Jets’ Ferguson Suspended for Violating Steroid Policy

Jason Ferguson, the New York Jets’ starting nose tackle, was suspended by the NFL on Wednesday for violating its steroid policy and will miss four games.

He was the second New York player in two days to be banned for steroid use.

On Tuesday, little-used New York Giants safety Lyle West was suspended for four games.

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Facing the risk of being paralyzed because of a neck injury, San Diego Charger quarterback Erik Kramer probably has played his last NFL game.

Kramer told reporters he’d like to give the injury time and then get a second opinion; others with the team believe Kramer will retire.

The Chargers have described Kramer’s injury as nerve-root irritation. He woke up with a stiff neck Friday morning, and when spasms continued, was hospitalized for three nights.

The Chargers put him on injured reserve Tuesday, and the team’s medical staff told him he should retire.

Kramer, 35, said the doctor who read the results of an MRI exam “talked about it as a situation of a risk of being paralyzed if I go back out there again.”

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Keyshawn Johnson realizes why the throat-slashing gesture banned by the NFL can be perceived as taunting.

However, he says he runs his hand across his throat as a form of celebration.

“Every player in every locker room understands that gesture,” he said. “It’s like you’re saying, ‘You can’t stop me’ or ‘In your face.’

“I don’t read the rule book, but if it’s a taunt, and that’s in there, you probably should be penalized.”

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James Brooks, the Cincinnati Bengals’ career leader in rushing, was sentenced to six months in jail for failing to pay child support to the mothers of his 6-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.

Brooks, 41, pleaded no contest to two counts of non-support and acknowledged he owed at least $107,704. Judge Steven Martin, during the hearing at Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, said he would consider a work-release program if Brooks gets a job and begins support payments.