NFL Capsules: 49ers beat Bears 10-6, end 4-game skid

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco’s defenders figure the short week worked to their advantage: Jay Cutler couldn’t change much in four days, and the 49ers knew what to expect from Chicago’s quarterback.

San Francisco coach Mike Singletary didn’t exactly hand it to his old team. Instead, Cutler handed the desperate 49ers a much-needed win.

Frank Gore ran for 104 yards and a touchdown, Cutler threw a career-high five interceptions with his last coming in the end zone on the game’s final play and San Francisco snapped a four-game losing streak with a 10-6 victory Thursday night.

"I wouldn’t say he was trying to force the issue," 49ers safety Mark Roman said of Cutler. "He was trying to make plays at a time when they needed a play to be made. We knew the ball was going to be in the air and we knew if we would be sound in our coverages we’d have opportunities."

Niners quarterback Alex Smith won for the first time in eight starts since Week 2 in 2007, 17-16 against St. Louis — but it was interesting until the end.

After Singletary elected to punt against his former team on fourth-and-6 from the Chicago 34 with 2:53 left, Cutler drove the Bears to the San Francisco 12 with 13 seconds remaining. After an incompletion on first down, Michael Lewis picked off Cutler’s next attempt in the end zone as time expired. That sealed San Francisco’s first win since a 35-0 rout of the Rams back on Oct. 4.

Cutler showed up for his postgame news conference still dressed in his uniform, minus his pads and jersey.

"It was tough. I have to apologize to the defense," he said. "I think the offense as a whole has to apologize. They played a great game and kept us in there even through all the turnovers."

The game was far from a pretty display by two struggling teams still hoping to make the playoffs.

Four days after the 49ers (4-5) committed four turnovers that led to 24 points in a 34-27 loss to Tennessee, they were penalized nine times and Smith threw an interception and was sacked twice.

Cutler took chances away all game from Chicago (4-5), which had 10 penalties and lost its second straight and fourth in five. Patrick Willis wreaked havoc on the Bears with 11 tackles.

"It’s nice to be on the other sideline of that, that’s for sure," Smith said.

The five interceptions by Cutler are tied for the most by a Bear since Zeke Bratkowski threw seven in a 42-7 loss to Baltimore on Oct. 2, 1960.

Cutler threw four or more interceptions for the second time this season and has an NFL-worst 17 in all. He became the first Bear since Billy Wade in 1962 to have two four-interception games in a season.

"I’ve played Thursday games before and been successful," Cutler said. "It didn’t affect us. We saw everything coming. They didn’t have any surprises for us. We just didn’t execute."

The Bears got field goals of 50 and 38 yards from Robbie Gould in a game that quickly became about who could keep possession of the ball and make the fewest mistakes.

"We did just enough on the offense to win the game," Singletary said.

It marked the first time Singletary faced his former team as a head coach. The Hall of Fame linebacker spent all 12 of his NFL seasons with the Bears, capturing two Defensive Player of the Year awards, being selected to 10 Pro Bowls and winning the Super Bowl following 1985 season.

Singletary wanted little to do with the hype of him facing the Bears, insisting he couldn’t think about anything but coaching the 49ers to victory to save the season.

"They’re just another team on the schedule," Singletary said afterward.

San Francisco won its seventh straight home game against the Bears, including one in the playoffs. Chicago’s last victory at Candlestick Park came during the Bears’ ‘85 Super Bowl season with Singletary leading the defense. The Bears had won the last three in the series.

Gore ran for a 14-yard touchdown run one play after Cutler’s second interception late in the second quarter as the Niners took a 7-3 halftime lead.

"Everybody has a bad day at work, that’s just it," Bears defensive end Alex Brown said of Cutler. "We have to be there to have his back and we do."

Joe Nedney added a 21-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter after missing a 39-yarder wide right on San Francisco’s opening drive — his first miss of the season from inside 40 yards.

Neither quarterback had impressive numbers. Smith was 16 of 23 for 118 yards and Cutler 29 of 52 for 307. Chicago outgained San Francisco 350-216.

Niners tight end Vernon Davis fired up the Bears with his trash talk Tuesday, saying: "I think we can destroy their front." Davis and Bears defensive lineman Adewale Ogunleye got into a pregame jawing session and some of the Chicago captains intentionally avoided shaking Davis’ hand before the coin toss.

