Jets News Articles- 9/14

[Kentucky Jet]

FINE MESS, BILL! NY POST

GOODELL PUNISHES SPY-GUY BELICHICK

By MARK CANNIZZARO

WALLOP TO THE WALLET: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell fined Patriots coach Bill Belichick $500,000 for illegally videotaping the Jets sideline in an effort to steal coaches' signals during New England's 38-14 victory over the Jets Sunday.

September 14, 2007 -- He's been known around these parts as Belichicken for bailing out as the Jets' head coach in 2000 and as Belichick Arnold for turning up as the Patriots head coach a short time later.

Now Bill Belichick will forever be known as Belicheat.

With swift and severe action, the NFL last night came down hard on the Patriots' coach for overseeing a member of his staff illegally videotaping the Jets sideline in an effort to steal coaches' signals during New England's 38-14 win over the Jets Sunday at Giants Stadium.

Belichick was fined $500,000 by the NFL and the Patriots' organization was fined $250,000 and ordered to forfeit next year's first-round draft choice if it reaches the playoffs or second- and third-round picks if it doesn't qualify for the playoffs.

"This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a letter to the Patriots.

NFL policy states the following: "No video recording devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches' booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game."

The $500,000 fine to Belichick is the maximum amount under the NFL Constitution and By-Laws for violating league policy.

In his review, Goodell determined the Patriots' use of the video camera, which was seized before the end of the first quarter Sunday, had no impact on the outcome of the Patriots-Jets game, which is why there was no thought of making the Patriots forfeit the game.

The Jets offered only this prepared statement: "We support the commissioner and his findings. The focus of our organization remains on the upcoming game against Baltimore."

Goodell said it was his belief that Patriots ownership was unaware of Belichick's action, but determined that penalties should be imposed on the club because, "Coach Belichick not only serves as the head coach but also has substantial control over all aspects of New England's football operations. His actions and decisions are properly attributed to the club.

"I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick," Goodell wrote. "I have determined not to do so, largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, or multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension."

Confronted last night by a Post reporter outside his apartment in Fall River, Mass., Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella had little to say. "I've spoken to the Patriots' PR department," he said. "Everything you need is with them."

- Matthew Nestel

contributed to this report

[Kentucky Jet]

BANKS ON NFL SPYING: EVERYBODY

[Kentucky Jet]

BIRD FOOD

HUNGRY RAVENS LOOKIN' TO DEVOUR RAW JET SU

By MARK CANNIZZARO

Jet quarterback Kellen Clemens, barring a miracle Chad Pennington comeback from his right-ankle injury, will be making his first NFL start - against a Raven defense that eats quarterbacks.

Unless the Jet offense is at its sharpest, fastest, and most efficient, Clemens will be chum to a Raven defense that swarms like hungry sharks, and the Jets will slink home with an alarming 0-2 record.

"They're scary on defense when you look at the film," right guard Brandon Moore said yesterday of the Raven defense.

"The Ravens have got five guys on their team who've been to the Pro Bowl," Clemens said. "They create a lot of havoc and a lot of turnovers."

Indeed, the Ravens led the NFL with a plus-17 turnover ratio last season, creating 40 turnovers, including an NFL-high 28 interceptions.

Baltimore, too, had the top-ranked overall defense in the league last year.

In their season-opening 27-20 loss to the Bengals on Monday night, it wasn't the Raven defense that was the culprit. The defense was at its usual stingy best, allowing the Bengals' offense 13 first downs and 236 yards in total offense, including 55 on the ground.

Six Raven turnovers cost Baltimore the game.

Jet linebacker Victor Hobson was watching the game and found himself mesmerized by the Raven defense.

"Watching them on TV, you kind of find yourself saying, 'Wow,' and being amazed by what their defense does," he said.

One of the Jets' goals Sunday will be keeping those silly dances by linebacker Ray Lewis to a minimum. That'll mean they've kept him from making a lot of impact plays.

Lewis, who suffered an arm injury Monday night that left his playing status in question, yesterday pronounced himself fit for the game.

The Ravens are surely licking their chops at having a chance at rattling Clemens.

"I'm sure he's excited too and looking forward to the challenge," Raven ball-hawking Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed said of Clemens. "But at the same time, somewhere in the back of his head he's a little shaken up."

[Kentucky Jet]

JETS

Jets notebook

Friday, September 14, 2007

Chad's still 'the Man'

Even if Chad Pennington misses a game due to his achy right ankle, he doesn't have to worry about losing his spot, said head coach Eric Mangini.

The coach reiterated the point by saying: "Chad's the starting quarterback. He's the starting quarterback."

For the time being, the QB is following a practice schedule that Mangini says will change daily. As for how Pennington looked in practice, the tight-lipped coach said with a toothy grin:

"He looked like he was working to get ready."

Praise for Jones

Mangini is pleased so far with the transition running back Thomas Jones has made since coming over from Chicago Bears.

The extensive off-season repetitions Thomas has done should pay dividends.

"He's a veteran player who has a lot of experience in...systems very similar to this," said the coach.

"He picks up information quickly. It's how he's used and things that we do with him are always going to be catered to who you're playing, so it will change dramatically week-in and week-out.

"Just like you do with the quarterbacks, there are certain plays that you like more for him, some others for Leon [Washington], but you don't make it so that those are the only plays that they can run."

Briefs

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair was upgraded to limited practice on Thursday after sitting out the day before due to a groin injury. ... After partaking in a full practice on Wednesday, Ravens safety Ed Reed did not participate on Thursday because of an ankle injury. ... Ravens cornerback David Pittman was also sidelined with an ankle injury.

-- Kimberley A. Martin

[Kentucky Jet]

Big fines for Belichick, team

Taping also will cost Patriots a draft pick

By Mike Reiss, Globe Staff | September 14, 2007

Coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000 - the maximum allowed by NFL rules - and the Patriots penalized $250,000, plus the loss of at least one draft pick, for illegally filming the signals of New York Jets coaches in the season opener, the league announced last night.

"This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field," commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter to the Patriots.

