Several Tennessee players running into titanic trouble

Jeff Fisher probably has gone through a case of aspirin during the off-season.

The Titans coach has had to deal with one off-the-field headache after another in 2005. The most recent came when top draft pick Adam “Pacman” Jones surrendered to police Wednesday on charges of assault and felony vandalism following a nightclub fight.

Jones’ agent, Michael Huyghue, wants people to believe Jones is being picked on because he is a celebrity, saying, “There are certain individuals out there who are opportunists, who prey on professional athletes for financial gain, and unfortunately, this is one of those incidents.”

But the Titans must think there is something substantial to the matter. In a statement, the team said Jones “is going to have to conduct himself responsibly in all aspects of his life on a consistent basis.”

They have reason to be concerned about the sixth overall pick out of West Virginia.

Club owner Robert Gaddy said in a court appearance that Jones hit him and broke his necklace after Gaddy asked three of Jones’ friends to leave the club. Gaddy told police Jones’ friends “were smoking drugs.”

In April, Georgia authorities investigated a report that Jones was involved in a nightclub fight near Atlanta, but no charges were filed.

His was just the latest mess Fisher and the Titans have had on their minds. Three other Titans have gotten into trouble during the off-season: receiver Tyrone Calico, left tackle Brad Hopkins and safety Tank Williams.

Former Titans cornerback Samari Rolle also was arrested on a domestic violence charge in February, while he was still with the team. Rolle signed with Baltimore after the Titans cut him in a salary-cap move.

Calico, in his third season with the Titans, was cited for public indecency for having sex with a woman in his sport utility vehicle. Hopkins pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife, and Williams was charged with driving under the influence.

Though there always are a few players who get into trouble every year, the Titans have had more than their share in just a few months.

They cannot afford to have early troubles with Jones, in whom the Titans will invest not only money, but the future of their secondary as well.

Add this to everything else the rebuilding Titans have gone through – surgery for quarterback Steve McNair, hiring Norm Chow to replace offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, cutting high-priced veterans in a salary-cap purge – and this year hasn’t started too well for Tennessee.

Alworth to have jersey retired

The San Diego Chargers will retire receiver Lance Alworth’s number during a halftime ceremony Nov. 20.

Alworth, the first American Football League player inducted into the Hall of Fame, is still one of the most popular athletes in San Diego history.

His No. 19 joins Dan Fouts’ No. 14 as the only two retired numbers in the team’s 46-year history. Fouts’ number was retired in 1988.

“Lance Alworth played a significant role in the initial success of the Chargers and the American Football League,” said team president and CEO Dean Spanos. “His play on the field became a trademark for this team and an entire league. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”

Alworth, nicknamed “Bambi” for his speed and graceful leaping ability, embodied the old wide-open attack of the AFL that is the basis of the West Coast offense.

He began his career with the Chargers in 1962, and still holds team records for most career touchdowns (81); most consecutive games with a touchdown (nine); and most career yards (9,584). He also was selected as All-AFL seven times from 1963-1969.

Alworth finished his 11-year career with 542 receptions for 10,266 yards and 87 touchdowns, averaging 19 yards a reception.

He ranks among the NFL’s receiving leaders in seven categories, including an NFL-record five career 200-yard games.

Draft mania on DVD

Want to relive the 2005 NFL draft?

A new DVD entitled “On the Clock” will present a comprehensive review of each team’s draft, complete with selections, highlights and commentary.

Though the draft covers two days and about 16 hours, “On the Clock” wraps it all up in 45 minutes.