Posted on Sun, May. 11, 2008

The early reports that Herschel Walker's new book would reveal he has lived with a multiple-personality disorder sparked a wave of surprise and even disbelief from many who know the former football star.

Walker's father and brother said they had no hint he had a multiple-personality disorder.

Walker's former University of Georgia coach, Vince Dooley, was surprised Walker has been found to have what also is called dissociative identity disorder.

Some critics have said Walker just wanted to bring attention to himself.

Others said he was just weaving a creative element into the book "Breaking Free" to make money.

The reaction hasn't surprised Walker, who also was skeptical when initially told by a doctor that he had DID.

"This is very unknown with people. This is very foreign," Walker said last week. "They don't know about it. Coach Dooley said `I don't know anything about DID, but if it's a personality that plays football, I like it.' "

Walker wrote that his 12 personalities he calls "alters" were created as defense mechanisms, in part because he was bullied as a boy who stuttered and was overweight.

Around the league

ARIZONA: Former lineman Luis Sharpe, 47, was sentenced Friday to six years in prison and four years' probation for a series of drug offenses.

Sharpe played for the St. Louis and Arizona Cardinals from 1982-94 and was a three-time Pro Bowler.

BALTIMORE: The Ravens are doing more than merely fighting for jobs at their first mandatory minicamp under new coach John Harbaugh.

They're fighting each other, too.

Nearly all 85 players in camp were involved in a squabble Saturday that began when offensive tackle Oniel Cousins and defensive tackle Amon Gordon threw punches after running back Allen Patrick was taken down hard on a burst up the middle.

All the players surged toward the middle of the field, and it was nearly two minutes before peace was restored.

"Guys are competing, so tempers flare a little bit," Harbaugh said.

Later during practice, which was held indoors because of rain, defensive backs Corey Ivy and Frank Walker came to blows during a blocking drill.

After the players were separated, veteran cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle spoke with Walker, who signed as a free agent during the offseason after playing with Green Bay in 2007.

"Chill out, man," Rolle said. "There's too much at stake."