NFL -- San Diego Chargers Suspend, Fine Ryan Leaf
SAN DIEGO - Ryan Leaf was suspended for four weeks and fined a week's salary by the San Diego Chargers today for conduct detrimental to the team.
The Chargers would not disclose what prompted the suspension of the troubled quarterback except to say the decision stemmed from something that happened yesterday.
"We cannot tolerate the undermining of discipline on this team," general manager Bobby Beathard said at a news confererence.
Team sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Leaf yelled at Beathard and members of the team's strength and conditioning staff yesterday. Several players apparently heard the outburst.
Leaf, who hadn't played this year because of surgery on his right shoulder on July 26, will not return to the team until Nov. 29.
Leaf has been quoted as saying he wanted out of San Diego when his contract becomes voidable after the 2000 season.
Coslet's job safe - for now
CINCINNATI - Forget Marty Schottenheimer as the next Cincinnati Bengal coach.
At least for right now as the vigil begins for Bruce Coslet after the team's lifeless 1-7 start.
Schottenheimer, the former Cleveland and Kansas City coach who went to the playoffs 11 times, is the biggest coaching name available. But he told The Cincinnati Enquirer recently he had no plans to get back into coaching.
Plus, Bengal President Mike Brown indicated yesterday Coslet is safe for the near future, which very well could mean the final eight games of the season. Then it's expected he won't be asked back for the final year of his contract if the Bengals continue to play at record ineptness.
Notes
-- Cincinnati rookie quarterback Akili Smith most likely will not play at Seattle because of a sprained right big toe, and he could miss up to three weeks. Jeff Blake is expected to start in his place.
-- Indianapolis defensive end Mark Thomas, who was struck in the helmet with a knee during Sunday's game against Dallas, was released from a hospital today.
-- Joe Greene, Arizona defensive line coach, acknowledged striking with an open hand a worker setting up a stage for a postgame concert Sunday at Sun Devil Stadium. "I'm very disappointed in my actions," said Greene.
-- Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman said he will take an MRI to ensure he suffered no neurological damage after being knocked out of Sunday's game for one series.
-- New England Coach Pete Carroll said the team will not alter its game plans to appease five-time Pro Bowl tight end Ben Coates. After Sunday's 27-3 win against the Cardinals, Coates voiced his frustration in going without a reception for the second time this season. "We're not going to call plays to make some guy happy," Carroll said.
-- Denver defensive end Alfred Williams went on injured reserve with a ruptured Achilles suffered in Sunday's loss to Minnesota. Denver also is expected to be without Pro Bowl wide receiver Ed McCaffrey one to two weeks with a bad bruise to the outside of his left knee.
-- Washington free safety Leomont Evans is considering retirement in the wake of the concussion he suffered in Sunday's game.
-- Kansas City receiver Andre Rison and tight end Lonnie Johnson were back at practice after being inactive Sunday as part of disciplinary actions for two separate incidents Friday night involving area police.
-- Miami quarterback Dan Marino believes his right shoulder is 100 percent, but he will abide by the advice of doctors and not play Sunday against Tennessee.
-- Jacksonville guard Rich Tylski fractured his right foot against Cincinnati and will be out four to six weeks.