Jets strength coach Alosi resigns
Jets strength and conditioning coordinator Sal Alosi resigned on Monday after he had been suspended for tripping a Miami Dolphins player on a kick return in a game in December. Credit: Getty Images
Sal Alosi's days with the Jets are over.
The strength and conditioning coach, suspended indefinitely since Dec. 13 for sticking out his knee and tripping Dolphins gunner Nolan Carroll in the Jets' 10-6 loss a day earlier, resigned Monday.
Alosi, a Massapequa native who played at Hofstra, had been in limbo and was fined $25,000 for the incident and for failing to disclose all the information during the Jets' initial investigation of the matter. His resignation ends a seven-week ordeal and brings a close to one of the many off-the-field incidents surrounding the Jets during their run to the AFC Championship Game.
"After speaking with Sal, he decided that it is best for him to tender his resignation at this time," general manager Mike Tannenbaum said in a statement. "We appreciate all of Sal's contributions during his tenure with the team. He played an invaluable role in our success and established what we feel is one of the better strength and conditioning programs in the NFL."
The Jets say Alosi acted alone in ordering their inactive players to form a sideline wall so they could deter Miami's special-teams players from running downfield out of bounds while trying to cover punts. Special-teams coordinator Mike Westhoff maintained he had no knowledge of Alosi's orders and, in an interview with a Chicago radio station, hinted the Patriots had done something similar.
The NFL later came down hard on the Jets, slapping them with a $100,000 fine for what it felt was a dangerous move and a violation in attempting to gain a competitive advantage. Westhoff's comments also were factored into the fine, which the Jets are appealing.
Alosi said he thought it was prudent for him to part ways with the franchise. Alosi served as the team's strength and conditioning coach since 2007. He was the Jets' assistant strength and conditioning coach from 2002-05 before becoming the Falcons' head strength and conditioning coach in 2006.
"I'm thankful to have been a part of the New York Jets," Alosi said in the statement. "I am especially grateful to Mr. Johnson, Mike Tannenbaum and Rex Ryan for allowing me the opportunity to be a head strength and conditioning coach in this league.
"I have many fond memories . . . After the events that have transpired, I feel it's best for my family and me to look for a fresh start. I wish nothing but the best for the entire organization."
