Patriots Tweet 'Butt Fumble' Picture Ahead Of Showdown With Jets

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The Patriots' official Twitter account sent out -- and then deleted -- a picture of the New York Jets' infamous "butt fumble" as the AFC East rivals approach Sunday's game in New England.

With a hashtag for "Throwback Thursday" and the caption, "This seems relevant," the Patriots sent the picture of then-Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez losing the football after running into the rear end of offensive lineman Brandon Moore on Thanksgiving 2012.

Patriots spokesman Stacey James did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Patriots (5-0) host the Jets (4-1) on Sunday for the division lead. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.

Jets coach Todd Bowles said he was unaware of the tweet and wasn't "a Twitter guy." But running back Stevan Ridley, a former Patriot, said New England coach Bill Belichick would not take kindly to the team's social media department stirring things up.

Asked what he thought the strict Patriots mentor would do to the employee who sent the tweet, Ridley said with a smile, "There's no telling, man.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't there (anymore)," he said.

Even hours after the tweet was gone, Twitter was still having fun with it.

• New York Jets
• New England Patriots