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LeRoy Hill injured

2006-09-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

There is one new member on the injure Seahawks list and he is LB Hill.

On Thursday he became questionable for Sunday's season opener at Detroit .

He was a 3 rd round draft choisein 2005 from Clemson. He got injured in his left shoulder early in Wednesday's full-pads practice, as a substitute Lewis would play start against the Lions if Hill couldn't play.

With 7.5 sacks Lb Hill rookie set a record for Seattle .
Before LeRoy Hill emergence, Lewis singed in 2002 as an undrafted free agent and he started 12 games on past season.

LeRoy Hill Stats:

# 56 Leroy Hill
Position: LB
Height: 6-1
Weight: 229
Born: 09/14/1982
College: Clemson
NFL Experience: 2
Career Stats Game Logs: 01 02 03 04 05 Situational Stats Team Roster

DEFENSIVE STATS

Year Team G Total Tckl Ast Sacks Int Yds Avg Lg TD Pass Def
2005 Seattle Seahawks 15 72 51.0 21 7.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 2
TOTAL 15 72 51.0 21 7.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 2

FUMBLES

Year Team G Fum Lost Fum Forced Own Rec Opp Rec Yards Tot Rec TD
2005 Seattle Seahawks 15 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL 15 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

After alumnus Montana Ringgold H.S renames

2006-09-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Joe Montana “Hall of Fame quarter back” attended a ceremony last week renaming alma mater's field after him, he also let the San Francisco 49ers with four Super Bowls.

Along with Stan Musial, Ken Griffey Sr and former Minnesota Vikings kicker Fred Cox, Montana was inducted into its sports hall of fame.

By naming is stadium for the 1974 graduate Ringgold saved the biggest honor for Joe Montana.
It will lasta longer than me and it's a great honor Joe Montana said.

Since Montana were in high school this ceremony marked the first time he had returned for a Ringgold.

Raiders linebacker Danny Clark sign with New Orleans Saints

2006-09-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

Danny Clark signed with The New Orleans Saints on Tuesday and veteran Jay Bellamy was released to make room on the rooster. Bellamy has been with the Saints since 2001, starting 67 games and making 9 interceptions. He led the Saints in tackles in 2003 and 2004.

The veteran Clark who has been a productive player will be a contributor to the Saints due his wealth of experience. This is his seventh season in the NFL; he also has five forced fumbles and an interception in his career.

For 2003 he played in all 16 league games with eight starts at LB in final season with Jacksonville and finished eighth on the team in tackles with 73, tied for third on the squad in special teams tackles with 11. He also was named All-Conference as a quarterback and linebacker at Hillcrest High in Country Club, Illinois.

The Saint placed punter M Berger on injured reserve and signed punter Steve Weatherford, Berger is out of practice due a pelvic injury.

Weatherford, a rookie out of Illinois, handled all punting duties during the preseason and had a 46.7 yard average through four games.

2005 was an off year for Weatherford as he averaged only 42.6 yards per punt and had only 16 of his 67 attempts land inside the 20 yard line.

Games to watch during the upcoming NFL season

Sunday, September 10- Indianapolis at New York Giants

Sunday, September 17- Washington at Dallas

Monday, September 24- Atlanta at New Orleans

Lee Suggs Injured

2006-09-05T08:04:00.000-07:00

Two days after being released by Cleveland Injured RB Lee Suggs signed with the Miami Dolphins.

He has missed 23 of 48 games because of neck, ankle, shoulder, thumb and toe injuries, and he led Browns with 744 yards in 2004.

Suggs was traded from Cleveland to the Jets and then returned to the Browns when he failed a physical test on last month.

Ronnie Brown was been shored by Miami after back up Sammy Morris violated NFL steroid policy and been suspended for four games.

The also signed up by the Dolphins were Tim Massaquoi and Keith Adams “linebacker”.

Mike Labinjo was waived by Tim and Keith.

On Saturday Adams were released by Carolina . For Philadelphia on last year, he started all 16 games. Tampa Bay picked Massaquoi as a seventh-round draft pick in this year.

Running Back Ron Dayne expected to sign with Texans

2006-09-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Free agent running back Ron Dayne is expected to sign with The Houston Texas on Monday.
Dayne played in 2004 14 games -2 starts- for the N.Y. Giants and gained 179 yards on 52 carries with one touchdown while recording a 7-yard reception and the first special teams tackle of his career at Washington 12/5. He also returned a kick, the first return of his career, for 11 yards at Arizona.

For 2002 he played in all 16 games with 1 start. He was 2nd on the team and 25th in the NFC with 428 rushing yards on 125 carries. Ran for 3 touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 49 yards.
Dayne didn’t play in the last 3 preseason games and had been surpassed by rookie Mike bell Denver when he suffered turf toe in the preseason opener.

For college career he established an NCAA Division 1-A regular season rushing record with 6,397 yards, breaking the previous mark of 6,279 yards by Ricky Williams of Texas. Including bowl games, he became the first player in college history to rush for over 7,000 yards in a career and tied the NCAA all-time record held by Williams and Marcus Allen of Southern California with twelve 200-yard rushing performances.

Also he set the Big Ten all-time records for most rushing attempts (1,220), points (426) and 71 touchdowns (both rushing and total).

Ron ended his career at Wisconsin as the NCAA’s all time leading rusher, had only 5 carries for twelve yards in the pre-season.

In six NFL seasons with the New York Giants and Denver, Dayne has 2,337 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns. He had 53 carries for 270 yards in 10 games last season in new Texans coach Gary Kubiak's Denver offense.

Teddy Lehman Lion linebacker on PUP list

2006-09-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Lehman linebacker is off the field for a least the first six weeks of the season.

He has an ankle and foot injure since last year and was limited for 5 games. Teddy was second-round pick in tackles, and he also was the only rookie to start all 16 games in 2004.

Olivea to a six-year contract with Chargers

2006-08-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

Shane Olivea, who was eligible to become a restricted free agent after this season, signed this Wednesday to a six-year contract through the 2011 season, but financial terms were not disclosed.

Olivea has been Chargers offensive tackle since joining the team as a seventh round draft choice out of Ohio State in 2004, he has started 31 of 32 games, missed only one start due to injury knee.

With Shane anchoring the right side of the offensive line, the Chargers have rushed for more than 2,000 yards and passed for more than 3,500 yards each of the last two seasons.

San Diego Chargers have locked up their starting right tackle for the foreseeable future.

Shane Olivea #70

Height: 6-4 Weight: 312
Born: Oct 7, 1981 - Cedarhurst, NY
College: Ohio State
Draft: 2004 - 7th round (8th pick) by the San Diego Chargers
Experience: 3rd NFL Season

Olympian Bloom on IR placed by Eagles

2006-08-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

Jeremy Bloom was placed fifth-round draft pick on Tuesday after he missed most of training camp with an injured hamstring.

His football career was put on hold by an NCAA ruling and before he played for Colorado . On 2004 he accepted endorsements and the NCAA said he wasn't eligible for the football team.

He was picked to try and help the Eagles' special teams and wide receiver corps.

Bloom had 24 receptions for an average of 19.1 yards per catch in two seasons at Colorado . Also he returned 47 punts at 13.5 yards per return and 25 kickoffs at 25.1 yards per return as well as returned two kickoffs for 45 yards in the preseason with The Eagles.

Major Test passed by C Palmer

2006-08-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

On Monday game the Bengals played against the Packers with Palmer start and led the team to a 31-0 lead in 2 nd Q.

Palmer had a brace on his left knee, but he absorbed contact, delivery nice passing touch, had good moves in the pocket. He had a major surgery in January and he recovered very well.

7 Waive for Niners and DT Deloach too

2006-08-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

On Sunday night Jerry DeLoach was waved by San Francisco 49ers with other 6 players to adjust their roster to 75 players.

After 4 seasons DeLoach signed as a free agent with Houston Texas , he played at California .

Other s players waved by the 49ers were Gabe Franklin, Renauld Williams, Oney Ibekwe, Luis Berlanga and Andrew Jacas.

Rice signed a one-day contract to retire with the San Francisco 49ers

2006-08-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

Jerry Rice spent his practice on the fields of San Francisco 49ers' training complex opened in 1988, and where he honed his game over countless hours as he became the NFL's most prolific receiver and that's why he felt those fields were an appropriate place to say his latest goodbye to the sport he revolutionized.

During the short signing ceremony on the fields, the receiver wore his ring from the 49er’s 1989 Super Bowl championship team and shook hands with San Francisco owner John York.
Rice, who scored more touchdowns than anyone in league history, said he feel welcomed and feel at home returning with the San Francisco 49ers’ team.

He spent three seasons in Oakland after leaving the 49ers, and then played a final year with the Seattle Seahawks. Rice, who will turn 44 in October, hasn't played since parting ways with the Broncos before last season, holding his first retirement news conference last September in Denver.

He sparked controversy at 49ers camp earlier in the summer by saying No. 1 draft pick Alex Smith is not the quarterback of the future for the 49ers, and called for those who drafted Smith to be fired presumably Coach Mike Nolan, who has the final say on San Francisco's personnel decisions. Rice reversed those comments later Thursday during his show, saying Smith was showing remarkable progress.

San Francisco fans still remember his incredible prime when Jerry made most of his 197 touchdown receptions while playing for several powerhouse teams and three Super Bowl winners. Rice's 208 total touchdowns are 33 more than second-place Emmitt Smith. Rice holds NFL records with 1,549 receptions for 22,895 yards, and also holds the top single-season marks of 1,848 yards and 22 touchdowns.

The 49ers will honor Rice again during a game against the Seahawks on Nov. 19 at Candlestick Park, and his No. 80 is expected to be retired in the near future.

Portis separates shoulder in preseason opener with Bengals

2006-08-14T08:35:00.001-07:00

Washington Redskins star running back Clinton Portis left Sunday night's preseason opener with Cincinnati after separating his left shoulder while tackling Bengals defensive back Keiwan Ratliff following an interception early in the first quarter.

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Washington looked sharp on its initial possession, driving down to Cincinnati's 25-yard line before Mark Brunell was intercepted by Ratliff, who flew down the left sideline to the Redskins 30-yard line.

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Portis took the angle and caught Ratliff, falling hard on his left shoulder as he brought down the defensive back. The running back came off the field on his own power and was immediately taken to the locker room for x-rays.

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The x-rays were negative, but an MRI performed at the stadium revealed that the running back suffered a separated shoulder. The Redskins had no immediate comment on how long Portis would be sidelined, but his status will be re-evaluated on Monday.

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Portis separates shoulder in preseason opener with Bengals

2006-08-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

Smoker signs with Chiefs

2006-08-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

The Kansas City Chiefs signed quarterback Jeff Smoker to a two-year contract on Thursday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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Smoker entered the league as a sixth-round pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by St. Louis. He was on the Rams active roster for all 16 games in 2004 and eight games in 2005.

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However, he did not make an appearance in any of those games. The Manheim, PA native has also spent time on the practice squad of both St. Louis and Philadelphia.

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A standout at Michigan St., Smoker established school records with 3,395 passing yards and 21 touchdown passes during his senior season. He was also named a consensus All-Big 10 selection in his final year as a Spartan.

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Bruschi to miss preseason with broken wrist

2006-08-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi has a broken wrist and is expected to miss the team's entire preseason schedule. Bruschi apparently suffered the injury on July 31 in a morning practice and has not participated in workouts since.

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The Boston Globe reported the severity of the injury on Wednesday; quoting head coach Bill Belichick as saying Bruschi "has a broken wrist. He will not play in any of the preseason games."

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Belichick added at a press conference Wednesday that the short statement he gave was accurate. Whether Bruschi will be ready for the team's regular-season opener on September 10 against Buffalo was unclear.

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The 33-year-old Bruschi made a stunning return to the field last October after recovering from the effects of a stroke he suffered in February 2005.

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Chargers seal five-year extension with Jammer

2006-08-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Chargers have come to terms on a five-year contract extension with cornerback Quentin Jammer. The deal runs through the 2012 season. Jammer's current contract was set to expire after the 2007 season.

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"Quentin is a major part of our defense," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said. "He gets better every year. It's exciting to know he will continue to be a Charger. He's a true pro."

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Jammer was San Diego's third-leading tackler last season. He has six interceptions in four seasons with the Chargers.

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"It's a huge relief," Jammer said of his contract. "Ever since the Chargers drafted me, I've said that I want to play my whole career in San Diego. This contract will go a long way toward that, and I'm thankful."

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Vikings' S Williams done for season

2006-08-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota Vikings placed safety Tank Williams on injured reserve Monday, ending the veteran's season.

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Williams broke his knee cap in a training camp practice last week and will need surgery. Williams joined the Vikings as a free agent in March.

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Last season with the Titans, Williams recorded a career-high 83 tackles with seven passes defended. He was drafted by Tennessee in the second round of the 2002 draft and started all 57 games he played with the club over four seasons.

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To replace Williams on the roster, the Vikings signed free agent defensive back Ahmad Treaudo. Treaudo spent time on the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad in 2005 and played in the regular-season finale for the Falcons.

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Thompson returns to QB for Sooners

2006-08-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

Coach Bob Stoops announced Thursday that converted wide receiver Paul Thompson will return to quarterback and assume the starting role. Thompson, a senior from Leander, served as a backup for two years to Jason White and then started last year's season opener, a 17-10 loss to TCU. But Thompson elected to move to wide receiver after he was demoted in favor of the highly touted Bomar, who was a redshirt freshman.

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Thompson has completed 42 of 73 passes for 428 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions in 23 appearances over three seasons. He quickly fell out of favor last season, however, when he completed only 11 of 26 passes and lost two fumbles in the loss to TCU.

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Thompson caught 11 passes for 106 yards last season while also serving as the backup quarterback to Bomar.

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"Realize for the last four years he has been our backup quarterback all four years," Stoops said. "The only time he has not been a quarterback has been 15 practices here in the last spring. Last year, if there was anything that happened, we were going with Paul."

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Chiefs pick up Bennett from Saints for draft pick

2006-08-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired running back Michael Bennett from the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday, but insisted that didn't mean Priest Holmes would retire.

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Holmes, holder of many Chiefs rushing and touchdown records, is being held out of contact by doctors because of a neck and spinal cord injury he suffered in a game last October at San Diego.

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The Saints traded Bennett for an undisclosed choice in the 2007 NFL draft. Holmes, a three-time Pro-Bowler, was placed on the physically unable to perform list before the opening of training camp and will likely remain there for the foreseeable future.

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Bennett, who signed as a free agent with New Orleans in March, appeared in 64 games with Minnesota. His best year was 2002 when he had 1,296 yards on 255 carries. He'll provide insurance behind Larry Johnson, who emerged as a star after Holmes was injured on Oct. 30, rushing for a team-record 1,750 yards.

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Chiefs acquire RB Bennett from Saints

2006-08-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired running back Michael Bennett from the New Orleans Saints Wednesday in exchange for an undisclosed draft choice in 2007. Bennett, a five-year veteran, started six of 16 games last season for the Minnesota Vikings and rushed for 473 yards on 126 carries with five total touchdowns.

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The University of Wisconsin alum was signed to a two-year deal by New Orleans in the offseason. After selecting Reggie Bush second overall in the 2006 NFL Draft and with Deuce McAllister already in the fold, however, Bennett became expendable.

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"We have been working on a potential trade for Michael Bennett for the last couple of months," said Chiefs president Carl Peterson. "As a former number one draft choice he brings quality and experience to the Chiefs and he is still a young running back. Michael has had a 1,000-yard rushing season and has been to a Pro Bowl. He will be utilized to back up Larry Johnson and be involved in our group of running backs as soon as he arrives in camp".

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Bennett rushed for 1,296 yards in 2002 and was selected to his only Pro Bowl as a result. For his career, he has rushed for 3,174 yards and scored a total of 17 touchdowns since being selected 27th overall by Minnesota in the 2001 draft.

Falcons WR Finneran out for season

2006-08-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Brian Finneran is out for the season after suffering a serious right knee injury during a training camp workout Sunday night. An MRI confirmed that he tore the anterior cruciate ligament and also sustained cartilage damage and a slight displacement of the knee cap.

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He will undergo surgery on Wednesday or Thursday. The team placed him on injured reserve. Finneran fell to the ground in pain while planting his foot during a pass route.

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"Looking at the film, it was just one of those things that just happen in football sometimes where a guy plants his foot and there is a little contact, not much, and he can't get his foot out of the ground," said Falcons head coach Jim Mora.

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Finneran caught 50 passes for 611 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games, including seven starts, for the Falcons last season. Finneran, who while at Villanova won the Walter Payton Award as I-AA college football's top player in 1997, has played 86 games in seven NFL seasons.

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Falcons WR Finneran suffers knee injury

2006-07-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Brian Finneran suffered a potentially serious right knee injury during a training camp workout Sunday night.

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Finneran fell to the ground in pain while planting his foot during a pass route. The Falcons said Finneran will undergo an MRI within the next day.

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"Once we look at the film we'll probably see it was more of a non-contact injury than anything," Falcons head coach Jim Mora said. "Sometimes you plant and your knee gives. It looks like it is serious, but we're going to wait until we get the MRI done to just confirm it".

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Finneran caught 50 passes for 611 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games, including seven starts, for the Falcons last season.

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Jets sign OT Ferguson

2006-07-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

The New York Jets announced Wednesday that they have signed first-round pick D'Brickashaw Ferguson. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

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Taken No. 4 overall in the 2006 NFL Draft, the 6-6, 312-pound tackle was considered far and away the best offensive lineman in his class.

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He garnered numerous accolades during his time at the University of Virginia, including first-team All-American honors by both The NFL Draft Report and the Associated Press.

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"We are extremely pleased D'Brickashaw and his representatives understand the importance of practicing with his teammates as camp begins," said Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum. "This was a constructive process as both sides were professional and proactive throughout the negotiations". The Jets have now signed seven of their 10 draft picks.

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Cromartie joins Chargers

2006-07-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

Cornerback Antonio Cromartie reached an agreement on a five-year contract with the San Diego Chargers Tuesday night.

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Cromartie, the No. 19 overall pick in this year's draft, played just two full seasons at Florida State due to a preseason knee injury in 2005 that kept him sidelined the entire year. He earned first team All-ACC honors in 2004 as a sophomore.

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In 2004, he tied for second in the ACC in interceptions with four, and also returned a fumble and an interception for a touchdown. Cromartie is expected to join his teammates for workouts on Wednesday.

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The Chargers are one of just four teams to agree to terms with all of their draft picks, joining Houston, Oakland and Chicago.

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Taylor transferring from Texas

2006-07-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

Texas running back Ramonce Taylor, who has struggled with academic and legal problems, said Tuesday he will transfer. Taylor scored a touchdown in Texas' win over Southern California in the national championship game. But he missed spring practice because of academic problems and in May was arrested on a marijuana possession charge.

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"Frederick Douglass once said, `No struggle, no progress.' I've had my share of struggles and now it's time for progress," Taylor said in a statement.

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One of the Longhorns' most versatile players, Taylor scored 15 touchdowns last season, playing running back and wide receiver. "We appreciate all that R.T. contributed to our program," coach Mack Brown said. "We wish him the very best in football and in life".

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Taylor's departure leaves Texas with solid depth at running back. Jamaal Charles rushed for 878 yards and 11 touchdowns as a freshman last season, and Selvin Young and Henry Melton combined for 893 yards and 18 TDs.

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Chiefs bolster defense with addition of Law

2006-07-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

The Kansas City Chiefs beefed up their porous secondary from a year ago, agreeing in principle to a five-year contract with cornerback Ty Law on Sunday. The deal reunites Law with Herman Edwards, his head coach with the New York Jets last season. Edwards left New York for Kansas City in January, replacing the retiring Dick Vermeil.

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Law flourished under Edwards' system last season, picking off 10 passes on his way to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl. Law will enter his 12th NFL season with Kansas City, bringing with him a wealth of playoff experience. Law won three Super Bowl rings during his 10- year stint with New England, manning the corner while being a vocal leader on and off the field.

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The veteran has compiled 714 total tackles, four sacks, 46 interceptions and seven touchdowns during his NFL tenure. Law also has four interceptions and one touchdown in 12 postseason games with the Patriots.

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Law ended last season and his brief one-year stint with the Jets in remarkable fashion, intercepting three passes and returning one 65 yards for a score against Buffalo. His 10 interceptions for the season were a career high, proving that he has plenty left in the tank.

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Faulk out for season

2006-07-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk will have major reconstructive surgery on his knee and is expected to miss the upcoming season. According to a report in the St.Louis Post-Dispatch, Rams coach Scott Linehan confirmed that Faulk will have the surgery and miss the entire 2006 season. The club will keep him on the roster.

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The 33-year-old Faulk had minor surgery on both of his knees last year and it limited his playing time. While he played in all 16 games, he only started once and was limited to 292 yards on 65 carries, both career-lows. He also added 44 receptions for 291 yards and a touchdown.

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Faulk, the 2000 NFL MVP, is ninth on the career rushing list with 12,279 yards, 34 yards behind Jim Brown, over 12 seasons. Originally a first-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 1994, he spent his first five seasons there before being traded the St. Louis prior to the start of the 1999 season. In his first season in St. Louis, he helped the team to a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV.

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The San Diego State product has been to seven Pro Bowls, has seven 1,000-yard rushing seasons and was the first player in NFL history to gain 2,000 yards from scrimmage in four consecutive seasons from 1998-2001.

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Adam Meadows plans NFL return

2006-07-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

According to a report at ESPN.com, former Colts and Panthers offensive lineman Adam Meadows wants to return to the NFL. Meadows walked away from the game back in 2004 after seven years with the Indianapolis Colts.

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"Let's face it, I just love football," Meadows told ESPN.com on Wednesday. "I feel a lot better physically now than when I left the game and my weight is back up to about where it needs to be. You just don't know how much you miss it until it's gone from you".

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Meadows will put his request for reinstatement in writing to the league office this week, and should have no problem getting back into the league. But where he will end up playing is up in the air. The Panthers still hold his rights, but have two very good players at the offensive tackle position.

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So team officials will have to decide whether Meadows holds enough value as a guard, a position he has also played, or simply as a veteran player who can provide depth -- or they can release him from his obligation to play in Carolina, allowing him to solicit offers from other clubs as a free agent. The Panthers are expected to reach a decision in the next few days and are expected to have Meadows visit for a physical if their interest is still high.

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Bengals ready to sign rookies

2006-07-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

With 10 days to go before training camp opens, the Bengals have yet to sign any of their nine draft picks. That puts the team in the same position as most other clubs in the NFL.

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While the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans have been proactive in agreeing to deals with all or most of their picks, the majority of teams have yet to sign any of their selections from last April's draft.

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The Bengals open camp July 29 at Georgetown College and will hold their first practice that night. The goal, as it is every year, is to have all rookies signed in time for the first day of camp but good intentions aren't enough. Linebacker David Pollack, last year's No. 1 draft choice, missed all of training camp with a contract holdout.

