Blades’ Brother Hurt In Frustration

Detroit Lions safety Bennie Blades underwent surgery on his right hand Wednesday for an injury his coach said he sustained in frustration upon learning of the shooting death of his cousin.

“The surgery went as expected,” head trainer Kent Falb said. “We will be able to better determine his prognosis after a week.”

Blades slammed his fist against an object after learning that his cousin, Charles Blades, had been shot to death July 5 at the Plantation, Fla., home of Seattle Seahawks receiver Brian Blades, Bennie’s brother.

“He said it happened in frustration,” coach Wayne Fontes said Tuesday.

The Lions open training camp on Wednesday.

Bennie Blades’ hand was treated Tuesday in the Lions’ training room at the Pontiac Silverdome. He left without commenting.

Bennie Blades lives in a condominium near his brother’s. He was not present at the shooting, police have said.

Blades, 28, might not be available until Detroit’s final exhibition game, Aug. 25 in New Orleans.