Release by Tennessee wouldn’t come as a shock to George

Wednesday, April 14, 2004 | 9:39 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

Eddie George, the leading rusher in Tennessee Titans' history, said he won't be surprised if the team releases him after June 1 in a cost-cutting move.

George's contract would count $7.3 million against the Titans' $80.6 million salary cap next season, including a base salary of $4.25 million. The two sides have been unable to reach an agreement on a pay cut that would allow George to return for a ninth season with the Titans.

"Change is inevitable, and this may be one of those times," George told reporters after the first day of the team's two-day training camp in Nashville, Tennessee. "In this day and age with the salary cap, you almost have to expect it."

If the Titans and George's agent can't agree on a reduced salary, the team would get salary-cap relief for the 2004 season by releasing George, 30, after June 1.

"We've got some work to do, but I'm optimistic," Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher said.

Last season, George passed Earl Campbell to become the career rushing leader for a franchise that moved to Tennessee from Houston in 1997. He also became the 17th player in National Football League history to rush for 10,000 yards.

George started every game for the eighth consecutive year and topped 1,000 rushing yards for the seventh time, finishing with 1,031 yards and five touchdowns. The Titans went 12-4 and lost to eventual Super Bowl champion New England in the second round of the playoffs.

George, who won the 1995 Heisman Trophy at Ohio State, underwent ankle surgery last month and didn't participate in the Titans' workouts today.

"I'm optimistic that we can have a win-win situation," George said. "In the event that it doesn't work out that way, I'm more than ready to move on."

Officials at University Hospital in Cincinnati said it was too soon to comment on Weathersby's long-term outlook.

Police were investigating why Weathersby lost control of the car. A blood test showed no evidence that drugs or alcohol were involved, police Lt. Tom Wells said Tuesday.

Weathersby was the Bengals' fourth-round draft choice in 2003 from Oregon State.

A 14-year veteran, Smith was released by the Patriots before last season and signed with the Detroit Lions. He started 13 games and had one interception.

Smith adds depth to the Patriots' secondary, where Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law might not report for the team's offseason workouts. Law is frustrated that the Patriots haven't given him a contract extension.