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Holdouts are nothing new to the Bengals or any other team. In the past five years the Bengals have also had to go part or all of training camp without defensive end Justin Smith, guard Eric Steinbach, wide receiver Kelley Washington, running back Chris Perry and cornerback Keiwan Ratliff, because their deals weren't finished at the start of camp.

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Cowboys defensive back released from hospital

2006-07-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Cowboys free safety Keith Davis was released from a hospital Monday after being shot twice early Sunday morning while driving along Interstate 635 in Dallas.

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Davis, who had been treated at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, is expected to be ready for contact drills once training camp begins July 28.

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This marked the second time in three years the safety has been shot. He was shot twice in 2003 after getting into an altercation outside a Dallas nightclub. Davis suffered gunshot wounds to his thigh and head in the latest incident.

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The Sam Houston State product was a key member of the Cowboys last season, starting 15 games at free safety while finishing fourth on the team with 68 tackles. The Cowboys depart for training camp in Oxnard, California on July 27.

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Cowboys defensive back shot

2006-07-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

Dallas Cowboys free safety Keith Davis was shot twice early Sunday morning while driving along Interstate 635 in Dallas.

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Davis is being treated at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, the second time in three years the safety has been shot. He was shot twice in 2003 after getting into an altercation outside a Dallas nightclub.

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Police officials told the Dallas Morning News that Davis underwent surgery Sunday morning and is listed in stable condition. Davis' injuries are not considered life-threatening though it remains unclear where he was shot this time.

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The Sam Houston State product was a key member of the Cowboys last season, starting 15 games at free safety while finishing fourth on the team with 68 tackles. The Cowboys depart for training camp in Oxnard, California on July 27.

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Bengals select LB Brooks in supplemental draft

2006-07-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

The Cincinnati Bengals selected linebacker Ahmad Brooks of Virginia in the third round of the NFL Supplemental Draft on Thursday. The 6-4, 259-pounder garnered first-team All American honors in 2004 after leading the Cavaliers defense with 90 tackles, eight sacks and a pair of interceptions.

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As a junior last season, however, he missed five games due to injuries. After the 2005 season, Brooks was dismissed from the Virginia team for undisclosed reasons. "I've known Ahmad since he was in high school," said Bengals linebackers coach Ricky Hunley, "and there's no denying he has behaved through much of his career as a very immature individual.

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“But I believe he's a young man who can learn to do things the right way, and he has exceptional talent as a player. He'll get the chance to show he can use that talent to help our team. What he does with it is up to him in the end."

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Also on Thursday, Cincinnati terminated the contract of veteran guard Larry Moore, releasing him to free agency. Moore played 13 games for the Bengals in 2004, but missed the bulk of last season due to a right knee dislocation.

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Texans sign Daniels

2006-07-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

The Houston Texans announced that they have signed fourth-round draft pick TE Owen Daniels, the third Texans draft choice to sign.

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Daniels (6-3, 247), was taken by the Texans with the 98th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft from Wisconsin. He was the first tight end the Texans have taken since Bennie Joppru in 2003.

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Daniels, who is from Naperville, Ill., signed with the Badgers as a quarterback out of high school, but moved to tight end as a sophomore. He caught a career-high four touchdowns during his senior year, helping Wisconsin reach the Capital One Bowl where they upset ninth-ranked Auburn.

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Daniels finished with 62 catches for 852 yards during his career in Madison. He earned Academic All-American honors during the 2002 season. Daniels joins DE Mario Williams and LB DeMeco Ryans as the other Texans 2006 draft pick to sign. Houston has four remaining draft picks unsigned.

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Jets extend Ramsey's contract

2006-07-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

The New York Jets have signed quarterback Patrick Ramsey to a one-year contract extension, according to the New York Daily News. Ramsey, acquired by the Jets from the Washington Redskins this past March, was due to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2006 season.

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The 27-year old has started 23 games in his first three NFL seasons after being selected by the Redskins in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft.

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He opened the 2005 season as the starter but lost the job after the 'Skins opening day loss to Chicago. Ramsey's best season was in 2003 when he threw for 2,166 yards and 14 touchdowns.

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In 33 career games, all with Washington, Ramsey has passed for 5,649 yards with 34 touchdowns and 29 interceptions.

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Cardinals Agree To Terms with Jonathan Lewis

2006-07-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

The Arizona Cardinals announced that the team has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with Virginia Tech defensive tackle Jonathan Lewis, the team’s sixth-round (177th overall) selection in the 2006 NFL Draft.

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Lewis finished his collegiate career by starting in 42 of the 53 games that he appeared, collecting 203 tackles (100 solo) with 15.5 sacks, 44 quarterback pressures, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 interception during his four seasons at Virginia Tech.

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The Richmond, VA native was named All-ACC second team as a senior in 2005 after starting all 13 contests and recording 38 tackles (13 solo) with 4.5 sacks and 19 quarterback pressures.

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Lewis becomes the third member of Arizona’s 2006 draft class to be under contract. The team previously signed Louisville outside linebacker Brandon Johnson (fifth round, 142nd overall) and BYU wide receiver Todd Watkins (seventh round, 218th overall).

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Texans ink Ryans

2006-07-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

The Houston Texans signed linebacker DeMeco Ryans, their second-round draft pick this year.

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Ryans, the 33rd overall selection, played collegiately at Alabama and topped the Crimson Tide in tackles over the past three seasons. His 307 tackles are the fifth most in school history.

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During his senior season, Ryans received several honors. He was named as a first team All-American, was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and was a Butkus Award finalist.

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Houston became the first team in the NFL to sign both their first and second- round picks. Defensive end Mario Williams, chosen at No. 1 overall, has also signed.

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Sauerbrun to miss start of season after failed test

2006-07-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

Denver Broncos punter Todd Sauerbrun will reportedly miss the first four games of the 2006 NFL season after recently testing positive for the supplement ephedra. According to the Denver Post, a source close to the situation confirmed the failed test result, although the league has yet to announce anything regarding the matter.

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Ephedra was placed on the banned substance list in the fall of 2001 following the death of Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Korey Stringer, who died from heatstroke on August 1, 2001 due in part to his use of the supplement. It is not the first time Sauerbrun has run into trouble.

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He was one of three Carolina Panthers players named in a steroid scandal involving a South Carolina physician who was accused of writing illegal prescriptions for steroids. He also ran afoul of the law in December of 2004 when he was arrested for drunken driving. He pleaded guilty to the charge in May of 2005 and received a $100 fine and one year of unsupervised probation.

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The 11-year veteran has a 44-yard average in 162 games with a net average of 36 yards. He owns a career long punt of 73 yards with seven punts blocked. The University of West Virginia product will be eligible to return in time for Denver's fifth game of the year, an October 15 meeting with Oakland.

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New NFL drug policy

2006-07-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

NFL players will face random testing and stiffer penalties for amphetamine use as the result of a change in league policy that now places the drug in the category of performance-enhancers, such as steroids.

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Thus, beginning in 2007, positive tests from the drugs will result in the same penalties carried for steroids — sanctions which have recently been increased in an agreement between the league and the union as part of the revamped collective bargaining agreement. The league and the NFL Players Association agreed on the amphetamine change as part of a new collective bargaining agreement in the offseason. Last year, congressional hearings were held on drug use in sports.

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"We never looked at [amphetamines] as a competitive issue for our players, like steroids and other things, but realized the possibility that some players would use it for a game-day edge," said Harold Henderson, NFL executive vice president of labor relations. "The [players] union quickly agreed with us."

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In addition, a second positive test for performance-enhancing drugs will be upped to an eight-game suspension, an increase of two games. A third positive test will remain a one-year suspension. However, 2006 is being treated as a transitional year for amphetamines during which a first positive test will make a player eligible only for reasonable-cause testing.

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Courtesy by
By Bill Ordine Sun reporter

Bears helping rookies assimilate to life in NFL

2006-07-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

Not all of the classroom lessons that were taught this offseason at Halas Hall dealt with pass routes, blocking schemes and the cover-two defense. In a program endorsed by general manager Jerry Angelo, the Bears conducted a series of educational seminars to help their rookies transition into the NFL both on and off the field.

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Advice was disseminated about investments, budgeting and money management, estate planning and life insurance, security, self-awareness and communication, dealing with the media, managing the demands of the NFL, and mortgages, loans and credit education.

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"The most important lessons for the players were to stay out of situations that could potentially lead to trouble, save your money and make people earn your trust," said Bobbie Howard, a former Bears linebacker, who now serves as the team's director of player development.

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"There are a lot of people out there who will take advantage of them. A lot of these young men have never had any real money in their life and more money often equals more problems"."There are a lot of players who end up playing football for free and by not doing all of the right things financially they can walk away from the game with no money in the bank," Borowsky said. "It's very important for them to have a financial advisor and have a game-plan for budgeting and saving throughout their careers."

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NFL player sued over fight

2006-07-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

A Miami man filed a lawsuit against Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor, claiming the former University of Miami football star beat him up and pointed a gun at him last June. Ryan Hill is seeking at least $15,000 for medical expenses and lost wages as a result of the fight in Southwest Miami-Dade. He filed suit June 27 in Miami-Dade Circuit Court.

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The scuffle broke out after Taylor began looking for people who had allegedly stolen his all-terrain vehicle. He struck Hill, called him a thief and brandished a pistol, according to the suit. Taylor, 23, was sentenced to 18 months probation last month after pleading no contest to two misdemeanor criminal charges stemming from the fight, and prosecutors dropped two felony charges against him.

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''This is a useless, ridiculous lawsuit,'' Taylor's attorney, Richard Sharpstein, said Monday to The Associated Press. ''Hill stole Sean's property. Hill baited him, lured him and suckered him into a fight''. But Hill's attorney painted a different picture of what transpired. ''The fact is, everybody knew who the perpetrator was, and it wasn't Mr. Hill,'' Miami lawyer Leonardo Canton said. ''Four or five people who were also victims that night back up my client's story''.

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Canton said Hill also attended the University of Miami and tried out for the school's football team around the time Taylor was in the program. Hill could not be reached Monday night. Taylor signed a seven-year, $18-million contract with the Redskins after he was drafted in 2004. He has six interceptions and 120 tackles in two NFL seasons.

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NFL players' lawyer expects league, union to settle suit

2006-07-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

A lawyer for seven current and former NFL players said he expects to settle his suit against the NFL and the National Football League Players Association for recommending unfit financial advisers that caused $20 million in losses.

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"I would be shocked if the NFL wants this case to play out in front of a jury," Jim Evangelista, one of three attorneys representing the players, said Friday at a news conference in Atlanta. "You don't want to put guys like this in front of a jury because they are going to cream the league".

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The NFL and the players association approved the services of Kirk Wright and Nelson Keith Bond; heads of the bankrupt hedge fund International Management Associates LLC, without doing background checks, the players claimed in a June 23 lawsuit in Atlanta federal court. Wright was arrested in May on mail fraud charges. Bond hasn't been charged with a crime.

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Wright, who disappeared from Atlanta earlier this year before being arrested by the FBI in Miami last month, faces 24 new fraud charges in connection with an alleged scam. On June 28, a federal grand jury in Atlanta issued a superseding indictment, adding 24 counts of mail fraud and securities fraud, U.S. Attorney David Nahmias said in a statement.

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Today NFL News

2006-06-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

The Buccaneers agreed to a contract with Jay Fiedler

The Buccaneers added a veteran quarterback to backup starter Chris Simms, agreeing to a contract with Jay Fiedler on Thursday. Fielder entered the league in 1994 as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent four years with the club learning under the tutelage of Tampa head coach Jon Gruden, who was the Eagles' offensive coordinator at the time.

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After two brief stints in Minnesota and Jacksonville, Fielder joined Miami in 2000 and was the Dolphins' starter for five seasons. Jay signed with the New York Jets before last season to serve as a backup to Chad Pennington. He eventually had a chance to play in the third week of the season once Pennington went down with a season-ending injury, but he suffered his own season-ending injury in the same game, a torn labrum. For his career, Fielder has completed 58.7 percent of his passes for 11,844 yards with 69 touchdowns and 66 interceptions. He has also rushed for 854 yards with 11 touchdowns.

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San Francisco 49ers sign Rouen

The San Francisco 49ers signed veteran punter Tom Rouen on Thursday. Per team policy, terms were not disclosed. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Rouen spent the past three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He averaged 41.6 yards on 62 kicks, including 20 punts inside the 20-yard line in 2005.

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In the playoffs, Rouen averaged 45.4 yards on 15 punts, including a 50.2-yard average in Seattle's 21-10 loss to Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl. The former Colorado star originally entered the NFL in 1991 as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants and has played with Denver, the Giants, Pittsburgh and Seattle.

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Chicago Bear News

2006-06-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

Bears extend Peterson through 2009

Chicago agreed to terms with running back Adrian Peterson on a three-year contract that will carry through the 2009 season. Originally a sixth-round draft pick, Peterson has rushed 123 times for 581 yards and three touchdowns in four seasons with Chicago. Peterson enjoyed a career-year with Chicago last season, rushing 76 times for 391 yards and two touchdowns, including seven catches for 48 yards.

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The Bears also added Alex Bannister to their pack on Wednesday, signing the wide receiver to a one-year contract and released cornerback Chris Thompson and wide receivers C.J.Fayton and Mark Philmore. Bannister spent his first five seasons with Seattle and was a special teams Pro Bowl selection in 2003. He was picked by the Seahawks during the fifth round of the 2001 draft, and has played in 57 career contests.

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Bears give Hillenmeyer five-year extension

The Chicago Bears have given linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer a five-year contract extension, which will keep him with the team through the 2011 season. A fifth-round pick from Green Bay in 2003, Hillenmeyer signed with the Bears prior to that season after being waived by the Packers. Hillenmeyer has totaled 161 tackles over the last two seasons, ranking him third on the team in that span.

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WR Bannister signs with Bears

The Chicago Bears added Alex Bannister to their pack on Wednesday, signing the wide receiver to a one-year contract. Bannister spent his first five seasons with Seattle and was a special teams Pro Bowl selection in 2003. He was picked by the Seahawks during the fifth round of the 2001 draft, and has played in 57 career contests. Bannister has been limited to just nine games over the last two seasons due to an injured clavicle.

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The Baltimore Ravens and Reed agreed to a six-year extension

2006-06-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Baltimore Ravens and safety Ed Reed agreed to a six-year contract extension, the team announced Tuesday. As per team policy, financial terms were not released. The University of Miami product has become one of the top players at his position since being selected No. 24 overall in the 2002 NFL Draft.

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He has already made a pair of Pro Bowl appearances in his young career and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in '04. "Ed is one of the bright young stars in the NFL," said Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome.

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"He's already had outstanding production, including his MVP season in 2004. He's an emerging leader on our defense and to the whole team for that matter. The way he works, the way he prepares speaks volumes to his teammates".

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In his four-year career, Reed has 307 tackles, 61 passes defensed and a franchise-best 22 interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Even though he missed six games last season with a high ankle sprain, Reed was a first alternate at the Pro Bowl and finished with 40 tackles and 12 passes defensed.

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NFL, union face suit over money lost in alleged fraud scheme

2006-06-27T11:20:00.001-07:00

The National Football League and its players union are on the hook for the $20 million that seven current and former players lost in an alleged fraud scheme because the union endorsed the services of an investment firm even though its manager had liens against him, a lawsuit says.

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In the lawsuit filed against the NFL and NFL Players Association on Friday in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, the players say the defendants are jointly liable for their losses from investing with hedge fund manager Kirk Wright. The lawsuit says the union recommended Wright through registration in a union investment program even though Wright and his partner, Nelson "Keith" Bond, had active state and federal tax liens against them.

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The players also say that the union failed to ensure that Wright was properly insured as required by the program, and failed to notify the plaintiffs about those matters. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Tuesday the league believes the allegations in the lawsuit are unfounded and have no merit.

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A spokesman for the players union, Carl Francis, said he had no comment Tuesday on the lawsuit." We're kind of looking into it right now," Francis said. "We don't have all the facts. Once we do, we will address it".

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Wright was arrested in Miami Beach in May on federal fraud charges. He also faces a lawsuit filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission against him and his company, International Management Associates. Among the clients deceived by Wright, authorities said, are former Denver Broncos players Steve Atwater, Ray Crockett, Al Smith and Bishop, as well as former longtime Philadelphia Eagles player Clyde Simmons.

NFL, union face suit over money lost in alleged fraud scheme

2006-06-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

ESPN announced plans for its second annual fantasy games publication

2006-06-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

In just its first year on the newsstands, the guide was the No. 1 selling fantasy football magazine. ESPN Fantasy Football 2006 will follow the ESPN tradition of delivering expert analysis and insider information from ESPN's fantasy experts, television personalities and writers from ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine.

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The 168-page stand-alone publication will be available on newsstands beginning June 20. Larry Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs, featured on the cover, goes head-to-head with Shaun Alexander of the Seattle Seahawks to battle for the No. 1 overall pick for 2006.

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Extending its successful 10-year commitment to fantasy games into print, ESPN produces the guide annually and provides cover-to-cover rankings, stats and team previews to assist fantasy football players with league drafts and season play.

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Highlights include: -- Dark Side of the Boon. Fantasy football isn't just fun and games. Mike & Mike explain why for some of the NFL population, fantasy football is really a nightmare come true. -- Kickoff. Scouts Inc. resolves all of fantasy's key debates regarding top picks with some help from Mel Kipper Jr. and friends.

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Residents' group moves to block vote on Pasadena's NFL bid

2006-06-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

Revival of the city's bid for a National Football League team faces a challenge from residents who have filed suit to keep the city's Rose Bowl initiative off the November ballot.Pasadena First, a group of residents and preservationists organized to keep professional football out of the city, argued in a Superior Court motion Thursday that the ballot measure is "blatantly unconstitutional."

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The motion seeks a preliminary injunction. A tentative July 28 court hearing was scheduled. The November initiative, if passed, would give the NFL rights to play at the Rose Bowl for up to 55 years in exchange for a $500 million-plus renovation of the stadium and $500,000 annual rent.

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Pasadena First said it was illegal to negotiate a lease deal through the ballot box. Additionally, the group said the California Constitution explicitly prohibits the use of an initiative to impose terms on a private corporation. "Why go through a useless election when the thing is unenforceable?" Pasadena First chair Carolyn Naber asked.

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Councilman Chris Holden, chief sponsor of the ballot measure, said the legal move by Pasadena First is an attempt to thwart the will of the people. Pasadena First filed suit last year but let the matter sit idle until Holden qualified his measure for the ballot. "They should not be afraid to let the rest of the people in this community have a vote," Holden said. "I really like it if they would be able to see beyond their own special interests on this."

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Information from Star-News

Rookies getting ready for NFL life

2006-06-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

On June 25, the NFL kicks off its 10th annual Rookie Symposium in San Diego. The four-day orientation will introduce the 2006 NFL Draft class to life in the NFL prior to the rookies reporting to training camps. The program includes presentations, videos and workshops about the operation of the NFL and the challenges faced by its players. Interactive video learning -- during which each rookie uses a hand-held device to answer questions about the day's themes -- will be utilized again this year.

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The symposium's agenda consists of topics such as personal finance, life skills, personal conduct, life as a rookie, media policy, substances of abuse, personal experiences, family issues, player development, football operations, NFL security, and success in the NFL and life after football,

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Speakers this June will include members of the NFL league office and clubs, the NFL Players Association, professionals in specialized fields, and current and former NFL players who have experienced first-hand the difficulties inherent in some of the topics covered.

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The rookies will also take part in the fourth annual NFL Youth Football Clinic at the Symposium on Tuesday afternoon (June 27) in San Diego. At last year's event, the rookies tutored and ran through drills with 200 local area youths.

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The Lates News on Football

2006-06-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

Colts sign Mathis

The Indianapolis Colts announced that they have agreed to a contract extension with defensive lineman Robert Mathis. Mathis, a fifth-round selection in the 2003 NFL Draft, led the Colts with 11 1/2 sacks last season and finished with 40 tackles, 35 of them solo, and eight forced fumbles for the Indianapolis defense.

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Mathis recorded 10 1/2 sacks in 2004 after spending his rookie season mostly as a special-teams player. Over the course of his three-year career, Mathis has recorded 25 1/2 sacks, 86 tackles and 17 forced fumbles for the Colts. He also has 64 tackles on special teams. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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Dolphins sign G Anderson

The Miami Dolphins added strength to their offensive line after signing guard Bennie Anderson to a two-year contract. Anderson has started 71 of his 79 career games, including 15-of-16 last season with Buffalo. He spent the first four years of his NFL tenure with the Baltimore Ravens and blocked for Jamal Lewis in 2003 when Lewis rushed for 2,066 yards.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was released from a hospital after being treated for injuries stemming from a motorcycle accident. The Pittsburgh quarterback said he was "fortunate to be alive" and apologized to his family and the Steelers' organization for his motorcycle accident. Roethlisberger's motorcycle collided with a car in downtown Pittsburgh and he needed nearly seven hours of surgery to repair several facial fractures.

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2006-06-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

Ravens bring Sapp back

Defensive Gerome Sapp was acquired back from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2007 conditional draft pick on Monday. Gerome, who was waived by the Ravens in September, 2004 and was quickly signed by the Colts, was originally drafted in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Ravens, and made 17 special teams tackles in 14 games with Baltimore during his rookie year.

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Sapp played in 16 games -- two starts -- with Indianapolis last season, recording 16 tackles at free safety and 28 special teams tackles. In other news, Baltimore released linebackers Zac Woodfin, quarterback Sonny Cumbie, Ricky Foley and defensive back Zach Norto.

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Seahawks release Rouen

The Seattle Seahawks released veteran punter Tom Rouen on Monday. Rouen played in all 16 games in 2003, and had his 2004 season curtailed to just four games after suffering a hamstring injury. Rouen joined the Seahawks in 2003 and appeared in 32 games over the last three seasons. He punted in 12 games last season following the release Leo Araguz. Additionally, he has played in 188 games with 810 punts for 35,189 yards (43.4 average) in his 13-year career. He owns a net average of 36.2 and a long of 76 yards.

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Chargers sign C Hardwick

The San Diego Chargers signed center Nick Hardwick to a six-year contract that will keep him with the club through 2011. Hardwick was a third-round draft pick by San Diego in 2004 out of Purdue and started 27 games at center in his first two seasons with San Diego, contributing to the Chargers having rushed for 2,000 yards in each of the last two seasons.

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QB to be cited for not wearing helmet

2006-06-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger did not have a valid motorcycle license when he crashed into a woman's car last week, and the driver - who will be cited for failing to yield - has received threatening phone calls.

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Roethlisberger will be issued $388 in fines and fees for riding without a license and not wearing a helmet, police Collision Investigator Dan Connolly said Monday. Only licensed motorcyclists are allowed to ride bareheaded in Pennsylvania, with certain restrictions.

The Super Bowl champion quarterback rammed his Suzuki Hayabusa into a woman's Chrysler New Yorker on June 12 when she was making a left turn in front of him. Both had the green light.

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Roethlisberger underwent seven hours of surgery to repair broken jaws and other facial bones. Tests showed no brain injuries, although he had a mild concussion; he also lost two teeth and chipped several others.

