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Hawkins headed for spot in N.Y.
Johnstown native Artrell Hawkins signed with the New York Jets on Tuesday.
Hawkins, 31, has nine seasons of NFL experience at cornerback and safety but hasn’t played since 2006.
The Bishop McCort High School graduate was released by the New England Patriots in August and sat out last season.
Hawkins played for the Patriots in 2005 and 2006, starting 12 games in the latter season.
His NFL resume includes 122 games – 92 starts – most of those with the Cincinnati Bengals, the franchise that selected him out of the University of Cincinnati in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft.
The Jets probably could use Hawkins at safety, where they have Kerry Rhodes, Abram Elam and Eric Smith. The team reportedly is not interested in re-signing free agent defensive back Erik Coleman.
Jets coach Eric Mangini was the Patriots’ defensive coordinator when Hawkins joined the Pats late during the 2005 season. That year the veteran defensive back helped fill voids in New England’s injury-depleted secondary and was willing to move from his traditional cornerback spot to safety.
Hawkins must have made an impression because the Jets contacted Hawkins regarding a tryout soon after the Patriots released him last Aug. 18. An undisclosed injury slowed Hawkins and he didn’t catch on with another team last season.
Hawkins spent his first six seasons with the Bengals. He played for the Carolina Panthers in 2004 before his time in New England. His career numbers include 510 tackles, four sacks and 11 interceptions, including one pick returned 102 yards for a touchdown against Houston’s David Carr.
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Nailers plan to ‘keep hockey alive in Johnstown’
The Wheeling Nailers unveiled Phase I of their plans for 10 ECHL regular season games to be played at Cambria County War Memorial Arena in 2010-11.
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Steelers get last chance with Roethlisberger for at least a month
The Pittsburgh Steelers will get one last glimpse of Ben Roethlisberger playing quarterback before he begins his NFL-mandated suspension.
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Cubs bounce Bucs
Thomas Diamond relieved injured starter Tom Gorzelanny and was part of a strong effort by the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen Wednesday in a 5-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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Steelers facing uncertainty at start
Ben Roethlisberger may start his third consecutive preseason game Thursday for the Steelers, though he can’t be the starter when the season begins.
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Steelers cut Frazier, four others
Linebacker Andre Frazier, a member of the Steelers’ past two Super Bowl-winning teams, has been waived from the injured reserve list as the team reached the 75-man roster limit.
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Pirates feel right at home in Chicago
The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled almost everywhere this season – except Wrigley Field.
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Zambrano goes 5-plus, homers as Cubs rout Pirates
Carlos Zambrano allowed one unearned run in 5 1/3 innings and hit a two-run homer to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 14-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night.
Aramis Ramirez was 2 for 3 with four RBIs to help Mike Quade win his first game at Wrigley Field as manager and improve to 5-2 since taking over for Lou Piniella on Aug. 23.
The Cubs scored seven times on seven hits in the fourth and were 7 for 7 to start the inning. They brought 11 batters to the plate to knock out Pirates starter Paul Maholm (7-13).
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Loss at Denver only clouds QB situation
Right about now, Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension must seem a whole lot longer to the Pittsburgh Steelers than it did when it was announced in April.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to trim Roethlisberger’s punishment from six to four games as early as this week, but the Steelers still won’t have their $102 million quarterback on the field for a game that counts until mid-October.
They must be wondering if it will take until then to find the clarity coach Mike Tomlin said he’s seeking at quarterback. So far, there’s been a lot of confusion and consternation about the quarterback play, but very little clarity. -
Polamalu’s hair insured for $1M
Just call Troy Polamalu the man with the million dollar hair.
The long, flowing black hair that tumbles out of Polamalu’s helmet and down his back – it’s nearly 3 feet long – has been insured for $1 million by Head and Shoulders, the shampoo brand that is endorsed by the Pittsburgh Steelers safety. -
Dixon, Steelers struggle in loss at Denver; QB to learn fate soon
Ben Roethlisberger gave way to his backups after a quick night’s work. Now, he can get ready to make his case for a shortened suspension, too.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed during Denver’s 34-17 win over Pittsburgh on Sunday night that commissioner Roger Goodell and the Steelers quarterback will meet soon, but he declined to say when or where the meeting would take place.
Roethlisberger was suspended for six games after being accused of sexually assaulting a Georgia college student in March. He was not criminally charged in the case.
If Roethlisberger’s suspension is reduced to four games, he’ll be back for their game against Cleveland on Oct. 17.
Otherwise, he’ll be out until the Steelers visit New Orleans on Halloween night. - More Pro Headlines
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Nailers plan to ‘keep hockey alive in Johnstown’
