NFL investigates, issues guideline reminder

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - The NFL sent representatives to the Jets' practice facility Friday as part of its investigation into Sunday's tripping incident involving the team's strength and conditioning coach and a Miami player.

It was first reported by ESPN and confirmed Friday night by Newsday.

In light of the incident - in which Sal Alosi, a Massapequa native and former Hofstra player, was suspended indefinitely for tripping special-teamer Nolan Carroll during the Jets' 10-6 loss to the Dolphins - the league issued a reminder of sideline guidelines to all 32 teams.

According to the rules, each organization must appoint a "get-back coach" - which, in the Jets' case, was Alosi - who must be aware of the rules and enforce them. Only the game officials and chain crew are permitted in the "first border," or white stripe along the sideline.

In the "second border," which extends 6 feet to the solid yellow line within the bench area, only the head coach, assistants in charge of calling signals or substitutions and small groups of substitution players are permitted. All others must remain in the bench area behind the second border.

Violations of these rules by the team or individuals could lead to in-game penalties or other disciplinary action, including fines or suspensions.

Jets coach Rex Ryan said that having received the memo, he is confident that his team won't incur any infractions. "Our team will be way back, you know?" he said playfully. "That's pretty safe to say; we will be the leaders in that."

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Ryan reiterated that he had no prior knowledge that Alosi ordered players to create a wall on the sideline during punt returns. He also dismissed the comments of former Ravens coach Brian Billick, now an NFL analyst, who said on ESPN radio Thursday: "Of course Rex knew about this."

"I wish he would have asked me," Ryan said. "I would have told him the truth."

Though the Jets insist Alosi acted alone, there's growing sentiment that Ryan and special-teams coordinator Mike Westhoff somehow were involved, which both coaches have vehemently denied.

"The facts are the facts," Ryan said. "I never knew, so it's easy for me to stand up here and tell you that. I'm not a guy that lies about anything. I'm just speaking the truth. If that amazes people or whatever, it amazes people."

He said he spoke to Jets owner Woody Johnson and general manager Mike Tannenbaum upon their return from the owners' meetings in Dallas but preferred to keep the details of the conversation private.

A team spokesman said Johnson will address reporters next week.