Davis dealt out his own punishment when he bowled over Bears linebacker Nick Roach, sending him to the sideline briefly on his only catch of the half. Davis committed two false start penalties.

"It was a big relief," Davis said. "It’s truly a blessing to be able to get this. We just have to keep winning."

San Francisco punted with 2:53 left to give the Bears a final chance.

NOTES: The Bears lost TE Desmond Clark to a neck injury and CB Zackary Bowman to an abdominal injury. ... Niners LB Takeo Spikes left the game in the second quarter with a strained left hamstring and didn’t return.

League News

Report: NFL moves to scuttle guerrilla ad campaign

The NFL has scuttled a guerrilla marketing campaign designed to get players to strike a pose resembling a liquor brand’s advertising.

Yahoo! Sports reported Thursday that the move stems from a touchdown celebration by Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek during Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

After catching an 11-yard pass from Donovan McNabb, Celek appeared to back up to align himself in front of television cameras. Putting his hands on his hips, Celek raised his right leg, mimicking a pose similar to the pirate on the label for Captain Morgan’s rum.

Yahoo! Sports said the Captain Morgan pose was banned this week after the league learned of a wider campaign meant to get players to strike it during NFL games.

"The issue is that players are specifically prohibited under our policies from wearing, displaying, promoting or otherwise conveying their support of a commercially identified product during a game while they’re on the field," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told Yahoo! Sports. "Whether it’s rum or soft drinks or any other commercial product, that type of promotion is prohibited."

The Eagles received a 15-yard penalty for demonstration after teammate Jason Avant tried to help Celek perfect his form.

Celek has denied intentionally striking the pose, but an account executive handling the promotion told Yahoo! Sports the tight end was involved.

"The (ad campaign) has been going around internally for a while and (Celek) learned of the program through his contact at Diageo (Captain Morgan’s parent company)," said Glenn Lehrman, an account director at Rogers & Cowan, the Los Angeles-based firm that handles Captain Morgan promotions. "Brent said, ‘You know what, if I get the opportunity, I’m going to go ahead and do it.’ He sort of beat us to the punch, but we’re certainly not going to complain."

Lehrman said that each time a player was caught on camera in the pose Captain Morgan planned to donate to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, a nonprofit that helps retired NFL players. The campaign was to be unveiled next week with donations of $10,000 during the regular season, $25,000 for the playoffs and $100,000 in the Super Bowl.

The NFL banned the plan when it learned of it this week, notifying Gridiron Greats and Captain Morgan that it won’t allow the pose during NFL games.

The ad campaign appeared to be designed to capitalize on the attention recently given to the plight of retired players and the criticism the league has received for its handling of their struggles.

It’s not the first time the league has taken a hard line against guerrilla marketing tactics.

The NFL fined Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher $100,000 for wearing a hat promoting vitamin water during media day before the 2007 Super Bowl.

AP source: Falcons coach fined $15,000

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Two people familiar with the situation say Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith has been fined $15,000 by the NFL for a sideline scuffle, while Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall avoided any punishment.

The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the league has not officially commented on the situation. The NFL also fined Redskins safety LaRon Landry $7,500, Washington defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth $5,000 and Falcons director of athletic performance Jeff Fish $2,500. Hall was not fined.

Smith acknowledged that he was fined when he came off the field after a Falcons practice on Thursday, though he didn’t discuss the amount.

"I received a letter from the NFL office this morning," he said. "I want to reiterate that I’m always going to have my players’ backs and I’m going to take care of them."

The trouble started after Landry delivered a late hit on quarterback Matt Ryan along the Atlanta sideline in Sunday’s game. Landry and Ryan hopped up quickly and headed back to their huddles, but Hall jumped into the middle of things and was surrounded by opposing players, along with Smith and Fish.

Hall said that Smith "cussed me out" and Fish tried to "get some licks in" during the scrum, though replays showed no apparent punches during the pushing and shoving. Smith has maintained that he was merely trying to break things up, though he was clearly upset about the hit on Ryan and Hall jumping into the fray.

"I stay in Atlanta during the offseason, so if Mike Smith wants to see me, he can definitely find me," Hall said after the Falcons’ 31-17 victory.

