NFL Capsules: Falcons DT Babineaux charged with drug possession
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith says Jonathan Babineaux’s arrest Thursday night for felony possession of marijuana will not affect his struggling team.
Babineaux, a fifth-year defensive tackle and arguably the Falcons’ best pass rusher this season, has been charged with 1½ ounces of marijuana. He was arrested during a traffic stop on Interstate 85 at 10:45 p.m. Thursday.
"I don’t think it’s going to be a distraction," Smith said. "This is a strong group of men in this locker room. We all have a job to do and we’re going to go out and do it."
Babineaux practiced Friday, but refused interview requests after the 1-hour workout. Smith declined to say whether Babineaux, whose five sacks lead the team, would play Sunday when the Falcons (6-6) host New Orleans (12-0).
According to Gwinnett County police spokesman Cpl. David Schiralli, the arresting officer was still on duty Friday morning and would not file a report until later.
Schiralli said Babineaux and another man, Aaron Robinson, were driving in Babineaux’s 2005 Cadillac Escalade when police pulled them over.
"It was pretty routine," Schiralli said. "The officer saw that the vehicle had an expired tag, no tag light and too heavy a tint on the windows. The officer smelled marijuana and found three bags containing a total of approximately 40 grams. That’s quite a bit and enough for us to charge him with intent to distribute."
Babineaux re-signed with the Falcons last fall when the team gave him a five-year, $25 million contract. He was drafted in the second round out of Iowa in 2005.
Schiralli said Babineaux, who posted a bond of $5,700 and was released from Gwinnett County jail at approximately 5 a.m., also was charged with driving without a license.
Atlanta has lost three of four and five of seven as its defense has dropped to last in the NFL with 49 plays allowed of 20 or more yards.
In a statement released by team spokesman Reggie Roberts, owner Arthur Blank and general manager Thomas Dimitroff "are aware of the situation concerning Jonathan Babineaux and are in the process of gathering information. Because this is a legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time."
Babineaux was cleared in November 2007 of a felony charge of animal cruelty after the Gwinnett prosecutor’s office determined evidence was lacking for his alleged involvement in the death of a dog.
Gwinnett County Police arrested Babineaux on Feb. 19, 2007 after his girlfriend, Blair Anderson, said she and Babineaux argued at their home. She said she went to the movies, and when she returned, she found her 1½-year-old pit bull, Kilo, in "severe physical distress."
Protective order granted against Ravens LB Suggs
BALTIMORE — A judge granted a protective order Friday that bars Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs from contact with the mother of his two young children, a decision that Suggs agreed to without admitting any wrongdoing.
Candace D. Williams, 26, accused Suggs of hitting her in the chest, pushing her to the floor and sitting on her while holding her neck with one hand and a bottle of bleach with the other, according to court documents.
Williams alleged that Suggs threatened to drown her with the bleach and that some of it splashed on her and their toddler son, the documents showed. The alleged scuffle began with an argument over tickets to the Ravens’ Nov. 29 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Suggs, 27, has not been charged with a crime and denies any wrongdoing. Williams filed a lawsuit against Suggs on Tuesday, accusing him of assault and battery and seeking $70 million in damages. She also sued for custody and child support.
"You can draw your own conclusions relating to somebody’s motives when they file a $70 million lawsuit within 20 days of the alleged incident," said Warren S. Alperstein, one of Suggs’ attorneys.
Alperstein said Suggs was satisfied with the result of the hearing.
"He does not want to be near her at all," Alperstein said.
Baltimore District Judge Theodore B. Oshrine did not rule on the merits of Williams’ domestic violence claims. Instead, he urged lawyers for Suggs and Williams to agree to extend the protective order while the lawsuit, which was filed in Baltimore County, works its way through the courts.
Suggs’ attorneys said they would have called eyewitnesses to contradict Williams’ claims of abuse. They said Williams initiated the fight between them by hitting him in the head, kicking him and spitting on him and that Suggs did not retaliate.
Williams’ attorney, Eric Gordon, also brought several witnesses to testify on his client’s behalf. Gordon declined to comment after the hearing.