The woman, who will be cited for failing to yield to oncoming traffic, has received threatening phone calls since the accident, Police Chief Dominic Costa said. She filed a police report and the calls were being investigated.

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Roethlisberger was traveling at the speed limit a posted 35 mph zone, but he braked and hit the car at a slower speed, he said, and there were no mechanical problems with either vehicle. Both will be sent summary citations.

To obtain a motorcycle license in Pennsylvania, riders must first get a learner's permit, which requires a $10 fee, a vision screening and a written test. The permit is valid for one year, during which a road test must be passed to obtain a full motorcycle license.

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Only after two years of possessing a valid license is riding without a helmet allowed; that restriction is waived if the rider takes an approved safety course.

Police did not have any contact with Steelers officials during the investigation, Connolly said.

"This was no different than any other crash," Connolly said. "We found our determinations and determined that the parties needed to be cited and that's what we're doing."

In an interview with ESPN radio Monday morning, coach Bill Cowher said there is no way of knowing what effect Roethlisberger's injuries would have his playing ability.

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"That's the thing we have to be very sensitive to and we have to make sure that we monitor - and we'll do that," Cowher said. "We'll work with the doctors. We'll talk to him."

He did not criticize Roethlisberger for not wearing a helmet, something he had done last year.

"I think it would be very unfair, and I think it's really irrelevant, to be judgmental about the accident itself," Cowher said.

"Sometimes with the lessons of life, you have to get knocked down before you get back up," Cowher said. "He's just very fortunate. This was one of those lessons that could have been devastating. It could have been a very tragic story."

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Roethlisberger was discharged Wednesday night from Mercy Hospital and apologized to the team, his fans and family in a statement. He also said that he would wear a helmet if he rode motorcycle again.

Police on Monday declined to reveal the name of the driver of the car, citing the threats. She has been identified in published reports as Martha Fleishman, 62, of Pittsburgh. Her husband, Martin Fleishman, has said she felt terrible about the accident.

Tagliabue meets with L.A. officials

2006-06-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue headed an NFL delegation that met with leaders of the Los Angeles business community Wednesday night, and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa expressed optimism about the return of a professional team to the area.

"We're farther along than we have been at any time since professional football left Los Angeles," Villaraigosa told reporters with Tagliabue at his side before the parties had their dinner meeting and reception at Getty House, the mayor's formal residence.

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The greater Los Angeles area has been without an NFL team since the Raiders left the Los Angeles Coliseum for Oakland and the Rams departed from what is now known as Angel Stadium in Anaheim for St. Louis before the 1995 season.

NFL owners decided last month at an owners meeting in Denver to give $5 million each to Los Angeles and Anaheim to explore the amount of support, especially financial, that each community can supply to help build a new stadium.

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The NFL group will meet Thursday for lunch with Anaheim officials.

Getting a team back in the area does not appear imminent. No team has been designated, nor has a decision been made whether Los Angeles or Anaheim would get an existing franchise that relocates or an expansion team.

Los Angeles officials hope to build an $800 million stadium inside the Coliseum, which would be leased to the league. Anaheim officials have proposed a new football stadium for the parking lot next to Angel Stadium.

"This is about creating a partnership," Villaraigosa said of Wednesday night's get-together. "It's incumbent upon us to make a case. On both sides, there's a willingness for a partnership."

Tagliabue said there are several pieces that must be put in place for a team to return to Los Angeles, one being a satisfactory agreement with Southern California, one of nation's top college football teams that's played its home games at the Coliseum for 83 years.

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USC President Steven B. Sample expressed concerns in a letter to the NFL last month, but was among the guests at Getty House. Tagliabue expressed confidence things could be worked out. A state-of-the-art Coliseum for an NFL team would probably seat less than 70,000, with USC wanting a home that would seat at least 80,000.

Tagliabue said other issues involved the costs of a new stadium, how it would be financed and support of the business community.

"What we're addressing tonight is one of those pieces," he said, referring to the business community. "We look forward to this partnership becoming a reality. We're determined to get a team here."

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Whether that means Los Angeles, Anaheim or both at some point in time has not been determined.

Among those attending the dinner were team owners Michael Bidwill of the Arizona Cardinals, Pat Bowlen of the Denver Broncos, Steve Tisch of the New York Giants and Jed York of the San Francisco 49ers.

Among local business leaders attending were billionaires Eli Broad and Ron Burkle, who have both been involved in trying to bring the NFL back to Los Angeles in the past; Peter O'Malley, former owner of the Dodgers; Casey Wasserman, owner of the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League; Peter Chernin of News Corp.; Tim Leiweke of the Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns the Los Angeles Kings and several Major League Soccer franchises, and former NFL players Rodney Peete and Danny Villanueva.

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The NFL was close to returning to the nation's second-largest market in 1999, when league owners approved a resolution to put an expansion team into the area. That plan fell through when two conflicting groups could not agree on a site and financing.

The NFL also wanted to get Houston businessman Robert McNair into the league. When he upped his bid to $700 million - some $150 million more than either of the Los Angeles groups offered - for the new team and a new stadium, the league's owners awarded Houston the expansion franchise.

The Texans began play in 2002, replacing the Oilers, who had moved to Tennessee and become the Titans.

Hopkins retires after 13 seasons with Titans

2006-06-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

Left tackle Brad Hopkins retired Wednesday after 13 seasons, deciding to leave the game rather than play for a team other than the one that drafted him.

The Tennessee Titans released Hopkins in March for salary cap reasons. He talked with the New York Jets, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons and an undisclosed fourth team but chose to stay in Nashville with his wife and four children.

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"This is the place I grew up," Hopkins said.

He thought about playing another two or three years, or start the next stage of his life in broadcasting.

"These are things I'll be doing the next 20-30 years. Avoiding the inevitable to me didn't make any sense. I've got to get started somewhere. Ultimately, that's why I made the decision I did," Hopkins said.

Nobody started more games at left tackle in the NFL between 1993 and 2005 than Hopkins, who had 188. Only Willie Roaf had more starts at both right and left tackle during those years with 189 at New Orleans and Kansas City. Hopkins' total doesn't include 10 playoff games, including the 2000 Super Bowl.

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He finished his career third on the team with 194 games played and second among offensive linemen with 188 starts, trailing only former teammate Bruce Matthews (292).

Coach Jeff Fisher handed Hopkins a sheet of paper Wednesday, joking that it was a $750 fine for being late to his own news conference. Fisher then said it's every player's dream to control his own destiny.

"What he's walking away from is an incredible career," Fisher said.

Hopkins started 15 games in 2005, missing the opener because of a suspension for a domestic dispute with his wife. He helped the Titans rank ninth in the league in passing offense.

The then-Oilers traded up from 19th to 13th overall in 1993 to draft Hopkins out of Illinois, where he was an All-American as a senior.

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He finished his career blocking for 14 quarterbacks and 19 running backs - all with the same team.

Hopkins blocked for the team's all-time leading rusher, helping Eddie George top 10,000 yards, and he was the only left tackle that quarterback Steve McNair had in his first 11 years. McNair was traded last week to the Baltimore Ravens after a long offseason contract standoff.

"I trusted him completely, and that peace of mind that he was protecting my blindside allowed me to be a better quarterback and find the open receivers," McNair in a statement.

Hopkins played one season with Hall of Fame lineman Mike Munchak, then was coached by him the past nine seasons. He also played beside Matthews for the final nine years of his career.

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"I really enjoyed playing with him through the years and saw him grow as a player on a yearly basis. It is strange, but since I retired, you sort of took Brad for granted that he was always going to be there. And now that he is retiring, I feel a little older today," Matthews said in a statement.

Hopkins survived the team's relocation from Houston to Tennessee and missed only five games between 1999 and 2003 when the renamed Titans tied for a league-high 56 victories. He missed 14 games in 13 seasons, five in 2004 after he broke bones in his right hand only to play the final three games.

"He's like our shutdown corner playing left tackle," Munchak said.

Hopkins said he didn't have any regrets and said he and his teammates accomplished so much.

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"It wasn't that long ago that we were riding convertibles downtown, and it was all this confetti just flying all over the place and the next year battling back to almost the same spot," Hopkins said of the Super Bowl loss and posting the NFL's best record at 13-3 in 2000.

"We're still winners here with the records we've set."

Big Ben lucky he can learn from this

2006-06-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

If you were Ben Roethlisberger, you would not have worn a helmet, either.

You would have thought you were indomitable, indestructible, incapable of falling victim to some twisted turn of fate.

He wasn't just a football hero, you see. He was a lunchpail guy in a lunchpail town, a big-boned kid who had a big-caloried sandwich named after him.

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Roethlisberger played Terry Bradshaw's position, and played it extremely well. He would be the youngest quarterback ever to win the Super Bowl, and he would make a season-saving tackle against the Colts that only a precious few players in the league would've made.

So why in the world would he ever believe that his motorcycle would crash into a Chrysler New Yorker? Why would he ever suspect that he would be propelled into the air by a car driven by a 62-year-old woman, and that he would land head-first into the worst day of his once-charmed life?

Why would Big Ben Roethlisberger ever think his widely marketed face would book a seven-hour appointment with four surgeons' blades?

He suffered a broken jaw and nose, the doctors said. Truth is, Roethlisberger could've been paralyzed or killed when his black 2005 Suzuki — built for speed — raced smack into a van moving in the opposite direction and making a left turn.

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"All of the fractures were successfully repaired," said Dr. Harry W. Sell of Mercy Hospital.

Not quite. Roethisberger's battered sense of invincibility will never fully heal.

Kellen Winslow Jr. and Jay Williams are among the athletes who know the score. They needed to find a rush away from their fields of play, and motorcycle riding fit the bill, at least until their bodies paid the price for thrill rides they'd forever regret.

Roethlisberger would've never lined up against Ray Lewis without wearing a helmet, but the streets of Pittsburgh were supposed to be more forgiving than any given Sunday inside the AFC North.

Nobody was a bigger celebrity on those streets than Roethlisberger. Nobody was more of an untouchable. The people of Pittsburgh protected him like an endless procession of offensive linemen, and Roethlisberger savored their warm embrace.

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That relationship is scarred now, bloodied amid the twisted chrome and shattered glass. The law in Pennsylvania allows a motorcyclist to go helmet-free if he or she is at least 21 years old, licensed, and a graduate of a safety class.

It doesn't say that a Super Bowl champ is exempted, but it doesn't have to.

Roethlisberger had so much going for him, he couldn't possibly have fathomed this. He couldn't possibly have listened to Bill Cowher when the coach lectured him about playing it safe in the wake of Winslow's crash.

Big Ben was on a wild feel-good roll. He had come out of Miami of Ohio — not USC or Texas or Oklahoma — to become the best young quarterback in the game. As the 11th pick in the draft, Roethlisberger had blown past everybody's all-American, Eli Manning, the No. 1 pick and chosen one of the New York Giants.

He wore John Elway's number and flashed Elway's flair for the dramatic. Roethlisberger was on the verge of joining Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as the sport's most significant figures — in fact, all he needed to do was stay healthy, stay on the field.

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Roethlisberger isn't healthy right now, and nobody knows if the accident and the injuries will conspire to alter the course of his career. Maybe he'll be back before the close of training camp. Maybe not.

For now, despite the pain, Roethlisberger has to consider himself a fortunate man. His mother was only 34 when she perished in a car crash while driving to her ex-husband's home to pick up her eight-year-old Ben.

The boy was having a catch with his stepmother, Brenda, while he waited for his mother to arrive. Ida's car was crushed by a pickup truck, leaving her grown-up son to point toward the sky after he puts points on the Steelers' board.

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"He's going to be a great ballplayer someday," Ida had written about Ben in her diary.

Roethlisberger made his late mother a prophet. But Monday morning in Pittsburgh, at the intersection of human frailty and cruel fate, Roethlisberger put his career and life in danger, and Brenda was seen crying as she made her way into the hospital.

"He wasn't moving and I was afraid that he had died," a witness to the accident, Sandra Ford, was quoted saying on the AP wire. "He wasn't really speaking. He seemed dazed but he was resisting the effort to make him stay down."

Roethlisberger is a quarterback, so he's taught to get up. Someday, somehow, Big Ben will be back behind center as a lunchpail hero in a lunchpail town.

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But Roethlisberger lost something for keeps in the crash that stopped all of Pittsburgh dead in its tracks. Even in a city of willing offensive linemen, the quarterback will never feel untouchable again.

RB Faulk considering retiremen

2006-06-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

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St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk is not attending the team's final minicamp this weekend while contemplating retirement because of knees that have been slow to recover from offseason cleanup surgery.

New coach Scott Linehan said Friday that two weeks ago Faulk, who has undergone numerous such surgeries on both knees, expressed his concerns. Linehan said Faulk's agent, Rocky Arceneaux, told him again on Thursday that Faulk "wasn't physically ready to go."

"Guys that have played at such a high level for so many years and have taken so many hits, sometimes it starts to wear you down a little bit," Linehan said. "He's trying to figure out how he can manage it."

Faulk, the 2000 NFL MVP, is ninth on the career rushing list with 12,279 yards, 34 yards behind Jim Brown. But he had a career-low 292 yards rushing last year and made only one start, in the season finale when Steven Jackson was out with a hip pointer.

Linehan said under the circumstances that he didn't mind Faulk not at least attending the meetings at the minicamp to pick up the new offense. Linehan reasoned that if Faulk had attended the camp, he would have wanted to participate even though he's not ready.

"He's dealing with something bigger than meetings," Linehan said. "I think he's coming to terms with whether he can do it.

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"The competitor in him wouldn't want to be able to stand there and watch."

Faulk, 33, has been to seven Pro Bowls, has seven 1,000-yard rushing seasons and 38 100-yard games, and was the first player in NFL history to gain 2,000 yards from scrimmage in four consecutive seasons from 1998-2001.

But he hasn't had a 1,000-yard season since 2001 and lost his starting job in 2004 when the Rams drafted Jackson in the first round.

Linehan said Faulk's decision has nothing to do with a change in coaching staffs. Mike Martz, under whom Faulk enjoyed his greatest success, was fired last year after six seasons.

"It really isn't that at all," Linehan said. "This is a personal issue because he doesn't want to play at a level he's not accustomed to playing.

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"The reality is time does start to catch up to you."

Linehan said he hasn't begun to address the running back situation if Faulk decides to retire. The Rams signed Tony Fisher, who had 173 yards and a 2.9-yard average for the Packers last year, in the offseason, but have no other proven NFL players at running back.

"I haven't even gotten there yet," Linehan said. "We just haven't had to cross that bridge yet."

Air McNair ready to fly with Ravens

2006-06-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

Steve McNair believes joining the Baltimore Ravens will enable him to wrap up his NFL career with a pretty little bow.

Introduced as the Ravens' starting quarterback Thursday after being traded from the Tennessee Titans, McNair said, "I think this is a place we can win Super Bowls. That is the missing piece out of my career."

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The Ravens, similarly, consider McNair to be the missing piece in their quest to rebound from a horrid 6-10 season and add another championship trophy to the one they collected in 2001.

"He is one of the elite quarterbacks in this game. His record speaks for itself," Baltimore coach Brian Billick said of the league's co-MVP in 2003. "Clearly, as our starter going in, Steve is going to add a dimension to this football team that we have not had."

The 33-year-old McNair gives the Ravens a quarterback with enough talent to win a game on his own. Ever since Billick arrived in 1999, Baltimore has relied on its defense while hoping that a long line of mediocre quarterbacks could do enough to prevent the offense from being a liability.

That included last year's starter, Kyle Boller, who immediately dropped to No. 2 on the depth chart after McNair passed his physical Thursday morning.

McNair has been to three Pro Bowls and is one of only five quarterbacks to have thrown for 20,000 yards and rushed for 3,000 yards.

"I think it transforms us. To add Steve, with the kind of player he is, it adds that much more," said Ravens receiver Derrick Mason, who caught 29 touchdown passes from McNair when they were teammates at Tennessee for eight seasons.

McNair came as a bargain to the Ravens, who gave up a fourth-round pick in the 2007 draft.

The trade resulted from the Titans' inability to reduce McNair's $9 million salary for 2006 and the $23.46 million salary cap hit he represented. The Titans had given McNair's agent permission to talk with Baltimore on April 30, and Bus Cook worked out a five-year deal with an $11 million signing bonus and $1 million salary for 2006.

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The Ravens - and McNair - waited patiently for Tennessee to make the trade, knowing that the Titans couldn't keep him unless he restructured his contract for less than Baltimore was offering. Plus, Tennessee drafted quarterback Vince Young of Texas with the third overall pick in the April draft.

So, it was only a matter of time before the Titans had to let go of the quarterback that took them to their only Super Bowl, in 2000, a 23-16 loss to St. Louis.

"The drama is over," McNair said. "...I knew the $23 million salary-cap hit was going to be impossible for them to handle."

Titans general manager Floyd Reese realized a trade was the only option after talking to Cook on Wednesday morning, so he called Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome and struck a deal.

Reese, who drafted McNair with the third pick overall in 1995, said, "It's a fact of life. I think when you look at what Steve has done for us and what he has meant for us over a number of years, I don't know you could ask a lot more of him."

The trade reunites McNair with former Tennessee teammates Mason and Samari Rolle, both of whom signed as free agents with Baltimore last year.

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"I never thought I would see this. I'm waiting for Eddie George to walk in the locker room," said Ravens guard Edwin Mulitalo, referring to the former Titans' running back.

The Ravens don't need another running back. But they've been looking for a quarterback with McNair's credentials ever since they moved to Baltimore from Cleveland in 1996.

"They never had a guy that brought this credibility to them in 11 years," Rolle said. "They have to be excited they got Steve McNair."

To say the least. Offensive coordinator Jim Fassel can't wait for McNair to get on the field.

"We've got leader guys, but sometimes a new guy walking in the door - especially at the quarterback position - is very helpful," Fassel said. "He's going to have the respect because of what he's done."

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis bumped helmets against Tennessee twice a season when the teams were paired in the old AFC Central. The most memorable clash came in 2001, when the Ravens beat the Titans to end Tennessee's bid to return to the Super Bowl.

"OK, No. 9, here we go," Lewis said. "He's a warrior."

McNair has played through dozens of injuries, but there have been times when the pain was too much to bear. He missed two games in 2005 after missing eight in 2004, and there's no guarantee his body can take a pounding for 16 games in 2006.

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But the Ravens were delighted to take a chance, hopeful the quarterback can take them to Miami for the 2007 Super Bowl.

"At the outset of this offseason we talked about upgrading our football team," Newsome said. "Bringing Steve in, does that guarantee us being in Miami? No, it doesn't. But I think today we are a better football team than we were yesterday."

Jamal Lewis ready for fresh start at minicamp

2006-06-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

With the continuing anticipation over the potential acquisition of Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair, and the competition with incumbent starter Kyle Boller which would then ensue, the arrival of tailback Jamal Lewis for the Baltimore Ravens' mandatory minicamp this week elicited only a ripple.

And given Lewis' travails over the past 18 months -- a stretch that included a guilty plea to federal drug charges, stints in a federal corrections facility in Florida and a halfway house in Atlanta, ankle surgery and a disappointing 2005 season -- that's not an altogether bad thing.

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A brute power runner, and one of only four men in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, Lewis is never going sneak up on anyone. But being able to report for minicamp and not be the center of attention, with the media instead focusing principally on when or if McNair will be added to the roster, is a bit of a relief for the former first-round draft choice.

"Right now, I'm free and clear," said Lewis, who spent the offseason in Atlanta, fulfilling the 500-hour community service commitment that was part of his plea bargain agreement last year. "I'm free and clear of everything that's behind me. It's just a much better situation. I'm back on the right track."

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That the six-year veteran is back in Baltimore at all for another season is mildly surprising. Lewis, 26, tested the unrestricted free agent market earlier in the spring, and there were rumors that he was being pursued by the Denver Broncos. But he re-signed with the Ravens, ironically, only a day after Baltimore signed his presumptive replacement, former Broncos starter Mike Anderson.

The three-year, $26 million contract Lewis signed doesn't provide the long-term security that those big numbers might suggest. The deal is essentially for one year, at $6 million, with the Ravens on the hook for $5 million roster bonuses each in 2007 and 2008. If Lewis doesn't produce this year, in what has to be a rebound season for him, Baltimore isn't likely to invest $10 million in him (the $5 million roster bonus and a $5 million base salary) for 2007.

A solid veteran whose resume includes a pair of 1,000-yard seasons, Anderson not only provides some stiff competition but also gives the Ravens a nice insurance policy. Club officials and coach Brian Billick have said there are enough carries to go around between Lewis and Anderson, and possibly star-crossed three-year veteran Musa Smith, a talented back whose career has been derailed by injuries.

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But it would mean a lot to the Baltimore offense, no matter who is playing quarterback, if Lewis can return to his past form and become a punishing workhorse-style runner again. That was hardly the case in 2005, as Lewis' offseason training was interrupted by his legal entanglements and ankle surgery, and he never really got into a rhythm.

Despite starting 15 games, Lewis ran for only 906 yards and three touchdowns on 269 carries. Not counting the 2001 season, when he missed the entire campaign with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, it was Lewis' poorest single-season performance. His anemic 3.4-yard average per attempt was significantly less than the 4.7-yard career average with which he entered the season and Lewis posted just two 100-yard outings.

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There is some rust, Lewis acknowledged at the outset of the minicamp on Tuesday, from having not been with the Ravens for the earlier organized team activity drills this spring. But Lewis and the Ravens coaches are optimistic he will round back into shape and, hopefully, return to being the feared back he once was.

Harlan hands Packers presidency to Jones

2006-06-01T15:13:00.000-07:00

Bob Harlan handed the title of Green Bay Packers team president to eventual successor John Jones on Wednesday.

Jones becomes the 10th president in team history, and will remain the team's Chief Operating Officer until Harlan retires next May.

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The title switch puts a formal stamp on a process that began in 1999, when Harlan hired Jones away from the NFL management council.

Harlan, who joined the Packers' front office in 1971 and has been president since 1989, will remain the team's Chief Executive Officer until he hands it over to Jones next year. Harlan also adds the title of Chairman, though the new title doesn't necessarily bring new responsibilities.

Harlan said there was still too much work to be done to get nostalgic about his career with Green Bay.

"I think that'll probably come in a year, because there's still things I'd like to see done this next year," Harlan said. "You'd certainly like to get better on the football field in a hurry. But I think the next year is going to be very similar to what we've just gone through and what we've been going through for the past few years. Next year, it may be a little more, 'Now it's over."'

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The move was formally approved in a meeting of the Packers' board of directors on Wednesday.

"No one is going to replace Bob Harlan," Jones said. "His shoes aren't going to be filled. Bob is in a special class in all of football, and I'm the first guy to recognize that. What I will do is to work very hard to be my own man, to continue the tradition that's important to us, and to make sure that fans know that we do everything we can to win - that nothing is more important than winning to the Green Bay Packers."

The 54-year-old Jones left a job as a sportswriter with the New Orleans Times-Picayune to work for the NFL management council during the 1987 players' strike.

