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NFL
January 10, 2003
Priest Holmes accomplished in 14 games what many players can't in two full seasons. His reward: Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award.
The Chiefs running back was on pace to shatter several NFL records before a deep hip bruise sidelined him for the final two games. Still, Holmes set 10 team records, including 1,615 yards rushing and 21 TDs. He also had three scores as a receiver, and the 24 TDs were two short of Marshall Faulk's league mark.
Holmes' 2,287 yards from scrimmage fell 142 short of Faulk's NFL record. In 383 touches, Holmes had only one fumble.
"After I missed the last two games, I wasn't even thinking about any honors or awards or anything," Holmes said Thursday after receiving 201/2 votes from a nationwide panel of sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. "I really appreciate this.
"But I'm grateful to my offensive line and coaches more than anything for what they did for me."
Holmes rushed for more than 100 yards nine times. Indianapolis receiver Marvin Harrison was second with 141/2 votes. Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon, was third (nine votes), followed by Miami running back Ricky Williams (three) and Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair (one).
THREE FINED: The 49ers' Terrell Owens and the Giants' Shaun Williams and Omar Stoutmire were fined for their actions during the final minute of Sunday's game. Owens was fined $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct. Williams, a safety, was fined $10,000 for unnecessary roughness. Stoutmire, also a safety, got a $7,500 fine for unnecessary roughness, league spokesman Michael Signora said.
BENGALS: Former Jaguars coach Tom Coughlin had a second interview for the coaching vacancy, and it appears he and Redskins defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis are the leading candidates to replace Dick LeBeau. JAGUARS: The team will interview Phil Savage, director of college scouting for the Ravens, for its general manager's position, the Associated Press reported.
RAMS: Quarterback Kurt Warner does not have rotator cuff damage, a physical showed. Warner went through tests suggested by the team. Agent Mark Bartelstein said he had no problems.
TEXANS: J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. loaned $100-million to the team, which plans to use the money to make a payment on its $700-million expansion fee.
DRAFT: The Cowboys will have the No. 5 overall pick in the draft. Dallas (5-11) tied Arizona for the fifth-worst record, but get the higher pick in the first round by virtue of a 9-6 overtime loss to the Cardinals, who pick sixth.
SUPER BOWL: A federal magistrate turned down a disabled activist's request to block the Super Bowl. Beverly Walker wanted San Diego to comply with a 2001 settlement aimed at expanding access for the disabled at the stadium.