Alperstein said in court that social workers interviewed the couple and other witnesses and concluded that Williams’ allegation that Suggs abused their son was unsubstantiated. Oshrine ordered the report from the social workers sealed.
Attorneys spent much of the 90-minute hearing negotiating the terms of the couple’s breakup. Suggs and Williams, who are not married, agreed to share custody of their 2-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son, and Suggs agreed to pay Williams $35,000 a month in child support. Williams will also take possession of one of Suggs’ cars, a 2008 Hummer H2.
Williams wept as she entered the courthouse and at the conclusion of the hearing. Suggs, wearing a charcoal three-piece suit, appeared calm and shook hands with fans outside the courtroom during a recess.
Suggs left the courthouse via a side entrance to avoid reporters, and Williams declined to comment.
Suggs signed a six-year, $63 million contract in the offseason with $38 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history.
His season has been marred by injuries. He sat out training camp with a heel injury and has missed the last three games with a sprained right knee ligament. He is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.
--Ben Nuckols
Prosecutors drop Panthers LB’s assault charge
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Prosecutors have dropped a misdemeanor assault charge against Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason because of a lack of evidence.
Mecklenburg Assistant District Attorney Bruce Lillie said Friday that no witnesses in a Charlotte strip club last month saw Beason throw a punch.
Beason was arrested after 29-year-old Gregory Frye told a judge the linebacker hit him in the face at a Charlotte strip club on Nov. 16. Frye sued Beason for more than $10,000 in damages a day later.
Lillie says the only evidence against Beason was Frye’s statement.
The Panthers let Beason continue to play, and the team says it’s pleased the charge was dropped.
Beason’s attorney George Laughrun says the linebacker is glad prosecutors restored his good name.
Saints coach plaintiff in Chinese drywall lawsuit
NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is one of about 2,100 plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit against a Chinese manufacturer of drywall blamed for damaging homes and sickening residents.
Payton is listed as the lead plaintiff in a suit filed Wednesday in federal court in New Orleans against Knauf Plasterboard Tainjin Co. Numerous lawsuits have been filed over the drywall.
In June, Payton told reporters he moved his family out of their suburban New Orleans home and said he was suing the Chinese maker of drywall used in it.
The plaintiffs in the newly filed suit include residents of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. Dozens of homebuilders, remodelers, building suppliers and drywall distributors also are named as defendants.
Jones or Forsett to start at RB for Seahawks?
RENTON, Wash. — Julius Jones or Justin Forsett may start for the Seahawks at running back on Sunday at Houston.
All coach Jim Mora will say is that both will play plenty.
Mora said after practice Friday that "it depends what plays we’re dialing up" as to who plays when.
Forsett had two 100-yard games in three weeks while Jones was out with a bruised lung. Then, when Jones returned last week, Forsett was limited against San Francisco by a quadriceps injury.
Mora said Forsett will "absolutely" be running more now that his leg is better.
Seattle lists Matt Hasselbeck as probable. The quarterback says his sore throwing shoulder that caused him to miss practice Wednesday is much better and that he will start.
Reserve linebacker and special teams player D.D. Lewis is questionable with a swollen and painful knee.
Bucs’ Trueblood fined $25K, Titans’ Brown $20K
NEW YORK — Tampa Bay right tackle Jeremy Trueblood has been fined $25,000 by the NFL for unnecessary roughness, while Tennessee defensive tackle Tony Brown was fined $20,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The NFL announced the fines on Friday.
Trueblood leveled Carolina’s Chris Gamble well after a play was over in the second quarter of the Buccaneers’ 16-6 loss on Sunday. It’s Trueblood’s fourth infraction this season after previously being fined twice for unnecessary roughness and once for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Brown was fined for poking his fingers through the facemask of Indianapolis guard Kyle DeVan after a play Sunday late in the first half of the Colts’ 27-17 victory. It was also Brown’s fourth infraction this season.
Chiefs avoid local TV blackout
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The local TV streak continues for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs announced Friday they had sold enough tickets to Sunday’s game with Buffalo (4-8) to avoid a television blackout for the 156th straight game.
The Chiefs (3-9) have not had a game blacked out since late in the 1990 season. They requested a 24-hour extension from the NFL on Thursday because there were still tickets to be sold.
