NFL suspends Locklear
The NFL has suspended Seattle Seahawks starting right tackle Sean Locklear for Sunday’s game at Kansas City for violating its personal conduct policy.
Locklear was arrested Jan. 15 on a charge of assaulting his girlfriend outside a downtown Seattle nightspot.
In July, Locklear reached an agreement with prosecutors that avoided a trial. It requires him to perform community service for the next two years, undergo an evaluation and pay court costs.
Coach Mike Holmgren said he knew Locklear could be suspended sometime this season, but he was surprised by the timing.
Tom Ashworth will make his first start for the Seahawks in Locklear’s place against the Chiefs.
Chiefs face QB problem
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Damon Huard, nursing a sore groin, did not practice and may not start Sunday against Seattle.
Coach Herm Edwards said rookie Brodie Croyle would start if Huard can’t play.
Hall nominees declared
Running back Terrell Davis and offensive lineman Bruce Matthews are among the first-time nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The other first-time nominees are quarterback Randall Cunningham; running back Ricky Watters; offensive linemen Randall McDaniel, Mark Stepnoski and Steve Wisniewski; and defensive backs Eric Allen, LeRoy Butler and Carnell Lake.
Recently retired commissioner Paul Tagliabue is a nominee for the second time, and wide receiver Michael Irvin and running back Thurman Thomas are among the finalists from last year who will be considered again.
Cancer claims Leigh
Charlie Leigh, a kick returner on the unbeaten 1972 Miami Dolphins, died of lung cancer at age 60, his family said.
He died Thursday at an Albany, N.Y., hospital.
Leigh, a running back, was with the Dolphins the year they finished 17-0, the only perfect record in NFL history. He won a second Super Bowl with Miami in 1973.
Browns face outbreak
Browns center LeCharles Bentley was recently hospitalized with a staph infection following season-ending knee surgery, raising concerns of contamination at Cleveland’s training facility.
Bentley’s infection is the fifth known case of staph for a Browns player in the past three years, a pattern general manager Phil Savage described as “a staph infection outbreak.”
Since 2003, linebacker Ben Taylor, wide receiver Braylon Edwards, safety Brian Russell and tight end Kellen Winslow had various strains of staph, a bacteria that enters the body through the skin and can cause serious health problems.
Around the league
Jacksonville quarterback Byron Leftwich missed practice for the second straight day because of an ankle injury, a strong indication that backup David Garrard will start at Philadelphia. … Injured Indianapolis safety Bob Sanders missed a second day of practice, and the team said he was doubtful for Sunday’s game at Denver. Cornerback Marlin Jackson or safety Matt Giordano could start if Sanders is unable to play. … The Cincinnati Bengals activated wide receiver Chris Henry, making him available for Sunday’s game with the Atlanta Falcons. … A drug possession charge was dropped against Jacksonville defensive end Bobby McCray, his attorney said.