Recent Blog Posts

Toddler Dies As A Result Of Pit Bull Mauling Incident

The León Law Firm — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:21:00 GMT

The Leon Law Firm www.theleonlawfirm.com shares this sad story to bring awareness to the need for dog training. See the link below for basic ideas on how to train your dog.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/basic-training-for-dogs-nine-tips.html

Toddler Dies As A Result Of Pit Bull Mauling Incident

By: Tom Scott

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- A 16-month-old girl has died from injuries suffered when a pit bull mauled her in the family backyard in Las Cruces.

The incident happened shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday in the 800 block of Stone Canyon in the Las Alamedas Estates in East Las Cruces. The dog was in its backyard and the child was being watched by the grandmother when the dog turned on the child and grandmother.

Las Cruces Police said a neighbor overheard the commotion, went to the home with a handgun and shot the pit bull five or six times, killing the dog. Police said the man accidentally shot the girl's 52-year-old paternal grandmother in the leg.

The baby was taken to Mountain View hospital in Las Cruces in critical condition where she died and the grandmother was taken to University Medical Center in El Paso.

Las Cruces Police said charges were not expected to be filed against the neighbor who shot and killed the dog.

Neighbors told ABC-7 the dog appeared vicious and that they would not walk near the home because they feared the pit bull. One neighbor, Chris Wallord, went to the backyard after hearing the gunfire and found the grandmother holding the baby under a ground-level trampoline. Wallord said the grandmother handed him the baby.

"I was concerned the baby was not breathing well," said Wallord. "I'm a respiratory therapist so my concern was to make sure she had a good airway and was stable and was ready for the paramedics to come take care of her."

Police say the family's 2-year-old pit bull attacked the young girl in the backyard of her grandparent's residence. The girl's grandmother tried to intervene but was attacked by the dog.

"That baby was the apple of her grandfather's eye," said neighbor Gwen Forcen. "It's such a tragedy."

No names have been released.

http://www.kvia.com/news/31029079/detail.html

Judge in Clemens' case says jurors are bored

The León Law Firm — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:19:00 GMT

By Stewart M. Powell and Regina Garcia Cano

WASHINGTON – Jurors in the case against baseball superstar Roger Clemens apparently are so bored with it all that U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton admonished lawyers Tuesday for the tedious pace of the trial.

"The case is not moving along as it should be," said the judge, who hinted that its slow progress is triggering inappropriate discussions among jurors that could provoke a second mistrial.

"Those folks are fed up because they see their time being wasted," he warned both the prosecution and the defense.

Walton specifically questioned the relevance of prosecutor Steve Durham using testimony by FBI agent John Longmire to introduce photographs Monday that included a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue photo of Debbie Clemens standing over her husband as he lay on the ground.

Unclear on charges

"I'm putting you all on notice – if I see irrelevant stuff going on in this case and not in compliance with the rules I'm going to interject myself," Walton said.

At least one juror approached Walton's law clerk to ask if the judge would advise the jury on exactly what the charges against Clemens are.

"Some of the jurors apparently see (evidence) that is far afield from the actual charges," Walton said.

The judge also ruled Tuesday that prosecutors' cannot talk about Clemens' $151 million in earnings as a pitcher, by which they had hoped to show motive for prolonging his career by using performance-enhancing drugs.

Contract blocked

Walton said the testimony would have a prejudicial impact on the jurors, and specifically blocked prosecutors from introducing the $140,000 rookie year contract Clemens signed in 1984 with the Boston Red Sox, the first of four major league teams he played for.

Further, he said that Clemens' earnings could prejudice the economically diverse jury from the District of Columbia that includes a lawyer and a high-ranking Treasury Department executive as well as one juror who said he has been out of work.

Defense attorney Rusty Hardin suggested that the prosecution's bid to introduce Clemens' earnings amounted to "an attempt to inflame the jury" against a well-paid, seven-time Cy Young Award winner.

Clemens faces six felony counts of lying to Congress for sworn testimony before a House committee inquiry into drug use in 2008 in which the 11-time All-Star denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

Walton brushed aside arguments by federal prosecutor Gilberto Guerrero Jr., who contended that evidence would show Clemens "had not only a physical incentive but a financial incentive to keep playing" as his years on the mound added up.