Goodell considered a suspension for Belichick but said the fine and loss of draft choices would have a longer-lasting impact on the franchise.

The Patriots will lose their first-round pick in the 2008 draft if the team makes the playoffs. If the team, which is considered by many the favorite to win the Super Bowl, doesn't make the playoffs, it will forfeit its second- and third-round picks in the 2008 draft.

The NFL has never taken away a first-round pick from a team.

related content:

SURVEY: Fair punishment? Discuss

Details of the NFL's ruling against the Pats

GLOBE GRAPHIC: How spying could help a team

GALLERY: Wednesday's scene at Gillette

YOUR CALL: Cheating or gamesmanship?

VIEW FROM NEW YORK: Tabloids have a field day with Belichick

"I accept full responsibility for the actions that led to tonight's ruling," Belichick said in a statement released by the team's public relations department.

"Once again, I apologize to the Kraft family and every person directly or indirectly associated with the New England Patriots for the embarrassment, distraction, and penalty my mistake caused. I also apologize to Patriots fans and would like to thank them for their support during the past few days and throughout my career."

The fine for Belichick is the maximum allowed under the league's constitution.

The details of Belichick's contract and salary are not known, but top coaches in the league are paid in the $5 million-$6 million range.

During the first quarter of the Patriots' 38-14 season-opening victory over the Jets Sunday, Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella was stopped by an NFL security official while filming on the sidelines. NFL security, which was tipped off by the Jets and coach Eric Mangini - a former Patriots assistant - sent the video equipment to league headquarters for inspection.

As part of the league's investigation, Goodell determined the filming of Jets coaches had no impact on the outcome of the game. Goodell also ruled that Robert Kraft and Patriots ownership were unaware of the filming, but determined that penalties should be imposed on the club because "Coach Belichick not only serves as the head coach but also has substantial control over all aspects of New England's football operations. His actions and decisions are properly attributed to the club."

The NFL's rules state that "no video recording devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches' booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game" and that all video shooting locations for coaching purposes "must be enclosed on all sides with a roof overhead."Continued...

In a memo to NFL head coaches and general managers on Sept. 6, 2006, NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson wrote: "Videotaping of any type, including but not limited to taping of an opponent's offensive or defensive signals, is prohibited on the sidelines, in the coaches' booth, in the locker room, or at any other locations accessible to club staff members during the game."

Goodell told the Patriots the league would closely review and monitor the team's coaching video program, effective immediately.

"I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick," Goodell wrote. "I have determined not to do so, largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, or multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension."

As part of trades made in the 2007 draft, the Patriots acquired extra first- and third-round draft choices for 2008. The team, which has built a perennial Super Bowl contender in part through shrewd draft choices, has its own full complement of picks in Rounds 1-7. First-round draft choices are considered one of the most valuable commodities in the NFL.

"We support the commissioner and his findings," a statement from the Jets said last night. "The focus of our organization remains on the upcoming game against Baltimore."

While an NFL team has never been disciplined for violating videotaping procedures, clubs have had to forfeit draft choices in recent years for other transgressions.

In 2001, the Denver Broncos lost a third-round choice and were fined nearly $1 million for violating guidelines under the league's deferred compensation fund over a two-year period, 1998-99. The Pittsburgh Steelers also lost a third-round choice in a similar 2001 ruling, while the San Francisco 49ers surrendered a 2001 fifth-round pick and 2002 third-rounder after it was discovered the team circumvented the salary cap.

"As the commissioner acknowledged, our use of sideline video had no impact on the outcome of last week's game," Belichick's statement continued. "We have never used sideline video to obtain a competitive advantage while the game was in progress.

"Part of my job as head coach is to ensure that our football operations are conducted in compliance of the league rules and all accepted interpretations of them. My interpretation of a rule in the constitution and bylaws was incorrect.

"With tonight's resolution, I will not be offering any further comments on this matter. We are moving on with our preparations for Sunday's game."

The rule to which he was referring reads: "Any use by any club at any time, from the start to the finish of any game in which such club is a participant, of any communications or information-gathering equipment, other than Polaroid-type cameras or field telephones, shall be prohibited, including without limitation videotape machines, telephone tapping, or bugging devices, or any other form of electronic devices that might aid a team during the playing of a game." The investigation drew strong reaction across the NFL, with some of the league's stars questioning how long the Patriots might have been illegally filming opponents' signals. Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy said there was "a code of honor, a code of ethics in the league; you want to win and you want to do things the right way."

The NFL's rule is in place to prevent teams from gaining a competitive advantage by learning an opponent's signals. One example would be if a videotape of an assistant coach's hand signs were matched with overhead photos of each play that are available to teams during a game, the quarterback might know exactly what to expect from a defense.

In the Patriots' locker room earlier yesterday, players stood behind Belichick. At the same time, they said they wouldn't use the investigation as motivation for Sunday's home opener against the Chargers.

"I love my head coach," fullback Heath Evans said. "Of course, it's kind of like if someone says something about your wife, it's going to tick you off.

"This is a family in this locker room. But that's not the motivation behind it. From my standpoint, if you get focused on details like that, you get sloppy on the details that matter."

In a memo to NFL head coaches and general managers on Sept. 6, 2006, NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson wrote: "Videotaping of any type, including but not limited to taping of an opponent's offensive or defensive signals, is prohibited on the sidelines, in the coaches' booth, in the locker room, or at any other locations accessible to club staff members during the game."

Goodell told the Patriots the league would closely review and monitor the team's coaching video program, effective immediately.

"I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick," Goodell wrote. "I have determined not to do so, largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, or multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension."

As part of trades made in the 2007 draft, the Patriots acquired extra first- and third-round draft choices for 2008. The team, which has built a perennial Super Bowl contender in part through shrewd draft choices, has its own full complement of picks in Rounds 1-7. First-round draft choices are considered one of the most valuable commodities in the NFL.

"We support the commissioner and his findings," a statement from the Jets said last night. "The focus of our organization remains on the upcoming game against Baltimore."

Mike Reiss can be reached at mreiss@globe.com.

