Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009

NFL Notes: Namath pooch is a danger

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Back in the day, Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath was known for his dangerous arm. Now settled into a comfortable retirement in Florida, it's his dog that's dangerous.

Namath, 66, appeared before a hearing officer on Thursday in West Palm Beach to answer to charges that two of his dogs attacked people who came to his home in Tequesta, a quiet community about 90 miles north of Miami.

His 6-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, Leo, was declared "dangerous" during Thursday's hearing. The case against another of Namath's dog, a 6-year-old Weimeraner named Stella, was dropped because a witness didn't show, said Capt. Dave Walesky of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.

As a dangerous dog, Leo must now be muzzled and leashed even on Namath's property. It must have a microchip implanted and carry a special "dangerous" dog designation tag. Namath must also now post signs on his property warning of the dog's presence.

• FALCONS — Two people familiar with the situation say Atlanta head coach Mike Smith has been fined $15,000 by the NFL for a sideline scuffle, while Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall avoided any punishment. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The NFL also fined Redskins safety LaRon Landry $7,500, Washington defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth $5,000 and Falcons director of athletic performance Jeff Fish $2,500. Hall was not fined. Smith acknowledged that he was fined when he came off the field after a Falcons practice on Thursday, though he didn't discuss the amount.

• TITANS — Receiver Justin Gage has several broken transverse process bones in his lower back, and he is unlikely to play Sunday against Buffalo. The receiver was injured when he fell to the ground after making a leaping catch to set up the go-ahead touchdown in last week's 34-27 win at San Francisco.

• STEELERS — The Bengals' Cedric Benson will be the latest to attempt what many NFL running backs have repeatedly failed to do: run for 100 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers. During the last five seasons, only three backs have gained 100 yards against Pittsburgh and, counting the playoffs, no one has done it in the last 30 games. Fred Taylor of Jacksonville was the last to accomplish the feat by rushing for 147 yards in 2007, the only 100-yard game by an opposing back in Pittsburgh since 2004.

• JAGUARS — Second-year player Bryan Smith, signed off St. Louis' practice squad six weeks ago, will make his first career start Sunday at the New York Jets. Smith replaces defensive end Quentin Groves, a former second-round pick who has struggled to find a role with Jacksonville.