Bengals Waive Ex-Bruin Farris After He Can’t Pass Physical

The Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday waived offensive lineman Kris Farris, who flunked the team’s physical examination a day after he was obtained on waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Farris was Pittsburgh’s third-round draft pick last year after winning the Outland Trophy while at UCLA. He missed last season because of a broken foot.

The Bengals also released offensive lineman Doug Dorley, a free agent from Bowling Green.

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The wife of Fred Lane was ordered held without bond as prosecutors said she could be charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of the NFL running back.

Deidra Lane, 25, appeared close to tears as she appeared before Mecklenburg County District Court Judge Philip Howerton.

Wearing an orange jail jumpsuit and shackles on her legs, she answered “yes” when Howerton asked if she knew she had been charged with murder.

Investigators have offered no details on the circumstances of the shooting or a motive for it. Hill refused to discuss Deidra Lane’s motive or version of the shooting.

The charges came nearly seven weeks after Fred Lane’s death.

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The NFL upheld its one-game suspension of Arizona Cardinal running back Mario Bates for violating the league’s new anti-violence policy.

Bates pleaded guilty on June 9 to misdemeanor charges for slapping his girlfriend in the face. The league’s new policy states that suspension without pay is mandatory for a conviction or guilty plea for violent crimes.

Bates’ appealed his suspension but the Cardinals said they were informed that the appeal was denied by NFL executive vice president Jeffrey Pash.

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Veteran defensive end Neil Smith, a fixture with Kansas City for nine seasons who spent the last three with Denver, has spoken with San Diego Charger management about joining the team.

The team desperately needs a proven pass-rusher after losing Raylee Johnson to a season-ending knee injury. Johnson had a career-high 10 1/2 sacks last season.

Smith had 6 1/2 sacks last year.

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Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre had his first extended practice time since he developed elbow tendinitis two weeks ago, throwing approximately 20 passes to running backs and taking snaps from center. He was held out of scrimmage drills involving long downfield throws.

The Packers still aren’t sure whether Favre will play in Saturday’s preseason finale against Cleveland.

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Brad Culpepper, the eight-year veteran defensive tackle released Monday by Tampa Bay, signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears.

Culpepper considered offers from Cincinnati and Philadelphia, where he might have been given a starting job. But he decided on Chicago, where he will back up Mike Wells and Jim Flanigan.

To make room on the roster, the Bears placed rookie cornerback Reggie Austin on injured reserve because of a sore heel.

In other news, Brian Urlacher, the ninth pick in the draft whose skills and intensity drew comparisons to great Bear linebackers of the past, was replaced in the starting lineup by Rosevelt Colvin.

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In an expected move, New England signed cornerback Otis Smith, who played for the team during its Super Bowl run in 1997 before leaving for the New York Jets. The Patriots also claimed tackle Josh Rawlings off waivers from Kansas City.

New England also agreed to name its new stadium CMGI Field in exchange for at least $114 million over 15 years from the Internet conglomerate.

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Denver Bronco receiver Rod Smith said he was satisfied with the NFL’s conditional $25,000 fine against him in a verbal harassment case and is eager to continue his court-ordered group therapy. “I feel they made a fair decision,” said Smith, who will not have to pay if he adheres to the terms of his probation. . . . Nick Buoniconti, a middle linebacker who helped the Miami Dolphins to a perfect season in 1972, was selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s senior committee as a finalist for selection into the hall with the Class of 2001. . . . The Dolphins acquired tight end Jed Weaver off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles and waived tight end Damian Vaughn. . . . The Eagles put defensive end Greg Jefferson on injured reserve, one day after he underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right knee. . . . The New York Jets were awarded rookie offensive tackle Chad Slaughter off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys.