A SIDEWAYS GLANCE : JETS DISTRACTED? CHECK THE STANDINGS.

Keyshawn Johnson, a true piece of work, says he's tired of talking about his literary piece of work.

The New York Jets wide receiver out of USC said this week his offensive offseason book, ``Just Give Me The Damn Ball! The Fast Times and Hard Knocks of an NFL Rookie,'' which tore into several teammates and ex-coaches, has caused nary a rift this season.

``It's pretty much a dead issue in terms of our coaching staff and players,'' Johnson told the Sacramento Bee before today's game against the Raiders.

``It's the media that continues to harp on it. It's irrelevant to us. What was said, was said. It's over with now.''

Coach Bill Parcells, spared from Johnson's critique since Rich Kotite was his coach last season, added about the book: ``That stuff usually sorts itself out. It didn't take long, either.''

Still out of sorts, however, seem to be Jets quarterback Neil O'Donnell and wide receiver Wayne Chrebet. Johnson accused the former of faking injuries and referred to the latter as the ``team mascot'' because of how Kotite favored him.

Johnson said he and both O'Donnell and Chrebet ``don't even talk about it anymore.''

Said Chrebet, whose locker is right next to Johnson's: ``Bottom line, I don't want to talk about that situation. When it arose, I didn't counter-attack.''

And from O'Donnell: ``We're working well together. Keyshawn's doing fine. He's getting open.''

O'Donnell says he couldn't help but take a dig at Johnson last Sunday during their game against New England.

With less than two minutes left and the Jets down by a TD, O'Donnell called for a pass to Johnson on third-and-4 from their 23. The pass slipped through Johnson's hands.

Back in the huddle, O'Donnell said: ``I'm coming at you again. Don't drop the damn ball!''

Johnson didn't.

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