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Jets Coaching Staffer Sorry for Tripping Miami Dolphin

Miami Dolphins player Nolan Carroll after being tripped intentionally by Jets conditioning coach Sal Alosi on a punt return.

*New York Jets strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi issued a public apology Monday, claiming it was “inexcusable and irresponsible” of him to trip Miami Dolphins player Nolan Carroll Sunday on the New York Jets’ sideline.

Alosi held a five-minute news conference at the team’s facility.

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He said he hasn’t been disciplined by the team or the league, adding, “I’ll take whatever discipline they decide.”

Alosi was asked to explain why he did it, and he said, “You’re asking me to give a logical explanation to an illogical act. … I wasn’t thinking. If I could go back and do it again, I’d sure as heck take a step back [from Carroll].”

He described the last 18 hours as “horrible … terrible.” As soon as it happened, Alosi said “my heart went into my throat.”

The incident occurred late in the third quarter of the Jets’ 10-6 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Carroll was the “gunner” on the Dolphins’ punt-coverage team, and he ran out of bounds on the Jets’ sideline as he sprinted downfield to cover the punt.

Alosi, standing with a small group of inactive players, leaned forward slightly, extending his left knee toward Carroll catching the player on the knee. The action caused Carroll to fall at full speed. He got up slowly, but was able to return to the game.

Carroll twice broke his right leg while playing: once ending his senior season in high school and again in his senior season at Maryland.

“I’m extremely thankful that my actions yesterday didn’t result in any significant injury to Nolan or any other players,” Alosi said.

After the game, Carroll said he wasn’t angry. But some of his teammates unloaded on Alosi and the Jets.

“They’re cheaters,” outspoken linebacker Channing Crowder said. “They do what they do. They cheat. They talk junk. But we beat the hell out of them today. … I wish they’d tripped me. I’d have broken that old man’s leg. I didn’t see anything. He stuck his leg out and tripped him? He should be ashamed of himself. A grown man from the coaching staff? That’s high character.”

Running back Ricky Williams said: “It’s the Jets right? We’re not surprised.”

Alosi issued a statement after the game, apologizing for a “total lapse in judgment. My conduct was inexcusable and unsportsmanlike and does not reflect what this organization stands for.” He said he apologized to Carroll and Dolphins coach Tony Sparano after the game, as well as Jets officials.