NFL FanHouse

Reports: Antonio Cromartie Suspect in San Diego Bar Incident

Chris Burke — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Chargers, NFL Police Blotter

Chargers star cornerback Antonio Cromartie is being investigated by police for his role in an altercation at a San Diego bar, according to multiple reports.

TMZ.com first reported that Cromartie was under investigation for assault with a deadly weapon, citing law enforcement sources who stated that Cromartie was out celebrating the Chargers' win "when somebody threw a champage bottle which hit a bystander in the head." Apparently, no arrests were made and no charges have yet been filed.

Cromartie issued a statement on Twitter (@crimetime31): "I want to apologize to charger nation and my fans. There's sum stuff out abt me that's not true. It will come out. God Bless."

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the fight occurred at Bar West and was reported to police around 1:30 AM PT Monday. Police detective Gary Hassen told the Union-Tribune that the "person suspected of throwing the bottle told police that it 'slipped out his hand,' and that Cromartie is listed as the suspect.

Cromartie's agent, Gary Wichard, told TMZ that, "This is absolutely not a story. Antonio didn't throw the bottle. There were actually three other players involved. Antonio is at a complex working out. Again, this is not a story." Wichard then later said, according to TMZ, that Cromartie was at the bar with two other players, none of whom was involved in the altercation.

Kevin Acee of the Union-Tribune backed Wichard's support of Cromartie on Twitter: "Before everyone jumps on Cromartie, several sources telling me it wasn't him who threw bottle. Just saying we need to let facts come out."

The alleged victim talked to TMZ -- though he asked that his name not be released -- and said he does not remember any of what happened. His friends told TMZ that Cromartie was at the bar with fellow Chargers Shaun Phillips and Stephen Cooper, and that Cromartie smashed a champagne bottle on the victim's head "out of the blue."

Cromartie had four tackles and an interception Sunday in San Diego's critical 32-3 win over Denver, a victory that gave the Chargers sole possession of first place in the AFC West.

Reports: Antonio Cromartie Suspect in San Diego Bar Incident originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NFL Legend Lawrence Taylor Arrested

Chris Burke — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:45:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Police Blotter

NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor was arrested Sunday for leaving the scene of an accident/property damage, news first reported by TMZ.

The arrest occurred in Dade County, Fla., where Taylor was booked at a local police station and released on $500 bond. A Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson told the Associated Press that Taylor was involved in a hit-and-run crash. The former NFL star told police that he thought he had hit a guard rail. No one was injured in the incident.

Taylor, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection in his 13 pro seasons -- all with the Giants -- was recently a competitor on the reality TV show "Dancing With the Stars," but has had previous run-ins with the law.

Taylor was arrested four times between 1996 and 1998 -- twice for allegedly attempting to buy crack from an undercover cop, once for failing to pay child support, and a fourth time for possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

He was also suspended for 30 days during the 1988 season after failing a drug test, then entered drug rehab twice in 1995 following his retirement. Taylor won two Super Bowls during his career and the Giants retired his No. 56 jersey at the start of the 1995 season.

NFL Legend Lawrence Taylor Arrested originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Braylon Edwards Charged With Misdemeanor Assault

Chris Burke — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Browns, Jets, NFL Police Blotter

Braylon Edwards has been charged with misdemeanor assault after an investigation into an incident outside a Cleveland nightclub, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported.

Early on the morning of Oct. 5, Edwards was allegedly involved in a disagreement with Edward Givens, a Cleveland-area promoter. According to Givens, Edwards punched him in the face because "Braylon has a problem with LeBron [James]" and Givens is James' friend.

The Plain Dealer also reported that the Browns contacted the FBI following the incident because of alleged threats being made to Edwards.

Two days after the initial incident occurred, Cleveland traded Edwards to the Jets. He has nine catches for 118 yards and a touchdown -- but just four grabs in the two games since a great effort in his New York debut -- as the Jets have gone 1-2 since his arrival.

If he's convicted, Edwards could face a maximum penalty of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, though the jail time is especially unlikely.

Report: Braylon Edwards Charged With Misdemeanor Assault originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Raiders Coach Tom Cable: It Was Just a Matter of Getting All the Facts Cleared

FanHouse Newswire — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:13:00 EST

Filed under: Raiders, NFL Police Blotter

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable made his first public comments Friday since learning he would not be charged for an alleged assault against a former assistant, saying he was thankful for the district attorney's decision.

Napa County district attorney Gary Lieberstein said Thursday he would not pursue charges against Cable for allegedly breaking Randy Hanson's jaw in August, citing inconsistencies in Hanson's story that were not corroborated by the three assistant coaches in the room at the time.

"I'm obviously very thankful that the authorities did the thoroughness that they did in terms of getting the facts and all that," Cable said. "I never let it become a distraction because as I mentioned many times, I just had a lot of faith. I knew what happened."

Cable had been accused of assaulting and threatening to kill Hanson at a meeting at the team's training camp hotel in Napa on Aug. 5. Hanson was treated for a broken jaw following the incident.

But Raiders assistant coaches John Marshall, Lionel Washington and Willie Brown did not back up Hanson's version of events, telling investigators that Cable did not punch Hanson or make any verbal threats.

"You always have to be happy when the truth comes out and it prevails," Marshall said. "Sometimes it's tough. I think it's always great when you win doing the right thing. I felt in my heart it was just a matter of getting all the facts cleared up by the DA or whoever does that stuff."

Lieberstein said the coaches told police that Cable became angry and rushed toward Hanson, but Washington stepped between the two. Cable ran into Washington, who bumped into Hanson and knocked him out of his chair. The witnesses also told authorities that Cable then grabbed Hanson by the shirt but never struck or threatened him.

Cable said little publicly in the more than two months between the first reports of the incident in August and Lieberstein's decision Thursday, other than a brief comment in August that "nothing happened." He declined to talk to police during the investigation because he did not want to make it a bigger issue and would not answer specific questions from the media.

He said it was tough to remain silent while all the allegations were being thrown at him and is pleased the district attorney spelled out what the witnesses said happened.

"I think that all the speculation and opinion and whatever that was said, I thought the DA did a tremendous job in really laying out exactly what went down," Cable said.