The cornerback joined the Redskins last season after playing in Atlanta from 2004-07. In the week leading up to the game against his former team, the two-time Pro Bowler talked repeatedly of being treated unfairly by the Falcons before they traded him to Oakland. He didn’t make it through one season with the Raiders and wound up in Washington.

Hall declined to speak with reporters as he walked off the practice field Thursday. Later, he responded publicly through Twitter, thanking the fans, his teammates and the Redskins for supporting him.

"I’ve tried to keep my nose clean n play the game the right way," he wrote. "Last weekends (sic) incident was unfortunate for everyone involved but the past is the past, and I’m excited about getting back to FedEx Sunday!!"

-- George Henry

Seahawks DB Lewis appeals NFL fine

RENTON, Wash. — Seahawks defensive back Roy Lewis says he is appealing a $5,000 fine from the league for a late hit.

Lewis said Thursday he was docked for hitting Detroit’s Derrick Williams out of bounds at the end of a kickoff return Sunday. He was penalized with a personal foul.

Lewis says teammate Lance Laury was also fined $5,000 by the NFL for a late hit on the same play. Lewis expects to hear soon from the league on his appeal.

The second-year player from Washington was promoted from the practice squad early this month and was making his Seahawks debut last weekend.

NFL extends Cardinals’ blackout deadline 24 hours

TEMPE, Ariz. — The NFL has given the Arizona Cardinals a 24-hour extension to the television blackout deadline for Sunday’s game in Glendale against the Seattle Seahawks.

To air live on local television, league rules require games to be sold out 72 hours before kickoff. This is the fourth time this season the NFL has granted Arizona an extension.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Cardinals say they have about 800 tickets remaining to sell before Friday’s new deadline of 2:15 p.m. local time.

The Cardinals have sold out all 38 games played at University of Phoenix Stadium, which opened in 2006.

Cleveland Browns avert local TV blackout

CLEVELAND — The Browns have averted their first TV blackout since 1995.

The team announced Thursday night that the remaining tickets for Monday night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens have been purchased by the Browns, ESPN, Bud Light and WJW-TV, which will air the game.

The Browns said the four entities will distribute the tickets to the USO and other local organizations.

Cleveland has not had a game blacked out since its expansion return in 1999. Of the Browns’ four remaining home dates, only the Dec. 10 game against Pittsburgh is sold out. Cleveland also will host San Diego (Dec. 6), Oakland (Dec. 27) and Jacksonville (Jan. 3).

Injuries

Eagles shuffling players on defense

PHILADELPHIA — The defensive shuffle continues for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Injuries, and one suspension, will force the Eagles to use several players in different roles against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.

Chris Gocong, usually the strongside linebacker, will become the Eagles’ sixth middle linebacker this season. Middle linebacker Will Witherspoon will move to the weakside and rookie Moise Fokou gets his second start on the strongside.

"It’s always something around here," Gocong said. "This week it’s like a mini soap opera."

The latest switches were prompted by a knee injury to starting weakside linebacker Akeem Jordan. The Eagles already have lost injured linebackers Stewart Bradley and Omar Gaither for the season.

"We have some options," defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said. "But that’s likely the way it will be based on the situations, and the personnel group they use."

Those aren’t the only changes. Against a San Diego offense that often features three wide receivers and talented tight end Antonio Gates, seldom-used cornerback Dimitri Patterson will play nickel back in place of Ellis Hobbs, who is out for the season with a neck injury, and Joselio Hanson, who was suspended four games this week for violating the NFL’s drug policy.

Hanson’s attorney, David Cornwell, said Wednesday his client did not use steroids, but took a pill before last January’s NFC title game that "turned out to be a diuretic."

Patterson said he’s ready to help. "I know the scheme. I have my legs back. I feel confident," he said.

Second-year defensive back Quintin Demps will replace Hobbs as the team’s primary kickoff returner.

"It changes the complexion every Monday," McDermott said "That’s true all over the league. (Injuries) change the complexion of your roster. Instead of sitting down Monday morning to watch the opponent, you have to get a feel for the complexion of your roster and how you want to attack.

"It’s not ideal. We’ll just go with what we have and hope guys step up for us."

A concern for the Eagles (5-3) is that three of the players being asked to step up — Patterson (hand/quad), Demps (ankle) and Gocong (hamstring) — are not completely recovered from their injuries. Demps did not practice Thursday.

