NFL suspends Seahawks Locklear for a game

Published 9:00 pm Friday, October 27, 2006

KIRKLAND – Already without their starting quarterback, a Pro Bowl running back and their most dependable wide receiver for Sunday’s game at Kansas City, the Seattle Seahawks got more bad news on Friday when it was announced that starting right tackle Sean Locklear had been suspended one game by the NFL.

Locklear left the team facility before practice ended and will not travel to Kansas City. Veteran Tom Ashworth will replace him in the starting lineup.

Locklear’s suspension stems from a January incident that involved an altercation with his then-girlfriend. The subsequent court case was the reason for the delayed suspension, which was levied because Locklear violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

Holmgren, who by league rules is not allowed to comment on the suspension, said that Ashworth’s starting experience should prove valuable.

“That’s why we brought him here,” Holmgren said, “to do this.”

Ashworth, 29, started 30 games over five seasons with the New England Patriots. But his only playing time with the Seahawks this season came in relief of left tackle Walter Jones, who he replaced for one play in the Detroit game and allowed a sack to Lions end James Hall.

Ashworth has not started a game since the 2005 playoffs but said that he’ll be ready.

“It’s a part of football,” he said of having to step in for Locklear. “I’m going to take the opportunity and try to make the best of it.”

Locklear, 25, has started 22 consecutive games at right tackle for the Seahawks.

He was arrested in January after police were called when he got into an argument with his girlfriend in Belltown. Locklear reached an agreement with prosecutors over the summer that will require him to perform community service.

His one-game suspension will be unpaid, costing him about $25,000. Locklear will be eligible to return to the team for Monday’s workout.