Jaguars face questions about heat problems

Jacksonville, Fla. — The ambulance idling next to the practice field was nothing new at the Jacksonville Jaguars’ training camp. The attention it received was.

Jaguars players, suffering from the heat, are being rushed off to the hospital at an alarming rate — three in 13 days of training camp. The latest, receiver Donald Hayes, cramped up at the end of practice Wednesday.

Hayes was treated and released from the hospital Wednesday night. He was back with the team Thursday, but did not practice.

More than the symptoms, it’s the reactions that are putting the Jaguars in the spotlight and raising questions about the kind of camp first-year coach Jack Del Rio is running.

“It’s possible that we’re on the cautious side,” Del Rio said. “I’m OK with that. I know it’s going to bring a little more drama and a few more questions, but I can handle that. I’m a big boy. We’ll move forward, and we’ll keep making sure our players get the best treatment possible.”

Garcia: Allergy remedy to blame for suspension

Flagstaff, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Frank Garcia blames an herbal allergy remedy for his testing positive for the banned substance ephedra.

The NFL has suspended Garcia without pay for four games for violating the league’s banned substances rule.

Garcia said he took the medication, which was used by his wife, after an allergy attack during a golf outing in April and was randomly tested the same day. His appeal of the suspension was denied Wednesday.

Smith pleads guilty

Clearwater, Fla. — Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Dwight Smith pleaded guilty Thursday to brandishing a gun at another motorist. Smith was sentenced to one year’s probation and fined $225 for the misdemeanor charge of improperly displaying a firearm at another motorist. He also was ordered to get anger management counseling and complete 25 hours of community service in a plea agreement with prosecutors in Pinellas County.

Chargers’ Boston back

Carson, Calif. — San Diego Chargers wideout David Boston returned to practice Thursday after being sidelined nearly a week because of a strained side muscle. Boston, who left the Cardinals as a free agent, didn’t go full speed Thursday, instead using the workout to gauge his recovery.