Although the New York Jets can likely afford it, the NFL sent a strong message to teams around the league today when it fined the Jets $100,000 for the sideline tripping incident earlier this month. Here's the scoop.

NEW YORK -- The NFL fined the New York Jets $100,000 on Thursday for violating league rules when assistant coach Sal Alosi tripped Miami's Nolan Carroll on the sideline during a punt return earlier this month.

The Jets were fined because Alosi "placed players in a prohibited area on the sideline to impede an opposing team's special teams players and gain a competitive advantage." The NFL called it a competitive violation as well as a dangerous tactic.

Alosi and special teams coach Mike Westhoff also have been cited for public comments accusing other teams of employing similar tactics.

"We will comply with the league's decision," the Jets said in a statement.

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