Cards, Ravens Fire Coordinators

A pair of NFL offensive coordinators lost their jobs for failing to produce points. A couple of players will have to sit out for awhile for failing drug tests.

Offensive coordinators Jim Fassel of the Ravens and Keith Rowen of the Cardinals were fired Tuesday, while Atlanta guard Matt Lehr and Detroit defensive tackle Shaun Rogers were suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Packers wideout and kick-returner Koren Robinson was suspended a year for a drunk-driving incident.

Tuesday also happened to be the NFL's trading deadline, which passed with only one major deal: Tampa Bay sent defensive tackle Anthony McFarland to the Indianapolis Colts for a second-round pick in next year's draft.

Baltimore coach Brian Billick announced Fassel's dismissal in a news conference at the Ravens' headquarters, calling the firing of his close friend and former Giants coach "one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make."

Billick said he will assume the duties of offensive coordinator, which includes calling plays on game days.

Cardinals quarterbacks coach Mike Kruczek replaced Rowen in Arizona, becoming Dennis Green's third offensive coordinator in the coach's 2 1/2 seasons in Arizona. Rowen took the job after Alex Wood was fired following the 2004 season.

Rogers will be suspended for taking a banned, over-the-counter substance, an official within the league told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the NFL is expected to announce the suspension Wednesday.

The NFL announced a four-game suspension for Lehr and a year-long one for Robinson, who pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of drunken driving and fleeing police stemming from a high-speed chase in August.

NFL suspensions offense substance abuse football


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