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Jets Owner Pops Up in NYC to Chat with Reporters

Woody Johnson was helping with the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the NFL’s new pop-up store in midtown Manhattan this morning. And in that role he was also available for reporters, who had yet to hear from the Jets owner on several topics of interest to the fans.

One of the big issues was the sudden word of a rumored Jets return to “Hard Knocks” this summer, two years after the team’s first appearance on the annual NFL Films/HBO miniseries. Would they? Could they? Mr. J played it down the middle.

He didn’t deny. “I’ve heard that,” he said of those reports. “We have yet to receive a formal invitation. When we do, we’ll take a look at it.”

But he didn’t confirm: “All those concerns, the positives, the negatives, we’d have to look at, just sit around and say yea or nay. This is not a perfect science. We would use our best judgment at that point.”

One reason the Jets would be of interest to “Hard Knocks” would be the trade for their new backup QB. Johnson also spoke for the first time of the arrival of Tim Tebow last week.

“We never knew Tim would be available,” he said. “In looking at Tim, he brings a versatility and a capability at backup quarterback that we think is unique and will be very productive for us.”

As for how Tebow’s role develops, Woody said, “that’s kind of up to the coaches and Tim. How he does with it, the kind of reps he’s going to get as the second-string quarterback, I’m sure he’ll try to improve any way he can. His passing, that only helps the team, makes him more of a threat.”

Johnson said he’s not worried about the relationship between Mark Sanchez and Tebow, saying he thinks the Jets’ starter is “going to handle it great.” And he dismissed a popular storyline that a “circus atmosphere” on the team this season is inevitable.

“It’ll be a football atmosphere for sure,” he said. “I really don’t think that’s going to be the case. Our goal is to win games and get to the Super Bowl, that’s our goal. We strongly feel this move and other moves we’re going to be making, that we’ve already made and will be making, are going to put us on the track to do that. We also go to Cortland this year, which is a huge part of who Rex is and the way he builds teams.”

That’s Cortland, as in SUNY Cortland, site of the Jets’ first two training camps under head coach Rex Ryan before last year’s labor situation kept the team at home in North Jersey last year. Whether the NFL Films cameras will be patrolling the campus along with the Green & White, we can’t say yet. But the owner’s holding court in New York City today was a timely reminder that three months after the NFL Draft, and after “The NFL Shop at Draft” closes its doors, four months from today, the heat once again will be on Johnson’s Green & White.

Eric Allen talked with TE Dustin Keller at today’s event. He’ll file a report as well as a video on his chat with DK on Tuesday.

Damien Woody Calls It a Playing Career

It was good to see D-Wood back in the building today, but like many events at this time of the year, it was a bittersweet moment as well. Damien Woody, one of the good guys and one really good and versatile offensive lineman, was back here today to announce his retirement from the NFL.

“The game of football, man, has been a blessing,” said Woody, who shared the moment in the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center with Nicole, his high school sweetheart and wife of 12 years. “I don’t even have words to describe what football has done for me in my life and her life.”

But of course Woody had many words today — he’d better, since he’s going into a new line of work as a broadcaster and analyst for ESPN as an NFL analyst.. And many of them were kind words toward the Jets, who put him to great use as their right tackle anchor for the last three of his dozen-year pro career.

“When I came over here, I had only played five games at tackle, just five games at the end of the season with the Detroit Lions. They took a chance on me and signed me to a big deal when I came over — that’s a big leap of faith right there,” he said. “Throughout my time here, they’ve really taken care of me and my family, from the top down, Woody Johnson, Eric Mangini when I first came in to Rex, Mike Tannenbaum. We have a great relationship. I’ve got the utmost respect for everybody in the building.”

Ryan, who often rode the Jets’ ground-and-pound running game — No. 1 in the NFL in yards gained in 2009-10 combined — off of Woody’s wide base, returned the favor.

“D-Wood’s a tremendous player, and I don’t know if people realize how competitive he is,” Ryan said in introducing Woody to reporters at the end of his daily news conference in the media room. “He’d get the tough assignments and never flinch. He’s one of the great centers in this game, a Pro Bowl center, a great tackle. You could fit him across the line anyplace you’d want.”

Now Woody will be fitting into TV and radio studios as a talking head for ESPN and ESPN New York Radio. In the spirit of that role he was asked to analyze a few things on the Jets — quarterback Mark Sanchez for starters. He gave a critical analysis of Sanchez, but most of it was a very positive critique.