The streak could be in trouble next week since the two-win Cleveland Browns are the final home opponent.
Injuries
With stretch run looming, Eagles healthier
PHILADELPHIA — As the Philadelphia Eagles enter the final quarter of their season, they couldn’t be in better shape in more ways than one.
A win this week over their NFC East rival New York Giants would all but secure a playoff spot, and perhaps just as important, the team is getting healthier.
"Today was the first day everyone, with the exception of the guys on injured reserve, practiced," coach Andy Reid said Friday. "That’s a real plus."
Everyone included running back Brian Westbrook, who is listed as out for Sunday night’s game, but made it through a week of practice and is inching closer to a return.
Also practicing: wide receivers Jeremy Maclin (foot) and Kevin Curtis (knee), who are both listed as questionable.
Reid said Maclin will play Sunday night at the Meadowlands. Curtis will make the trip and be a game-time decision.
Wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who missed last week’s game at Atlanta with a concussion, is listed as probable and also is expected to play the crucial division game against the Giants.
Westbrook will miss his fourth straight game after suffering his second concussion of the season. He has missed a total of six games this season due to concussions.
"He’s feeling pretty good," Reid said. "You could see it in practice. Every time he touched the ball, he was sprinting. You could see him getting back into the swing of things."
Westbrook is using a new helmet with more cushioning to absorb the blows a running back takes.
"It’s big," Westbrook said. "But I’m getting used to it."
The Eagles have gotten used to not having their premier back in the lineup, going 5-1 in the six games he has not played. Still, getting him back would be a boost to an offense that ranks 11th in the NFL.
"I have to hear from the doctors, trainers and of course Brian when he’s ready to go," Reid said. "But he’s feeling pretty good and that’s encouraging, there were no setbacks and that’s a good thing."
Westbrook said earlier this week he wanted to get back before the end of the season.
"My major thing is to continue to try and progress and get better every single day and see how things go from there," he said.
Curtis, who has been out since a Week 2 loss to New Orleans, will take the bus ride up to the Meadowlands.
"He’s doing better than I thought," Reid said. "He says he’s feeling good and is ready to go. So he’ll travel. Whether he dresses or not, I don’t know yet."
That could depend on the status of the rookie Maclin, who injured his foot in last week’s win over Atlanta, missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, but was back on the field Friday.
"He should be fine," Reid said.
It’s a critical game for the Eagles (8-4) and the Giants (7-5). The Eagles won the first meeting, so a win Sunday would give them a two-game lead over their rival with three games to go — plus they’d hold the tiebreaker by sweeping the season series. If the Giants win, they’ll be no more than one game out of first and could be tied if Dallas (8-4) also loses to San Diego. The Giants already have won both their meetings with Dallas.
"We’re all fighting to stay alive at this point," Reid said. "This team enjoys playing together. They take coaching very well. Now we’re in the final quarter we’ll see how we do here down the stretch."
NOTES: Linebacker Akeem Jordan, who has missed the past four games with a knee injury, will play this week. He could see time in the middle with Will Witherspoon remaining on the weak side. "Akeem can play all three spots," Reid said. "So we’ll see." Witherspoon added: "I’m preparing for everything." Nickel back Joselio Hanson will also be back after serving a four-game suspension for violation of the league’s banned substance policy. "He’s in good shape," Reid said. "It looks like he’s changing directions, planting and driving. All those things are there."
Injuries across the board on Packers’ def line
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers’ late-season ascension to No. 1 in the NFL for defense has featured a secondary that thrives on interceptions and a young, deep linebacker corps that applies a lot of pressure.
Yet, the unsung group of the unit, which also has been stout in stopping the run, is perhaps the defensive line.
"You need those big guys," defensive coordinator Dom Capers said Friday. "You can’t ever have enough of ‘em."
Having enough of those wide-bodied defensive linemen to get through practice this week proved to be a challenge: The Packers’ top four linemen are on the injury report, potentially leaving the defense short-handed going into Sunday’s game at Chicago.
Coach Mike McCarthy was optimistic that the Packers will have most, if not all, of the players available for the rival Bears.
"I think it’s starting to clear itself up," McCarthy said. "We feel good about giving these guys a chance to come all of the way back in the next 48 hours."
