Eagles deny they gave Sheppard permission to seek trade

Eagles deny they gave Sheppard permission to seek trade
The Philadelphia Eagles moved quickly Monday night to quash television reports that they had given veteran cornerback Lito Sheppard and his agent, Lamont Smith, permission to seek a trade the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

"Any report suggesting that we've allowed Lito or his agent to seek a trade is absolutely, undeniably false," team spokesman Derek Boyko said.

Sheppard, 26, gave no indication during the season that he was unhappy with his contract or his situation with the Eagles. He missed four games with a sprained knee ligament that bothered him for much of the season, and his two interceptions were his fewest since his second season, in 2003. Sheppard, a two-time Pro Bowler, signed a five-year, $25 million contract extension in 2004 and is signed through 2011. He is scheduled to make $2 million next season.

WR Booker will meet with Patriots
The New England Patriots are setting their sights on another former Miami Dolphin, as receiver Marty Booker is scheduled to meet with team officials at Gillette Stadium Tuesday the Boston Globe reported.

Much like the Patriots' decision to pursue Wes Welker last year, Booker's success against New England might be a significant factor in the level of interest he's received from Vice President of Player Personnel Scott Pioli and head coach Bill Belichick.

In eight games against the Patriots over the last four seasons, the 6-foot-, 210-pound Booker had three 100-yard receiving games. He played a major role in the Dolphins' last two wins against New England - catching eight passes for 103 yards and a touchdown in a 21-0 win Dec. 10, 2006, and seven receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown in a 28-26 victory Jan. 1, 2006. The 31-year-old Booker enters his 10th NFL season in 2008, after playing for the Bears (1999-2003) and Dolphins (2004-2007). He was released by the Dolphins on Feb. 11

Miami's Taylor will "Dance With The Stars''
You may see a sack dance on "Dancing With the Stars" next season. That's because Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor will be the first active NFL player to compete on the popular ABC program the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. Two NFL legends have competed in previous seasons: Emmitt Smith won after Jerry Rice finished third. The announcement was made Monday, during ABC's "Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann."

Also competing: actress Marlee Matlin, magician Penn Jillette, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, tennis player Monica Seles, R&B singer Mario, comedian Adam Carolla and actor Steve Guttenberg.

"It was an opportunity that really couldn't be passed up," said Taylor's agent, Gary Wichard. "The tough part was talking Jason into it. But he will be a competitor and do what he can do.''

Dolphins interested in Saints' Simoneau?
Mark Simoneau, 6-0, 238 and 31 years old, helped the New Orleans�Saints improve enough for the team to make the 2006 NFC title game. Beyond him, the starting material looks rather thin on the free agent linebacker market the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.

Simoneau's agent William Vann McElroy said he had a meeting scheduled with Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland at next week's NFL Scouting Combine, but he doesn't know which specific players will be discussed.

Texans' WR Mathis arrested for choking pregnant girlfriend
Houston Texans receiver Jerome Mathis was arrested on assault-family violence charges late Sunday after allegedly choking his pregnant girlfriend, Brazoria County Sheriff's officials told thefacts.com

Mathis, 24, was booked into the Brazoria County jail at 9:26 p.m. Sunday and posted $3,000 bond at 11:11 p.m., according to the sheriff's office. He faces one charge of assault causing bodily injury under the family violence code, Patrol Capt. Richard Foreman said. Mathis allegedly pushed Erica Smith, 26, onto a bed during an argument in their home in the 3600 block of Tumbling Falls at about 11 p.m. Friday, Foreman said. The couple apparently discussed a cell-phone battery charger before the incident, he said.

"She reported that he came home verbally aggressive toward her and left the residence, then came back a few minutes later demanding his car charger," Foreman said. "He became angry while he looked for the charger, and when she gave it to him, he pushed her down on the bed and began choking her while putting all of his body weight on her."