Sports

NFL

Final link to Shula set to retire

By wire services
Published June 9, 2005

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DAVIE - Dolphins defensive tackle Tim Bowens was waived Wednesday after failing a physical, a move the team said was a precursor to retirement for the 12-year veteran.

Bowens, the last player remaining from Don Shula's tenure with the Dolphins, played in two games last season because of a herniated disc in his back.

"I am grateful to the Dolphins for all the years I have been able to play in Miami," Bowens said in a statement released by the team. "I appreciate all of the support I have received."

He was originally aiming to return for 2005.

"Neither Tim nor I foresee him playing for another team again other than the Dolphins due to his back injury," Bowens' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said. "He has not been cleared by his doctors."

Rosenhaus said Bowens is not retiring officially but acknowledged it's unlikely the 6-foot-4, 325-pounder will play again.

Bowens was The Associated Press' defensive rookie of the year in 1994. He missed just five games during his first 10 seasons before sitting out much of 2004 and was twice voted to the Pro Bowl.

"He is one of the true leaders of this football team," Dolphins defensive back Sam Madison said.

Sanders signs

OWINGS MILLS, Md. - Deion Sanders signed a one-year, $1.5-million contract with the Ravens after passing his physical.

"Feeling good, looking good," he said. "If women weren't present, I'd take off my shirt and show you how good I look."

His return was delayed for several days while a doctor in New York examined Sanders' surgically repaired toe.

The seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback, who turns 38 on Aug.9, could earn $4-million in playing-time incentives.

BROWNS: Offensive tackle Ross Verba will be released once he repays a $465,000 roster bonus, ending a contract dispute. Verba, the only Browns lineman to start all 16 games last season, said he will pay today. 49ERS: The 2004 in-house video featuring racist jokes and topless blonds wasn't the first offensive video from the recently resigned public relations director. The team said late Tuesday a video made in 2003 by Kirk Reynolds contained "objectionable content showing bikini-clad women." The tapes were meant to prepare players for dealing with the media. PANTHERS: Running back Stephen Davis ran for the first time since knee surgery. He said he is cautiously optimistic he will be ready by training camp. RAIDERS: The California Supreme Court agreed to review if a lower court properly dismissed a lawsuit against the NFL. The team alleges the NFL sabotaged efforts to build a stadium near Los Angeles. The NFL won a jury verdict in 2001, but a judge ordered a new trial amid accusations that one juror was biased against the team. The appeals court overturned that decision, and the Raiders appealed to the state Supreme Court. RAMS: Offensive lineman Kyle Turley was released after failing a physical. Turley started every game at right tackle in 2003 but had surgery for a herniated disc in March 2004. He reinjured his back early in the 2004 training camp and missed the season. In December, Turley, upset about a remark that the team hadn't seen him since he reinjured the back, engaged in a shouting match with coach Mike Martz, which Turley described as a "heated, unfortunately profane exchange." SEAHAWKS: Coach Mike Holmgren returned to practice after taking a day off. He went to a hospital Monday afternoon complaining of chest pain, but tests showed no damage. ARENA LEAGUE: Colorado's Damian Harrell was named the offensive player of the year in voting by coaches, fans and media. In 16 games, the seven-year veteran from Florida State caught 122 passes (fourth in the league) for 1,486 yards (fourth) and 41 touchdowns (second).

[Last modified June 9, 2005, 01:17:24]

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