenario rich in schadenfreude for the anti-Jets fans in New England.
posted by Howard_T at 02:14 PM on December 14, 2010
Well a $25,000 fine for a player who makes millions a year for trying to injure another player with an illegal hit seems to be the norm, I find it kind of excessive for this incident. I am not saying it was OK but, what does a strength coach make in the NFL?. $25,000 plus loosing your job for a quarter of the year may be a little excessive for a momentary loss of judgement. This guy is a guy who probably makes less than six figures. $25K after taxes is a pretty steep fine percentage-wise compared to what players are routinely fined for far worse.
I always thought that the opposing teams sideline was hostile territory and while I am not trying to justify his action, I can certainly see where as a member of the Jets he in some weird way was just doing his part to keep their sideline an unfriendly place for the opposing team. Maybe he should have just accidentally got in the way without being quite so obvious. .
If an opposing player is flying out of bounds I suppose the nice thing to do is try to catch them or prevent them from landing on a bench or camera or something, but then again would anybody make a stink if a coach or player failed to break the fall of the opposing player as opposed to just getting out of the way and allowing the guy to fly into the bench? What the hell was a player running down the field out of bounds anyway. There are a lot of obstacles once you are five feet out of bounds. I didn't even think it was legal to be outside the field of play by that much.
posted by Atheist at 03:01 PM on December 14, 2010
Agree with all of the above that there is very little likelihood of Belichick deliberately throwing a game. Also agree that Eric Wilbur's imagination tends to run away with his keyboard. Still, it does make for a scenario rich in schadenfreude for the anti-Jets fans in New England.
It's an interesting conjecture, if only because it's fun to think about all the factors: resting starters (and is that really a good thing...yeah, maybe, thinking back to Welker and the last game of the '09 season...but maybe not), going for the sure knockout of the Jets, being confident that you could hand the Jets another pasting if you met them in the postseason...taking emotion and sportsmanship out of it and look at pure gameplaying, and it's interesting all by itself. As far as what Belichick would see as the right thing to do (I suspect it's most strongly aligned with what's right for the team, whatever that means), or what emotional satisfaction he'd derive from any of those choices, I wouldn't care to speculate. He plays 'em close to the chest in all things, but in nothing more than re: how he feels about something.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 03:39 PM on December 14, 2010
$25K after taxes is a pretty steep fine percentage-wise compared to what players are routinely fined for far worse.
Totally agree. The NFL combines sanctimony with hypocrisy in an amazing brew. They want to stop player helmet-to-helmet hits but apply penalties of less than 1% of a player's income. When the hired help screws up though, they let them have it to look tough without risking relations with the NFLPA during negotiations.
In no way to I endorse this moron's act, but the tacked on $25,000 seems unnecessary. If you took away almost a quarter of my annual income, I'd have a hard time coming up with $25,000 to pay you.
posted by yerfatma at 03:40 PM on December 14, 2010
$25,000 plus loosing your job for a quarter of the year may be a little excessive for a momentary loss of judgement.
I disagree. He could have ended Carroll's career doing something like that. As it was, Carroll had to be helped off the field. Going out of bounds is a normal part of football, and the penalty for someone on the sideline intentionally trying to hurt or trip a player should be severe.
posted by bperk at 03:42 PM on December 14, 2010
The guy has no reason to be even be on the field/sideline.
posted by dyams at 03:53 PM on December 14, 2010
Well if this guy has no reason even be on the field/sideline because he tripped a guy or if he should be banned from working because he tried to trip a guy out of the field of play, should a guy who is an ex con / convicted felon be allowed to play in the NFL?
I think some consistency in how certain transgressions should be handled would be very helpful. I mean if you commit a crack back block which can end a players career is treated with a 15 yard penalty, a helmet to helmet hit which can paralyze a player is a $25,000 fine, and a second offense is a fine and a one game suspension, being accused of a sexual assault is only a four game suspension, committing animal cruelty getting convicted in a court of law for a felony is a four or six game suspension when you return, why on earth is what this guy did a $25,000 fine and a four game suspension?
The NFL is penalizing guys the same for a crack back block or taking out a knee as they are for dancing too much after a touchdown. Someone needs to take a serious look at the policies that are in force here.
I do realize that is was the Jets that fined and suspended the coach, not the league but to me it was probably due to league pressure and regardless some sort of sane and fair approach to misconduct that is commensurate to the infraction would be a needed improvement.
posted by Atheist at 05:04 PM on December 14, 2010
but then again would anybody make a stink if a coach or player failed to break the fall of the opposing player as opposed to just getting out of the way and allowing the guy to fly into the bench?
No, I've seen it happen more than once. But there's a big difference between not helping someone and deliberately tripping them up.
posted by cjets at 05:47 PM on December 14, 2010
Still, it does make for a scenario rich in schadenfreude for the anti-Jets fans in New England.
Of which I am guessing you are one of the founding members.
posted by cjets at 05:48 PM on December 14, 2010
What the hell was a player running down the field out of bounds anyway.
He's the Gunner on the punt coverage team and they are routinely blocked out of bounds - especially the Gunner on the short side of the field closest to the hashmark on which the ball was snapped.
I went off to NFL Rewind, picked two games at random and then two punts at random and in both the Gunner on the short side is knocked out - in fact on the second one Raiders' Gunner Stevie Brown is blocked out of bounds, runs back into the field and is blocked out of bounds again.
It happens often enough that there are penalties the zebras can call around it - if the Gunner runs out of bounds without being blocked out he can be called for "Illegal Participation."
If he is blocked out of bounds and then doesn't make an adequate attempt to reutrn to the field then he can be flagged for Unsportsmanlike Conduct... In fact, two punts before the one where Alosi decided to get involved Rashad Jones is blocked out and runs down the sideline and is flagged for it, giving the Jets a free 15 yards. So it's not as if New York had to "police" the sideline because it's clear the refs were paying attention.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 07:12 PM on December 14, 2010
I mean if you commit a crack back block which can end a players career is treated with a 15 yard penalty, a helmet to helmet hit which can paralyze a player is a $25,000 fine, and a second offense is a fine and a one game suspension, being accused of a sexual assault is only a four game suspension, committing animal cruelty getting convicted in a court of law for a felony is a four or six game suspension when you return, why on earth is what this guy did a $25,000 fine and a four game suspension?
This particular transgression affects the integrity of the game more than any of these you have mentioned. It is flat-out cheating and wrong. All of the other things you have mentioned are either a regular part of the game or completely unrelated to the game.
posted by bperk at 07:21 PM on December 14, 2010
I disagree. He could have ended Carroll's career doing something like that
That's true, but it seems to me that people routinely get hit less hard than that for a first-offense DUI that doesn't result in injury, and the potential to do harm is much greater there. Yes, no?
posted by lil_brown_bat at 11:45 AM on December 15, 2010
But, once again, that is a punishment that is completely unrelated to football. I don't know why they should be handled the same. The only punishment Alosi is going to be handed down is what he gets from the team or NFL. A person in trouble with DUI has other non-football related punishments to discourage that behavior.
posted by bperk at 12:56 PM on December 15, 2010
Stay classy, New "York."