Browns' Stallworth apologizes for his actions
Suspended Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth feels he has done "irreparable harm" to the family of the man he killed while driving drunk and said he is ready to accept whatever ruling NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell makes on his future.
Stallworth, suspended indefinitely by the league for killing Mario Reyes while driving drunk in Miami, met with Goodell in New York on Wednesday about a possible reinstatement.
Stallworth was recently released from jail after serving 24 days for the DUI conviction.
In a public statement released Thursday, Stallworth apologized for his actions and vowed to conduct himself "in a manner that more accurately reflects who I am and meets the high standard expected of all NFL players. I recognize that there is a difference between the legal standard in my criminal case and the standard to which NFL players are held. It is clear that I exercised poor judgment and caused irreparable harm to Mario Reyes, his family, the NFL, its owners, coaches, employees and to my fellow players."
Packers' Grant ready to run: It's just a scrimmage, but Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant can't wait to play in front of a crowd at Lambeau Field on Saturday night. Grant spent much of last year's training camp on the sidelines, first because of a contract dispute and then because of a hamstring injury. He went on to have a so-so season and the Packers' running game suffered. A healthy Grant has a full camp to prepare this year. He hopes to recapture the form he showed during a breakout 2007 season.
Roethlisberger accuser gets harassed: The woman who has accused Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of raping her at a Lake Tahoe hotel-casino where she worked told authorities she has received dozens of threatening and harassing phone calls. In a police report filed with the Douglas County Sheriff's Department, the 31-year-old woman said she has received "well over 100" annoying messages since she filed a civil suit against the football star on July 17 in Washoe District Court in Reno.
Titans to honor McNair: The Tennessee Titans will honor slain former quarterback Steve McNair by wearing a No. 9 decal on their helmets this season, starting with this weekend's Hall of Fame Game against the Buffalo Bills.
Chargers tickets not hot item: Southern California's only NFL team is having a hard time selling out its games because of the slow economy. The San Diego Chargers are warning fans that local television blackouts are likely for the two home exhibition games and possibly for some regular-season games.
Comings and goings: The New England Patriots obtained defensive end Derrick Burgess on Thursday after the two-time Pro Bowl player held out of the Oakland Raiders training camp in hopes of being traded. The Patriots gave up undisclosed draft considerations. ... Cleveland Browns guard Rex Hadnot has been carted off the practice field after suffering a possible serious injury to his left knee. ... Pittsburgh Steelers right guard Darnell Stapleton will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee today and the team has no timetable set for his return. ... The Atlanta Falcons confirmed that receiver Harry Douglas will miss the season with a knee injury. ... The Houston Texans signed free-agent cornerback Deltha O'Neal and free-agent running back Andre Hall. ... The Kansas City Chiefs claimed quarterback Matt Gutierrez off waivers from New England.