NFL

Winslow cited for unsafe driving in crash

By wire services
Published May 21, 2005

CLEVELAND - Browns tight end Kellen Winslow was charged Friday with disregarding safety in the motorcycle crash that put his 2005 season in jeopardy.

The misdemeanor, filed by the prosecutor in suburban Westlake, carries a maximum fine of $150 with no jail time. Winslow will be sent a summons to appear in Rocky River Municipal Court, police said.

Winslow tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee when he crashed, the Associated Press reported. Such an injury typically requires 10-12 months rehabilitation.

Winslow also suffered unspecified internal injuries when his motorcycle hit a curb at 35 mph and he flipped over the handlebars while practicing in a parking lot near his home May 1.

He spent nine days in the Cleveland Clinic before being released last week. Winslow, who has been resting at home, has not commented on his accident or his injuries.

Winslow, who missed 14 games as a rookie with a broken leg, breached a hazardous activities clause in his contract by riding the motorcycle. The Browns could ask him to return some of the money he has been paid as part of his six-year, $40-million contract.

MIAMI - Ricky Williams' strong rapport with Dolphins coach Nick Saban is part of the reason the retired running back is contemplating a return, his agent said.

Williams and Saban have had "some steady dialogue in the last 10 days," said agent Leigh Steinberg, who would not discuss specifics or detail what would have to transpire for the NFL's leading rusher in 2002 to rejoin Miami.

"Ricky has expressed a desire and excitement about returning to the Dolphins and playing football this season," Steinberg said. "He's keeping in shape and has been involved in a rigorous training program."

Williams, who turns 28 today, retired unexpectedly in July, shortly before training camp opened. Without him, Miami went 4-12.

If Williams returns, he likely would wait until July to unretire. Otherwise, he would face a one-year suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse program.

BRONCOS: Coach Mike Shanahan said he spoke with free agent Jerry Rice again, and Rice has been receptive to the situation Shanahan laid out for him. Shanahan told the 42-year-old Rice he could not guarantee he would be Denver's third receiver, or even would make the team. Shanahan indicated the decision was in Rice's hands. Jim Steiner, Rice's agent, said his client likely will make a decision next week.

COLTS: Edgerrin James was a no-show as the team began a mandatory minicamp session amid his effort to get a new long-term contract or be traded. The former two-time NFL rushing champion signed a one-year franchise offer in March that will pay him a little more than $8-million this year. Drew Rosenhaus, James' agent, declined to comment. 49ERS: Two-time Pro Bowl center Jeremy Newberry needs more arthroscopic surgery on his troublesome right knee, coach Mike Nolan said. Newberry played one game last season because of problems with his kneecap and the cartilage around it. He had surgery in September but missed several return dates with persistent pain and a nagging back injury. Newberry's latest surgery, which will occur in the next 10 days, will require eight to 10 weeks of recovery.

JETS: With their plan to build a $2.2-billion stadium on the far West Side of Manhattan stalled in Albany, the team is putting together a backup plan that would allow it to remain at Giants Stadium in New Jersey until 2018. No deal has been signed, but Jets executives and New Jersey officials say they have a tentative agreement on a 10-year extension of the team's lease, which expires in 2008. The lease would lower the rent while allowing the team to terminate the new agreement after paying a penalty fee.Arena league

The Storm activated lineman Nyle Wiren and fullback/linebacker Umar Muhammad from injured reserve. Lineman Darion Conner was placed on IR, and fullback/linebacker Jeff Cogell was put on recallable waivers.

Times staff writer Frank Pastor contributed to this report.

[Last modified May 21, 2005, 01:04:09]