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The idea of succeeding Harlan was discussed even before Jones joined the Packers in 1999.

"Through the years it's always been Ron Wolf or Mike Sherman or Ted Thompson who would come in my office and we'd sit down and talk about football decisions," Harlan said. "I'm trying to get John more involved in that so that a year from now, it's easier for him."

Jones said he already is stepping into that role.

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"I think it's important that Ted Thompson and (coach) Mike McCarthy know that this organization, as it is today and will be in the future, they have the resources to make us a better ballclub," Jones said. "And that will be no different in the future than it has in the past under Bob Harlan."

Harlan and Jones both will represent the Packers at NFL owners meetings in the upcoming year, but other team owners have asked that only Harlan sit in on meetings related to the search for a successor to commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

Williams will play in CFL for one season

2006-05-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Ricky Williams has a new home in the CFL.

Suspended for the 2006 season by the NFL after a fourth positive drug test, Williams signed a $240,000, one-year contract Sunday with the Toronto Argonauts — a deal making him the highest-paid running back in the Canadian league.

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Williams, who's still under contract with the Miami Dolphins, is expected to begin practicing with his new team Monday; the Argonauts open preseason play this weekend and start their regular season at home against Hamilton June 17. The 18-game regular season runs through late October.

"It hasn't been too often that I've heard kind words about me and my situation. ... It's really an uplifting feeling to be in this kind of environment," Williams said at a news conference in Toronto, after team officials introduced him warmly.

Williams, a former Heisman Trophy winner, missed Miami's first four games last year following his third positive test, and lost an appeal over the fourth — which carries a mandatory one-year ban. But the desire to continue playing and earning led him to Toronto, adding another chapter to the enigmatic player's resume.

"I'm a very positive person," Williams said. "I understand that in life, when you go through adversity it only gives you an opportunity to make the best of the situation. So I'm happy to be here in Toronto, having a chance to further my career on the football field."

Earlier Sunday, before the signing was formally announced, Dolphins coach Nick Saban issued a statement saying the team left the decision about playing in the CFL up to Williams.

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The Dolphins have supported Williams throughout the suspension, but insisted on assurances that he'd be allowed to return to the team in 2007 — provided he's reinstated by the NFL.

"We expressed to Ricky our concerns about playing in Toronto in 2006," Saban said. "We are relying on assurances made by Ricky, his agent, the Toronto Argonauts, and the commissioner of the Canadian Football League that Ricky will return to the Dolphins in 2007.

"Based on these assurances and despite our concerns for Ricky playing in the CFL in 2006, we will leave it up to him to decide whether or not he will negotiate a contract to play for the Argonauts this year."

Williams — who said he will wear No. 27 instead of No. 34 in the CFL — thanked Saban and the Dolphins for allowing him to play in Toronto.

"I don't think there are very many benefits to the Dolphins, and I think that speaks volumes for the kind of guy that Nick Saban is and the Dolphins organization," Williams said.

Leigh Steinberg, Williams' agent, didn't immediately return a message left on his cell phone by The Associated Press. The Argonauts said he was on a family trip to Ireland.

The 29-year-old Williams wasted little time in getting settled in Toronto. He was shown on the Rogers Center videoboard at the White Sox-Blue Jays game Sunday wearing an Argonauts hat and was introduced as the team's newest player.

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"I've learned to notice a good thing when it comes and not let it slip by. ... You obviously make money playing football than you do sitting at home," Williams said.

Williams still owes the Dolphins $8.6 million for breaching his contract when he retired shortly before training camp in 2004. He returned last year and, playing alongside first-round draft pick Ronnie Brown, rushed for 743 yards — averaging over 4 yards a carry — for the Dolphins.

"I noticed that in the CFL they don't use the backs as a receiving threat," Argonauts linebacker Lee Woodall, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a veteran of more than a decade in the NFL, told The Toronto Sun for a Sunday story. "But I'll tell you, if the Argos get Ricky, that's one of the factors you can put on your plate."

Toronto has won the Grey Cup — the CFL championship — 15 times, most recently in 2004. The Argonauts were 11-7 last season and are led by veteran quarterback Damon Allen, the brother of Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen.

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Damon Allen, who has more than two decades of CFL experience, threw for 5,082 yards, ran for 461 more and had 37 touchdowns last season while earning the league's Most Outstanding Player award.

Williams said he's been asked several times why he wanted to play in the CFL. He said his answer was always, "Why not?"

"I feel like I have a lot to offer," Williams said. "I have the right attitude. I'm looking forward to this year."

Williams will play in CFL for one season

2006-05-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

Ricky Williams has a new home in the CFL.

Suspended for the 2006 season by the NFL after a fourth positive drug test, Williams signed a $240,000, one-year contract Sunday with the Toronto Argonauts — a deal making him the highest-paid running back in the Canadian league.

Williams, who's still under contract with the Miami Dolphins, is expected to begin practicing with his new team Monday; the Argonauts open preseason play this weekend and start their regular season at home against Hamilton June 17. The 18-game regular season runs through late October.

Fantasy Football 2006

"It hasn't been too often that I've heard kind words about me and my situation. ... It's really an uplifting feeling to be in this kind of environment," Williams said at a news conference in Toronto, after team officials introduced him warmly.

Williams, a former Heisman Trophy winner, missed Miami's first four games last year following his third positive test, and lost an appeal over the fourth — which carries a mandatory one-year ban. But the desire to continue playing and earning led him to Toronto, adding another chapter to the enigmatic player's resume.

"I'm a very positive person," Williams said. "I understand that in life, when you go through adversity it only gives you an opportunity to make the best of the situation. So I'm happy to be here in Toronto, having a chance to further my career on the football field."

Earlier Sunday, before the signing was formally announced, Dolphins coach Nick Saban issued a statement saying the team left the decision about playing in the CFL up to Williams.

The Dolphins have supported Williams throughout the suspension, but insisted on assurances that he'd be allowed to return to the team in 2007 — provided he's reinstated by the NFL.

"We expressed to Ricky our concerns about playing in Toronto in 2006," Saban said. "We are relying on assurances made by Ricky, his agent, the Toronto Argonauts, and the commissioner of the Canadian Football League that Ricky will return to the Dolphins in 2007.

"Based on these assurances and despite our concerns for Ricky playing in the CFL in 2006, we will leave it up to him to decide whether or not he will negotiate a contract to play for the Argonauts this year."

Williams — who said he will wear No. 27 instead of No. 34 in the CFL — thanked Saban and the Dolphins for allowing him to play in Toronto.

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"I don't think there are very many benefits to the Dolphins, and I think that speaks volumes for the kind of guy that Nick Saban is and the Dolphins organization," Williams said.

Leigh Steinberg, Williams' agent, didn't immediately return a message left on his cell phone by The Associated Press. The Argonauts said he was on a family trip to Ireland.

The 29-year-old Williams wasted little time in getting settled in Toronto. He was shown on the Rogers Center videoboard at the White Sox-Blue Jays game Sunday wearing an Argonauts hat and was introduced as the team's newest player.

"I've learned to notice a good thing when it comes and not let it slip by. ... You obviously make money playing football than you do sitting at home," Williams said.

Williams still owes the Dolphins $8.6 million for breaching his contract when he retired shortly before training camp in 2004. He returned last year and, playing alongside first-round draft pick Ronnie Brown, rushed for 743 yards — averaging over 4 yards a carry — for the Dolphins.

"I noticed that in the CFL they don't use the backs as a receiving threat," Argonauts linebacker Lee Woodall, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a veteran of more than a decade in the NFL, told The Toronto Sun for a Sunday story. "But I'll tell you, if the Argos get Ricky, that's one of the factors you can put on your plate."

Toronto has won the Grey Cup — the CFL championship — 15 times, most recently in 2004. The Argonauts were 11-7 last season and are led by veteran quarterback Damon Allen, the brother of Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen.

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Damon Allen, who has more than two decades of CFL experience, threw for 5,082 yards, ran for 461 more and had 37 touchdowns last season while earning the league's Most Outstanding Player award.

Williams said he's been asked several times why he wanted to play in the CFL. He said his answer was always, "Why not?"

"I feel like I have a lot to offer," Williams said. "I have the right attitude. I'm looking forward to this year."

Shanahan believes Plummer in dispute case

2006-05-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

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Mike Shanahan says he believes Jake Plummer's version of his road rage dispute.

But the Denver coach says his quarterback must learn to walk away when he finds himself getting angry.

Police issued Plummer a summons last month after he allegedly kicked the headlight of a pickup and then backing his SUV into the other vehicle.

Plummer acknowledged cutting off truck, driven by 47-year-old Douglas Stone of Denver, but said he waved and apologized. Plummer said he got out of his SUV only after Stone blared his horn and then tapped the bumper of Plummer's truck.

Plummer, who said he was in a hurry because he was on his way to give a check to charity, denied cursing at Stone, kicking his bumper or backing into him.

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"There's two different stories," Shanahan said. "So we are going to have to let the process take care of it."

But Shanahan said that Plummer's high profile makes him a target in any dispute.

"It's anybody in this organization, including myself," the coach said Thursday. "But we also know that the quarterback, the head coach and the owner are usually the guys that people are keeping their eyes on the most. And that's just the nature of the job.

"And regardless of what city you are in, especially in Denver, when you're considered a leader, you know that you're going to be scrutinized very closely."

Shanahan said he would be upset if someone honked and bumped his car at a traffic light.

"But you've got to take the high road. And you're in a position that even though it's tough to do sometimes and you're very competitive you've got to handle yourself the right way," he said.

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Shanahan said he has no reason to doubt Plummer..

"One thing about Jake is he is one of the most honest guys I've ever been around," Shanahan said.

"Like all players, like all competitors, there are going to be situations that happen that you wish you kept your poise a little more," he said.

Plummer's behavior has drawn the spotlight before in his three years as Denver's quarterback. He flashed an obscene gesture at a heckler in 2004; he called a columnist and criticized Denver fans last year after the columnist identified his girlfriend. He later apologized.

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Shanahan said he's had to learn to control his own temper, so he has some experience to draw from.

"It was a learning experience for me as a young coach coming in because you're very competitive. You want to fight and you want to fight. And you want to compete," he said. "Somebody is calling you names and all of a sudden, you can't do it. You can't flip somebody off even though you'd like to."

Close to quitting football, two now in World Bowl limelight

2006-05-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

Roger Robinson was ready to take a high school coaching job and Skyler Fulton was a substitute teacher when that long-awaited call from an NFL team finally came through.

Just a few months later, they are heading into Saturday's NFL Europe World Bowl as key players on opposing teams. Both can boast eye-catching stats from the 10-game regular season.

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Robinson cracked the league rushing record with the Frankfurt Galaxy and Fulton became the first to record six 100-yard receiving games with the Amsterdam Admirals. With both starting quarterbacks injured, they will be in the limelight Saturday.

They spent last season sweating out thoughts their football careers may be over. Robinson failed to get a hoped-for call from the Cardinals, while Fulton wondered if he was forgotten after injury cut short a tryout with the Vikings.

"There are a lot of guys on the street that can play in the NFL," Fulton said. "A lot of guys give up, life takes over, you have a wife to support or something. If I hadn't been signed to Europe, well, you definitely start looking at your other options in life."

Fulton juggled a baseball career along with football - getting drafted by both the Yankees and Mets - before settling on one sport in his junior year at Arizona State University. He went undrafted, then injuries left him with just four preseason games to show from stints with the Colts and Vikings. The Seahawks gave him his latest shot.

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"It's like a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league - I've just fallen off the radar a couple of times," Fulton said. "The important thing is I remain healthy."

Fulton is regarded as having the physical tools for the NFL, although he is suspected to be injury prone. His stats are impressive, a league-best 53 catches for 992 yards - 500 more than anyone else and 18.7 per reception. His seven touchdowns were second best to teammate Chad Lucas' eight.

Robinson has been clocked at 4.36 for the 40 and used that speed to pick up 1,087 yards from 214 carries, a 5.1 average. He broke the league yardage record despite missing a game with a concussion.

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When the Arizona Cardinals failed to invite him to camp last year, he was working at a bank. If a high school coaching job in Chandler, Arizona, didn't fall through, he would have left pro football.

That is when the Cardinals called and offered him a spot in NFL Europe.

"I would have taken that job. I didn't want to go to Europe. But my family, everybody wanted me to," Robinson said. "This has been a blessing from God."

Robinson has to show his body can take an NFL pounding, and he faces stiff competition with the Cardinals, who have Edgerrin James, J.J. Arrington and Marcel Shipp.

But Robinson said he was told to look at NFL Europe as an audition for the NFL.

Both players' stats benefited from the system they played in, with Frankfurt (7-3) so focused on the run they broke the team rushing record, while no one was as willing as the Admirals (7-3) to throw deep, especially before league MVP quarterback Gibran Hamdan went out for the season with an ankle injury.

But Fulton said the Seahawks have paid attention to his season, now they want him to prove it against their cornerbacks, and just maybe the rest of the NFL.

That is a long ways from wondering if you will ever hear from the NFL again.

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"I think it proved a lot of things for myself," Fulton said of the season. "It gave me peace of mind."

NFL to spend millions on proposals

2006-05-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

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The NFL is spending $10 million to help Los Angeles and Anaheim with their plans for bringing the league back to the nation's second-largest media market.

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue announced the decision on Tuesday after a day-and-a-half of meetings focused on the desire to put a team in the area vacated by the Rams and Raiders after the 1994 season.

That was part of a series of moves that became known as "franchise free agency."

Tagliabue said the decision to spend the money puts the NFL as close as it has been to getting back to Los Angeles since 1999, when the league owners approved a resolution to put an expansion team into the area. That plan fell through when two conflicting groups in the Los Angeles area could not agree on a site and financing.

The NFL also wanted to get Houston businessman Robert McNair into the league. When he upped his bid to $700 million - some $150 million more than either of the Los Angeles groups offered - for the new team and a new stadium the league's owners awarded Houston the expansion franchise.

The Texans began play in 2002, replacing the Oilers, who had moved to Tennessee and become the Titans.

The NFL is believed to favor the downtown Los Angeles site, presumably at a renovated Coliseum, where the Raiders played from 1982-94.

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But it has earmarked $5 million for each of the two sites. The Anaheim facility would be adjacent to where baseball's Angels play, a stadium used by the Rams for the latter part of their tenure in the area.

"This is far and away the most progress we have made at any time since 1999," Tagliabue said.

The NFL money is expected to go toward design and engineering studies at the two proposed sites.

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Getting a team back in the Los Angeles area is not imminent. No team has been designated, nor has a decision been made whether Los Angeles will get an existing franchise that relocates or an expansion team.

Expansion is probably a long shot. New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch noted that adding a 33rd team would lead eventually to a 34th.

Dallas' Jerry Jones was more emphatic.

"Expansion does not make sense for the NFL at this juncture. It just doesn't." Jones said. "It just doesn't. We don't improve anything by expanding, we water it down."

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Both league officials and members of the 11-owner committee that have been working on getting the league back to Los Angeles acknowledged they're still trying to ensure that the two cities involved can get business support for suites and other backing that would help defray the $600 million to $850 million a new stadium might cost.

"We really have to ask ourselves how expensive this will be," said Tisch, a member of the committee and a former Southern California resident.

Lang thrilled to be latest 'Brownco'

2006-05-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

Kenard Lang felt left behind last summer as he watched four of his Cleveland Browns defensive linemates leave for a chance to rescue their careers in Denver.

"I was like a little kid chasing the school bus down the street - oh, why are you all leaving me?" Lang said.In four separate transactions last year, the Broncos signed former Cleveland linemen Courtney Brown, Gerard Warren, Ebenezer Ekuban and Michael Myers, along with the man who coached them - Andre Patterson.

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While the line tallied just 28 sacks - third-fewest in the league - it produced pressure that created 36 turnovers, 16 more than the previous season.

This year, the Broncos jettisoned nine-year starter Trevor Pryce to create space under the salary cap and they knew exactly where to go for another pass-rusher.

Lang is now the fifth member of the "Browncos."

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He signed a three-year, $4.7 million deal in Denver after the Browns cut him in their own salary-cap purge. He was deemed expendable not only because of his $4.6 million salary in 2006 but also because his sack totals diminished when he was switched from defensive end to linebacker last season.

Lang, a nine-year veteran, lost 25 pounds to change position when new coach Romeo Crennel implemented the 3-4 defense in Cleveland. He recorded just two sacks and 43 tackles.
The Broncos were undaunted.

"We looked at Kenard last year. We liked him as a pass rusher at defensive end," Denver coach Mike Shanahan said. "Obviously they moved him to more of an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, we thought he'd be good with our situation at end."

Lang played four seasons with the Browns and appeared in 62 games, including 49 starts at defensive end, after spending his first five years in Washington. His best season came in 2003, when he had a career-high 79 tackles and eight sacks.

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Like the rest of the "Browncos," Lang is happy to be out of Cleveland and thrilled to be in Denver.

Before the Broncos' offseason workouts started last week, Lang walked up to Patterson and defensive ends coach Jacob Burney "and gave them two big bear hugs and I said, 'Thank you for saving me."'

"It's not that things (were bad in Cleveland). They're getting better with Romeo over there, don't get me wrong. But when you get tired of losing, it starts eating at your soul," Lang said. "I can see that light at the end of the tunnel for me. Football is not forever, and I'd rather be with a team that knows what's best to do, and that's what coach Shanahan does."

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Despite feeling left behind, Lang spent last season cheering on his former Cleveland linemates who helped lead the Broncos to the AFC championship game.

Lang, however, never really thought he'd join them. He envisioned his switch to linebacker as the last move he'd make in his career that began as a first-round draft pick by the Redskins in 1997.

Now, he's back at his familiar position and in refreshing new surroundings.

"Now I'm here in Denver, where it's beautiful; I love it. The weather is always nice. It's not cloudy; it's not raining. The whole atmosphere is different. Nothing against Cleveland, they have great fans and everything, and I know Denver does, also, but it's just the atmosphere," Lang said.

Pack allows Texans to interview McKenzie

2006-05-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

The Green Bay Packers have given the Houston Texans permission to interview Reggie McKenzie for their vacant general manager job, but McKenzie said Sunday that the Texans have not yet called to schedule an interview.

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"It's an honor to be considered," said McKenzie, the Packers director of pro personnel. "But make no bones about it, I love being with the Packers. I like this job, I like the people I work with, and my family really likes it here. So we'll see where it goes."McKenzie, who joined the Packers' front office in 1994 and developed into a well-respected executive under former general manager Ron Wolf, has had chances for other jobs in the past and turned them down.
"Really, the situation has to be right," McKenzie said. "I really like working here. If I didn't like working here, I would have jumped at the first opportunity, and that wasn't the route I wanted to go. So far, it's worked for me and my family here."

McKenzie said this would be his first interview for a general manager spot, something Wolf always told him to shoot for.

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"He told me he thought I would be one one day," McKenzie said. "I guess he was right - hopefully."

Denver assistant general manager Rick Smith interviewed with the Texans on Friday. Smith and McKenzie both are black, representing a potential step forward for a league that has been criticized for not having enough minorities coaching on the sidelines or managing in front offices.
"The bottom line is, a lot of the people who work with guys like myself hopefully are realizing that a lot of people can do the job," McKenzie said. "If they feel comfortable with me, whether it be here or wherever, that's an opportunity. If you can do it, you can do it. It's a good thing."
Smith worked with new Texans coach Gary Kubiak while with the Broncos, but McKenzie also has a connection to the Texans - former Packers coach Mike Sherman is now the team's assistant head coach. McKenzie said he hasn't talked to Sherman recently, but plans to.
He's optimistic, but not counting on anything.

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"It's flattering, but we'll take one step at a time and see where it goes," McKenzie said.

Harrison to undergo elbow surgery

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison will have elbow surgery Monday.
The surgery, which will be performed in his hometown of Philadelphia, is for an injury sustained during the 2005 season.Harrison, who caught 82 passes for 1,146 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2005, left Sunday's final minicamp workout early to catch a flight.

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"(The surgery) was planned, but we just couldn't get a late flight to get back him back there in time," coach Tony Dungy said. "But he's doing fine and made it through four practices really well."

It will be Harrison's second surgery in recent months, after having treatment done on a wrist injury that he had sustained midway through last season.

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Harrison isn't expected to be able to participate in Indianapolis' five-week voluntary organized team activity workouts, which are slated to begin Tuesday.

Holmgren signs extension through 2008

2006-05-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

The last piece of an almost perfect offseason for the Seattle Seahawks is now in place.
Coach Mike Holmgren signed a contract extension Wednesday to keep him with Seattle through the 2008 season.

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The defending NFC champions have also re-signed NFL MVP Shaun Alexander and Pro Bowl fullback Mack Strong since losing their first Super Bowl to the Steelers. Seattle did lose Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson in free agency to the Vikings, but the sting of that was lessened when the Seahawks added two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Julian Peterson to their defense.

"You guys get tired of hearing this, maybe, but this is another great day for the Seahawks," team president Tim Ruskell said.

Terms of Holmgren's deal weren't disclosed, but Ruskell said the new deal is "in effect, a three-year deal."

That means the final year of Holmgren's original, eight-year contract likely has been redone. Holmgren was scheduled to earn $7 million for 2006.

"The lease on my boat ends in two years, so we had to cover that," Holmgren joked.

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Holmgren's agent, Bob LaMonte, didn't return phone calls or e-mails seeking contract terms. LaMonte was in the Seattle area last week for two days of discussions with Seahawks executives.

Those were the first contract negotiations since Holmgren said he was unsure about his future beyond 2006 with the team.

Wednesday, after Ruskell's glowing introduction, Holmgren said: "I'm a little bit humbled."
If he fulfills the new deal - and he said he intends to - Holmgren will have coached Seattle for 10 seasons. The only NFL coaches with longer current tenures than that are Denver's Mike Shanahan and Tennessee's Jeff Fisher, both heading into a 12th season, and Bill Cowher, who's been with Pittsburgh for 14 seasons.

Holmgren, the architect and play caller for the NFL's highest-scoring offense in 2005, was entering the final season of the $35 million, eight-year contract he signed upon arriving in Seattle in 1999 from Green Bay.

Holmgren, who will turn 58 in June, coached the Packers from 1992-98 and won a Super Bowl.
"We've got three years left, I look at it that way," Holmgren said. "In this business, that in itself is a pretty good run ... it just felt good to me."

Speculation remains that Holmgren's new deal allows him to pursue any NFL general manager jobs that may come open.

"Who can read the future? I don't think any of us can. But right now, our intention is to very much honor the contract."

Holmgren said that while Ruskell will still have final say on all personnel matters, he is comfortable with how involved he is on all team issues.

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He didn't feel that way under former general manager Bob Ferguson and team president Bob Whitsitt. After the 2004 season, team owner Paul Allen pressured Ferguson to resign and fired Whitsitt.

Wednesday, the Microsoft Corp.'s co-founder called Holmgren from London and effectively reaffirmed his confidence in having Ruskell and Holmgren run his team.

