Haynesworth draws 5-game suspension

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http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.mpl/sports/4231548Cowboys' Gurode needs 30 stitches after being stomped

Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

NASHVILLE - Albert Haynesworth of the Tennessee Titans was suspended five games by the NFL for stomping on an opponent's head, the longest discipline for an on-field incident in league history.

The 6-6, 320-pound Haynesworth stomped on Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode's head Sunday, knocking off Gurode's helmet. Haynesworth then kicked and stomped Gurode's face.
Gurode, who played at North Shore High School, needed 30 stitches to repair the cuts left by Haynesworth's cleats. Gurode plans to talk with his family about whether to press charges against Haynesworth, his agent told Nashville police Monday.
"There is absolutely no place in the game, or anywhere else, for the inexcusable action that occurred in yesterday's game," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday.
Haynesworth's suspension begins this week, and he isn't eligible to return to the field until the Titans' Nov. 19 game at Philadelphia, the league said.
The longest ban for on-field behavior had been the two-game suspension given former Packers defensive end Charles Martin for a body slam that ended the season of Bears quarterback Jim McMahon in 1986.
"This is an unprecedented suspension, but I feel like his actions on the field were also unprecedented," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said Monday.
Haynesworth, 25, apologized to Gurode after the Cowboys beat the Titans 45-14 on Sunday but didn't speak with the media Monday after learning of the suspension.
"He is embarrassed for his conduct," Fisher said. "He is embarrassed not only for the actions yesterday, but also for what this does to the defensive unit and this football team over the next five weeks."
Haynesworth will forfeit $190,070 during his suspension, losing $38,014 per game from his $646,251 base salary.
Nashville police and the district attorney contacted the Cowboys' general counsel Monday, offering their assistance to Gurode in prosecuting Haynesworth.
Cowboys coach Bill Parcells said Gurode lifted weights and could practice Wednesday.
 
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