Winslow to miss '05 season with torn ACL

ESPN.com news services


CLEVELAND -- Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. tore the anterior
cruciate ligament in his right knee when he crashed his motorcycle,
according to several reports.

He likely will miss the entire 2005 season, sources told the
Cleveland Plain Dealer and Associated Press.


Winslow


Winslow underwent an MRI exam on Tuesday at the Cleveland Clinic,
and, according to the paper's source, it showed "what everyone
feared."

Winslow, who wrecked his high-powered bike while riding in a parking
lot on May 1, will get a second medical opinion before surgery is
scheduled, sources with knowledge of his injuries told the paper and
AP.

Although the Browns have Winslow's medical test results, the club
can not disclose the nature of his injuries because they have not
received permission from Winslow or his family.

On Wednesday, after conferring with his father, NFL Hall of Fame
tight end Kellen Winslow Sr., the Browns issued a statement
saying, "The Winslow family has not authorized us to release any
information on Kellen's condition.'"

Until they are given approval, the Browns may not be able to reveal
Winslow's injuries until he fails a physical and they have to place
him on an injury list per league rules.

Winslow's agent, Kevin Poston, could not be reached for comment.

Winslow injured his right knee and sustained unspecified internal
injuries when his motorcycle hit a curb near his home at 35 mph and
he flipped over the handlebars.

Winslow was wearing a helmet, but it wasn't fastened properly and
flew off when he hit the ground.

He spent nine days in the Cleveland Clinic before being released
last week. Winslow, who has been resting at home, has not commented
on his accident or his injuries.

Doctors had to wait for the swelling to go down on the 21-year-old's
knee before performing a more thorough examination.

Winslow, who missed 14 games as a rookie with a broken leg, breached
a hazardous activities clause in his contract by riding the
motorcycle. The Browns could ask him to return part of the money he
already has been paid as part of his six-year, $40 million contract -
- the richest deal given to a tight end.

Cleveland traded a second-round pick to move up a spot in the 2004
NFL draft to select Winslow, who starred at the University of Miami.

In his second game last season, Winslow broke a bone in the lower
part of his right leg and tore ligaments in his ankle while trying
to recover an onside kick. He had two operations on the leg and it
was still mending at the time of his accident.

Meanwhile, police in suburban Westlake concluded their investigation
of Winslow's accident this week and turned the case over to city law
director John Wheeler, who will determine whether charges should be
filed, Lt. Ray Arcuri said.

Winslow could be charged with reckless operation, which carries a
maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $250 fine.

A few hours before his accident, Winslow and a few friends drove 50
miles on their motorcycles to Canton to see a stunt riding team
perform.