"It's a real flaw in your theory of him allegedly using [steroids] to extend his career if during the last six or seven years of his career there is no evidence he was using," Walton added in remarks directed at the prosecution.

Bid 'to inflame the jury'

Clemens' highest earning years as a pitcher came after 2001, with an $18 million contract with the Houston Astros in 2005 and a $17.4 million contract with the New York Yankees in 2007.

Hardin said his client's chief accuser, former strength coach Brian McNamee, alleges that Clemens used performance enhancing drugs only over a three-year period ending in 2001 – seven years before his playing career ended.

"I defy (the prosecution) to put anybody on the stand that will say steroids will prolong a career," the defense attorney declared.

http://blog.chron.com/clemens/2012/05/judge-in-clemens-case-says-jurors-are-bored/

Judge postpones liability trial in BP Gulf oil spill

The León Law Firm — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:43:00 GMT

By Michael Martinez and Joe Sutton, CNN

(CNN) -- A federal judge in Louisiana on Thursday rescheduled the liability trial in the BP oil spill in Gulf of Mexico and postponed it to early next year from later this year.

BP earlier asked the court to delay the liability trial until it decides whether to grant final approval to a class-action settlement that BP reached with attorneys representing thousands of businesses and individuals who made claims after the 2010 spill.

The new trial date is scheduled for January 14, 2013, U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier ordered. The trial had been scheduled for November 8, 2012.

The oil disaster began on April 20, 2010, with a rig explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon. Eleven workers died.

The proposed settlement totals about $7.8 billion, including associated costs and expenses, but the company, in a statement, cautioned the final tally could be higher.

The settlement would be paid from a $20 billion trust, BP said.

Oil spewed into the sea for nearly three months before a cap was placed on the BP-owned Macondo well, nearly a mile beneath the surface.

The spill damaged coral reef formations, according to researchers. Scientists have previously confirmed that a plume of hydrocarbons from the well settled in the deep Gulf.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/03/us/louisiana-bp-oil-spill-trial/index.html

Fort Bend resident sues after fatal workplace accident

The León Law Firm — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:07:00 GMT

By Glenna Herald

Ultimate Fort Bend

A Fort Bend resident is suing after an air-conditioning technician fell and died while installing a unit.

Fort Bend resident Rebecca Ewing, and others, filed a wrongful death lawsuit on March 20 in the Harris County District Court against Pace Residential Air Conditioning and Cap Barbel.

Ewing says on March 12, a loved one, Cody Bogard, fell 30 feet to his death while installing a 7-ton air-conditioning unit for Pace Residential Air Conditioning. According to the brief, Pace failed to provide Bogard with safety harnessing and safety ropes, as required by OSHA.

Harris County District Court Case No. 2012-16692.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Harris County Courthouse. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/stories/341332-courts-fort-bend-resident-sues-after-fatal-workplace-accident

90 percent of Bastrop State Park reopens

The León Law Firm — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:30:00 GMT

The Leon Law Firm is excited to share the news that 90 percent of Bastrop State Park reopened last week. We know first hand the devastation that was caused by the fires and the Park reopening is a sign of good things to come for the good people of Bastrop.

by CHRISTINE DOBBYN / KTRK

BASTROP, Texas -- Seven months after the devastating wildfires ravaged the state, there's a major sign of recovery. Bastrop State Park reopened 90 percent of its trails Thursday after flames devastated the grounds.

Almost all of the park's 6,600 acres were scorched, but thanks to generous donations and dedicated volunteers, park visitors will see new life.

While many of the structures survived the wildfire, there was still a significant amount of damage and many trees had to be cut down.

But months later, there are new signs of life returning.

Like cleaning the carpets for the guests to return, dirt is swept off the roadways at the 6,500 acre park.

Under the canopy of charred trees, workers use hammers, drills and large machinery to repair a road leading to one of the campsites.

"When the fire came through, it was just like the last nail in the coffin for many of these trees," said Roger Dolle, the site manager for Bastrop State Park.

The September wildfires burned through 96 percent of the park. At the time, the behavior of the flames puzzled even the most experienced in the firefighting business.