Patterson has played in three of the team’s eight games this season, mostly on special teams. He will continue to wear a cast on his hand, but said it won’t be a problem.

"I’ll have it on the rest of the season," he said. "I’m fine with it. It’s been a tough year with the injuries, but I’m ready to go."

Patterson will go against a Chargers passing game that includes Vincent Jackson (42 receptions, 722 yards, seven touchdowns) and is ranked seventh in the league in passing offense.

"They’re a passing offense," McDermott said "They are explosive down the field."

There’s also a chance that San Diego, aware of the Eagles injury problems at linebacker, will run more, despite a ground game that ranks last in the NFL.

"That surprises me," McDermott said. "They have a dangerous running game. They have some dynamic players at the running back position and an offensive line that creates movement at the line of scrimmage. There are quite a few teams that are playing eight-man fronts and that leads to an area in the passing game that they look to exploit."

The Chargers (5-3) have averaged 3.1 yards per carry this season and leading rusher LaDainian Tomlinson (289 yards) is bothered by a sore hip.

That could help Gocong, who has practiced at middle linebacker but never played there in a game. He also missed last week’s game against Dallas with the hamstring injury, but feels he’s ready to go this week.

"The leg is fine," Gocong said. "As far as being in the middle, I know the entire defense. I know the game plan. It’s just a matter of seeing things differently. It’s just going to take time. There’s a lot of new stuff going on here this week."

NOTES: Running back Brian Westbrook (concussion/ankle) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play Defensive end Victor Abiamiri (knee), who missed the last three games, also returned to practice.

Redskins’ Portis out for Sunday due to concussion

ASHBURN, Va. — Clinton Portis’ concussion will keep the Washington Redskins running back out of Sunday’s game, one of many injury concerns for coach Jim Zorn as his team prepares to face the Denver Broncos.

Portis was hurt in a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter of Sunday’s 31-17 loss to Atlanta. He underwent tests this week and was not at the practice facility Thursday.

"We kept Clinton at home just to get rest," Zorn said. "That was kind of doctor’s orders."

Portis is having a disappointing year by his standards, with only 494 yards rushing. He last missed a game in 2006, when hand and shoulder injuries ended his season early.

Portis’ injury means Ladell Betts will get his first start since 2006, assuming Betts is able to play. The backup is nursing a sprained ankle and did not practice Thursday, although Zorn said he expects him to be available.

There is also considerable doubt as to the makeup of the starting offensive line. With Mike Williams out with an ankle injury, midseason signing Levi Jones will start at left tackle and Stephon Heyer has been moved from left tackle to right tackle. Heyer was limited in practice Thursday with a knee injury, so he was replaced during the workout by D’Anthony Batiste.

Also, Chad Rinehart could get the start ahead of Will Montgomery at right guard, although that move would be performance-related and not mandated by injuries.

"That’s kind of an ongoing battle," Zorn said. "Our ranks are running thin."

The starting left tackle and right guard going into the year, Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas, are out with season-ending injuries.

Also, the Redskins are dealing with a now-weekly quandary at punter. Hunter Smith, who has a recurring groin injury in his kicking leg, will try to punt during Friday’s practice.

If he can’t play, Sam Paulescu will punt for the second straight game and Smith will be a candidate for injured reserve.

"It’s a possibility if he continues to reaggravate this thing," Zorn said. "Tomorrow is kind of an important day."

Ready for Arizona: Hasselbeck health ‘way better’

RENTON, Wash. — His ribs aren’t fully healed. He couldn’t throw deep passes last week, and he often threw almost sidearm because his shoulder ached.

Yet Matt Hasselbeck says his health is "the best it’s been" since he fractured ribs on Sept. 20 at San Francisco.

"Way better than last week. Way better than it’s been in the last five weeks, really," the Seahawks’ three-time Pro Bowl passer said Thursday after he fully participated in practice. He was limited Wednesday.

Hasselbeck confirmed coach Jim Mora’s estimation that he will again be full go for Sunday’s key divisional game at Arizona.

Seattle’s most indispensable player threw 51 passes through the pain last weekend, and his team-record 39 completions led a rally from 17 points down to beat Detroit.

Hasselbeck, 34, broke ribs high in his back when he was hit while diving for the goal line eight weeks ago.