[Kentucky Jet]

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NFL hits Bill Belichick with hefty fine and loss of draft pick

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BY RICH CIMINI

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Friday, September 14th 2007, 4:00 AM

It's official: Bill Belichick, one of the most successful coaches in modern sports history, is a convicted cheater.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell delivered his much-anticipated decision last night on the "SpyGate" scandal, ruling that the Patriots' coach was the mastermind of an illegal videotaping operation in Sunday's 38-14 victory over the Jets. Goodell handed down a three-pronged punishment:

Belichick was fined $500,000, the maximum amount under the league's constitution and bylaws. The Patriots will have to forfeit their first-round draft pick in 2008 if they make the playoffs or second- and third-round picks if they fail to reach the postseason. The Patriots also were fined $250,000.

Goodell, in a statement, indicated that he considered a suspension for the three-time Super Bowl champion coach, but decided against it because he believes the maximum fine and draft-pick penalty is "more significant and long lasting, and therefore more effective than a suspension."

Even if the Patriots qualify for the playoffs, they still will have a first-round pick in 2008, a choice obtained from the 49ers in the last draft.

In a letter to the Patriots, Goodell wrote, "This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field."

Goodell didn't say whether he considered a forfeiture of the game, a ruling that would've delighted Jets fans, but he believes the Patriots' use of a video camera "had no impact on the outcome." The camera was seized before the end of the first quarter, he said.

In a matter of days, Belichick has gone from gray hoodie to corporate hood, a stunning turn of events that taints the Patriots' recent dominance. In an era of competitive balance, they were hailed as the model franchise, headed by a coach revered for his strategic brilliance. But in recent days, their accomplishments have come under a cloud of suspicion, with players and coaches around the league questioning the legitimacy of some of the Patriots' biggest wins.

Belichick released a statement, accepting "full responsibility" for his actions, apologizing for "the embarrassment, distraction and penalty my mistake caused." But he disputed Goodell's claim that it was a deliberate attempt to cheat, suggesting he was busted on a technicality.

"We have never used sideline video to gain a competitive advantage while the game was in progress," Belichick said. "Part of my job as head coach is to ensure that our football operations are conducted in compliance of the league rules and all accepted interpretations of them. My interpretation of a rule in the constitution and bylaws was incorrect."

Eric Mangini, Belichick's estranged protegé, played an instrumental role in busting the Patriots. Mangini, who worked under Belichick in New England, was aware of their sign-stealing tactics and told members of the Jets' organization last year, sources have told the Daily News. Armed with an insider's knowledge, the Jets seemingly were intent on catching the Patriots, coming close last season, a source said.

The Jets released a statement last night that said little: "We support the commissioner and his findings. The focus of our organization remains on the upcoming game against Baltimore."

In recent days, Mangini declined to comment on the league investigation, calling it a league matter. Privately, several players wondered if the Patriots benefited from stealing their signs in the game.

On Sunday, a Jets security official apprehended Matt Estrella, 26, a Patriots video assistant, on the sideline and confiscated his camera and tape. The tape showed the Jets' defensive coaches giving hand signals to players on the field. A heated dispute ensued in the tunnel of the stadium, with New Jersey state troopers arriving on the scene. The camera and tape were sealed in a box and forwarded to the league office.

Some close to the Jets-Patriots rivalry believe Mangini was determined to nab Belichick, his mentor turned enemy.

"Yeah, and that's (messed) up," a person with knowledge of the situation said yesterday. "Eric should not have done that."

Goodell determined that the Patriots' ownership was unaware of Belichick's illegal espionage tactics, but he fined the team because "Coach Belichick not only serves as the head coach, but has substantial control over all aspects of New England's football operation. His actions and decisions are properly attributed to the club."

[Kentucky Jet]

Gary Myers

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Commissioner Goodell should have suspended Bill Belichick

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Friday, September 14th 2007, 4:00 AM

Bill Belichick, the cheater, will be on the sidelines for the Patriots' game against the Chargers on Sunday night and all of New England's games for the rest of the season, which is the first major mistake Roger Goodell has made in his first 13 months as commissioner.

It wasn't enough for Goodell to fine Belichick $500,000 - he won't have to auction off his fashionable hoodies on eBay to come up with the cash - and to hit the Patriots for $250,000 and a conditional draft pick. It has absolutely no impact on this season, which makes this a penalty without much bite.

Goodell's sanctions should have been just the warmup act for the law-and-order commissioner.

He also needed to suspend Belichick, preferably for the Dec.16 rematch against the Jets, after the Pats were caught before the end of the first quarter on Sunday videotaping the Jets' defensive signals, which is a violation of NFL rules. Goodell concluded the spying had no impact on the Patriots' 38-14 victory. Goodell had a chance to really hurt the Patriots right now, after Belichick humiliated himself and the league, but backed off after admitting he considered a suspension.

The Pats surely will have to give up their own first-round pick (if they miss the playoffs, the penalty is second- and third-round picks). No problem. The Patriots also own the 49ers' first-round pick next year, which will be better than their own.

While Jets fans would have loved for New England to have been forced to forfeit the game or Goodell to send the draft pick to the Jets, that wasn't realistic.

Nothing would crush the Patriots more than losing Belichick from Monday to Sunday, even if it was for just one week and one game. Goodell should have barred him from meetings and practices, all interaction with the team and no telephone communication with his assistants, and then kept him off the sidelines for the second Jets game.

It would have been a powerful statement by Goodell that nobody is more important than the integrity of the game, especially because there are strong indications Belichick has been spying for years - this was just the first time he was caught. Goodell has done a fine job protecting the game. It's an important part of his job description. He just stopped one very important step short of hitting a home run here.

Jets coach Eric Mangini, who had inside information on Belichick's spying program from when he was a Patriots assistant, better not come close to breaking any rules. That's because Belichick, known to be vindictive, obviously will be looking to get even with Mangini, who is thought to have turned in his former mentor.

Belichick's reputation may be forever tarnished and the accomplishment of winning three Super Bowls in four years may deserve an asterisk. Goodell should have sat him down. He has been a tough guy with Michael Vick, Pacman Jones and Tank Johnson and rightfully so. They got what they deserved.