“This team’s going to be a competitor for a while,” he said. “It has the nucleus in place. You can’t win without a quarterback, and they’ve got a quarterback. The guy’s the real deal. Obviously he’s in a tough market, everything he does is going to get scrutinized, but this guy’s the real deal. … What Mark needs to do is that whatever he’s doing in the playoffs, now he has to do it in the regular season. If he does that, the sky’s the limit for this team.”

Another opinion thread from Woody, who broke in as a radio host with Sirius XM NFL Radio last year, is on the nature of the “game” he was involved in. He wasn’t sure if he should use a certain word to describe his release by the Jets before the lockout, but he did anyway.

“Look, this is a business,” he said, “but everything was just done gracefully. Everybody was just reaching out to explain the situation. Everybody in this organization has just treated me well.”

Ryan echoed some of those sentiments when he was asked about this eternally tough part of the game and of losing people from his locker room every year.

“I don’t think concern is the appropriate word,” he said of some recent events, such as Jerricho Cotchery’s release, Shaun Ellis’ possible departure, and Woody’s retirement. “Obviously I recognize the leadership these men brought to our team, there’s no question about it. We have other leaders here as well. One thing about this is this is the Jets family. We’re a team.

“This is the league, this is what we’re in now. Sometimes you can’t keep everybody. Sometimes guys are moving on to bigger paydays, sometimes they choose to leave, sometimes it’s time for them to leave. These are the cold, hard facts. But I believe in every one of the guys who come into this building. We believe in them. We also also want to be world champions. That’s not just lip service. We’re trying to do it.

“There’s a lot of guys I’d love to have back, but that’s not the way it is.”

Yet every once in a while, during a break in the activity toward building that team to compete for the world championship, teams and players get to come back and embrace one more time before moving off on separate paths.

“I didn’t really want to see Damien go,” said Brandon Moore, Woody’s next-door neighbor at right guard. “But in talking to him this offseason, this was something he was considering. He had a hell of a career, and picked it up even more at the end when he came here. It was a pleasure to play with him, with a guy of that caliber. You don’t get that opportunity a lot during your career.  I know he’ll be successful in whatever he chooses to do after this.”

“He’s always got that smile on his face,” said Ryan, “and he’s a guy who’s going to be involved in this game a long, long time.”

“You never know. You never expect this day to happen,” Woody said. “But one thing I say is I’m really looking forward to life after football, especially my body.

“This is a great day.”

Say hallelujah one last time for Damien Woody.

The On-Field Résumé

Woody played in 173 games in his 12 NFL regular seasons with 166 starts, and added eight more games and starts for four playoff teams, including the Jets’ two PO teams and one start in Super Bowl XXXVI for the Patriots.

At one time, in 2007, he was the only active player who had made at least five starts at center, guard and tackle each. Here’s how his versatility shook out in starts by position:

Left guard — 14 starts in all games, 13 starts in regular season

Center — 63 / 60

Right guard — 43 / 43

Right tackle — 54 / 50

One other note on Woody: In his 49 Jets games, he was hit with a few false starts, but he had only one holding penalty marked off against him, and none in his last 47 Jets games.

Mark Sanchez’s Mantra: ‘Whatever It Takes’

The Jets were clearly back in business today and Mark Sanchez said, “It’s on.”

In his first appearance at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in more than four months, the Green & White’s franchise signalcaller indicated he’s open to rework his contract in order to provide some cap relief while bracing for the possibility that either Santonio Holmes or Braylon Edwards will walk away in free agency.

Sanchez, who reportedly inked a five-year contract worth more than $44.5 million (including $28 million guaranteed) back in June 2009, is committed to helping his team during this all-important free agency period.

“Whatever it takes,” he said this afternoon, adding of the free agency/trading period ahead, “And that’s Mr. Tannenbaum’s and Mr. Johnson’s and Rex’s — that’s like their third-down conversion. That’s them trying to throw a touchdown pass, that’s them getting a sack. That’s what we do on the field — well, this is what they do in the offseason. I know they’ll position us and acquire the best talent we possibly can with the finances we have.”

Prepared to help the team with its financial bottom line, Sanchez is clearly open to all options.

“But whatever it takes,” he reiterated. “Whether it’s adjusting contracts, delaying payment — whatever we have to do. Our team will do it. I know that and we’ll be unselfish with that, so we’ll get it figured out.”

And Sanchez didn’t stop with himself.

