AROUND THE NFL : Sumner, Head of Patriots’ Dismal Defense, Quits

Charlie Sumner, coordinator of the worst defense in the NFL, resigned his post with the New England Patriots today.

Coach Rod Rust, a longtime NFL defensive coordinator before taking the head job this season, said Sumner’s duties will be shared by the remaining defensive coaches for the final three games of the season.

Sumner also coached New England’s defensive backs, who have had just 11 interceptions this year.

“Charlie felt that it was in his best interest to resign now, and his best interest should take priority,” Rust said.

New England (1-12) has allowed the most points in the NFL, 366, and the second most yards, 357.7 per game.

Sumner, 60, was hired last March 10. He had been out of football last season after spending the two previous years as an assistant with the Raiders.

San Francisco 49ers starting safety Chet Brooks underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, less than one month after having the same procedure.

Brooks will be replaced in Monday’s game in Los Angeles against the Rams by Johnny Jackson.

The 24-year-old Brooks, who has a history of injuries to his left knee, had surgery in mid-November to repair cartilage damage.

Brooks practiced twice last week and the knee became very swollen Thursday night, he said.

Team doctors were baffled by the swelling until a test revealed a new tear in the cartilage, he said.