But if he is going to suspend Cowboys quarterback coach Wade Wilson five games and fine him $100,000 for buying performance-enhancing drugs - uncovered as part of the Albany drug investigation - then how does Belichick avoid a suspension when what he did gave the Patriots an unfair competitive advantage?

Goodell is holding management personnel to higher standards, which is fine. They set the example. But how does Wilson, who is not even a coordinator, get five games? And Belichick, the best coach in the league, gets away with a fine and loss of draft picks? Which episode was worse for the league? Belichick's punishment did not fit the crime.

"I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick," Goodell wrote in a letter to the Patriots. "I have determined not to do so, largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, is in fact more significant and long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension."

He should have fined him, taken away the picks and suspended him, a virtual trifecta.

The Patriots are so secretive about Belichick's contract that nobody is quite sure how much time is left on his deal, not to mention how much he is making. But let's figure he's making no less than $5 million, a conservative figure for a coach who has won three rings. So, his fine would only be 10% of his salary. No need to hold a benefit for him to make up the money.

The $250,000 check that Pats owner Robert Kraft will write? He has turned the Patriots into a cash machine to go along with a very successful life in the business world. I'm fairly confident Kraft will able to hand that check to Goodell without having to apply for a second mortgage.

If the Pats somehow miss the playoffs, which only happens if Tom Brady gets injured, they will have two No.1s, but lose their Nos.2 and 3 picks. The Patriots will survive.

"This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field," Goodell wrote in his letter.

So, why didn't he suspend Belichick?

gmyers@nydailynews.com

[Kentucky Jet]

Mangini's about-face on spying burns Belichick big time

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Friday, September 14th 2007, 12 0 AM

Jets coach Eric Mangini may get a ticker-tape parade down Broadway for standing up to Bill Belichick and exposing him as a cheater by using inside information to humiliate his former boss.

The Patriots, with their three Super Bowls this decade, are the NFL's answer to baseball's Evil Empire in the Bronx. It's certainly part of Mangini's job description to take down the Pats. He learned well from Belichick how to use every piece of information to his advantage.

But one source, who was with the Jets during the time Mangini was an assistant to Belichick in New England, is turned off by his self-righteous approach to video spying.

"Here is the sad part," the ex-Jets source said. "When Mangini was defensive coordinator for the Patriots, they were doing it. It's like crying wolf. He was a part of that mess. Now he's on the opposite side. Now he's saying they can't do it. Wait a minute. You were part of that staff. He's on the same team. He didn't go and tell Bill, 'We can't do that.'"

Mangini was a young assistant coach in New England who owed his career to Belichick. He was not about to tell him how to run his team or warn him he was breaking NFL rules. But when Mangini was in position to use it against Belichick, he jumped at it. That's makes him a hero to Jets fans, who will never forgive Belichick for quitting after one day as the HC of the NYJ.

Why didn't Mangini nail Belichick when the Jets played the Patriots three times last year, including in the playoffs? Belichick is a master at mind games - what do you think that handshake silliness is all about? Mangini missed an opportunity last year to get inside his mentor's head. But he's made up for it now.

It was foolish for Belichick to continue to try to steal the Jets' signals once Mangini became their head coach. Obviously, Belichick knew that Mangini knew. And why take that kind of chance when Mangini had inside information and the Jets' security director is a former FBI special agent? Try it out on anybody but Mangini, who is getting even with Belichick for the condescending way he has treated him the last year.

"I'll put it this way: That's not the only team that has ever done that," one head coach said yesterday. "It's a bunch of nothing. That stuff goes on everywhere. It ain't like it's something new. Are you kidding me? Half the teams do that crap. We've never done it here, but I've been involved in staffs that have done it."

The Jets were aware of Belichick's passion for video espionage long before Mangini came back to the Jets. Crossing the line to find an edge is apparently nothing new for Belichick.

A few years ago, when Herm Edwards was coaching the Jets and Mangini was working for Belichick in New England, the Jets coaching staff noticed a Patriots employee on the sideline pointing a video camera at the Jets coach who was sending in the defensive calls with hand signals.

The Jets coaches reacted by smiling for the Patriots camera and stopped just short of saying, "Hi, Bill."

"At times, we would wave at the guy that was filming over there," a Jets source, who is no longer with the team, said yesterday. "We just gave false signals and waved at the camera. I don't know if they picked up our signals or not. We didn't really worry about it too much. We didn't make a big deal out of it. Sometimes we would just send a guy in with the play instead."

It's hard to accept that everybody does it, but only Belichick had the misfortune to get caught. It would be like a player who is caught using steroids trying to talk his way out by saying so many others are beating the test. The NFL has rules against cheating. Belichick, who said yesterday he already has spoken with Roger Goodell, issued an apology to everybody in the Patriots organization without apologizing for anything specific.

"It's childish with the Jets and the Patriots," one coach said. "When the Jets cut a guy, New England brings him in and interrogates him. When the Patriots cut a guy, the Jets bring him in and interrogate him."

Belichick won three Super Bowls in four years. Did he do it by cheating? This is not the NCAA, so the NFL is not repossessing the Vince Lombardi trophies. But if he was stealing the Rams' defensive signals, did that contribute to the second greatest upset in Super Bowl history when New England beat St. Louis, 20-17, after the 2001 season?

"If he did steal signals in that game, he didn't do a very good job," said Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz, the Rams coach at the time. "Going into the last drive, they had 100 yards of offense. He got the wrong signals. If he had our defensive signals, it didn't help him much."

The Patriots actually had 214 yards going into the 53-yard drive for the winning field goal on the last play of the game. Tom Brady's offense managed only one TD, 15 first downs and was 2-for-11 on third down. Belichick won two more Super Bowls in the next three years.

"He won legitimately," Martz insists. "Those players had to line up and play and win those games. And they did."

One good thing for Belichick: He's good with electronic equipment. When he gets out of coaching, he can get a job selling camcorders.

gmyers@nydailynews.com

[Kentucky Jet]

Jets sign ex-Cowboy despite troubles

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BY RICH CIMINI

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Thursday, September 13th 2007, 4:00 AM

The Jets have built a reputation for seeking players with solid backgrounds, but they signed a player yesterday - former Cowboys S Abram Elam - who has considerable baggage.

