NFL investigating charges by Jets' Westhoff
Jets special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff could be in trouble with the league after publicly complaining that the Patriots use a "wall" along their sidelines on kick returns. Credit: John Dunn, 2009
Mike Westhoff's comments could get him in trouble with the NFL.
Speaking to 150 season-ticket holders at Sunday night's matchup between the Patriots and Packers in Foxborough, Mass., commissioner Roger Goodell said the NFL is investigating comments made by the Jets special teams coordinator to a Chicago radio station last week.
Westhoff suggested the Patriots have used a wall-like formation along the sidelines before, similar to what the Jets did against the Dolphins, when strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi ordered the Jets' inactives to stand close to the sideline to deter Miami's "gunners" from running out of bounds covering punts.
Alosi has since been suspended indefinitely and Westhoff denied any knowledge of the act. But the league was at the team's Florham Park, N.J., training complex Friday conducting its investigation, and Goodell made it clear they are checking out Westhoff's words, as well.
"It's something that we're looking into," Goodell said, according to The Boston Globe. "Our staff has been looking into it and I expect to get a report within the next day or so.''
Goodell also said a punishment would be handed out "if there's a violation of the policy.''
NFL policy stipulates teams must direct complaints about opposing teams to the league, not air them publicly.
A Jets spokesman said "this is a league matter and they have our full cooperation."
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