NFL

Falcons' Mora disputes growing hot-head rep

By wire services
Published December 27, 2005

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Jim Mora acknowledged Monday he was upset when he abruptly ended a radio interview after Saturday's loss, which knocked his Falcons out of playoff contention.

Still, Mora said, "I have great control of my emotions" and added that he believes he is unfairly judged by those seeking to link his outbursts with those of his father, former coach Jim Mora.

"I think part of that comes from the fact I share my last name with my dad, who's got famous sound bites," he said. "So everyone is always looking for one, looking for one, looking for one. So you know what? There hasn't been any. That's the problem. You get a penalty for yelling at an official and everyone wants to make a big deal out of it. Every coach in this league yells at officials."

As for Saturday's episode, he said:

"All I did was take the headphones off and slam them down and the thing bounced and I walked out. If I offended anyone I obviously apologize. That wasn't my intent. ... I didn't handle it as well as I should have."

Falcons general manager Rich McKay said Sunday he didn't know if the team will discipline Mora. McKay did not return a phone message Monday.

BENGALS: Marvin Lewis hasn't decided whether to play injured Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer in a regular-season finale that has lost most of its significance. Palmer slightly strained his groin while scrambling to the sideline Saturday.

COLTS: The team hopes its recent success helps in its search for a corporate sponsor for its new stadium, expected to be ready for 2008. Interested companies should be prepared to spend about $50-million over 15 to 20 years.

COWBOYS: Inconsistent kicker Billy Cundiff was released, the team's fourth change at the position since training camp. Dallas re-signed rookie Sean Suisham, who was cut when the team brought back Cundiff on Nov.19 and didn't miss a field goal or extra point in two games. Cundiff made 5 of 8 field goals since returning.

GIANTS: The team shored up its injury-depleted linebacking corps by signing Kevin Lewis, who was cut in September after he started all 16 games last season. New York has been beset by injuries at linebacker, beginning with middle linebacker Antonio Pierce. Rookie free-agent Chase Blackburn, who replaced Pierce, sprained his neck Saturday, and outside linebacker Carlos Emmons is out with an injury to a pectoral muscle.

JAGUARS: Defensive tackle Marcus Stroud escaped serious injury after losing control of his vehicle while driving home for the holidays Saturday. Stroud was driving from Jacksonville to his family home in Barney, Ga., when he approached a slow-moving vehicle on Interstate 10. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Stroud lost control of his sport utility vehicle, which rolled over. ... Quarterback Byron Leftwich has received medical clearance to return to practice today and could play in the regular-season finale against Tennessee. Coach Jack Del Rio said he plans to wait until later in the week to decide between Leftwich and David Garrard. Leftwich broke a bone in his left ankle Nov.27 at Arizona.

RAMS: Jamie Martin will start the season finale at quarterback. Last week, interim coach Joe Vitt delayed making his pick public until the day before Saturday's game, even though Martin practiced with the first unit all week.

REDSKINS: Quarterback Mark Brunell had his sprained right knee examined and said he was "day to day" for Sunday's game against the Eagles. A victory at Philadelphia would give Washington its first playoff berth in six years.

TITANS: Quarterback Steve McNair remained a "little sore" with a strained right pectoral muscle, and coach Jeff Fisher said he probably won't throw until Thursday. Fisher said McNair will benefit from having today and possibly Wednesday off.

[Last modified December 27, 2005, 02:30:20]