Cable still could face punishment from the NFL for the incident even though no charges were filed. The league released a statement Thursday saying it would review the district attorney's decision before taking "appropriate action, if any, under our policies."

Hanson's attorney, John McGuinn, has said his client still could file a civil suit in the case. Hanson is still being paid by the Raiders but has not been at the team's facility of late.

Cable said he has no plans to sue Hanson, saying his focus is entirely on football.

Cable has said that the hovering case was not a distraction to his coaching and that appeared to be the case for the players as well. The day the initial reports came out, the players broke into a chant of "Cable, bumaye, Cable, bumaye" -- translated as "Cable, kill him! Cable, kill him!" -- in reference to the crowd chants heard by former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali during his 1974 fight against George Foreman.

Players said the case was rarely a topic of conversation in the locker room and some players didn't even know it had been resolved Thursday.

"It was never a big deal or a never really a distraction so when they said what happened and he wasn't going to be charged, it was like, OK, personally, that's good, but it never was a distraction," offensive lineman Mario Henderson said. "In other words, he didn't have to come in here and say, 'Guys, I didn't get charged.' He didn't have to do that because it was never a distraction."

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Raiders Coach Tom Cable: It Was Just a Matter of Getting All the Facts Cleared originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Charges Filed Against Tom Cable

Chris Burke — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Raiders, NFL Police Blotter

No criminal charges will be filed against Raiders head coach Tom Cable for his role in an altercation that fractured the jaw of Oakland assistant Randy Hanson, Napa, Calif., district attorney Gary Lieberstein announced Wednesday.

"We have concluded that the facts and evidence developed do not warrant criminal charges brought against Tom Cable in regards to an incident which occurred on August 5, 2009 in a hotel room at the Oakland Raiders' training camp in Napa," Lieberstein said in a press release.

Liberstein's announcement came after a more than two-month-long investigation.

"Our decision is based on a full review of the evidence," Lieberstein said during a press conference outside the DA's office on Thursday afternoon. "We had an outstanding and very complete investigation done by the Napa police department which, quite frankly was not done until late [Wednesday] afternoon, when the alleged victim, Randy Hanson was asked back to give a follow-up interview to explain many inconsistencies that had occurred during a number of statements he'd given over the course of this investigation.

"Our time table ... is whatever time we need to make a fair and just decision."

Hanson's attorney, John McGuinn, told FanHouse in response to the lack of charges, " As we have said all along, whether he [Lieberstein] files or not, it makes no difference to us. We have our civil case and we will proceed accordingly."

Later, on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, McGuinn said that the civil case is "on the horizon," and assured everyone would soon find out Cable is "not a nice guy."

McGuinn recently told FanHouse that the evidence before Lieberstein presented a "textbook felony assault case" against Cable. Hanson told police that Cable attacked him during a coaches' meeting at Oakland's training camp headquarters at the Marriott-Napa Valley. According to Hanson, Cable body slammed him into a small table, then smashed his face against a wall and finally grabbed his neck while shouting "I'm going to kill you!" before other Raiders coaches were able to break the scuffle up.

Hanson went to Queen of the Valley Hospital the next day for X-rays, which revealed an injured jaw. After initially declining to take part in an investigation, Hanson changed his mind, hired a lawyer and turned those X-rays over to police. The Napa police department announced on Aug. 21 that it would reopen the case, then handed their findings over to Lieberstein's office.

The DA's release questioned much of McGuinn's -- and Hanson's -- account: "Based on our review, it appears that during a discussion amongst coaches and Mr. Cable regarding Mr. Hanson's future with the Oakland Raiders, Mr. Cable became angry and rushed toward Mr. Hanson. At that juncture, one of the other coaches in the room stepped in between the two and Mr. Cable bumped into him, which in turn caused that coach to bump into Mr. Hanson's chair in which he was leaning back, with his feet upon the table. As a result of the force, Mr. Hanson fell over, at which time he most likely fractured his jaw. This conclusion is supported by the statements of independent witnesses present in the room, including and especially the coach who bumped into Mr. Hanson's chair. The same witnesses did state that after Mr. Hanson was on the ground, Mr. Cable grabbed him by the shirt . The witnesses also made it clear, however, that at no time during this incident did Mr. Cable strike Mr. Hanson."

In addition, according to the release, Hanson's initial reluctance to discuss the incident with police made it impossible for any physical evidence to be processed from the Marriott room where the disagreement occurred.

"It should be further noted that within the past week and a half, Mr. Hanson showed up unannounced at the police department and made a statement to the effect that since the Raiders had not given him what he asked for, he would now fully cooperate with the prosecution," Lieberstein said.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at the league's fall meetings that he was following the Cable investigation, but would wait for case to conclude. "What are the facts?" Goodell asked at the time. "There's a legal and criminal process going on to determine what are the facts."

Lieberstein's decision to not press charges lessens the chance that Cable will not face punishment from the NFL.

"We will review the decision announced earlier [Thursday] by the Napa District Attorney and the facts developed in the underlying investigation. Following that review, we will take appropriate action, if any, under our policies," the NFL said in a statement.

When asked Thursday if he'd been contacted by the league, Cable told reporters, "I don't have any comment."

No Charges Filed Against Tom Cable originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sahel Kazemi-Steve McNair Case Not How Police Described It

Michael David Smith — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:22:00 EST

Filed under: Titans, NFL Police Blotter

We may never know exactly what happened the day former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and his girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi, died. But it's clear from a new report by Armen Keteyian of CBS News that things didn't transpire exactly the way the police claimed.

The latest revelation from Keteyian's three-month investigation is that police were wrong when they said Kazemi bought the gun she used to kill McNair and herself from a man who was basically a stranger. In reality, cell phone records obtained by CBS -- records overlooked by the police -- show that Kazemi and the man who allegedly sold her the gun, a convicted felon named Adrian Gilliam Jr., knew each other well and corresponded some 200 times.

Unfortunately, the CBS investigation ends there, and doesn't offer a satisfying conclusion about whether the facts overlooked by police contradict the conclusion that Kazemi killed McNair and then herself. Keteyian ended his report by noting that it's still an open question whether Kazemi killed McNair: "That's the big question," Keteyian says, "One I'd like to see a lot more answers about."

