Blades Putting Troubles Behind Him

Speaking publicly for the first time since a Florida judge threw out his manslaughter conviction, Brian Blades said he is relieved the ordeal is behind him.

“It was something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, but I had to go through it and I’m here now,” the nine-year Seattle Seahawk wide receiver said.

A relaxed and smiling Blades, 30, talked to reporters after a morning practice at the Seahawk training camp at Kirkland, Wash. He refused to talk about the specifics of the trial involving the shooting death of his cousin, Charles, in Plantation, Fla., but said he owed his team for standing behind him during the trial.

“The Seahawks were excellent,” he said. “They were always there for me and with me.”

Also, the Seahawks signed guard Pete Kendall, their first-round draft selection, to a five-year, $5.25 million contract.

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Indianapolis Colt fullback Roosevelt Potts was suspended for four games by the NFL for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. The suspension doesn’t prohibit Potts, a restricted free agent, from signing and joining the team in training camp. The suspension becomes effective with the start of the regular season. . . . Miami Dolphin defensive end Jeff Cross will reportedly undergo back surgery today and be out at least six weeks.