FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets are paying for their sideline shenanigans.
The team was fined $100,000 by the NFL on Thursday for violating league rules when assistant coach Sal Alosi ordered players to form a sideline wall, then tripped Miami’s Nolan Carroll during a punt return earlier this month.
The discipline was in response to the actions of Alosi, the Jets’ strength and conditioning coach, and comments made by special-teams coach Mike Westhoff, who accused other teams of employing similar sideline-wall tactics.
“We will comply with the league’s decision,” the Jets said in a statement.
• Coach Rex Ryan said second-year quarterback Mark Sanchez will start in the team’s regular-season finale against Buffalo but is uncertain how long he’ll stay in the game.
Harrison’s fine reduced
PITTSBURGH — The NFL has reduced the fine levied on Steelers linebacker James Harrison for his Oct. 17 hit on Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi from $75,000 to $50,000.
The league’s appeals officer, Ted Cottrell, reduced the fine because he said Harrison understands the player safety rules and has made an effort to adjust his technique to play within those rules. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell supported the reduction.
Colston has knee surgery
METAIRIE, La. — Saints coach Sean Payton said leading receiver Marques Colston had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and may not be able to play in Sunday’s regular-season finale against Tampa Bay.
Footnotes.
Vikings interim coach Leslie Frazier said QB Brett Favre hasn’t passed a concussion test that would clear him to play in the season finale Sunday at Detroit.
The three-time MVP suffered a concussion 11 days ago in a game against Chicago, snapping his NFL record for consecutive starts at 297.
• Jaguars placed quarterback David Garrard on injured reserve after he had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right middle finger.
• Eagles quarterback Mi- chael Vick missed practice Thursday because of a leg injury and is unlikely to play Sunday against Dallas.
• 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis will miss Sunday’s game against the Cardinals because of a broken hand.
• The Chargers have placed Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates on injured reserve and signed fullback Billy Latsko.
• Cowboys quarterback Jon Kitna is unlikely to play in Sunday’s season finale against the Eagles.