"It's a volatile business," Holmgren said. "It seems more and more hard to find that type of relationship for a coach that an owner will kind of work with you through the bumps in the road and believes in you.

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"I just thanked him for that."

Holmgren credits Ruskell's arrival 15 months ago as the franchise's final push out of a 29-year rut of mediocrity.

"I'm revitalized," Holmgren said. "The year before was quite a different emotion. Now, I'm so convinced the organization is where it should be and it is headed in the right direction.
"We have a chance to do some really good things here now, something we've been looking for the last seven years to get to this point. It seemed reasonable to extend my deal a little bit to be a part of that as well."

Holmgren said his wife asked him two questions after he decided two months ago he wanted to coach beyond 2006. One was about his health - Holmgren said he's "never felt better."
Her second question was whether her husband still had the "fire" to dedicate himself to coaching.

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"I can honestly say that fire burns brightly, still, inside of me," Holmgren said. "And three, our team is on the verge, I think, of something special ... We do have some unfinished business."

Saints break records with season-ticket sales

2006-05-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

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The New Orleans Saints have set a franchise record for season-ticket sales, four months before making their post-Hurricane Katrina return to the Superdome.

The Saints, who spent last season in San Antonio after Katrina flooded the city and severely damaged the Superdome, have sold 54,969 season tickets, surpassing the previous record of 53,728 set in August 2003.Owner Tom Benson said Wednesday that the Saints received "a spike" in ticket sales after drafting Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush last month, but they were already on a record pace.

"I want to thank the devoted and loyal fans who have shown tremendous support for the New Orleans Saints," Benson said. "This is a great day for the Saints and the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. To sell a record number of tickets four months before our first game is unbelievable."

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The population of New Orleans remains less than half of what it was before the storm hit Aug. 29.

"It's truly inspirational to see these fans rally around the team and the city," Benson said. "We knew the fans were there, but we didn't know whether they would be able to be involved with buying tickets or not.

"People talk about there only being 100,000 or so back, but a lot of them are just 30 miles or so up the road and they're back buying tickets."

The capacity of the repaired Superdome, which is scheduled to reopen Sept. 25 when the Saints play the Atlanta Falcons, will be 65,000, leaving about 10,000 more seats to sell.

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The team's return after a season-long absence, hiring new coach Sean Payton, drafting Bush and the signing of free-agent quarterback Drew Brees generated significant enthusiasm among fans.
Despite the increase in season ticket sales, executive vice president of administration Rita Benson LeBlanc said the team has sold 56 of the 137 suites in the Superdome, and Tom Benson said the sale of corporate sponsorships has been disappointing but improving.

NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has made several visits to the region since the Saints returned in January. On Feb. 14, Tagliabue and Benson met with a group of 27 area business leaders who pledged to help sell tickets, suites and sponsorships.

"The commissioner and I have been very disappointed with the reaction of the business community," Benson said. "But their support is coming. A lot of businesses are having problems and it's been very difficult for them to make commitments. We're looking forward to them doing their part."

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New Orleans is nearing a decision on where to hold training camp. The Saints appear to be leaning toward Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., where the team will play one of its "home" preseason games while the Superdome is being repaired. The other will be in Shreveport, La.

Decision in McNair hearing expected by June 1

2006-05-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

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An arbitrator heard more than seven hours of testimony Tuesday on whether the Tennessee Titans breached quarterback Steve McNair's contract by barring him from working out at the team's headquarters.

McNair, who parked his sport utility vehicle in the lot for visitors and not the players' gated area, left the hearing along with agent Bus Cook without making any comment.Richard Berthelsen, general counsel for the players' union, said arbitrator John Feerick hoped to return a decision by June 1. The union argued that McNair should be allowed to work out or be released."Every player has a right, we believe, to be on club property to participate with his teammates. That's the only place where a player is protected in terms of if he's hurt and gets his salary," Berthelsen said.

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"For a team to say, 'You can't be on our property because we don't want to have that risk,' then the risk is unfairly shifted to the player."

The Titans want protection from the potential liability of a $23.46 million salary cap hit if McNair is hurt, or they want a new, cheaper contract to reduce that cap number. The team issued a statement expressing confidence the arbitrator understands the issues in the case."We will not issue any further comment on the issue until a decision has been rendered," the statement said.

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Negotiations between the Titans and Cook have been nearly nonexistent. Cook worked out a $12 million deal with Baltimore last month after being given permission to talk with the Ravens during the NFL draft. A trade fell through when the Titans said Baltimore's offer was insignificant.

The Titans drafted QB Vince Young of Texas with the No. 3 overall pick.

Berthelsen said McNair testified Tuesday he would prefer to remain with the Titans until he decides to retire. The 11-year veteran was the NFL's co-MVP in 2003, has won more games for this franchise than any other quarterback and led the Titans to the playoffs in four of five seasons through 2003.

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Most of the hearing was spent with the Titans cross-examining McNair about his offseason workout habits, according to Berthelsen.

"It was mainly irrelevant things like, 'You weren't here much in the past, were you? So why do you want to be here now?' But it wasn't really to the point," Berthelsen said.

Asked if the Titans appear to want McNair back, the attorney said:"It's a pity a player who has meant as much as he has to this franchise being told in his 11th year he can't be on club property, especially since he's under contract. I can't think of a player who's done more for this franchise. It is a shame that things have come to where they've come."The Titans must either rework McNair's remaining year, worth $9 million, or release him to create enough salary cap space to sign their rookies. They traditionally don't begin signing rookies until July.

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Both McNair and his agent have said the quarterback is healthy enough to play another three or four years. But he has missed 10 games the past two seasons because of injury, and the Titans have shown no inclination to take expensive risks with veterans.

Tennessee released Eddie George, the team's all-time leading rusher, in July 2004 only after the running back declined a pay cut and asked to be waived.

Dolphins sign Marcus Vick

2006-05-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

The Miami Dolphins saw enough potential in Marcus Vick - both on- and off-the-field - to believe he deserves a chance as a free agent.

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Vick, the brother of Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick, signed with the Dolphins on Monday, agreeing to a free-agent deal after his many problems at Virginia Tech cost him a chance to be selected in the NFL draft."As an organization, we did an enormous amount of research, including consulting with professionals in detailed, in-depth analysis to feel comfortable that giving Marcus an opportunity as a free agent is a risk worth taking," Dolphins coach Nick Saban said in a statement released by the team.

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"I want to make it very clear that we will not condone any behavior issues in the future relative to Marcus Vick. Marcus acknowledges that he has made some mistakes, all of which has resulted in severe consequences for him. They have helped him learn that he will need to make much better choices and decisions in the future or risk similar consequences that could jeopardize his career as a professional player."

Vick, who participated in a three-day minicamp with the Dolphins earlier this month, completed 177 of 289 passes for 2,393 yards with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, leading Virginia Tech to an 11-2 record and berth in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game in 2005.

But his career with the Hokies included many transgressions. He made an obscene gesture to fans during a game at West Virginia, and stomped on Louisville player Elvis Dumervil's leg during the Gator Bowl.

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Vick was suspended by Virginia Tech for the 2004 season because of legal problems, then was eventually dismissed from the team after being stopped for speeding and driving with a revoked or suspended license.

The Dolphins are listing Vick as a "wide receiver-quarterback-specialist," clearly indicating that he could be tried in a number of roles.

During the recent minicamp, Vick spent at least one practice session at wide receiver, and probably isn't being looked at as a serious quarterback candidate - not with newcomers Daunte Culpepper and Joey Harrington now at that position.

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Miami signed three other free agents Monday: tight end Keith Heinrich, linebacker Keith Newman and cornerback Michael Lehan.

Heinrich was on Cleveland's injured reserve list for the entire 2005 season with a knee injury and has played in 18 games since being drafted by Carolina in 2002.

Newman has played with Buffalo, Atlanta and Minnesota in seven seasons, starting 76 of 92 games and recording 407 tackles, 23 sacks, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries and seven forced fumbles.

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Lehan, like Vick, attended the rookie minicamp this month on a tryout basis. He spent the last three seasons with the Browns and made 32 appearances, including four starts.

Ward says he, Steelers starting all over again

2006-05-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

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Somebody watching a Pittsburgh Steelers practice for the first time Saturday might have thought Hines Ward was a new player, not the Super Bowl MVP.

For coaches to readily identify new or unfamiliar players, it is common for an NFL rookie's last name to be written on a piece of tape attached to the front of his helmet.So why was Ward's name taped above his face mask during the first day of the team's three-day minicamp?

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The four-time Pro Bowl receiver plans to wear his name on his helmet during practice until the season starts, if only to make the statement that last year is over and the Steelers must start anew if they want to win the Super Bowl. Again.

"I'm not taking that tape off until I make the team," Ward said. "That's my new motivation. We got all that old out of the way. This is how I did it when I first got here, and I'm recommitting myself."

The Steelers' two practices had a different feel to them, and not only because they are three months removed from winning the franchise's first Super Bowl title in 26 years.

For the first time in 10 years, Jerome Bettis wasn't around. One of the most productive and influential players in franchise history retired minutes after the 21-10 Super Bowl victory over Seattle on Feb. 5, and his absence was apparent.

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While part of Bettis' locker space is being filled by rookie receiver Willie Reid, Bettis' No. 36 was nowhere to be found.

The Steelers have officially retired only one number, the No. 70 of 1950s-era lineman Ernie Stautner, but they have traditionally kept from handing out such numbers as 12 (Terry Bradshaw), 32 (Franco Harris), 58 (Jack Lambert), 59 (Jack Ham) and 75 (Joe Greene). Bettis' No. 36 now seems destined to be included on that list.

It was obvious to Ben Roethlisberger that Bettis was gone - it was one of the quietest practices the quarterback could remember.

"You don't hear anybody yelling right now, do you?" Roethlisberger said, laughing. "It's one of those things where you lose a great friend out of this locker room, me in particular, a guy who's a leader. We'll have guys step up for a leadership role and will try to raise the bar and push the young guys, but you still miss him, obviously."

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Ward said the Steelers won't have to look far for a replacement. Roethlisberger emerged as a leader during the eight-game winning streak that carried the Steelers to the Super Bowl, and Ward expects him to grow into that role even more this season.

Ward also hopes Roethlisberger's ever-expanding influence also leads the Steelers to open up the offense more to play to the quarterback's strengths. Roethlisberger's throwing was primarily responsible for the AFC road playoff victories at Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Denver that got Pittsburgh into the Super Bowl.

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Once the season ended, offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt said he expected the passing game to further expand this season. Coach Bill Cowher said the Steelers moved up in the draft to take wide receiver Santonio Holmes in the first round primarily to give Roethlisberger and the passing game yet another asset.

Roethlisberger knows the Steelers will never abandon the running game, especially after a brief flirtation with a pass-heavy offense led to a 6-10 record with Tommy Maddox at quarterback in 2003. But Roethlisberger wants the passing game to be at least equally important to the running game, not subservient to it.

"Every day I kind of say something to Coach Cowher jokingly, hoping he'll take me serious," Roethlisberger said. "I just hope that every year they gain more confidence in me and we go out and are a more balanced offense, maybe more dangerous. Hopefully they see that we can pass and win if we have to."

Holmes stood out in his first practice, stretching out twice to make difficult catches that quickly caught Roethlisberger's attention. Holmes has less time to impress than the other rookies; because of an NFL-NCAA agreement, he cannot take part in the three weeks of post-minicamp coaching sessions because his Ohio State class won't graduate until mid-June.

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As a result, Holmes can't work out again with the Steelers after this weekend until training camp starts in late July.

"Coach told me, 'Make your mistakes right now, so you can learn from all those things when we watch film,"' Holmes said. "'Get your mistakes out of the way now."'

Jaguars' WR Jimmy Smith to retire

2006-05-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

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Jimmy Smith, one of the most prolific receivers in NFL history, has decided to retire from professional football.

Smith — a five-time Pro Bowl pick who overcame several health issues and a drug addiction — has informed Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio of his intention to call it quits after 12 seasons.

The team is expected to hold a press a press conference Thursday to announce the decision — unless Smith has an 11th-hour change of heart.

His announcement came a day before the team opened a three-day minicamp.

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Smith has 862 career receptions, which ranks seventh on the NFL's all-time list. And he is 11th with 12,287 receiving yards.

He trails the Indianapolis Colts' Marvin Harrison in both categories.

The 6-foot-1, 208-pound former Jackson State star had considered walking away from football following the Jags' playoff loss to the Patriots last season, but Del Rio asked him to take more time so Smith could be sure he was making the right choice.

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What's more, the Florida Times Union reported last month that the 37-year-old Smith was also talked out of his decision to retire by friends, including the likes of former great Tim Brown.

Last season, Smith was still very productive at an advanced age (for an NFL player) as he led the Jaguars by catching 70 passes for 1,023 yards and six touchdowns.

That said many thought that he would return to the team for the 2006 season as the Jaguars' top WR while younger receivers Matt Jones and Ernest Wilford continue to develop.

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Last week, Smith surprised team officials by informing them of his intention to step away. The team, however, asked that he take a few days to ponder his decision.

But he recently went to the Jaguars' workout complex to say goodbye to several members of the team.

Smith's longevity was surprising — even to him — especially considering what he overcame.

In 2001, he had three operations to remove scar tissue from his abdomen. Some questioned whether he would play again, but he caught 112 passes for 1,373 yards — despite being arrested in November that year for suspicion of drunken driving. Tests later revealed he had cocaine in his system. He vehemently denied using the drug.

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He was suspended for the first four games of the 2003 season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. He then publicly acknowledged an addiction and spent several weeks in rehab.

He had other issues early in his career, too.

The third receiver selected in the 1992 draft behind Desmond Howard and Carl Pickens, Smith broke his leg and missed most of his rookie season. In 1993, he needed an emergency appendectomy and suffered through infection and stomach problems. He missed the entire year. He didn't play in 1994, either, after getting cut by Dallas and Philadelphia.

In 1995, he caught on with the expansion Jaguars after his mother sent coach Tom Coughlin a binder of press clippings to help him earn a tryout.

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He made the most of his chance and set receiving records that could be hard to break.

Casserly resigns as Texans GM

2006-05-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

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Houston Texans general manager Charley Casserly resigned Wednesday, ending months of speculation that intensified in recent weeks after the team used the No. 1 pick to draft defensive end Mario Williams.

Casserly had been with the Texans since the expansion franchise joined the league six years ago. The Texans played their first season in 2002.

"The time was right to move on," Casserly said.

Casserly met with Texans owner Bob McNair on Wednesday morning, telling McNair he wanted to pursue a job in the NFL office in New York. He also met with the Texans' coaching staff and contacted Houston's scouts.

"I have an interest in doing other things right now," Casserly said.

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McNair said Casserly was not fired. He said he had no replacement candidates in mind.

"I have talked to no one. I have no list," McNair said.

Casserly joined the Texans in 2000, after 23 years with the Washington Redskins. He started with the Redskins as an unpaid intern under Hall of Fame coach George Allen and was hired as a scout the next season.

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The Redskins elevated Casserly to assistant general manager in 1982, the year the franchise won its first Super Bowl. Casserly became Washington's GM in 1989.

Casserly's first big move came in 2002, when the Texans drafted David Carr. He also participated in the search that landed Gary Kubiak as coach. Dom Capers was fired after the Texans went 2-14 last season.

Casserly said he wanted to stay with the team through the NFL draft, but he and the Texans drew plenty of criticism when they selected Williams - and not Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush or University of Texas star Vince Young.

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Casserly defended the decision on Wednesday, promising the Texans would quickly improve.

"Our record is what our record is," Casserly said. "But I think this ballclub will make a dramatic jump this year in caliber of play. Eventually, the wins will come. With the offseason we had, I feel really good about it."

Favre back, not sure if this is his last season

2006-05-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

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Brett Favre is back.

And so, it seems, are the questions about his future beyond this season.

Despite comments earlier in the offseason that there was "no doubt" his potential return to the Green Bay Packers would be for only one more season, Favre said Saturday that he wasn't so sure.

"I know I said that," Favre said Saturday, in his first public comments since telling the Packers he would return for another year. "But I hope you guys will respect me. I'm going to play this year, give it my best and not talk about it."

Favre said the constant speculation surrounding his football future - much of which has been propelled by his own public comments on the subject - has become a distraction for the team.

"It's been a distraction not only for me but for I think the guys I played with in the past, and I'm not going to talk about it this year," he said.

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In a half-hour session with reporters, Favre admitted he doesn't know whether his decision to return was the right one. But Favre said he also would have questions if he had decided to retire.

Favre knows athletes nearing the end of their careers can risk their legacies by playing on despite retirement being a viable option. Others choose to quit when they could have played effectively for a few more years.

"Where do I fall in? I don't know, and don't care," he said. "The Packers still want me, I want to be back."

Favre threw a career-worst 29 interceptions last season and the Packers went 4-12, the team's first losing season since he became its quarterback.

"I'm going to take chances," he said. "And there's going to be people who agree with that and there's going to be people who don't agree with it. And I really don't care."

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Favre doesn't plan to change his style of play at this stage of his career.

"My desire and my commitment is why I'm here," he said. "Not my footwork, not my mechanics, not arm strength or decision making. It's my desire to win. I want to win more than anyone else. I'm willing to do whatever it takes, and sometimes it's not pretty."

New Packers coach Mike McCarthy said he wants Favre to keep playing aggressively, but only when the time is right.

"It's important for him to play within the realm of the offense, which I think he always has,' McCarthy said. "And I've said it over and over again, when you're calling plays, the play caller and the quarterback have got to be on the same page. You've got to know when to push the envelope, when to pull back."

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Favre said many of last year's interceptions came when the Packers were trailing in games and, because of mounting injuries, Favre was playing with young players with whom he wasn't familiar.

"Maybe I should have made some different decisions at times, but we had to try to win the ballgame with whoever was in there," Favre said.

Interceptions aside, Favre's return is a boost for his teammates. Had he not come back, the team likely would have started last year's first-round draft pick, Aaron Rodgers, at quarterback.

"I don't have to ever worry about anything, because I know when the time comes, I'm going to be that guy that's going to be getting the ball," receiver Donald Driver said. "I would have had worries if he wasn't here. You never know how the system works then."

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Favre may have hastened the departure of disgruntled receiver Javon Walker when he publicly criticizing Walker's threats to hold out for a new contract last year. Walker was traded on draft day.

"We could sure use him," Favre said of Walker. "Any team could use him. But I don't regret the things I said. And I stand by that."

Favre reiterated several times on Saturday that he never considered asking to be traded to another team in the offseason.

"I know there was a lot of talk about being traded or wanting to play for another team," Favre said. "That never, I've told you guys that over and over again that I didn't want to play for another team, and that's the truth. And never once did I mention (a) trade. This is where I wanted to be the whole time."

But does he still want the ball with 2 minutes left and the game on the line?

"I'm here," Favre said Saturday. "I didn't pull too many out last year, but I gave it my damnedest, and that's all I can do this year. But if I didn't want the ball, believe me, I wouldn't be here."

QB wants Flutie back, laments loss of veterans

2006-05-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

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Tom Brady wants Doug Flutie to return for a second season as his backup. Like plenty of Patriots and Flutie fans, he's still waiting for the 43-year-old quarterback's decision.

Flutie is considering retirement after a career that includes a Heisman Trophy from Boston College, three pro football leagues and his status as a hometown icon who started in the Boston suburbs at Natick High School and could end in the town of Foxborough.

"I love Doug and Doug's just an awesome guy so I would love for him to be here," Brady said Thursday. "He adds an awful lot so I don't know how that's going to work out."

Flutie, who has been a hero in New England since his heroics for Boston College more than 20 years won him a Heisman Trophy, has said he does not want to play anywhere else. Last season, Flutie was the No. 2 quarterback for New England but played sparingly in five games, completing 5 of 10 passes. No. 3 quarterback Matt Cassel, a seventh-round draft pick last year from Southern California, is the only other quarterback on the Patriots who was with the team last year.

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"My role is to play quarterback and it's not to make personnel decisions," Brady said. "I think coach (Bill) Belichick knows how I feel about each player on the team."

Flutie's agent, Kristin Kuliga, said Monday she thought Flutie's decision probably would be made this week.

The Patriots already have lost three players who had much bigger roles than Flutie. Kicker Adam Vinatieri, linebacker Willie McGinest and wide receiver David Givens all left as free agents after the Patriots lost to Denver 27-13 in their second playoff game last season.

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"We've lost a lot. There's a lot of value in those guys," Brady said in his first news conference since that loss. "It's obviously tough. You're sitting there at home and it's the offseason and you see other guys getting signed other places and you're kind of looking in and you see some of your core guys getting taken away."

The Patriots moved more slowly than other teams in signing free agents. They added receiver Reche Caldwell from San Diego and former Tampa Bay kicker Martin Gramatica.

"Hopefully, we find other players to come in and take some of the burden off the guys that are still here," said Brady, who knows he may have to adopt more of a leadership role. "As much as you'd love to keep everybody, when you have success, people are going to go out and say, 'let's go get that guy.' Who wouldn't want David Givens? Who wouldn't want Willie? Who wouldn't want Adam?"

McGinest and Vinatieri played on all three Super Bowl-winning Patriots teams over the past five seasons. Givens was on two of them. New England's chance for an unprecedented third straight title ended last season in Denver.

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The Patriots did add running back Laurence Maroney from Minnesota and wide receiver Chad Jackson from Florida in the first two rounds of last weekend's draft.. But Brady cautioned against expecting too much from rookies.

"To expect Chad Jackson to be David Givens, I don't think that's fair to Chad. David's an awesome player," Brady said.

Maroney could share playing time with Corey Dillon.

"My dad calls me," Brady said. "He's like, 'can you believe this? We got all these great players.' I said, 'Dad, Dad, these guys are rookies. These guys have a lot to learn.' "

Deion Branch returns as one starting wide receiver. Caldwell, who has been working out with Brady for about a month, could be the other.

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Brady, a three-time Super Bowl winner, has been working out regularly at Gillette Stadium and said, "I feel great. There's no restrictions" on his exercise routines.

"I don't ever feel like I'm obligated to be here" for offseason workouts, he said. "I feel it's part of my responsibility."

Brady prefers to look ahead rather than back to the loss in Denver in which the Patriots had five turnovers. One of them was Champ Bailey's 103-yard interception return that led to a touchdown and a 17-6 Broncos lead.

Brady recently watched television before going to sleep and saw his last news conference before that game in which he watched himself answering a question about Bailey.

"I said 'every time I throw over there I'm really going to make sure that I'm careful when I throw in his direction,' " Brady said with a laugh. "Sure enough, Champ, 103 yards, that's going to sit with me for a long time."

Until, perhaps, he wins another Super Bowl.

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"Every time I sign an autograph on one of those Super Bowl pictures, it's like, 'we're going to get back there,' " Brady said. "There's nothing that matches that."

Chargers can look for stadium site in S.D.

2006-05-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

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The City Council unanimously agreed Monday allow the Chargers to look for a new stadium site within the county by amending the team's lease.