Defensive end Cullen Jenkins (hamstring) and rookie tackle B.J. Raji (ankle) are probable for the game. End Johnny Jolly (knee) is questionable.
The team’s biggest concern is with nose tackle Ryan Pickett (hamstring), who didn’t practice this week and is listed as doubtful for Sunday.
Pickett, the veteran run stuffer of the defense, pulled his hamstring while he was chasing Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco late in the Packers’ 27-14 win Monday night.
"I know, that’s what I get for chasing the quarterback," Pickett said. "I know I should just end up playing the run."
The 30-year-old Pickett has missed only two games since 2002, and he is hopeful of playing Sunday. If he can’t, the Packers have been preparing Raji to make what would be his first pro start.
Raji was Green Bay’s top draft pick this year, selected No. 9 in the first round. Although Raji is Pickett’s backup, the rookie has been playing more at end.
"If we’re in a situation where (Pickett) can’t go, I feel confident (Raji) can step in and play, and play well," Capers said.
Raji missed the first two weeks of training camp because of a contract issue. Then, he suffered an ankle injury in the final preseason game and missed the first two games of the season.
"Now, it feels like normal. This is what I’m used to," Raji said. "I feel like I’m into a routine now."
The Packers don’t have another backup at nose tackle, though converted tackle Jolly could handle that role or Green Bay could consider promoting nose tackle Anthony Toribio from the practice squad.
Jolly is confident he will play Sunday after he tweaked his left knee in the previous game.
"This has been an interesting week because our big guys have all been somewhat limited," Capers said. "But, we’ve worked our way through it pretty well, I think. I’d be interested between now and when we play where our health will be."
Vikes’ Harvin out again, questionable for Bengals
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings receiver Percy Harvin missed his third straight practice Friday with migraine headaches and is questionable for Sunday’s game against Cincinnati.
Coach Brad Childress wouldn’t rule out Harvin for the battle between division leaders, but wasn’t overly confident the explosive rookie would be able to play.
"It’s tough, certainly behind the eight-ball," he said.
Harvin, dangerous as a receiver and kick returner, missed practice time before the San Francisco and Green Bay games earlier this season and responded well in both. Besides four catches for 51 yards, he returned a kickoff for a touchdown against the 49ers, and had five catches for 84 yards and a touchdown against the Packers.
The Vikings, who can clinch the NFC North with a win and Green Bay loss at Chicago, have 14 players listed on the injury report, all but one of them starters.
That includes running back Adrian Peterson (foot/ankle), right tackle Phil Loadholt (shoulder) and left guard Steve Hutchinson (shoulder). All were limited in Friday’s practice, as was quarterback Brett Favre because of a coach’s decision.
Favre, Peterson and Hutchinson are probable for Sunday; Loadholt is questionable.
Childress became irritated with reporters who were asking about the hurt players Friday, referring them to the team’s injury report that had yet to be distributed.
"I (expletive) hate to talk about injuries," he said. "You get a report ... OK? That fair?"
Safety Tyrell Johnson missed Friday’s practice because of a concussion, his third straight day on the sidelines. He’s listed as doubtful, though Childress said, "I’m pretty sure he’s out."
If Johnson can’t play, rookie Jamarca Sanford would likely get his first start.
Right guard Anthony Herrera, out the last two games with a concussion, had a full practice Friday and is listed as probable.
Having a healthy offensive line will be a key because the Bengals have the league’s second-ranked rushing defense and fourth overall defense.
Despite the limited time working together as a group, Loadholt said it shouldn’t be a problem.
"We practiced good this week," he said. "We got all the looks we needed. We’ll be ready."
Cornerback Antoine Winfield, who has missed six games with a foot injury, was limited in practice and is listed as questionable.
"He did OK, we’ll see how it goes," Childress said.
Titans’ Young watches practice, may play Sunday
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee quarterback Vince Young is questionable for Sunday’s game against St. Louis after re-aggravating his sore right knee.
Young watched as Kerry Collins took all the first-team reps in Friday’s practice. He was originally hurt in last weekend’s 27-17 loss at Indianapolis, though tests on the knee came back fine.
