Pro Football
NFL May Play In London
Tuesday, February 14, 2006; Page E02
The NFL is considering playing a regular season game in London next season, and likely will open the season with a Thursday night game on Sept. 7 in Pittsburgh.
It would be the fifth straight season that the league has opened with a Thursday night game. If the Steelers host the game, it would be the third straight year that the defending Super Bowl champion hosted the Thursday night opener. The New England Patriots have played at home in the last two Thursday night season openers, beating the Oakland Raiders this past season.
  The Indianapolis Colts overcome the rain and a sloppy start to beat the Chicago Bears, 29-17. The Colts' victory ignites a wild celebration among the white-and-blue attired fans in the sea of colorful vinyl rainwear that populated the soggy stands. Peyton Manning fills the final hole in his legend as the greatest quarterback never to win the biggest game. Leonard Shapiro: Tony Dungy and Manning seal their place in history by winning the Super Bowl. Manning adds a Super Bowl MVP award to his long list of achievements. Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes plow forward for the Colts go-ahead touchdown and never look back. There was a collective failure by the Bears' offense, but Rex Grossman provides the most vivid images. Notebook: Two assistant coaches who participated in the Super Bowl likely will interview for Dallas' head coaching job. On Our Site Wilbon and Kornheiser share their thoughts live during Sunday's big game. Photos: Relive all of the action from the NFL playoffs. Audio: Manning on the Win. Audio: Grossman on the Loss. Audio: Dungy Praises Smith. Quarterly Report (PDF) A Slew of Errors (PDF) Graphic: Play of the Game. MARK MASKE'S NFL INSIDER • Jaguars Tackle in Critical Condition • Lions Bolster Backfield With R. Johnson |
A league spokesman said yesterday that a game in London is being considered but no decisions have been made. The game likely would be played at Wembley Stadium.
Next season's schedule is to be announced in its entirety in April, but some details could be released earlier. . . .
James Shortt , the Columbia, S.C., physician accused of prescribing steroids to several members of the Carolina Panthers and other NFL players, reached a plea agreement in which he will plead guilty to one federal conspiracy charge, the Associated Press reported, citing court papers.
Prosecutors agreed to drop 42 similar charges, according to the AP. Shortt agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and human growth hormone and faces up to five years in jail and a $250,000 fine.
-- Mark Maske
