Hairy Snowman
Footballguy
KIRKLAND, Wash. (Oct. 27, 2006) -- The NFL has suspended Seahawks starting right tackle Sean Locklear for the Oct. 29 game at Kansas City for violating its personal-conduct policy.
Locklear was arrested Jan. 15 on a charge of assaulting his girlfriend outside a downtown Seattle nightspot. In July, Locklear reached an agreement with prosecutors that avoided a trial. It requires him to perform community service for the next two years, undergo an evaluation and pay court costs.
The suspension is without pay, meaning Locklear forfeits $25,000 -- 1/17th of his $425,000 base salary for this season. The third-round draft choice in 2004 drove away from team headquarters during practice soon after the Seahawks learned of the suspension. He is eligible to return to Seattle's active roster Oct. 30.
Tom Ashworth will make his first start for the Seahawks in Locklear's place against the Chiefs. Ashworth started 30 regular-season games over the previous three seasons for the New England Patriots, 27 of them at right tackle.
Coach Mike Holmgren said he "had an inkling" Locklear could be suspended sometime this season, but he was surprised by the timing.
"Every once in a while I am surprised by what takes place. And this is one of those," Holmgren said. "But it is what it is."
Locklear was already questionable with a left ankle injury.
Seattle also will be missing league MVP Shaun Alexander, Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, 2005 leading receiver Bobby Engram and starting left guard Floyd Womack. All are injured.
Locklear was arrested Jan. 15 on a charge of assaulting his girlfriend outside a downtown Seattle nightspot. In July, Locklear reached an agreement with prosecutors that avoided a trial. It requires him to perform community service for the next two years, undergo an evaluation and pay court costs.
The suspension is without pay, meaning Locklear forfeits $25,000 -- 1/17th of his $425,000 base salary for this season. The third-round draft choice in 2004 drove away from team headquarters during practice soon after the Seahawks learned of the suspension. He is eligible to return to Seattle's active roster Oct. 30.
Tom Ashworth will make his first start for the Seahawks in Locklear's place against the Chiefs. Ashworth started 30 regular-season games over the previous three seasons for the New England Patriots, 27 of them at right tackle.
Coach Mike Holmgren said he "had an inkling" Locklear could be suspended sometime this season, but he was surprised by the timing.
"Every once in a while I am surprised by what takes place. And this is one of those," Holmgren said. "But it is what it is."
Locklear was already questionable with a left ankle injury.
Seattle also will be missing league MVP Shaun Alexander, Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, 2005 leading receiver Bobby Engram and starting left guard Floyd Womack. All are injured.
