BEREA - Linebacker Scott Fujita plans to go down fighting.
Fujita still intends to appeal the suspension levied on him by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for his reported role in the New Orleans' Saints bounty scandal. The suspension, which was originally for three games, was reduced to one game Monday.
Fujita practiced Wednesday in preparation for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. After practice he expressed anger at the condescending tone of Goodell's comments.
"He said he was disappointed in me," Fujita said. "I haven't been told that since my dad said it to me.
"The condescending tone kind of set me over the edge. I thought that was uncalled for and inappropriate. I've said clearly that my track record speaks for itself on this issue. For me to be suspended for not standing up to my defensive coordinator (Gregg Williams) doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me."
Goodell's point in suspending Fujita was that he didn't do anything to stop Williams. Fujita has said all along that he didn't participate in nor was there, in his mind, a bounty.
"It's power run amuck," Fujita said. "There has been a clear abuse of powers that have been afforded to him."
NOT AGAIN: It wasn't a topic that coach Pat Shurmur wanted to discuss three days after the loss to the New York Giants.
Shurmur was again asked about his decision to take running back Trent Richardson off the field on a third-and-1 play at the Giants' 25 in the second quarter. Quarterback Brandon Weeden overthrew Jordan Norwood and the pass was intercepted by Stevie Jones.
Shurmur has been criticized for his decision and for his sensitivity to questions about the play.
"How do I handle being second-guessed?" asked Shurmur. "I can't control that. I'm aware of the fact based on some of the ways the questions come out. I can tell by the questions the way it's going to go."
COULD BE READY: Middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson hasn't been ruled out of Sunday's game. He suffered a concussion against the Giants and missed practice Wednesday.
"He was at all the meetings today," Shurmur said.
The loss of Jackson would be a crucial blow because of the lack of quality depth at linebacker. He was replaced last week by rookie free agent L.J. Fort.
HE'S HERE: Tight end Alex Smith hasn't played since suffering a concussion against the Bengals in week two. Shurmur said on Monday that he had a long talk with Smith, which prompted a question about whether or not Smith is contemplating retirement. Smith has had multiple concussions.
"I anticipate that Alex will be there," Shurmur said.
Smith was on the field Wednesday for the first time in four weeks.
WASN'T THINKING: Weeden was able to joke about the penalty he received last Sunday for throwing a double pass. Weeden caught a pass that was batted back to him. He then threw a pass to tight end Jordan Cameron for a touchdown that was negated.
"That was a heck of a play," Weeden said. "I had never had that happen. The ball came to me and said, 'What do I do?' I saw a bunch of dudes over there. I'm not running. It was me trying to make a play. Next time I'm catching it and running into the end zone."
INJURY REPORT: Receiver Jordan Norwood (foot), defensive back Tashaun Gipson (knee), receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (hamstring), cornerback Dimitri Patterson (ankle), receiver Travis Benjamin (hamstring), defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin (ankle) and Jackson missed practice.
Bengals cornerback Terrance Newman (groin) missed practice.
