Football Capsules: New case: Steelers QB investigated for Ga. assault

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — For the second time in a year, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is being accused of sexual misconduct, with a police investigating him Saturday for an alleged assault at a nightclub in a Georgia college town.

Police in Milledgeville were examining the claim of a 20-year-old student, who told an officer that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her early Friday. The police department had no plans to comment until at least Monday.

The case comes as Roethlisberger faces a lawsuit filed in July by a woman who says he raped her in 2008 at a Lake Tahoe hotel and casino, an allegation he strongly denies. Roethlisberger, who was not in custody, has not been criminally charged in either case and has claimed counter-damages in the lawsuit.

Still, to hear it on the airwaves in Pittsburgh, this latest situation seems to have shaken fans of the star quarterback, a man who has never hidden the fact he enjoys the nightlife. He has been spotted gambling in Las Vegas and is sometimes seen in public with small groups of friends and bodyguards.

The latest accusation came in downtown Milledgeville, about 85 miles southeast of Atlanta and about 30 miles south of the lake home the player owns. Roethlisberger, who turned 28 on Tuesday, and two or three friends went to Buffington's bar earlier Thursday night to watch the University of Pittsburgh men's college basketball game, said Paul Kurcikevicus, a 24-year-old college student.

He said the group was friendly, at first joking that Roethlisberger was not the NFL player. Kurcikevicus said Roethlisberger bought shots for him and some other people: "O-Bombs," a mixture of energy drink and flavored rum.

The group later went to The Brick restaurant nearby, owner Frank Pendergrast said.

"He was very polite with everybody," Pendergrast said. "He was down here from about 11:30 until about 1:30 having a good time, talking to a lot of people. Looked like he was signing autographs and letting people take pictures. Other than that, it was really uneventful."

Roethlisberger was later seen at Capital City, a popular nightclub for students at Georgia College & State University.

One bar patron, 21-year-old college student Brandon Harris, said he saw Roethlisberger come in with two or three big men who were keeping other club goers away. Harris said the group went into a curtained VIP area in the back of the club, and some women were let inside.

Amber Hanley, a 21-year-old college student, said she and a few friends were also in the VIP area with Roethlisberger. She said she asked the quarterback to take a photo with her friend, whose boyfriend was a fan, but he seemed disappointed that's all she wanted. Hanley said she rolled her eyes, and Roethlisberger called her an expletive and walked away. Later, Roethlisberger was aggressively hitting on another girl, Hanley said.

Deputy Police Chief Richard Malone said Roethlisberger had been with three other people who were mingling with another group that included the alleged victim. Malone said the woman and her party contacted a nearby police officer following the alleged assault.

The nature of the assault was not described, but Malone did say it was being termed a sexual assault.

Roethlisberger and the alleged victim were interviewed and the woman was taken to a hospital, where she was treated and released, Malone said. The woman was not identified by police and The Associated Press does not generally identify possible victims of sexual abuse.

Some fans said the latest allegation made them question Roethlisberger's character.

"At the same time, I can see how someone in his position could be a huge target for somebody looking to make a quick buck or get a settlement out of something," said Chris O'Neill, of Harrison City, Pa. "While I don't think he has the greatest character, I do want to believe in both of these instances that he was wrongfully accused and I hope that's what comes out when the truth is revealed."

Police said Roethlisberger and his attorney were cooperating with investigators.

The player's agent, Ryan Tollner, said in a statement he was skeptical of the motive of the alleged victim in Milledgeville because of the previous Lake Tahoe allegations. Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett said the team was gathering information and had no comment.

As Pittsburgh's first-round draft pick out of Miami of Ohio in 2004, Roethlisberger led the Steelers to Super Bowl victories in 2006 and 2009. He has frequently donated time and money to charities, and his charitable foundation awards a police dog to a department near every Steelers road opponent.

However, with his championships and $102 million contract have come several off-the-field problems. In 2006, he defied his coach's orders and rode his motorcycle without a helmet — and wound up with a concussion, broken jaw and other injuries after a wreck.

And while Roethlisberger has a reputation for patiently signing autographs and posing for pictures while out in public, he also is known for occasionally inelegant behavior in Pittsburgh. Early in his career, he was photographed — obviously after imbibing in alcohol — wearing a T-shirt reading "Drink Like a Champion." Restaurant owners in Pittsburgh have complained he has tried to skip out on bills, arguing he brought business to the establishment.