In 2002, Elam was one of four Notre Dame players charged with sexually assaulting a female student. He was the only one of the four convicted of any charges - sexual battery, a felony. He was acquitted on the more serious charges of conspiracy to commit rape and criminal deviate conduct. He received an 18-month suspended sentence, two years probation and 200 hours of community service. Elam was thrown out of Notre Dame, resurfacing at Kent State.

The Jets' security conducted a background check on Elam and concluded it was an isolated incident, a team spokesman said.

Elam was waived by the Dolphins in 2005 and played 15games last season for the Cowboys, finishing fourth on the team in special-teams tackles. After surrendering a league-record 108-yard kickoff return to the Patriots, the Jets were looking to upgrade their coverage unit.

STUCKEY LOST FOR SEASON: Rookie WR Chansi Stuckey, coming off a promising preseason, was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a foot injury. He broke the same foot last season at Clemson, causing him to drop to the seventh round. Eric Mangini said this was a different type of injury, but he wasn't specific.

It was a costly move for Stuckey. The Jets docked $10,000 from his signing bonus as a punishment for being with Justin Miller on the night Miller was arrested for assault in May. They converted the $10,000 into incentives, but Stuckey can't earn it back now that he's on IR.

MOORE'S GRAND TOTAL: The official numbers on Brandon Moore's new contract are in: The veteran right guard signed a six-year contract for about $17.3 million, according to a source. He will receive a total of $1.4 million in "new" money in 2007 and 2008. The deal includes a $5 million roster bonus in 2009.

It's a modest contract, but it raises a question: If the Jets renegotiated Moore's deal, which ran through 2010, why not do the same for LG Pete Kendall, who was traded after a contract dispute?

"At this point in time, Pete is with the Redskins and he wishes the Jets the best," said Kendall's agent, Neil Schwartz, who tried to procure a $1 million raise for his client. "It's unfortunate it didn't work out. Pete is happy for Brandon."... RB Thomas Jones (calf), CB Andre Dyson (foot) and Miller (hamstring) were limited in practice. ...Ravens coach Brian Billick declined to name a starting QB. Steve McNair (groin) didn't practice. Kyle Boller may get the nod. ... LB Ray Lewis (arm) and T Jonathan Ogden (toe) didn't practice. Ogden isn't expected to play.

[Kentucky Jet]

FOOTBALL

Jets line up for Ravens

Friday, September 14, 2007

By KIMBERLEY A. MARTIN

STAFF WRITER

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.

[Kentucky Jet]

McCareins, Clemens could provide spark for Jets vs. Ravens

By ANDREW GROSS

THE JOURNAL NEWS

(Original publication: September 14, 2007)

HEMPSTEAD - The Ravens might be wise to watch wide receiver Justin McCareins closely if Jets second-year quarterback Kellen Clemens, as expected, makes his first NFL start Sunday at Baltimore.

Clemens injects more of a long-ball element into the Jets' offense than Chad Pennington - still limping yesterday with an injured right ankle as the Jets practiced at Hofstra - and McCareins seems to be his favorite target.

"He's a very intelligent quarterback and he's very aggressive down the field," said McCareins, third on the Jets' depth chart behind Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles. "He likes to put the ball out there. It's fun for a guy like me."

Clemens threw to McCareins on three of his 10 attempts after replacing Pennington in a 38-14 loss to the Patriots in Week 1, completing one for 10 yards.

And McCareins caught six passes for 146 yards in the Jets' first three preseason games. That included a 42-yard gain against the Falcons, a 35-yard reception against the Vikings and a 45-yard catch against the Giants, all thrown by Clemens.

"He's a great athlete, especially in the vertical passing game," Clemens said. "He's pretty easy to throw it to. You just drop back and throw it as far as you can. With his speed, he goes and gets it. All the hookups that we've had have really been his ability to go get the football. He's a guy I have a lot of confidence and faith in."

Plus, in the Jets' Green and White scrimmage Aug. 5, Clemens connected with McCareins for touchdowns of 66 and 39 yards.

"Kellen did a good job in the preseason with some of the vertical balls," Jets coach Eric Mangini said. "There were a couple of those vertical balls, though, that he was helped out with, where they hung up there quite a long time. Justin McCareins made a few really good catches on ones that were a little bit underthrown."

Obviously, Clemens will have less time to throw against the opportunistic Ravens defense than he did against second- and third-teamers in the preseason.

The trick will be for the Jets to stem the Ravens' pressure and play up to their speed.

"It's not just playing," McCareins said. "It's shifts, motions, crispness in and out of the huddle. We definitely have to match their speed and intensity. It's going to be tough, not impossible."

Again, another reason to expect Clemens to look McCareins' way Sunday.

The two spent the offseason developing a chemistry, while Coles and Cotchery took most of their reps with Pennington in preseason games, training camp and even mini-camps and the offseason training activities.

"I felt some chemistry, but I also felt some chemistry with Chad," McCareins said. "They have different strengths and weaknesses. Kellen moves around a little bit more and takes more chances down the field. They're both intelligent. They do have a lot of similarities and I feel good with either one of them out there."

Notes: Mangini said Pennington's injury would not affect his position on the depth chart whenever he's ready to play again. "Chad's the starting quarterback," Mangini said. Pennington remained limited in practice, though he was throwing the ball in individual drills. ... Defensive backs Eric Smith (thigh) Justin Miller (hamstring) and Andre Dyson (foot), running back Thomas Jones (calf) and right guard Brandon Moore (shoulder) were also limited. For the Ravens, quarterback Steve McNair (groin) was able to practice on a limited basis after missing Wednesday's session, but safety Ed Reed (ankle) and cornerback David Pittman (ankle) joined linebacker Ray Lewis (triceps), tackle Jonathan Ogden (toe), cornerback Samari Rolle (foot) and tight end Daniel Wilcox (ankle) in missing practice.

Reach Andrew Gross at apgross@lohud.com and read his Jets blog at www.jets.lohudblogs.com.

[BP]

Much appreciated!

Thanks for the time and effort!