“Whatever we need to do, it’s on. And I think our whole team feels that way,” he said. “Revis, me, whoever. It doesn’t matter, so we’ll do whatever we can.”

While it may not be possible to keep both Holmes and Edwards in green and white, Sanchez realizes it’s highly unlikely. He didn’t wait long to place more responsibility on his shoulders heading into his third season.

“It was such a luxury to have both of them last year and it’s almost unrealistic to have that kind of a receiving corps again,” he said. “But whichever guys we get back, it’s going to be them playing really well and me getting even better — upping my completion percentage, being more accurate, things like that, throwing less interceptions and more touchdowns. That will help us well whether we have Santonio, Braylon and Brad [Smith] or one of the three, two of the three, whatever it is. It’s a matter of both sides getting better.”

Even though Sanchez wasn’t able to work with the Jets’ offensive coaches during the offseason, his growth as a leader was noticeable. He again held a “Jets West” camp out in his native Southern California and he also was one of the ringleaders of “Camp Lockout” back here in New Jersey.

“Physically this offseason is the best I’ve worked out and prepared for a season. I’m in great shape. I feel wonderful, I feel great,” he said. “The mental side, I think that first year having all that time with coaches during my rehab really helped. And this year that lack of it, we’re going to have to squeeze some of that during the first few weeks of camp.”

Winning is on Sanchez’s mind and it is indeed on.

“Whatever it takes to win. If that’s throwing the ball left-handed and that’s going to make us win, fine, I’ll throw the ball left-handed. It doesn’t matter,” he said. “We need to win. We’ll get the right players and we’ll tell them everything we need to tell them that’s true and we’ll move on from there.”

Woody Statement on NFL Ratification of CBA

Woody Johnson, the New York Jets’ chairman & CEO, issued a statement through the team tonight on the NFL owners’ ratification earlier in the evening of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

“Thanks to Roger, DeMaurice, the members of the CEC, the players and all those who worked so hard to help us get to this point,” Johnson said. “The clubs have ratified a 10-year agreement that is both comprehensive and fair. I am confident that we will be back on the field soon and that we have put a framework in place that will make the game better in the long run.”

Woody Johnson Statement on Death of Myra Kraft

Myra Kraft, the wife of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, died this morning following her courageous battle with cancer.

Woody Johnson, the New York Jets’ chairman and CEO, has released this statement through the Jets:

“On behalf of the Johnson family and the New York Jets, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Bob, the Kraft family, and the New England Patriots organization on the passing of Myra Kraft. A passionate and caring woman, Myra’s legacy will be the scores of people she touched through her love, friendship, and philanthropic endeavors.”

Hess Posthumously Enters NJ Hall of Fame

Here’s one more salute to the memory of Leon Hess.

Hess, the former Jets owner and longtime Garden State resident and businessman, was inducted posthumously into the New Jersey Hall of Fame on Sunday night.

He was one of the group of five men who originally bought the New York Titans out of bankruptcy early in 1963, and appropriately enough, his induction was presented to the crowd at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark by none other than Joe Namath, who was drafted by Hess, Sonny Werblin and the Jets ownership group in 1965 and signed a contract for the then shocking sum of $427,000. Connie Hess Williams, Hess’ daughter, accepted the induction honor from Namath.

Hess became sole owner of the team in 1984 and he always treasured the Jets and wanted to see them return to the Super Bowl. He held few news conferences over the years but he became known for addressing team and giving them a Hess peptalk following each Thanksgiving Day practice.

After hiring Bill Parcells to coach the Green & White in 1997, he almost got his Super wish when the Big Tuna, Vinny Testaverde and the Jets reached the AFC Championship Game before losing to the Broncos, 23-10, in Denver. Hess died four months later at 85. Soon after, Woody Johnson, the Jets’ current president/CEO, bought the team from the Hess estate.

When Hess did speak, he was an engaging interviewee. He regaled fans and reporters with details of how he used to dig up clams on the beach near his home in Asbury Park. As detailed in the Star-Ledger story on the event, he got his start running running a one-truck oil delivery business in Asbury Park during the Depression. Today, Hess is one of the largest oil companies in the country, with more than 1,360 Hess stations, refineries in New Jersey and the Virgin Islands, and operations in the United States, South America, Africa, Europe, Eurasia and the Asian Pacific.