Perhaps the police can pick up where Keteyian left off.

Sahel Kazemi-Steve McNair Case Not How Police Described It originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DA Continues Review of Tom Cable Case

FanHouse Newswire — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:20:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Police Blotter

NAPA, Calif. (AP) -- The Napa County district attorney says he is still reviewing the alleged assault case against Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable and does not expect any decision on possible charges for at least a few more days.

DA Gary Lieberstein said Monday on his media hotline that he has no new information to report and does not anticipate any decision until at least Wednesday or Thursday.

He says his office will take whatever time officials believe is necessary to reach "the appropriate and just decision."

Defensive assistant Randy Hanson has alleged that he was assaulted by Cable during training camp and that his jaw was broken in the Aug. 5 attack at the team's training camp hotel in Napa. Cable has denied the allegations.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

DA Continues Review of Tom Cable Case originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CBS Report: Police Account of Steve McNair Death Doesn't Add Up

Michael David Smith — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Titans, NFL Police Blotter

The law enforcement investigation of the deaths of Steve McNair and his girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi, concluded that Kazemi shot and killed McNair before committing suicide. But a new investigation from CBS News raises serious questions about whether the police properly investigated the incident, and whether they may have reached the wrong conclusion.

On Monday's Early Show, correspondent Armen Keteyian reported that his own three-month investigation (video after the jump) found errors made by the police, including a major one about when Kazemi supposedly bought the murder weapon. Police claimed that they had pinpointed the time when Kazemi bought the murder weapon as during a two-hour period when she was absent from work. But Keteyian reported that the police were wrong about the date on which Kazemi was gone from work for two hours, and that there are major questions about whether she purchased the gun at all.

o. More Coverage o.
Police Release Text Messages Between McNair, Kazemi
Steve McNair's Other Girlfriend Revealed

And while police say Kazemi was distraught about being broke, CBS obtained her bank statement and other information about her finances and found that she had more money on hand than she owed in bills. Police also said Kazemi was angry about having been arrested for DUI, but CBS uncovered video footage showing Kazemi at the police station after her arrest, and she doesn't look distraught.

On Tuesday, CBS is promising to reveal a "big" mistake that the police department made in the investigation. Keteyian's reporting has already revealed enough to make me think the police have a lot of explaining to do.

CBS Report: Police Account of Steve McNair Death Doesn't Add Up originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeff Reed in Trouble Again, but Towel Dispensers Are Safe

JJ Cooper — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:14:00 EST

Filed under: Steelers, AFC North, NFL Police Blotter

Back in the 1970s, the Steelers had plenty of characters and flakes. Running back Frenchy Fuqua had shoes with live goldfish in the heels. Defensive tackle Ernie Holmes was always a couple of bricks shy of a full load -- he suffered a breakdown on a trip to Ohio that ended with him shooting at a police helicopter. In both cases, the Steelers overlooked the craziness because they were key members of the team.

Now in the 2000s, the craziest Steeler is the kicker.

Jeff Reed is in trouble for the second time in less than a year. Just hours after the Steelers beat the Browns at Heinz Field, he was cited for public intoxication outside a bar.

According to the Tribune-Review, police were responding to an unrelated incident at McFadden's, a Pittsburgh-area bar, when they spotted Steelers tight end Matt Spaeth urinating outside a vehicle. When the police prepared to ticket Spaeth, Reed stepped out of an SUV and confronted them.

"The officers told him several times to get back in the vehicle, but he did not listen," Davidson said. "Mr. Reed then squared up with an officer by bringing his fists up."

Officers tackled Reed and cuffed him at the scene, Davidson said.

"He smelled of a strong odor of alcohol and appeared to be intoxicated," Davidson said.

Back in February, Reed got in trouble when he beat up a towel dispenser in a New Alexandria, Pa. convenience store bathroom. He eventually pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

There's little doubt that Reed likes his booze. You can find photos of the kicker bar-hopping all around the Internet. He's also been an extremely reliable kicker for the Steelers over the past eight seasons. But with his contract up at the end of the year (and the team's inability to reach a contract extension with him in preseason negotiations), it's fair to wonder if Reed's troubles with the law will ensure he's kicking elsewhere next season.

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Pittsburgh Steelers Photos

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 18: Heath Miller #83 of the Pittsburgh Steelers gets tackled after catching a pass in front of D'Qwell Jackson #52 of the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on October 18, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Heath Miller;D'Qwell Jackson

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Pittsburgh Steelers Photos

Cleveland Browns' Joshua Cribbs leaps defenders as he rushes for 18 yards after taking a direct snap from center in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/The Repository, Scott Heckel) ** MANDATORY CREDIT **

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin looks on during the fourth quarter of a 27-14 win over the Cleveland Browns in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers Lawrence Timmons, left,and James Farrior (51) sack Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson (3), causing a fumble, during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Pittsburgh won 27-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller (83) is upended by Cleveland Browns' David Bowens (96) after catching an eight-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The Steelers won 27-14. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)

Cleveland Browns' Alex Hall (51) beats Pittsburgh Steelers center Doug Legursky, top, to a fumble by Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The Steelers won 27-14. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)

Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini reacts during the fourth quarter of a 27-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward, left, hauls in a 51-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as teammate Santonio Holmes (10) blocks Cleveland Browns' Eric Wright, right, in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The Steelers won 27-14. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)

Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis sits on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of a 27-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)

Cleveland Browns' receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (11) sits on the bench during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The Steelers won 27-14. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (34) runs around right end past Cleveland Browns' Brandon McDonald (22) for 11-yards in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The Steelers won 27-14. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)

Jeff Reed in Trouble Again, but Towel Dispensers Are Safe originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Browns Contacted FBI Over Threats to Braylon Edwards

Chris Burke — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Browns, Jets, NFL Police Blotter

Braylon Edwards' stay in Cleveland came to an unceremonious end -- he was accused of assaulting someone outside a local night club, then traded to the Jets two days later.

