Jacksonville coach defends Darius’ hit
Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio defended hard-hitting safety Donovin Darius on Monday, saying he never intended to hurt Green Bay receiver Robert Ferguson with a clothesline tackle.
Del Rio also said he expected Darius to be fined but not suspended for the shot that temporarily paralyzed Ferguson and knocked him unconscious Sunday.
“It was a nasty shot, but I don’t believe his intent was to headhunt the guy,” Del Rio said.
Ferguson was taken off the field on a stretcher and temporarily paralyzed below the waist following the hit. He regained feeling and movement on his way to the hospital, where he spent Sunday night. He will remain there at least one more night for tests and observation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Robert Ferguson,” Del Rio said. “My understanding is he’s doing OK up there and everything’s going to be all right. But it was a scary situation and a very serious situation.”
As Ferguson made a leaping, 31-yard catch at midfield, Darius hit the defenseless receiver across the neck with a left forearm. The shot ripped off Ferguson’s helmet, stunned the crowd at Lambeau Field and infuriated the Packers with 4:41 remaining in a 28-25 loss to the Jaguars.
Darius was flagged 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected by referee Ed Hochuli.
Packers coach Mike Sherman called the hit “a cheap shot.”
McGahee’s status up in air
Running back Willis McGahee has a hyperextended and bruised right knee that could prevent him from playing in Buffalo’s game Sunday at San Francisco.
Tests showed the injury is not more severe than initially feared, and indicated the running back will not require surgery.
Dolphins interview Shell
The Miami Dolphins, whose coaching search drew criticism last week from a group that advocates minority hiring, interviewed former Oakland Raiders coach Art Shell.
Shell, a Hall of Fame offensive tackle, became the NFL’s first black coach of the modern era in 1989 with the Raiders.
Dolphins president Eddie Jones confirmed meeting with Shell. Team president Wayne Huizenga and general manager Rick Spielman also took part in the interview, said Jones, who declined further comment.
Ramsey gets 2005 starting nod
Patrick Ramsey has already won next season’s quarterbacks competition for the Washington Redskins.
Coach Joe Gibbs said Ramsey will be his 2005 starter, and he expects Mark Brunell to remain with the team as a high-priced backup.
Pair of Raiders arrested
Four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Woodson and safety Marques Anderson were arrested early Monday for investigation of public intoxication following the Raiders’ victory over the Tennessee Titans.
The Oakland Police Department said the players were arrested at 4:20 a.m. in downtown Oakland after refusing to leave the back seat of a woman’s car. Both were jailed briefly.