Did Sam Alosi Cheat?

According to NFL rules, on a punting play, only two players on the kicking team are allowed downfield before the kick. These players are the "gunners".

The return team typically assigns two players to block each gunner. If the gunner runs out of bounds, he is still allowed to later make a tackle.

This leads to a problem. Some players intentionally run out of bounds, so they can avoid the blockers.

Sam Alosi instructed the Jets players to stand right by the field. This prevents the gunner from running too far out of bounds. Allegedly, other teams do the exact same thing.

Miami's gunner was running too far out of bounds. Sam Alosi then intentionally tripped him.

Was Sam Alosi cheating? Was it self-defense? The Miami player was cheating. He was intentionally running out of bounds, to avoid a blocker.

This is a defect in the NFL rules. A player is allowed to intentionally run out of bounds, and then later make a tackle. The NFL should strictly enforce "You can't intentionally run out of bounds." The NFL probably should restrict the blockers. For example, they could use a rule similar to a pass play. Maybe the defenders should only be allowed to block the gunner once within 5 yards, until the receiver touches the ball or the ball hits the ground. Maybe the defenders should only be allowed to block the gunner once within 20 yards, and then may block him more once he's further downfield.

Sam Alosi is not solely responsible for the tripping incident. The Miami player was cheating; he was intentionally running out of bounds to dodge blockers. There's a defect in the NFL rules. The gunners are encouraged to run out of bounds to dodge tacklers. The blockers are given too much discretion to block the gunner aggressively. Allegedly, other teams use the "players line up by the sideline" trick. Sam Alosi is not solely to blame for this incident. The NFL is partially at fault, because they allow players to run out of bounds on punting plays.