Dolphins Release Linebacker Del Rio

Calling it the most difficult roster decision of his career, Miami Dolphin Coach Jimmy Johnson released linebacker Jack Del Rio on Monday.

“Jack is a true professional. He’s intelligent, a competitor, and a team player,” Johnson said.

The release of the 33-year-old Del Rio was made because of the solid play of rookie Zach Thomas, designated Monday as the starting middle linebacker.

Thomas led the team with eight tackles in last week’s preseason opener against Tampa Bay, and will get the starting nod again this week against Chicago.

“The bottom line is that Zach Thomas was making plays,” Johnson said.

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Dolphin wide receiver Fred Barnett underwent reconstructive surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right knee, the team said.

The injury was discovered two weeks ago during arthroscopic surgery to repair torn cartilage in the same knee. At that time, Barnett was also found to have a torn anterior cruciate ligament. No timetable has been set for his return.

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Cincinnati Bengal defensive line coach Tim Krumrie will be without a driver’s license for the next six months.

Krumrie pleaded guilty to drunken driving, and in addition to the license suspension was fined $1,000.

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Indianapolis Colt owner Robert Irsay has been hospitalized because of pneumonia.

Irsay, 73, entered an Indianapolis area hospital on Friday and was expected to stay about a week, said his wife, Nancy.