NFL: Sapp thinks suspension is unlikely
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp said on Wednesday he does not expect to be suspended by the NFL after being ejected from last week’s 49-11 loss to Jacksonville.
Speaking about the incident for the first time, Sapp defended his actions and blamed the officiating crew for the situation which resulted in Oakland getting hit with four unsportsmanlike conduct penalties late in the first half, three on Sapp.
After the game, referee Jerome Boger said Sapp bumped umpire Garth DeFelice during the argument which was why he was ejected, a claim the seven-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman vehemently denies.
“Come on, I’ve never touched anybody in any shape, form or anything,” Sapp said. “I’ve never been in a fight in this league. It’s not about a fight.”
Sapp is expected to practice today in anticipation of playing in Oakland’s season finale against playoff-bound San Diego. That could change if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell decides to penalize or suspend Sapp. League spokesman Greg Aiello said a decision should come by Friday.
Colts hold 11 out of practice
Eleven Indianapolis Colts players, including eight-time Pro Bowl receiver Marvin Harrison, missed practice.
Harrison has not played since Oct. 22 because of a left knee injury and may miss his 10th consecutive game Sunday. Coach Tony Dungy has expressed hope Harrison would return and remains optimistic that Harrison will be available for the playoffs.
Whether Harrison plays Sunday against Tennessee could dictate how many snaps Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning gets. On Monday, Dungy said if Harrison played this week he might keep Manning in the game longer to work on their timing.
Anthony Gonzalez, Harrison’s replacement, also sat out with a concussion. Dungy already said it’s doubtful second tight end Ben Utecht (shoulder), defensive tackle Raheem Brock (ribs) and right tackle Ryan Diem (knee) would play against the Titans. All three missed practice.
Defensive end Robert Mathis, who has two sprained knees, safety Antoine Bethea (knee), defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock (groin) and defensive back Tim Jennings (concussion) also were out. Fullback Luke Lawton and defensive end Josh Thomas did not practice because they were ill.
Ogden considers retirement
When Jonathan Ogden walks onto the field Sunday, he will be honored as one of three Baltimore Ravens selected to play in the Pro Bowl.
When the 6-foot-9, 345-pound offensive tackle walks off three hours later, it just might be for the last time.
Ogden will decide during the off-season if he wants to retire or return for a 13th NFL season. He faced a similar decision after the 2006 season.
“It’s pretty much the same: How healthy do I feel; is the love and passion still there to be able to do it for a full season; what I think about where the team is headed. I’ll just kind of examine those things,” Ogden said.
The main difference this time is that a year ago the Ravens went 13-3 and figured to be at least as good in 2007. Now they’re 4-11 and will bring a nine-game losing streak into the finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Notes
A bruised right hand may stop Kansas City quarterback Brodie Croyle from playing against the New York Jets on Sunday. … Quarterback Ken Dorsey signed a three-year contract extension with the Cleveland Browns. … Quarterback Shaun Hill missed the San Francisco 49ers’ practice with back spasms.