Edwards violates steroid policy

Vikings DE suspended four games

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on steroid use.

Edwards has been a starter for most of the season, but was replaced by Erasmus James for last Sunday's game against Detroit. Coach Brad Childress said that decision had nothing to do with Edwards' violation, which the coach learned of Wednesday morning.

Childress said he was disappointed in Edwards and could not comment further because of the confidentiality surrounding the policy.

The Associated Press left a message with Edwards' agent, Doug Hendricks, seeking comment.

STEELERS' SMITH GUARANTEES AN UPSET: Defensive back Anthony Smith is so certain Pittsburgh will end the New England Patriots' unbeaten season, he is guaranteeing a win Sunday in Foxborough, Mass.

The Patriots (12-0) may have the perfect record, Smith said Wednesday, but it should be New England that is worried about the Steelers (9-3) rather than the other way around.

"People keep asking me if we're ready for the Patriots," Smith said. "They should be asking if they're ready for us."

LAWYER FOR ACCUSED TAYLOR GUNMAN WANTS TO TALK TO PROSECUTORS: An attorney for the 17-year-old accused gunman in the killing of Redskins star Sean Taylor wants to work with prosecutors to resolve the case.

Sawyer Smith, who along with his father Wilbur is representing Eric Rivera, said Wednesday his client was admitting no wrongdoing yet.

"When the State Attorney's Office is ready, we would like to sit down and begin discussion with them so we can move towards a resolution in the case that has the best interest of all parties in mind," Smith said.

Circuit Judge John Thornton Jr. denied Rivera bail Wednesday in his brief appearance via videoconference in a Miami-Dade County courtroom. His three co-defendants were denied bail a day earlier.

TAYLOR TOPS NFC PRO BOWL VOTING: Slain Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor leads the Pro Bowl voting at his position, according to tallies released Wednesday by the NFL.

Taylor had 187,064 votes from fans as of Nov. 13, tops among free safeties in the NFC.

PATRIOTS-RAVENS LARGEST CABLE AUDIENCE: The New England Patriots' pursuit of an undefeated season continues to draw viewers.

Their dramatic comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night attracted the largest audience ever for a cable program. The game on ESPN averaged more than 12.5 million homes and 17.5 million viewers.

The previous high was 11.8 million households.

MCNABB BACK AT PRACTICE: Donovan McNabb has his mobility back, and along with it, his starting spot. He returned to practice Wednesday with the Eagles for his first full workout since spraining his right ankle and jamming his thumb in a victory over Miami two weeks ago.

'PACMAN'S' HEARING DELAYED: The arraignment of Adam "Pacman" Jones in Las Vegas was rescheduled for today because a co-defendant missed a flight and was unable to attend the hearing.