Fan Julie Muckle of Cranberry Township, Pa., said Roethlisberger was hanging out with the wrong people.

"I'm 24 and if I want to go out to a local bar, I know where I can find him. I feel like he needs to hide himself a little more and be with a better group," Muckle said.

The public largely supported him when he was accused of sexual assault in Nevada. But radio shows in Pittsburgh have been flooded with calls since Friday's allegation — few of them sympathetic, with many wondering if the new case indicates a troubling pattern of behavior.

"As a sports fan, sometimes we compartmentalize how we view players, and my view as Roethlisberger might decline as I learn more about the situation, but I will still respect him and like him as an athlete," said Matthew DiFiore, 20, of Moon Township, Pa. "Off the field, there may be questions coming into my mind about his character."

Lions land top targets: Vanden Bosch & Burleson

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — It will take time to determine if the Detroit Lions started the offseason by making all the right moves.

Without a doubt, though, the Lions got who they wanted.

On Saturday, Detroit signed the players it coveted most in free agency — defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and receiver Nate Burleson — a day after acquiring defensive Corey Williams in a trade with the Cleveland Browns.

"They were the No. 1 guys we wanted to go after," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "To able to get it done is very gratifying."

It also was expensive.

Vanden Bosch got a five-year contract worth $26 million. Burleson will make $10 million guaranteed as part of a $25 million, four-year deal. Williams has four years and nearly $20 million in base salary left on his contract.

"Bargains are only bargains if they fit," Schwartz said. "We paid full price for the fit and to solve three of the biggest needs on our team."

The Lions, as they promised, aggressively pursued a select number of players after adding numerous lower-tier acquisitions last year following their infamous 0-16 season.

Detroit’s 2-14 record in 2009 led to the team focusing its offseason efforts.

Schwartz traveled to Tennessee to woo Vanden Bosch and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan was dispatched to Seattle to court Burleson.

The second-year head coach sent Vanden Bosch a text message just after midnight Friday while parked outside his gated community, toting a bottle of Opus One and three stuffed animals — Lions, of course — for his three young children.

"He said, ‘I could be anywhere in the country going after any player and I picked you,"’ Vanden Bosch recalled. "That meant a lot to me and that’s something I will never forget."

Burleson, meanwhile, was startled to get a dinner invitation from Linehan.

"The effort of him coming to Seattle to make a personal connection and look me in the eye, I was very appreciative," Burleson said.

The Lions also added depth on their offensive line, agreeing to a one-year contract with Jon Jansen.

After making a splash during the first two days of free agency, Detroit doesn’t expect to make more than a ripple in free agency or via trade.

"I’d be surprised if there was another big one," Schwartz said.

Detroit, though, will have a chance to fill more of their many needs during the NFL draft in April.

The Lions have insisted their options are wide open, but they’re expected to select Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh or Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy on April 22 with the No. 2 pick overall.

Vanden Bosch raved about Suh, a fellow former Huskers star.

"He’s the best defensive back I’ve ever seen in college," Vanden Bosch said. "He’s so explosive, so physically gifted. I made a point to watch him because I heard all the hype."

Schwartz acknowledged the much-maligned Lions would’ve heard about it had they swung and missed on their top targets after making face-to-face pitches.

"You guys would’ve butchered us if they didn’t answer the door," Schwartz told reporters.

Jets deal Rhodes to Cardinals for two draft picks

NEW YORK — It took the Arizona Cardinals one day to find a replacement for Antrel Rolle.

The Cardinals acquired safety Kerry Rhodes from the New York Jets on Saturday for a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft and a seventh-rounder in 2011.

Rhodes is expected to move into the starting spot opposite All-Pro Adrian Wilson that was vacated when Rolle, a Pro Bowl selection last season, signed as a free agent with the New York Giants on Friday — the day after he was released by Arizona.

"He fits a lot of the things that we do defensively," Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said in a statement, "and the prospect of having him alongside a perennial All-Pro like Adrian Wilson is very exciting."

The Jets received Arizona’s original pick in the fourth round; the Cardinals acquired another Friday night from Baltimore in exchange for wide receiver Anquan Boldin.

The deal came a day after Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said he expected Rhodes to participate in the offseason program in a few weeks, and play in New York this year and beyond "unless something changes."

Apparently, something did change — and Tannenbaum jumped at the chance to deal Rhodes, whose future with the Jets was uncertain after a shaky season in which he feuded with coaches over his role.

