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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts took a chance on defensive tackle Ed Johnson, despite several off-field incidents at Penn State, and they were rewarded with a terrific rookie season.
But Johnson was under a zero-tolerance policy with the Colts, one that he violated when, according to team president Bill Polian, he was arrested for speeding and possession of marijuana between midnight and 1 a.m. in Hamilton County on Wednesday.
Johnson will be waived Thursday.
"We consider every violation of a team rule or NFL policy on an individual case-by-case basis," Polian said. "If club discipline is appropriate, we consider the past record of the individual involved and the extent to which team rules were violated when imposing penalties. In this particular case, Ed was well aware that his past history required him to be in complete compliance with club rules. He was repeatedly told this during the off-season.
"Along with his teammates, he was reminded as recently as (Tuesday) of coach (Tony) Dungy’s rules of behavior. Unfortunately, he chose to violate those rules. Given the circumstances surrounding Ed’s original employment with the Colts, we feel in this case that we have no choice but to take this action."
Dungy, whose team lost to the Chicago Bears 29-13 last weekend, had stated earlier in the day that Johnson would be suspended at least one game. An afternoon of looking into the situation convinced the Colts that immediate action was required before Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Johnson, 24, who was signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2007, had been suspended from what would have been the final game of his collegiate career at Penn State. The punishment was for undisclosed reasons but it wasn’t the first brush with trouble for the four-year starter.
He was suspended in 2004 because of a fight at a ice arena, then he was expelled for two semesters in 2005 for alleged sexual misconduct and confinement, though charges weren’t filed.
Johnson, who started every game last season for the Colts, had 49 solo tackles and one sack. He wasn’t available for comment.
Meanwhile, tight end Dallas Clark, who injured his right knee against the Bears, said he could play this week after an MRI came up negative.
"It’ll be further down the road this week when I’ll truly know," Clark said. "It just got landed on and it was one of those things. Even on the film, I couldn’t really see (what happened). I guess it happened so quickly, but just the angle of my leg and a big guy landed on it and it just didn’t feel right. But it’s good and stable and that’s the good thing."
While the Colts have a full crop of tight ends to fill in, including second-year player Gijon Robinson, plus rookies Jacob Tamme and Tom Santi, they have one reception among them.
"We have no choice but to go on," quarterback Peyton Manning said. "We’ve tried to address getting some guys who play the same position as Dallas, through the draft, but I think Dallas is irreplaceable because of his versatility. But we still have to be able to play, use the same formations and execute (the) offense."
Notes: Dungy said it’s possible that center Jeff Saturday, who is recovering from a knee injury, could play this week. If not, rookie center Jamie Richard earned positive reviews from Manning for his performance, in his first NFL game, against the Bears. … Offensive line coach Howard Mudd had knee surgery, Polian said, and will be off the field for at least a couple of weeks. Pete Metzelaars will coach in Mudd’s place.
jcohn@jg.net