The action came less than two weeks after Mayor Jerry Sanders said the cash-strapped city doesn't have the money to help Southern California's only NFL team build a new stadium.

If the team fails to strike a deal in the county before Jan. 1, the Chargers would be free to negotiate anywhere in the country.

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The Chargers can leave San Diego after the 2008 season if they pay off the approximately $60 million in bonds the city issued in 1997 to expand Qualcomm Stadium.

"I strongly believe the Chargers are a regional asset," councilman Kevin Faulconer said. "Today's action is appropriate because it is in the best interest of San Diego's taxpayers."

City attorney Michael Aguirre said he supports amending the team's lease, but urged caution in dealing with the Chargers.

"I hope this is not part of some charade where they are going to pretend to go out and make some kind of effort in the county and then say, 'Gee, we were not able to do it,' and then come back and ask for some kind of subsidy," Aguirre said.

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The Chargers' negotiator, Mark Fabiani, said on April 21 that the smaller cities of Oceanside, Chula Vista, and National City to the north and south of San Diego have approached the team, along with a private investor whose identity Fabiani wouldn't disclose.

"We welcome today's lease amendment, and when that amendment becomes final, we will immediately begin to examine available options in San Diego County," Fabiani said in a statement. "The Chargers are very hopeful that the amendment will result in the building of a new Super Bowl-caliber stadium in San Diego County."

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San Diego is facing what the mayor called a financial and a managerial crisis, which includes a $1.4 billion city employee pension fund deficit and federal investigations into city finances.

The Chargers have been in San Diego since 1961, the year after they started playing in the AFL in Los Angeles under the ownership of hotel magnate Barron Hilton.

Earlier this year, the team dropped its proposal to build a $450 million stadium as part of a commercial development at the Qualcomm site because it could not find developers to share the estimated $800 million upfront costs. The team offered to pay for the stadium and traffic improvements, but wanted the city to give it 60 acres for development to recoup its costs.

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Last week, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman contacted the Chargers about the possibility of starting talks to relocate to the gambling and entertainment mecca. Team officials responded that their lease with San Diego bars them from talking with other cities until Jan. 1.

Agent subject of Bush extortion probe

2006-04-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

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The agent under investigation by the NFL Players Association for his role in the housing arrangement of Reggie Bush's family says he has had nothing to do with the Southern California star.

David Caravantes told The Associated Press on Friday that he is unaware of the investigation, adding: "I have had no involvement with Reggie Bush. The truth will come out."

Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFLPA, confirmed Friday that the probe of Caravantes has begun.

"I can't comment on specifics of the investigation while it is going on, according to our organization's regulations," Upshaw said. "Until the process is completed, we can't comment, other than the investigation is ongoing.

"Things like this are about the integrity of the game and our sport, and we have to make sure it is dealt with sufficiently. The number of agents has grown every year and it's become increasingly difficult to keep a net over some of these (agents)."

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The NFL, meanwhile, has alerted some teams about a potential extortion of Bush's family after the Southern Cal running back didn't sign with marketing company New Era Sports & Entertainment LLC tied to Caravantes.

"I wasn't even aware of the money asked of the Bush family until yesterday," Caravantes said. "They (New Era) recruited me."

The NFL's security department contacted several teams about the situation. Houston Texans owner Bob McNair, whose team has the first overall selection in Saturday's draft and has said it will pick either Bush or North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams, said Thursday he was aware of the situation.

According to newspaper reports, Bush's parents didn't pay $54,000 in rent during the year they lived in the house owned by a sports marketing agency investor who wanted to represent the football star.

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The landlord, Michael Michaels, said that Bush's mother and stepfather agreed to pay $4,500 in monthly rent when they moved into the Spring Valley house he bought for $757,000 in March 2005, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Friday.

They didn't pay for the first few months, but promised to pay when the Heisman Trophy-winner started earning millions of dollars after turning pro, said Michaels, who described himself as a real estate investor.

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Michaels' attorney, Brian Watkins, claimed Bush was made aware of the situation and also promised to repay the debt when he turned professional, according to a report in Friday's Los Angeles Times.

Bush, who signed with agent Joel Segal, said he believes the matter will be cleared up in a few weeks.

"I've got to get back to football," he said. "My life is parallel to a horse race. they have blinders on to keep them from being distracted in the race and keep them focused on winning the race. That's kind of like my life. Focus on the goal, not the things coming at me from the side."

There sure are a lot of side issues confronting Bush and his family these days.

Watkins sent the player's parents an eviction notice on April 3, a copy of which he showed the Union-Tribune. Bush's parents, LaMar and Denise Griffin, moved out of the house last week. Bush has said his parents left because they found another place to live.

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Watkins said he plans to file a $3.2 million fraud lawsuit against Bush's parents and possibly Bush. The sum includes $300,000 in money that Michaels claims he and another investor, a documented gang member named Lloyd Lake, put into the business, plus punitive damages.

Watkins and David Cornwell, the Bush family attorney, did not immediately return phone calls from The Associated Press late Thursday.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in a statement Friday, "Based on the information presented by Reggie Bush's attorney, our office has advised the attorney to consider referring these matters to law enforcement authorities."

The NCAA is investigating whether the living arrangement violated rules prohibiting student-athletes and their families from receiving extra benefits from agents or their representatives.

Bush said he had spoken personally to USC coach Pete Carroll. Was Carroll comfortable with Bush's explanation?

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"I'd hope he is," Bush said. "I think he trusts me in my decisions and the type of person I am, and the decisions I make on and off the football field. I think it was important he heard it from my mouth."

Cowboys listening to all offers for top pick

2006-04-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

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Jerry Jones is getting tired of writing big checks to free agent offensive linemen.

The cheap solution: Draft some good ones.

The Dallas Cowboys have the 18th pick in the draft Saturday, which gives them a chance to add all but a handful of the best blockers available - unless they trade up a few spots, perhaps to take Southern California tackle Winston Justice.

However, Jones usually prefers trading down, both to get more picks that way and because the lower they're taken, the cheaper they cost. That doesn't always mean getting lesser players, either, as evidenced by Larry Allen and Flozell Adams going from second-rounders to Pro Bowlers.

"We would really like to have numbers of picks," Jones said. "But if we thought there was a real chance to get a player who shouldn't have been sliding, we might move up. More than likely, I don't anticipate anything dramatic in either scenario, nothing more than three or four slots."

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Since going 9-7 last season and falling short of the playoffs, the Cowboys have addressed most of their needs through free agency. That includes signing Kyle Kosier to replace Allen at left tackle and Jason Fabini to take over at right guard. Of course, they also made the headline-grabbing addition of receiver Terrell Owens.

"It seems like we've got a lot more options," Jones said. "With the free agents, we were really able to cover our needs spots. That allows us not to compromise our pick in any way. We don't have to take a lesser player because he plays a position of need.

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"But I would not hesitate at all to draft a position where we didn't have the biggest need. We're not going to pass up too good of a player."

Except maybe if he's a receiver.

Although Owens is 32 and fellow starter Terry Glenn will be, too, when training camp opens, and there are legitimate questions about whether they will play every game (Glenn because of health, Owens because he's Owens). Jones may already be trying to make Owens content by not adding competition at the position.

"I don't feel an urgency to get a young wide receiver," Jones said.

If Dallas does try drafting by position, defensive tackle and linebacker are good places to start.

The Cowboys improved their defense a lot by taking outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware and defensive lineman Marcus Spears in the first round last year, then adding lineman Chris Canty in the fourth round.

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Yet coach Bill Parcells can still find a spot for anyone else who can get to the quarterback or draw enough blockers to free someone else's path. Tackle might be a priority since La'Roi Glover left in free agency.

When in doubt, though, the Cowboys might go with an offensive lineman.

"If we get out of the draft without an offensive lineman, I'll be very disappointed," Jones said. "Frankly, I like putting an offensive lineman in the mix every year because of how expensive it is to get them in free agency."

The Cowboys have drafted six offensive linemen in four drafts under Parcells. They've had as many misses as hits.

Second-rounders Andre Gurode and Al Johnson split the center job last season and likely will do so again this year. Last year, seventh-rounder Rob Petitti cracked the starting lineup out of training camp, but as the season went on it became apparent that was mostly by default; most telling is that Fabini was signed to take his place.

The regrettable move was taking Jacob Rogers 52nd in 2004.

Rogers was an All-American from Southern California's national championship team, so the Cowboys thought they got a steal getting him so low. Turns out, other teams knew what they were doing by avoiding him. He frustrated team officials for two years, never taking an offensive snap before being released recently.

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In the third round of that same draft, Dallas took Stephen Peterman. He remains a fringe player. The other OL pick of the Parcells era was seventh-rounder Justin Bates in 2003, who never made the team.

Dolphins' Williams suspended again

2006-04-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

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The NFL suspended the troubled Miami Dolphins running back for one year Tuesday after he violated the league's substance abuse policy for the fourth time.

Williams met April 10 with NFL counsel Jeff Pash in an attempt to have the league overturn the test. He had been participating in the offseason training program at the Dolphins' complex, and he was there working out shortly before league announced that his appeal had been rejected.

"I'm disappointed with the decision, but I respect it," the 2002 NFL rushing champion said in a statement released by the team. "I'm proud of my association with the National Football League and look forward to returning to the Dolphins in 2007."

Williams also sat out the 2004 season after retiring shortly before training camp. He returned last year to play for new Miami coach Nick Saban.

Williams' previous positive drug tests were for marijuana, which he acknowledged using. The latest test apparently involved a substance other than marijuana and may have been related to his interest in holistic medicine.

Since his return last season, the NFL required Williams to undergo drug tests up to 10 times a month. He was in India studying yoga when news of his latest failed test surfaced in February.

Williams served a four-game suspension at the start of the 2005 season for his third violation of the drug program, then ran for 743 yards and averaged 4.4 yards a carry while sharing playing time with rookie Ronnie Brown.

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Saban repeatedly has praised Williams' conduct and performance last season and supported him in the appeal process.

"This is a league decision, and we are disappointed in what it means for Ricky and the team," Saban said in a statement. "Ricky did an outstanding job for the Dolphins, not only as a player but also what he added as a person to the team's chemistry and to our overall success."

One sliver of good news for Saban is the timing of the decision: He now knows he's in the market for a running back in the NFL draft this weekend to back up Brown.

The suspension represents a financial blow for Williams, who owes the Dolphins $8.6 million for breaching his contract when he retired in 2004. His return last season was motivated partly by the need for a paycheck, and that may be a reason for him to return in 2007.

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Attorney David Cornwell represented Williams in his appeal.

"We raised substantial and legitimate issues arising out of the application of the NFL's policy and program for substances of abuse," Cornwell said in a statement. He urged the players' union and ownership to "review the issues we raised on the appeal ... and restore the original intention of the NFL's policy to put equal focus on helping NFL players as is put on testing and suspending them."

Last season Williams laughingly described himself as weird and compared his career to a roller coaster. But he also dispelled his reputation as an aloof, selfish pothead, winning praise from teammates and winning the local media's annual postseason Good Guy Award, given to the player most cooperative with reporters.

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Williams won the 1998 Heisman Trophy at Texas, and the next year, New Orleans Saints coach Mike Ditka traded his team's entire draft to acquire the running back. Williams wore a wedding dress for an infamous photo shoot with Ditka upon arriving in New Orleans, and the resulting backlash began to sour Williams' three-year stay with the Saints.

The Dolphins made their biggest trade in more than 30 years to acquire him in 2002, giving up two first-round draft picks, and he rushed for 1,853 yards that season.

Now his career could be over. If Williams does try to return next year, he'll be 30 years old and will have played a total of 12 games in the previous three seasons.

"Ricky is obviously disappointed," said his agent, Leigh Steinberg. "He'll need to work hard to get back to the league in 2007."

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Niners say they're staying at No. 6

2006-04-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

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Mike Nolan still believes in bulk shopping in the NFL draft. He's just more picky about quality during his second year in charge of restocking the San Francisco 49ers.

The coach and chief architect of the five-time NFL champions' planned revival traded two early round draft picks to Denver last week to acquire the Broncos' 22nd overall selection. But contrary to public speculation, he says he intends to use that pick and the 49ers' rightful No. 6 choice in Saturday's draft.

The 49ers seemed ready to make a package deal to move up from the sixth spot to get one of the budding defensive stars - Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk and North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams - expected to go in the first five picks.

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Instead, Nolan hopes to add two immediate starters to a team that probably could use upgrades at 20 positions after having the NFL's worst offense and worst defense last season. With their two first-round selections leading off 10 overall choices, the Niners are in position to go after both quality and quantity.

"Unfortunately, it's safe for us to say we can truly take the best player available, other than maybe a quarterback, because we have needs at just about every spot," Nolan said. "You'd like to be good enough that you could say that and be lying.

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"I don't know if you can really name a position outside of quarterback where we've really established that that's going to be the guy that we're going to work with."

Nolan had only a few months to prepare for his first draft with personnel chief Scot McCloughan last year, and the results were mixed. Boxed into the No. 1 overall pick in a weak draft, they identified quarterback Alex Smith as the best value at an overpriced position - and then gave him a generous $24 million in guaranteed money.

"Last year, Scot and I were scrambling," Nolan said. "This year, we have had a lot more focus. Now we know each other. Last year, I hadn't even shaken the man's hand."

Smith struggled along with his teammates while the Niners went 4-12 last year, throwing one touchdown pass, but the Niners remain committed to his development. The rest of the high picks still must prove themselves, but running back Frank Gore and offensive linemen Adam Snyder and David Baas all showed promise.

Even last season, Nolan said some of his first-year picks would end up being backups and depth players behind the stars he still hasn't acquired.

"We are a football team that needs to add starters before we really concentrate on depth," Nolan said. "It's not about how many guys, it's about having quality guys. I think that's what your best football teams do. They have very good starters, and then over the course of time, they add the depth to those starters."

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With top quarterbacks Matt Leinart, Vince Young and Jay Cutler out of the 49ers' plans along with USC tailback Reggie Bush, San Francisco has taken its longest looks at Hawk, the hard-nosed linebacker who would fit perfectly alongside veterans Derek Smith and Jeff Ulbrich, and Williams, who would be an immediate starter opposite Bryant Young on a thin defensive line.

If both are gone, the 49ers might end up with Maryland tight end Vernon Davis, a highly regarded pass-catcher and physical specimen who could be a fine new target for Smith along with free-agent receiver Antonio Bryant.

Some question whether a tight end is worth the financial investment necessary when making a No. 6 pick. Nolan also wonders about it.

"If you get him the ball, yes. If all you do is block with him, then I would say no," Nolan said, comparing Davis' utility to Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez. "I believe Vernon Davis would do a lot of the same things (as Gonzalez). Wherever he goes, I think people will utilize him the same way. If they don't, then it's a misuse of funds."

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McCloughan, a former personnel executive in Seattle and Green Bay, had glowing words for Hawk, Williams and Davis. Though the 49ers have their sights set on all three, they'll also stay by the phone if one of the draft's star quarterbacks becomes irresistible to another team.

"My gut tells me once one or two of these players starts to slide a little bit, teams might come flying up there for them, especially a quarterback," McCloughan said. "I have not seen a top 10 this sporadic, this late in the process of the draft. ... Some of the things that I am hearing form the agents blows my mind. It is just a very unique year."

NFL Network to replay full games in 2006

2006-04-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

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NFL games will be replayed in a 90-minute format on NFL Network during the upcoming season.

In the past, the league didn't allow full rebroadcasts. But beginning Tuesday, Sept. 12, "NFL Game Re-Airs" will feature four of the best matchups from the previous weekend. Eliminated will be halftime and, according to a league announcement, "other elements not critical to the outcome."

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But additional features, such as sideline and on-field sound captured during the game and postgame news conference sound bites will be interspersed within the broadcast. There also will be camera shots and angles from NFL Films that differ from those on the original telecast.

"Fans have been asking us for years about encore presentations of our games," said Charles Coplin, NFL Network's vice president of programming. "For NFL Network, these rights are as significant as securing the new Thursday-Saturday prime-time game package."

Two games will be shown each Tuesday and Wednesday night. Games shot in high definition will re-air in HD. Which games will be re-aired will be announced Mondays.

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It will be the first time in league history that games from the NFL regular-season or playoffs will be shown outside their live window. The network expects to show 75 replays altogether.

Jets RB Houston injured in car accident

New York Jets running back Cedric Houston was injured in a one-car accident late Friday night.

He was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center where he was treated for injuries that were not considered life threatening and released.

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The former Tennessee standout was a passenger in a car that went up an embankment on a rural stretch of Interstate 40, about 50 miles west of Knoxville, and hit a tree stump, Tennessee Highway Patrol officials told Knoxville television station WATE.

Charges were not immediately filed against the driver.

The Jets would not comment Saturday on Houston's injuries because he has yet to be examined by a team doctor.

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Chiefs GM counting Holmes 'in' for '06

2006-04-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

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With an NFL draft full of tantalizing young players looming, Kansas City Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson turned his attention Thursday to a veteran.

Peterson said he is counting Priest Holmes "in" for next season, as the three-time Pro Bowl running back continues to recover from midseason surgery for head and neck trauma.

"If we had to start today, right now, the doctor would not clear him for contact," Peterson said. "But we don't have to start today."

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Holmes, who was injured last October against San Diego, is continuing to work out at his home in Texas, just as he has the past three offseasons. Peterson said doctors will evaluate him again soon, and new coach Herman Edwards said he hopes Holmes will be able to return.

Although they have more pressing needs at cornerback and defensive end, Holmes' status may not preclude the Chiefs from drafting a running back in a later round if the timing is right.

In 2003, the Chiefs took Larry Johnson in the first round, despite Holmes seemingly entrenched at running back. Three years later, the Penn State product emerged as one of the NFL's brightest young stars.

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Johnson rushed for more than 100 yards in each of his nine starts after Holmes' injury, racking up 1,750 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns. It was enough that one of Edwards' first moves with the Chiefs was to name Johnson the starting running back entering fall camp.

"Priest knows that," Edwards said. "Everybody knows that."

But Edwards also noted that many of Johnson's yards came as he simply ran over defenders, a tactic that might wear him down over a full season.

That's why Edwards is eagerly awaiting Holmes' decision. The Chiefs have signed former Denver Broncos running back Quentin Griffin, but have very little depth beyond that. They also lost Tony Richardson, one of the best blocking fullbacks in the league, to free agency.

"I don't care what back it is, he's not going to carry the ball 500 times. You can figure out the rest mathematically," Edwards said. "You're going to have at least two backs."

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Cardinals close to finishing $450M stadium

2006-04-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

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Looking something like a giant space ship amid the farmland at the western end of suburban Phoenix, the $450 million new home of the Arizona Cardinals is nearing completion.

Michael Bidwill, Cardinals vice president and general counsel, gave the Arizona chapter of The Associated Press Sports Editors a tour of the spectacular building Tuesday, calling it "the most technologically advanced sports facility ever been built."

Architect Peter Eisenmann, whose projects include the Holocaust museum in Berlin, designed the stadium that will give the Cardinals their first true home since the franchise moved from St. Louis in 1988.

The retractable roof is translucent, allowing in light even when it is closed, which it will be when temperatures hit triple-digits early in the coming season.

The most intriguing feature, though, is the field itself. Made of natural grass, it will sit outside under the desert sun 340 days a year, Bidwill said. For games, it will slide into the stadium like a kitchen cutting board.

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"It's a tray. I call it a cake pan about 3 feet deep," Bidwill said, "a single unit that rolls into place in 45 minutes. It weighs about 17 million pounds and rolls on about 500 wheels on 13 rails."

When the field is rolled outside, it leaves 152,000 square feet of space for conventions, trade shows or other events.

The grass will be planted this month.

The completion date is Aug. 1, 11 days before the grand opening, a preseason game against the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Workers are putting in the last of the 63,000 seats, a number that can be increased to 73,000 for major events.

Already on the schedule is this season's NCAA Division I football championship game, to be played under the new Bowl Championship Series format a week after the Fiesta Bowl, and the 2008 Super Bowl.

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For the first time since the team moved to Arizona, the Cardinals will open their regular season at home, Sept. 10 against the San Francisco 49ers. In years past, Arizona would play at least its first two on the road because of the desert heat.

When the Cardinals did play at "home," it was at Sun Devil Stadium, where metal bleachers only worsened the heat. It didn't help that the product was often lousy, too. The Cardinals have had one winning season since coming to Arizona.

That, too, will change, the Cardinals insist, pointing to their offseason acquisition of running back Edgerrin James.

Running back Marcel Shipp, a Cardinal for five seasons, toured the new stadium for the first time Tuesday and came away highly impressed.

"I got goose bumps just walking through there," he said.

The Cardinals put $150 million into the stadium, with most of the rest coming from a tourism tax on hotels and motels, and a rental car surcharge. The Cardinals will retain whatever they get from naming rights.

Whatever the franchise's reputation, the building already received major attention across the country and internationally. It even has been the subject of a Discovery Channel documentary.

Hunt Construction, a main builder of stadiums around the country, is the major contractor.

After finally getting a shot at building a new home, the Cardinals didn't want just another stadium, said Bidwill, whose father Bill is the team's longtime owner.

"We didn't want to see the 2006 Ford Taurus vs. the 2005 Ford Tauruses," he said. "We wanted to really break the mold."

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Rooney, Richardson head commissioner search

2006-04-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Owners Dan Rooney of Pittsburgh and Jerry Richardson of Carolina were appointed Wednesday to head the eight-member committee that will search for the successor to commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

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The group was put together by Tagliabue to ensure that it includes diverse views among the owners. Rooney and Richardson are two of the owners Tagliabue trusts most. Others on the committee include Dallas' Jerry Jones and Oakland's Al Davis, both of whom have often clashed with the commissioner.

Robert Kraft of New England, Lamar Hunt of Kansas City, Mike McCaskey of Chicago and Woody Johnson of the New York Jets round out the group.

Tagliabue, who two weeks ago announced his intention to retire, reiterated last week that he thinks a successor can be in place by July. But he has said he would stay on as long as he has to. In any event, he will remain through 2008 as a consultant.

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The committee's makeup is designed to avoid the kind of deadlock that occurred in 1989, when the original search committee was composed entirely of "old-guard" owners, including Rooney and Hunt. They recommended Jim Finks, then the New Orleans general manager, but were blocked by a group that included Jones, who had just purchased the Cowboys.

That led to a long deadlock that finally ended in Tagliabue's election when several owners, including Rooney, switched to Tagliabue. They subsequently became among his staunchest supporters while Jones and others often clashed with him.

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This committee represents a broader spectrum than the last one, including insiders (Rooney, Richardson, Kraft and Hunt) and outsiders (Davis and Jones).

It also includes different perspectives on the revenue-sharing debate that delayed approval of the extension to the labor contract, finally approved at the last possible minute last month.

Jones and Kraft, for example, were leaders of the high-revenue faction opposing revenue sharing; Richardson and Rooney were in the middle and the Jets and Chiefs in the bottom third although both could move up with a new stadium (New York) and improvements to the current one (Kansas City) now in the works.

