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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: Browns send WR Edwards to the Jets

Wide receiver Braylon Edwards moves from the last-place and winless Cleveland Browns to the first-place New York Jets.  (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
From Staff And Wire Reports

NFL: Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini has dumped dissatisfied wide receiver Braylon Edwards off on his former team.

Mangini sent Edwards, a former first-round pick whose troubles have matched his immense talent, to the New York Jets on Wednesday for wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik and undisclosed draft choices.

Edwards, in his fifth season, has 10 receptions for 139 yards but was held to no catches for the first time in his career in the winless Browns’ 23-20 overtime loss to Cincinnati on Sunday. His best season came in 2007, when he had 80 catches for 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns.

The former Michigan star comes with his share of off-field issues. The NFL is investigating whether he violated the league’s conduct policy following accusations he assaulted a man outside a nightclub. Cleveland police are also looking into the incident.

Edwards allegedly punched promoter Edward Givens, a friend of NBA star LeBron James, early Monday morning following an argument in downtown Cleveland.

Edwards has been involved in other off-field incidents. In March, he was partying with suspended Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth in Miami the night Stallworth later drove drunk and killed a pedestrian. Edwards was not with Stallworth at the time.

Last November, Edwards was fined $150 and given 30 hours of community service after he was found guilty of driving 120 mph.

•Niners sign Crabtree: Michael Crabtree is confident he can play a big role for the San Francisco 49ers as a rookie even though he’s months behind.

Crabtree signed a six-year contract after a drawn-out negotiation process that had some wondering whether the star wide receiver would ever show up this season.

“It’s a lot of relief off my shoulders,” Crabtree said.

Crabtree will receive nearly $17 million in guaranteed money, according to a person familiar with the contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the details weren’t made public.

•McNabb says he’ll play: Donovan McNabb plans to start when Philadelphia plays Tampa Bay on Sunday, his first action since breaking a rib in the season opener. McNabb still feels some discomfort and needs a protective jacket to absorb punishing hits.

McNabb hasn’t played since he took a hard shot in the end zone after a rushing touchdown Sept. 13 in a win over the Carolina Panthers. He missed two games before the Eagles (2-1) had their bye this past weekend.

•Sanchez fined: New York Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez said that he was fined $5,000 by the NFL for his low block on New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma last weekend.

During Darren Sharper’s 99-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter Sunday, Sanchez dived at the legs of Vilma, who was blocking on the play. Sanchez was assessed a 15-yard personal foul penalty for the hit.

•Buckhalter ails: The Denver Broncos might be without their most productive running back when they face the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Correll Buckhalter, who sprained his left ankle against Dallas on Sunday and left the stadium on crutches, missed practice.

Bowden’s job at FSU safe for now

College football: Florida State University president T.K. Wetherell says coach Bobby Bowden’s job is safe for now.

Wetherell said the football coaching situation will be re-evaluated at the end of the season. He reiterated that offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher will be the next head coach when Bowden leaves and the university will work with Fisher on an agreement.

“FSU does not make coaching changes in the middle of the season,” Wetherell said in a news release. “What message would it send to anyone – friend or foe – to do that at this time?”

Bowden said he appreciated Wetherell’s backing.

“I think he’s wise and I’m very thankful,” Bowden said.

•Ducks’ Masoli hobbled: Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli rejoined practice with the No. 13 Oregon Ducks on a limited basis after missing two days with a right knee injury.

It appeared that backup quarterback Nate Costa will get the start on Saturday at UCLA. Masoli was scheduled to have his knee re-examined by doctors today.

Coyotes power past Penguins on road

NHL: Petr Prucha was knocked off his skates in front of the net but still scored while sitting on a Penguin player’s back in the second period, and the visiting Phoenix Coyotes took advantage of nine power plays to beat Pittsburgh 3-0.

Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov made 24 saves to earn the shutout.

Florida girl gets home run ball back

Baseball: A Florida girl who grabbed a milestone home run ball hit by Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard has her prize back after suing the team for its return.

The July home run against the Florida Marlins was Howard’s 200th. He achieved that milestone in the fewest games in major league history.

After 12-year-old Jennifer Valdivia scooped up the ball, she was escorted to the Phillies’ clubhouse, then exchanged it for an autographed ball.

The girl’s mother filed a lawsuit Monday seeking the home run ball’s return. Attorney Norm Kent says the Phillies agreed and now Jennifer has the ball back.