PRO FOOTBALL REPORT : WEEKDAY UPDATE : AROUND THE NFL : Lions’ Fontes Releases Linebacker

Detroit Coach Wayne Fontes, citing a sideline altercation during the Lions’ 23-17 overtime loss to the Chicago Bears, kicked linebacker Jimmy Williams off the team.

Williams, the Lions’ No. 1 draft pick out of Nebraska in 1982, was told of his release after a morning practice at the Silverdome.

Fontes wouldn’t be specific, but the incident is believed to have taken place in the second quarter shortly after a 10-yard roughing penalty against Williams gave the Bears a first down at the Lions’ 11-yard line. The Bears scored four plays later to take a 14-10 lead.

Williams apparently had heated words with assistant coaches and teammates when he came off the field.

“Had I known, I’d have taken him out right then,” Fontes said. “I have a saying: ‘The inmates should never run the asylum.’ ”

It’s the second time this season Fontes has fired a player without warning.

Earlier he released defensive end Kevin Brooks, who had been a No. 1 draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys out of Michigan in 1985.