Bills' Lynch avoids league penalty for hit-and-run

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jul 28, 2008 | by wire services

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell personally informed Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch on Monday that he won't be disciplined by the league for a hit-and-run accident that left a woman injured.

"The facts are clear on the case, and I don't plan any discipline," Goodell said during a visit to Bills training camp in Pittsford, N.Y.

Goodell based his decision on the fact that Lynch eventually agreed to plead guilty to a traffic violation, which is not a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy. Lynch initially faced more serious charges.

Lynch, who angered prosecutors over what they said was his lack of cooperation with their investigation into the hit and run, has not spoken to reporters since arriving at camp Thursday and declined comment following practice Monday.

Lynch, the former Cal star and the Bills' first-round draft pick in 2007, lost his license after pleading guilty to a traffic violation last month. As part of the plea agreement, Lynch admitted speeding off in his SUV after striking a female pedestrian near Buffalo's downtown bar district on May 31. The 27-year-old victim was treated and released from the hospital after sustaining a bruised hip and cut to her thigh.

Packers: With the Brett Favre standoff still simmering, Aaron Rodgers took his place as Green Bay's new starting quarterback. Rodgers is trying to ignore what has become a daily soap opera involving the three-time NFL MVP. Favre is considering filing for reinstatement with the league and reporting to camp this week, a move likely intended to pressure Green Bay to grant him his release - - something the Packers refuse to do -- or trade him. "I feel like this is really between Brett and the organization, and I'm just trying to stay focused on the things I can control," Rodgers, the former Cal star, said after the team's first practice. General manager Ted Thompson spoke twice with Favre on Saturday. They decided it would be best for Favre to stay away for now. ... Ryan Grant doesn't have a contract in place and skipped the first practice. The running back, an exclusive rights free agent, is seeking a long-term deal with the Packers, but talks appear to have broken down.

Buccaneers: Jeff Garcia reported to training camp after being excused from the first three days to attend a reunion for the junior college team (Gavilan) his father coached to a national title in 1973. Garcia signed a two-year, $7 million contract as a free agent in March 2007. Although he's been unhappy with the lack of progress on a contract extension, he insisted he's focused on preparing for the season -- not the absence of a new deal or the team's supposed interest in Favre.

Bengals: Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson didn't participate in the first practice of training camp because his right ankle hasn't fully recovered from surgery last month. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said Johnson is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. ... Defensive end Antwan Odom hurt his foot and rode off the field on a cart.

Giants: Plaxico Burress says it's his ankle, not his contract, that is keeping him from practicing. "If it was only about my contract, I would be home in South Florida relaxing," he said. Burress has three years remaining on a deal that will pay him $3.25 million this season, well below what the league's top receivers earn. ... Recently signed offensive tackle Shane Olivea said he was addicted to painkillers for a number of injuries while playing for San Diego last season. He was treated at the Betty Ford Center in Palm Springs.

Rams: Steven Jackson missed his fourth day of training camp. The holdout running back is keeping in touch, though, exchanging text messages with coach Scott Linehan. ... Defensive end Victor Adeyanju will be sidelined two to four weeks after breaking his right middle finger in practice.

Steelers: Safety Troy Polamalu pulled his hamstring while running and couldn't take part in the first two camp practices.

Jaguars: Center Brad Meester could miss the start of the season because of a strained right biceps.