NFL

Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco has been fined $20,000 by the NFL for jokingly trying to “bribe” an official during last week’s game against the Ravens. Ochocinco may have been in the clear had he not used the word “bribe” in his post-game comments to reporters. Even though Ochocinco tends to have outrageous moments during games, specifically TD celebrations, professional sports will not tolerate bribes or jokes related to bribes. In light of former NBA referee Tim Donaghy being in the news lately because he was released from prison, Ochocinco’s bribe “joke” was certainly in poor taste.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Kansas City: Chiefs WR Lance Long is drawing comparisons to Wes Welker in Kansas City Chiefs, most notably from quarterback Matt Cassel who played with Welker in New England. “He’s a great slot receiver,” Cassel said of Long. “He’s got tremendous quickness, he gets in and out of his breaks well, he catches the ball, he’s a tough guy.” Clearly earning the trust of his quarterback as well as his head coach, Long should be on the radar for a 2010 sleeper.

San Francisco: Though Isaac Bruce was ostensibly deactivated Thursday night due to an ankle injury, the San Francisco Chronicle believes the decision had more to do with Jason Hill. The Chronicle called it “the clearest indication yet that the San Francisco 49ers are moving in a younger direction” at receiver. Expect Josh Morgan to continue starting, with Hill remaining in the slot for the rest of the season. Neither player has fantasy value for 2009.

Oakland: Raiders WR Javon Walker has asked the Raiders for his release. “That would be nice,” Walker said, “because, the thing about it is, it’s not that I can’t play. I can play.” The Oakland Raiders have opted to go young at receiver, but they’ve ironically hung onto Walker for injury insurance. He’ll likely get his wish this offseason, although he will most likely get a non-guaranteed deal in the offseason.

Carolina: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Panthers consider DeAngelo Williams (knee) a “game-time decision” for Week 10. Williams, who is presently walking around without a limp, has a tough matchup this week against the Falcons. Being banged up is not helping his fantasy value.

Tampa Bay: Bucs RB Derrick Ward (knee) was a late week addition to the teams injury report. Ward, who has battled injuries all season, is in danger of falling out of the rotation and losing more carries to Cadillac Williams.

Tampa Bay: Bucs WR Antonio Bryant (knee) missed Bucs practice again Friday and is listed as doubtful for week 10. Bryant continues to have setbacks after offseason knee surgery. He can be dropped in most leagues. Maurice Stovall will start against the Dolphins.

Philadelphia: Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (ankle) practiced again on Friday and is listed as probable for Week 10 at San Diego. Westbrook was able to practice for two consecutive days and is on track to play against the Chargers No. 26 run defense. Rookie LeSean McCoy will share carries with Westbrook, but both backs should be considered strong starts this week.

Detroit: Lions coach Jim Schwartz wants to see more “explosive plays” from his running backs.
Kevin Smith, averaging just 3.3 YPC, is beginning to come under fire in Detroit. “To get those type of runs you have to break tackles,” said Smith. “I guess I’m not breaking any tackles to get those explosives.” While Smith is in no danger of a decreased workload this year, the Lions may look to upgrade in the 2010 draft.