This is not the kind of season Tennessee expected from Randy Starks — on and off the field.
The defensive tackle from the University of Maryland was arrested this summer for domestic assault; he was accused of beating his fiancée in August. Starks has a Nov. 14 court date.
“It’s an isolated incident,” Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. “It was very unfortunate and it’s not an easy thing for Randy and his fiancée to endure. That’s all I can comment on that.”
Starks also has been affected by the suspension of fellow tackle Albert Haynesworth, who is out for another four games. That puts more pressure on Starks to produce.
In his first two seasons, Starks started 24 games andposted 7 1/2 sacks; his 4 1/2 sacks led all rookie tackles in 2004.
Though Starks is in his third season, he doesn’t turn 23 until December, making him one of the youngest players on the team. The 6-foot-3, 312-pound Starks is still enduring growing pains.
“Randy’s been very effective when Albert lines up next to him,” Fisher said. “He has to step it up and he understands that. He’s an efficient player, but he has the potential to be a much better player. It’s up to Randy to decide how good he wants to be.”