Rhodes has four years left on his contract and was due a $2 million roster bonus next week. Expected to be one of the standouts on coach Rex Ryan’s defense last year, Rhodes struggled and even lost his starting job.

After trading Boldin and losing top free agents in Rolle and linebacker Karlos Dansby, who agreed to terms with Miami, the Cardinals got a player they feel can have an immediate impact.

"We all know that the safety position was a hole we needed to fill," Whisenhunt said. "To be able to do that so quickly and with a proven starter off the NFL’s No. 1 defense is a tremendous positive for our football team. Kerry has the experience and ability to step in right away."

After Ryan was hired as the Jets’ coach last year, he immediately compared Rhodes to Pro Bowler Ed Reed. He said Rhodes could fill the playmaking role Reed excelled in under Ryan for several years in Baltimore.

The high praise was the result of the 12 interceptions, nine sacks and five forced fumbles Rhodes had in his first four seasons. But Rhodes struggled to live up to that hype, producing no turnovers through the first 10 games.

The coaches began to have doubts about the desire of Rhodes, who has aspirations of having an acting career after football. So Ryan and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine pulled him from the base defensive package in favor of Eric Smith.

Rhodes was on the sideline for New York’s opening defensive snap against Carolina on Nov. 29, the first time in his NFL career that he didn’t start.

He returned to the starting lineup at Tampa Bay on Dec. 13 following a meeting with defensive backs coach Dennis Thurman — one of the conditions set by Ryan. Rhodes appeared refocused and motivated the rest of the season and into the playoffs, finishing with three interceptions and a career-high 13 passes defensed.

Rhodes acknowledged he was frustrated, but humbled by last season. He had been noncommittal about whether he would want to return to the team, but met with the coaches and had a different outlook in the offseason.

"To be honest, I really do want to be here," Rhodes said in an interview with television station SportsNet New York in January. "This is New York. This is the team that gave me my first shot. They gave me the big contract. ... I’m letting the fans know I do want to be here to end my career as a Jet, but sometimes circumstances happen."

Rhodes, a fourth-round pick out of Louisville in 2005, has 15 career interceptions.

Rams sign free agent QB A.J. Feeley

ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Rams have signed free agent A.J. Feeley as part of what could be a big shakeup at the quarterback position.

Terms of the deal announced Saturday were not disclosed, but media reports said Feeley got a two-year contract.

Feeley, who turns 33 in May, was a backup for Carolina in 2009. In 10 seasons he has completed 372 of 665 passes for 4,070 yards, 27 touchdowns and 29 interceptions. His lifetime quarterback rating is 69.6.

Feeley was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round out of Oregon in 2001, and spent his early career in Philadelphia at a time when Andy Reid’s staff included Steve Spagnuolo as a defensive assistant and Pat Shurmur as an offensive coach. Spagnuolo is now head coach of the Rams, and Shurmur is offensive coordinator.

"A.J. has an understanding of our offensive system and will be a valuable addition for our team," Spagnuolo said.

How valuable is to be determined because the quarterback situation in St. Louis couldn’t be more unsettled after the Rams went a league-worst 1-15 in Spagnuolo’s first season. Starter Marc Bulger and backup Kyle Boller may not be back. The Rams’ short list of candidates for the No. 1 overall pick includes two quarterbacks — Sam Bradford of Oklahoma and Jimmy Clausen of Notre Dame.

They also have Keith Null, a third-string rookie forced to start four games at the end of the 2009 season due to injuries to Bulger and Boller. That means Feeley could end up being anything from a starter until one of the younger quarterbacks is ready to a backup to a third-stringer.

"I have a great deal of respect for coach Spagnuolo and coach Shurmur and I’m looking forward to working with them again in whatever capacity it might be," Feeley said.

Feeley has spent most of his career as a backup, starting 15 games and appearing in 23. He started the final five games of the 2002 season for the Eagles after injuries to Donovan McNabb and Koy Detmer, and won four of those games, helping the Eagles earn home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

He was traded to Miami for a second-round draft pick before the 2004 season and started eight games for the Dolphins. He was traded to San Diego midway through the 2005 season, re-signed with Philadelphia in 2006, and was a backup for Carolina last season.

Feeley hasn’t thrown a pass in a regular-season game since 2007.

