Owner: Redskins have 'let everyone down'

Dan Snyder is embarrassed. He feels terrible. He's also hurt, frustrated and apologetic. Name a downbeat adjective, and he's all over it.

The Washington Redskins owner made some rare in-season comments about his team Tuesday in Clinton, Md., speaking at an event to celebrate the franchise's charitable program to renovate football fields at Maryland high schools. He received nothing but cheers from appreciative students and faculty when introduced, a change of pace from the reception he and his team have heard at FedEx Field during a 2-5 start.

''We feel frustration and are disappointed for our fans,'' Snyder told the crowd. ''Obviously our performance to date is not what we expected, and we hope to turn that around.''

Afterward, speaking to a small group of reporters in a parking lot, Snyder elaborated -- although only in general terms. Asked a question that referenced two recent controversies surrounding the team -- the suing of fans who couldn't pay for their premium tickets, and a total ban on fans carrying signs and banners into the stadium -- Snyder addressed neither issue.

''To date we've let everyone down, including ourselves, and we know that and we're just apologetic,'' Snyder said.

''I feel bad for the fans. I feel sorry for the fans.''

FANS, OWNER MEET: Armed with thousands of e-mails and looking for answers, two die-hard fans met with Browns owner Randy Lerner to discuss the team's problems.

Scheduled to spend 30 minutes with Lerner, Mike Randall and Tony Schafer stayed in his office for two hours. Randall, aka ''Dawg Pound Mike,'' said Lerner was receptive to their ideas and even tossed out a few of his own. Randall was impressed with Lerner's passion and determination to get the Browns (1-7) turned around.

The fans have been encouraging others to stay out of their seats for the kickoff of Cleveland's next home game on Nov. 16 to protest the Browns' futility. Randall said they were still going forward with the ''Brown out'' despite their meeting with Lerner.

SEAHAWKS CUT JAMES: The struggling Seattle Seahawks have released running back Edgerrin James.

James signed with Seattle in late August hoping to revitalize a career that fell flat after moving from Indianapolis to Arizona.

In seven games as a backup, James had 46 carries for 125 yards and no scores. He averaged just 2.7 yards per carry. James gained 17 yards at Dallas to pass Marcus Allen for 10th place on the NFL's all-time rushing leaders list with 12,246 yards.

MCGEE HAS SURGERY: Bills starting cornerback Terrence McGee had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to repair minor damage and expects to be out for about two weeks.

McGee said he waited to have the operation on Monday, when the Bills began their bye week so that he would not miss much playing time. Buffalo (3-5) is off until a road game against Tennessee on Nov. 15.

McGee said doctors told him the operation went well.

NOTES: Veteran wide receiver Chris Chambers, released Monday by the Chargers, was claimed on waivers by the Chiefs.

• The Buccaneers signed kicker Connor Barth and released kicker Shane Andrus.

• Patriots starting defensive lineman Jarvis Green revealed that he had knee surgery last week and could be out for as much as a month.

• Browns linebacker Eric Barton was diagnosed with a neck injury following Sunday's game against the Bears, according to ESPN, and his season may be in jeopardy. When Barton left in the second quarter, it was reported as a right shoulder injury.

• Rams returner Danny Amendola sat out practice due to a concussion while guard Jacob Bell was cleared after tests showed he had only a mild one.

Sun-Times wires