Patriots’ Armstrong Reluctantly Retires

Bruce Armstrong was Drew Bledsoe’s security blanket for eight years, the left tackle who protected the New England Patriot quarterback.

There was nothing Armstrong could do Sunday about the hard hit that caused bleeding in Bledsoe’s chest cavity. For the first time in 15 years, Armstrong is not in uniform in September.

After playing in a team-record 212 games, six Pro Bowls and one Super Bowl, Armstrong announced his retirement Friday even though he wanted to play another season.

“I always said I wanted to play here, finish my career in one place, and I made no bones about wanting to play another year, but it didn’t work out that way,” he said.

Armstrong, who did not attend any training camp, is not playing because the Patriots are rebuilding with young linemen after going 5-11. Sunday, they’ll retire Armstrong’s No. 78 during a ceremony before a game against Indianapolis and put him in the team’s Hall of Fame, waiving the five-year waiting period.

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“Soldier Field” won’t fade away.

Citing a need for national sacrifice and patriotism, the Chicago Bears decided not to sell the naming rights to their old stadium, a move that could cost the team up to $300 million.

“Soldier Field is the only name for this stadium,” Mayor Richard Daley said at a news conference on the Bears’ field. “Soldier Field will always be.”

Daley earlier had approved a plan allowing for the renaming but apparently had a change of heart, saying that keeping the Soldier Field name would be a tribute to veterans and a nod to those who will fight the war against terrorism.

In deciding against a corporate name, the Bears are bucking the trend in pro sports in recent years that has seen arenas, ballparks and stadiums across the country take the names of major corporations.

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Dorian Boose of the Washington Redskins was suspended for one game and fined $7,500 for pushing two officials during Monday night’s loss to Green Bay.

Boose, 27, had improper contact with side judge David Wyant and head linesman Paul Weidner during a skirmish between Washington and Green Bay players in the third quarter, the league said.

Boose, who will serve the suspension Oct. 7 when the Redskins play the New York Giants, will lose $26,125 in salary.

Green Bay linebacker Nate Wayne was fined $5,000 for his participation in the skirmish.

After leaving the field, Boose approached Wyant from behind and pushed his head, knocking his cap off, and then shoved the official.

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Michael Vick’s tender rib cage will prevent the Atlanta Falcons from using their two-quarterback system on Sunday at Arizona. Doug Johnson will be the backup behind Chris Chandler.... Buffalo receiver Eric Moulds practiced for the first time in three days and said he is “pretty confident” he’ll play against Pittsburgh on Sunday.