NFL
Notebook: Miami TE arrested for hitting wife

By The Associated Press

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Miami Dolphins tight end Randy McMichael was arrested yesterday for allegedly hitting his pregnant wife.

McMichael was charged with aggravated battery on a pregnant woman, a second-degree felony that is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, Broward County sheriff's officials said.

His wife, Cawanna McMichael, also was arrested on a domestic-battery charge stemming from the fight at their home early yesterday morning. Officials said she is six months pregnant.

Randy McMichael was released yesterday on $5,000 bond, his wife on a $1,000 bond, officials said. Both appeared in court wearing jail-issued uniforms, and both wept during the brief proceeding.

McMichael, 6 feet 3 and 247 pounds, told sheriff's investigators he had been out drinking with friends, according to a probable-cause affidavit. After arriving home, he became ill when his wife came in and began yelling at him.

He told investigators his wife "hit him across the head with her hand," and she fell to the ground when he pushed her.

Cawanna McMichael said her husband grabbed her arm and hit her several times. She was taken to a hospital for evaluation, then to jail for booking, officials said.

CFL deal extended

TORONTO — The NFL and CFL extended their working agreement through the 2006 season.

Under the extension of an agreement made in 1997, NFL teams will still be able to sign CFL players entering their option year.
 
The NFL also will provide exposure for live CFL games, including the Grey Cup on a non-exclusive basis, through the NFL Network.

Notes

• The Green Bay Packers signed WR Robert Ferguson to a five-year contract. The Packers' second-round pick in 2001, Ferguson started 12 games in 2003. He had 38 catches for 520 yards and four touchdowns.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers signed second-year CB Shane Walton.