The alleged assault incident's been somewhat brushed aside to this point, but it may have been more serious than it sounded initially. According to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, the team contacted the FBI because of fears about Edwards' safety.

"They were concerned regarding that incident," FBI Special Agent Scott Wilson said. "We had some conversations with the Browns about possible threats."

Wilson added that there has been no investigation into the threats.

The Plain-Dealer was the first to report on Edwards' alleged run-in, quoting Edward Givens, who works as a promoter, as saying that Edwards punched him in the face. Givens said that it was because Edwards "has a problem with LeBron [James]" and Givens is a friend of James'.

Edwards did not comment on the report and no charges have been filed.

In his first game with the Jets last Monday, Edwards made five catches for 64 yards and one touchdown -- his second-best statistical game of the year, behind a six-catch, 92-yard effort at Denver in Week 2.

Browns Contacted FBI Over Threats to Braylon Edwards originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguars Player Reportedly Causes Two Car Wrecks, Tries to Flee Scene

Matt Snyder — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:50:00 EST

Filed under: Jaguars, AFC South, NFL Police Blotter

Friday, Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Quentin Groves was headed to the airport to catch his team's chartered flight to Seattle -- where they'd eventually get their teeth kicked in, 41-0. On the way, though, he wasn't exactly what you would call a cautious motorist.

According to reports from the Jacksonville area, Groves did some damage to two different vehicles with some careless driving. Reportedly, Groves clipped one car while changing lanes -- sending it spinning -- and then abruptly changed lanes again before slamming on the brakes. This caused another car to end up wedged under Groves' car.

When Groves stopped to confer with the driver of the vehicle under the back of his car, he simply said that he was "a Jaguar" and had "a plane to catch." So, he just took off, the reports said.

A good Samaritan-type in the area ended up following Groves and blocked his car about a quarter-mile away until police arrived. Reports late Sunday night on the Florida Times-Union's Web site indicate Groves was not charged with fleeing the scene. He was only given a warning, which is totally the police officer's discretion, for an improper lane change. There was ambiguity whether Groves was actually charged with causing both crashes, as a full police report had not been completed yet, according the the Times-Union's report.

Groves' actions, however, could be construed as hit-and-run and leaving the scene of an accident, which is a felony in many states, including Florida.

Groves was uninjured in the accident and his vehicle -- a Cadillac Escalade -- was apparently working well enough to still get him to the airport, but the others involved weren't so fortunate. One driver is still in the hospital with a concussion and back pain, and has around $5,000 worth of damage to his car, according to reports. The other has a totaled car and initially visited the hospital with back and arm pain, reports also said.

After all that, Groves still missed the chartered flight and had to fly commercial to Seattle.

Jaguars Player Reportedly Causes Two Car Wrecks, Tries to Flee Scene originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tom Cable, Randy Hanson in Limbo as DA Mulls 'Textbook Felony Assault Case'

Nancy Gay — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Raiders, NFL Police Blotter, FanHouse Exclusive

While Oakland coach Tom Cable prepares a struggling Raiders team to face the undefeated New York Giants on the road Sunday, his personal and professional fate rests in evidence currently under review by Napa County (Calif.) district attorney Gary Lieberstein.

The DA ultimately will determine whether criminal charges will be brought against Cable for allegedly attacking and fracturing the jaw of Raiders defensive assistant Randy Hanson during a training camp coaches' meeting on Aug. 5.

But a two-month investigation into the incident by the Napa Police Department turned up substantial evidence of assault and bodily injury sustained by Hanson (including medical records proving serious injury), plus corroborating witness statements from other coaches present during the altercation.

More Coverage: Hanson's Rocky Raiders Tenure

So what does Lieberstein have before him?

"Clear-cut evidence," said Hanson's San Francisco-based attorney John McGuinn, who told FanHouse that Cable attacked his client "out of the blue, totally without warning" during a defensive coaches' staff meeting, and that Hanson provided Napa police with X-rays clearly showing a fracture of Hanson's upper left jaw bone.

"This really is a textbook felony assault case," McGuinn said, "but the bigger question going forward for Randy is this: What is going to happen to his future in the NFL?

"What Cable did was totally inexcusable. It was wrong. Thank God that Randy didn't sustain any life-threatening or career-threatening injuries. He's a healthy young man and he'll be fine. But he is really in career limbo now. Where does Randy Hanson go from here? He'd like to return to his Raiders coaching job, because that position was his life-long dream, working with players and working for [Raiders owner] Al Davis."

McGuinn, who specializes in employment and labor law, as well as personal injury matters, said Hanson was examined on Monday at Queen of the Valley Hospital and a follow-up X-ray revealed that the jaw fracture has healed.

Don Yee, an attorney and agent who represents Cable as well as Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in football matters, declined any comment on the case because it is a pending legal proceeding.

Cable, however, has retained a criminal defense attorney as he awaits Lieberstein's decision.

Hanson, 41, also sustained two cracked teeth during the altercation that occurred in a room adjacent to Cable's room at the Marriott-Napa Valley, a hotel that serves as the Raiders' training camp headquarters.

Police interviewed other Raiders assistant coaches who witnessed the assault, and Hanson finally agreed to identify Cable as his attacker to law enforcement during a meeting with Napa police on Sept. 26.

If charged and convicted of the felony charges under California Penal Code Section 245 (a)( 1), Cable, 44, could receive a maximum sentence of four years in a state prison, and a fine not exceeding $10,000, or both the fine and imprisonment.

It's possible -- and more likely -- that Cable's defense attorney could work out an agreement with the Napa DA that involves a guilty plea to a lesser charge of misdemeanor assault and battery in order to avoid a jury trial. Cable could then receive a minimal sentence in the county jail, or even a suspended sentence.

If he pleads guilty to a lesser misdemeanor count, Cable could be sentenced to no more than six months in county jail and a fine not exceeding $2,000, or both.

Cable has publicly denied he struck Hanson. When FanHouse broke the story on Aug. 17 that Cable was Hanson's attacker, Cable responded the next day by saying "nothing happened," and later suggested, "when the facts come out, everything will be fine."

With felony charges being considered, Cable is subject to suspension and fines by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who has broad powers to punish league employees and players who violate the strict NFL Personal Conduct Policy. Goodell has suspended players charged with crimes but whose cases were still being adjudicated.

