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Viking player's wife dies

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The wife of Vikings offensive lineman Lewis Kelly died of complications from her pregnancy, the second straight year of preseason tragedy for the team.

Rakiva Kelly, 24, was four months pregnant when she died late Sunday night, said tight end Byron Chamberlain, who was with Lewis Kelly at the hospital along with coach Mike Tice.

"We had a tremendous tragedy," Tice said. "We're reeling a little bit as a family."

Last year, Pro Bowl tackle Korey Stringer died of heatstroke in training camp.

Right tackle Chris Liwienski, Stringer's replacement, said the feeling in the locker room Monday was similar to the day Stringer died: "There's not a whole lot we can do except be there for support."

Chamberlain, whose wife was a close friend of Rakiva Kelly, added: "It's the hardest thing for a man to go through in life. Everything was looking up in his personal life and for the team."

Kelly, in his third season, had stepped in at left tackle in place of rookie Bryant McKinnie, the team's first-round draft pick who is holding out.

Kelly's stock went up with a strong performance in NFL Europe this year, and he played well in his first start of the preseason.

RAIDERS' RUSSELL ARRESTED: Defensive lineman Darrell Russell, who is serving a one-year suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, was arrested in Carson City, Nev., on suspicion of drunken driving and speeding.

Russell, 26, was stopped on U.S. Highway 50 shortly before 6 a.m. Sunday for traveling 60 mph in a 35 mph zone, Nevada Highway Patrol officials said. The two-time Pro Bowl tackle also failed a field sobriety test.

Carson City sheriff's officials said Russell posted $1,205 bail and was released a few hours later. A court date was set for Sept. 19.

Russell is waiting to find out if he will be tried in Alameda County Superior Court in Oakland on charges he videotaped the rape of a 28-year-old Sunnyvale, Calif., woman in January.

Russell, who has 281/2 sacks in five season with the Raiders, was suspended last August for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy for the second time. He's scheduled to return to the team Jan. 2.

JANIKOWSKI UNDER FIRE: Raiders fans historically overlook a lot. All they ask is that their bad guys be great players, and kicker Sebastian Janikowski has not been that.

For all his physical abilities -- and most everyone knows about that leg strength that prompted Al Davis to select the former Florida State player with a first-round pick in 2000 -- his act clearly is wearing thin. He's hearing about it from coaches, teammates, and, most noticeably during Saturday's preseason game against the 49ers, from his suddenly former fans.

Booed for missing a 36-yard attempt. Booed for missing a 33-yard attempt. Booed after making a 43-yarder near the end of the first half, then turning to the crowd, lifting his arms and gesturing.

He has had three consecutive preseason performances in which he has succeeded on only 3 of 8 attempts.

"It's to the point that we have to make progress in that area," coach Bill Callahan said. "And I think he's fully aware of that. He's capable of doing much better. He's got two weeks left to prepare himself, and whatever kinks he has, we hope we can get them out."

Callahan believes Janikowski is rushing his kicks, thereby disrupting his technique and his timing.

ARENA LEAGUE: Former Tampa Bay Storm receiver/defensive back Clinton Hart was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, clearing the way for his possible return to Tampa Bay. The Storm has Hart's AFL rights, as well as those of defensive tackle Donald Broomfield, who was cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Hart recovered two onside kicks in Philadelphia's 16-15 loss Aug. 17 at New England. He played for the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe in the spring.

-- Times staff writer Frank Pastor contributed to this report.

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