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NFL | Autopsy: Gunshot in neck killed Williams

Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams died from a gunshot to his neck early New Year's Day, according to an autopsy report released yesterday.

Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams died from a gunshot to his neck early New Year's Day, according to an autopsy report released yesterday.

The Denver medical examiner's report said the 23-year-old Williams was pronounced dead about 2:35 a.m. after he was shot while riding in a limousine. The report showed Williams' blood-alcohol level was 0.05 percent.

A medium- to large-caliber bullet struck Williams on the left side of the neck and exited the right, and he died quickly, the report said.

No charges have been filed, but police said a man who was arrested on an unrelated parole-violation charge is a person of interest in the case.

Ravens. Linebacker Ray Lewis withdrew from the Pro Bowl because of a hand injury he suffered in a playoff loss to Indianapolis. Lewis' place on the AFC roster will be filled by teammate Bart Scott, a linebacker who will be making his first appearance in the game in Honolulu.

Browns. Troy Smith, Ohio State's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, is lobbying his hometown Cleveland Browns to select him in April's NFL draft.

Smith was named the area's outstanding collegiate athlete at Monday night's Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, and during a taped acceptance speech he thanked the city's fans for their support.

"Hopefully, I'll get a chance to represent you guys at the next level with the Cleveland Browns," he said.

After finishing 4-12 last season, the Browns will pick either third or fourth in April's draft. During a recent halftime ceremony at an Ohio State basketball game, Smith wore a Browns jacket.

Giants. Special-teams coordinator Mike Sweatman, whose career included two Super Bowl victories with the team, announced his retirement. Coach Tom Coughlin promoted Tom Quinn, the 60-year-old Sweatman's assistant last season, to replace him.

49ers. The team has filed a legal claim against San Francisco over leaky luxury boxes, flooded parking lots, and other maintenance problems at city-owned Monster Park.

The claim filed Monday alleges the city has violated terms of the stadium lease by failing to make repairs after years of complaints.

A spokeswoman for the San Francisco city attorney's office said the matter was under review. City officials in the past have denied violating the lease.