OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Raiders linebacker Bill Romanowski could
be contemplating retirement after missing the first game of his
16-season NFL career Sunday because of a series of concussions.
Romanowski had played in 243 consecutive games the
fifth-longest streak among active players at the start of the
season. He had started 131 straight games, but was scratched for
the Raiders' 34-31 overtime victory over the San Diego Chargers.
``I'm evaluating the situation, that's all I can say,''
Romanowski said after the game. ``I've had a few concussions this
season, and it's something to be alarmed about. Otherwise, I would
have been out there.''
Romanowski got a concussion in the Raiders' season opener
against Tennessee, but he played in two more games before team
doctors held him out of Sunday's game. He had 20 tackles in the
first three games after being Oakland's second-leading tackler last
season.
Romanowski wouldn't give the total number of concussions he has
endured this season, but it's clear the durable performer took his
latest setback seriously. Romanowski spoke somberly and
deliberately about his future.
``Eventually, something is going to take you out, whether it be
your desire, whether it be the organization,'' Romanowski said.
``This is one thing'' that could do it.
Romanowski will consult with several more specialists and the
Raiders' doctors before making any decision on his future. He
doesn't know if he'll be able to practice until he finishes a
series of tests.
While playing for four teams and appearing in five Super Bowls
during a highly successful career, Romanowski has been known both
for his fanatical physical preparation and his mental lapses.
He made headlines last month when he punched teammate Marcus
Williams in the face during a fight in practice, breaking Williams'
orbital bone and putting him on injured reserve. It was the latest
episode in a long line of bad behavior by Romanowski, who missed
just one day of practice after the fight.
For years, Romanowski has adhered to a strict diet and a
training regime that's among the NFL's most elaborate but no
amount of physical preparation can protect even the toughest
players from head injuries.
``I'm not going to sit here and whine and cry about it,''
Romanowski said. ``We'll evaluate things and see where I'm going
from here.''
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)