Fin-Tripping Jets Coach Resigns

Man behind sideline Tripgate steps down

Have a nice trip!

The New York Jets coach behind the dastardly plot to trip Dolphins special teamer Nolan Carroll on the sideline during a punt return this past season resigned Monday, saying he's looking for a fresh start.

Sal Alosi, Gang Green's strength and conditioning coach issued a statement Monday announcing he's leaving the team less than two months after the Tripgate incident.

"After the events that have transpired, I feel it's best for my family and me to look for a fresh start," said Alosi, who'd been with the team since 2007.

Alosi was initially docked without pay for the rest of the season and fined $25,000 by the team for sticking out his knee to trip Carroll during a game at the New Meadowlands Stadium on Dec. 12. He was suspended indefinitely by the team a few days later after acknowledging he ordered players to form a wall along the sideline.

During a news conference the day after the incident, Alosi fought back tears as he called his actions — tripping Carroll — "inexcusable and irresponsible."

Dolphins players didn't hold back their criticism after Tripgate.

"It's a sad situation. There's no place for that in football and I think they'll get fined for it hopefully," linebacker Karlos Dansby said after the incident. "I'll leave it up to the league and hopefully they can fix that. That is so dirty. ...Suspend him. He's gotta go. He's bringing the whole organization down."

The NFL later fined the team $100,000.

"After speaking with Sal, he decided that it is best for him to tender his resignation at this time," Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum said.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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