No suspension for Browns' Rogers

9/1/2010
ASSOCIATED PRESS

BEREA, Ohio - Shaun Rogers wasn't sure if he caught a break.

The NFL decided Tuesday to only fine the Cleveland Browns' nose tackle and not suspend him for carrying a loaded gun into an airport.

"How's it better?" Rogers said with a laugh. "Well, I'm still losing money. I don't play for free."

The league said Rogers will be fined a one-game check - roughly $400,000 or 1/17th of his $6.9 million salary this season - for violating its personal conduct policy. The former Pro Bowler, who has not practiced this summer because of a leg injury that ended his season after 11 games in 2009, is appealing the decision.

Police said Rogers carried a semiautomatic handgun in a carry-on bag into Hopkins International Airport in April. He reached a deal with prosecutors last month and was ordered to enter a diversion program to avoid trial on the weapons charge.

Under the terms, the felony gun charge will be dismissed if the 31-year-old Rogers completes the program, which included a gun course and community service.

Before he made the ruling, Goodell may have factored in that Rogers recently helped police stop a motorist who allegedly was driving under the influence.