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Topic Started: May 2 2014, 09:59 AM (4 Views)
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BEREA, Ohio -- DQwell Jackson turned and looked at the empty chair in front of Scott Fujitas locker, where his good friend and teammate would normally be sitting after practice. Fujita wasnt there. He might be gone for good. The forthright Fujita, one of the leagues most informed players, will be placed on injured reserve with a neck injury, ending his stormy season -- and perhaps his football career. One of four players suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for his role in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal, Fujita was inactive for Clevelands past two games. He last started on Oct. 7 against the New York Giants in what may have been his final game as a pro. Browns coach Pat Shurmur spoke with Fujita before practice, but he does not know if the 11-year veteran will retire. At the very least, Fujitas season is over. "Its tough, man," said Jackson, who started at linebacker alongside Fujita. "Just having him around the building, his personality and the guy that he is, its a loss for all of us." The 33-year-old Fujita underwent neck surgery in college. Jackson said one of his closest friends is having to contemplate not playing again. "Anytime you get to that point of your career, ideally everyone in this locker room, were all taking notes, we want to retire and not because of injury," Jackson said. "Its a tough pill to swallow." Fujita was not available for interviews. He was at the teams facility earlier in the day, but had left by the time the locker room was open to reporters. The Browns have not officially made a roster move with Fujita, but Shurmur said it will happen. Fujitas season has been marred by injuries and the suspension. He has always maintained his innocence from the pay-for-hits program and Goodell recently reduced Fujitas three-game suspension to one. However, Fujita was angered by a letter he received from the commissioner and harshly criticized Goodell for "abuse of power" in handling the Saints situation. Fujita also questioned the commissioners track record on player safety, saying he has done more to help his peers through his activities as an executive council member for the NFL Players Association. Its not yet known if Fujita will continue to fight to clear his name. Jackson said Fujita was able to block out the distractions, but it wasnt easy. "Hes a strong-willed guy and you would never know he had so much going on," Jackson said. "He was the same guy, but you know at some point it had to affect him and his household. And for this happen, its another setback." Fujita signed with the Browns as a free agent in 2010 after spending four seasons with the Saints. He played just 23 of a possible 39 games with the Browns because of injuries. Hes highly respected in the locker room and on the field, and the Browns will miss Fujitas leadership. However, Fujita was not part of Clevelands long-term plans as the team has been immersed in a youth movement this season. Jackson said he learned from Fujita. "He has a system in the way he does things," Jackson said. "Hes here in the morning early, he sticks to it and hes a pros pro. And for him to do it for so many years. You sit back and watch the way he plays and when hes around, he enjoys being here." With Fujita sidelined, rookie James-Michael Johnson will likely start at strongside linebacker on Sunday against San Diego. Johnson has started Clevelands past two games, recording three tackles. Shurmur said losing Fujitas savvy and knowledge hurts, and that Johnson and rookie L.J. Fort will need to step up. "Just from a roster standpoint, we got younger guys playing those positions and when you got a guy who has experience theres things that he can add to the mix," Shurmur said. "On the other side of it some of the youth and enthusiasm and fresher legs add another little dimension." If Fujita retires, Jackson knows his teammate will be successful in whatever he chooses to do next. Fujita has been active in many social causes, including raising awareness for former Saints teammate Steve Gleason, who is afflicted with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). "Whatever he decides to get into after football, Ill be right there beside him," Jackson said. "Hes interesting, man. Hes going to fight the fight no matter what." <a href="http://www.comcheapjerseys.com/">wholesale nfl jerseys</a>. In advance of Fridays second stage of the MLS re-entry draft, the 23-year-old American took to Twitter to announce his future. <a href="http://www.comcheapjerseys.com/">wholesale jerseys from china</a>. If they must, however, they intend to make it worthwhile. 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According to ESPNs Chris Mortensen, it is a "virtual certainty" the New York Jets backup quarterback will find himself playing with the Jacksonville Jaguars next season. Quoting league sources, Mortensen says Tebow will be traded or released after the season, with it being more probable that the Jets will honour the 25-year-olds request to be released. The Jaguars were interestted in Tebow last off-season, but were already committed to 2011 first-round pick Blaine Gabbert and could not promise the former University of Florida QB playing time.dddddddddddd However, after Gabbert again battled injuries and inconsistency in his second season, the Jaguars will have an open quarterback competition in 2013, with Mortensen reporting a team source told him there is a "high likelihood" Tebow will be part of the mix next year. ' ' '
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