[Kentucky Jet]

http://www.nysun.com/article/62680

Fines Put Permanent Stain On Belichick's Legacy

Football

By MICHAEL DAVID SMITH

September 14, 2007

Roger Goodell acted swiftly to punish the New England Patriots and coach Bill Belichick after a team employee was caught filming the Jets' coaches' signals at the Meadowlands on Sunday.

Belichick was personally fined $500,000, the most any coach has ever been fined and the maximum allowed under league bylaws. The Patriots will also forfeit either their first-round draft choice in

2008 (if they make the playoffs this season), or their second- and third-round picks (if they miss the playoffs). The franchise was fined $250,000.

Although Belichick was spared a suspension — which would have been an unprecedented sanction against an NFL head coach — there can be no mistake: This is a permanent stain on Belichick's reputation. Belichick will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame some day, but his place in football history will always be tarnished as a coach whose win-atall-costs mentality went too far. For all the success Belichick has had and all the success he may continue to have as the Patriots' head coach, the story of his career can never be told in full without including this sorry chapter.

Already, questions are being raised about whether the three Super Bowls Belichick has won with the Patriots are legitimate. Members of the Philadelphia Eagles said yesterday that when they lost the Super Bowl to the Patriots after the 2004 season, New England's players always seemed to know exactly what they were going to do. Was that a result of good coaching and smart game planning, or had the Patriots devised a successful method of stealing signals?

Players and coaches from at least half a dozen teams have come forward this week to say that they had suspicions that the Patriots were cheating, but that they never raised them before because they didn't have solid proof. No asterisk will appear next to the Patriots' Super Bowls in the record books, but many fans will consider their championships tainted.

As much as Belichick's reputation was damaged yesterday, Goodell's reputation as a no-nonsense commissioner was bolstered. Some Jets fans wanted Goodell to go even further than he did and hand Belichick a lengthy suspension or even force the Patriots to forfeit Sunday's victory. New England fans, on the other hand, protested that they didn't see what the big deal was and wondered why the team would face any punishment at all. In a situation in which it was impossible to please everyone, Goodell may have pleased no one — which is a sign that he made the right call.

"This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field," Goodell wrote in a letter to the Patriots.

The question we still don't have an answer to is the most fundamental: Why? Why did Belichick, who coaches what may be the league's most talented roster, feel the need to cheat? Why, when the Patriots were already warned once before that taping opposing coaches' signals is a violation of league rules, didn't Belichick simply rely on the same types of film study – of the 22 players on the field – that every other team uses?

The answer may simply be that Belichick wants to win, he wants to win at all costs, and he doesn't care if he has to cheat to get to the top. That, above all, will be his lasting legacy.

Mr. Smith is a writer for FootballOutsiders.com.

[Kentucky Jet]

Jets face challenge in stopping Willis McGahee

BY OHM YOUNGMISUK

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Friday, September 14th 2007, 4:00 AM

Willis McGahee doesn't need a secret camera or any dirty tricks to solve Eric Mangini's defense.

Outside of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, there may be no man in the league who loves to torture the Jets more than McGahee. On Sunday, the Jets brace for McGahee again when they visit his new home in Baltimore.

"He has been a Jets killer," safety Kerry Rhodes said. "Whatever you want to call it. ... That is what he calls it.

"You can see games where he is definitely not the same guy (against other defenses) where he is not getting all the chunk yards. It's just against us. ... He gets up more for us."

Part of the blame goes to linebacker Jonathan Vilma and it has nothing to do with his tackling or defending. The mere sight of Vilma's face incites McGahee. Good friends since their University of Miami days, McGahee lives for punishing the Jets' linebacker to own summer bragging rights. So far he has five straight 100-yard games against the Jets.

Last season, McGahee rushed for 150 yards in the Bills' Week 3 loss to the Jets. Then in December, McGahee burned Gang Green for 125 yards and a 57-yard touchdown in a 31-13 Buffalo rout at the Meadowlands. And he did that despite nursing sore ribs and an injured ankle. Feeling nauseous after his long touchdown run, McGahee vomited on the sideline and sat out the second quarter. He then ate a ham and cheese sandwich on the sideline before feasting on the Jets later.

"I don't know what it is," McGahee said after that game. "(Vilma) brings the best out of me."

Only one running back since 1970 has been better against the Jets than McGahee. While with the Patriots, Curtis Martin averaged 122.8 yards per game against the Jets. McGahee and Jacksonville's Fred Taylor are tied for the second-most rushing yards averaged against the Jets at 117.5 per game.

"We have to tackle him," Vilma said. "We know what kind of runner he is. He likes to get downhill, not make too many moves and try to get into the secondary. We have to try to get to him early before he gets started and tackle him. That is the best thing that we can do."

Rhodes said the Jets must attack McGahee early and make the running back hesitate and try to juke defenders as opposed to running full steam ahead. Once McGahee gets rolling, he won't stop until he is well over 100 yards.

"He is a one-cut guy," Rhodes said of McGahee, who ran for 77 yards in his Ravens debut on Monday night in Cincinnati. "He tries to get downhill and attack the hole and get as many yards as he can. We are going to try to make him stutter his feet and not let him be such a downhill guy."

At least the Jets will have to face McGahee only once in the regular season now that he is out of the division.

"Willis is a good back, that is why we coveted him," said Baltimore head coach Brian Billick, whose team traded third- and seventh-round picks in April's draft and a 2008 third-round pick for the running back. "Obviously he is very familiar with them (the Jets) and that is a plus."

[Kentucky Jet]

COMMISH: TIME TO PAY THE BILL

September 14, 2007 -- ROGER Goodell hit the Patriots where they will hurt the most.

Bill Belichick got caught having video assistant Matt Estrella videotape the Jets' signals, putting the best one the commissioner possibly could have sent into that letter received last night in Foxborough. Draft choices are the playing chips that most empower and endanger success, much more than any fine in a league that doesn't have a team financially suffering, especially not the one in New England.

What, short of phone monitoring and house arrest could have kept a suspended Belichick [who was fined $500,000] from participating in the game-planning for the Jets-Patriots rematch Dec. 16?