"We're closely monitoring the case and will continue to monitor the case. We like to make sure we understand what all the facts are before we comment on it," Goodell said Tuesday.

"When the appropriate time comes, we will speak to the coach. The personal-conduct rule applies to everyone in the NFL, from the commissioner to the players and including coaches."

The conduct policy specifically prohibits "violent or threatening behavior, whether in or outside the workplace."

It is widely expected Cable will meet with Goodell prior to Sunday's game at Giants Stadium. Oakland typically travels on Friday to game sites on the East coast.

In a 90-minute interview with Napa police detective Mike Walund on Sept. 26, McGuinn said Hanson turned over all his medical records -- including those from a mid-August visit to a hospital near Hanson's home in Pleasanton, Calif., in which the assistant coach was treated for recurring jaw pain and swelling.

During his meeting with police, Hanson identified Cable as the person who struck him and described the attack in specific detail:

In the early evening of Aug. 5 at the Marriott-Napa Valley, Cable called a closed-door meeting and asked Hanson -- who is still listed on the Raiders' Web site as a defensive assistant -- to attend, along with defensive coordinator John Marshall, defensive backs coach Lionel Washington and defensive backs assistant/squad development coach Willie Brown.

Hanson told detectives that Cable sat at the head of a small rectangular table, with Marshall at the opposite end. Washington sat at Cable's immediate left, and Hanson was seated next to Washington. Brown sat across from Washington and Hanson, to Cable's right.

Cable called the meeting to address Hanson's dealings with the defensive backs. "The players are confused by you, Randy," Cable allegedly told Hanson. He also reportedly told Hanson that he was being relegated to film work and would no longer be allowed to work directly with the defensive backs. "John Marshall says he has talked to you about this," Cable told Hanson.

According to the Hanson's statement, he turned to Marshall and said, 'That's a lie, John!" and Hanson insisted that Marshall had not previously mentioned anything about a communication problem with the defensive backs.

At that point, Hanson told police he was blindly body slammed by Cable into the wall behind Marshall with such force that he was thrown out of his chair and into a small table next to the wall. The table had a small lamp on it and both were overturned and broken in the scuffle.

According to Hanson's account, the other coaches in the room began yelling, "Tom, what are you doing?" as Cable put his right hand against Hanson's face and shoved his left cheek against the wall. Hanson told police he could feel his upper jaw being crushed into the wall.

The other coaches pulled Cable from Hanson, but an enraged Cable broke their grasp and attacked Hanson a second time, allegedly screaming, "I'm going to kill you!" over and over as he kept a hand around Hanson's throat.

After the altercation was broken up the second time, Hanson told police he left the meeting room and returned to his room at the Marriott. He lay down on the bed, but immediately began experiencing severe pain and swelling in the left jaw area that Cable had shoved directly against the wall.

Around midnight, Hanson said he grew alarmed by his injuries and called Jim Otten, the Raiders' longtime video operations specialist, who was aware of the skirmish. Hanson went to Otten's room, and the two determined that Hanson needed to seek medical treatment immediately.

Hanson then reported to the emergency room at Queen of The Valley hospital in Napa in the early morning hours of Aug. 6. At that time, Napa police were summoned to take a statement because of the nature of Hanson's injuries. Hospital officials followed protocol in notifying law enforcement. X-rays determined that Hanson had sustained a jaw fracture.

As Hanson was being treated by the emergency room personnel, he initially was reluctant to name his attacker as he was being interviewed by Napa police.

Later, Cable and Davis informed Hanson that he no longer could return to his coaching position and offered three alternatives: join the Raiders' personnel department; continue with the film duties Cable had given him; or simply have Davis honor the remainder of Hanson's contract. If Hanson chose that option, he would not be permitted to work for the organization any longer.

Hanson declined all of the options and hired McGuinn, after he determined the Raiders would not allow him to return to his coaching position.

"His entire life, all Randy wanted to do was coach for Al Davis and be a part of the Oakland Raiders," McGuinn said. "He's one of those people who can tell you every detail about the Raiders' history. That's how much Randy loves the organization. He worked day and night for Al Davis. He was devoted to his job."

Tom Cable, Randy Hanson in Limbo as DA Mulls 'Textbook Felony Assault Case' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Braylon Edwards Accused of Assault, Being Jealous of LeBron James

Chris Burke — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Browns, NFL Police Blotter

The downward spiral of wide receiver Braylon Edwards' career in Cleveland continues, both on and off the field. Edwards had no receptions in the Browns' overtime loss to Cincinnati -- the first time he'd been held without a catch in his five-year NFL career. And then, several hours after the game ended, Edwards was reportedly involved in an incident at a Cleveland nightclub that could result in the former University of Michigan star being charged with assault.

According to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, 28-year-old Edward Givens is claiming that Edwards punched him during an argument early Monday morning. Givens said he went to the hospital after suffering a black eye, cut and a lingering headache.

The Plain-Dealer cites multiple sources as corroborating that Edwards was the man who hit Givens.

Givens works as a promoter at a marketing firm that hosts parties at View nightclub, where the alleged incident took place.

"After the club closed, I was outside greeting and saying goodbye to people. Braylon comes up and started saying things, degrading me," Givens told the Plain-Dealer. "He said if it wasn't for LeBron [James] or the Four Horsemen, I wouldn't have what I have, nor would I be able to get girls. Everyone knows Braylon has a problem with LeBron. So I had to speak up for myself. The conversation started to escalate. As some of his teammates started to pull him back, he punched me. I have a black eye and a cut. I'm not a violent guy.

"As long as I've known Braylon, I've allowed him and his friends to come into our events free of charge. Whatever jealousy he has with LeBron, he felt he needed to take it out on me."

Not sure why there would be any lingering bad blood between Edwards and James, but if it runs deep enough to make Edwards punch someone else for associating with the Cavaliers' king, it must be pretty severe.

"I've never crossed paths with Braylon before, but it seems like there's a little jealousy going on with Braylon and me and my friends. I have no idea why," James said to the Associated Press. "I've never said anything to Braylon at all. But for him to do that is very childish. My friend is 130 pounds. Seriously. It's like hitting one of my kids. It doesn't make sense."