"Some of our most intense fire activity was between midnight and 5 a.m.," Dolle said. "It did not get the rule book."

Restoring the park has come at a price. Donations and volunteers like Matthew Tibbs have helped account for one-fourth the budget shortfall.

"As you can see, it's had a lot of damage," Tibbs said. "It still has a unique beauty about it, and it's interesting to see the new forest growth."

"There is no way we could have gotten to this point with a lot of the projects that we are doing," Dolle said.

Then hard rains in January caused more damage because of the lack of vegetation to absorb the water.

"Since there was no vegetation after the fire, it kept blowing and going," Dolle said.

Many improvements can be seen. Some are more subtle as moderately burned areas are starting to see regrowth.

"We have a lot of native species coming back and we have a lot of invasive species that are starting to rear their ugly heads," Dolle said.

And while they still search for funding to finish the job, there is pride in this progress.

"Reinvigorate this town and this community that needs our support and our helping hands," Tibbs said.

Many of the cabins and campgrounds are booked through the end of May.

"We're not at the end of the road, we're not even close," Dolle said.

There are still many unfinished projects, so if you'd like to help out and donate, visit the state park's website.

2 dead, 3 injured in wrong-way wreck in Huntsville

The León Law Firm — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:01:00 GMT

By Dale Lezon

Houston Chronicle

Two men died and three others were injured in a traffic crash involving a wrong-way driver on Interstate 45 in Huntsville early Tuesday morning, officials said.

The three-vehicle crash happened about 1 a.m. on northbound Interstate 45, according to the Department of Public Safety.

Killed in the collision were Bernardo Alfaro-Gallegos, 33, of Dallas, and Jorge Rodriguez. Troopers did not know Rodriguez's age or hometown.

Injured in the wreck were Jeffery Martinez, 21, of Beaumont; James Lea, 27, of Spring; and Bradley Patterson, 47, of Huntsville.

Martinez and Lea were rushed to Conroe Memorial hospital. Both were in critical condition. Patterson was taken to Huntsville Memorial hospital. His condition was not released.

Investigators said Martinez was driving a 2002 Jeep Cherokee southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 45 when the collision occurred.

Alfaro-Gallegos, Rodriguez and Lea were in a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. Patterson was in a 2000 Ford Focus.

Details were sketchy and troopers did not release information about how and where Martinez entered the northbound freeway or how long he had been traveling the wrong direction on the freeway.

{End of Article}

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/2-dead-3-injured-in-wrong-way-wreck-in-Huntsville-3455028.php

Very sad story. If someone you love has been injured in a car wreck due to the negligence of others, please contact an attorney at The Leon Law Firm for a consultation.

Police search for motorcyclist after wreck

The León Law Firm — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:56:00 GMT

Police search for motorcyclist after wreck

By: Dale Lezon

Houston Chronicle

Police are searching for a man who allegedly crashed his motorcycle and then rode away on another one, leaving behind his critically-injured female passenger early Friday morning in Pasadena.

The wreck happened about 12:30 a.m. in the 4400 block of Fairmont, said Vance Mitchell, spokesman for the Pasadena Police Department.

Mitchell said the man was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on Fairmont when he lost control after apparently hitting a wet spot in the road. His passenger, who was not wearing a helmet, fell off the motorcycle during the wreck, Mitchell added.

Mitchell said the man's uncle was following the pair on another motorcycle and stopped when he saw the wreck. The man jumped on his uncle's motorcycle and drove away, Mitchell added. His uncle remained at the scene.

The woman was flown by life medical helicopter to Memorial Hermann-The Texas Medical Center. She is in critical condition.

Mitchell said police know the name of the man and are searching for him. The relationship between the man and woman is unclear. Police are investigating the case.

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Police-search-for-motorcyclist-after-wreck-3447415.php

UH's new mascot moves into his Houston Zoo home

The León Law Firm — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:13:00 GMT

By Joshua Mann

Houston Chronicle

The University of Houston's new mascot entered his home in the Houston Zoo for the first time Saturday, prowling around the enclosure in front of adoring crowds before climbing up the cliffs to nap in the sun.

The 6-month-old cougar, named Shasta VI, was welcomed to his new home during a party hosted by the UH Alumni Association.