Of course, Goodell could have removed the head coach from the sideline, but most in-game strategy decisions are made by the offensive and defensive coordinators. And anyway, what is the penalty of a potential loss of a game or two games, because of a head man's absence compared with denying his team a potential star or two good players for the next 4-10 seasons?

Goodell did not make himself immediately available to explain the logic of the conditional penalties, either a first-round 2008-draft choice if the Patriots make the playoffs or a second-and-third-round picks if they do not. Either one does the trick, warning teams about dirty tricks.

The debate as to how much help a team actually gets by stealing opponent's signals is an argument only against more lost draft choices, not against the need for a substantial penalty for having gone well beyond the normal gamesmanship of reading lips.

Point is, Belichick, who now needs a full hood, not just a hoodie, tried to get an edge prohibited by the rules. And a commissioner who penalizes teams by suspending steroid cheats and gamblers had to make the same point by punishing the previously most-celebrated coach of this era and the owner who empowers him.

"When you're successful in anything, a lot of people like to try to take you down," Patriots owner Bob Kraft, windbag, said Tuesday.

You wonder whatever became of shame, lament that being caught with red hands rarely anymore produces deeply red faces. But the penalty that piles on the proud Patriots is that now we will always wonder how many games they've won with illegal help.

This time, the smartest coach in football played the dummy, putting Estrella out there with a zoom after he almost got caught last season. The HC, who left the Jets standing at the altar with a scheduled press conference when he got a better offer from the Patriots, wanted to help himself to Jets secrets and couldn't help himself, like a common thief.

Of course, the NFL, which now likely will remove this particular temptation by adding radio receivers in the helmets of defensive captains, not just quarterbacks, could have already cleaned this up, with two more franchises voting yes to that proposal. But that was the owners' call, not Goodell's, who repeatedly is taking as a solemn trust his watchdog responsibilities to the competition.

The Patriots' $250,000 fine is light, but penalties in the millions only would be passed to the season-ticket holders as the cost of doing business, in this case, dirty business. Of course, many Patriots fans would happily pay a premium for the continued success of seven years of Belichick, but that mentality gets an arrow to the heart, too.

Even with the Patriots holding the 49ers' first pick next April, Belichick still will be denied a significant piece of replenishment. Considering how well he has drafted, it will leave a gap on his team to match the ones in his morality and, now, reputation.

jay.greenberg@nypost.com

[Kentucky Jet]

Clemens-McCairens duo has worked well for Jets

BY TOM ROCK | tom.rock@newsday.com

10:18 PM EDT, September 13, 2007

Jerricho Cotchery was asked what it will be like to have backup quarterback Kellen Clemens driving the offense on Sunday.

"This offseason I haven't been in the huddle with him very much, but I'm pretty sure he's ready to take on the task," Cotchery said.

Well, how does Clemens compare with Chad Pennington, the starter who in all likelihood will miss the game with an ankle injury?

"I really don't know," Cotchery said. "I haven't had a chance to really work with both of them and have a chance to prepare with them. I've just been working with Chad this whole offseason. That's who I know right now."

It's changing this week; the offensive pieces are trying to cram chemistry into a week of reps. But if Cotchery, Laveranues Coles or anyone else is looking for some tips on being a receiver for Clemens, they might want to turn to Justin McCareins.

The veteran wide receiver not only built one of the strongest rapports with Clemens during the preseason, he also stands to benefit the most from the vertical passing game the Jets can build around Clemens. As a downfield threat trapped in a ball-control offense, McCareins finally could be unleashed.

"He's easy to throw to; you just drop back and throw it as far as you can and he gets it," Clemens said of passing to the speedy McCareins. "Those one-and-dones, yeah, they're a lot of fun."

McCareins not only has experience with Clemens ("I feel good catching the ball from Kellen," he said), he also has experience playing against the Ravens. In three career games, he's caught seven passes for 122 yards against Baltimore.

"They've got an all-star team on defense," McCareins said. "I think we have to be sharp and maybe try to take advantage of their aggressiveness and do some other things that could exploit them being out of position."

The Clemens-McCareins connection was first noticed early in training camp when the quarterback threw two long touchdown passes to McCareins during the Green-and-White scrimmage at Fordham in August.

In the first preseason game against the Falcons, Clemens threw a deep pass on his first snap of the game, a 42-yard completion to McCareins. The next week against the Vikings, McCareins caught another two from Clemens, including a 35-yard touchdown.

For the entire preseason, McCareins caught five passes from Clemens for 140 yards and a touchdown. He caught one pass from Pennington for 6 yards.

McCareins' chemistry with Clemens might have even helped the young quarterback look better than he actually was.

"There were a couple of those vertical balls [in the preseason] that he was helped out with where they hung up there quite a long time," coach Eric Mangini said of Clemens as a deep threat. "Justin McCareins made a few really good catches on ones that were a little bit overthrown."

With Clemens at quarterback, it's only natural for the Jets' offense to change. Even Mangini has said all week that the game plan and the play-calling will be altered to the preferences and capabilities of the man who is running them.

The two Jets quarterbacks have a similar set of skills, but within that set are differences. Where Pennington has an edge in football intelligence and experience, and an ability to check out of bad plays and exploit weaknesses in a defense, Clemens' stronger attributes are his ability to throw deep and his athleticism moving around the pocket.

Ravens coach Brian Billick said that even though the differences between Clemens and Pennington are subtle, they will need to be addressed on defense.

" has a very strong arm and the Jets have great speed, so that is certainly something that you are going to have to account for," Billick said. "That combination and what they may do can be lethal if you're not on top of it."

[Kentucky Jet]

Sideline Spying: N.F.L. Punishes Patriots

[Kentucky Jet]

Cloak and Dagger 101

By JOHN BRANCH

Published: September 14, 2007

Mario Vivas knows a lot about spying, but nothing about the fix the Patriots are in. Vivas, the sales manager of Spy Shops in Manhattan, did not know that a Patriots employee allegedly stood on the Meadowlands sideline Sunday with a hand-held camera, recording the defensive signals used by coaches of the Jets, a violation of N.F.L. rules.

