Ewu Grad Set For Nfl Comeback

Kevin Sargent isn’t worried about his surgically repaired neck. The idea of picking up blitzes and stunts has the offensive lineman more than a little worried.

Sargent, a graduate of Eastern Washington University, has been cleared to resume practice today with the Cincinnati Bengals. He hasn’t played since the 1996 preseason, when a herniated neck disc sidelined him and ultimately required season-ending surgery.

“I’m a little anxious - not so much about the neck, but just about getting out there and being able to perform,” Sargent said. “I’ve been out so long that it’s going to take a while.”

The Bengals hoped that Sargent, their starting left tackle before the injury, would be ready for the start of the season. But he felt pain in the neck during training camp and was put on the physically unable to perform list.

Sargent was not eligible to practice with the team for the first six weeks. The Bengals now have three weeks to decide whether to activate Sargent or put him on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

Suit starts

The St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission tried its best to establish the homecourt advantage Tuesday at the opening of the city’s multimillion-dollar antitrust lawsuit against the NFL.

Lead counsel Alan Popkin played to jurors’ emotions, noting the difficulties the city had in getting an NFL team. Popkin blamed it mostly on NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, saying he allowed the Cardinals to move to Phoenix in 1988, supported awarding expansion franchises to Carolina and Jacksonville in 1993, and encouraged owners to vote down the Rams’ move in 1995.

The CVC is seeking damages over the NFL’s $29 million relocation fee assessed to the Rams, $20 million of which was paid by the city under an agreement with the team. It also claims the league’s restrictive relocation policies scared away other teams from seeking a deal.

The Rams, in their third season in St. Louis, are not a party in the case. But under an agreement with the CVC, the Rams would get the first $14 million of any award, plus one-half of the rest.

Frank Rothman, lead counsel for the NFL, argued that the city should be suing the Rams instead of the league.

Economists hired by the CVC to calculate damages estimated a range of $95 million to $130 million.

Damages are automatically tripled in antitrust cases, meaning a possible award of $390 million. The case in U.S. District Court is expected to last 6 to 8 weeks.

Davis: It’s still Elway’s team

Monday night, Denver’s Terrell Davis showed why he’s one of the NFL’s most dominant runners and prompted more debate over who commands the Broncos’ offense - a running back or quarterback John Elway.

“I think it’s funny when people mention John passing the torch and all that junk. I don’t see it like that,” Davis said. “I see John as still being the general. I’m just a foot soldier. As long as John is here, he’s going to run this team.”

Davis’ 171 yards against New England marked his fifth 100-plus game this season. He leads the NFL with 776 yards.

Around the league

The Green Bay Packers traded linebacker Wayne Simmons to the Kansas City Chiefs for an undisclosed 1998 draft pick. He’ll likely be replaced in the starting lineup by veteran Seth Joyner…. The Chiefs on Tuesday waived Brett Perriman after the wide receiver made just six catches since signing as a free agent after six years with Detroit. … Tennessee Oilers running back Eddie George failed to show up for a number of appearances in Memphis. A team spokesman said George canceled because of a personal matter…. Place-kicker Scott Bentley was waived by the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after making 2 of 3 field goals in his NFL debut. Bentley signed with the Broncos last Friday to temporarily replace Jason Elam, who was sidelined by a strained hip flexor and a pulled groin. Elam is expected to return for Denver’s next game Oct. 19… . Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Chad Hennings will be out up to eight weeks with a groin injury.