Emtman Intends To Shed Label
The phone kept ringing at Steve Emtman’s house, but he wasn’t ready to answer.
The first player chosen in the 1992 draft, Emtman couldn’t decide whether to retire or simply sit out the season after he had been cut during training camp by the San Francisco 49ers, his third team in four years.
He ignored several offers from teams to try out. Then the Redskins called, and he decided he was ready to come back.
“I considered (retirement) for about two or three weeks,” Emtman, who was signed Tuesday, said. “After sitting around trying a few other things, it was kind of like I still had the desire in me to play the game, and I wanted to go out and give it another shot… . I want to walk away from this game with my head high.”
Emtman is commonly referred to as a failed No. 1 draft choice whose career has been decimated by injuries.
Emtman says he’s now healthy. In fact, it’s a very sore subject with him.
“It’s frustrating that I still carry that label,” Emtman said. “I had two healthy seasons in Miami, and all anyone wants to talk about is the injuries. To be completely honest, I’m very tired of it. It’s hard enough getting it out of my mind.”
Spellman hopes to rejoin Bears
Chicago Bears defensive end Alonzo Spellman confirms the NFL suspended him for failing to take a steroids test but said it’s a misunderstanding that should be cleared up soon.
“I have never in my life taken any drugs. I have never in my life taken any steroids,” Spellman said during an interview with WFLD-TV.
He said he expects to be back at practice with the Bears on Monday.
DB Collins signs with Packers
Mark Collins refused Eugene Robinson’s turkey dinner invitation on Thursday.
“Just go on and enjoy your family. I’m going to hit this playbook, that’s what I need to do,” replied the 12-year veteran defensive back, who signed with the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day.
The Packers waived backup defensive end Gerald Williams to make room for Collins, who had a career-high six interceptions and a team-best 119 tackles in Kansas City last year before being waived by the Chiefs on May 9.