http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/SEA/9759470
NFL suspends Seattle starting RT Locklear
NFL.com wire reports
KIRKLAND, Wash. (Oct. 27, 2006) -- The NFL has suspended Seahawks starting right tackle Sean Locklear for the Oct. 29 game at Kansas City for violating its personal-conduct policy.
Locklear was arrested Jan. 15 on a charge of assaulting his girlfriend outside a downtown Seattle nightspot. In July, Locklear reached an agreement with prosecutors that avoided a trial. It requires him to perform community service for the next two years, undergo an evaluation and pay court costs.
The suspension is without pay, meaning Locklear forfeits $25,000 -- 1/17th of his $425,000 base salary for this season. The third-round draft choice in 2004 drove away from team headquarters during practice soon after the Seahawks learned of the suspension. He is eligible to return to Seattle's active roster Oct. 30.
Tom Ashworth will make his first start for the Seahawks in Locklear's place against the Chiefs. Ashworth started 30 regular-season games over the previous three seasons for the New England Patriots, 27 of them at right tackle.
Coach Mike Holmgren said he "had an inkling" Locklear could be suspended sometime this season, but he was surprised by the timing.
"Every once in a while I am surprised by what takes place. And this is one of those," Holmgren said. "But it is what it is."
Locklear was already questionable with a left ankle injury.
Seattle also will be missing league MVP Shaun Alexander, Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, 2005 leading receiver Bobby Engram and starting left guard Floyd Womack. All are injured.
Kansas City quarterback Damon Huard, who has been filling-in for injured starter Trent Green, missed the Friday practice with a groin strain. He is listed as questionable. Rookie Brodie Croyle practiced in his place and would, like Seattle counterpart Seneca Wallace, be making his first NFL start.
Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said he will decide Sunday if Huard will play.
The Seahawks have already made up their minds.
"Well, I suspect we will get Damon Huard," Holmgren said with a wry smile.
Engram ran routes with Seattle's practice squad on Friday, his first scrimmaging since a thyroid condition sidelined him following the Oct. 1 loss at Chicago. Holmgren said Engram continues to get fatigued easily as doctors try to slow his accelerated heart rate with medication.
"He gets tired - and he was one of those guys like the Energizer bunny. He could go all day," Holmgren said. "This is a new feeling for him, and it's a little uncomfortable for him."
Holmgren said the 11th-year veteran will have more testing Oct. 30 to determine if Engram could possibly play Nov. 6 against Oakland. The coach said Engram's availability is a "week-to-week thing."
Engram refused comment until next week.
-Well at least Seneca is fast
RT Locklear suspended
RT Locklear suspended
Linear Mode
