Stubblefield pleads guilty in steroids case

Sat., Jan. 19, 2008

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

Former NFL defensive lineman Dana Stubblefield pleaded guilty Friday to lying to investigators in the BALCO steroids case, making him the first football player charged in the long-running federal investigation.

Stubblefield, a three-time Pro Bowl player who testified before the BALCO grand jury in November 2003, was charged with making false statements to federal agents.

The charges, unsealed in federal court, allege Stubblefield lied to an IRS agent when he said he had not used steroids linked to the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative and denied receiving performance enhancers from BALCO founder Victor Conte.

The plea deal calls for the 37-year-old Stubblefield to spend zero to six months in prison.

Ravens hire head coach

John Harbaugh was hired as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, who hope their second choice proves to be a first-rate success.

The Ravens earlier this week offered the job to Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, who spurned Baltimore on Thursday in favor of staying in Dallas.

Around the league

Justin Tuck signed a $30 million, five-year contract extension that could keep the defensive end with the New York Giants through 2013. … Monte Kiffin of Tampa Bay signed a contract extension, extending the longest tenure for a NFL defensive coordinator and ending speculation he’d leave after 12 seasons. … Mike Carey will become the first black referee in Super Bowl history. Carey, in his 18th year as an official, was notified by the NFL office this week he had the assignment for the Feb. 3 game in Glendale, Ariz. … Bill Callahan, fired as coach at Nebraska after last season, was hired as assistant head coach/offense by the New York Jets. … Denver tight end Daniel Graham won’t be charged after his arrest on suspicion of harassment against his former girlfriend. … Ernie Holmes, a two-time Super Bowl champion with Pittsburgh, died Thursday night after his car left a road and rolled several times near Lumberton, Texas. The former defensive lineman and member of the “Steel Curtain” defense was 59.

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Stubblefield pleads guilty in steroids case

Ravens hire head coach

Around the league

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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