Rodgers, QBs become top attractions at NFL combine
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Green Bay Packers are still waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide whether or where he’ll play next season. Other teams at the NFL’s annual scouting combine seem to be jockeying for other quarterbacks. As coaches and general managers kicked off one of the league’s biggest offseason events, the discussions took off. Marcus Mariota was cut, Derek Carr became a hot commodity, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were expected to discuss how they’ll replace the retired Tom Brady.
AP source: NFL owners to discuss Snyder at upcoming meeting
A person familiar with the docket tells The Associated Press that Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder’s future is on the agenda to be discussed at upcoming committee meetings in Florida before the annual NFL meeting in Arizona scheduled for late March. The person tells the AP that voting to oust Snyder if he doesn’t sell the team remains a possibility. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay in October said there was merit to remove Snyder as Commanders owner amid multiple ongoing investigations. Dan and wife Tanya hired a firm two weeks later to explore possible transactions related to selling part or all of the team.
With James injury, Lakers face challenge to reach postseason
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — LeBron James’ injury hasn’t changed the Los Angeles Lakers’ goal of reaching the postseason. Lakers coach Darvin Ham said Tuesday that James is still going through medical evaluations before the team makes a decision on how long the NBA’s career scoring leader may be unavailable after injuring his right foot Sunday in a victory over Dallas. Ham added that he is uncertain on an exact return date for James.
Expected Dodgers SS Lux out for season after knee injury
Gavin Lux will miss the season for the Los Angeles Dodgers because of torn ligaments in his right knee. The 25-year-old was in line to become their new starting shortstop before getting hurt in a spring training game. Lux says the toughest part is knowing the opportunity that he had before getting hurt. He ducked to avoid a throw when running between second and third base during a spring training game against the San Diego Padres. He then took a couple of steps before his right knee buckled. He says it was a freak thing.
Bills GM: Hamlin’s return hinges on his medical progress
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane says safety Damar Hamlin has a few more visits to doctors before determining whether he can pursue his goal of returning to play football after going into cardiac arrest and having to be resuscitated on field in January. Beane says all is well with the test results Hamlin’s had so far in providing the update from the NFL’s combine in Indianapolis. He says further testing is required before specialists and the Bills doctors can provide Hamlin clearance to return to the field.
Rangers’ K’Andre Miller suspended 3 games for spitting
NEW YORK (AP) — K’Andre Miller of the New York Rangers has been suspended three games for unsportsmanlike conduct for spitting at Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty. Miller will miss upcoming games against Philadelphia, Ottawa and Boston and forfeit $15,000 in salary. The 23-year-old was given a match penalty and ejected from the Rangers’ game against the Kings on Sunday. Miller on social media said he did not intend to spit and thanked Doughty for the chance to explain that in person. Miller’s suspension complicates New York’s already murky roster situation with the trade deadline fast approaching.
NCAA football panel out to shorten games; player safety goal
College football administrators are looking at ways to reduce the number of plays in games in the name of player safety. A tweak in clock operating procedures is likely the first step. The NCAA Football Rules Committee is meeting in Indianapolis this week and recommendations it forwards and approved in the spring would take effect next season. The average number of plays per game in the Bowl Subdivision has hovered at 180 the past three seasons. NFL games average 154. The NCAA rules committee is looking at keeping the clock moving when a team makes a first down.
Hurricanes make trade, Capitals and Predators keep dealing
Carolina got better by acquiring winger Jesse Puljujarvi from Edmonton in one of two Oilers moves ahead of the NHL trade deadline. They also got Mattias Ekholm from Nashville to bulk up the defense behind MVP favorite Connor McDavid. The Eastern Conference arms race continued with Toronto making three trades. The Maple Leafs added defensemen Luke Schenn and Erik Gustafsson and traded forward Pierre Engvall to the New York Islanders. The league is still waiting on the long-anticipated trade of Patrick Kane to the Rangers.
Browns could restructure Deshaun Watson’s $230M contract
CLEVELAND (AP) — The record-setting contract Deshaun Watson received from the Browns could undergo some revising. Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry indicated the team may restructure the five-year, $230 million deal it used to entice Watson to agree to a trade from Houston to the Browns one year ago. Berry said a restructuring of Watson’s deal “could be on the table.” The Browns are over the salary cap and need to get under it if they intend to be active in free agency, which opens on March 15. Watson’s deal not only made league history because it was fully guaranteed, but his salary cap hit is $54.993 million in 2023, another record.
Former NFL star, CBS anchor Irv Cross had brain disease CTE
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Former Philadelphia Eagle and CBS NFL announcer Irv Cross has been diagnosed with the brain disease CTE. Cross was 81 when he died Feb. 28, 2021. Boston University researchers say Cross suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The researchers said he suffered from stage 4 CTE, which is the most advanced kind of the disease. Irv Cross was diagnosed with mild cognitive dementia in 2018. Liz Cross says her late husband often felt angry, depressed and embarrassed in his final years, He struggled physically with his balance, was paranoid and had delusions often.
