News

Kendricks to play for Seahawks on Monday night vs. Bears

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll speaks during a news conference after an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 21-20./Bruce Kluckhohn


RENTON, Wash. (AP) — New Seattle Seahawks linebacker Mychal Kendricks will play Monday night against the Chicago Bears despite his pending jail sentence.

Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Saturday that Kendricks would make his Seattle debut due to major injuries at linebacker. The Seahawks ruled out both of its starting linebackers, K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner, due to injuries. Wright is still a week away from returning from minor knee surgery and Wagner suffered a groin injury in Week 1.

“The background that he has and the instincts that he has and he’s been coached really well over the years, he really has a chance to pick it up really quickly and get in there and help us,” Carroll said. “He had three really good days and studied like crazy with the coaches and he’s ready to help us out.”

Kendricks playing creates an odd situation for all involved considering his guilty plea last week on insider trading charges in Philadelphia. He’s not expected to be sentenced in the case until January and the NFL has yet to impose any discipline meaning he’s eligible to play. Kendricks said Saturday he was unsure if he’d have a chance to play this season after being released by the Browns on Aug. 29.

“It’s been pretty hard. It’s been very hard. But, I’ll overcome this, and I’ll overcome just like I’ve overcome other obstacles in my life,” Kendricks said. “Like I said, I’m very blessed to have this opportunity, so I treated it as such. But, football is helping me a lot.”

Carroll said the Seahawks did extensive homework on Kendricks and there was continued contact with the league office about the potential of the roster move. Carroll said Kendricks deserves a second chance.

“We have come to learn who he is and what he’s all about and how remorseful he was and how he admitted to his mistake a long time ago,” Carroll said.

How long Kendricks is with the Seahawks will be a lingering question. The league could impose discipline at any time. Seattle also expects to have Wright and Wagner potentially back as early as Week 3 against Dallas.

“Other teams were interested, but as far as I’m concerned, the Seahawks were the ones that were most interested and that’s why I’m here,” Kendricks said.

Kendricks signed a one-year contract with the Browns in June after winning a Super Bowl title last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, and he was released by Cleveland after the charges were filed.

Federal prosecutors said Kendricks used tips from an acquaintance to make about $1.2 million in illegal profits on four major trading deals.

Prosecutors say his co-defendant, Damilare Sonoiki, was paid $10,000 in kickbacks in the scheme from 2014-2015, as well as receiving perks such as tickets to Eagles games and tagging along to a music video shoot or nightclub appearances.

Kendricks did not comment about his legal situation on Saturday.

“As of right now, I have the opportunity and I want to make the most of that,” he said.

Recent Headlines

12 hours ago in Sports

Tarik Skubal’s 14 strikeouts propel Tigers past Guardians in Game 1 of AL Wild Card Series

Tarik Skubal tied Detroit's postseason record with 14 strikeouts and the Tigers beat the Cleveland Guardians 2-1 on Tuesday in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series.

18 hours ago in Sports

MLB spending disparity on display in playoffs as $509 million Dodgers take on $121 million Reds

Baseball's economic disparity will be on display in the playoffs, where the Los Angeles Dodgers have committed more than $500 million in salaries and luxury tax this season as they take on a Cincinnati Reds team with a $121 million payroll.

18 hours ago in Sports

Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill carted off field and taken to hospital with dislocated left knee

Tyreek Hill's season for the Miami Dolphins potentially came to a sudden end on Monday night, when the standout wide receiver's left knee became badly twisted shortly after he made a catch near the sideline.

1 day ago in Sports

Twins fire manager Rocco Baldelli after 70-92 season, missing playoffs in 4 of last 5 years

The Minnesota Twins fired manager Rocco Baldelli on Monday, ending his seven-year tenure that included three AL Central titles but only one playoff appearance over his final five seasons.

2 days ago in Sports

Micah Parsons’ hyped return to Dallas ends with Cowboys and Packers in 40-40 tie

Micah Parsons and Dak Prescott both said winning was the only thing that mattered in the Green Bay pass rusher's hyped return to Dallas to face the Cowboys and their franchise quarterback.