Vikings Want Buck Off Game, but Fox Declines

Minnesota Viking owner Red McCombs asked Fox Sports to remove play-by-play announcer Joe Buck from Sunday’s playoff game at Philadelphia because of his sharp criticism of wide receiver Randy Moss, and was turned down by the network.

After catching a touchdown pass in last weekend’s victory at Green Bay, Moss celebrated in the end zone by pretending to pull down his pants and moon Packer fans. Buck immediately called it a “disgusting act.”

McCombs said that statement was out of line. A two-sentence news release issued by the team said McCombs thought Buck’s comments “suggested a prejudice that surpassed objective reporting.”

Dan Bell, a Fox spokesman, said Wednesday the network had “no intention whatsoever” of removing Buck.

Meanwhile, Moss didn’t practice Wednesday because of a sprained right ankle but is listed as probable for Sunday’s playoff game at Philadelphia.

Also held out of practice were strong safety Corey Chavous, doubtful because of a broken left elbow, and running back Moe Williams, doubtful because of a sprained right ankle.

Receiver Kelly Campbell (separated right shoulder) and linebacker Mike Nattiel (hyperextended right knee) practiced and are probable.

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New York Jet quarterback Chad Pennington sat out practice because of a stomach virus, and backup Quincy Carter went home to Georgia to be with his ailing mother.

Pennington may not practice today, but Coach Herman Edwards said he was confident he would be ready for Saturday’s playoff game at Pittsburgh.

No. 3 quarterback Brooks Bollinger ran the first-team offense at practice.

Edwards said he did not know when Carter would return, meaning Bollinger could be the backup for the game.

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Pittsburgh Steeler linebackers Joey Porter and Kendrell Bell sat out practice with flu-like symptoms.

“I think it was, hopefully, a 24-hour thing,” Coach Bill Cowher said. “We didn’t want to take any chances getting them around the rest of the players. Both guys will be back tomorrow, ready to go.”

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Nursing a knee injury, defensive end Richard Seymour was listed as questionable by the New England Patriots for Sunday’s playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts.

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Philadelphia Eagle linebacker Mark Simoneau is doubtful for Sunday’s playoff game against Minnesota because of a strained ankle. Simoneau was injured in Philadelphia’s final regular-season game. Former starter Nate Wayne and Keith Adams probably will split time in Simoneau’s place.