PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Boykin Involved in Auto Accident

Anaheim police said Monday they expect to cite starting strong safety Deral Boykin for speeding and driving with a suspended license after he wrecked his 1991 BMW in a one-car accident early Monday morning in Anaheim Hills.

Boykin said he lost control of his car when he hit a wet spot on Canyon Road and the car jumped the curb and hit a tree. Boykin, who said he was wearing his seat belt, was treated for a sore neck and was hospitalized overnight.

Boykin’s license was under suspension for a previous accident in Ohio. He admitted Monday that he was exceeding the 45 m.p.h. speed limit on Canyon Road.

Police said no alcohol or drugs were involved in the accident, and that Boykin was alone in the car at the time of the accident. He was followed by tailback Jerome Bettis, his Ram teammate and roommate.

“I’m very blessed that I’m alive today,” Boykin said. “That’s the closest I’ve ever been to death, and I don’t want to go back. You don’t have to worry about me speeding anymore, hitting any wet spots or any trees.”

Boykin expects to return to practice today or Wednesday.

The accident was the second setback in a week for Boykin, who received six stitches and a tetanus shot after he was hit on the head with his own helmet by offensive lineman Darryl Ashmore during a fight in practice.

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Coach Chuck Knox would not acknowledge obvious changes in the offensive line and defense two days after a 28-10 exhibition loss to New England.

“I’ll announce the starters just before the opener (Sept. 4) against Arizona,” he said.

Rookie Wayne Gandy worked with the first string at left tackle, in place of veteran Clarence Jones. Gandy, a first-round draft pick from Auburn, accounted for four penalties in the New England game for lining up too far off the line of scrimmage.

Tom Newberry, last year’s starting left guard, worked for the first time as the backup center to Bern Brostek. Second-year player Chuck Belin appears to be ready to take over the starting left guard position from Newberry, who has a guaranteed contract worth $800,000 a year.

Former Raider Joe Kelly also appears to have locked up the starting left outside linebacker position. He started in place of Henry Rolling on Saturday and practiced with the first string Monday.

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The Rams trimmed their roster to 77 players when they released cornerback Mitchell Price and safety David Wilson. Price played in five games with the Rams and two with Cincinnati last season.