PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers learned Friday that Ben Roethlisberger isn’t their only quarterback who might be out for four weeks.
The day Roethlisberger’s suspension was reduced from six games to four by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, the Steelers learned backup quarterback Byron Leftwich strained a ligament in his left knee that could sideline him for most or all of the first month of the season.
With Roethlisberger and Leftwich out, the Steelers are down to quarterbacks Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch for their Sept. 12 opener against Atlanta.
FOOTBALL
Colts defensive tackle arrested
Indianapolis police say Colts defensive tackle Fili Moala was arrested for driving while intoxicated, public intoxication and speeding. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says Moala was stopped at 2:31 a.m. Friday after an officer noticed his vehicle speeding. A police report says the 25-year-old Moala admitted to an officer that he had “five or six drinks” at a club and that he had a blood-alcohol level of .10 percent. The legal limit to drive is .08 percent.
NFL news
Browns rookie running back Montario Hardesty is out for the season after tearing a left-knee ligament. … Denver running back LenDale White is out for the season after rupturing his Achilles’ tendon. … Dallas traded receiver Patrick Crayton to San Diego and offensive lineman Pat McQuiston to Miami, both for future considerations. … The New York Giants acquired quarterback Sage Rosenfels from Minnesota for an undisclosed draft pick.
N.C. state office investigates agents
A person familiar with the situation says investigators from the North Carolina secretary of state’s office have subpoenaed Tar Heels defensive tackle Marvin Austin. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall is reviewing whether sports agent laws have been broken. That probe follows an NCAA investigation that focused initially on whether Austin and receiver Greg Little got improper benefits from agents.
U-turn: Masoli can play for Ole Miss
Mississippi quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was cleared to play one day before the start of the season. Three days ago, the NCAA ruled that the former Oregon quarterback had to sit out a season after enrolling at Mississippi. But the university appealed and the ruling was overturned.
HOCKEY
NHL approves Kovalchuk’s deal
The NHL signed off on Ilya Kovalchuk’s latest contract with the New Jersey Devils. Five weeks after rejecting the Russian’s landmark 17-year, $102 million contract with the Devils, the league approved a revised 15-year, $100 million deal.
VOLLEYBALL
Mastodons swept
IPFW fell 25-23, 25-18, 25-19 to Xavier at Cincinnati. Maya Schlindwein had 10 kills for the Mastodons (2-3). Tessa McGill had 11 digs.
