MADDOX STEWS IN SILENCE.(SPORTS)

Byline: Associated Press

PITTSBURGH -- An angry Tommy Maddox met Tuesday with Steelers coach Bill Cowher, presumably to discuss the team's use of a first-round draft pick on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Maddox, Pittsburgh's starting quarterback for the past two seasons, left the Steelers' training complex without talking to reporters and there was no word on what they talked about.

The meeting came three days after the Steelers added Roethlisberger, the only quarterback they have drafted on the first round since 1981. Roethlisberger is expected to become the starter by the 2005 season.

Maddox initially planned to talk to Cowher on Monday, but told his agent he was too upset to meet then. He also wanted to talk to Steelers chairman Dan Rooney or president Art Rooney II about his contract situation, but it is believed Tuesday's meeting was only with Cowher.

Maddox is upset because the Steelers indicated to him before the draft they would choose a right tackle and not a quarterback. Maddox also expected the team would renegotiate his $750,000 salary, but now realizes the addition of Roethlisberger may change that.

Giants: Kerry Collins isn't the only New York Giants quarterback seemingly heading out the door.

``The Bachelor'' may not be far behind. Jesse Palmer's future with the Giants is also uncertain with the signing of J. Load.

That's Jared Lorenzen, the 280-pounder from Kentucky who looks more like an offensive lineman than a quarterback. Lorenzen threw for 10,354 yards and 78 touchdowns.

Jets: Waived receivers Rob Turner and Rob Milanese, punter Tim Morgan and offensive tackle Reggie Coleman.

Bengals: Dennis Weathersby was moved out of an intensive care unit, but the cornerback still has months of therapy ahead as he recovers from a severe head injury suffered in a car accident.

Ravens: Released wide receiver Frank Sanders. He became expendable after the Ravens drafted three receivers over the weekend and acquired Kevin Johnson in a trade with the Jaguars.