JET NOTES

For the first time all season, offensive tackle Adrian Jones was conspicuously absent from the active roster in Sunday’s Jets-Texans game and, when Eric Mangini was asked why on Monday, he said tersely, “Coaching decision.” When news of Jones’ arrest for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated early Saturday morning became public, Jones’ absence from the lineup became much clearer.

“I am deeply sorry for my actions and for putting myself before the team,” Jones said in a statement issued by the Jets.

“I apologized to my family, my teammates and my coaches for my behavior. I used poor judgment and will be held accountable for it.” According to court documents, Jones was stopped by police in Nassau County, L.I., at approximately 4 a.m. He wasn’t at the team’s Saturday meeting and walk-through and was, of course, left off the active list for Sunday’s game.

Jones, who was fined $20,000 by the team, will now be subject to the NFL’s substanceabuse program.

It’s been a difficult season for Jones, who started every game in 2005 only to lose his job in training camp to Anthony Clement.

He was arraigned Saturday in Nassau County District Court in Hempstead and has a court conference scheduled for Dec. 15, along with a DMV hearing scheduled for Dec. 8.

Jones also had his driver’s license revoked because of his refusal to participate in a breathalyzer test.

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In better news, Chad Pennington has been named as the Jets’ 2006 Walter Payton Man of the Year. Through his 1st and 10 Foundation, Pennington has impacted many lives throughout the Tri-State Area, West Virginia and Tennessee.

As the Jets’ award winner, Pennington will receive $1,000 to donate to the 1st and 10 Foundation and he’s eligible to win the national Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The national winner will receive $25,000 to donate to the organization of his choice.