Former Dolphins chaplin accused of sexual abuse

Former Dolphins chaplin accused of sexual abuse
A former Miami Dolphins chaplain is the subject of a lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Miami with allegations that he sexually abused a one-time altar boy the Miami Herald reported.

The abuse began in 1977, when the boy was 13, according to the lawsuit, which was filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court on Thursday. The priest took him to Dolphins games, introducing him to players, and also to Coach Don Shula's house for tea.

The players and coach did not know the boy was being sexually abused, the lawsuit stated. The abuse went on for five years, when the priest took the boy to upscale restaurants, gave him alcohol and took him on overnight trips to the Florida Keys and to North Carolina.

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Briggs' status for season finale in question

With free agency looming, there is speculation that linebacker Lance Briggs could shut things down for the rest of the season. However, Monday, Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith said Briggs would play if healthy.

Briggs, whose status is unclear with a hip-abductor injury,�didn't suit up against the Packers, and it might be in his best interest to sit out against New Orleans rather than risk further injury as he seeks a new contract.

If Briggs sits, Jamar Williams would get another chance to show what he can do at weak-side linebacker. He was impressive against the Packers with six tackles and a pass deflection in only 16 snaps.

Parcells at practice on first day with Dolphins
Bill Parcells was on the field for Thursday's workout and a firsthand look at the NFL's worst team. He signed a four-year contract last week to become executive vice president of football operations.

Croyle figures to start at QB for Chiefs on Sunday
Brodie Croyle was able to throw without any problem Thursday, and he will probably start Sunday for the Chiefs at the Jets.

Crayton signs four-year deal with Cowboys
Dallas wide receiver Patrick Crayton signed a four-year deal with the Cowboys on Thursday that's worth up to $14 million, his agent said.

Frustrating season for Philly's Dawkins may be over

Brian Dawkins' season of frustration continued Sunday when he was forced to leave the Philadelphia Eagles' 38-23 victory over the New Orleans Saints with a sprained foot late in the first half.

Eagles coach Andy Reid said Dawkins will undergo an MRI examination today. It appears Dawkins will miss his sixth game of the year when the Eagles close out their season Sunday against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field.

The foot injury was the latest in a season filled with injuries for Dawkins. He missed much of the preseason with Achilles tendinitis, then suffered a serious neck injury in the second game of the regular season. The neck injury cost Dawkins five games.