He returned after two games to play before the ribs were healed, and needed painkilling injections to do so. He said doctors told him the ribs would need a full six weeks to heal — and that was before he took hard shots in losses to the Cardinals and at Dallas in consecutive games around Seattle’s bye.

He has completed 59 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns, two interceptions and Seattle’s first 300-yard passing day since 2007 while starting the Seahawks’ last four games.

So yes, his health is the biggest key to Sunday’s last chance to rejoin the NFC West race. Seattle (3-5) can pull within a game of the first-place Cardinals with a win, but would be three games back with seven games left if it loses.

The team’s captain, one of a dozen starters to miss at least a game due to injury for Seattle, wants his teammates considering this as the biggest game of the season.

It’s really the biggest in two years, given the Seahawks were 4-12 last season. They fell out of contention early and meekly relinquished their four-year reign over the division.

"It needs to be known that this game is way more important, because of how we shot ourselves in the foot earlier in the season, and because of the adversity we faced earlier in the season," Hasselbeck said. "We really have faced our fair share of adversity already. So because of that ... we’re got a game here that we’ve basically got to win."

The Cardinals figure to again blitz Hasselbeck relentlessly. They sacked him five times while routing the Seahawks 27-3 in Seattle last month. They also are likely to crowd the line of scrimmage and dare Hasselbeck to prove he can throw long with his shoulder.

Because the Seahawks’ running game — which gained a franchise-low 14 yards in that first meeting — is ranked 30th in the league, Seattle has recently been using more screen passes in an attempt to slow down pass rushes and give the besieged Hasselbeck some relief.

"You’ve got to run the ball, or do things like running the ball," Hasselbeck said in discussing Arizona’s pressure.

Last week, Hasselbeck threw short to a running back 21 times, though Mora and his quarterback said that was also because it hurt Hasselbeck too much to throw long.

-- Gregg Bell

Cardinals’ Morey says he played with concussion

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals wide receiver and special teams player Sean Morey says he played with a concussion against the Chicago Bears last Sunday even though he has taken a lead role in raising awareness of head injuries.

"I just downplayed my symptoms and didn’t communicate well enough with my training staff so they weren’t able to do their job effectively," Morey said on Thursday.

Morey hasn’t practiced this week because of the concussion. He said he convinced himself that the head injury — sustained in a game against Carolina — was connected to his flu symptoms and acknowledges that maybe it was "wishful thinking" on his part.

Last month, Morey was named co-chair of the NFL Players Association concussion and traumatic brain injury committee.

Morey, who came down with the flu the day after the Carolina game, said he didn’t think it was a mistake to play against the Bears.

"I think my flu symptoms complicated the situation," he said, "and I felt like if I could go out and play with better technique, use my hands and limit the helmet-to-helmet contact, then I’d be able to play through it."

Morey, who made the Pro Bowl as a special teams player last season, says he understands that people might think he wasn’t practicing what he has preached. He repeated his advice that head injuries shouldn’t be covered up.

"That’s the only message that players need to hear, whether it be a college athlete or a high school athlete, that you can’t continue to downplay or lie about symptoms," Morey said. "You can’t ignore the risk of concussions."

However, he said that in the NFL, the issue is complicated by the players’ obligation and desire to play, no matter what.

"No player wants to take a day off or get a free lunch," he said. "All the players that play this game are hard-wired to do their job because they have a deep loyalty to their teammates and their owners."

This week, he said, he is following proper procedures and wouldn’t return to practice or games until cleared to do so.

"I’m communicating with my training staff and allowing them to do their job," he said.

Morey, in his 10th NFL season, won’t say how many concussions he has had, only that it’s "more than I’d like to admit."

-- Bob Baum

Titans receiver has multiple broken bones in back

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee receiver Justin Gage has several broken transverse process bones in his lower back, and he is unlikely to play Sunday against Buffalo.

The receiver was injured when he fell to the ground after making a leaping catch to set up the go-ahead touchdown in last week’s 34-27 win at San Francisco. He finished the game with a season-high 97 yards receiving. But Gage started hurting once the adrenaline wore off, and the Titans ran a variety of X-rays and CAT scans.

Coach Jeff Fisher said Thursday the tests revealed the multiple fractures. The injury does not involve any structure crucial to the spine, and Gage said Wednesday he has had no problem moving his hands and feet. The receiver watched practice Thursday but was not immediately available in the locker room.

