Titans' Haynesworth apologizes to Gurode

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Albert Haynesworth finally got the chance Tuesday to apologize personally to Dallas center Andre Gurode, whose face he tore open with his cleat.

After spending much of the day getting nothing but unanswered rings and a full voice mail box, Haynesworth connected late in the afternoon with Gurode, who needed 30 stitches to repair the cuts in his face.

"The purpose of the conversation was to apologize," said Haynesworth's agent, Chad Speck.

Haynesworth was suspended five games without pay by the NFL -- the longest-ever punishment in the NFL for on-field behavior -- for kicking Gurode's helmet off, then swiping his cleated foot on his face while he lay on the ground. Speck said Haynesworth wouldn't appeal.

-- The Associated Press