Police plan to cite Winslow in crash

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), May 21, 2005 | by Associated Press

Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. will be charged with disregarding safety in the motorcycle crash that put his 2005 season in jeopardy, police said.

Police in suburban Westlake will issue a citation Friday afternoon, Lt. Ray Arcuri said. The charge carries a maximum fine of $150 with no jail time.

Winslow tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee when he crashed, two sources within the league told The Associated Press. An injury such as Winslow's typically requires 10 to 12 months of rehabilitation.

Winslow also sustained unspecified internal injuries when his motorcycle hit a curb at 35 mph and he flipped over the handlebars while practicing in a parking lot near his home May 1.

The Browns have Winslow's medical test results but the club cannot disclose the nature of his injuries because they have not received permission from Winslow or his family.

He spent nine days in the Cleveland Clinic before being released last week. Winslow, who has been resting at home, has not commented on his accident or his injuries.

Winslow, who missed 14 games as a rookie with a broken leg, breached a hazardous activities clause in his contract by riding the motorcycle. The Browns could ask him to return part of the money he already has been paid as part of his six-year, $40 million contract.

JAMES MISSES START OF MINICAMP: Edgerrin James was a no-show Friday as the Indianapolis Colts began a mandatory minicamp session amid his effort to get a new long-term contract from the team or be traded.

The former two-time NFL rushing champion signed a one-year franchise offer from the Colts in March that will pay him a little more than $8 million this year.

Drew Rosenhaus, James' agent, declined to comment when reached Friday by The Associated Press.

Rosenhaus had said in March that James was "not enthusiastic" about playing under a one-year contract and that he was negotiating with the Colts and other NFL teams.

WILLIAMS, SABAN TALKING: Ricky Williams' strong rapport with new Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban is part of the reason why the retired running back is contemplating a return, his agent said Friday.

Williams and Saban have had "some steady dialogue in the last 10 days," said agent Leigh Steinberg, who would not discuss specifics or detail what would have to transpire in the coming weeks for the NFL's leading rusher in 2002 to rejoin the Dolphins.

"Ricky has expressed a desire and excitement about returning to the Dolphins and playing football this season," Steinberg said. "He's keeping in shape and has been involved in a rigorous training program."

Williams retired unexpectedly last July, shortly before the Dolphins opened training camp and began their tumult-filled season. Without him, Miami went 4-12, saw coach Dave Wannstedt resign after nine games, and the Dolphins averaged just 17.2 points and 275 yards per game -- their worst production since 1969.