The Rams also announced the re-signing of safety Craig Dahl, who started 10 games and was fifth on the team with 71 tackles. He had two sacks and recovered two fumbles.

Patriots, Wilfork agree to terms

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Two-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Vince Wilfork has agreed to a long-term contract that will keep him with the New England Patriots.

The team put the franchise tag on Wilfork last month, keeping him from becoming a free agent and giving the sides more time to work out a contract. Wilfork announced the deal on his Twitter feed and Patriots spokesman Stacey James confirmed that an agreement had been reached.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed on Saturday. ESPNBoston.com, citing an NFL source, said the contract was for five years and $40 million.

For much of the season, Wilfork indicated he wouldn’t be happy with a franchise tag. In January, he said on WEEI radio that such a designation would be a "slap in the face."

But when the franchise tag actually was utilized, he took a more accommodating approach in a posting to the Twitter account of his wife, Bianca.

"After six years of dedicated service I do understand this is a business," he said. "With that being said, it is my hope that the tag is applied for its true purpose. For the purpose of allotting more time for us to continue our talks and be able to reach a long-term agreement. Only time will tell what the final result will be."

Now he has the result he wanted, a long-term deal with the team that drafted him with the 21st pick in the first round out of Miami in 2004.

Friday’s posting on the Twitter account said, "We are pleased to say we will be here for MANY more years to come."

On Friday, the Patriots also announced that they had signed Tully Banta-Cain, who led them with 10 sacks last year. He received a three-year extension.

Packers re-sign veteran LT Chad Clifton

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers re-signed veteran left tackle Chad Clifton on Saturday, wrapping up one of their major offseason concerns early in the NFL’s free agent signing period.

Clifton will now return to the left tackle spot he has occupied for most of his 10 seasons in Green Bay. The Packers do not have an obvious candidate to replace Clifton, and reported interest in the unrestricted free agent from the Washington Redskins made for some nervous moments among Packers fans.

Clifton said he always wanted to stay in Green Bay.

"This team has so much talent from top to bottom, a ton of young talent on both sides of the ball," Clifton said in a team release. "That’s undeniable, and it would be foolish not to want to be a part of that. I think we’ll have a really good team this coming season. Nothing’s going to be easy, and I believe our division will be really tough. But this team has a lot of talent, a lot of potential, and we just have to put that together and see how we do."

Terms were not disclosed, but ESPN.com reported Friday night that Clifton’s deal was for three years and $20 million, with $7.5 million in guaranteed money.

"We are happy to be able to have Chad as a member of the Packers," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said in a statement. "He has been a valuable teammate and contributor to our team. We look forward to him continuing to work to help us build and prepare for a successful 2010 season."

Losing Clifton would have been a tough blow for the Packers, who had significant issues on their offensive line last season even with Clifton in his usual spot. The Packers gave up a league-worst 51 sacks last season, although their pass protection did improve after the midseason signing of veteran right tackle Mark Tauscher.

Tauscher also is an unrestricted free agent, and his future with the team is unclear.

Defensive standout Aaron Kampman, who is coming off a major knee injury and did not always look comfortable in the Packers’ new-look 3-4 defense last season, also is an unrestricted free agent and is expected to draw interest from teams that run a 4-3 defensive alignment.

Clifton’s continued presence also will be critical for the Packers after two standout pass rushers joined NFC North rivals as free agents on Friday. Julius Peppers will be playing for the Chicago Bears next season, and Kyle Vanden Bosch is joining the Detroit Lions.

Originally drafted by Green Bay in the second round in 2000, Clifton has played the past 10 seasons for the Packers.

He has appeared in 143 regular-season games with 138 starts at left tackle.

He has missed just six games over the last seven years since returning from a significant pelvic injury that ended his 2002 season. He went to the Pro Bowl after the 2007 season and has been selected as a Pro Bowl alternate three times, including last season.

AP Source: Pennington agrees to deal with Miami

MIAMI — Chad Pennington will remain with the Miami Dolphins in 2010, this time as a backup.

Pennington has agreed to terms on a one-year contract, and the deal is expected to be signed by Monday, a person familiar with the discussions said Saturday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins hadn’t announced an agreement.

The Dolphins did announce the signing of linebacker Karlos Dansby, who agreed to a $43 million, five-year contract Friday, the first day of free agency. The team did not host any visits by free agents Saturday.

