NFL

Winslow tells fans he's sorry

By wire services
Published May 27, 2005

CLEVELAND - Kellen Winslow apologized to Browns fans Thursday for his reckless use of a motorcycle and confirmed that he will miss the 2005 season.

Winslow, 21, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and suffered unspecified internal injuries May 1 when he wrecked his high-powered motorcycle while attempting tricks in a secluded parking lot near his home.

For the first time since the crash, Winslow confirmed that he will miss his second season as a pro and acknowledged that it was a mistake to take up motorcycle riding.

"To those members of the Cleveland Browns family who I have disappointed by my decision to ride a motorcycle, I humbly apologize," he said in the statement. "In hindsight it was unwise to attempt to learn to ride a motorcycle without a professional instructor in a controlled environment. While many of you are disappointed that I will not be on the field with my teammates for this upcoming season, no one is more disappointed in this fact than me."

Because he broke a dangerous activities clause in his contract, the Browns may try to recoup a portion of the $5.05-million in bonuses he has received since signing a six-year, $40-million contract last season.

Winslow bought the motorcycle on April 9. Westlake Police obtained a surveillance tape that showed him performing "wheelies" before hitting a curb at 35 mph and flying over the handlebars. He was charged with disregarding safety, a misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $150.

Winslow, a former Miami Hurricane star, was the sixth overall pick in the 2004 draft. The Browns traded a second-round pick to move up one spot to select the 6-foot-4, 250-pound tight end, the son of Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow Sr.

He was recovering from two operations on his leg at the time of his accident.

PACKER UNDER SCRUTINY: Cornerback Al Harris is the target of an investigation of the sexual assault, prosecutors from the Wisconsin attorney's office in Broward County said. He has not been charged. According to a complaint, the woman danced nude for her attacker at the Cheetah III club April 17 in Pompano Beach. Then she was raped as she "told the suspect to stop" and tried to push him away, the complaint said. The woman wasn't identified. Harris isn't named in the complaint, but Broward County State Attorney's Office spokesman Ron Ishoy confirmed Harris is the target of the investigation. An eight-year NFL veteran, Harris has spent the last three years with the Packers. He had one interceptions and 67 tackles last season.

VIKINGS OUTDOORS?: Zygmunt Wilf, in one of his first acts after having his $600-million bid to buy the Vikings unanimously approved by league owners, made a pitch for a new, open-air stadium. WR Nate Burleson isn't so sure about the idea. "To be honest, it would be tough, from the simple fact that I've been spoiled for a couple of years by playing in a dome," he said. "Being a receiver, I would love to play indoors. When you play outside, it's hard to keep your body warm and your fingers from getting numb. Like I said, I've been spoiled, so I can't really imagine anything else." TE Jermaine Wiggins said he didn't think an open-air stadium would do well if put to a vote in the locker room. "I think most players would shoot it down," he said. "Players generally want to play in pretty warm weather. You know, the dome is beautiful. You always know what you get. You get about 70 degrees and no sun."

CHARGERS: DT Jamal Williams agreed to a five-year contract extension through the 2010 season.

REDSKINS: Coach Joe Gibbs said he has had no contact with Sean Taylor and reiterated his disappointment in the safety's decision to remain in Florida this offseason. He expects Taylor to attend next month's involuntary minicamp. S Cory Hall requested and was granted his release two days after he signed with the team.

[Last modified May 27, 2005, 00:40:18]