Regardless, this was just another step toward the door out of Cleveland for Edwards.

After a spectacular college career, Edwards finally appeared to be living up to his billing in 2007, when he caught 80 balls for 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns. But he has just 12 touchdowns combined in his four other NFL seasons -- including a goose egg this year that goes along with a mere 10 receptions through Week 4.

Edwards developed some extreme problems hauling in passes last year, an epidemic that became such a huge issue that he was rumored to be on the trading block this offseason as Cleveland's patience with him waned.

He's yet to rediscover his superstar potential in 2009, so add in a possible criminal charge and the Browns might find themselves more willing than ever to rid themselves of Edwards.

Braylon Edwards Accused of Assault, Being Jealous of LeBron James originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nike Denies Deal With Michael Vick

Dan Graziano — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:54:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Police Blotter, NFL Quarterbacks, NFL Analysis

Reports surfaced last night that Eagles quarterback Michael Vick had signed a new endorsement deal with Nike just months after completing his two-year prison sentence for dogfighting-related crimes. But Nike moved today to deny those stories, saying it "does not have a contractual relationship" with Vick.

Nike signed Vick in 2001, when he was an NFL rookie, and released several versions of Vick signature shoes. But it terminated its relationship with Vick in 2007 after the quarterback pleaded guilty to the dogfighting charge. Vick has since returned to the NFL -- on Sunday he played in his first regular-season game since 2006 -- and like many pro athletes he apparently still gets his shoes from Nike. But the company claims it has not entered into a new endorsement agreement with Vick.

More Coverage: Vick's Agent Announces Endorsement Deal

"Nike does not have a contractual relationship with Michael Vick," Nike spokesman Kejuan Wilkins said in a statement released to CNBC on Thursday morning. "We have agreed to supply product to Michael Vick as we do a number of athletes who are not under contract with Nike."

The confusion stemmed from comments made Wednesday from the Vick camp. Michael Principe, who heads the New York-based agency that represents Vick in endorsement deals, reportedly announced during a panel discussion at the Sports Sponsorship Symposium that Vick was back with Nike. And Vick's agent, Joel Segal, offered a quote that seemed to back that up.

"Mike has a long-standing, great relationship with Nike, and he looks forward to continuing that relationship," Segal told the Associated Press.

Upon further examination, that quote doesn't necessarily indicate that Vick and Nike have entered back into any kind of endorsement partnership (though it does indicate some hope that they might). So it's entirely possible that somebody in Vick's camp (Principe, Segal or somebody else) said something they shouldn't have said and exaggerated the facts of a renewed relationship that may not extend beyond the supplying of product.

It's also possible that Vick and Nike have had talks about a new deal and something has happened or is happening to skew or end those discussions. More on this later as it develops.

Nike Denies Deal With Michael Vick originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Randy Hanson Tells Napa Police Raiders Coach Tom Cable Broke His Jaw

Chris Burke — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Raiders, NFL Police Blotter

Alienated Raiders assistant coach Randy Hanson told the Napa Valley (Calif.) Police Department that Oakland head coach Tom Cable struck him and broke his jaw during an Aug. 5 altercation, according to NFL.com's Jason La Canfora. Police have been investigating the incident, which occurred at the Raiders' training camp headquarters at the Napa Valley Marriott and sent Hanson to the hospital.

FanHouse's Nancy Gay first reported that Cable had attacked Hanson during a coaches' meeting, following up a National Football Post report that Hanson had been in an altercation with an unidentified member of the Oakland staff.

Hanson's lawyer, John McGuinn, told NFL.com that the situation was "a textbook case of felony assault."

Hanson initially declined to involve himself in the investigation -- perhaps because he's still receiving paychecks from the Raiders, as NFL.com points out, despite the fact that he has not been allowed to rejoin the team since the incident occurred.

Within a couple of weeks, though, Hanson hired an attorney and turned the X-rays of his broken jaw over to Napa police, which led to the reopening of the case.

McGuinn told La Canfora that Hanson was just one of several people that police had interviewed, a list that included Cable and three other Raiders defensive coaches.

"Randy answered the detective's questions, but we have no idea whether charges will be coming," McGuinn said. "That will strictly be determined by the police and the DA's office. We have no input. He just answered questions."

La Canfora also reports that several Oakland players have contacted Hanson for help prior to games. McGuinn told La Canfora that the players somehow provided Hanson with a team laptop and called him before their final preseason game and the Week 1 Monday night game versus San Diego asking for "tips."

The NFL has said the matter is under league investigation, but has yet not made any formal decision.

Randy Hanson Tells Napa Police Raiders Coach Tom Cable Broke His Jaw originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NFL Players Union Hopes to Resolve StarCaps Case Outside of Court

Dan Graziano — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Police Blotter, NFL Analysis

The NFL still hasn't given up on the idea that it will eventually be able to suspend Minnesota Vikings defensive linemen Kevin Williams and Pat Williams for violating its drug policy in the StarCaps case. There remains the chance the league will further appeal the decision by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld a federal judge's decision that the players could not be suspended. But on a conference call with reporters Monday afternoon, NFL union head DeMaurice Smith said the union and the NFL have had discussions about the drug policy in light of the StarCaps case, and he thinks there's a chance this could result in changes to the policy.

"I believe there is a resolution to this matter that can be collectively bargained," Smith said. "I do not think the only solution is continued litigation."

More Coverage: NFLPA Tones Down Rhetoric in Advance of Next CBA Meeting

Last Wednesday, the NFL filed for an extension to its deadline for appealing the decision before all 11 judges on the Eighth Circuit. (The most recent ruling was by a three-judge panel.) While that filing certainly indicates that the league plans to pursuing further appeal, league spokesman Greg Aiello said the move was purely procedural, since the original deadline was Friday.

"We have not made any final decision on our plans for appeal," Aiello said last week.