A micro video camera, above, sold at Spy Shops in Manhattan, might have saved Bill Belichick and the Patriots a lot of trouble.

Like everyone else, he found it hard to believe.

[Kentucky Jet]

Ravens defense a fierce challenge confronting Jets

Friday, September 14, 2007

BY DAVE HUTCHINSON

Star-Ledger Staff

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Jets coach Eric Mangini junked his quarterback rotation before the start of training camp, naming Chad Pennington the starter last February. Pennington is now injured. Mangini may have to do the same with his running back rotation if the Jets are to get their money's worth out of their $20-million man, Thomas Jones.

Last week, Jones rushed for just 42 yards on 14 carries against the Patriots, and Leon Washington had four carries for 15 yards. The Patriots are stout against the run, but wearing down such defenses is what the hard-running Jones does best.

Last season, Jones averaged 94.2 yards in the nine games he had 20 or more carries with the Bears. In the seven games he had less than 20 carries, he averaged just 51.7 yards. The Bears, of course, went 13-3 en route to the Super Bowl and Jones was credited with carrying quarterback Rex Grossman on his broad shoulders.

As second-year quarterback Kellen Clemens prepares to make his first NFL start on Sunday against the Ravens in Baltimore, he could use a heavy dose of Jones to help ease his transition from clipboard holder to starter.

"How (Jones) is used and things that we do with him is always going to be catered to who you're playing, so it'll change dramatically week in and week out," Mangini said.

Jones, who rushed for more than 2,500 yards in the past two seasons, is playing the role of the good soldier now. After all, it's only been one game. He says he's just happy to be here and he'll do whatever the Jets want. But a few more frustrating days like last Sunday could change his tune.

In the Ravens, the Jets are facing perhaps the most intimidating and blitz-happy defense in the NFL. The unit ranked first in the NFL in total defense a year ago. Last week, Baltimore limited a high-powered Bengals offense to just 236 yards total offense -- a mere 55 yards rushing -- in a 27-20 loss. The defense was betrayed by an offense that committed six turnovers that led to 24 points.

Ray Lewis and Co. won't be a happy bunch come Sunday afternoon at M&T Bank Stadium and it could get ugly for the Jets if they can't establish the run.

"That defense is scary when you look at the film," guard Brandon Moore said. "They're all over the place and they have guys that can get to the quarterback, get off blocks well and make a lot of big plays. It's a big challenge."

Lewis, an eight-time Pro Bowler, is in his 12th season and has found new life playing behind 340-pound defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. Lewis might be past his prime, but he made the Pro Bowl last season and had a team-high 14 tackles (10 solo) on Monday night against the Bengals. He played with strained triceps muscle in his right arm, but will start against the Jets following a negative MRI this week.

Linebackers Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs, cornerback Chris McAllister and safety Ed Reed round out the talent-rich core. Each made the Pro Bowl last season. The five have been together since 2003.

"They like to play physical, nasty," tight end Joe Kowalewski said. "They get after you, try to intimidate you. They're a tough group. They've imposed their will on other teams."

The Ravens play a 3-4 base defense but they employ multiple fronts. Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, the son of former NFL coach Buddy Ryan, leans heavily on the ultra-aggressive 46 scheme made famous by his dad and disguising his defenses.

"They move around a lot," Jones said. "They have some fast guys on defense and they have played together a lot."

The job of figuring out what is coming next -- and from where -- lies with second-year center Nick Mangold.

"The multiple blitzes, that's one thing they do really well," Mangold said. "Also, the amount of pressure and different looks they give you. It's going to be a challenge for us to make sure we're on the same page for whatever we see."

If the Jets' offensive line isn't reading from the same script, they're likely to see plenty of celebratory dancing by Lewis, whose pregame introduction gig is a classic. He remains an emotional spark plug for the defense.

"Hopefully, we can keep the dancing to a minimum this week," Kowalewski said. "I've been hearing a lot about it. ... It's going to be fun to go down there and play those guys. I'm looking forward to it."

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@starledger.com

[Kentucky Jet]

Game plan for football lots

Friday, September 14, 2007

By JOHN A. GAVIN

STAFF WRITER

LYNDHURST -- The township will provide more than 4,000 parking spaces for Giants and Jets fans until 2010 and, in return, will be able to raise money for its schools by selling food and non-alcoholic drinks in the satellite lots.

Commissioners this week passed a resolution giving the mayor authority to request bids for food and beverage vendors, with a portion of the proceeds going to township schools.

"We're asking for concessionaires to come in," Mayor Richard DiLascio said Thursday. "The biggest question is how many [concession] trucks and the type of refreshments. And what percentage of sales will be donated to the Lyndhurst Educational Foundation."

Refreshments such as bottled water, soft drinks and sandwiches are expected to be sold. There will be no beer, he said. Tailgating will still not be permitted.

DiLascio said the vendors could be up and running by the Sept. 23 game between the Jets and Miami Dolphins.

OFF-SITE PARKING

1099 Wall St. West, 586 spaces

1200 Wall St. West, 732 spaces

1280 Wall St. West, 450 spaces

125 Chubb Ave., 834 spaces

210 Clay Ave., 380 spaces

1290 Wall St. West and 160 Chubb Ave., 950 spaces

1050 Wall St. West, 370 spaces

Under the new agreement, the teams will pay $7,000 a game for police and emergency personnel, and will clean up the lots after games.

During games, eight police officers work eight parking lots.

"It's no different than any other patrol duties," Police Chief James O'Connor said. "Our job is to direct traffic, provide crowd control and enforce the town's ordinances."

During monthlong negotiations, the township had to get permission from the Meadowlands Commission to sell refreshments, DiLascio said. Additional negotiations took place between the teams and the management companies for the office buildings where the lots are located.

Ticket holders without parking passes are being forced to park in remote lots this year while the teams' new stadium is constructed. The teams also provide buses that shuttle patrons to and from the stadium.

There will be no off-site parking for college games and smaller events, officials said.

Joseph Abate, the schools superintendent, said funds will be used to help several athletic programs.

"I think it's an excellent idea," Abate said.

E-mail: gavin@northjersey.com