Two other NFL luminaries in the hall’s fourth class are Pro Football Hall of Fame RB Franco Harris and Super Bowl-winning QB Joe Theismann. The other 10 in the hall’s fourth class: Bruce Willis, John Travolta, Tony Bennett, Queen Latifah, Martha Stewart, former Gov. Brendan Byrne, World War II heroes John Basilone and Admiral William “Bull” Halsey, novelist Mary Higgins Clark and jazz great John “Bucky” Pizzarelli.

3,500 Rock On at Jets Draft Day Party

As the wild, unpredictable first round of the 2011 NFL Draft unfolds on the enormous videoboards in each corner of New Meadowlands Stadium, one thing can be said definitively: A good time is being had by all who are attending the Jets’ annual Draft Day Party.

The party continues for Green & White fans on the east side of their team’s one-year-old home, with a crowd of 3,500 coming out into the stands onto the turf where their heroes perform during the season on Sunday afternoons and, increasingly, on selected Sunday and Monday nights.

“This is great, what the Jets do for families here,” said Rich, a father from nearby Secaucus whose children took part in an “NFL Combine” featuring a 40-yard dash, broad jump and field goal kick among the Jets Fest inflatables. “My kids had a great time playing on the same field Darrelle Revis plays on.”

The North Jersey weather, which was as turbulent earlier in the day as the first round is tonight, has also been agreeable. After tornado warnings and heavy storms throughout the day, the clouds departed in time for the fans to enter the stadium. Tonight it’s been humid but winds have been helping to keep things enjoyable.

The party, presented by the New York Daily News, Pepsi Max, Toyota and Verizon, had several other attractions. Bob Wischusen, the radio voice of the Jets, hosted a predraft program live on ESPN 1050 from 7-8 p.m. on the Bud Light Stage with Greg Buttle. Buttle was joined by fellow Jets alumni Wesley Walker, Bruce Harper and Bobby Jackson, all of whom spent time with the partygoers, signing autographs and posing for photos.

Jets owner Woody Johnson also was on hand early to great the early arrivers before departing for the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, where he joined GM Mike Tannenbaum, head coach before coming to the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center for the Jets’ pick, around 8:30, was at the stadium with fans at the party.

“The party was terrific,” said Wischusen. “The different experiences Jets fans were able to enjoy made it completely different than years past, and that’s what the stadium offers. In addition to eating, drinking and watching the draft, families can go on the field, play on the inflatables and go in the Jets locker room. There’s so much more to do. I think people really enjoyed it.”

Rex’s Book Signing Itinerary

Following are the dates, times and bookstores at which fans can have a copy of Rex Ryan’s new book, “Play Like You Mean It: Passion, Laughs, and Leadership in the World’s Most Beautiful Game,” signed by the Jets head coach next week:

Tuesday, May 3, noon-2 p.m.

Barnes & Noble, 555 Fifth Ave. at 46th St., New York, NY 10017. Phone: 212-697-3048

Wednesday, May 4, 7-9 p.m.

Book Revue, 313 New York Ave, Huntington, NY 11743. Phone: 631-271-1442

Thursday, May 5, 7-9 p.m.

Mendham Books, 84 East Main St., Mendham, NJ 07945. Phone: 973-543-4949

ESPN’s Experts Like Jets’ Bold Leadership

Rex Ryan might not be a rock star, but he sure does attract plenty of attention everywhere he goes. When Ryan walked into the media room here in Indianapolis on Thursday, reporters flocked to hear what he would say next.

But while Ryan might be the front man, NFL insiders know the Jets are a hit band. The triumvirate of Ryan, owner Woody Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum has earned plenty of respect in league circles for an aggressive, intelligent approach.

“What you have is an owner here in Woody Johnson who’s emboldened his general manager, Mike Tannenbaum, to be bold if you see players you really like,” Chris Mortensen, ESPN’s NFL senior reporter, told newyorkjets.com. “They obviously have a great scouting department with Terry Bradway [senior personnel executive)] and Joey Clinkscales [VP, college scouting] and those guys. If you have a conviction, let’s go get ‘em. Let’s be bold.”

Under Tannenbaum’s direction, New York’s AFC representative has moved up on draft weekend to acquire the following players: RB Shonn Greene, QB Mark Sanchez, TE Dustin Keller, ILB David Harris, CB Darrelle Revis and C Nick Mangold.

ESPN’s John Clayton said of Mr. T, “As a cap guy, he was a great dealmaker. As a GM, he’s a dealmaker. He loves making deals, he gets a rush making deals, and he’s very good at making deals. When you think about what he’s done, he’s consolidated draft choices to get better players. His top core players are guys he’s traded multiple draft choices, moved up and been able to do that, so he’s done very well there.”

