The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... Although the enigmatic Holmes didn't want to discuss the circus atmosphere surrounding the team, friends who train with him told The News that he has purposely steered clear of making any public comments about the Jets' recent trade for Tim Tebow. "He didn't really care (about the trade)," said one player who trains with Holmes in Orlando. "'[Holmes] just wants the ball."

Diehards Line:As Daily News staffer Manish Mehta reminded readers, Holmes grew increasingly disgruntled last season. His discontent bubbled to the surface in the season finale when television cameras caught him jawing with teammates in the huddle before then-OC Brian Schottenheimer benched him for the final few minutes of the game. His relationship with Mark Sanchez has been a story since. Although Sanchez said a few weeks ago that he had recently spent a couple days with Holmes in Orlando and patched up any differences, the player who trains with Holmes told Mehta that Holmes simply wants to win regardless of whether Sanchez or Tebow is under center. ... Oh yeah. And he wants the ball. ... Also: Mehta asked the mercurial wideout about how all the negative reporting has impacted him. "The media don't make me and the media don't break me," Holmes said, tapping his chest and extending his arms. "I'm Santonio Holmes. ... And that's it." Enough said.