Falcons lineman had alcohol before early-morning crash

Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004 | 10:04 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

A report obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from the Hall County (Ga.) Sheriff's Department detailed the early Saturday morning one-car accident involving Falcons defensive tackle Rod Coleman.

The report revealed Coleman had been drinking alcohol, but passed a series of field sobriety tests, according to Captain Jeff Strickland. No charges were filed.

Coleman was given the tests some time after veering his Cadillac Escalade off Gaines Ferry Road, while trying to avoid hitting a deer at 4:30 a.m., according to the report.

Coleman's blood was not analyzed.

"The officer indicated that he did not feel he was impaired," Strickland said.

Coleman, who missed Sunday's game against San Diego, will miss at least one more game after undergoing surgery Tuesday to repair the left knee he damaged in the accident near his home. He also has a shoulder injury.

Team president/general manager Rich McKay said the team's decision to release minimal information between the time of Coleman's accident and Sunday's game against San Diego was made in an attempt to improve the team's chances of winning.

"Our concerns right away were two-fold: is the guy all right, and how can we minimize distractions before the game," McKay said. "It was a big game, we were trying to win."

The six-year veteran won't face disciplinary action from the NFL.

"There would be no basis for disciplinary action (from the league) because no charges were filed," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

McKay said, however, Coleman, who in March signed a six-year, $27.75 million contract with $9.75 million in guaranteed money, may face discipline from the team.

The Falcons put Coleman on the NFL injury report late Saturday morning, listing him as questionable with a shoulder injury. Several attempts Saturday night to reach Mora failed. After Sunday's game, Mora said Coleman did not go to a hospital following the accident, instead arriving at his office "beat up," and "bleeding" at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday. He received treatment at the Falcons complex.

On Monday, McKay declined comment about the incident.