Lewis Appeals $250,000 Fine

Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis on Tuesday appealed his $250,000 fine for obstructing justice in a murder case.

Lewis stated his case to league officials in a conference call. NFL Players Assn. spokesman Carl Francis said the appeal was placed under review, and a decision will probably be announced within a month.

Lewis was originally charged with murder in the death of two men outside an Atlanta nightclub after a post-Super Bowl party in January. The Pro Bowl linebacker ended his trial by pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice.

Last month, NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue levied what is believed to be the highest fine in league history for an infraction not involving substance abuse.

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Denver linebacker Bill Romanowski probably will not be tried on prescription-drug fraud charges until after the season because of a busy court schedule in Castle Rock, Colo.

A judge’s decision to set a Nov. 6 hearing to rule on motions and possible arraignment all but ensures a trial would occur after the Bronco season, said Michael Knight, spokesman for the Douglas County district attorney.

District Judge Thomas Curry scheduled the hearing during Romanowski’s brief appearance in Douglas County District Court.

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The Denver Broncos were still unsure about the seriousness of the injury to quarterback Brian Griese’s shoulder.

Griese partially tore cartilage in his throwing shoulder on Sunday against Oakland, and the Broncos didn’t know if he will return to practice today or play on Sunday against Kansas City.

The shoulder injury is similar to a more severe injury to his throwing shoulder last season. He was sidelined for two games in November and underwent successful surgery at the end of the season.

Also Tuesday, the Broncos re-signed linebacker Keith Burns after making room for him on the roster by waiving linebacker Steve Russ. Burns played for the Broncos from 1994-98 before going to the Chicago Bears, who waived him during training camp this year.

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Philadelphia free safety Brian Dawkins will miss Sunday’s game against New Orleans after undergoing an appendectomy, the team said. Tim Hauck will start at free safety against the Saints. The Eagles also signed tackle Hollis Thomas to a five-year contract extension. . . . The Detroit Lions signed free-agent cornerback Darnell Walker and released defensive end Mike Pringley. . . . The New England Patriots waived offensive guard Derrick Fletcher, who started the first two games, and signed rookie guard Adam Davis to the practice squad. . . . The New York Jets re-signed veteran kick returner Dwight Stone, whom they cut on Aug. 29. Stone was second in the AFC last season with a 24.6-yard average on 28 kickoff returns. . . . Buffalo tight end Jay Riemersma will miss the next four weeks because of a sprained left knee sustained in Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets. . . . Dallas Coach Dave Campo said that Troy Aikman will be the starting quarterback again when he’s able to return from his ninth career concussion despite the impressive play of Randall Cunningham.