Trending News|September 04, 2015 11:08 EDT
NFL 2015 News: Former NFL RB Lawrence Phillips Charged with Murder of Prison Cellmate; Redskins GM Wife Apologizes for Inappropriate Tweet
Former NFL and CFL running back Lawrence Phillips has been charged with murder in the death of his cellmate in a California prison, the Associated Press reports.
As noted by CBSSports.com, back in April, 37-year-old Damian Soward was found unresponsive in the Kern Valley State Prison cell he shared with Phillips, who became the immediate suspect in the case. According to the AP report, officials later determined that Soward had been strangled.
Phillips was recently charged with first-degree murder and is scheduled for arraignment on Sept. 15. According to prosecutor Andi Bridges, Phillips is facing a term of 25 to life, plus 15 years, and does not appear to be facing the death penalty.
Phillips was the sixth overall pick of the 1996 draft by the St. Louis Rams, and played 225 NF: games with the Rams, Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers.
In Washington, the wife of redskins general manager Scot McCloughan apologized on Wednesday for sending out a vulgar tweet directed at an ESPN reporter.
As noted by CBSSPorts.com, in the tweet, Jessica McCloughan suggested that the female reported was exchanging sexual favors to get stories.
"I deeply apologize for the disparaging remarks about an ESPN reporter on my personal Twitter account," her statement read. "The comment was unfounded and inappropriate, and I have the utmost respect for both the reporter and ESPN. I regret that my actions have brought undeserved negative attention to the Redskins organization and its leadership."
"My comments in no way reflect the opinions or attitudes of the organization and I regret that my behavior has in any way negatively impacted the team and its loyal fan base."
As noted by the CBSSports.com report, ESPN has released a statement on Wednesday night in support of reporter Dianna Russini, who was the first to report that Kirk Cousins would be the Redskins starting quarterback in Week 1.
"Dianna is an excellent reporter who should never have to be subjected to such vulgar comments," ESPN said in a statement. "We are obviously extremely disappointed by today's developments."
