NFL
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 10, 2003
JETS: Chad Pennington's father-in-law is battling leukemia, but the quarterback doesn't want to discuss it.
Pennington said he was disappointed that the story was made public.
"That was not something I wanted to get out. I will live and learn," the third-year pro said. "It's a family issue, and I would like to keep it that way."
ESPN The Magazine posted a story on its Web site Tuesday on Pennington's father-in-law, and the New York Daily News published one Thursday.
Pennington has made frequent visits with the father of his wife, Robin. Pennington would not identify his father-in-law by name, but he acknowledged the man is getting chemotherapy treatments in a Long Island hospital.
"The whole situation is about him and anything I can to help," Pennington told the Daily News. "It's not about me trying to show my toughness or that I can handle it. ... The only thing it does for me is put things in perspective and shows me what's really important."
Pennington said he rubs his father-in-law's head for good luck each week.
RAIDERS: Starting tight end Roland Williams is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Jets because of an injured left knee.
He has a torn medial collateral ligament, partially torn anterior cruciate ligament and some meniscus damage.
"I don't think that he'll be ready, but if it's possible to get him on the field by (today), there may be an outside chance," coach Bill Callahan said. "I just think he's still sore. I don't think he's going to be at full speed."
STEELERS: Linebacker Kendrell Bell sat out practice again because of the left ankle injury that has troubled him for several weeks.
Bell is listed as questionable Saturday at Tennessee.
Bell has sprained the ankle four times since training camp. He also didn't practice last week, but played after a pregame painkilling injection.
TITANS: Tennessee has won eight of its past 10 against Pittsburgh. Coach Jeff Fisher is 9-6 against the Steelers, and Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher is 10-11 against the Titans.