--Despite a brilliant career in which he rushed for 14,101 yards, former Jets RB Curtis Martin was denied entry to the Hall of Fame in his first go-round. But he was his usual classy self in a statement released by the Jets.
"I think the voting committee did a great job selecting the 2011 class,"
said Martin, who played eight of his 11 NFL seasons with the Jets. "If I were a part of the committee I can't say that I would have voted any differently. I'm not being modest at all, but I truly don't feel that there's anyone in this year's class that I should have bested in the voting process. Of course I would have loved to get in this year but, number one the inductees truly deserved it, number two there's always next year! I thank you all for the recognition and congratulations to this year's inductees!"
--The Jets announced that suspended strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi has resigned. Alosi had been suspended and fined $25,000 by the team for intentionally tripping Miami special-teamer Nolan Carroll during a Dec. 13 game, and for instructing five inactive players to form a so-called sideline wall to impede Miami players during that game.
Coach Rex Ryan and special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff have repeatedly denied any knowledge of Alosi's actions.
"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."
Alosi had been named head strength and conditioning coach in 2007 after serving as the team's assistant strength and conditioning coach from 2002-05. He spent the 2006 season as the head strength and conditioning coach for the Atlanta Falcons.
"I'm thankful to have been a part of the New York Jets,"
Alosi said in a statement. "I am especially grateful to Mr. (owner Woody) 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, including earning my first NFL job in 2002. 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."
Alosi stuck out his knee to trip Carroll, who was out of bounds along the Jets' sideline while serving as the gunner on a Dolphins' punt during Miami's 10-6 victory. Carroll was injured and left the game, but returned later.
At the time, Alosi said he had not offered to resign.
--CB Darrelle Revis and LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson both had to deal with members of rival New England while at the Pro Bowl in Honolulu, the week before the Super Bowl.
"It's a little different. Usually, we see each other as foes,"
Ferguson told the Boston Herald. "But now we're under a different umbrella. It's pretty interesting."
He said it was interesting taking direction from Bill Belichick rather than Rex Ryan. "There's no rivalry today. That's my coach for today,"
Ferguson said with a laugh. "But it's been good. It's been a positive experience. I'm happy to be a part of it, really."
QUOTE TO NOTE
"As soon as we know what the rules of engagement are, we'll be ready."
-- GM Mike Tannenbaum on the Jets' contingency plans as they await a new collective bargaining agreement.
