Burglary almost avoided
The burglary that led to the shooting death of Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor almost didn’t happen when one suspect heard a noise and wanted to flee, an attorney close to the case said Friday.
But the lawyer, Richard Sharpstein, said the alleged triggerman told police he was the cause of the noise and talked the others into continuing, leading to a confrontation early Nov. 26 that ended with a machete-wielding Taylor fatally shot.
Investigators have said the suspects did not expect Taylor to be at home the night of the burglary, but he was not with the Redskins because he had suffered a knee injury.
Four Ravens fined
Bart Scott and three other players on the Baltimore Ravens were fined by the NFL for arguing with game officials and complaining about calls in Monday’s game against New England.
Scott, who argued with officials and tossed a penalty flag into the stands, was fined $25,000. Cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle and wide receiver Derrick Mason each were fined $15,000 for critical remarks made after the game.
Bush may be out
Reggie Bush has a partially torn left knee ligament that likely won’t require surgery but could sideline him for Monday night’s game at Atlanta and possibly for the rest of the season.
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said Bush would be listed as questionable on the injury report.
Around the league
San Diego coach Norv Turner said it’s 50-50 whether linebacker Shawne Merriman will play Sunday at Tennessee because of an ailing right calf. … Bills running back Marshawn Lynch is likely to play Sunday when Buffalo hosts Miami after being out with a sprained ankle. … Houston placed running back Ahman Green on injured reserve, ending his season with a left knee injury. … Tennessee safety Chris Hope is out for the season after tests confirmed a spinal cord injury that is not expected to be career-ending. … Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is likely to miss Pittsburgh’s game Sunday at New England because of a sprained knee. … St. Louis quarterback Marc Bulger had a setback in his recovery from a concussion, meaning it’s possible third-stringer Brock Berlin, who has never attempted a pass in a regular-season game, might start Sunday at Cincinnati. Backup Gus Frerotte has a partially tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder. … Jets wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery was listed as doubtful for New York’s game against Cleveland with an injured right index finger. … Denver coach Mike Shanahan was fined $25,000 by the NFL for his comments about Travis Henry’s appeal of a drug suspension. Shanahan said he was convinced of Henry’s innocence after the player passed a polygraph test and a hair sample come back negative for marijuana.