"He didn’t practice today," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said, adding that missing practice "will not have anything to do with whether or not he plays. He understands the game plan and got at least half of the preparation."
Running back Chris Johnson returned to practice fully and will be listed as probable this week, as will receiver Kenny Britt, who also practiced fully after being added to the injury report Thursday with a back injury.
Fullback Ahmard Hall (ankle), tight end Jared Cook (concussion) and receiver Nate Washington (ankle) also both practiced fully and are listed as questionable.
Linebackers David Thornton (rest) and Colin Allred (hamstring) are questionable after limited practice on Friday.
NOTES: The Titans will DE end Eric Bakhtieri from the practice squad to the active roster on Friday and place DT Jason Jones on injured reserve. Jones had shoulder surgery on Wednesday.
Matt Ryan listed as questionable on injury report
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Matt Ryan missed his sixth straight practice with the Atlanta Falcons, but coach Mike Smith listed the second-year quarterback as questionable on the team’s injury report Friday.
The 2008 NFL offensive rookie of the year, sidelined since the first quarter of Atlanta’s 20-17 win over Tampa Bay two weeks ago, is nursing an injured toe.
"Matt worked again this morning in our walk-through," Smith said. "He continued to progress and we’re going to make a decision as we get closer to game time."
Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner, who missed last week’s 34-7 home loss to Philadelphia with an injured ankle, was limited in practice and is listed as questionable.
The Falcons (6-6) host New Orleans (12-0) on Sunday.
Four other offensive starters — Pro Bowl receiver Roddy White (knee) left tackle Sam Baker (elbow), center Todd McClure (knee) and right guard Harvey Dahl (ankle) — are also questionable.
Rookie cornerback Christopher Owens (shoulder) was listed as probable. The Falcons expect Owens will start on the left side opposite right cornerback Brent Grimes, who is filling in for starter Chris Houston. Smith has ruled out Houston (hamstring) and tight end Justin Peelle (concussion).
Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux, who was arrested Thursday night in Gwinnett County and charged with felony possession of marijuana, is listed as questionable because of a shoulder injury.
Babineaux was limited in practice, and Smith said he has yet to decide if the fifth-year veteran will be allowed to play against the Saints.
-- George Henry
Colts Mathis questionable but returns to practice
INDIANAPOLIS — Colts defensive end Robert Mathis practiced Friday for the first time this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Denver.
A Pro Bowl selection last year, Mathis missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with a quadriceps injury.
Right tackle Ryan Diem also is questionable after missing his second straight day of practice with a hamstring injury. Left tackle Charlie Johnson returned to practice after missing last week’s game with a foot injury and is listed as questionable.
Four players have been ruled out of the game: running back Donald Brown (chest), safety Aaron Francisco (ankle), receiver Anthony Gonzalez (knee) and kicker Adam Vinatieri (knee).
Sanchez, Lowery, Turner out for Jets
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Quarterback Mark Sanchez has been ruled out, as expected, for the New York Jets’ game at Tampa Bay, along with cornerback Dwight Lowery and offensive lineman Robert Turner.
Sanchez sprained the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Buffalo last Thursday. Coach Rex Ryan decided to sit him against the Buccaneers earlier this week. Kellen Clemens will start in his place.
Lowery has missed the last two games with a high right ankle sprain, while Turner was inactive against the Bills with an injured knee.
Right guard Alan Faneca and offensive lineman Wayne Hunter are both questionable with illnesses.
LB Porter returns to Dolphins’ practice
DAVIE, Fla. — Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter has returned to practice after missing two days of drills with a sore right knee.
Porter practiced Friday and was listed as probable for Sunday’s game at Jacksonville. Center Jake Grove, who missed the past two games with an ankle injury, did not practice and was listed as doubtful.
Linebacker Jason Taylor (shoulder) practiced and was probable.
Player Moves
LB Ulbrich retiring after 10 seasons with 49ers
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Linebacker Jeff Ulbrich is retiring after 10 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
Ulbrich has been contemplating retirement since sustaining a severe concussion during an Oct. 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons. He was placed on injured reserve eight days later.
Ulbrich said Friday that the time had come to make the decision. He plans to pursue a career in coaching, perhaps even with the 49ers.
