National Football League

Report: Crocker happy 'dirty' Ward gone

Published Mar. 21, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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Cincinnati Bengals safety Chris Crocker suggested he and several other players were happy to see the back of Hines Ward after the decorated former Steelers wideout announced his retirement.

A tearful Ward called time on his career Tuesday following his release by Pittsburgh after 14 seasons.

He departs as the franchise's leader with 1,000 catches — which ranks eighth on the NFL's all-time list — 12,083 receiving yards, 85 receiving touchdowns and 29 100-yard receiving games.

Crocker said Ward was deserving of the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his achievements but added that he could not forgive his "dirty" play on the field.

"He tried to end people's careers, and that's not the way the game is supposed to be played," Crocker told Bengals.com.

Ward broke Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers' jaw with a brutal blindside block in 2008. A year later, Crocker said Ward punched him in the face during a game.

"Stuff like that, it's just not right," Crocker said. "And I'm not the only guy that thinks it."

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