BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik remained in serious condition at a hospital Thursday, two days after experiencing shortness of breath.
However, Bednarik, 85, was improving and was “sitting up in bed and talking” as of Thursday, his son-in-law Ken Safarowic said.
“They’re still running tests on him,” Safarowic said. “It’s not a heart attack. His heart is as strong as when he was playing. But I think he’ll be in the hospital for a couple more days.”
Nicknamed “Concrete Charlie,” Bednarik was one of the last true 60-minute men, having played both center and linebacker for most of his 14 seasons in the NFL.
“I wish I could say he’s resting comfortably, but he’s never been one to be comfortable sitting still,” Safarowic said. “He’s like, ‘Get me the hell out of here.’ “
• Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford started throwing again and indicated he felt good two months after having surgery on his right shoulder.
“Never know when the owners will let us back in to start playing,” Stafford tweeted.
• St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, fired as Broncos coach with four games to go last season, also will be the team’s quarterback coach.
Virginia Tech player arrested
BLACKSBURG, Va. — Virginia Tech redshirt sophomore split end Xavier Boyce is facing child abuse charges in connection with injuries to his infant child.
Boyce, 20, and girlfriend Olivia Hutchins were arrested Wednesday on charges related to cruelty and injuries to the girl. Police said they believe the child was injured Jan. 31 at the couple’s home but didn’t say in what way the child was hurt.
• As soon as the charges against them were dropped, four Pace University players switched from defense to offense, saying they plan to sue the police who arrested them after teammate Danroy Henry, 20, was killed by an officer Oct. 17.
Their lawyer, Bonita Zelman, said they would seek at least $1 million for “brutality, false arrest, malicious prosecution and violations of their civil, constitutional and human rights.”
Footnotes.
The world figure skating championships will be held April 24 to May 1 at Moscow’s Megasport arena, the International Skating Union announced. The worlds initially were scheduled for this week in Tokyo, but Japanese officials said last weekend there was no way the country could serve as host following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and subsequent nuclear crisis.
• Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love could miss the rest of the season because of a strained left groin, coach Kurt Rambis said.
• Charlotte Bobcats top scorer Stephen Jackson is day to day after an MRI revealed no tear in his left hamstring.
• Portuguese rider Manuel Cardoso won the fourth stage of the Volta of Catalunya, while Alberto Contador retained the leader’s jersey on the same day cycling’s governing body appealed his doping acquittal.
Denver Post wire services
