Redskins’ Westbrook Is Fined $50,000

Wide receiver Michael Westbrook, who repeatedly punched teammate Stephen Davis during a practice Tuesday, was fined $50,000 Saturday by the Washington Redskins.

Although Westbrook--Washington’s first-round pick two years ago--apologized to Davis and the team, the matter is far from resolved for Coach Norv Turner.

“We’re in the middle of the process,” Turner said. “There are a number of other steps to getting this resolved.”

Westbrook appeared at Redskin Park long enough to meet with Davis privately before addressing a morning team meeting for about five minutes. By mutual consent with the team, he then left without attending game-plan meetings or the afternoon practice, making no comments as he walked out of the building.

In addition to the fine, the amount of which was determined by President John Kent Cooke, Westbrook was left home when the Redskins played an exhibition game at Miami on Thursday. Westbrook also will not start the season opener at Carolina on Sunday. The Redskins have also asked Westbrook to undergo counseling, according to team sources.

Turner said Westbrook probably will resume practice Monday, when the third-year receiver is also expected to make his first public statement since his attack on Davis. Turner indicated several times that Westbrook’s behavior during the next seven days would determine his role in the Carolina game and in the weeks beyond.

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Tiki Barber, who has drawn comparisons to departed running back Dave Meggett, might be the starting halfback for the New York Giants.

Coach Jim Fassel stopped short of handing Barber the job on Saturday after reviewing a 22-17 loss to Green Bay on Friday night. The second-round draft pick from Virginia finished the preseason as the Giants’ leading rusher with 165 yards in 34 carries, a 4.9-yard average. He also tied for the club lead with 13 receptions for 120 yards.

With Rodney Hampton, the Giants’ all-time leading rusher, expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks because of knee surgery, and Tyrone Wheatley showing signs of inconsistency, it is expected that Barber will line up behind Dave Brown on Sunday for the regular-season opener against Philadelphia at Giants Stadium.