NFL Notebook | Shula: Patriots are “tainted”
MELBOURNE, Fla. - Don Shula said he wouldn’t begrudge the New England Patriots if they go undefeated this season, equaling the feat his 1972 Miami Dolphins achieved.
But the former Dolphins coach said a perfect Patriots season would be “tainted” by the so-called “Spygate” scandal.
The Patriots were fined $250,000 and forced to forfeit a first-round draft pick next year for allegedly recording the New York Jets’ defensive signals and relaying them to Patriots players on the field during a game in September. In addition, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000.
The Patriots should have an asterisk by their name in the record books if they go undefeated, Shula said Tuesday during a speech at Brevard Community College in Melbourne.
Pacman’s season suspension to stand
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Adam “Pacman Jones” won’t be back with the Tennessee Titans, at least not this season.
The league made that clear Tuesday, as commissioner Roger Goodell decided to let his seasonlong suspension of Jones stand. The cornerback had hoped to be reinstated after the Titans’ 10th game.
“Commissioner Goodell notified Adam Jones that his suspension will remain unchanged and will continue through the remainder of the 2007 season,” the NFL said in a statement. “He will be eligible to begin working out at the Titans’ facility following the conclusion of the team’s season.”
Chiefs’ Johnson (foot) likely out Sunday
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Chiefs running back Larry Johnson has a sprained right foot and is highly questionable for Sunday’s game against Denver, Kansas City coach Herm Edwards said.
Edwards declined to speculate on how long Johnson might be out, saying he did not have enough information.
“He’s got a swollen foot right now so that’s not good,” he said.
Into the breach will step Priest Holmes. The three-time Pro Bowl player has made an unexpected comeback after being out of football for almost two years following a spinal injury in October 2005. Rookie Kolby Smith, a fifth-round draft choice out of Louisville, will share the carries.
Notes
• Jacksonville Jaguars DT Marcus Stroud was suspended without pay by the league for four games for violating the NFL’s steroids and related substances policy.
Stroud admitted last week that he had taken supplements following offseason micro-fracture surgery on his right ankle. He said he was no longer taking the supplements, adding that he didn’t plan to appeal the league’s suspension.
• Buffalo QB J.P. Losman will start Sunday when the Bills visit the Miami Dolphins, coach Dick Jauron said in a statement. Losman has led Buffalo to back-to-back wins.