The Facts: Carter, who was released by the Cowboys in training camp amid reports that he failed a drug test, recently checked into a drug treatment center, a person familiar with the situation said yesterday. Carter also was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the person said.

Diehards Line:Carter, who started started three games for the Jets this season when Chad Pennington went down with a torn right rotator cuff, already was in the league's substance-abuse program following one previous positive test. A third positive test would bring a four-game suspension. ... By all accounts, the Jets had no intentions of re-signing Carter, even before the relapse.