Ravens hire Cameron as coordinator
Cam Cameron was hired as the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator Wednesday, the latest offensive expert to take a shot at jump-starting a sluggish attack.
The 46-year-old Cameron was fired as Miami Dolphins coach after going 1-15, with his lone victory coming at the expense of the Ravens.
Cameron is the first assistant to join new coach John Harbaugh's staff.
"I'm excited to be coming to Baltimore," Cameron said in a conference call. "I really look forward to and am excited to be part of the staff that John Harbaugh is putting together. There will be a lot of evaluation over the next few months. Obviously, there's some things in place. The important thing is how much can we improve."
Cameron was the San Diego Chargers' offensive coordinator for five seasons before his one-year stint in Miami. In 2006, the Chargers led the NFL in scoring with 492 points.
However, the Dolphins finished near the bottom of the league in yards and points last season. Cameron was fired Jan. 3 by new Dolphins executives Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland.
"In life, we all get stung on occasion," Cameron said. "If you're in the NFL long enough as a coach or a player, you're going to get stung. The sting has gone away."
Rivers has ACL surgery: Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers had surgery to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The surgery was performed by Dr. David Chao of the team's medical staff. Rivers will rehab for up to six months. Rivers was injured in a 28-24 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional playoffs but was able to play Sunday in the Chargers' 21-12 loss to undefeated New England in the AFC championship game.
Alstott to retire? Mike Alstott's long run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be over. Amid speculation that the six-time Pro Bowl selection is set to announce his retirement after 12 seasons, the team said the 34-year-old fullback will discuss his plans for the future during a news conference today at the club's training facility. Alstott spent the 2007 season on injured reserve with a neck problem that he said was not related to a career-threatening injury that required surgery in 2003.
Pro Bowlers to honor Taylor: Sean Taylor, the first player voted posthumously to the Pro Bowl, will have his jersey number worn at the game by two of his former Washington Redskins teammates. The NFL announced that tight end Chris Cooley and tackle Chris Samuels will both wear No. 21 at the game Feb. 10 in Honolulu. Taylor died No. 27, a day after being shot at his home in Florida. The 24-year-old safety was leading the NFL in interceptions at the time. He was chosen the following month for the NFC team in balloting among coaches, players and fans.
Long in stable condition: Former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Rien Long has improved to stable condition after he crashed his sports car into a rock wall while driving onto an interstate. Nashville Police said the 26-year-old Long was driving too fast down an on-ramp to Interstate 40 near downtown just before midnight Monday. Vanderbilt University Medical Center officials say Long's condition has steadily improved over the last 24 hours.
Crowder crashes truck: Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder crashed his pickup truck into a tree alongside Florida's Turnpike and left the scene of the early morning collision, authorities said. Crowder, 24, said he lost control of his 2007 Dodge truck on an exit ramp at about 5:30 a.m., then found a ride to his Davie home, according to a statement from the Florida Highway Patrol. Crowder was cited for careless driving and leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage -- a second-degree misdemeanor.
Joiner hired as WRs coach: The San Diego Chargers have replaced one Hall of Fame wide receivers coach with another. Charlie Joiner, the team's career receiving leader, was hired to replace James Lofton, who was fired Tuesday. Joiner also coached the team's wide receivers from 1987-91 after retiring.