Merriman, Williams win rookie awards
Shawne Merriman’s relentless style of play made an immediate mark in the NFL, earning him The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
The San Diego linebacker, known as “Lights Out” for his hard hits and aggressive demeanor, received 28 1/2 votes Wednesday from a nationwide panel of sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. He easily beat Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who got 16 1/2 .
All of the players receiving votes played linebacker in some form this season. Behind Merriman and Tatupu were Odell Thurman of Cincinnati with four votes and DaMarcus Ware of Dallas with one.
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay running back Carnell “Cadillac” Williams ran away with The AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Williams, who rushed for 1,178 yards and six touchdowns, drew 47 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL. His running mate at Auburn, Ronnie Brown of the Miami Dolphins, received one vote, as did tight end Heath Miller of Pittsburgh and New England offensive lineman Logan Mankins.
Bill fire GM Donahoe
Tom Donahoe was fired as Buffalo Bills president and general manager in a shakeup that could mark Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy’s return to the franchise in a management role.
Offensive coordinator Tom Clements was also fired, his agent, Gary O’Hagan, told The AP. Levy could play a role in the restructured front office.
Vikings plead not guilty
Minnesota Vikings Daunte Culpepper, Bryant McKinnie and Fred Smoot have pleaded not guilty in Minnetonka, Minn., to charges related to the team’s boating party.
A court clerk said the players waived initial court appearances scheduled for today. A pretrial conference was set for Feb. 2. Prosecutor Steve Tallen said the case remains under investigation.
Chiefs, Edwards close to deal
Herman Edwards is close to becoming the next Chiefs coach.
Kansas City and the New York Jets discussed a compensation package for Edwards, a person close to the situation said. Another person familiar with the negotiations said the talks were almost completed.
Both sources spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks.
•Ron Rivera, the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator, said he’ll meet with the St. Louis Rams about their head coaching vacancy this week.
• The Vikings interviewed defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell as the team moved quickly to find a new head coach to replace the fired Mike Tice.
•Miami offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, a former University of Idaho player and coach, was in Houston to interview for the job left vacant when Dom Capers was fired after the Texans finished their season with an NFL-worst record of 2-14.