Prosecutors Suspect Foley’s on Steroids

Prosecutors say they suspect San Diego Chargers linebacker Steve Foley was on steroids when he was shot three times by an off-duty police officer.

“His history of aggressive and even violent contact with law enforcement indicates the possibility of more than mere alcohol involvement,” wrote criminal investigator Dan Nordell in an affidavit for a search warrant. “[Steroids] can cause erratic behavior in those that use them. This has been given names like ‘roid rage for the uncontrollable outbursts and violence experienced by some users.”

On Thursday, prosecutors requested a sample of Foley’s blood from Sharp Memorial Hospital, where he was reported in fair condition earlier in the week.

Authorities have no evidence that Foley, 31, was using performance-enhancing drugs but want to test his blood because the linebacker has had previous run-ins with law enforcement, according to the affidavit.

Representatives for the Chargers declined to comment, citing the “sensitive nature” of the investigation.

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Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis did not practice but remains confident he’ll play Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

“As far as I know I’m playing,” Portis said. “Unless something changes between now and Sunday.”

Portis carried 10 times for 39 yards in a relief role in Monday night’s 19-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Entering the game, he indicated he would not play because he was still recovering from a partially dislocated left shoulder. This week, the shoulder was still sore from the contact against the Vikings.

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Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Brian Williams has pleaded no contest to drunken-driving charges, opening himself up to possible sanctions from the NFL.

Chief assistant state attorney Jay Plotkin said that Williams entered a plea on his first court appearance at Jacksonville, Fla. He was put on probation for six months and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service.

He still could be disciplined by the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Any player who is arrested or charged with a crime must undergo a mandatory evaluation, counseling or both.

If the player is convicted or pleads guilty to a crime, he is subject to discipline at the discretion of the commissioner.

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Steve Smith sat out another practice for the Carolina Panthers because of a strained right hamstring. The All-Pro receiver, who missed the Panthers’ season-opening loss to Atlanta, has been out since Sept. 5. He remained questionable for Sunday’s game at Minnesota.

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Tampa Bay’s Carnell “Cadillac” Williams sat out practice because of back spasms, but the Buccaneers expect the second-year running back to play this week.... Buffalo linebacker Takeo Spikes sat out his second day of practice because of a pulled right hamstring, leaving his status in doubt for Buffalo’s game at Miami this weekend.... The New Orleans Saints claimed former Green Bay Packers fullback Vonta Leach off of waivers.