Washington? A former NFL player is suing Washington and former assistant coach Gregg Williams, saying a career-ending knee injury is the result of a bounty program where Washington coaches encouraged players to intentionally injure opponents.
Barrett Green, a linebacker who played for the Lions and the New York Giants between 2000 and 2005, says a career-ending knee injury during a game on Dec. 5, 2004 was the result of a bounty program and a ?unusual, outrageous, and an obvious cheap shot.?
After leaving Washington and spending one season with Jacksonville, Williams became defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in 2009 and was considered the mastermind behind the bounty scandal that led to unprecedented sanctions from the NFL. He was suspended for one year by the league and is now a senior defensive assistant with the Tennessee Titans. The lawsuit also names former Washington player Robert Royal, the tight end who hit Green.
Washington coaches and players told the Associated Press in 2012 that Williams also offered cash rewards for big hits and other plays ? a violation of NFL rules ? when he was coaching Washington?s defense from 2004-07. But they differed on whether it was a true bounty scheme that targeted specific players. The NFL investigated Williams? conduct with Washington and with other teams where he had coached, but he was sanctioned only for his actions while with the Saints.
Green was playing for the Giants when he first injured the knee Oct. 31, 2004 in a game against the Minnesota Vikings. He missed nearly a month then returned to play in three more games, including Dec. 5 against the Redskins. The lawsuit says Royal ?intentionally lowered his helmet and dove into? Green?s knees ?at full speed.? Green had to be helped off the field, and the lawsuit claims the alleged bounty program would have rewarded the hit as ?either a ?knockout? or a ?cart off.??
Former Lion arrested on suspicion of DUI
Denver Broncos director of player personnel Matt Russell is apologizing for his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.
State troopers say Russell, who played for the Lions in 1997, was arrested Saturday after rear-ending a Breckenridge, Colo., police officer?s SUV that had stopped on the shoulder of Colorado 9 to pull over Russell, who was suspected of driving drunk. Russell and the officer were taken to hospitals and released.
Town spokeswoman Brodie Boilard says Russell had been in a minor accident earlier Saturday, and the other driver called police after suspecting Russell was intoxicated.
Russell was arrested on charges of DUI, no proof of insurance, careless driving causing injury, and having an open container. He was freed on bond Sunday.
Giants, Cruz agree to long-term deal
New York Giants star receiver Victor Cruz has signed a five-year contract extension that runs through the 2018 season.
Cruz was a restricted free agent with three years in the NFL. Last month, he signed a one-year, $2.879 million tender with the Giants, but a long-term deal was already in the works. The Giants could have matched any offers Cruz received from other teams ? so he didn?t get any.
?I feel relief,? Cruz told Giants.com, shortly after signing his contract at the team?s facility. ?I feel I can just kick back and play football again.?
The new deal is worth $43 million, according to media reports.
Source: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130708/SPORTS0101/307080103/1126/rss14
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