|
Oct 27 (The Sports Xchange) - A comment made by
Houston Texans owner Bob McNair at a full owner's meeting Oct.
18 became public in a story on espn.com, and it caused a
reaction from the Texans' players.
McNair's words -- "We can't have the inmates running the prison"
-- led to a team meeting Friday and delayed the start of
practice, one that nearly didn't happen until players were
convinced by coaches to work. One player, however, wide receiver
DeAndre Hopkins, left the team facility and did not practice.
The meeting lasted 90 minutes and also present were general
manager Rick Smith, head coach Bill O'Brien and assistant head
coach Romeo Crennel.
McNair later apologized to African-American league executive
vice president/football operations Troy Vincent, a former
player.
"I regret that I used that expression," McNair said, according
to ESPN.
"I never meant to offend anyone and I was not referring to our
players. I used a figure of speech that was never intended to be
taken literally. I would never characterize our players or our
league that way and I apologize to anyone who was offended by
it."
When coach Bill O'Brien was asked after practice about what
McNair said and how he handled it with the team, he said: "It's
been addressed. I'm really here to talk about Seattle. I'm 100
percent with these players. Our coaching staff's 100 percent
behind these players."
As for Hopkins, O'Brien first said, "He's fine. He took a
personal day today."
- - -
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, listed as
questionable on the team's injury report, is expected to be
cleared from the NFL concussion protocol for Sunday's game
against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kuechly was a full participant in practice Wednesday through
Friday after missing last Sunday's game against the Chicago
Bears -- the 10th contest the four-time Pro Bowl selection
missed in the past three seasons due to concussions.
Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil will miss his sixth game of the
season after being ruled out with a neck injury.
- - -
New York Jets linebacker Darron Lee was fined more than $45,000
for two plays in last Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.
Lee was fined $36,464 by the NFL for a helmet-to-helmet hit on
Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler and was docked $9,115 for a
penalty in which he grabbed the facemask of Miami running back
Jay Ajayi.
New York receiver Robby Anderson was also fined for throwing his
helmet in the final seconds. He was docked $12,154.
- - -
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin would not give an update
on disgruntled wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who will be
inactive for Sunday night's game against the Detroit Lions.
Tomlin told ESPN he would not talk about Bryant's status beyond
this week.
Bryant has been unhappy with his playing time and doubled down
on his request to be traded on a social media rant Sunday night
after the Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 29-14. His
frustration came after just one catch for 3 yards on two targets
in the game.
- - -
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs is listed as
questionable with a groin injury but he is expected to be
available for Sunday's game in London against the Cleveland
Browns.
Quarterback Sam Bradford was officially declared out for the
game at Twickenham Stadium, meaning backup Case Keenum will be
the starter, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer told reporters.
- - -
Washington Redskins starting linebacker Mason Foster will
undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, the
team announced.
Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Foster would be placed on injured
reserve, effectively ending his season.
Starting center Spencer Long (knee) was ruled out Sunday's game
against the Dallas Cowboys because of issues with his quads.
- - -
The Indianapolis Colts promoted outside linebacker Josh Perry to
the active roster from the practice squad.
In a corresponding move, the Colts waived tight end Henry
Krieger-Coble.
[© 2017 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2017 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
|