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"Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition to the next commissioner, who will build upon the tremendous legacy commissioner Tagliabue will leave behind at the end of his tenure," Johnson said in a statement. "This will be a collaborative effort, involving all the owners, and our work will be extensive and thorough."

Tagliabue said last week that the first task of the committee would be to hire a search firm that would interview all 32 owners to identify what they want in a new commissioner.

Leinart, Bush work out for NFL coaches, scouts

2006-04-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

Matt Leinart rolled to his left, and then back to his right before unleashing a perfectly thrown pass to Reggie Bush, who caught it some 30 yards downfield just inside the right sideline.

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Just like it was drawn up, and the fans at Howard Jones Field cheered politely.

Then, it was on to the next play at USC's Pro Day on Sunday, where 19 former Southern California players worked out for more than 100 NFL representatives including head coaches John Fox of Carolina, Jeff Fisher of Tennessee and Gary Kubiak of Houston.

Most of the 19 are sure to be drafted later this month, including anywhere from three to six in the first round.

Thus, the large turnout, and those on hand were properly impressed.

"This is like a mini-combine, from an NFL standpoint," Fox said.

The majority of prospective prospects take part in the NFL Combine at Indianapolis every February, but several schools hold their own Pro Days.

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"It's like a who's who, and it's just one university," said Baltimore Ravens assistant John Fassel, the son of former Giants coach Jim Fassel.

"This is the greatest aggregation of offensive firepower ever assembled on one pro scouting day from one school," said Leigh Steinberg, who represents Leinart and offensive tackle Winston Justice.

"Its like 'Star Wars' with hundreds of recruits and media from across the country," Steinberg said, adding he hadn't seen anything like this is his 32 years representing players.

"Pete Carroll has really outdone himself," Steinberg said of the USC coach. "Pete has put the primacy on USC football on display for the whole nation to see."

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Carroll, who has guided the Trojans to a 48-4 record over the past four seasons, combined junior day, an annual event where several prospective high school recruits tour the campus, with Pro Day.

"This is what we were dreaming it would be - just like this," he said.

With about 1,000 fans and recruits in the stands at Cromwell Field, the players took part in several drills including the vertical jump, 40-yard dash, standing long jump, weight lifting and different cone drills.

Then, everyone moved over to Howard Jones Field across the street for more drills.

Bush and Leinart, the last two Heisman Trophy winners who many experts believe will go 1-2 in the draft, were generally satisfied with how they did.

And they were glad the day was over.

"Oh, yeah," Bush said with a smile. "I'm going to take a vacation."

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Bush outdid his former teammates in three areas, clocking 4.33 seconds in the 40, recording a 40 1/2-inch vertical jump, and going 10 feet, 8 1/2 inches in the standing broad jump. He had 24 repetitions bench-pressing 225 pounds.

"I would have liked to have run a little faster - I thought I could push a 4.29 out there, a 4.3-flat," he said. "This part of it is just trying to separate yourselves from the pack."

Bush, a runaway winner of the Heisman last season, has already done that.

"There's a lot of guys who are fast," said Baltimore Ravens assistant Mark Carrier, a defensive back at USC from 1986-89. "What makes him special is what he does when he has the ball in his hands. The guy up the street might run 4.2. But there aren't many guys who can do what he can do with the football."

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It's been anticipated for months that Bush will go No. 1 in the April 29-30 draft to the Houston Texans. He said he met Saturday night with representatives of the Texans.

"It wasn't anything serious," he said, adding a similar meeting was planned Sunday night with the Tennessee Titans.

Leinart threw around 45 passes and was on-target with almost all of them. Afterward, he spoke of showing his athleticism, ability to throw on the run, and arm strength.

He had a vertical jump of 37 inches, but didn't run the 40.

"They know I'm not a running quarterback - the 40-yard dash for me is pointless," he said.

Steinberg, who has represented eight overall No. 1 selections in the draft, said he wouldn't be surprised if Leinart winds up No. 1.

"This day explodes the myth of heady quarterback with intangibles, cements Matt's status as the franchise quarterback pick at the top of the draft," Steinberg said.

Two potential first-round picks might be heading in opposite directions. Offensive tackle Winston Justice, who weighed in at 320 pounds, had a vertical jump of 39 inches and did 38 repetitions bench-pressing 225 pounds.

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"It was like there was air in the bar, no iron," Fassel said, shaking his head.

Running back LenDale White didn't run the 40 because of a sore hamstring, and did 15 reps in the bench-press - only one more than punter Tom Malone. Plus, he weighed in at 244 pounds, which is probably more than what NFL teams want.

"I was surprised," Bush said regarding the fact that White didn't run the 40. "He said he was hurt."

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'Monday Night' slate gets off to bad start

2006-03-31T13:20:00.000-08:00

Thoughts on the NFL's prime time games for the opening weekend, end zone celebrations, Eric Moulds, Steve McNair and more:

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1. The NFL did a great job choosing the first two prime time games of the 2006 campaign. It's become a great tradition to hold season kickoffs in the building of the defending champ, and the scene should be intense when the Steelers welcome the Dolphins to Pittsburgh on September 7 — a Thursday night game.

Miami is a worthy opponent for the Steelers, having won six consecutive games to end 2005. Plus, the Dolphins are still very much a team with a national following. Nick Saban's bunch will be an en vogue selection for the playoffs this year.

And you cannot go wrong by having NBC launching its Sunday night package in New York with the Giants and Colts, featuring a Peyton Manning versus Eli Manning showdown.

But I truly disliked what the NFL did for the first Monday night of the season. The league and ESPN got cute and rather unfriendly to a vast majority of fans by scheduling a double dip on Monday Night Football.

The Vikings will face the Redskins at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Chargers and Raiders at 10:15 ET. This is nonsense. Fans on the West Coast are still going to be at work for the first Monday night football game. And there are going to be kids, and frankly a lot of adults, who won't be able to watch much, if any, of the second game on the East Coast. Isn't the point to get as many eyeballs as possible to watch the games, especially on the opening weekend of the season?

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I really feel terrible for fans on the wrong side of the time zones — who won't be able to watch their team play. The league made a big mistake here.

Right after the NFL released the opening weekend prime time games Monday, I talked to Broncos CEO Pat Bowlen about this topic while he was at the owners meetings in Orlando. Bowlen also chairs the NFL's broadcast committee. I asked him for his take on the choices and expressed my disappointment in the MNF doubleheader. Bowlen was confused. He, the broadcast committee chair, had no idea the NFL made this announcement and apologized. Then, Bowlen agreed that it was a mistake.

In addition, I really believed the Seahawks got a raw deal here. Last time I checked, Seattle was in the Super Bowl last season. It's not as if anyone expects a major drop-off for the Seahawks.

The 2004 NFC champion Eagles made their way into the prime time, season-opening lineup last year. While the Chargers and Raiders are always a compelling matchup, neither team made the playoffs last year. And where's the sizzle behind Minnesota vs. Washington?

2. We were fortunate to have NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue on our radio program this Wednesday for 20 minutes. Included our dialogue was a discussion on how some owners want more playoff teams and the league's commitment to grow abroad.

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The commissioner was certainly pleased that the motion to add postseason teams was tabled due to a lack of support. This was the right move. Adding playoff teams would minimize the regular season and take away the bye week from the No. 2 seeds. And the last thing you want to do is become a mirror image of the NBA or NHL and dilute the postseason.

While Tagliabue and I were on the same page there, we were on opposite sides when it comes to playing games overseas. I have no problem when the league schedules preseason games outside the United States (though I would like to see the league have those teams play just four preseason games, not five, but that will never happen because of money). But I, as we have written before, hate the idea that players and most especially fans lose a home game during the season. The commissioner didn't really seem to care, saying every team will play abroad; so fans and players will lose one home game every 16 years. To that, I say wait until fan bases like those of the Packers, Redskins, Cowboys and Steelers have to give up a home date.

3. Call me crazy, but I don't see the need to penalize players for excessive celebrations. Steve Smith is funny. Chad Johnson is hysterical. They aren't showing anyone up; they are just having fun. And I got a big kick out of listening to Jeff Fisher, who is on the competition committee, talk about how these celebrations delay the game. Give me a break! A fake Tiger Woods type putt is more time consuming than the always classic Lambeau Leap (which is still allowed)? Not really. I liked the "Fun Bunch" in Washington and when the Rams danced. I especially loved when Barry Sanders just handed the ball to the ref. There was no reason to curb the creative license. This is a bit of an overreaction.

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4. Speaking of overreactions, I cannot remotely fathom why on earth the NFL is cutting down the time the head official spends under the hood on instant replays from 90 seconds to just 60 . This shouldn't be an example of preserving time to speed the game along. Instant replay is all about getting the call right. I don't care if it takes 30, 130 or 330 seconds.

And if the league really wanted to save time and increase the percentage of correct calls, why not have the official up top review every challenge. This way we don't have to waste time with the referee huddling up with the coach who issued the challenge, then running over to the booth and then finally seeing the play. Often, the lead referee isn't the one who made the call in question anyway. Putting the upstairs ref in charge of every replay would be a step in the right direction for the NFL.

5. Javon Walker's stepfather told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the wide receiver has no interest in being a Packer ever again. Walker's stepfather put Javon's house on the market over the weekend and arranged for his belongings to be shipped. He also stated that Javon doesn't like the team environment, isn't happy the team let Mike Wahle, Marco Rivera, Darren Sharper and Ryan Longwell leave the last few off-seasons and also mentioned Walker isn't too fond of Brett Favre.

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Other than that, he really loves being a Packer.

Houston has interest in Walker. Denver has reportedly made inquiries. Packers general manager Ted Thompson says he doesn't want to trade Walker, but here's betting he would for a third-round pick. Remember, Walker is a free agent at the end of the year, and there is no chance he re-ups with the Packers.

By the way, I did really like the Packers' re-signing of Najeh Davenport. When healthy, he still is a speedy bull loaded with upside. And Davenport will be 100 percent healthy for opening day.

6. The Texans also have serious interest in Eric Moulds and are likely the only team in the NFL willing to pay him "Isaac Bruce money" at three years, $15 million. If he goes elsewhere, the Bills' wide receiver will get about $3 million a year. Getting a veteran like Moulds on the opposite side of Andre Johnson would be a coup for new Texans coach Gary Kubiak — and welcomed news to quarterback David Carr. Moulds would instantly make Carr better, and Johnson would see fewer double teams.

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Additionally, Moulds is a perfect fit for the Philadelphia Eagles. I know Andy Reid and company loathe trading draft picks, but this would be a potential trade with the Bills that would pay major dividends in the passing attack.

7. Bud Adams told reporters in Orlando that the time is now to get the Titans' quarterback of the future. This echoes exactly what team general manager Floyd Reese told me three weeks ago. The Titans will draft either Matt Leinart (the team's top choice) or Vince Young. Both players will be excellent professional quarterbacks.

The Titans' braintrust will be attending the USC Pro Day this Sunday, and the crew, headed by Leinart's former college offensive coordinator Norm Chow, will have a private workout with Leinart on Monday. The only question is whether the Titans trade up to No. 2 to get Leinart, or take Young at No. 3 if the Jets make a draft day deal with the Saints. Either way, the Titans win. But from talking to Reese, there's no doubt the QB he covets in Leinart.

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Meanwhile, Steve McNair's agent Bus Cook indicates that his client has no interest in being a mentor and plans on starting in the NFL for another three years. The statement of not interested in being a mentor is beyond absurd. Wasn't McNair brought along slowly in Houston originally?

McNair's cap number for 2006 is $23 million, with his base salary at $9 million. Talks between Cook and Reese to lower the cap number have stalled.

There is a realistic chance McNair never plays another game for the Titans again.

And on that note, we had Ravens coach Brian Billick on the show Monday. He once again stated that the team will add another quarterback and that the Ravens believe "a quarterback or two who is on another roster will be available on the open market eventually'."

McNair, if no agreement is reached with the Titans, is likely the quarterback Billick covets.

8. The 49ers made a really good move by bringing in Pro Bowl guard Larry Allen after the Cowboys cut him. When you spend the first overall pick in the draft on a quarterback, it's smart to protect him — to truly figure out what kind of investment you have made. And with Allen plugging a gaping hole on San Francisco's offensive line, the Niners gain leadership, talent and depth up front.

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Now, the rumor mill is burning up with San Francisco targeting the supremely talented tight end Vernon Davis at pick No. 6 in April's draft. Look, I think Davis can be a great player, but when you have major defensive needs, you cannot pass up A.J. Hawk or Michael Huff if they are on the board.

9. So I see Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio and free agent linebacker LaVar Arrington had a nice dinner last Saturday night. Hopefully the coach didn't choke on his steak when Arrington asked for "Julian Peterson money." Translation: seven years, $54 million.

Jets, Dyson agree to five-year, $11.5 million deal

2006-03-30T14:40:00.000-08:00

The New York Jets beat out two of Andre Dyson's former teams -- the Tennessee Titans and the Seattle Seahawks -- and reached an agreement with the cornerback on a five-year, $11.5 million deal, including $3 million in signing and roster bonuses.

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Dyson will replace Ty Law as one of the Jets' starting corners.

By going to the Jets, Dyson will end up making more money than he would have had he stayed with the Seahawks, who released him last month. Dyson was scheduled to make $3 million this season.

Dyson, 26, was drafted by the Titans, and went to the Seahawks prior to the 2005 season. Apparently, he didn't burn any ties with his former teams. Both Seattle and Tennessee were trying to talk Dyson into a lower paying contract to come back and compete for a starting job.

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Dyson opted to make a new start with new head coach Eric Mangini and the Jets.

In his five years in the league, Dyson, a graduate of Utah, has 17 interceptions and 69 passes defensed.

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Trade talks regarding Moulds heating up

Talks between the Bills and two teams are heating up to a point that an Eric Moulds trade could happen as early as Thursday.

The Texans and Eagles appear to have the lead and both teams are expecting quick decisions.

Bills general manager Marv Levy has talked with Moulds and even though he wants him to take a pay cut and stay, he's willing to part ways with the wide receiver in a trade.

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Moulds will have to restructure his contract for the new teams and that doesn't appear to be a problem. He will probably make about $8 million over the first two years of a new deal, similar to what Keyshawn Johnson received from the Carolina Panthers.

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Moulds, a 10-year veteran and the Bills' senior player, has two years left on his contract, but was scheduled to count about $10.8 million against the salary cap next year. The Bills deem that figure too expensive but have failed in their bid to have the receiver restructure his contract.

Moulds, who is scheduled to make $7.1 million next season, has rejected the Bills' demands, believing there are other teams willing to match the salary. Buffalo would save about $5.5 million in salary cap space by releasing Moulds.

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Moulds was Buffalo's first-round pick in the 1996 draft and has been a full-time starter since his third season. In 154 games, he has 675 catches for 9,096 yards and 48 touchdowns. Only Andre Reed has more catches (941) and yards (13,095) among Bills receivers.

Holmgren weighing his options

2006-03-29T13:40:00.000-08:00

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Mike Holmgren made it very clear that he doesn't know what his future holds in Seattle. Contractually, this is his last season as the Seahawks head coach and he said Wednesday morning that in the next three weeks he hopes to make a decision on whether to sign an extension or possibly coach one last season and then become an unrestricted free agent.

"My own ego says that I would like another crack at being a general manager," Holmgren said. "That's something I have been thinking about. We came to Seattle with that and it wasn't quite like it was going to be. To leave Seattle for just another coaching job, I wouldn't do that. I just want to make sure what I want and I certainly want to be fair to Paul (Allen, owner of the Seahawks). I've asked them to give me some time on this."

Holmgren lost his GM title with the Seahawks, who placed Tim Ruskell in that position this past season. Ruskell and Holmgren's Green Bay friend, Mike Reinfeldt, handle the football and contractual affairs of the Seahawks. During the season, the relationship was a solid one. But one or both of those men made a major mistake by not placing the franchise tag on All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson, who was lost to the Minnesota Vikings because of a clause that dictated that the player must become the highest-paid player on Seattle's team, a distinction held by left tackle Walter Jones.

"We probably should have placed the franchise tag on him," Holmgren said. "But I was not involved in the negotiations. We thought putting the transition tag on him would put us in a position to sign him to a long-term contract. But it blew up on us. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would lose him. Steve always made it clear to me he liked Seattle."

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But the Seahawks were outflanked by Hutchinson's agent, Tom Condon, who came up with the unique clause and the contract's language was approved by the NFL's special master. Basically, had Seattle matched Minnesota's deal, the Seahawks would have been forced to guarantee Hutchinson his entire $49 million contract. It was a maneuver that Condon, Hutchinson and the Vikings knew was financially impossible for Seattle to accomplish.

Seattle responded days later by signing Vikings receiver Nate Burleson to a long-term contract, invoking wild poison pill clauses that basically ensured that Minnesota couldn't match its offer.

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"That was very distasteful to me, to retaliate so to speak like that (against the Vikings)," Holmgren said. "I do believe the commissioner should look into these kind of clauses. We work so hard on trying to gain labor peace and a new collective bargaining agreement and then we as clubs allow agents to get cute and circumvent it. On the playing field there are rules and there are unwritten rules about how the game should be played in the spirit and the fairness of it all. It doesn't make sense to me that we had to lose such a fine football player this way. I was surprised by the ruling."

But back to his future, Holmgren said he doesn't necessarily have "it square in my own mind" what exactly he wants to do.

He plans to talk it out with his wife, Kathy, and discuss his options. The NFL's highest-paid coach mentioned returning to teaching ("I know it doesn't pay well, but I've saved some money") or possibly becoming more involved in one of his daughters' Christian colleges in the Chicago area. Emily, one of Holmgren's four daughters, is married to a minister.

Holmgren will be 58 in June and he said his wife had hoped that he would have won Super Bowl XL and then retired. "She wanted me to ride off on a white horse," he said. "But her main concern is my health. She's very much my partner in all this stuff. We've been married 35 years. If I am feeling good and still have the fire to coach, then I should do that, she thinks."

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Some of Seattle's assistant coaches rank in the bottom third of club compensation and many feel they were offered only token raises after the Super Bowl loss to Pittsburgh. Consequently, there are some unusual dynamics going on within the Seattle coaching staff and with Holmgren at the moment.

To this day, Holmgren continues to question some of the officiating calls from the 21-10 loss to the Steelers.

"To have the story of the Super Bowl be the officials, that was crazy," Holmgren said. "I was more angry and frustrated by some of the calls that I was devastated."

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Holmgren said the officiating was only a very small part of why he left the league's powerful competition committee. "I hadn't seen my wife in a month-and-a-half and I just didn't want to spend a week in Naples, Fla. Reviewing rules and everything," he said.

Holmgren would like to see more consistency in officiating, but he's not in favor of Jon Gruden's proposal to allow coaches to review penalties as a part of instant replay.

"We should not challenge their judgments in that fashion," he said.

Holmgren said he won't be fined for his comment at a Seattle pep rally after the Super Bowl he joked to the crowd, "We knew it was going to be tough going against the Pittsburgh Steelers. I didn't know we were going to have to play the guys in the striped shirts as well."

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Tagliabue said Wednesday afternoon that he had a letter on his desk recommending that Holmgren be fined, but that the two spoke this morning and Tagliabue decided against such action.

"Often, the first draft of a letter should go in the waste basket," Tagliabue said.

But the most fascinating result of Holmgren's decision to play out his contract could put him an enviable position. Despite the defeat to Pittsburgh, he remains one of the sport's elite coaches. He could name his price as a GM/head coach. And you can bet the first rumor to surface will have Holmgren headed to Dallas to replace Bill Parcells in 2007 or 2008. And if that doesn't hold water, how about Holmgren heading a potential new franchise in Los Angeles?

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Texans most interested in Moulds

2006-03-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

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The Houston Texans have emerged as the team most interested in trading for disgruntled Bills receiver Eric Moulds, who has vowed he won't return to Buffalo.

"I've had a great conversation with Charley Casserly, and it's intriguing," Moulds' personal adviser Greg Johnson said Monday, referring to the Texans' general manager. "I'm not saying he's definitely going to Houston, but I'm saying that Houston is definitely a player."

Moulds, who has two years left on his contract, has the Bills' permission to seek a trade after he twice rejected the team's request to take a pay cut. A 10-year veteran, Moulds ranks second on the team in several career receiving categories.

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He's scheduled to make $7.1 million next season. But because of bonuses factored in over the length of his contract, he is to count about $10.85 million against the salary cap, a figure Buffalo deems too expensive.

Johnson said he's already discussed reworking his client's contract with Casserly should a trade be made. Texans spokesman Tony Wyllie declined comment.

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Releasing or trading Moulds would save the Bills about $5.5 million in cap space. Buffalo would likely settle for a fourth-round pick or higher in a deal for Moulds.

Johnson said he's also had conversations with Philadelphia Eagles president Joe Banner and New England Patriots personnel director Scott Pioli. However, the Patriots, who have lost three receivers to free agency this month, are considered an unlikely trade candidate because they play in the same division as Buffalo.

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Johnson added others who've expressed interest include Kansas City, San Francisco, Denver and Seattle.

Johnson said Moulds would be interested in playing for Houston, even though the Texans are coming off an NFL-worst 2-14 finish and haven't had a winning record in their five seasons.

Houston is close to Moulds' native Mississippi, which would allow his family to see him play more often. Moulds would complement a Texans offense that already has a solid receiver in Andre Johnson and has the opportunity to draft USC running back and Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush with the No. 1 pick in next month's draft.

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Dolphins at Steelers to open NFL season

2006-03-27T13:01:00.000-08:00

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A Thursday night season opener featuring Miami at Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh, and a Thanksgiving night game at Kansas City highlight a portion of the NFL scheduled announced Monday.

The league's new tradition of opening on a Thursday night moves to NBC, which has taken over one of the prime-time television packages. The Dolphins, who finished 9-7 last season, will play at the Steelers on Sept. 7 at 8:30 p.m. EST.

NBC's first Sunday night matchup will be a brotherly quarterback feud between the Mannings as Peyton brings his Indianapolis Colts to the Meadowlands to play Eli and the Giants at 8:15 p.m. EST.

The main national TV doubleheader game for the full opening day Sept. 10 has Dallas at Jacksonville at 4:15 p.m. EST.

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With ESPN taking over the Monday night package, the league scheduled a doubleheader for Sept. 11. Minnesota will visit Washington at 7 p.m. EST, followed by San Diego at Oakland at 10:15 p.m. EST.

That's an odd coupling. While the Redskins sell out every game and have led the NFL in attendance for six straight years, the Raiders rarely have a full stadium. That raises the potential for a blackout in the Bay Area for the game with the Chargers.

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The Thanksgiving lineup features the Dolphins at Detroit at 12:30 p.m. EST, followed by Tampa Bay at Dallas at 4:15 p.m. EST. And the league has added a third holiday game, with the Broncos visiting the Chiefs at 8 p.m. EST.

The Chiefs used to host a Thanksgiving Day game in the AFL days and have long campaigned to host one in the NFL.

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"I've thought all those games should be rotated," Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt said Monday. "But it's a plus for us to have the first one at night.

