Giants' Strahan named top defensive player
The sack has become the most glorified defensive play in the NFL, a major reason why Michael Strahan is The Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year.
Strahan, who set an NFL record with 2212 sacks for the New York Giants, earned a seven-vote margin over Chicago linebacker Brian Urlacher in balloting announced Wednesday.
"Only seven," Strahan said with a huge smile that showed off his famous gap-tooth look. "I'm disappointed, but I'll take it."
Strahan received 27 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who cover the NFL. Urlacher, also an All-Pro, had 20. Last season's choice, Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis, received two votes, and Cleveland linebacker Jamir Miller received the other.
"I don't try to make every play perfect, I just try to make sure every play counts," Strahan said, "because you never know which plays are going to count in a game.
Warner misses practice because of stomach flu
St. Louis Kurt Warner had another setback in a fractured practice week on Wednesday, missing the St. Louis Rams' workout with a stomach flu.
Warner reported for meetings Wednesday morning, but became ill. Team trainer Jim Anderson drove Warner home.
Warner has bruised vocal cords after taking a shot to the throat in the regular-season finale Jan. 6 against the Falcons. He was unable to make an acceptance speech after winning his second MVP in three seasons last week, deferring to his wife, Brenda.
On Tuesday, he typed responses to questions about his playoff matchup on Sunday with Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers, who cut him in 1994.
Chargers' GM plans to call Schottenheimer
San Diego The San Diego Chargers are trying to set up an interview with Marty Schottenheimer for their vacant coaching job, general manager John Butler said Wednesday night.
A source familiar with Schottenheimer's plans, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that the Chargers and Schottenheimer would meet sometime today.
The interview likely will take place in Las Vegas, the source said. The Spanos family, which owns the Chargers, has a home and an office for its construction company in Las Vegas.
Chargers' McNeil added to AFC Pro Bowl roster
San Diego San Diego Chargers cornerback Ryan McNeil will be the Pro Bowl replacement for Miami's Sam Madison, who has a shoulder injury.
St. Louis Rams offensive guard Adam Timmerman made his second Pro Bowl, replacing the injured Larry Allen of Dallas. And San Francisco 49ers center Jeremy Newberry was also added to the NFC roster. Newberry, a fourth-year pro who will be making his first Pro Bowl appearance, replaces Minnesota's Matt Birk, who is getting married the day before the Feb. 9 game in Hawaii.
Bears defensive tackle Ted Washington earned his fourth trip to Hawaii when he selected as the replacement for Warren Sapp, who will have arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder this week.
Tannenbaum interviewed for Bucs' GM position
Tampa, Fla. There were more indications Wednesday that Bill Parcells is on the verge of becoming the next coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. New York Jets assistant general manager and director of pro player personnel Mike Tannenbaum interviewed for the Bucs' general manager position currently held by Rich McKay.
Packer cornerback hurt in domestic disturbance
Green Bay, Wis. Green Bay Packers cornerback Tyrone Williams was injured in a domestic disturbance at his home, police said. Williams' wife, Shantel, was arrested Tuesday night following the incident in their home in which the player was cut on his forearm, according to Green Bay police. The cut required stitches.
Police Capt. Bruce Tilkens said Tyrone Williams arrived home before 9 p.m. and found the tires on his vehicle slashed and windows broken. When he entered the home he found his clothes cut up or doused with bleach, writing on the walls of his house and items broken, Tilkens said. Shantel Williams used pepper spray on her husband and he pulled her to the floor, police said.
Faulk, Jauron win Maxwell honors
King of Prussia, Pa. Marshall Faulk, All-Pro running back of the St. Louis Rams, won Player of the Year honors from the Maxwell Football Club on Wednesday. Faulk, who came in second for the honor last year, received 350 first-place votes of the 810 votes cast to win the Bert Bell Trophy. Coach of the Year honors went to Chicago's Dick Jauron, who received 423 first-place votes of the 810 votes cast.
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