Alexander Sorry for His Remarks

Seattle Seahawk running back Shaun Alexander apologized Monday to fans -- but not his coach or teammates -- for saying he was “stabbed in the back” by Mike Holmgren’s quarterback sneak call that may have cost him a rushing title.

“I’m human,” Alexander said at team headquarters. “Anybody can, at one time, pop off. I’ve done it several times. I think in the position I’m in, I need to own up to it.”

Alexander created a stir after Seattle won the NFC West by beating Atlanta, 28-26, on Sunday. Immediately after the game, he used strong language to challenge Holmgren’s play call.

“We were going to win anyway,” Alexander said then. “We were on the freakin’ goal line, and I got stabbed in the back.”

Curtis Martin of the New York Jets ran for 153 yards in a loss at St. Louis and edged Alexander by one yard for the rushing title, the closest margin ever.

“It got the best of me,” Alexander said Monday. “I definitely blurted out stuff I shouldn’t have said. I wouldn’t want to take any light away from this team and what we have accomplished.”

Alexander said he hadn’t spoken to Holmgren and insisted there was no reason to apologize to him or teammates.

Holmgren wasn’t available for comment Monday.

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Minnesota Viking center Matt Birk took issue with Randy Moss walking to the clubhouse during Sunday’s loss to Washington while the Vikings were attempting an on-side kick near the end of the game.

“It shouldn’t happen, and if it happens again there might be some problems,” Birk said.

Had Minnesota recovered, the Vikings might have been able to try a Hail Mary pass to seal a playoff spot. It was a moot point when Carolina lost minutes later, allowing the Vikings to back into the postseason.

Moss and Coach Mike Tice met Monday morning in the coach’s office. Tice declined to comment about a possible disciplinary measure, but he indicated Moss knows he messed up.

“I understand his frustration,” Tice said, “but we can’t let our frustrations make us make poor decisions of poor judgment.”

The Vikings also learned that they probably will be without injured starting strong safety Corey Chavous in the playoffs. Chavous was scheduled for an MRI exam on the left elbow he injured in Sunday’s game, and Tice said it’s probably broken.

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Tennessee quarterback Billy Volek separated his throwing shoulder Sunday in the fourth quarter of the Titans’ victory over Detroit, and Coach Jeff Fisher said the quarterback would have an MRI exam Monday. Results were not available, but an exam prompted doctors to consult with specialists.

“Surgery is a possibility,” Fisher said. “That is not the conclusion we’ve come to yet. We’re not going to rush into this.”

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Former Pro Bowl receiver Andre Rison was released from jail in Decatur, Ga., after paying $10,000 in child support.

Rison spent almost a month in jail for failing to pay child support for more than two years. He owed $127,000 to a woman with whom he has two sons.

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Detroit offensive coordinator Sherman Lewis will retire at the end of the month, Coach Steve Mariucci said.

Lewis, 62, joined the Lions in 2002. He was Minnesota’s offensive coordinator in 2000 and 2001, and Green Bay’s offensive coordinator from 1992 to 1999.

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Baltimore offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh resigned under pressure after meeting with Coach Brian Billick.

The Ravens finished 31st among 32 NFL teams in average yards per game.

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A 29-year-old Maryland man was charged with theft after calling NFL players Donovan McNabb, Darrell Green and Warren Sapp and convincing them to wire him money.

Lewis Sills of Elkridge, Md., faces multiple charges of theft and identity theft after stealing or trying to steal from McNabb, Sapp and Green, Howard County police said.

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San Francisco, Miami and Cleveland will have the first three picks in the NFL draft, with the Dolphins getting the second choice because their 4-12 record came against easier opposition.

The NFL released the order for the first 17 teams on Monday with the rest to be decided by the outcome of the playoffs.

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Denver defensive back Willie Middlebrooks appeared in court at Aurora, Colo., for allegedly fighting with a woman.

Middlebrooks had not posted the $20,000 bond as of noon Monday, court spokeswoman Lori Rutlege said.

Middlebrooks has not played for the Broncos since a season-ending leg injury against Miami on Dec. 12.

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Arizona fired offensive coordinator Alex Wood after finishing 27th in the league in yardage gained. The Cardinals also fired receivers coach Robert Ford.