Adam “Pacman” Jones dropped his appeal of a yearlong suspension Tuesday, pledging to repair an image that has made the Tennessee Titans cornerback the poster child for NFL misconduct.
His decision came after a third meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell.
“I understand my responsibilities to my teammates, the Titans and my fans, and I am committed to turning my life around and being a positive member of the NFL,” Jones said in a statement issued by newly-hired agent Michael Huyghue.
Jones was suspended after 10 encounters with police and five arrests since he was drafted in 2005.
“Last week, I asked for an opportunity to meet privately with commissioner Goodell,” Jones said. “I met with him earlier today to tell him about the steps I have taken to change my life since being suspended by the NFL. I accept the discipline that’s been imposed on me and I am withdrawing my appeal.”
Neither the NFL nor the Titans commented.
The case in Las Vegas involving a fight and shooting at a strip club during the NBA All-Star weekend that left one person paralyzed is still pending.
The outcome of that case could determine whether the suspension is reduced from 16 games to 10 games. That could happen if Jones adheres to the conditions set by Goodell and is not arrested again.
Dolphins: Daunte Culpepper is getting help from the NFL Players Association in his quest to be released from the team.
The NFLPA filed a grievance on Culpepper’s behalf with hopes that the matter can be resolved within a week, said Richard Berthelsen, the union’s general counsel.
“They’re breaching his contract by refusing to employ him or letting him go someplace else,” Berthelsen said.
The grievance is similar to one filed by the NFLPA last year against the Titans after the team barred Steve McNair from working out at its facility. McNair was eventually traded to Baltimore for a fourth-round draft pick.
Texans: Ahman Green feels better than he has in years.
Mike Sherman, who coached him in Green Bay, told coach Gary Kubiak that Green looks better than ever.
“Mike’s told me a couple of times, ‘You know he looks as good as I’ve ever seen him look,”‘ Kubiak said. “And Mike’s had him for a long time.”
Green had 266 carries for 1,059 yards last season after returning from a torn right quadriceps injury in 2005. He missed two games in 2006 because of continued problems from the injury.
He spent the last seven years in Green Bay, where Sherman, now a Texans assistant, was head coach until last season.
“I’d say I feel better than I have in probably about two years since I got the leg injury,” Green said. “I’ve been coming back from it. I’m coming back strong.”
Browns: Rookie quarterback Brady Quinn is too busy learning a new playbook and offensive system, and getting familiar with his teammates, to worry about the possibility of a holdout when training camp starts in July.
Quinn, talking after the morning practice of minicamp two-a-days, said he has yet to discuss contract negotiations with his agent, Tom Condon.
“That’s between him and the Browns,” Quinn said.
Quinn was expected to go in the top five, and his slide to No. 22 was the story of April’s draft. The Browns gave Dallas a first-round pick in 2008 to move back into the opening round to take the former Notre Dame star.
Browns general manager Phil Savage said last week the team made an opening offer to all the draft picks, but he expected the negotiations with Quinn would drag on toward training camp.
“On the surface, you’d like to think he’s the 22nd pick in the draft so it’s going to be stair-stepped,” Savage said. “Wait for 21, wait for 23 and 22 slots in there. But his side is going to think that there is going to be a premium with the quarterback position. There’s going to be a natural argument built in to this negotiation.”
Colts: Former quarterback Jack Trudeau pleaded innocent in Lebanon, Ind., to a felony charge of obstruction of justice in the investigation of underage drinking at his home during a high school graduation party for his daughter.
The trial was set in Boone Superior Court for Oct. 2.
Bears: Veteran fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo signed a one-year contract.
