TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Colts owner Jim Irsay said Wednesday
night that he expected to release former Pro Bowl tackle
Corey Simon within the next few days, ending months of speculation
concerning Simon's future with the Super Bowl champions.
Simon did not pass his physical over the weekend. He was
expected to report to camp on time Sunday but was never seen at
Rose Hulman Institute of Technology.
Irsay on Wednesday tried to clarify Simon's status with the
team.
"Hopefully, we'll have something worked out with that. I think
he may pursue his opportunities somewhere other than here," Irsay
said. "I think we may come to an agreement in the next few days
and he may pursue other places to play. I think it's better to get
it resolved in the next day or two."
Simon did not play last season and was eventually placed on the
non-football illness/injury list with an undisclosed ailment. Since
winning the Super Bowl, the Colts have been debating what to do
with Simon.
"Free agency is really risky and when they came to me with the
opportunity I was OK in going for it," Irsay said. "You know the
risk is there and it simply didn't work out. But as an owner who
pays the checks, winning the Super Bowl is a nice massaging balm
cream to ease the pain."
Colts coach Tony Dungy said he had been in touch with Irsay
concerning the move.
"I didn't know how far along we were but I knew that was the
direction we were going," Dungy said.