Advertisement

Glenn Will AppealHis Latest Suspension

Share
Associated Press

New England Patriot receiver Terry Glenn says he’ll appeal his latest suspension after missing practice in a dispute with Coach Bill Belichick over a hamstring injury.

Glenn told the Boston Globe he was willing to drop all his grievances against the Patriots if he can go to another team.

“I don’t need a big contract,” said Glenn, whose five grievances include one to regain the signing bonus the team withheld. “I’d rather be happy than make a lot of money. I’m not happy here.”

Advertisement

Glenn, who missed the last six games because of the injury, was suspended Thursday for one game by Belichick.

The two “had words” on the practice field Wednesday, Glenn told the Globe.

For the first time in seven weeks, the Patriots upgraded Glenn to probable on their injury report, meaning the team felt he had a 75 percent chance of playing Sunday at the New York Jets.

“It’s been six weeks since the injury,” Belichick said Thursday. “It’s gotten better.”

Glenn said it wasn’t good enough.

Doctors and trainers never told him he was cleared to practice, and he never reported that he was ready, he told the Globe.

“The only one I heard it from was Belichick,” said Glenn, who has played in one of New England’s 11 games. “I guess he’s a doctor now.”

*

Three key players for the slumping San Diego Chargers--safety Rodney Harrison, tight end Freddie Jones and punt returner-receiver Tim Dwight--are feeling better and are expected to play in Sunday’s game at Seattle.

Coach Mike Riley also was feeling pretty chipper Friday, even though rumors persisted that he could end up as San Diego State’s next football coach.

Advertisement

“They need to go away, because it’s not going to happen,” Riley said in denying the reports for the second consecutive day. “That’s why I’m in such a good mood, because it’s over.”

Although he’s under contract for two more seasons, Riley’s grip on his job is tenuous because the Chargers (5-6) have lost four in a row and six of eight. They once led the AFC at 3-0 but are fourth in the AFC West.

San Diego State Athletic Director Rick Bay issued a statement Friday afternoon discounting reports that said the job was Riley’s for the taking.

When reached for comment, Bay said he’s had to call some of his candidates to assure them they’re still under consideration.

“This compromises me with guys who’ve gone through the process,” Bay said. “They think they’re pawns. The best thing I can say to them is that I haven’t talked to Mike Riley in a year.”

*

Self-described sunshine boy Brian Griese returns home this weekend, visiting the city where he grew up and where his father starred with the Miami Dolphins.

Advertisement

The Denver Bronco quarterback was born in Miami, played at Miami Columbus High and still has friends and relatives in south Florida.

Since his father, Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Griese, moved to northern Florida, Brian visits Miami only about once a year.

He makes a special trip this weekend with the Broncos for a game against his father’s former team.

“It’s always nice to go home,” Griese said. “I love Miami. I grew up there and was a fan of the Dolphins, a fan of the Hurricanes [University of Miami]. I’m excited about going back and seeing the family.

“And I’m excited about playing in warm weather. I’m glad we’re playing there and not here.”

The weather on Sunday in Miami is expected to be in the low 80s, a sharp contrast to the freezing temperatures the Broncos practiced in this week.

Advertisement

The Green Bay Packers waived quarterback Henry Burris and signed veteran safety Matt Bowen.

The Packers will use receiver Bill Schroeder as an emergency quarterback if Brett Favre and No. 2 quarterback Doug Pederson are injured.

Advertisement