Browns lineman gets steroids suspension
August 4, 2007
Desperate to resume his career, a "down and out" Ryan Tucker risked his football future by taking steroids.
He'll pay for it -- and so will the Browns.
Tucker, Cleveland's rock-solid right offensive tackle, was suspended Friday for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.
Tucker admitted taking a banned substance, saying he did so while being treated for a mental disorder that limited him to nine games last season.
"I didn't intend to compromise the integrity of the NFL, my team," a remorseful Tucker said following yesterday's morning practice. "I want to apologize to the fans, my family. It's been a long road in which I was pretty down and out last year. In my attempt to come back I took a banned substance.
"I'm going to fulfill this punishment and get it behind me."
Tucker can practice with the Browns throughout training camp and the preseason. However, he cannot be with the team during his suspension, which begins Sept. 1 and runs through Oct. 1. He is not appealing the ban.
Lions sign Johnson
The Detroit Lions gave wide receiver Calvin Johnson a six-year deal worth up to $64 million, a person with knowledge of the contract details told The Associated Press on Friday, with just under $27.2 million in guaranteed money.
The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because both sides agreed to not divulge the finances of the contract, said the deal guarantees Johnson's salary in each season and will likely be worth $55.5 million by the middle of his rookie year because of easily triggered bonuses.
Broncos LB leaves hospital
Denver Broncos linebacker Warrick Holdman was released from the hospital, 24 hours after being treated for a spinal cord concussion following a collision with a teammate at training camp.
The Broncos didn't say when Holdman, who spent the night at Sky Ridge Medical Center, would be able to practice again.
Bengals sign TE
The Cincinnati Bengals signed free agent tight end Erik Jensen to a one-year deal, adding depth to their most depleted position.
The Bengals have lost three reserve tight ends to injury since training camp began.
Minter ponders retirement
Carolina Panthers safety Mike Minter said he might retire before the start of the season due to severe knee pain.
The 33-year-old Minter, who had previously said 2007 would be his last season, has sat out several practices in training camp. He did not practice yesterday morning and said he's been in discussions with team officials about whether his body will hold up.
Minter, entering his 11th season with Carolina, is the franchise's career leader in tackles. His 141 starts and 94 consecutive starts are also team records.
