Browns’ Rogers apologizes to fans

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Cleveland Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers apologized to his fans and his team on Friday, saying he didn’t intend to carry a loaded gun in his luggage as he tried to pass through airport security.

Rogers, arguably the Browns’ best player, plans to plead not guilty to a concealed weapons charge, his lawyer said.

A prosecutor filed the fourth-degree felony charge alleging Rogers carried a .45-caliber Kimber semiautomatic with eight rounds in his carry-on luggage at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. A police report said the gun’s hammer was cocked in safe mode.

Rogers, 31, posted bond of $1,000 after spending a night in jail following his Thursday arrest. Defense attorney Patrick D’Angelo said Rogers would be in court today to enter a not guilty plea and waive a preliminary hearing.

Rogers told reporters he didn’t mean to take the gun into the airport and was sorry. He apologized to his family and fans and to the Browns.

“By no means did I intend or willingly or knowingly take a firearm into the airport,” he said. “That’s not something I would do.”

After participating in the Browns’ voluntary offseason program, Rogers was on his way back home to Houston to spend Easter with his family when police say he was stopped with the weapon. Police say he was traveling with teammate Robaire Smith.

Rogers told officers that he had forgotten the gun was in his bag and that he carried it for personal safety during travel. Police say Rogers has a license in Michigan to carry a concealed weapon.

When reporters asked Rogers on Friday why he needed a weapon, D’Angelo answered it wasn’t a fair question because Rogers has a license to carry a firearm.

Rogers has been traveling between Detroit and Cleveland regularly while he tries to sell a home in Michigan.

“I’m truly remorseful, and I really can’t put into words how unfortunate the incident is,” Rogers said. “Again, I’m completely sorry.”