He's the university's first live mascot since Shasta V died in 1989.

"We had a great crowd, beautiful day, a lot of energy and a lot of enthusiasm," said Alumni Association President Mike Pede, 46. "I bet we had 500 or 600 people right at the announcement, and it couldn't have been better."

The crowd, clad in red and white, pressed up against the fence and glass that surrounded the enclosure, and banners welcoming Shasta VI lined the back wall.

"You can see a lot of pride," said UH student Nick Brannon, 19. "It's cool to be somewhere outside of campus and still see the school spirit."

Cub was orphan

Pede, who was the costumed mascot during the last two years that Shasta V was alive, spent significant time around the cougar.

"She was a very wonderful animal," he said. "You could get close; I pet Shasta a couple times and was around when they'd take her for walks in Lynn Eusan Park. It was great."

UH and the zoo discussed the possibility of using a cougar as a mascot, but the age of the animals and the tradition of making appearances on campus delayed implementation of the plans, said Houston Zoo Director Rick Barongi.

"Then we started talking about technology: We can broadcast it live, we can do things in this exhibit," he said. "And then we got this new cougar. Finally it worked. We think it will be a better experience, because more people will get to see it."

Shasta VI's mother was killed illegally by a hunter in Washington and was rescued after a week on his own.

Despite this, said Curator Beth Schaefer, 45, he appears to be perfectly healthy.

"He was a little hungry and dehydrated, but other than that, he's great," she said.

'Laid-back personality'

Shasta VI was shy at first, but he's becoming bolder with age, said Carnivore Supervisor Kevin Hodge, 36.

"He's started recently stalking the birds and squirrels that go into the exhibit," he said. "The older he gets, the more adventurous he is in exploring everything.

"But he has kind of a laid-back personality; he hasn't been aggressive toward any of the keepers."

Shasta's newfound bravery came as a relief to Pede.

"We were jokingly saying that my biggest fear was that Shasta wouldn't come out, and that he would hide behind a rock for 20 minutes," Pede said. "But he came right out."

Shasta is currently not able to share the enclosure with the zoo's other cougar, Haley, but that should change within four months, Hodge said.

"Once he gets a little closer in size to Haley, then we'll start the introductions," he said. "Right now they can see each other and smell each other. They just can't touch each other."

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/UH-s-new-mascot-moves-into-his-Houston-Zoo-home-3432567.php#photo-2735023

2 Deer Park special ed teachers accused in mistreatment case

The León Law Firm — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:57:00 GMT

By Robert Stanton

Houston Chronicle

Two Deer Park school district teachers have submitted their resignations amid allegations of mistreating a special education student and failing to report the incident the officials, district leaders said.

Parent Sheri Graham said she was told that one teacher taunted and mocked her 13-year-old son, spraying his face with a water bottle and forcing him to fold towels repeatedly. The Fairmont Junior High School teacher also ridiculed the boy for not being able to tie his shoes, Graham said, keeping him in timeout until he could.

The other teacher did not report the incident to officials, Graham said.

School district officials on Tuesday declined to discuss specifics of the case, citing employee privacy. Neither teacher has been identified.

Parents' complaints

District officials stated in a news release that two sets of parents filed complaints about a staff member who used an unapproved technique that did not follow district policy or training.

The district removed the teachers from the classroom and reassigned them off-campus.

Both teachers have submitted letters of resignation.

The district reported the resignations, effective at the end of the school year, in a statement released on Monday.

Graham said that in December, three classroom aides told her the incident occurred on Dec. 5. She said she called on school district officials to fire both teachers immediately. She also said that officials interviewed two of the aides and she demanded the third be questioned.

"We had hoped that the school board would do the right thing and make the right moral decision and terminate the two teachers back in December," she said. "However, they (trustees) keep proving that they're not going to the right thing, now or forever."

Probe questioned

Deer Park spokesman Matt Lucas said, "A thorough and complete investigation was conducted."

Graham said she has contacted the Texas Education Agency about the case, as well as the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.

Louis H. Geigerman, a special education advocate, questioned the district's investigation of the incidents.

"There's always a question of independence whenever an entity can interview themselves," said Geigerman, who represents the Grahams and two other parents whose son allegedly was mistreated by the special ed instructor.

