Union cancels call to discuss HGH tests
August 31, 2011
NEW YORK (AP)—The NFL players’ union has canceled its weekly conferencecall, eliminating a planned discussion about HGH testing.
Many members of the NFLPA executive committee were traveling Wednesday orpreparing for their final preseason game, prompting the cancellation. Humangrowth hormone testing was to be one of several topics on the call.
Union officials said last week they had not received data from the WorldAnti-Doping Agency that would make them feel comfortable with the testing. Theyare seeking additional information about the test’s reliability and safety.
The NFL would be the first of the major American professional sports leaguesto implement HGH testing.
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Bengals extend LT Whitworth for 2 years
August 31, 2011
CINCINNATI (AP)—The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to a two-year contractextension with left tackle Andrew Whitworth(notes) on Wednesday, a deal that runsthrough the 2015 season.
Whitworth was a second-round draft pick in 2006, when he moved into thestarting lineup. He emerged as one of the league’s most dependable tackles lastseason. He was a team captain and assumed a leadership role during the NFLlockout, helping to organize workouts in Cincinnati.
Whitworth has started every game each of the last two seasons. He’s thefirst player the Bengals have extended since the lockout ended.
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49ers’ Gore inks 3-year, $21M extension
August 31, 2011
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)—The San Francisco 49ers say Frank Gore(notes) has signed histhree-year contract extension, keeping the two-time Pro Bowl running back withthe team through 2014.
Gore agreed Tuesday to the $21 million deal, with $13.5 million inguaranteed money. In the final year of his contract, Gore had hoped for a newdeal before the Niners’ Sept. 11 season opener at home against the defending NFCWest champion Seattle Seahawks.
The 28-year-old Gore missed the final five games of 2010 after fracturinghis right hip in a Monday night game at Arizona on Nov. 29. He is fully healthyand begins the year third on San Francisco’s all-time rushing list, needing 931yards to become No. 1.
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Johnson: Fake Titans fans should shut up
August 31, 2011
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)—Titans running back Chris Johnson seems to befinding out about the downside of Twitter during his contract holdout.
Johnson tweeted Wednesday to “fake Titan fans” to shut up. Fans arecalling him greedy and saying his demands are too high.
Johnson went on to write, “I don’t have a regular job so don’t compare meto you and I can care less if uthink I’m greedy.”
Running back Chris Johnson has rushed for 4,598 yards and 34 touchdowns in three seasons with the Titans.(AP)
He earlier tweeted his thanks to people praying for him through his“situation.”
Johnson has more than 441,000 followers on Twitter. He has refused to reportuntil he gets a new contract. The Titans say they are willing to make him thehighest paid running back in NFL history, but no deal has been reached.
The Titans’ opener is Sept. 11 in Jacksonville.
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Maroney acquitted of marijuana charge
August 31, 2011
ST. LOUIS (AP)—Veteran NFL running back Laurence Maroney(notes) is hoping tocatch on with another team after his acquittal of a misdemeanor marijuana chargein St. Louis, his attorney said Wednesday.
Maroney, who grew up in St. Louis County, was among five people arrested inJanuary for possessing marijuana. Maroney was charged in March and opted for ajury trial.
But at a hearing Tuesday, after two police officers testified, defenseattorney Scott Rosenblum asked Circuit Judge Elizabeth Byrne Hogan for adirected verdict, saying prosecutors failed to meet the burden of proof in thecase. The judge agreed and found Maroney not guilty.
“It’s unusual because it hardly ever happens,” Rosenblum said of thedirected verdict. “The judge is saying the case doesn’t need to go any furtherbecause, based on the evidence, the state hasn’t made a case.”
Messages seeking comment from the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s office werenot returned.
The 26-year-old Maroney was chosen by New England as the 21st overall pickin the 2006 draft. In four seasons with the Patriots, he averaged 4.2 yards percarry with 21 touchdown runs, and 10.2 yards per reception with one touchdowncatch. His best season was 2009, when he set career highs with 194 carries andnine touchdowns.
He was traded to Denver for a fourth-round draft pick on Sept. 14, 2010. Hewas injured when he arrived with the Broncos and played in just four games lastseason, rushing 36 times for 74 yards, a 2.1-yard average. He didn’t play in thefinal 10 games and was deactivated for the last eight. His contract was notrenewed.
Rosenblum said Maroney has two workouts lined up, though he would not namethe teams. He said the acquittal will help his chances of landing back in theNFL.
“He needed it to move forward,” Rosenblum said. “It’s a differentsituation when you’re a free agent.”
