Favre to pay for block

NFL fines Vikings quarterback $10,000




Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre was fined $10,000 by the NFL on Friday for his crack-back block on Houston defensive back Eugene Wilson in a preseason game.

The play happened on Monday night at Houston in Favre's first extensive action since he signed with the Vikings on Aug. 18.

The 39-year-old lined up at receiver in Minnesota's version of the wildcat offense. Rookie receiver Percy Harvin took the snap and started running around the left end in Favre's direction. Despite playing with sore ribs, the quarterback crouched and threw his body at Wilson's legs to cut him down.
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The game was televised nationally, and the block caused an uproar in Houston and elsewhere around the league. Wilson injured his left knee on the play, and defensive players have long considered that type of block a dirty play.

"What was up with that?" Wilson said after the game when asked about the block. "Seriously, what was up with that?"

Steelers secretive about cuts: The Pittsburgh Steelers have cut their roster to the 53-man limit without saying who was released.

Saying he didn't want other NFL teams to learn in advance who was let go, coach Mike Tomlin said the final cuts won't be announced until today, when all NFL teams must firm up their 53-man rosters.

Ex-Raven Orlando Brown arrested: Court documents show that former Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown was arrested and charged with third-degree burglary and destruction of property Friday and released on his own recognizance. A preliminary hearing has been set for Oct. 2.

Broncos slaying suspect's trial delayed: A trial for the suspect in the slaying of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams will be held after the NFL season to give defense attorneys time to interview NFL players who are witnesses in the case.

Denver District Judge Christina Habas made her ruling Friday. The defendant, Willie Clark, faces first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of Williams on New Year's Day 2007.

Bills fire offensive coordinator: Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Turk Schonert has been fired after the offense's dismal performance in the preseason.

Bears RB Jones out for season: Chicago Bears running back Kevin Jones will miss the season after tearing ligaments in his left ankle in the preseason finale Thursday against the Cleveland Browns.

Friday's results

Texans 27, Buccaneers 20: Former Chicago Bears starter Rex Grossman threw two touchdown passes and also produced a pair of field goals, pacing Houston's exhibition victory over host Tampa Bay, possibly earning a backup job behind Matt Schaub and Dan Orlovsky.

Cowboys 35, Vikings 31: The Minnesota Vikings' preseason finale did nothing to help coach Brad Childress clear up his murky backup quarterback situation.

Tarvaris Jackson played well but attempted just four passes, and Sage Rosenfels threw an ugly interception in a loss to the visiting Dallas Cowboys.