"It was not a thorough investigation if the third whistle-blower (teacher's aide) is not interviewed," said Geigerman, of National ARD/IEP Advocates in Sugar Land.

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/2-Deer-Park-special-ed-teachers-accused-in-3422279.php

Splendora police officer critically injured in crash

The León Law Firm — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:26:00 GMT

By: Dale Lezon

Houston Chronicle

A Splendora police officer is in critical condition after being involved in a wreck with an 18-wheeler in Montgomery County early Monday morning.

The two-vehicle crash happened about 1:30 a.m. on 1485 at Roberts Road, according the Department of Public Safety.

Authorities said the officer, identified as Ryan Simpson, was taken by a medical helicopter to Memorial Hermann-The Texas Medical Center. Officials said he is in critical condition.

The truck driver was taken to Kingwood hospital for minor injuries from the wreck.

Troopers said the driver of an 18-wheeler was turning from Roberts Road onto FM 1485 when the patrol car, which was traveling westbound on FM 1485, slammed into the side of the truck.

Officials are still investigating the crash, but troopers said the officer, who was returning from a service call, did not have his emergency lights on.

No citations have been issued. The crash is being investigated.

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Splendora-police-officer-critically-injured-in-3417375.php

Man dies in hit-and-run collision

The León Law Firm — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:00:00 GMT

A pedestrian died when he was run down by a car in a hit-and-run collision in southwest Houston early Wednesday morning.

The collision occurred at 3600 W. Fuqua near Buffalo Speedway about 2:15 a.m., according to the Houston Police Department.

Police said the victim, whose name has not been released, died at the scene.

No other injuries were reported.

Police said the man was walking in or along West Fuqua when he was hit by a white Honda. The driver appeared to stop to look at the damage to his car, police said, but then drove away.

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Man-dies-in-hit-and-run-collision-3405219.php

Drunk Drivers Beware on Spring Break

The León Law Firm — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:56:00 GMT

By: The Texas Department of Public Safety

Texas Highway Patrol troopers will increase patrols and crack down on drunk drivers during a special enforcement effort over Spring Break.

The increased patrols will be in effect across the state from March 10 to March 18 in high-risk locations during the times when alcohol-related crashes are most frequent. The patrols are funded through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation targeting impaired driving.

"College and high school students should remember that the drinking age in Texas is 21, and any driver under that age with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can be charged with breaking the law," said Assistant Director Luis Gonzalez, chief of the Highway Patrol. "Getting impaired drivers off the road during Spring Break will make the roads safer and protect lives."

Last year during the Spring Break enforcement period, DPS made 1,266 DWI arrests, including 380 by troopers who were patrolling as a result of additional funding.

DPS offers these additional tips for safe travel during Spring Break:

• Don't drink and drive.

• Buckle up everyone in the vehicle—it's the law.

• Don't text and drive, and keep all distractions to a minimum. Focus your attention on the road.

• Slow down—especially in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic.

• Don't drive drowsy; pull over or switch drivers if you need to.

• Avoid travel into Mexico. Drug cartel violence and other criminal activity represent a significant safety threat, even in some resort areas.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/pr030812.pdf

1 dies in Gulf Freeway road rage fight

The León Law Firm — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:51:00 GMT

By Carol Christian
Houston Chronicle

The death of a 42-year-old man following an altercation on the Gulf Freeway early Monday evening will be referred to a Harris County grand jury, Houston police said.

The man, whose identity has not been released, was northbound in the 8800 block of the Gulf Freeway feeder road near Monroe when his black Chevy Tahoe rear-ended a red Ford Explorer driven by 28-year-old Johnathan Darling, according to an HPD news release.

Both men got out of their vehicles and the 42-year-old verbally threatened Darling, HPD said.

As Darling retreated and asked his wife to call 911, the other man struck him in the back of the head and face, according to the release.

Darling fell to the ground and the other man continued to punch him, police said. As both men were on the ground, Darling managed to get the other man in a headlock.

"Fearing he would be assaulted again, Darling held the male in a headlock until HPD officers arrived," the release said.