Fisher did not rule Gage out against Buffalo but called it unlikely he will play this week.

"He’s obviously very uncomfortable," Fisher said. "We experienced this back a few years ago with Peter Sirmon."

A linebacker, Sirmon missed two games with a similar injury before returning in 2003. Fisher said it’s the kind of injury that happens with the impact the 6-foot-4 Gage had when he slammed into the turf after going high into the air for the catch.

"It’s just a matter of pain," Fisher said.

The injury likely means rookie Kenny Britt makes his first start against the Bills (3-5). The first-round pick out of Rutgers is the team’s third-leading receiver with 20 catches for 296 yards, and he is averaging 14.8 yards per catch.

Notes: Cornerback Cortland Finnegan practiced Thursday after being given a day off. Defensive end William Hayes got a day off Thursday. Running back Javon Ringer, who spent a night in the hospital after hurting his back Oct. 28, practiced for the first time Thursday. LenDale White missed his second straight practice with an illness. Right tackle David Stewart (hamstring) missed his third straight practice.

-- Teresa M. Walker

Hardwick unlikely to return to Bolts this week

SAN DIEGO — Center Nick Hardwick probably will have to wait at least another week to rejoin the San Diego Chargers.

After participating in part of practice Wednesday, the former Pro Bowler missed Thursday’s practice because of a sore ankle, and coach Norv Turner says it’s unlikely that he’ll play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

"You try to take it in stride," said Hardwick, who was hurt in the season opener and had ankle surgery.

Back at practice were running back LaDainian Tomlinson and tight end Antonio Gates. Each sat out Wednesday’s workout, Tomlinson because of a hip bruise and Gates because of a sore foot.

Outside linebackers Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman didn’t practice. Phillips leads the team in sacks with five and his readiness is of some concern, Turner said, because he also missed Wednesday’s practice because of an ankle injury.

Merriman rolled his foot last week.

"I think he’s all right," Turner said. "I think he’s just a little bit sore, and it’s probably good for him to not work today."

One Charger who is at full speed is receiver Vincent Jackson, who is tied for the NFL lead with seven TD catches and is first with an average of 17.2 yards per catch.

"Vincent is playing at a tremendous level," Gates said. "He’s making it a lot easier for me. At this point, he’s playing better than any receiver in the NFL."

G Smiley still out with shoulder injury

DAVIE, Fla. — Miami Dolphins starting guard Justin Smiley has been sent to a doctor and remains sidelined because of a shoulder injury.

Also sitting out practice Thursday for a second consecutive day were starting outside linebacker Joey Porter (knee), backup nose tackle Paul Soliai (ankle) and special teams contributor Erik Walden (hamstring).

Smiley, who has started all eight games for Miami this season, has a history of shoulder problems. He missed the second half of the 2007 season while with San Francisco because of a shoulder injury.

Possibilities to replace Smiley at left guard Sunday against Tampa Bay include Joe Berger, Nate Garner and rookie Lydon Murtha.

Elsewhere

Joe Namath’s yellow Labrador declared dangerous

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Back in the day, Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath was known for his dangerous arm. Now settled into a comfortable retirement in Florida, it’s his dog that’s dangerous.

Namath, 66, appeared before a hearing officer on Thursday in West Palm Beach to answer to charges that two of his dogs attacked people who came to his home in Tequesta, a quiet community about 90 miles north of Miami.

His 6-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, Leo, was declared "dangerous" during Thursday’s hearing. The case against another of Namath’s dog, a 6-year-old Weimeraner named Stella, was dropped because a witness didn’t show, said Capt. Dave Walesky of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.

As a dangerous dog, Leo must now be muzzled and leashed even on Namath’s property. It must have a microchip implanted and carry a special "dangerous" dog designation tag. Namath must also now post signs on his property warning of the dog’s presence.

An animal control officer will visit Namath’s home yearly to be sure he is complying.

If the dog bites someone else, it could be declared "vicious," and euthanized, and Namath could face criminal charges, Walesky said.

"If he moves and doesn’t notify us, if he gives the dog away and doesn’t notify us, it’s a violation of the ordinance and he could be fined," Walesky said.

Namath declined to comment. His New York attorney, James C. Walsh, said Namath might appeal.

