TAMPA - Simeon Rice apologized Monday for actions that led to his dismissal from the Pro Bowl. But he continues to insist it was unwarranted.
Rice was kicked off the NFC team by Eagles coach Andy Reid on Friday after arriving two days late and missing several meetings and practices.
The Bucs defensive end apologized in a statement released by Rogers and Cowan, a public relations firm hired by Rice.
"I would like to apologize to fans all over the country who expected to see me play in the Pro Bowl (Sunday), as I expected to be playing," Rice said. "Until we have an official explanation from the NFL for the action it has taken, I have no further statement, except to say I have nothing but respect for my teammates and gratitude to the football fans who elected me to the NFC Pro Bowl team again this year."
Rice told Sporting News Radio on Saturday, however: "I didn't do anything, I promise you. I don't think he (Reid) knows the whole story. There's no reason for it."
FITZGERALD DECLARES: Larry Fitzgerald, the Heisman Trophy runnerup, said he would forgo his collegiate career at Pittsburgh to turn professional. His announcement came four days after he was declared eligible for the draft.
Fitzgerald is projected among the first five picks. Though the receiver played two seasons with the Panthers, that was enough time for him to break several school and NCAA records.
SUIT OKAYED: A federal judge in Cincinnati ruled that a taxpayer can pursue a lawsuit alleging the NFL has illegally used its clout to "extort" new stadiums from cities.
U.S. District Judge S. Arthur Spiegel rejected the league's arguments that there was no legal standing for the case, which is based on how the Bengals got their stadium.
Lawyers for taxpayer Carrie Davis can try to get financial records and other private information from the league as they prepare for trial, something the NFL has strongly resisted.
BRUNELL, REDSKINS TO TALK: The Jaguars are letting quarterback Mark Brunell talk directly to Washington and other teams interested in trading for him.
Washington coach Joe Gibbs was scheduled to meet with Brunell in Florida. Miami, San Diego and Dallas also are interested.
The Jaguars also named longtime special-teams expert Pete Rodriguez as special-teams coordinator, Bob Ligashesky a special-teams assistant and Andy Heck an offensive assistant.
BEARS: Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson was hired to the same position.
- Information from Times wires was used in this report.