The Jets drafted Sanchez, a USC product, with the fifth overall selection in the 2009 draft. They traded their first- and second-round picks, Nos. 17 and 52 overall, to Cleveland along with DE Kenyon Coleman, S Abram Elam and QB Brett Ratliff in order to grab Sanchez.

“They may not have the elite quarterback, but they made the trade to get a quarterback who was good enough to win four playoff games in two years and do it on the road,” Clayton said. “Those are huge strides and this is a team that isn’t going to go away.”

So while Indy is abuzz today about Cam Newton, the Jets can rest easily this weekend knowing they have their franchise QB in place.

“They are in a great situation with Sanchez. Here’s a guy who physically has the tools who now will be entering his third year. I would say that’s an ideal situation because you hit on a quarterback,” Mortensen said. “I don’t know if he’s going to be a superstar quarterback, but he is definitely a championship-caliber quarterback. They’ve gone to two straight conference championship games and Mark has actually played well in those games.”

Success comes with a price, though. If the Jets opt to stay where they are in this year’s first round on Thursday, April 28, they won’t pick until 30th overall.

“Getting a pass-rushing linebacker, getting somebody on the defensive line, that’s going be key, deciding on Kris Jenkins,” said Clayton. “I would have to think the front seven is where the key of this draft is going to be for them.”

The bold Jets, who finished tied for eighth overall in sacks with 40, like to make opposing QBs uncomfortable and they could find a quality rusher in April.

“I would think this is a good draft for the Jets to be in because of the abundance of edge rushers,” said Mort.

Chill Isn’t Bothering Green & White So Far

The last of the Jets’ buses arrived at Heinz a short while ago. Head coach Rex Ryan led the team from just outside the stadium, down the ramp, and to the Jets’ lockers. He was followed shortly by owner Woody Johnson, in his traditional business suit, green tie and white Jets cap. He peeled out of the procession to say hello to Bruce Beck and the WNBC-TV crew shooting the team’s arrival.

Mark Sanchez strode past Woody at that point and headed down the hallway to the visitors’ locker room. So did TE Ben Hartsock, another Jet in short sleeves. Among the last in off the buses: S Jim Leonhard, on IR but here to help out on the sidelines any way he can.

As for on the field, Rob Turner was not topless like B.J. Askew in Green Bay in 2006, but he was out warming up in shorts on this cold afternoon. Also noteworthy is that most of the Jets, now in game uniforms, are not wearing white long-sleeved shirts under their white jerseys. Many are going sleeveless.

Also on the field, active and ready to roll for the Jets are KR/WR Brad Smith (groin), LB Jason Taylor (concussion) and DE Shaun Ellis (knee). The first two were not much of a question. Taylor was upgraded each day of practice from a minor concussion whose effects were felt at night after the New England game. Smith sat out the Patriots with the groin he strained at Indianapolis, but both he and Ryan said he was feeling good and ready to go.

Ellis was never in doubt, either, even though a pregame ESPN report suggested Ellis’ condition “bears watching” since he didn’t practice Friday and the Jets activated DT Martin Tevaseu. But the two had nothing to do with each other. Tevaseu was called up from the practice squad because the Jets may well want to tweak their defensive balance from coverage-heavy to a little more up front if necessary. Tevaseu, who is also active, may well be able to throw his weight around in special situations.

And anyone who thought Ellis might have missed this game just doesn’t know the Big Katt. Ellis has been resting his sore knee for two years now, and to be sure it flares up on him. But he always answers the bell and in fact had a career game last week on the sore joint as he harassed Tom Brady with two sacks and several pressures.

We’re not sure where the theory about Mark Sanchez and the Jets not playing well in the cold came from, but when the Jets play outdoors in a sub-20 windchill (and it will likely be 10 or lower for today’s kickoff), Sanchez and the Jets have won four of their last five. The last two were by 22-17 here at Heinz Field last month and by 28-21 last week at New England, and the one loss was by 45-3 at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 6, already avenged by 28-21.

Uniforms

The Jets are in their white jerseys and green pants for this game for only the second time this season. The first time, of course, was last week, when they rode to victory over the Patriots in that same combination.

Referee

The official in the white hat today is Ed Hochuli. This will be Hochuli’s 16th Jets game as the referee since 1993, and it will be his third Jets playoff game. He presided over the 1998 AFC Championship Game loss at Denver and at the 2004 AFC Wild Card Game overtime verdict at San Diego.

