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Dolphins Dump Salary, Thomas

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A Tribune wire report

Published: February 15, 2008

MIAMI - Zach Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker and one of the most popular and productive players ever to wear a Dolphins uniform, was released Thursday, the biggest move yet in Miami's massive rebuilding project.

"I have a tremendous appreciation and admiration not only for the Dolphins organization, but for the fans as well, for all of the support that they have given me," Thomas said in a statement in which he thanked owner Wayne Huizenga, new football operations head Bill Parcells and general manager Jeff Ireland.

The 34-year-old linebacker said he plans to play with another team next season.

The team made Thomas aware of the decision Thursday morning.

Thomas missed most of last season because of concussions and migraines and was placed on injured reserve against his wishes in December because of nagging migraines, an aftereffect of an Oct. 21 car crash.

The move is the second major salary slash this week by the Dolphins, who went 1-15 last season and subsequently brought in Bill Parcells to lead the rebuilding.

Miami trimmed about $9 million in 2008 base salary on Monday, when it parted ways with quarterback Trent Green, wide receiver Marty Booker and seven other players. Thomas was slated to make just over $5.6 million in base salary next season.

Pacman Settles Last Criminal Charge

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Suspended NFL player Adam "Pacman" Jones settled his last pending criminal charge Thursday, pleading no contest to obstructing a police officer two years ago in Georgia.

Jones' attorney and agent, Manny Arora, said the player was sentenced to three years of probation for the run-in with police on Feb. 6, 2006, outside the family home of his pregnant girlfriend in Fayetteville, Ga., in which he is accused of throwing a punch and biting an officer's hand.

A no contest plea in Georgia does not admit guilt, but doesn't dispute the charge.

The Titans cornerback has no further charges pending from his six arrests since being drafted into the NFL in 2005.

VICK'S BONUS: The NFL is asking a federal court to vacate a judge's ruling allowing suspended quarterback Michael Vick to keep $16.5 million in bonuses.

The NFL also wants to disqualify U.S. District Judge David Doty, who ruled this month that the Atlanta Falcons would violate the NFL collective bargaining agreement if it tried to recover the roster bonus Vick already received. The league argues that Doty's public comments show he is biased against them.

Vick is serving a 23-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to federal charges in a dogfighting operation. After the plea, the Falcons tried to recover about $20 million in bonuses Vick earned from 2004 to 2007.

BILLS: Released receiver Peerless Price, who missed the final 12 games this past season after surgery to repair a disk in his neck. He finished with seven catches for 68 yards a year after making 49 receptions.

The Bills also released linebacker Kevin Harrison and defensive back E.J. Underwood.

CARDINALS: Placed the franchise tag on linebacker Karlos Dansby, preventing him from becoming a free agent, but guaranteeing him a salary of just over $8 million. Dansby led the Cardinals in tackles last season with 117 despite missing two games. He also had 3 1/2 sacks, three interceptions and four forced fumbles.

COLTS: President Bill Polian said he does not expect perennial Pro Bowl receiver Marvin Harrison, Defensive Player of the Year Bob Sanders or former sacks champion Dwight Freeney to be ready to start training camp in July.

All three have had surgery, and Polian insists the team shouldn't bring them back before they're healthy.

Linebacker Rob Morris and defensive tackle Anthony "Booger" McFarland, who had knee surgery last year, could also be on the sideline in training camp.

GIANTS: Linebacker Antonio Pierce was accused of neglecting one of his dogs in the days leading up to the Super Bowl after the two pit bulls escaped from a fenced enclosure in his yard on Jan. 30.One of the dogs was found to be underweight and suffering from a respiratory illness, officials said

JAGUARS: Hired assistant secondary coach Thom Kaumeyer and assistant special teams coach Nate Kaczor.

PANTHERS: Re-signed left tackle Travelle Wharton and strong safety Chris Harris.

Wharton, who was scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the month, gets a six-year deal. With a year left on his contract, Harris signed a four-year extension that will keep him with the team through the 2012 season.

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