Rams Coach Rich Brooks said he had had a "heart-to-heart"
talk with RB Lawrence Phillips just days before Phillips was
arrested on a charge of drunk driving in CA, according to the ST.
LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. Brooks: "It was made very clear to him the
scrutiny he would be under" (Lorraine Kee, ST. LOUIS POST-
DISPATCH, 6/16). Brooks says the team is "not going to throw
money down the drain" on Phillips, their first-round pick. An
ESPN source close to the Rams reports the team believes alcohol
has been at the "root of all Phillips' problems" and they are
encouraging him to enter rehab ("SportsCenter," 6/14). If
Phillips is convicted of DUI and a NE judge revokes his probation
from earlier assault and trespass charges, he could face the full
penalty for those charges -- up to 6 months in jail and $500 in
fines for each. The Rams say they will include language in
Phillips' contract "protecting them against further problems"
("Sports Tonight," CNN, 6/14). Rams President John Shaw said the
team may not offer Phillips a contract "until he proves he is
capable of handling responsibility" (Bernie Miklasz, ST. LOUIS
POST-DISPATCH, 6/16).
ON THE HOT SEAT: In Baltimore, Vito Stellino ponders
whether Rams Dir of Football Ops Steve Ortmayer will lose his job
over the pick. Stellino: "Shaw is said to be furious at
Ortmayer, although Shaw has to bear some of the responsibility"
(Baltimore SUN, 6/16).
