Mark Sanchez takes playful jab at Pete Carroll

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Mark Sanchez just couldn’t resist.

The first-year NFL quarterback, after helping the New York Jets to a wild-card-round win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, said this to reporters about his former college coach, USC’s Pete Carroll:

‘Speaking of Coach Carroll, I just want everyone to know, I completely disagree with his decision to go to the NFL,’ he said, smiling broadly, his comments met by laughter. ‘Statistics show that it’s not a good choice.

‘No, I’m just kidding. I talked to coach a bunch. I told him I was gonna hammer him about it, but I wish him the best whatever happens, whether he stays in school or not.’

Carroll, you might recall, was critical of Sanchez’s choice to leave USC after the 2008 season, with one year of college eligibility remaining.

Sounds like Sanchez not only has a strong arm, but also a long memory. Plus a good sense of humor and timing.

Carroll is close to becoming coach of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

-- Mike Hiserman