Strange Behavior on the Football Field

I spent this past Sunday, like I have spent numerous other Sundays, watching NFL football. But unlike all those other Sundays I saw two new things this week, both of which bothered me.

The trip heard round the world: The first incident happened in the third quarter of the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins game. While covering a punt Nolan Carroll, of the Dolphins, was running down the sidelines out of bounds, which isn't an uncommon thing in the NFL. The uncommon thing was when the Jets strength and conditioning coach, Sal Alosi, decided to stick out his knee and trip Carroll. Well as most of you know you are not allowed to trip players in football, especially when you are a coach.

Alosi on Monday said he was sorry for his mistake. Well that is all well and good, but what you did is cheating. Alosi isn't some young kid, he is 33 years old. You need to do better than I wasn't thinking at the moment, so please forgive me. The Jets also decided that Alosi will be suspended for the rest of the season without pay and fined $25,000. Frankly I think he should have been fired on the spot. This wasn't an accident, it was a blatant move by a grown man who should have known better.

The autograph: After the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 30-27 on Sunday night, things got interesting on the field. Cowboys running back Tashard Choice decided that, as the players were shaking hands, it would be a good idea to ask Michael Vick for an autograph. Two problems, one Michael Vick plays for the rival Eagles and two you just lost the game in front of your home crowd.

Okay maybe I am a little bit old school, but when you are playing your rivals a handshake and saying good game is all that should be happening. As a fan I don't want you out there exchanging chuckles with the rival team, let alone memorabilia. Choice said the autograph was for his nephew, which is fine and good, but there is a time and place for an autograph request. Maybe next time wait until you leave the field and visit the opponents locker room for your autograph needs.

Sources:

Michael Santo, NFL to Investigate as Jets Coach Trips Player, huliq.com

Dennis Waszak Jr., Jets assistant suspended, fined $25K for tripping, sports.yahoo.com

Jamie Aron, Choice: Sorry for Autograph request, sports.yahoo.com