To recap: The Williamses and three other players tested positive for a banned substance contained in a weight-loss drug called StarCaps, so the NFL sought to impose the standard four-game suspension it imposes for performance-enhancing drug violations. But the Williamses challenged the suspensions, claiming they'd asked for and received clearance from the league to take the drug. An earlier court ruling upheld the league's position, but the Williamses challenged the league's right to suspend them based on a Minnesota state law that prohibits an employer from disciplining an employee for a first positive drug test. Earlier this month, that three-judge panel ruled that the Williamses' case against the league in state court would be allowed to proceed, effectively preventing the league from imposing any discipline on the players before the end of the 2009 season.

The league has been upset with the union for failing to support it in this case, but the union has stood firm on its position that its job is to protect its players, not the league's drug policy. And Smith's comments Monday indicate a belief on his end that that policy could use some tweaking in light of the vagaries brought to light by the StarCaps case.

"I believe this drug-testing system is a system that works, but that can work better," Smith said. "Where our players rights are violated, we will work to make changes to that system."

Which means that, among many other things, the league's drug policy is likely to come up for discussion when the players and owners resume negotiations on the new collective bargaining agreement Tuesday in New York.

NFL Players Union Hopes to Resolve StarCaps Case Outside of Court originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can Other Players Learn From Plaxico's Sad, Lonely Tale? NFL Sure Hopes So

Thomas George — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Giants, NFL Police Blotter

A former Giants teammate who spoke with Plaxico Burress hours before he was sentenced to two years in prison on gun charges Tuesday said that Burress told him it was "just beginning to dawn on me I am going in.''

As has often been the case, Burress got it late. Way too late. Executives from the Steelers (where Burress played from 2000-2004) and Giants (2005-2008) painted a similar picture of their time with Burress.

Even so, the league office and each NFL team took notice of Burress clinging to his son before walking that lonely plank into confinement -- they did not have to know him well to feel compassion and concern. Or to use this as one more tool to educate their players on guns and football, how the mix is not natural. Only with education and responsibility can both co-exist. That is the NFL's continued mantra.

They know the next NFL gun case will surface.

More Coverage: Burress Heckled by Rikers Inmates

They continue to search for ways to decrease the number of incidents.

"I don't think there is a player development leader in this league who isn't finding a way to use this sad case with Plaxico to illustrate to their players what to avoid,'' an NFL team executive said, requesting anonymity. "You go from being on top of the world in your profession to paying such a steep price. We know the laws of this land allow you to have guns. We are telling our players they must know every piece of law that goes with having that gun. You have a question, we will get you the answer. We'd rather they not have them.''

The executive was asked if he owned a gun.

"Yes, I do,'' he answered.

So you take an NFL athlete hanging around people who are more apt to come after him, and the player's thinking is, "Why wouldn't I have a gun?'' Those not hanging with the wrong crowd know they, too, can readily become targets. We have seen enough NFL players robbed or shot at gunpoint to know that the innocent can become prey. Two recent incidents in Buffalo -- a player's lawn vandalized, another's home robbed of $400,000 in jewelry -- emphasized the point.

This convinces many NFL players that packing their own heat is the answer.

As one NFL owner told me: "There's not much difference in that than the local urban grocer who feels a threat, the need. But his story goes on the backpage. Ours goes front and center.''

It goes way beyond that when prevention and humility are overwhelmed by pride.

That speaks to the Burress example.

The Steelers say he was quiet, respectful but guarded with his trust. A Steelers executive said that Burress tried to portray an image that was not what he was really about -- which was, in reality, an introverted person who had his crew, family members and friends from his upbringing, among the few he kept close and let in.

When the Giants signed him in 2005, they hoped bringing him into their environment would encourage him to jump on-board. But throughout his tenure he was late to meetings and missed others, skipped treatments and weight room sessions and a variety of mandatory functions that resulted in more than $1 million in fines and game suspensions.

Rather than conform, Burress became resentful. He had a severe problem with alcohol, the Giants say, and coupled with his constant attempt to deal with severe childhood family issues, it colored his time with them. The Giants said their efforts in counseling and support could not change it. During his darkest hours, when the gun charges surfaced last fall, Burress followed that up with a lack of communication with his team. And he sued them for his total signing bonus, rather than admit his mistakes and get the Giants on his side to help fight his huge gun-charge battle.

One of his former teammates said: "He tore away from the Giants at a time of trouble. That was not a smart move. He wasn't returning calls from the team when they were reaching out to him. And then he fought to get all of his money when he could have been humble, admitted he was wrong and taken less. It was a big mistake. You have to humble yourself in that situation. You have to fault the team also, because they let him get away with too much for too long, and it helped feed the monster. Players loved the player. There were one or two guys in the locker room that he didn't speak to that didn't like him. But most guys liked Plax.''

Burress proved a mismatch with his enormous size on the field, his tremendous eye-hand coordination, speed and rare skills. He was a nexus of the Giants Super Bowl XLII championship journey. His major undoing involved a gun charge from a late Friday in November in a nightclub where he accidentally shot himself in the thigh. Numbing on so many levels, but a story that resonates across the league as the current model held up to hammer home the dangers of guns and NFL players.

Burress has landed in a harsh place where, maybe for the first time in his life, he will adhere to all the rules. He will be on time. He will be held accountable.

"Sometimes,'' said an NFL executive, "a change of scenery helps everyone grow.''

Can Other Players Learn From Plaxico's Sad, Lonely Tale? NFL Sure Hopes So originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Plaxico Burress Heckled by Fellow Inmates Upon Arrival at Rikers

Chris Burke — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Police Blotter

Plaxico Burress received a rude welcome to prison life Tuesday. When he arrived at Rikers Island to begin a two-year sentence, his fellow inmates taunted him -- sometimes obscenely -- and heckled him with taunts of "Giants Suck," jail guards told the New York Post.

Cue the most obvious statement you'll read all day:

"He was depressed," one of the guards told the Post after Burress spent his first night behind bars. "He was trying to keep to himself, but everyone was yelling at him."

Fortunately for Burress, his stay at Rikers was short -- by Wednesday, he had already been moved from Rikers to the medium-security Ulster Correctional Facility in Napanoch, N.Y., where he'll be evaluated before he's moved to a permanent location.

While at Ulster, Burress will be under protective custody and mostly kept from the other prisoners.

