Roaf retires, but Chiefs hope not
By TIMES WIRES
Published July 29, 2006
RIVER FALLS, Wis. - Willie Roaf says he's retiring and going back to college. The Chiefs are holding out hope the 11-time Pro Bowl tackle will return for a 14th season.
Roaf, 36, told the Kansas City Star on Friday he was retiring, a move that would leave a large hole on the Chiefs offensive line.
Carl Peterson, president and general manager, said neither he nor coach Herm Edwards had spoken with Roaf in several weeks and they were "leaving the door open."
"Certainly I am aware of what was written," Peterson said Friday, the first day of training camp. "I'd say right now, because of who Willie Roaf is, what he has contributed to the Kansas City Chiefs and what he's contributed to the National Football League, we're going to keep the door open for a while.
"Players do change their mind."
Roaf told the Star for a story posted on its Web site Friday that he told Peterson and Edwards of his intentions several weeks ago, including in a letter sent to the team.
"I guess they want me to reconsider," Roaf said. "I'm solid on retiring and going back to school."
The offense struggled last season without Roaf, who missed six games with a hamstring injury. Candidates to replace him include Jordan Black, who backed him up last season, Will Svitek and newcomer Kyle Turley, who missed the past two seasons with a back injury.
Peterson said he was sure money was not the issue.
"He has a contract this year for a sizable amount of money if he comes and plays," he said.
Meanwhile, Peterson said former Pro Bowl running back Priest Holmes would begin camp on the physically unable to perform list. Doctors are still evaluating the effects of a spinal injury Holmes sustained last season.
Gaffney arrested
PHILADELPHIA - Eagles re-ceiver Jabar Gaffney was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun last month, prosecutors disclosed Friday. The former Gator standout had a permit to carry the weapon in Texas but not New Jersey, Camden County prosecutors said.
Gaffney, 25, who signed after four seasons with the Texans, was stopped June 20 for driving erratically. As he reached into the glove compartment, the officer saw a loaded .380 semiautomatic.
The charge carries a maximum five-year sentence. But prosecutors said Gaffney intends to apply for a program for first-time offenders that results in charges being dismissed upon completion.
BILLS: Defensive tackle John McCargo, the 26th pick, agreed to a five-year deal worth $8.6-million with $5.2-million guaranteed.
BROWNS: A day after losing starting center LeCharles Bentley for the season to a knee injury, starting offensive tackle Ryan Tucker left practice early with pain in his left knee. Results of an MRI exam will be available today.
COLTS: Ian Greengross, agent for first-round pick Joseph Addai, said the sides have agreed on a five-year term for a contract but other details, including money, remain unsettled. Camp opens Sunday. Friday, guard Michael Toudouze became the first pick to sign. Rodney Williams, the agent for sixth-round pick Charlie Johnson, said he believes the biggest obstacle to signing the other five picks has been the Colts' insistence they get four-year deals rather than the usual three.
COWBOYS: Linebacker Bobby Carpenter, the 18th pick, agreed to a five-year, $12-million deal with about $7.5-million guaranteed.
49ERS: Tight end Vernon Davis, the sixth pick, signed. Terms were not disclosed.
JAGUARS: Tight end Marcedes Lewis, the 28th pick, signed a five-year deal worth about $7.5-million with about $4.8-million guaranteed.
PACKERS: Linebacker A.J. Hawk, the fifth pick, agreed to a six-year deal. The linebacker's agent, Mike McCartney, said the sides were still working out details, meaning he was expected to miss Friday night's first practice. The Associated Press reported the deal is worth $37.5-million with incentives that could boost it to $40-million.
PATRIOTS: Running back Laurence Maroney, the 21st pick, and tight end Walter Rasby, who caught five passes in six games for the Redskins last season, signed. Terms for both deals were not disclosed.
Also, receiver Deion Branch is holding out. Entering his fifth season, Branch wants more than the $1.045-million he's scheduled to make, the last season of his original contract. There have been negotiations, but Jason Chayut, Branch's agent, said this week the player won't arrive until he feels he's being treated fairly." Branch, who also missed a mandatory minicamp in June, can be fined $14,000 for each day he misses.
RAVENS: Defensive tackle Ha-loti Ngata, the 12th pick, agreed to a five-year deal, ending a one-day holdout. Financial terms were not disclosed.
SAINTS: Eighth-year linebacker Anthony Simmons did not arrive at camp. Coach Sean Payton did not say if he knew why but called it an unexcused absence.
STEELERS: Receiver Santonio Holmes, the 25th pick, agreed to a five-year deal that does not include clauses protecting the team against off-field problems.
The former Ohio State star has been arrested twice since being drafted. But Kevin Colbert, director of football operations, said the team is protected enough by the standard contract, which includes league-enforced punishments for transgressions.
Holmes faces an Aug. 15 trial on an assault charge involving the mother of one of his three children and has pleaded innocent to disorderly conduct charges brought Memorial Day weekend in Miami.
unsigned first-round picks
NO. PLAYER TEAM
2 Reggie Bush Saints
8 Donte Whitner Bills
9 Ernie Sims Lions
10 Matt Leinart Cardinals
14 Brodrick Bunkley Eagles
15 Tye Hill Rams
16 Jason Allen Dolphins
24 Johnathan Joseph Bengals
30 Joseph Addai Colts
31 Kelly Jennings Seahawks