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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Edwards avoids trouble

NFL won’t suspend 49ers WR for DWI

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Braylon Edwards regularly lures quarterback Alex Smith back onto the field for some extra work, a few more throws to make sure they’re clicking and on cue. Same goes for study sessions in the film room.

They do it after practice, even on days off.

In the short time since Edwards joined the San Francisco 49ers, he has shown a commitment to his new team and a much-needed second chance out West with a fellow Michigan man calling the shots: Jim Harbaugh. Edwards hopes to develop chemistry with Smith so he can return to the dynamic play-making receiver he has been in the past.

He plans to stay out of trouble in the process.

“I’m trying just to be a team guy, fit in, do the things necessary to help this team succeed,” Edwards said Tuesday. “I feel like I’ve done that behind the scenes and I will continue doing so.”

While Edwards might not start Sunday’s season opener against defending NFC West champion Seattle, he should take on a big role as he begins his seventh NFL season.

So far, there have been no signs of the player who found trouble during a tumultuous two-year tenure with the New York Jets.

Edwards was charged with driving while intoxicated in Manhattan in September 2010. Police said his blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit.

The 49ers said Tuesday they had been informed by the league that there would be no suspension for Edwards, who was fined $50,000 by the NFL for his DWI.