PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AFC : Bills’ Paup Will Sue Before He Pays Fine

Buffalo Bill linebacker Bryce Paup plans to sue the NFL for defamation of character if it does not rescind a $12,000 fine against him.

Paup was fined for a hit on Indianapolis quarterback Paul Justin, and he believes the action by the NFL makes him look like a dirty player. He said the lawsuit is not over money.

“It’s the principle,” Paup said Thursday. “That’s the way I’m taking it, and that’s what the lawyer is going to go after.”

“What is this, intimidation?” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello asked. “We won’t respond to it.”

*

Thurman Thomas says he’s ready for his first start in three games when the Bills play the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Coach Marv Levy says he will wait until game time to see make a decision. Thomas pulled a hamstring on Oct. 23.

*

New York Jet guard Carlton Haselrig, suspended by Pittsburgh last season because of repeated alcohol-related incidents, was arrested early Monday in Bayonne, N.J., and charged with disorderly conduct, the New York Post reported.

*

Jeff Hostetler practiced Thursday and the Oakland Raider quarterback is expected to play against the New York Giants despite a cracked bone in his left hand.

Hostetler, a right-hander, is to wear a protective pad on his hand during the game against his former teammates.

“He’s ready to go and we haven’t seen any problems taking a snap,” Raider Coach Mike White said. “He looks good.”

Rookie linebacker Mike Morton will not play because of tendinitis in his right ankle. His ankle was put in a cast Thursday.