Bears LB now says Kaepernick used N-word

Lamarr Houston changed his tune when speaking of Colin Kaepernick. (USATSI)

Bears linebacker Lamarr Houston played a supporting role in last week's Colin Kaepernick controversy in which the NFL said the 49ers quarterback used the N-word while he was engaged in a verbal tussle with Houston.

Kaepernick has loudly denied saying anything, and after the Bears beat the 49ers in Week 2, Houston agreed with his side of the story.

But after Chicago held off the Jets on Monday night during a game in which Houston was charged a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, Houston changed his story, confirming to the Chicago Tribune that Kaepernick had, in fact, flung the N-word at him.

“He was just saying inappropriate language,” Houston said.

Houston said Kaepernick got angry when Houston sarcastically complimented him on his pass that was intercepted by Kyle Fuller. Asked if Houston was insulted by the N-word, he said it was more of a "cultural thing."

Kaepernick was fined $11,025 for the outburst, but he's appealing the punishment.

Meanwhile, Houston drew a flag for appearing to curse out umpire Tony Michalek on Monday night after the Bears tackled Jets running back Chris Johnson.

"He thought I cussed at him, but all I said was ‘back up' because he was all up on Willie (Young) and I just told him to back up some," Houston said. "I guess he was intimidated by it or whatever.”

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Ravens TE Dennis Pitta suffers hip injury, likely done for year



The Baltimore Ravens won their game Sunday but suffered a big loss in the process. Tight end Dennis Pitta, one of quarterback Joe Flacco's favorite targets, dislocated his right hip in the game and is likely done for the season. Pitta suffered the injury in the second quarter. He had three catches for 12 yards prior to the injury. He will undergo tests Monday to determine if there is also a fracture and to see if he needs season-ending surgery.Pitta had 13 catches for 113 yards prior to Sunday's game. Owen Daniels is likely to take his place as the team's top tight end.



Sad news for Pitta and his fantasy owners. It's the same hip Pitta dislocated and fractured during training camp last year, forcing him to miss most of the season. He was widely projected to be in the next tier of fantasy TEs after Jimmy Graham, Julius Thomas and Rob Gronkowski coming into the year.Daniels is rosterable at this point. He has had success as a pass-catcher and has been involved in the Ravens passing game so far this year, catching 10 balls for 70 yards and two touchdowns. While Daniels doesn't offer the athleticism that a healthy Pitta does, he's a little better than serviceable. Expect Daniels to be a low-end TE1 option in most fantasy formats, as Ravens' offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak uses the tight end more than any other OC in the league.