"We have a history in them. We always hosted them before the merger, and we've wanted to do it again."

The Broncos-Chiefs match will be the first live, in-season game on NFL Network, which will show eight prime-time games from Thanksgiving through the end of the season. Those games will be on either Thursday or Saturday nights.

"It ought to bring a great rating," Hunt said. "People will be worn out from all of their Thanksgiving Day activities, so they can sit down and enjoy the game."

The entire schedule will be released in early April.

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Cowboys land Vanderjagt as new kicker

2006-03-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

Mike Vanderjagt, the NFL's most accurate kicker who was no longer needed in Indianapolis, signed a three-year contract Thursday with the Dallas Cowboys.

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Vanderjagt wasn't re-signed by the Colts, who instead signed Adam Vinatieri earlier this week. Vinatieri twice hit winning kicks in the Super Bowl for New England, but the Patriots allowed him to test free agency.

After depending so long on inexperienced or inexpensive kickers, the Cowboys didn't pass on Vanderjagt, a former Pro Bowl kicker and unrestricted free agent. A story posted on the Cowboys Web site reported that the deal was worth $5.4 million, including a $2.5 million signing bonus. Phone messages and an e-mail to the kicker's agent, Gil Scott, weren't returned.

Vanderjagt has the highest field goal accuracy rate in NFL history (217-of-245 kicks, 87.5 percent) and holds the record for making 42 straight. But on his last attempt for the Colts during the AFC divisional playoffs in January, he badly missed a 46-yarder that would have forced overtime against Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh.

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"Everyone kind of had it a foregone conclusion that Mike wouldn't be back, but you don't just get rid of guys without being able to replace them," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "We were fortunate that we were able to replace him with a great, great kicker."

Indianapolis gave Vinatieri a five-year, $12 million deal with a $3.5 million signing bonus.

The Cowboys used three kickers last season, and missed the playoffs with a 9-7 record. Dallas lost twice by three points and had a one-point loss, and the kickers were a combined 20-of-28 on field goals with four misses under 40 yards.

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Billy Cundiff was the Cowboys' primary kicker the past four seasons, making 60 of 82 field goals (73 percent) in 53 games. He was released after hurting his leg in training camp but returned in November for six games after Jose Cortez and Shaun Suisham kicked.

But Cundiff was inconsistent, making a team-record 56-yarder against Detroit in his first game back, then missing a 34-yard tiebreaking kick in the fourth quarter four days later against Denver, the Thanksgiving Day game the Cowboys lost in overtime. Cundiff was 5-for-8 and cut before the final game, and Suisham returned for the season finale.

In 2003, Cundiff tied an NFL record with seven field goals in a Monday night victory at the New York Giants.

Since Rafael Septien set most of the team's kicking records from 1978-86, there has been a long line of kickers through Dallas, including Richie Cunningham, Chris Boniol, Eddie Murray and high school teacher Tim Seder, among others. Cundiff was the only one who stayed more than three seasons.

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Vanderjagt, who turns 36 Friday, spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Colts after playing in the Canadian Football League (1993, 1996-97) and a season in the Arena Football League. He scored a franchise-record 995 points in Indianapolis, where all his home games were played in a domed stadium.

"Mike was tremendous for us in the time that I was here," said Dungy, who just finished his fourth season in Indianapolis. "He made some kicks that won divisions for us, that won big games, overtime games, and I never thought that he was going to miss when we sent him out."

In 2003, Vanderjagt made all 37 of his field-goal attempts and all 46 extra points. He was 23-of-25 on field goals last season, his long kick being 48 yards.

Vanderjagt's career long field goal is 54 yards, and he's made 14 of 21 kicks from at least 50 yards. He has converted 344 of 346 extra points and scored at least 100 points every season. The last Cowboys kicker with 100 points was Seder with 108 in 2000.

Still, Vanderjagt had another big miss in December 2000 against Miami, when he was wide right on a 49-yard attempt in overtime that would have sent the Colts into the second round of the playoffs. He had field goals of 32, 26 and 50 yards in that game, which the Dolphins won 23-17.

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Also Thursday, Dallas signed L.P. LaDouceur, a second-year defensive end who played in 13 games on special teams for the Cowboys last season.

New England reacts after losing kicker.

2006-03-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

The sports talk radio station in Boston extended its programming an extra hour to stay with the story. The newspapers put it on the front page. And anywhere New England Patriots fans gathered, the team's latest free agent loss was mourned.

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All this over a kicker.

But not just any kicker.

Adam Vinatieri, the fresh-faced star of two Super Bowls and a potential Hall of Famer, signed with the rival Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday. He's not the first to leave the budding dynasty, but he is the one most associated with the team's recent run of three NFL titles in four years.

"I left a message with Adam just to thank him for all of his contributions during the past 10 years with the New England Patriots," owner Robert Kraft was quoted as saying on the team's Web site.

"I was proud of the way he represented the franchise, both on and off the field. He is a true champion. Adam will always be remembered for his many winning kicks and overall accomplishments as a Patriot. He holds a special place in the hearts of all of us who are Patriots fans," Kraft's statement said.

The Patriots had chosen not to make Vinatieri their franchise player - at a cost of $3 million - and never got into the bidding for the man whose field goals were the difference in all three of their NFL titles. Indianapolis reportedly gave him a $3.5 million signing bonus and an average of $2.5 million over the next three years.

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Patriots officials were not available for comment, team spokesman Stacey James said, because they were waiting for the Colts to introduce Vinatieri before responding. The Patriots have already brought former Minnesota kicker Paul Edinger in for a visit, and they are expected to take a look at Mike Vanderjagt - the guy the Colts jettisoned to go after Vinatieri.

"We felt that Mike's effectiveness here had run its course. We felt the leg strength was diminishing and it was time for a change," Colts president Bill Polian said on WEEI-AM in Boston. "It was obvious that (Vinatieri) was the best alternative for us."

But the Colts didn't go right after Vinatieri, who visited the Green Bay Packers this week but left without a deal.

"I think there was the feeling that he was going back to the Patriots," Polian said.

But the Patriots' braintrust stuck with its strategy of finding value players and avoiding the big free agent splash - an approach that has cost them some big names.

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On the same day Vinatieri left, the New York Jets signed receiver/kick returner Tim Dwight away from the Patriots. Before him, receiver David Givens signed a five-year, $24 million deal with the Tennessee Titans; also last week, linebacker Willie McGinest left the team that drafted him in the first round of 1994 and signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Cleveland Browns.

That reunited him with former Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, who left last offseason along with offensive counterpart Charlie Weis. Other defections last winter included Ty Law, Joe Andruzzi and David Patten; since winning their first Super Bowl in 2002 the Patriots have also lost Lawyer Milloy, Ted Washington, Damien Woody and Drew Bledsoe.

It hasn't really slowed them down yet: Patriots coach Bill Belichick has three NFL titles that say he knows what he's doing. But Vinatieri was an important part of getting them.

Although he isn't the most accurate kicker around - that honor belongs to Vanderjagt - Vinatieri earned his reputation as the most clutch. He kicked the game-winner with no time left to beat the St. Louis Rams in the 2002 Super Bowl, then kicked another game-winner in the final seconds of the '04 NFL title game.

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In 2005, when the Patriots won their third championship in four years, Vinatieri kicked a 22-yard field goal with a comfy 8:40 left in the game. That capped off Vinatieri's best season, when he made 94 percent of his field-goal attempts and all of his extra points in 2004 to lead the NFL with 141 points and make his second Pro Bowl.

Last season, he went 20-for-25 on field goals and missed one of 41 extra point attempts.

Polian said he didn't take any special pleasure in signing a star away from the Patriots, who knocked Indianapolis out of the playoffs in both 2004 and '05.

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"We just look at what the player can do for us," the Colts boss said. "We've got a hard enough time figuring that out."

Now he'll have the added advantage of playing half his games indoors.

"Kickers may not be worth it, but some players are," said Dave Cousineau, a New England fan at the Boston Celtics' game on Wednesday night. "I don't look at him as just a kicker. He's a lock ... a guarantee in the red zone."

Culpepper testifies he was just playing craps

2006-03-22T13:05:00.000-08:00

Former Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper testified Wednesday that he spent his entire time shooting dice during a boat party last fall and rejected offers from lingerie-clad dancers.

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Culpepper, one of four players charged with misdemeanor lewd conduct, said he and friends gathered in a circle, betting $20 a throw playing craps.

"Nobody who was shooting dice wanted to get a dance," Culpepper said. He said he was a designated driver for the evening.

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Culpepper, who was traded last week to the Miami Dolphins, and former teammate Moe Williams were in Hennepin County District Court seeking to have the charges dismissed. Two other Vikings, cornerback Fred Smoot and tackle Bryant McKinnie, weren't part of Wednesday's hearing.

The October cruise on suburban Lake Minnetonka was swiftly dubbed "Love Boat" after employees of a charter boat company came forward with accusations of lewd behavior, and the Vikings became a target of national ridicule.

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Some of Williams' testimony reinforced crew members' accusations. He described a woman pouring drinks at a bar with her head down, shielding her eyes to avoid seeing naked dancers around her. Williams said he suggested to the woman that the lights be turned down so she didn't have to see what was going on.

Williams testified that he got a lap dance, but said he was holding a drink in one hand, a bag of his belongings in the other. He said he never touched the woman's breast, as prosecutors say.

Culpepper's attorney, Earl Gray, argued that even if the two players did get lap dances, it wasn't a crime because such dances happen regularly in Minneapolis.

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Culpepper and Williams also contend that race played a factor in the decision to charge them. Both players are black. They say sheriff's investigators have evidence that a boat captain and another man - both white - engaged in indecent conduct but were not charged. Smoot and McKinnie, also black, did not ask for dismissal on those grounds.

Prosecutor Steven Tallen has denied that race played a role. He has accused defense lawyers of using race to cloud the real issues. Testimony on that question was expected later Wednesday.

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Culpepper and Williams are accused of touching a naked woman during lap dances; McKinnie and Smoot are accused of other alleged lewd acts. They've all pleaded not guilty. Trials for the four are set for April and May.

Culpepper was traded this month for a second-round pick, days after he requested to be traded or released.

Childress compares Culpepper to T.O.

2006-03-21T12:38:00.000-08:00

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress says he saw a little of T.O. in Daunte Culpepper. That was enough for him.

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"It just became a deal where I didn't feel like it was the team, I felt like it was 'me,"' Childress said Monday about Culpepper. "I went through a big 'me' situation last year with a guy who was all about 'me."'

While still the offensive coordinator at Philadelphia, Childress clashed with Terrell Owens during training camp, the precursor to the mercurial receiver's high-profile exile from the Eagles.

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Shortly after replacing Mike Tice as the head coach in Minnesota, Childress again found himself not seeing eye-to-eye with one of the team's marquee players.

Culpepper refused to rehab his severely injured right knee in Minnesota, preferring to remain at home in Florida. He also asked for a raise and was hesitant to meet with Childress and the new coaching staff to start examining the team's new offense.

"I think we're just playing the ultimate team game and so everybody has to be on board," Childress said. "Specifically, the quarterback has to be on board because that's kind of the straw that stirs the drink, if you will. You have to feel that, it has to be ringing through. I didn't quite get it."

With neither side budging, the Vikings shipped Culpepper to Miami last week for a second-round pick, days after Culpepper requested to be traded or released.

"Quite frankly, I don't think he wanted to be here anymore," the coach said. "I think he's probably better served where he's at. I think that we'll go forward and keep our gaze forward as opposed to looking back."

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Speaking at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Childress said he never got a good vibe from Culpepper, the unquestioned leader of the Vikings until last season's struggles on and off the field.

"Everything became about being a $10 million-a-year quarterback," Childress said.

Culpepper did not respond to an e-mail request for comment. Last week, he said he wanted to move forward with his new team.

"I wish the best for the Viking organization as they go forward under the new ownership group and coaching staff," he wrote in an e-mail to reporters last week.

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Without Culpepper, the Vikings have turned to 37-year-old Brad Johnson as their starting quarterback. After Culpepper went down for the season against Carolina, Johnson helped the team to a 7-2 finish that was aided by an improved defense and soft schedule.

Childress said Monday he is off to a much better start with Johnson.

"I know where his heart is in no uncertain terms because he's told me that," Childress said. "He's looked me in the eye and told me that."

For now, Childress said, Johnson is the team's starting quarterback. But the Vikings could bring in a veteran free agent such as Aaron Brooks, Brian Griese or Joey Harrington.

And Childress didn't rule out trying to package the second-rounder the Vikings got from Miami to move up in the draft and take one of the marquee rookies - USC's Matt Leinart, Texas' Vince Young or Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler.

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"If you have a little bit of ammo, if you see somebody that moves you, you'd be able to move up if that person was there," he said.

Lions coach says Harrington 'not with us'

2006-03-20T13:52:00.000-08:00

The Detroit Lions parted ways with quarterback Joey Harrington on Monday after four turbulent seasons in which the former third overall draft pick went from franchise savior to fans' scourge.

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Coach Rod Marinelli declined to say whether Harrington was released.

"We've made a decision to move on," he said. "At this moment, he's not with us. That's been my decision."

A message left with David Dunn, Harrington's agent, was not immediately returned.

Harrington, drafted No. 3 in 2002, was 18-37 as a starter with the Lions under three coaches: Marty Mornhinweg, Steve Mariucci and Dick Jauron, who took over when he Mariucci was fired during the 2005 season.

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Harrington started 55 games, throwing for 10,242 yards with 60 touchdowns and 62 interceptions and a mediocre 68.1 passer rating.

He will be replaced by Jon Kitna or Josh McCown, both former starters who agreed to terms in the last week. The Lions already have under contract former Tampa Bay and Arizona starter Shaun King and second-year man Dan Orlovsky.

As recently as last month, Marinelli and team president Matt Millen indicated the Lions considered Harrington their top quarterback for 2006.

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The decision to change course comes nearly four years after the Lions proclaimed that Harrington would bring long-term stability at quarterback for the first time in a half century.

Harrington, who would have received a $4 million bonus if on the roster June 15, now joins the list of once-promising quarterbacks who fizzled in Detroit. Among them: Charlie Batch, Scott Mitchell, Andre Ware and Rodney Peete.

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Now it's up to McCown, Kitna or perhaps someone else to help turn around a franchise that has won only a single playoff game since 1957 and posted a league-worst 21-59 record since 2001.

The team is hoping new offensive coordinator Mike Martz can do what he did in St. Louis with Kurt Warner and Marc Bulger: transform a lightly regarded quarterback into a star.

McCown, a former Sam Houston State player, likes Martz's offensive schemes and used to discuss them with Warner, whom he backed up last season in Arizona. Kitna, who sat behind Carson Palmer in Cincinnati the past two seasons, also has expressed his admiration for Martz's offense.

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Bills sign S Bowen

2006-03-17T11:58:00.000-08:00

Safety Matt Bowen signed a two-year, $2 million contract with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday.

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Bowen, a six-year NFL veteran, spent the last three seasons with Washington before the Redskins released him in a salary-cap purge. The deal, reached shortly after he visited with the Bills, includes a $300,000 signing bonus.

He becomes the fourth free agent signed by the Bills and second defensive player, joining tackle Larry Tripplett. Bowen is expected to compete for the starting strong safety spot since the team released veteran Lawyer Milloy earlier this month.

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Bowen had 14 tackles and three passes defended in 13 games with the Redskins last season. His best year came in 2003, when he had career highs with 83 tackles and three interceptions in 16 starts with the Redskins.

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He was limited to playing five games in 2004 after tearing a right knee ligament while playing on special teams. Overall, he has four interceptions in 72 career games, including 30 starts.

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Other free agents who visited the Bills on Thursday were former New York Jets offensive lineman Jason Fabini and former Detroit defensive end Jared DeVries.

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Culpepper apologizes to media in e-mail

2006-03-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

Daunte Culpepper, traded this week from Minnesota to Miami, says he's sorry for the embarrassment caused by the Lake Minnetonka boat party, even though he says he did nothing wrong.

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Culpepper and three teammates are charged with misdemeanor lewd conduct on board a tour boat on the Twin Cities lake.

His e-mail to the media on Thursday said he accepts the responsibility and accountability of being a high-profile athlete.

"Without admitting to the ridiculous allegations, I do apologize for any embarrassment that this situation has caused the community, the organization and especially my family," wrote Culpepper, who was traded on Tuesday. "I can handle the personal accusations because I know the truth. I expect the legal process to clear my name so that I can move on."

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Culpepper's e-mail also thanked fans, teammates and former Vikings coach Dennis Green for drafting him. Green is now the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

"I wish the best for the Viking organization as they go forward under the new ownership group and coaching staff," he wrote.

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He said he already feels welcome in Miami. Culpepper, a Florida native, wrote that "It felt like a dream come true when I walked into the Dolphins facility and met the coaches and administration."

The quarterback's relationship with the Vikings began to deteriorate in January after he fired his agent, saying he wanted to play a bigger role in his business dealings.

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There was more tension over his decision to rehab his injured knee at home in Florida, instead of coming to Minnesota where he could learn the offense of new coach Brad Childress. Finally, last week, Culpepper said he didn't like the tone of an e-mail he received from the front office and requested to be traded or released.

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Gibbs: 'Skins aren't circumventing salary cap

2006-03-15T13:50:00.000-08:00

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Joe Gibbs defended the Washington Redskins' aggressive approach to free agency on Wednesday, dismissing any implication that the team is somehow circumventing the NFL's salary cap.

"The thing I want to emphasize is this: We haven't done one thing that anybody else can't do," the Redskins' Hall of Fame coach said following a news conference to introduce free agent signing Andre Carter. "We have certain rules in the league. Here's the cap, here's the numbers, here's what you can spend, so everybody in the league can do what we're doing, it's just that they choose not to, many of them."

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Despite starting the month some $13 million over the $102 million cap that was set following negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, the Redskins have once again been one of March's busiest teams.

Since Saturday, they have traded for San Francisco receiver Brandon Lloyd and signed five unrestricted free agents: receiver Antwaan Randle El, safety Adam Archuleta, tight end Christian Fauria, backup quarterback Todd Collins and Carter. Randle El and Archuleta alone were given contracts with a combined $21.5 million in guaranteed money.

2006 Fantasy Football Contest

"Each team's a little different, how they want to build a team. ... Certainly Pittsburgh is a scheme that works, they won a Super Bowl," Gibbs said. "If you watch their team, there are a lot of draft choices, they're real conscious about that. It remains to be seen how we'll end up doing, but we've chosen to be more aggressive in free agency."

The Redskins put themselves under the cap by cutting five expendable players on the eve of free agency, and they also saved $4.4 million in the deal that made linebacker LaVar Arrington a free agent. Since then, they've been cutting cap dollars by renegotiating contracts with returning veterans, giving the players upfront bonuses that can be prorated for salary cap purposes.

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Owner Dan Snyder's overspending in 2000 caused then-coach Marty Schottenheimer to make drastic cuts in 2001, but Snyder's strategy since then has been to map out a cap strategy using what Gibbs said were "three- to four-year spreadsheets." The goal is to shift cap money around in a coherent manner that keeps the team from being forced to part with players it wants to keep.

It hasn't worked perfectly - coveted linebacker Antonio Pierce left for the New York Giants last year - but Gibbs' free agency upgrades helped get the Redskins into the playoffs last year, and the overhaul continues. Only five projected 2006 starters were with the team before Gibbs arrived in January 2004.

The best free agent additions under Gibbs have been linebacker Marcus Washington, cornerback Shawn Springs, defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin and defensive end Phillip Daniels.

"People say, 'Why would you go get the free agents?"' Gibbs said. "Well, look at the guys we wouldn't have on our football team."

The Redskins are able to afford huge signing bonuses because Snyder's marketing savvy has helped make the team one of the most profitable in sports, but Gibbs downplayed the connection between Snyder's fortune and the team's free agency haul.

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"The biggest misrepresentation there is that (it's because) Dan's got a lot of money. That's not it," Gibbs said. "We've got a rule. Believe me, if we had no rules, Dan would spend some money."

Vikings, Dolphins agree on Culpepper trade

2006-03-14T15:58:00.000-08:00

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Vikings and Dolphins have agreed on a trade, with Miami sending a second-round pick to the Vikings in exchange for the Pro Bowl quarterback.

The trade is contingent upon Culpepper passing a physical, and took Miami out of the running for free-agent quarterback Drew Brees. Shortly after the trade, Brees agreed to terms with the Saints on a six-year deal. That deal, team sources said, will lead the Saints to explore trades for the No. 2 overall pick.

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Culpepper's shaky relationship with the Vikings deteriorated further last week when the quarterback said he wants to be released if the team fails to trade him.

"If a trade does not happen then I am asking the Vikings to terminate my contract as soon as possible," Culpepper said in an e-mail to reporters.

Culpepper's status with the Vikings had been in question ever since a boat party scandal on Lake Minnetonka in September. He was charged with several misdemeanors for lewd conduct; Culpepper has said he is innocent and will fight the allegations in court.

2006 Fantasy Football Contest

Further complicating Culpepper's situation was his continued recovery from a knee injury. Culpepper missed most of last season after tearing three ligaments in his right knee during an Oct. 30 game against Carolina, calling into question whether he will be ready for the start of the 2006 season.

Even before the injury, Culpepper was having one of his worst seasons as a pro.

He threw twice as many interceptions (12) as he did touchdowns (six) during the Vikings' 2-5 start. After he went down with the injury, backup Brad Johnson guided the Vikings to six straight wins, though that was due as much to an improved defense as it was Johnson's play.

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Culpepper let his longtime agent, Mason Ashe, go in the offseason. He has been representing himself since then, saying he wanted to be more involved in his financial affairs, and issued several statements to the media conveying his general unhappiness with the organization.

Culpepper signed a 10-year, $102 million contract in 2003, but much of that money was not guaranteed. He restructured his contract during training camp last season to give him nearly $8 million more in guaranteed money, but the quarterback had not been a steady presence with the team during its coaching change to Brad Childress.

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Shelton, Hodge, Goodman sign with Dolphins

2006-03-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

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Free-agent left tackle L.J. Shelton signed a four-year contract Monday with the Miami Dolphins, who also added two potential starters on defense.

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Linebacker Sedrick Hodge and cornerback Andre Goodman also agreed to multiyear deals. They're expected to contend for starting jobs that became vacant when Miami released veterans Junior Seau and Sam Madison.

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The 6-foot-6, 345-pound Shelton started all 16 games last season for Cleveland. He spent his first six NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, who took him with the 21st overall pick in the first round in 1999.

Hodge, who played for New Orleans the past five seasons, agreed to a two-year deal worth $2 million with up to $1 million in incentives, said his agent, Brian Mackler. Goodman, who spent his first four seasons with Detroit, agreed to a three-year, $5 million deal with a potential $2.5 million in incentives, Mackler said.

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Goodman last year started eight games and had three interceptions, both career highs.

Miami tendered qualifying offers to all three of its exclusive rights players - safety Yeremiah Bell, tight end Alex Holmes and cornerback Eddie Jackson.

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