Hicks avoids suspension after ‘humbling’ ejection

Defensive end Akiem Hicks takes pride in being a leader for the Chicago Bears’ defense.

So an ejection against Tampa Bay on Sept. 30 for making contact with an NFL official during an altercation caused Hicks to reflect, and avoiding suspension left him feeling fortunate.

Hicks was fined $33,425, and will be available to play Sunday against Miami.

“This was the first time I’ve been ejected from a game in my entire life, so for me it was very humbling,” Hicks said. “The next time I’m in that situation it will give me a chance to react better. It’s also a lesson to the guys on the team that you don’t put your personal situation above the team’s situation.”

One for the books

Marcus Maye is in the NFL record books for one of the best plays of his football career — and easily the most embarrassing.

The Jets safety has been a staple of the highlight (and blooper) reels this week for his 104-yard interception return on the final play of New York’s 34-16 victory over Denver last Sunday. Maye picked off Case Keenum’s pass in the end zone and took off, making a few cuts and then chugging his way to the other end of the field.

But something funny happened on his way to a game-ending touchdown: He was caught and tackled. At the one-yard line.

It’s the longest interception return without a player scoring in NFL history .

“I’ve seen it a bunch,” a smiling Maye said, “and I laugh every time I see it.”

He has taken plenty of ribbing about it too from his teammates and coaches.

“It looked like it was in slow motion,” coach Todd Bowles quipped.

Castonzo may start

Indianapolis Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo hopes to make his season debut Sunday against the New York Jets. He was a full participant at practice Thursday and all indications are he will start on a short-handed offensive line.