OSHA looks into Cowboys facility

Government investigators began sorting through the Dallas Cowboys' flattened practice facility Monday, trying to figure out why fierce winds sent the tentlike structure crashing down during a rookie workout session.

Twelve people were hurt, including Cowboys special teams coach Joe DeCamillis, who underwent surgery Monday to stabilize a fractured vertebrae in his neck. The most seriously injured was Rich Behm, a 33-year-old scouting assistant who was paralyzed from the waist down after his spine was severed. Assistant athletic trainer Greg Gaither, 35, had surgery on his fractured right leg. Both DeCamillis and Gaither are expected to get out of the hospital this week.

Inspectors were at the site Monday, said Elizabeth Todd, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA, which investigates workplace accidents, has six months to make a report, she said.

• Linebacker Vinny Ciurciu, who was released by the Vikings in March after two seasons, agreed to a contract with New England.

• Pittsburgh Steelers released starting inside linebacker Larry Foote, a move expected since Foote asked to be traded or cut. Foote has started every Steelers game for five seasons, but he was unhappy with coming off the field on passing downs for Lawrence Timmons.

• A Tennessee man is suing Washington defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, saying the All-Pro was driving his Ferrari like a maniac when the player sent the man's car crashing on a highway and leaving him disabled.

• The Vikings signed Winona State tackle Nick Urban after a tryout at their rookie minicamp. The 6-4, 205-pounder from Brookfield, Wis., was a Division II All-America last season.

• The Lions have agreed to sign former Eagan High School and St. Cloud State defensive end Ryan Kees, who had 21 tackles for loss and seven sacks in the past two years for the Huskies.

• The Jets signed former Gophers tight end Jack Simmons, an undrafted free agent, after a tryout at minicamp.

STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS