Redskins induct Taylor into Ring of Fame

Announced one last time as the “starting free safety” for the Washington Redskins, Sean Taylor was inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame before Sunday’s game against the New York Giants at Landover, Md.

With his mother, father, girlfriend and daughter huddled under umbrellas near the center of the field, Taylor’s name was unveiled on the upper-level facade of FedEx Field, joining 42 other Redskins greats.

After the ceremony, the public address announcer said: “Starting at free safety for your Washington Redskins, No. 21, Sean Taylor.”

Running back Clinton Portis, Taylor’s close friend, then ran onto the field carrying a large burgundy flag with a gold No. 21.

The game was the first following the one-year anniversary of Taylor’s death. He was shot in his Florida home last Nov. 26 and died a day later.

Burress to turn himself in

Plaxico Burress plans to turn himself in to police in New York City and plead not guilty to criminal possession of a weapon, his lawyer said.

Benjamin Brafman wrote in an e-mail to the Associated Press on Sunday that he was advised the New York Giants’ star receiver will be charged after accidentally shooting himself in the right thigh.

“We are going to proceed to the 17th Precinct (today) at 8 a.m., and it’s my understanding that Mr. Burress is going to be charged with criminal possession of a weapon,” Brafman said in a telephone interview. “He is going to plead not guilty, and we’ll proceed from there.”

Whether Burress has a permit to carry a concealed weapon in New York is still under investigation, according to New York Police Department spokesman Reginald Watkins.

Welker leveled by rough hit

New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker did not return after being leveled late in the third quarter by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark. The Patriots did not announce the nature or severity of his injury. Clark was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness.

“I pray he’s all right,” Clark said, “because I don’t ever, ever want to hurt anybody. It’s not like I’m a cheap guy. Once the ball is tipped, I know that everybody is fair game. Once I see I don’t have a chance to make an interception, I usually go for the hit.”

Welker left the game and did not return, ending his streak of 15 games with six or more catches.