E-Boland & Gang Green

By Tom Rock

A few columnists and fresh faces out here today, so the topic of Pete Kendall (which some of you have expressed is being overplayed) was hot in Mangini’s presser. You can check out the video of the session on the Jets website – Mangini bobs and weaves just like Teddy Atlas taught him to for the most part – but he came close to answering Cimini’s question about whether there would be any discipline leavied on Kendall for conduct detrimental to the team or something else. It’s widely know that players are given rules about what they can and cannot talk about with reporters, and I’m guessing Pete has crossed that line.

Here’s Mangini’s answer:

“We have very specific rules in place and the players all got those rules and they clearly were defined and articulated and the rules are designed to create the best possible work environment for us to focus on winning. Pete’s a professional and I expect he’ll follow the rules like I anticipate all players will follow the rules.”

Asked if Pete has broken any of the rules, Mangini said all matters of discipline are internal.

Interesting. I wonder if things will get to the point where Kendall starts to be fined by the team for speaking his mind – something he shows no signs of stopping – and if those fines start to compare to the $14,000 per day fine he would be hit with for going home. In other words, if he’s hit 10 grand a day for speaking out, would it be worth it to him to spend the extra 4 grand and go home?

Mangini said he would check with the trainers to see if Pete will practice today. In other words, go see for yourself when practice starts at 2.

Just a few notes from last night’s practice that I wanted to get in: Jesse Pellot-Rosa, the former VCU basketball player who has been sidelined by a left wrist injury and has become Greg Gutes’ favorite longshot Jet, was on the field for the first time last night. Besides Kendall, who rode the exercise bike last night, Nick Mangold doppleganger Andrew Wicker was also with the walking wounded.

This is my last blog for today (probably), but interns Katie and Stephen are due to make their triumphant return to our stage later this evening. Keep an eye out!