Reid discusses troubled sons

Andy Reid and his wife know well the problems facing parents of children with addictions. The Philadelphia Eagles coach spent six weeks in counseling with his oldest son, and now the usually guarded Reids are sharing their story.

The Reids broke their almost yearlong silence about their sons’ problems and vowed their support in an interview with Philadelphia Magazine for its January edition. They said the motivation to give the interview was the hope of helping others, which grew out of the favorable reaction and overwhelming support they’ve received.

Andy Reid wants parents facing the same problems to know one thing: “They’re not the only ones. That this happens everywhere.”

Both Garrett and Britt Reid have battled drug addiction and been sentenced to jail terms stemming from Britt’s road-rage case and Garrett’s heroin-fueled, high-speed crash in January.

“We’ve dealt with Garrett’s situation for a long time, and we’ve done it through Super Bowls and championships,” Andy Reid told the magazine. “And it’s new to a lot of people, but it’s not new to us.”

Garrett Reid was sentenced last month to serve two to 23 months in jail for a high-speed crash in which another driver was injured. Police said they found heroin, steroids and more than 200 pills in his car and he admitted using heroin on the day of the crash. Garrett Reid was later charged with five additional drug counts related to 89 pills authorities said he had smuggled into prison.

Britt Reid was sentenced last month to serve eight to 23 months in jail for pointing a gun at another driver Jan. 30. He also pleaded guilty to charges including carrying a firearm without a license.

Suspect seeks plea

The attorney for one of the four suspects charged with killing Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor said he is talking with prosecutors about a plea agreement that may include testifying against the others.

Michael Hornung, who represents Venjah Hunte, said his client has maintained throughout that he was not aware that anyone had a weapon when they arrived at Taylor’s Miami home or that violence would occur, and that he was not inside the home when Taylor was shot Nov. 26.

Cameron’s job uncertain

When deciding who’ll coach the Miami Dolphins, Bill Parcells will want someone able to keep teams focused.

Cam Cameron sure is trying.

In a week filled with distractions – a possible franchise sale, buzz over Miami’s first win and Parcells’ hiring to lead Miami’s football operations – the Dolphins’ first-year coach insists he’s thinking only about facing Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker and the still-perfect New England Patriots on Sunday.

“Until he and I get a chance to sit down and visit, anything that I would say would really take our focus away from New England,” Cameron said.

Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga has given Parcells, the two-time Super Bowl champion coach, what he called “ultimate responsibility,” which includes the ability to hire and fire.

Linehan under fire

St. Louis Rams coach Scott Linehan had job security for next season before Thursday night’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A third season might not be such a certainty, though, after wide receiver Torry Holt uncharacteristically gave Linehan a piece of his mind near the end of the game.

Holt was caught by TV cameras yelling at Linehan after Ike Taylor’s 51-yard interception for a touchdown on a fourth-and-10 play put the game out of reach.

Linehan downplayed the exchange after the game, saying it was not a “big deal” and was said in the “heat of the battle.”

Rams president John Shaw said on Dec. 10 that Linehan would be back, and that it was unfair to judge job performance because the team has had so many injuries.

Around the league

Josh McCown will start at quarterback for the Oakland Raiders on Sunday in Jacksonville, with rookie JaMarcus Russell slated to come off the bench as a reserve. Russell, this year’s No. 1 overall draft pick, has played five series in two games as a reserve. … Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers is doubtful for today’s game against Dallas with a sprained right knee. … The Green Bay Packers might have to face the rival Chicago Bears on Sunday without Ryan Pickett, a key member of their defense. The tackle hurt his groin in the Packers’ 33-14 victory over the Rams last week and only took part in a limited portion of practice. He was listed as questionable.