BEREA, Ohio (AP) -The Cleveland Browns' gaping hole at center grew wider, and their training camp more bizarre.

Alonzo Ephraim, an emergency signing after LeCharles Bentley went down with a season-ending knee injury, was suspended Wednesday for the first four regular-season games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

The league said Ephraim may continue to participate in all preseason games and practices until his suspension begins Sept. 2. He will be eligible to rejoin the Browns' active roste

BEREA, Ohio (AP) -Lee Suggs has never felt healthier - or more confused.

Suggs returned to practice with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday, one day after his trade to New York was voided when the Jets said the oft-injured running back had failed his physical.

Suggs, whose NFL career has been slowed by an assortment of injuries, still can't believe he's back. He had finally accepted being dealt by the team that drafted him when the Jets informed Suggs he wasn't fit to play.

``I was shocked,'' he said. `

LONDON (AP) -Another billionaire NFL owner is set to take over an English soccer club.

Cleveland Browns' owner Randy Lerner put in a $118.8 million bid Monday to buy Aston Villa, one of the oldest clubs in English soccer. Last year, Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer took over Manchester United, one of the world's most popular soccer teams.

The Aston Villa board recommended the transaction to shareholders and said owners of 56.85 percent of the shares were committed to the deal. Lerner is expected

BEREA, Ohio (AP) -Cornerback Gary Baxter is the latest Cleveland Browns starter to be sidelined by injury, but the team is optimistic he'll be back for the regular-season opener Sept. 10 vs. New Orleans.

Baxter strained his left pectoral muscle on the first play from scrimmage Thursday in Cleveland's preseason opener in Philadelphia. No surgery is scheduled, and the recovery time is estimated at three to four weeks.

Baxter missed the last 10 games of 2005 - his first season with the Browns after signing

CLEVELAND (AP) -Veteran offensive lineman Bob Hallen, who was being counted on by the Cleveland Browns to replace the injured LeCharles Bentley at center, informed the club Friday that he has retired.

Hallen, who left the team earlier this week, sent a letter to the Browns saying he was done with pro football due to a medical situation and the best interest of his family.

``This is stunning to all of us because it was so abrupt,'' Browns general manager Phil Savage said.

Hallen's retirement couldn't co

``We're hopeful to have John available to us for most, if not all, of our games this season,'' head coach Bret Bielema said in a statement.

Wisconsin opens its season on Sept. 2 against Bowling Green at Cleveland Browns Stadium.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Now comes a tougher test.

A talented tight end whose career has been stalled by serious leg injuries, Winslow will play in his first game in nearly two years when the Cleveland Browns visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night.

While most veteran players dislike preseason games, Winslow might be more eager than a rookie trying to earn a roster spot.

``He is going to be excited,'' Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. ``He wan

CLEVELAND (AP) -The Cleveland Browns are losing centers at an alarming rate.

Bob Hallen, thrust into the starting lineup when LeCharles Bentley sustained a season-ending knee injury on one of the first 11-on-11 drills early in training camp, has left the club for personal and medical reasons.

``I think they are both serious,'' coach Romeo Crennel said. ``Back injuries are always serious and personal issues make the two equal.''

Hallen, who like Bentley is from the Cleveland area, signed with the club i

But the 49ers are his third NFL team in five seasons - not the track record he expected after winning the Biletnikoff Award as the NCAA's top receiver while a sophomore at Pitt. After posting his first 1,000-yard season with the Cleveland Browns in 2005, he got a hefty free-agent contract from moribund San Francisco, which desperately needed a playmaking receiver.

And he has embraced that challenge with the linear work ethic that has struck past employers as disrespect or disregard. Thoug

BUFFALO BILLS-Signed S Donte Whitner to a five-year contract. Released P Joshua Brazen.

CLEVELAND BROWNS-Waived DB Chris Thompson. Signed DB Ralph Brown and OL Mike Mabry. Placed OL Todd Washington on the reserved-retired list.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS-Released WR Dez White. Signed CB Tony Beckham.

NEW YORK JETS-Placed TE Jason Pociask on injured reserve.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS-Signed DT Lance Legree.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS-Signed CB Dwight Ellick. Released CB Reuben Houston.Copyright © 2005 The Associate