Walesky said animal control had received four reports of Namath’s dogs attacking people on his property since 2007, "and rumors of many more."

A UPS driver was "accosted by a pack of dogs" on Namath’s property in May 2007, Walesky said.

"He’s not sure which dog bit him, but he did identify Leo as one of the dogs," he said.

Then in February 2009, a contractor working at the home was reportedly "pinned up against his vehicle and bitten on the wrist," Walesky said. He identified Stella as the culprit, but the man did not appear for the hearing Thursday, so the case against that dog was dropped.

Officials say in May 2008 a home nurse mistakenly went to Namath’s home and was bitten by one of his dogs. It was believed to be Leo. Lastly, in August a landscaper was bitten on Namath’s property, Walesky said.

He said Namath hasn’t acknowledged that his dogs bit anyone.

The legendary quarterback is best known for leading the underdog New York Jets to one of the most storied Super Bowl victories 40 years ago over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts.

-- Brian Skoloff

Chiefs QB will have sad memories this week

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Preparing for Oakland this week has triggered memories for Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel that are both sad and uplifting.

Last season, when he was with New England and the Patriots were getting ready to travel for a game against the Raiders, Greg Cassel died. Matt lost his father on the Tuesday before the Sunday game.

He left the team for two days to be with his family and help make funeral arrangements. Then he had a long and emotional talk with coach Bill Belichick and his offensive coordinator, and decided to go ahead and play.

"It was a tough game," Cassel said Thursday. "It’s a tough go any time you lose your father."

Determined to honor his father with a good performance, Cassel set his emotions aside and threw a career-best four touchdown passes to lead the Patriots to victory.

"It was such a whirlwind of emotion," he said.

Those feelings and memories have been tugging at Cassel all week as he gets ready for his first trip back to Oakland.

"It was a great way to honor him by getting a victory up there," Cassel said. "The team rallied around me. It was a special day in my career, no doubt about that."

One thing he will never forget is the way his teammates gave their support.

"I think it was pretty special because of the whole team and how they reacted, and even after the game there was a lot that was said. There’s always those memories there. They’re not all good memories. It will probably be a little bit emotional."

-- Doug Tucker

Not guilty plea for first-round pick DE James

MADISON, Wis. — A not guilty plea has been entered for former Vikings first-round draft pick Erasmus James, who is charged with disorderly conduct in a Madison bar fight.

James was arrested last weekend after police says he lost his temper when a bartender refused to serve him after closing time. Police say James punched a friend in the face.

The 27-year-old James stood silently Thursday in Dane County Circuit Court and a not guilty plea was entered for him on the misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge.

James also is charged with felony battery. A hearing on that charge is scheduled for Nov. 30.

As conditions of his release, James isn’t allowed to return to the bar or consume alcohol. James’ attorney, Steve Mays, declined to comment.

A former Wisconsin standout at defensive end, James played three injury-plagued seasons for the Vikings after being picked 18th overall in 2005. He was traded to Washington last year and played in five games before being cut in December.

Ex-NFL player Runyan considering run for Congress

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. — Former NFL player Jon Runyan says he’s considering running for Congress.

In a statement issued Wednesday by the Burlington County Republican Committee, Runyan says he believes the country is being taken in the wrong direction by career politicians.

Runyan, an offensive lineman, played 13 seasons in the NFL, the last nine with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 35-year-old is out of football this season, though he’s talked to the Eagles and other teams about coming back.

If he runs for Congress, it would be in New Jersey’s 3rd District, which stretches from the Philadelphia suburbs to central New Jersey’s beach towns.

The seat was won a year ago by Democrat John Adler. Adler followed Republican Jim Saxton, who retired after more than two decades in office.

Ohio 8th-grader suspended for wild Bengals haircut

HAMILTON, Ohio — A young Cincinnati Bengals fan has been penalized for clipping.

Dustin Reader got the NFL team’s stripes and "B" insignia cut into his hair as a tribute to the team’s good season.

When he showed up to school in the southwest Ohio city of Hamilton on Monday, officials put the eighth-grader into in-school suspension. The school says its code of conduct prohibits extreme and distracting hairstyles.

Reader’s parents and barber say they don’t understand why the haircut is out of bounds. His father says his son just wants to show pride in the 6-2 Bengals.

School officials say he will continue to do his studies away from other students until the hair grows back or he changes the style.