PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : SUPER BOWL XXX

The Steelers became only the second team fined during Super Bowl week when the NFL imposed a $25,000 penalty for not sending players to a mandatory news conference.

An estimated 20-25 players, including Woodson and Greg Lloyd, and several coaches were no-shows Wednesday. Practices are closed, so the interviews are the media’s only daily contact with players.

Steelers director of football operations Tom Donahoe and Coach Bill Cowher both blamed a communications breakdown.

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Haley, who hasn’t played since Dec. 6 because of back surgery and has been battling flu since last week, was a late arrival for practice and left 30 minutes early.

“Charles had no problems with his back after Wednesday’s practice. There was no flare-up, no soreness,” Switzer said. “The only thing he’s fighting now is this damn flu.”