This Day in Football History
2005 - Onterrio Smith suspended for entire season
Following a third violation of the NFL's policy governing substance abuse, Minnesota Vikings running back Onterrio Smith is suspended for an entire NFL season.
A month prior, Smith was detained by authorities at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport after he was discovered to be in possession of dried urine and a contraption known as a "Whizzinator" - a fake penis used to cheat drug tests.
Smith never played another down in the NFL.
2012 - Patriots cut Chad Ochocinco
The New England Patriots officially cut ties with Chad Ochocinco, eleven months after acquiring the former Cincinnati Bengals receiver.
In July 2011, the Patriots acquired Ochocinco in a highly publicized trade with the Bengals. Ochocinco never became a big part of the Patriots' offense, catching only 15 passes for 276 yards and one touchdown in what was his worst season as a pro.
In Super Bowl XLVI, the New York Giants challenged Tom Brady to throw to Ochocinco, leaving him in one-on-one coverage without safety help. Brady refused to look his way.
The Patriots released Ochocinco months after the Super Bowl loss. He signed with the Miami Dolphins days later and then changed his name back to Chad Johnson, but was cut before the season began.
Johnson hasn't played another snap in the NFL.
Birthdays
1938 - Goose Gonsoulin
1967 - Terance Mathis
1971 - Terrell Buckley
1979 - Bryan Thomas