Brian Williams

Falcons lose defensive back to knee injury

Flowery Branch, Ga., Oct. 19: Atlanta Falcons Coach Mike Smith announced Monday defensive back Brian Williams will miss the remainder of the season with a torn knee ligament.

Williams, 30, was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the fourth quarter of Atlanta's 21-14 win over Chicago Sunday night.

Smith said Williams would have to have a complete knee reconstruction.

Williams joined Atlanta prior to the start of the season after being waived by Jacksonville. He had an interception, a fumble return for a touchdown and 18 tackles in six games.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.

Williams apologizes for lawmaker confusion

Washington, Feb. 7: "NBC Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams has apologized to Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Rep. Harold Ford Jr., D-Tenn., for getting their names wrong.

During the NBC coverage of President Bush's State of the Union address last week, Williams misidentified Obama as Ford, The Hill reported Tuesday.

"I made a silly and honest mistake, and knowing both men I knew instantly what I had done," Williams told The Hill. "I obviously should have corrected it, but the proper time never arose."

Williams said he wrote letters to both men apologizing for his mistake.

The NBC anchor hardly set a precedent, however, The Hill noted.