NFL Will Investigate Rolle's Allegation

The NFL is investigating an allegation by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle that an official spoke to him in a demeaning fashion late in Monday night's loss to the New England Patriots.

Rolle said that head linesman Phil McKinnely referred to him as "boy."

Rolle told reporters: "The refs called me a boy. Number 110 [McKinnely] called me a boy. I will be calling my agent in the morning and sending my complaint. I have a wife and three kids. Don't call me a boy. Don't call me a boy . . . because I said, 'You've never played football before.' "

McKinnely, who is a former NFL player, was not available to comment. It was not clear what disciplinary action the league would take against him if it substantiates Rolle's allegation.

Several Ravens players were upset with calls late in the Patriots' 27-24 victory. Three times on their game-winning drive, the Patriots apparently failed on fourth-down plays, only to get another chance. The first play was negated by a last-moment timeout called by the Ravens' coaches, the second by a false-start penalty on the Patriots just before the snap and the third by a defensive holding penalty. Ravens linebacker Bart Scott was assessed two 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalties after the Patriots' winning touchdown pass, the second for picking an official's flag off the ground and throwing it into the stands.

"Let the players decide the outcome of the game," Rolle said. "You can crown them champions now. I'm not taking anything away from them. They are a great team. They're not asking the refs to help them."

Said Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister: "It's hard to go out there and play the Patriots and the refs at the same time. . . . They want them to win. They won."

Henry Wins His Appeal

Denver tailback Travis Henry won his appeal and overturned his one-year suspension for an alleged violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, the Broncos announced.

Henry reportedly tested positive for marijuana in August and was informed in September that he would be suspended for a year. He appealed the suspension and continued playing, and filed a lawsuit against the league contending that it had violated its own drug-testing procedures. . . .

The Miami Dolphins have placed seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas on injured reserve, ending his season. He missed two games in September with a concussion, and has missed the past five games because of migraines. . . .

The New York Giants placed tailback Derrick Ward on injured reserve. He broke his leg in Sunday's win over the Bears.