Bills' Lynch won't be penalized by league
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell personally informed Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch yesterday that he won't be disciplined by the league for a hit-and-run accident that left a woman injured.
"I think the facts are clear on the case at this point in time, and I don't plan any discipline," Goodell said during a visit to Bills training camp.
Goodell based his decision on the fact that Lynch eventually agreed to plead guilty to a traffic violation, which is not an infraction of the NFL's personal conduct policy. Lynch initially faced more serious charges.
Goodell warned Lynch of the importance to act responsibly because he represents NFL players, the Bills and the league.
Lynch, who angered prosecutors over what they said was his lack of cooperation with their investigation into the hit and run, has not spoken to reporters since arriving at camp and declined comment following practice.
The Bills starting running back and 2007 first-round draft pick lost his license after pleading guilty to a traffic violation last month. As part of the plea agreement, Lynch admitted speeding off in his
The victim, a 27-year-old woman from suburban Toronto, was treated and released from the hospital later that day after sustaining a bruised hip and a cut thigh.
Foot faults
Ankle injuries are keeping two quality receivers off practice fields.Plaxico Burress said it's his ankle, not his contract, that is keeping him from practicing with the Super Bowl champion Giants. "If it was only about my contract, I would be home in South Florida relaxing," Burress said.
Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson didn't participate in the Bengals' first practice of training camp because his right ankle hasn't fully recovered from surgery.
Johnson spent time yesterday rehabilitating the ankle, which was surgically cleaned out last month. The ankle is still sore and he runs with a pronounced limp. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said Johnson is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season.
There have been suspicions about Burress's injury because he refused to practice during a June minicamp over the team's decision not to give him a new contract. He has three years remaining on a deal that will pay him $3.25 million this season, but he feels he will get a new deal.
Replacement player
With the Brett Favre standoff still simmering, Aaron Rodgers took his place as the Packers' new starting quarterback. Rodgers said he is trying to ignore what has become a daily soap opera involving the three-time MVP. Favre is considering filing for reinstatement with the NFL and reporting to camp this week, a move likely intended to pressure Green Bay to grant him his release - something the Packers refuse to do - or trade him. Packers GM Ted Thompson said he's had trade talks but insisted Favre wouldn't be dealt to a division rival . . . Running back Ryan Grant, an exclusive rights free agent seeking a long-term deal with the Packers, skipped the first practice of Packers training camp. Grant's agent, Alan Herman, told the Wisconsin State Journal that the team's offer of a six-year deal that included $1.75 million in guaranteed money was "insulting." . . . Recently signed Giants offensive tackle Shane Olivea said he was addicted to painkillers while playing for the San Diego Chargers last season . . . Rams defensive end Victor Adeyanju will be sidelined 2-4 weeks after breaking his right middle finger in practice Sunday . . . Cowboys Pro Bowl cornerback Terence Newman sustained a strained groin in the morning and missed an afternoon workout . . . Jaguars center Brad Meester could miss the start of the season because of a strained right biceps . . . Flooding in Lucas Oil Stadium is expected to add more than $5 million to the cost of the Indianapolis Colts' new home. The $700 million, retractable-roof stadium is due to open next month.