Inactives/Captains

The Jets’ inactive list for this game includes FB John Conner, DE Vernon Gholston, DT Jarron Gilbert, TEs Matt Mulligan and Jeff Cumberland, WR Patrick Turner and DT Marcus Dixon. Kellen Clemens is the third QB.

The Jets’ gameday captains are T D’Brickashaw Ferguson, LB Bart Scott, WRs Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards, LB Jason Taylor and S Eric Smith.

The Pittsburgh IA list: S Will Allen, RB Jonathan Dwyer, CB Cresson Butler, Opts Chris Scott and Tony Hills, DT Steve McClendon and DE Aaron Smith, with Charlie Batch designated the third QB.

Tannenbaum: Alosi Suspended Without Pay, Fined

General manager Mike Tannenbaum announced the Jets have suspended strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi without pay for the rest of the regular season and playoffs and also have fined him $25,000 for his sideline tripping of Miami player Nolan Carroll late in the third quarter of Sunday’s 10-6 loss to the Dolphins.

“After reviewing the facts and consulting with the league office, we determined that this was the most appropriate discipline,” said Tannenbaum. “I have spoken with Sal. He understands the severity of his actions and has apologized to all parties involved in the incident. There is no place in the game for this type of behavior and his conduct falls disappointingly short of our expectations for anyone associated with the New York Jets. I have also reminded all members of the organization with sideline access that it is both a priority and their responsibility to maintain a safe environment.”

Alosi said in a statement released by the team, “I accept responsibility for my actions and respect the team’s decision.” Earlier in the day, before he had learned of his penalties, he said, “Whatever the disciplinary actions are, I’m going to accept them,” he said. “It’s on me.”

Alosi’s suspension begins immediately. During this period, he will have no access to the team’s practice facility nor any interaction with coaches or players as it pertains to his job function. He will be eligible to return to the facility on the day following the team’s final game of the 2010 season.

Alosi is a good man and a good strength and conditioning coach, which makes his sideline contact with the Dolphins’ Carroll late in the third quarter inexplicable — even to himself.

“It’s just a situation where I wasn’t thinking,” he told reporters at that 2:30 p.m. news conference. Asked what was going through his head when he extended a knee and tripped Carroll as he was running out of bounds in front of the Jets bench covering a punt, Alosi replied, “That’s the problem. Nothing was in my head. I wasn’t thinking.”

Carroll fell as soon as Alosi’s knee made contact with his legs. He was down briefly along the Jets sideline, then got up, crossed the field to the Dolphins sideline and later returned to the game.

After the game Alosi said, “My immediate thought was to go into the locker room, get my head together and figure out what the next step should be.”

Among the several steps he took were to offer his apologies to Jets owner Woody Johnson, head coach Rex Ryan and Tannenbaum as well as Carroll and to Dolphins coach Tony Sparano. Alosi also issued a statement distributed in the New Meadowlands Stadium pressbox at 9:48 p.m.

Ryan at his daily news conference today also extended his apologies for the incident.

“I want to apologize to Nolan Carroll about what took place and I’d like to apologize to the Dolphins,” the head coach said at the top of his opening remarks around 4:20 p.m. “That’s a thing that has no business in this league or anywhere else. Sal made a huge mistake. He knows that. He’s apologized for it.”

Ryan deferred talking about disciplinary actions at that time because he said the Jets organization and the NFL “are working on this collectively. … I don’t want to get into specifics. As soon as we know officially what it’s going to be, then we’ll get the message out to you.”

Alosi was a Hofstra linebacker through 2000, became a college coach for the university in ’01 and joined the Jets’ strength department in ’02. He left for one season in 2006 to become the Atlanta Falcons’ head strength and conditioning coach, then returned to the Jets in ’07 to take over the Green & White’s strength and conditioning program. He knows his stuff and keeps his programs fresh each year to keep all the

“I spend a lot of time around Sal,” said wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery. “I don’t know too much about the situation, but all I know Sal is a very good guy.”

“It’s an honor and a privilege to coach every day, to work every day in the National Football League,” he said. “I come into contact with a lot of good people in our building every day, players, staff, coaches, and I let everybody down yesterday with my actions.”

Ryan said he appreciated the fact that Alosi didn’t deny that he was involved in the incident.

“He stood up and he took responsibility and he owned up to it,” the coach said. “It’s something that obviously he regrets a great deal. … There’s no place for it in football, no question, but he made a mistake and he admitted it.”