Parcells Cuts Ross and Sends Message

Bill Parcells has talked about getting rid of players he can’t rely on since becoming coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Tuesday, he showed he meant it by releasing kick returner-cornerback Derek Ross.

Ross was considered a rising star last season when he became a starter as a rookie. Then Parcells took over in January and the two have clashed since training camp.

Parcells criticized Ross for relying on raw ability instead of technique when covering receivers and carrying the ball loosely on kickoff returns. Then Parcells wasn’t pleased with how Ross handled a knee injury that kept him out of the first six games.

Since fumbling twice, losing one, in a loss to Miami on Thursday, Ross did not attend a team run the next morning and a charity event at a hospital on Monday.

Parcells wasn’t available for comment Tuesday.

Said defensive tackle La’Roi Glover: “He’s sending a message. Regardless of who you are, if you’re making mistakes or you’re not doing what you’re supposed to be doing, you’re not going to be a part of this team.”

*

The NFL extended its suspension for troubled Cleveland Brown running back William Green, making it unlikely he will play again this season.

Green was expected to rejoin the Browns on Monday from a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.

But the league said it has lengthened its ban on the second-year back for “treatment purposes.”

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue will decide when Green can return to the Browns after consulting with medical experts in the treatment program, the league said in a statement.

*

Officials from the Coliseum will conduct a hearing today in hopes of certifying the stadium’s recently completed environmental-impact report. Certification of the document is an essential step in the process of potentially rebuilding the venue for an NFL team.

“On a technical basis, it’s a very important day for us,” said Pat Lynch, general manager of the Coliseum. “But in terms of getting an NFL team, it’s just one more step we’ve mowed down to clear a path for that to happen.”

*

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost two more starters for the season when receiver Joe Jurevicius and cornerback Tim Wansley were put on injured reserve.... Arizona Cardinal linebacker Raynoch Thompson has been suspended by the NFL for the final four games of the season for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.... The New England Patriots released punter Ken Walter.... Rookie offensive lineman Wayne Lucier was put on injured reserve by the New York Giants, putting him out for the season.