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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Coalition pans proposed spring bear hunt County hopes to spur renewable energy Inmates to get mental health, addiction treatment Missing Medford man found safe in Sweet Home White City foster parent accused of sexually abusing child Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Inmates to get mental health, addiction treatment Missing Medford man found safe in Sweet Home White City foster parent accused of sexually abusing child Cave Junction man cited for assault, DUII following crash Man crashes car during high-speed chase in north Medford Politics and Elections Commissioner candidates Talbert, Roberts duel for endorsements Falls: Jackson County sheriff's race isn't over Former sheriff calls Winters' retirement decision 'very wise' Will 'GMO effect' shape election? 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Man caught after allegedly stealing 15 pairs of Jordan shorts ... Tactical operations center to receive dedication ... Coalition pans proposed spring bear hunt ... Man caught after allegedly stealing 15 pairs of Jordan shorts ... Tactical operations center to receive dedication ... NFL Prater hopes to take advantage of another chance By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Oct. 8, 2014 @ 5:22 pm Updated Oct 8, 2014 at 5:23 PM By The Associated Press Posted Oct. 8, 2014 @ 5:22 pm Updated Oct 8, 2014 at 5:23 PM » Social News DETROIT — Matt Prater stood in the locker room at the Detroit Lions’ practice facility and said he hadn’t really been following the team’s kicking struggles this year. He had far more important priorities during his four-game suspension to start the season. “I was kind of just staying away from football,” Prater said. “Trying to just work on myself as a person.” Prater signed a one-year deal with the Lions this week in the team’s latest attempt to solve its kicking woes. Detroit was fortunate that the Pro Bowler was available, but the move will only work if he can overcome his problems off the field. Prater said he voluntarily entered a 12-step program to deal with his alcohol issues. “Sometimes you’ve got to get knocked down to learn the hard way,” Prater said Wednesday. “I’m thankful that I have a second chance here, and learn from all the mistakes I’ve made in the past.” This is Prater’s eighth NFL season, and he spent most of the previous seven with the Denver Broncos. He made 25 of 26 field goals last season, including a record-setting 64-yarder against Tennessee, and earned his first Pro Bowl honor. But Prater’s 2014 season was in jeopardy after a positive test for alcohol consumption in the offseason. He has been in the NFL’s drug program, which includes alcohol, since a DUI arrest on Aug. 12, 2011. Prater was replaced by Brandon McManus in Denver, and the Broncos cut ties with the suspended kicker last week, just as he was about to be eligible to return. “It caught me off the guard, but it was a business decision, and I’m very thankful for the seven years I did have out there,” Prater said. “Wish them nothing but the best.” The Lions (3-2) became increasingly desperate for kicking help after rookie Nate Freese went 3 of 7 on field goals and Alex Henery went 1 of 5. Henery missed three field goals in last weekend’s 17-14 loss to Buffalo, including a 50-yarder that would have put Detroit ahead in the final minute. Prater said when he came for his tryout with the Lions, he talked with coach Jim Caldwell for about an hour about his past problems. “I am one who believes in a second chance,” Caldwell said. “I’ve had a few second chances in my life and it made a tremendous difference. I know maybe some of you experienced some of the same things. I do think the young man is sincere and it wasn’t just the hour conversation. We vetted him thoroughly a number of different ways, like we typically do in those situations.” Prater says he is tested randomly once or twice a week, and he is not allowed to drink at all. He said about a half-dozen teams were interested in him when his suspension ended. The Lions signed him Tuesday. “They put faith in me, so I’m not going to let them down,” Prater said. Prater has made 16 field goals of at least 50 yards since 2009 — only two kickers in the league have more. He won’t be kicking at altitude anymore, but the move to Detroit allows him to play home games indoors. By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Oct. 8, 2014 @ 5:22 pm Updated Oct 8, 2014 at 5:23 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. fantasy football Arian Foster, Alfred Blue's Instant Fantasy Reaction After Week 6 Oct. 9, 2014 at 10:47 pm Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins' Instant Fantasy Reaction After Week 6 Oct. 9, 2014 at 9:50 pm Week 6 Under-the-Radar Fantasy All-Stars Oct. 9, 2014 at 9:28 pm T.Y. 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