Smith serves penalty
Former Oregon tailback Onterrio Smith, a key part of the Minnesota Vikings’ 2-1 start, will miss the next four games serving a suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
The league told Smith this summer he tested positive for marijuana, and he already was in the league’s substance-abuse program for at least one previous positive test. His suspension had been on hold pending an appeal, but the league notified Smith on Tuesday he must begin serving the suspension.
Smith will be eligible to play again Nov. 8 at Indianapolis.
Williams wants his status clarified
Ricky Williams, the Miami running back who retired before the season, has asked the NFL for a hearing to clarify his playing status, a possible first step if the running back tries to return to the league.
His request was confirmed by a source within the league, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Ravens wait on Lewis suspension
The Baltimore Ravens expect Jamal Lewis to play Sunday against the Washington Redskins. They’re already preparing, however, for the possibility an NFL suspension would take away their star running back for up to four games.
Lewis probably will be suspended, and perhaps fined, by the NFL if he pleads guilty Thursday to drug charges in Atlanta, as expected.
“A drug-related violation is grounds for discipline from the league,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.
The Ravens figure to hear from the league about a disciplinary measure during their bye week, which begins after Sunday’s game.
Ingram indicted for laundering
Former NFL receiver Mark Ingram was accused of laundering drug money, dealing in stolen cars and cashing counterfeit checks, the latest legal trouble for a player who helped the New York Giants win the 1991 Super Bowl.
In a federal indictment made public in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., authorities say Ingram cashed more than $300,000 in phony checks and laundered another $200,000. He was also accused of laundering drug money and of committing other crimes in a criminal complaint unsealed Monday in New York.
The indictment accuses Ingram, 39, of conspiracy, bank fraud and money laundering, charges that could send him to federal prison for up to 30 years.
Bengals’ Smith charged with DUI
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Justin Smith was arrested early Tuesday and charged with drunken driving after he failed a breath test, the Montgomery County sheriff’s department said.
Smith, 25, was stopped because his truck was weaving. He told police he had five beers, the arrest report said, and he swayed while trying to walk during a field sobriety test.
He had a blood alcohol level of 0.152, the report said, nearly double the state’s legal limit.
New Jets stadium under scrutiny
Fearing adverse effects s from traffic and sewage, New Jersey officials want an additional environmental study of the proposed Manhattan football stadium for the New York Jets.
Attorney General Peter Harvey and officials with the state Department of Environmental Protection said the project would have a harmful impact on New Jersey.
In comments filed with the New York City Department of City Planning, Harvey characterized the city’s environmental impact statement as “seriously deficient.”
“New York City has proposed a massive development project that will shoehorn a 75,000-seat stadium into one of the most congested metropolitan areas in the world,” Harvey said. “Serious questions have been raised as to whether the city’s transportation and sewage infrastructure can handle the strain.”
Shula says Patriots could go 19-0
Don Shula knows what it takes to achieve a perfect season, and he says the New England Patriots have a chance to do it.
On the other hand, Shula said, the winless Miami Dolphins have a shot at an upset Sunday at New England.
The Hall of Fame coach has a vested interest for two reasons. He led the Dolphins for 26 years and still roots for them, and his 1972-73 teams won 18 consecutive games, an NFL record the Patriots hope to break Sunday.
Four other teams share the record, but only Shula’s 1972 Dolphins went 17-0. The Patriots need 16 more consecutive wins for the second perfect season in league history, which would be 19-0.
“They’ve got a real shot at it,” Shula said.
Around the league
Pittsburgh inside linebacker Kendrell Bell will miss at least the next two games with what is being called a sports hernia. Bell will undergo laparoscopic surgery today… Tennessee Titans receiver Tyrone Calico, who missed the first three games after tearing cartilage in his left knee in the preseason, will miss at least two to three weeks with torn cartilage in the same knee.