NFL notebook: Ocho Cinco jerseys out of the picture for this season

Published 12:00 am Friday, October 24, 2008

Associated Press
The NFL notebook …
CINCINNATI ó Chad Ocho Cinco will keep his dual identity for the rest of the season.
The Cincinnati Bengals receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson said Thursday heíll wear his old name on the back of his uniform for the rest of the season. It would have cost him a lot of money to make the switch for this year.
iWeíve just left it alone,î he said, in an interview. iIíll just wait and do it next year.î
The Pro Bowl receiver legally changed his name to Ocho Cinco last August, shortly before the start of the season. Reebok, which produces NFL jerseys for sale to fans, had a large inventory of jerseys with his old name ready for sale.
The league respected the receiverís name change but said he couldnít wear iOcho Cincoî on the back of his jersey until he compensated Reebok for the old jerseys that would now be a tough sell.
RAMS
ST. LOUIS ó St. Louis running back Steven Jackson missed his second straight day of practice Thursday because of a strained right thigh muscle, though the Rams remained hopeful their leading rusher and receiver would be ready for Sundayís game at New England.
JETS
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. ó New York Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles has a concussion and his status for the teamís game against Kansas City was uncertain Thursday.
Itís the third time in less than two years that Coles is dealing with a head injury.
TITANS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. ó Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson has been fined $10,000 for his celebration after a 66-yard touchdown run against Kansas City.
The NFL said Thursday Johnson was fined for unsportsmanlike conduct for banging on some drums in the Chiefsí pep band during Sundayís 34-10 victory. He was penalized 15 yards at the time.
ZENDEJAS
POMONA, Calif. ó Former NFL kicker Tony Zendejas has been ordered to stand trial on charges that he drugged a woman at his sports bar and raped her.
A Superior Court judge in Pomona on Thursday found enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Zendejas, who retired in 1995 after a 10-year NFL career, faces four felony sex charges.