Colts’ Luck hurt, but claims not injured
INDIANAPOLIS — In the same breath, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck confessed Wednesday that he was hurt, but claimed he is not injured.
He was deeply hurt by the firing of offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, whose history with Luck, and tight end Coby Fleener, goes back to their days together at Stanford.
Luck said in a conference call Wednesday night that the change was not an easy one.
“It was not fun,” Luck said. “But coach (Chuck) Pagano and the powers that be made their decision, and as a team, you buy in, and get on the same page, and move forward and rely on each other. Hopefully it won’t have a negative effect on our preparation for the game.
“I love Pep. I’ve been with Pep for a long time, since back in college, I feel like I’ve grown a lot under him as a player. He’s a heck of a coach, heck of a guy. Great family, so it’s tough.”
Luck denied reports that he is bothered by shoulder and rib injuries that were more severe than the team claimed. But he does not say that such injuries did indeed hamper him in the past, as reported.
“I feel healthy with no limitations,” Luck said Wednesday. I’m not going to get into anything as far as the past.”
However, Luck, hampered by an ankle problem, saw limited work in Wednesday’s walkthrough practice. Luck tweaked his ankle during Monday night’s overtime loss at Carolina. He said after the workout that his ankle is fine. Luck will start Sunday against Denver.
With a disappointing season for himself, the team and then the firing of Hamilton on Wednesday, Luck admits it will be difficult to keep moving forward, but that is what must be done.
NFL teams pass on RB Randle
Running back Joseph Randle cleared waivers a day after being dumped by the Dallas Cowboys.
The 31 other NFL teams had an opportunity to claim Randle and passed. The 23-year-old ran for 313 yards and four touchdowns on 76 carries in the Cowboys’ first six games this season before suddenly leaving the team last week.
Randle could be facing a one- or two-game suspension once he returns for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy after a February arrest in Wichita, Kan. His record also includes a 2014 arrest for shoplifting.
Rams’ Watts suspended
St. Louis Rams backup running back Trey Watts has been suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, the league announced.
Watts’ suspension without pay begins immediately. In May, the league announced Watts’ first suspension for violation of the same rule. He missed the first four games of the season.
Watts, the son of former Oklahoma quarterback and U.S. Congressman J.C. Watts, 24, also was a special teams player who played in 14 games as an undrafted rookie last season. He ran for 30 yards on seven carries and had three receptions for 18 yards. He made five tackles on special teams.
James tears sleeves on Cavs jersey
CLEVELAND — LeBron James wasn’t a fan of the NBA’s sleeved jerseys two seasons ago. He clearly hasn’t changed his mind.
The Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star forward ripped open the sleeves on his jersey during the second quarter of Wednesday night’s game against the New York Knicks while making just 4-of-11 shots from the field in the first half. He was 2 of 6 in the first quarter and his only two baskets were dunks.
Sleeved jerseys were introduced to the NBA two years ago, but this was the Cavs’ first time wearing them. James grumbled when forced to wear them with the Heat in March 2014.
“I’m not making excuses, but I’m not a big fan of the jerseys,” he said then. “Every time I shoot it feels like it’s just pulling right up underneath my arm. I already don’t have much room for error on my jump shot. It’s definitely not a good thing.”