Chargers Linebacker Foley Is Shot By Police Officer

Associated Press
Monday, September 4, 2006

Chargers linebacker Steve Foley was shot near his upscale suburban San Diego house by an off-duty policeman early Sunday morning in his second brush with police in 4 1/2 months. Coach Marty Schottenheimer said the wounds were not life-threatening.

"All we're worried about is that he's okay," Schottenheimer said in a telephone interview.

Foley's agent, David Levine, said Foley was shot three times and had surgery for wounds to his leg, arm and chest.

"He's out of danger at this point," Levine said.

Sheriff's officials said the early morning shooting occurred after the off-duty Coronado police officer followed a suspected drunken driver weaving in and out of traffic at speeds up to 90 mph on a highway. Authorities said the driver nearly collided with several other vehicles.

Foley stopped three times, sheriff's officials said. During one of the stops, Lisa Maree Gaut, a passenger in the vehicle, yelled at the officer, authorities said.

The shooting occurred after Foley got out of the vehicle near his home and began walking toward the officer, sheriff's officials said. Gaut got behind the wheel and drove next to Foley in the direction of the officer, the officials said.

The officer identified himself, authorities said, and warned Foley he was armed. He fired a warning shot, at which point Gaut steered the car at the officer, sheriff's officials said.

"The officer fired two rounds at the vehicle," sheriff's Lt. Dennis Brugos said. "The male then came at the officer and put his right hand by his waistband and the officer fired at him."

Paramedics were called to his neighborhood at 3:47 a.m. and transferred a trauma victim to Sharp Memorial Hospital, according to a fire department dispatcher.

Hospital spokeswoman Kathy Gambito said she did not have any information on a patient named Steve Foley.

"My understanding is he was shot three times in front of his house by an off-duty officer and that he's in surgery," Levine said.

Sheriff's officials wouldn't say how many times Foley was shot. Coronado police also declined to give any information about the off-duty officer.

Gaut was taken to a sheriff's station. It wasn't immediately known whether she would face any charges.

Team officials confirmed the shooting but declined to provide details.

"Right now all of our thoughts are with Steve," team spokesman Bill Johnston said in a statement.

Foley, an eight-year veteran, signed with the Chargers in March 2004.

Foley was arrested April 21 on charges of resisting arrest after police said he scuffled with officers.

· DOLPHINS: A day after he was cut, Marcus Vick was among eight players signed to Miami's practice squad.

Dolphins Coach Nick Saban, who cut Vick on Saturday to reach the regular season roster limit, was pleased that no other team claimed him.

Vick switched to wide receiver this summer and showed promise at the position after a turbulent career as a quarterback at Virginia Tech.

· BEARS: Thomas Jones will start for Chicago at running back, regaining the role he lost before training camp after missing voluntary offseason workouts.

His competitor, Cedric Benson, injured his shoulder after taking a hit during a training camp practice and for the second straight year did not play in a preseason game. Benson held out last season after the Bears chose him in the first round.

· TEXANS: Houston is expected to sign free agent running back Ron Dayne today, a person close to the negotiations told The Associated Press.

Dayne, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner, was cut by the Broncos on Saturday after entering training camp as the team's starting tailback.

The move isn't surprising, considering the Texans placed Domanick Davis on injured reserve on Saturday and were left with just two running backs -- rookie Wali Lundy and second-year player Vernand Morency -- when they released rookie Chris Taylor yesterday.

· COLTS: Veteran quarterback Shaun King and three former draft picks were among 25 players released by Indianapolis. The team also claimed two players off waivers -- defensive lineman Dan Klecko and running back De De Dorsey.

King, who started his career in Tampa Bay with Indianapolis Coach Tony Dungy, took most of the preseason snaps for the Colts. But the team decided to keep only two quarterbacks on the roster with Jim Sorgi backing up two-time most valuable player Peyton Manning.

· JETS: The team claimed tight end Zachary Hilton and defensive lineman Rashad Moore off waivers. To make room, New York waived wide receiver Wallace Wright and defensive tackle Titus Adams.

· VIKINGS: Minnesota signed two veterans, defensive back Rashad Baker and running back Artose Pinner.

Baker, a third-year player out of Tennessee, played for the Bills in 2004 and 2005, starting three games. Pinner, a fourth-year player out of Kentucky, has started six games in his career and was the second-leading rusher for the Lions last season with 349 yards.