Around The NFL: Head Coach Health Issues, Locker Room Bullies, A Murder Conviction
By Danny Cox
It is a proven fact that the NFL has some of the most exciting and thrilling storylines in all of sports, but that doesn't always seem to be the case. Lately, the news of the football world appears to be filled with news that has nothing to do with what's happening on the field and it is news of a more serious, scary and sad nature.
Two coaches give their teams a scare
Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak collapsed on the field right before halftime of their game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night. He was taken off on a stretcher and brought to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Even though he is said to be "feeling good," reports are that Kubiak suffered a mini-stroke.
In Denver, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is going to take over as interim head coach of the Broncos after head coach John Fox went to the hospital over the weekend with light-headedness. It didn't appear to be too bad, but Fox ended up having surgery to replace a valve in his heart, and is taking a leave of absence to recover.
Miami Dolphins brass will not deal with harassment or bullying
Jonathan Martin, the starting guard for the Miami Dolphins, left the team last week after being harassed by other players. After research and a deeper look into the situation, the team suspended offensive guard Richie Incognito for harassment and alleged use of a racial slur in a text message to Martin.
Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin took a large part of the blame for the situation and was upset at the work atmosphere in which he had placed his players. He let it be known that "any type of conduct and behavior that detracts from that objective (helping players reach their full potential) will not be tolerated."
The situation is far from over though and the NFL is going to look into the matter even further.
Conviction finally happens in the murder case of Sean Taylor
Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor was murdered back in 2007 when he was shot outside of his own bedroom after confronting some young men that broke into his home. After many years of trial preperation and 16 hours of jury deliberation, a 23-year-old man was convicted of second-degree murder.
Eric Rivera Jr., admitted in a videotaped confession to police just days after Taylor's death that he fired off the fatal shot after kicking in Taylor's bedroom door. During the trial though, Rivera said that his confession was forced by police due to threats to his family.
Rivera now faces a possible life sentence even though he did not get convicted of first-degree murder. Sentencing is set for December 10, 2013.
For more NFL news and updates, visit NFL Central.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
