Sun, Jul 05, 2009

Football

nfl notebook

Burress due in court over dispute with car dealer

the associated press
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.14.2009
LEBANON, Pa. — Plaxico Burress is in court again.
A civil trial is scheduled to begin today in Pennsylvania to determine how much the New York Giants wide receiver will have to pay in damages over a car he leased that ended up being impounded by New York City police.
New York police said Tuesday that they impounded the car in August 2005 in connection with a shooting. Arrests were made, but the records were sealed and police gave no other details.
Court papers in Pennsylvania say a Lebanon County car dealer allowed Burress to borrow a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche, worth more than $36,000, in exchange for Burress agreeing to sign autographs at promotional events.
"I thought it would be good for my business," the dealer, Frederick Laurenzo, said in an interview Tuesday.
But about a month after Burress had the car, Laurenzo said he received a call from police in New York, who told him they had impounded it in connection with a crime. So he called Burress and told him to call police — but the police never heard from Burress, and Burress never returned another one of Laurenzo's calls, Laurenzo said.
Dolphins aide finds challenge with Lions
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Todd Bowles was part of one of the NFL's best turnaround stories this season. The Lions might be hoping he can spark another one.
Miami's assistant head coach interviewed with the Lions on Tuesday as a potential replacement for Rod Marinelli. The 45-year-old Bowles is one of several candidates to assume the reins of the worst team in league history.
"0-16 is a challenge," Bowles said. "Everyone (in Detroit) wants to win. That alone has similarities to Miami and makes it attractive to me."
Extra points
• A federal judge has upheld a jury award of $28.1 million to retired football players who sued the NFL Players' Association for allegedly failing to properly market their images.
The judge said Tuesday there was sufficient evidence presented at trial in November that the union actively sought to cut out the retired players from lucrative contracts for the benefit of current players.
The jury said the union owed the retirees $7.1 million in actual damages for failing to include them in marketing deals.
• Jim Mora was introduced Tuesday as Seattle's new coach, making official what the team announced 11 months ago. Mora takes over for Mike Holmgren.
• Scott Pioli, who helped build a dynasty in New England, was hired as GM for the Kansas City Chiefs.