Titans expected to suspend Pacman

[clevfan]

Titans expected to suspend Pacman
Could be for just a game or up to maximum of four


By JIM WYATT
Staff Writer
tennessean.com

Published: Tuesday, 10/31/06

A first-round draft pick will start at left cornerback for the Titans on Sunday in Jacksonville, but there's a good chance it won't be Pacman Jones.

Coach Jeff Fisher said Monday he hopes to announce disciplinary action against Jones for his latest off-field incident by Wednesday when the Titans return to practice.

It's expected that Jones will be suspended for the Jacksonville game and beyond. The maximum suspension the Titans can administer for conduct detrimental to the team is four games.

Fisher said just because Jones had perhaps his best NFL game in Sunday's 28-22 victory over the Texans - an interception and a punt return for a touchdown - it won't earn him a pass.

"That is what I expect out of him every week. He did not go out and buy himself some time or anything from me,'' Fisher said. "That is what we drafted him here for, to do those kinds of things. He met expectations on the field (Sunday) but he has not met expectations off the field.''

On Saturday, Metro Police cited Jones for misdemeanor assault after a TSU student accused the cornerback of spitting in her face following a verbal altercation at a downtown nightclub last Thursday at 1 a.m.

Titans owner Bud Adams told Fisher to administer whatever punishment he feels is appropriate.

"(Jones) is responsible for what he does off the field as well as he is responsible for what he has done on the field," Fisher said.

"When he leaves this building he needs to make better choices. He has not proven, if in fact this is going where it is going, that he can do that yet. And until he does he is going to have a difficult time.

"Mr. Adams is going to back whatever decision I make from a disciplinary standpoint and how far I want to take it. He sees improvement with this team, he feels this team has taken a step forward, and we can't afford to take a step backwards off the field. He is firm about that and I have felt that way since the season started.''

If Jones is suspended, it opens a door for Andre Woolfolk. Jones was the team's
first-round pick in 2005, Woolfolk in 2003.

Woolfolk has 11 NFL starts, but none since Oct. 23, 2005, at Arizona. He lost his job midway through the season and has battled injuries throughout his NFL career. He's played primarily on special teams this season.

Second-year pro Reynaldo Hill will remain at right cornerback. Fisher said he plans to leave rookie Cortland Finnegan at nickel back, and indicated second-year pro Eric King would get extra reps at outside cornerback as well.

Jones is the only Titans cornerback with an interception this season. Strong safety Chris Hope has three picks and free safety Lamont Thompson has one.

"Cortland is improving and his production at the nickel spot is really good to see," Fisher said. "We will not weaken ourselves in two spots by taking him from the nickel spot and putting him at corner. Andre is improving. He is quietly doing his job and I spoke with him prior to the game. He is a pro, he is a professional on the field and off the field, and is ready to play when called upon.''

No matter who lines up where, the Titans (2-5) will have a challenge at Jacksonville. The Jaguars have three of the NFL's tallest receivers in Matt Jones (6-6), Ernest Wilford (6-4) and Reggie Williams (6-4).

With backup David Garrard at quarterback, the Jaguars beat the Eagles 13-6 on Sunday to improve to 4-3. The Jags beat the Titans 40-13 in their last meeting, the 2005 season finale.

"It is a good offense,'' Fisher said. "All the receivers are extremely tall, are physical and can run. It really doesn't matter who we have out there. There are mismatch issues out there even with the two starters.''