Buccaneers’ Sapp Fined $10,000 by League

Defensive tackle Warren Sapp of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was fined $10,000 for slamming Baltimore running back Chester Taylor to the ground after the whistle during Sunday’s 25-0 victory over the Ravens.

Tampa Bay was penalized 15 yards on the first-quarter play.

The All-Pro defensive tackle had been fined $5,000 the previous week for hitting New Orleans center LeCharles Bentley in the head.

No penalty was called on that play.

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Linebacker Keith Brooking and the Atlanta Falcons have discontinued talks on a contract extension.

Pat Dye Jr., Brooking’s agent, indicated that he and the Falcons would resume their discussions when the season ends.

“We both perceive the gap at this time to be insurmountable,” Dye said. “Secondly and probably more importantly, we believe it’s best not to let the situation linger on. It’s probably best to try and give it some closure for the time being.”

Brooking is in the final year of a contract he signed after the club drafted him No. 12 overall in 1998.

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The Carolina Panthers added free-agent kicker Jon Hilbert to replace the injured John Kasay.

Hilbert was signed to the practice squad but will be moved to the 53-man roster later this week.

The team is considering putting Kasay on injured reserve, in which case he would be out for the season.

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Police are investigating the role of New York Jet rookie Bryan Thomas in a dispute with his girlfriend at LaGuardia Airport on Tuesday.

Thomas would not comment on the matter Thursday before he joined the team for practice. But his agents and an attorney met with Jet officials Wednesday night.

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Injured defensive starters Jeff Ulbrich and Zack Bronson returned to practice Thursday and are expected to play for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday against the Washington Redskins.

Ulbrich, a linebacker sidelined since the exhibition season by a knee injury, ran at full speed for the second consecutive day.

He might not reclaim his starting spot from Jamie Winborn yet, but Coach Steve Mariucci expects Ulbrich to play.

Bronson, a safety, returned to practice after spraining his shoulder Sunday against Denver.

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Right tackle Mike Williams injured his left knee during Buffalo Bills’ practice but is expected to play at Denver on Sunday.