Pennington is recovering from the third operation of his career on his throwing shoulder. Twice he has returned from injuries to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year, most recently in 2008, when he led the Dolphins to their first playoff berth in seven years.

After Pennington was sidelined last year, second-year pro Chad Henne staked a solid claim to the No. 1 job. Pennington will return as a backup to Henne, and the Dolphins also have Tyler Thigpen and Pat White at quarterback.

Pennington dislocated his shoulder in the third game last season at San Diego and required season-ending surgery. There was no muscle damage, and the repair wasn’t as extensive as with his other operations.

Pennington was around the team late in the season, helped with game plans and has served as a mentor to Henne.

"I’m a loyal guy and I believe in this organization, and I enjoy this organization and this area," Pennington said late last season.

-- Steven Wine

Saints agree to terms with Leckey, Prioleau

METAIRIE, La. — The New Orleans Saints have agreed to one-year free-agent contracts with offensive lineman Nick Leckey and safety Pierson Prioleau.

General manager Mickey Loomis announced the deals on Saturday without disclosing financial terms.

Both players had signed one-year deals with the Saints last season and played reserve roles on New Orleans’ first Super Bowl championship team.

Leckey, a 6-foot-3, 291-pound, six-year veteran, played in eight games and all three postseason games in 2009, mostly on special teams with some work at center.

Prioleau, an 11-year veteran, led the Saints with 21 special teams tackles. He played in every game in 2009, making 18 tackles as a reserve defensive back with a pass defense and a fumble recovery.

Falcons sign CB Dunta Robinson to 6-year deal

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons have signed free-agent cornerback Dunta Robinson, the Houston Texans’ career interceptions leader, to a six-year, $57 million contract.

The team confirmed the deal on Saturday. It was reported Friday that the Falcons and Robinson had agreed to terms.

Robinson’s signing is important because the Falcons finished 28th in the league against the pass last season. The native of Athens, Ga., had 13 interceptions in the last six seasons with Houston. He will be introduced at a press conference on Monday.

The Texans made Robinson the 10th overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft. He had a career-high six interceptions as a rookie, and has started in 79 of 84 career games.

Redskins make low-key 1st FA signing, add OL Hicks

WASHINGTON — The Washington Redskins made their first move in the free agent market Saturday with a low-key addition, signing offensive lineman Artis Hicks to a three-year deal that could be worth as much as $9 million.

Hicks can play guard or tackle, and the Redskins need both following the retirement of left tackle Chris Samuels and the release of right guard Randy Thomas. Hicks spent his four years with Philadelphia and the last four with Minnesota. He’s mostly been a backup in recent years, starting only 13 games over the last three seasons with the Vikings.

The move lacks the big-money pizzaz of Redskins free agency signings of years past, consistent with the measured approach taken by the new brain trust of coach Mike Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen. Hicks has been a regular starter for three of his eight years in the NFL, and that alone makes him a contender for a place along the Redskins’ starting five.

The Redskins have targeted several offensive lineman since free agency opened Friday morning, including Chad Clifton and Tony Pashos. Clifton, however, decided to re-sign with Green Bay.

-- Joseph White

Childress travels to visit Favre

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress paid a visit to Brett Favre at his Hattiesburg, Miss., home this week to check how his quarterback was recovering from injuries sustained in the NFC title game.

Childress traveled to Mississippi this week after the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. The visit was first reported by The Star Tribune of Minneapolis.

Childress told the newspaper that the two did not discuss his plans for next season. Favre is under contract for one more year, but he will turn 41 and is trying to decide whether he will return for a 20th NFL season.

Favre said on the "Tonight Show" on Thursday night that he has not decided about his future and does not plan to make a decision anytime soon.

Childress has said that he won’t pressure Favre for a decision.

Raiders release RB Justin Fargas

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Oakland Raiders have released running back Justin Fargas after seven seasons with the team.

The team announced the move on Saturday, saying Fargas had failed a physical. Fargas was owed a $1.7 million bonus if he was still on the roster on Monday.

Fargas was second on the team in rushing last season with 491 yards on 129 carries while sharing the duties with Michael Bush and Darren McFadden. This move should give those young backs a bigger opportunity to play.

Fargas led the team in rushing the previous three seasons. His best year was in 2007 when he gained 1,009 yards on the ground.

Fargas has run for 3,369 yards in seven seasons. He has averaged 4.1 yards per carry and scored 10 touchdowns.

-- Josh Dubow

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