"I don’t like to say it, but this is it," Ulbrich said. "I think it was a medical thing. But I’m excited about coaching and ready to start that next phase of my life."
Ulbrich, 32, played in 121 games for the 49ers with 75 starts. He finished his career with 653 tackles, including a career-high 167 in 2004. He also had 5.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and two interceptions.
San Francisco’s third-round draft pick in 2000, Ulbrich is one of 47 players in franchise history to play 10 years or more with the 49ers.
Ulbrich said he will seek coaching opportunities at either the professional or college level.
San Francisco defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, who played linebacker in the NFL for 12 seasons before entering coaching, said Ulbrich won’t have any difficulty finding work.
"He’ll make a great coach in the league," Manusky said. "He’s a student of the game. He understands defenses, and his personality and his type are pretty dang good."
Panthers QB Moore gets 2nd straight start
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina’s Matt Moore will make his second straight start this weekend when the Panthers play at New England.
Jake Delhomme was declared out for Sunday’s game and missed his third straight day of practice Friday with a broken right finger.
Panthers coach John Fox says it’s still difficult for the 11-year veteran to grip the football. Fox says Delhomme is "day-to-day" and that Carolina will "go with our quarterbacks who are healthy enough to do it."
A.J. Feeley will backup Moore.
Jaguars sign Harrington off Cards’ practice squad
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed first-year defensive end Chris Harrington off Arizona’s practice squad and waived first-year defensive back Kennard Cox.
The moves on Friday came as the Jaguars continued to look for help along a defensive line that has suffered season-ending injuries to Reggie Hayward, Rob Meier and Bryan Smith. The team also waived defensive tackle Derek Landri last week.
The Cardinals drafted the 6-foot-5, 260-pound Harrington in the sixth round in 2008. He spent time on Arizona’s practice squad last season before getting signed by Cincinnati and playing three games. The Bengals waived Harrington during final cuts in September and he rejoined Arizona.
Cox played in three games this season and spent nine weeks on the practice squad.
Elsewhere
Reality TV star Kendra Wilkinson delivers baby boy
INDIANAPOLIS — Former Playboy Playmate Kendra Wilkinson and her NFL husband Hank Baskett are the new parents of a baby boy.
Kira Costello, Wilkinson’s publicist, says Hank Randall Baskett IV was delivered Friday in Indianapolis, where his father is a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts. He weighed in at 9 pounds, 5 ounces.
It’s the first child for the 24-year-old reality TV star and former Hugh Hefner girlfriend and the 27-year-old Baskett. The two wed June 27 in a ceremony at the Playboy mansion in Los Angeles, where Wilkinson lived for four years and starred with Hefner in the E! reality show "The Girls Next Door."
Hefner posted a congratulatory message on Twitter, saying, "What a wonderful Christmas present."
Steelers star Harrison’s mom charged in Ohio brawl
AKRON, Ohio — Police in Ohio say the mother of Pittsburgh Steelers star James Harrison has been charged with assault following a brawl at a game-watching party in a community hall.
Akron police say 62-year-old Mildred Harrison was one of three people cited after the fight at a Veterans of Foreign Wars post Thursday.
Police say it’s not clear why the party turned violent about 10 p.m., during Cleveland’s 13-6 upset of division foe Pittsburgh.
Victims have told police they were pushed, punched and struck with beer bottles.
Harrison is due in Akron Municipal Court on Thursday. She declined to comment to the Akron Beacon-Journal when reached by telephone at her Akron home Friday.
James Harrison was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.
Patriots mascot arrested in RI sex sting
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A man who acts as a mascot for the New England Patriots is among 14 people who have been arrested for prostitution-related crimes in Rhode Island since a new law went into effect that banned indoor prostitution.
The bill signed into law in November made prostitution a misdemeanor crime regardless of where it occurs. Previously, indoor prostitution was allowed because of a legal loophole.
State Police say Robert Sormanti of Warwick was among those arrested in an undercover sting at a hotel. The Providence Journal reports Sormanti is among the team’s mascots.
The Patriots said in a statement that multiple people wear the mascot costume and that the "individual in question" has been suspended.
A phone message left at Sormanti’s home Friday evening was not immediately returned.