As police tried to separate the two men, they noticed the 42-year-old was having trouble breathing and called paramedics. The man was taken to Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

http://blog.chron.com/newswatch/2012/03/fender-bender-leads-to-road-rage-on-the-gulf-freeway-fender-bender-leads-to-road-rage-on-the-gulf-freeway/

Houston leads in "super-commuters" with 250,000

The León Law Firm — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:16:00 GMT

By: Erin Mulvaney

Houston Chronicle

Despite the rising prices at the pump, the number of "supercommuters" has risen 98 percent in Harris County in the last decade, according to a recent study.

According to New York University's Rudin Center for Transportation, the number of people who work in Houston but live in cities as far away as Dallas, Austin, Corpus Christi and McAllen has risen sharply over the past decade.

The study defined a supercommuter as a person who works in a metropolitan area but they live beyond the official boundaries of that metro area.

New York University's Rudin Center for Transportation study used census data to find Harris County has about 250,000 supercommuters that work in the city and live in another. This trend is growing in the major cities in the U.S., the study found.

Eight of the 10 largest metro areas saw an increase in supercommuters, the study found. Harris County showed the greatest growth at 98 percent over the last decade, but primary jobs only grew by a meager 9 percent over the same time period.

The study found supercommuters accounted for 13 percent of the workforce in Dallas and Harris counties in 2009. The two Texas counties found had the greatest percentage of the workforce in the nation.

According to the study, supercommuters are more likely to be under 30 and less likely to earn more than $40,000 per year than the average worker.

The study listed top 10 sources of Harris County's supercommuting workforce and the increase in the last decade:

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX 51,900 +218 percent
Austin, TX 35,400 +115 percent
San Antonio, TX 31,100 +116 percent
Beaumont, TX 5,600 +0.0%
College Station-Bryan, TX 4,400 -3.5 percent
Corpus Christi, TX 4,100 +32.2 percent
El Campo, TX 4,000 +0.0 percent
Victoria, TX 2,730 +34.0 percent
Killeen-Temple, TX 2,660 +50.4 percent
McAllen, TX 2,500 +219 percent

http://blog.chron.com/newswatch/2012/03/houston-leads-in-super-commuters-with-250000/#3111-6

Texans Reach Contract Agreement with Arian Foster

The León Law Firm — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:05:00 GMT

By: John McClain

Houston Chronicle

The Texans have reached an agreement on a five-year contract with running back Arian Foster.

They are still ironing out final details, and terms were not available this morning.

General Manager Rick Smith and vice president of football administration Chris Olsen have been negotiating daily with agent Mike McCartney on the long-term deal for Foster, who would have been a third-year restricted free agent.

"I've got to give a lot of credit to Rick and Chris for getting this done," McCartney said. "Rick and I had kept up a good dialogue for the last two years. Then we started in earnest after the combine. We put our egos aside, and over the weekend, we got within striking distance."

By agreeing with Foster, the Texans won't have to franchise him. The deadline for using the franchise tag is 3 p.m. today.

Foster, who made $525,000 last season, rushed for 1,224 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He caught 53 passes for 617 yards and two touchdowns and made the Pro Bowl for the second time.

In the playoff victory over Cincinnati and the loss at Baltimore, Foster was at his best with 51 carries for 285 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught eight passes for 51 yards.

"As you can imagine, Arian is thrilled," McCartney said. "He never talked about his contract. He handled it in a first-class way. I think the Texans made it a priority to reward that.

"Arian loves Houston and the team. He didn't want to leave. I'm just thrilled for Arian."

The Texans will continue to negotiate with their players who'll be unrestricted free agents next week, including outside linebacker Mario Williams, center Chris Myers, right guard Mike Brisiel, tight end Joel Dreessen and kicker Neil Rackers.

The Texans won't be franchising Williams because he'll cost $22 million against the salary cap. They're hoping to get him to sign a new deal before he hits the open market. If he does, there's a good chance Williams will come the highest-paid defensive player in history.

Defensive end Julius Peppers got $42 million guaranteed from the Bears three years ago. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth got $41 million guaranteed from Washington.

With so many teams having so much room under the salary cap, several are expected to get into a bidding war for Williams if the Texans can't sign him.

http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/03/texans-reach-contract-agreement-with-arian-foster/