Jeff Fisher probably has gone through a case of aspirin during theoffseason.
The Titans coach has had to deal with one off-the-field headacheafter another in 2005. The most recent came when top draft pick Adam'Pac-Man' Jones surrendered to police Wednesday on charges of assaultand felony vandalism following a nightclub fight.
Jones' agent, Michael Huyghue, wants people to believe Jones isbeing picked on because he is a celebrity, saying, 'There are certainindividuals out there who are opportunists, who prey on professionalathletes for financial gain, and unfortunately, this is one of thoseincidents.'
But the Titans must think there is something substantial to thematter. In a statement, the team said Jones 'is going to have toconduct himself responsibly in all aspects of his life on aconsistent basis.'
They have reason to be concerned about the sixth overall pick outof West Virginia.
Club owner Robert Gaddy said in a court appearance that Jones hithim and broke his necklace after Gaddy asked three of Jones' friendsto leave the club. Gaddy told police Jones' friends 'were smokingdrugs.'
In April, Georgia authorities investigated a report that Jones wasinvolved in a nightclub fight near Atlanta, but no charges werefiled.
His was just the latest mess Fisher and the Titans have had ontheir minds. Three other Titans have gotten into trouble during theoffseason: receiver Tyrone Calico, left tackle Brad Hopkins andsafety Tank Williams.
Former Titans cornerback Samari Rolle also was arrested on adomestic violence charge in February, while he was still with theteam. Rolle signed with Baltimore after the Titans cut him in asalary-cap move.
Calico, in his third season with the Titans, was cited for publicindecency for having sex with a woman in his sport utility vehicle.Hopkins pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife, and Williams wascharged with driving under the influence.
Though there always are a few players who get into trouble everyyear, the Titans have had more than their share in just a few months.
They cannot afford to have early troubles with Jones, in whom theTitans will invest not only money but the future of their secondary.
Add this to everything else the rebuilding Titans have gonethrough - surgery for quarterback Steve McNair, hiring Norm Chow toreplace offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, cutting high-pricedveterans in a salary-cap purge - and this year hasn't started toowell for Tennessee.
***
ALWORTH'S TRIBUTE: The San Diego Chargers will retire receiverLance Alworth's number during a halftime ceremony Nov. 20.
Alworth, the first American Football League player inducted intothe Hall of Fame, is still one of the most popular athletes in SanDiego history. His No. 19 joins Dan Fouts' No. 14 as the only tworetired numbers in the team's 46-year history. Fouts' number wasretired in 1988.
'Lance Alworth played a significant role in the initial success ofthe Chargers and the American Football League,' said team presidentand CEO Dean Spanos. 'His play on the field became a trademark forthis team and an entire league. I can't think of anyone moredeserving of this honor.'
Alworth, nicknamed 'Bambi' for his speed and graceful leapingability, embodied the old wide-open attack of the AFL that is thebasis of the West Coast offense.
He began his career with the Chargers in 1962, and still holdsteam records for most career touchdowns (81); most consecutive gamewith a touchdown (nine); and most career yards (9,584). He also wasselected as All-AFL seven times from 1963-1969.
Alworth finished his 11-year career with 542 receptions for 10,266yards and 87 touchdowns, averaging 19 yards a reception. He ranksamong the NFL's receiving leaders in seven categories, including anNFL-record five career 200-yard games.
---=
DRAFT MANIA:@Want to relive the 2005 NFL draft? A new DVD entitled'On the Clock' will present a comprehensive review of each team'sdraft, complete with selections, highlights and commentary.
Though the draft covers two days and about 16 hours, 'On theClock' wraps it all up in 45 minutes. The DVD also includes bonusfeatures on previous draft picks who have gone on to NFL stardom, andup-and-coming college players who could one day become pro stars.
AP-ES-07-15-05 1424EDT
