Rams erase GM position in overhaul

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published June 21, 2006

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ST. LOUIS - The Rams restructured their front office, eliminating the general manager position and hiring two vice presidents.

Tony Softli was selected vice president for player personnel, the Rams said Tuesday. Softli, formerly director of college scouting for the Panthers, will lead the player personnel department that will include longtime general manager Charley Armey, whose new title is vice president for pro personnel.

Jay Zygmunt will remain as president of pro football operations.

The moves come after a tumultuous 2005 season that featured infighting between some in upper management and coach Mike Martz, who missed most of the season with a heart ailment. Martz was fired after the season and replaced by Scott Linehan.

CHIEFS:

Defensive back Jerald Brown, the Arena Football League's defensive player of the year, signed a two-year contract. He had a franchise-record 11 interceptions for the Columbus Destroyers.

STEELERS:

Receiver Santonio Holmes apologized in a statement for his arrest on charges he assaulted a woman. The Ohio State product, 22, has been arrested twice since he was a first-round pick.

TITANS:

Rookie running back LenDale White said the hamstring injury that had bothered him since the spring has healed, and he is now working on conditioning. The Southern California standout fell to the second round largely because of the injury.

ARENA FOOTBALL:

The Storm re-signed offensive/defensive lineman Thaddeus Bullard to a one-year contract. Bullard, a 6-feet-4, 275 pounds, had eight tackles, including one for loss, in four games last season.