"He will be separated from the inmate population at all times and confined to a single cell," Corrections Department spokeswoman Linda Foglia said. "He'll only get out for three hours of recreation per day, plus his required meetings with counselors and medical and mental health staffers. He's allowed three showers a week and one visit per weekend. At 11 p.m., it's lights out."

Burress also will be trading in his No. 17 jersey for his new inmate number, 09-R-3260.

According to the Post, the earliest that Burress can be released from jail on good behavior is June 6, 2011.

Plaxico Burress Heckled by Fellow Inmates Upon Arrival at Rikers originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Plaxico Burress Given 2-Year Sentence

FanHouse Newswire — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Police Blotter

NEW YORK (AP) -- Former Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress tearfully told his family goodbye as he was led away to prison Tuesday after being sentenced to two years on a weapons charge.

Burress was so soft-spoken during his apologetic courtroom address that onlookers could not understand him.

Burress, at the time a star receiver with the New York Giants, was at the Latin Quarter nightclub in Manhattan last November when a gun tucked into his waistband slipped down his leg and fired, wounding him in the thigh.

The gun was not licensed in New York or in New Jersey, where Burress lived. His license to carry a concealed weapon in the Florida had expired in May 2008.

He had been indicted on two counts of weapons possession and one count of reckless endangerment, but under a plea deal reached Aug. 20, Burress agreed to a single, lesser charge of attempted criminal possession of a weapon.

No charges were filed against Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce, who was with Burress the night of the incident, drove him to the hospital and took the gun to his home in New Jersey before arranging to have it returned to Burress.

With time off for good behavior, Burress likely will serve 20 months. He could be released from prison as early as the spring of 2011 and will be monitored an additional two years after he is freed.

Burress hired a consultant to teach him how to use his time in prison productively.

The Giants released Burress in April, but the 32-year-old told ESPN he hopes to resume his NFL career when he completes his sentence.

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Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress kisses his wife, Tiffany, in court in New York, Tuesday Sept. 22, 2009. Burress was sentenced to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges. ( AP Photo/ Steven Hirsch, Pool)

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning passes during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts Monday, Sept. 21, 2009 in Miami. Manning threw touchdown passes of 80 yards to Dallas Clark and 48 yards to Pierre Garcon in the Colts 27-23 win. (AP Photo/Jeffrey M. Boan)

** RECROPPED VERSIOn ** Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress reacts as he appears before judge Michael Melkonian for his sentencing at Manhattan criminal court, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges. (AP Photo/ Steven Hirsch, Pool)

Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress appears before judge Michael Melkonian for his sentencing in Manhattan criminal court , Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges.( AP Photo/Marc Hermann, Pool)

** RECROPPED VERSION ** Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress appears before judge Michael Melkonian for his sentencing in Manhattan criminal court, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges.( AP Photo/Marc Hermann, Pool)

Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress appears before judge Michael Melkonian for his sentencing in Manhattan criminal court, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges.( AP Photo/Marc Hermann, Pool)

Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress grimaces as he appears before judge Michael Melkonian for his sentencing in Manhattan criminal court , Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges.( AP Photo/ Steven Hirsch, Pool)

Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress, center, appears before judge Michael Melkonian for his sentencing at Manhattan criminal court, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. At right is Burress's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges. ( AP Photo/ Steven Hirsch, Pool)

Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress appears before judge Michael Melkonian, not shown, for his sentencing at Manhattan criminal court , Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges. At right is Burress's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman. ( AP Photo/ Steven Hirsch, Pool)

"When I get out, I'll be 33, not 43," Burress said in an interview broadcast in August. "I'll still be able to run and catch. I'll still have the God-given ability to snag footballs; that's what I love to do. Of course, I want to play again."

Gil Brandt, an analyst on NFL Sirius Radio and the former head of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, said Burress won't be too old for a comeback when he's released from prison.

"First of all, Plaxico is a guy who keeps himself in pretty good shape," Brandt said. "Lots of times guys get heavy in the off-season. He is not a guy who has done that."

Burress is suspended by the NFL, but the league said he will be reinstated after he completes his prison sentence.

The star receiver played collegiately for Michigan State and in 2000 was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he built a reputation as one of the league's top deep threats. He signed as a free agent with the Giants before the 2005 season.

Burress' big moment with the Giants came when he caught the winning touchdown over the previously undefeated New England Patriots in the final minute of the 2008 Super Bowl.

His attorney, Benjamin Brafman, said previously that Burress was thinking of his family -- including his wife and young son, Elijah -- in taking the plea, but Brafman questioned the fairness of the recommended prison sentence.

"This was not an intentional criminal act," Brafman said the day of the plea. "In my judgment, a two-year prison sentence is a very severe punishment."

Before sentencing Tuesday, Brafman called Burress "a fundamentally decent man."

"This is a very real tragic case in many, many ways," Brafman said.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Plaxico Burress Given 2-Year Sentence originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Charles Rogers Arrested in Michigan, Charged With Drunk Driving

Chris Burke — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Police Blotter

We're getting pretty close to the point where Charles Rogers' potential as a discussion topic dries up. The former NFL wide receiver had yet another run-in with the law Wednesday when he was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in Michigan -- the state's version of the more common DUI.

Police found Rogers unresponsive behind the wheel of his car, with the car running and in gear. Rogers failed a field sobriety test, then was charged with both the OWI and operating a motor vehicle with an invalid license, charges that could carry punishments of up to three months in jail and fines of $500.

The incident occurred in the city Novi at around 2 PM. Rogers was later released from police custody on $50,000 bond.

This is just the latest in a long line of issues for Rogers. He was the No. 2-overall pick by Detroit in the 2003 draft, but quickly turned into a bust. Rogers is currently under indefinite NFL suspension -- a fact that derailed his possible comeback in the CFL -- and has been sued by the Lions, who hope to recover the $6.1 million signing bonus Rogers received.

Back in early August, during an interview with ESPN, Rogers said he smoked pot every day and got hooked on pain pills while playing in Detroit. The team cut him in 2006.

Charles Rogers Arrested in Michigan, Charged With Drunk Driving originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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