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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

NFL Notebook: Jets assistant suspended

Turns out this was one costly trip for Sal Alosi.

The New York Jets assistant coach who tripped a Miami Dolphins player during a game was suspended by the team Monday night without pay for the rest of the season, including the playoffs, and fined an additional $25,000.

Alosi, the strength and conditioning coach, began serving his suspension and will have no access to the team’s practice facility.

Alosi stuck out his left knee on the sideline and tripped Dolphins cornerback Nolan Carroll, who was covering a punt in the third quarter of Miami’s 10-6 win Sunday.

“My actions were inexcusable and irresponsible,” Alosi said. Alosi said he apologized by phone to Carroll and Dolphins coach Tony Sparano on Sunday, and spoke to Jets general manager Ryan, Tannenbaum and owner Woody Johnson.

The Jets said the NFL will issue no further discipline.

Concussion reports up this season

According to league data obtained by the Associated Press, the number of concussions being reported this season is up more than 20 percent from 2009, and more than 30 percent from 2008.

The NFL considers that proof that players and teams are taking head injuries more seriously and being more open about them. The players themselves agree.

The NFL’s data shows 154 concussions – from practices or games – were reported from the start of the preseason through the eighth week of the 2010 regular season. That’s an increase of 21 percent over the 127 concussions through the eighth week of the 2009 season, and a 34 percent jump from the 115 reported over the same span in 2008.

Bucs LB Hayes arrested at nightclub

Tampa Bay linebacker Geno Hayes was jailed Monday on disorderly conduct and trespassing charges after a dispute at a popular nightclub.

Tampa police said the linebacker became aggressive while intervening in a dispute that led to two other men being asked to leave the entrance to the Blue Martini Lounge.

Hayes was ejected after ignoring an order to go back into the club.

Ryan gives Sanchez vote of confidence

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan is standing by Mark Sanchez a day after he considered benching his quarterback.

Ryan says Sanchez “is our quarterback; he’s my quarterback” despite another poor showing in the Jets’ loss to Miami.

Quick kicks

Washington Redskins safety LaRon Landry is done for the season with a left Achilles’ tendon injury. … Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt said rookie John Skelton will remain the starting quarterback. … Eagles rookie defensive end Brandon Graham will miss the rest of the season after tearing a knee ligament. … Denver Broncos interim coach Eric Studesville says he’s sticking with slumping quarterback Kyle Orton as his starter rather than going to first-round draft pick Tim Tebow.