Jets Appeal Fine Over Dolphin Trip

When the New York Jets were fined just $100,000 for the infamous tripping of Miami’s Nolan Carroll by Jets coach Sal Alosi, many of us remarked how relatively light the punishment was for such an unsportsmanlike act. It appears, however, that even that fine is too much for the management of the Jets, which is appealing the punishment.

I have taken my share of appeals and believe strongly in the right for such review. However, there are times when it is necessary to accept responsibility and be grateful that a punishment is not more severe. I view $100,000 to be a joke in light of the offense. This appeal should be as shameful an act for Jets fans as the original offense, in my view.
Special-teams coordinator Mike Westhoff has gone on the offensive in pointing out that the New England Patriots that also used similar tactics as lining up along the line to hinder players. I am certainly willing to believe that, but Alosi went a bit further in magnifying that practice. I believe that the Patriots should also apologize for their use of this tactic. However, that does not relieve the Jets.

What is astonishing is that the Jets would keep this controversy alive with an appeal. The fine, after all, is relatively small for a team. Moreover, Jets owner Woody Johnson showed greater sensitivity in apologizing since to both Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.

This is an example of the difference between an appeal of right and the right appeal.

Here come the Jets
Like a bat out of hell.
Someone gets in our way,
Someone don’t feel so well!

Here come the Jets:
Little world, step aside!
Better go underground,
Better run, better hide!

We’re drawin’ the line,
So keep your noses hidden!
We’re hangin’ a sign,
Says “Visitors forbidden”
And we ain’t kiddin’!

Source: ESPN

Jonathan Turley