Maroney claimed innocence from the start following his arrest, even going onSt. Louis radio stations to say he did nothing wrong.
Police said that around 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 17, officers saw three vehiclesnear Chaifetz Arena at Saint Louis University causing traffic to slow becausethe vehicles repeatedly stopped so occupants could talk to people on the street.When officers approached, they reportedly smelled marijuana.
Officers also found three guns inside one of the vehicles, police said atthe time. Maroney was not charged with a weapons violation.
All told, five men were arrested for marijuana possession. It wasn’timmediately clear how many were formally charged.
Maroney was a standout at Normandy High School in St. Louis County, and hasremained active in the St. Louis community during his NFL career, frequentlyparticipating in charitable efforts.
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Bengals’ Benson begins 20-day jail term
August 31, 2011
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)—Cincinnati running back Cedric Benson(notes) has begun servinga 20-day jail term in Texas to settle two misdemeanor assault cases.
The former University of Texas star was sentenced Monday in Austin and hadplanned to surrender Oct. 17, during Cincinnati’s bye week.
But Travis County Jail records show Benson was booked late Tuesday.
Benson’s jail time could be shortened with possible credit for time servedwhen arrested.
The 28-year-old was arrested last year for allegedly punching a baremployee. He’s pleaded no contest to assault with injury.
Last month he was accused of punching an ex-roommate. Benson pleaded nocontest to assault with bodily injury with family violence. That case will bedismissed if Benson does 30 hours of community service and pays restitution.
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Cincy’s Benson begins serving jail term
August 31, 2011
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)—Cincinnati running back Cedric Benson(notes) has begun servinga 20-day jail term in Texas to settle two misdemeanor assault cases.
The former University of Texas star was sentenced Monday in Austin and hadplanned to surrender Oct. 17, during Cincinnati’s bye week.
But Travis County Jail records show Benson was booked late Tuesday.
Benson’s jail time could be shortened with possible credit for time servedwhen arrested.
The 28-year-old was arrested last year for allegedly punching a baremployee. He’s pleaded no contest to assault with injury.
Last month he was accused of punching an ex-roommate. Benson pleaded nocontest to assault with bodily injury with family violence. That case will bedismissed if Benson does 30 hours of community service and pays restitution.
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NFLPA to discuss proposed HGH testing
August 31, 2011
The NFL Players Association’s executive board will hold a conference callWednesday to discuss the HGH testing the league wants to implement this season.
The two sides are far apart, however, from agreeing on using the blood testfor this season.
Union officials said last week they had not received data from the WorldAnti-Doping Agency that would make them feel comfortable with the testing. Theyare seeking information about the test’s reliability and safety.
The NFL would be the first of the major American professional sports leaguesto implement human growth hormone testing. Such testing was included in the newcollective bargaining agreement, but implementation was contingent upon theunion’s approval of the test and an appeals process.
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49ers’ Gore gets 3-year, $21M extension
August 31, 2011
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP)—Frank Gore(notes) has his new deal from the SanFrancisco 49ers, 13 days before the season opener. Just as he wished it.
Agent Jason Rosenhaus told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Gore hadagreed to terms on a new three-year contract extension that keeps him with theteam through 2014.
Gore is set to make $21 million, with $13.5 million in guaranteed money.
The team hadn’t made a formal announcement. That likely will come Wednesdayahead of the Niners’ exhibition finale Thursday night at San Diego.
Gore said earlier Tuesday that his primary agent, Drew Rosenhaus, had aproductive, all-day meeting with team brass Monday. Gore said he instructedRosenhaus to contact him when there was what he considered a “fair” offer onthe table.
“Positive that they met face to face,” Gore said. “Drew felt good abouteverything, (about) the talk.”
The 28-year-old Gore, third on San Francisco’s career rushing list headinginto his seventh NFL season, had repeatedly said he wanted a new long-term dealbefore the Sept. 11 season opener against Seattle.
Both sides had been throwing around plenty of praise for the other party.49ers team President Jed York and general manager Trent Baalke said they wantedGore to be a “49er for life.”
Gore said he even spoke to Baalke about working for the organization whenhe’s done playing.
“I told Drew, man, just call me when he feels right, when he feels what’sfair for both sides,” Gore said. “Hopefully I can be a Niner. I want to behere for my whole career. Our GM said he wanted me here for my whole career.Hopefully my side, their side can get it done.”
They did.
New coach Jim Harbaugh wouldn’t address Gore’s unsettled contract situationduring his afternoon media availability.
“Frank is a true 49er. I’ve said that from when I first got here,”Harbaugh said. “That’s how I thought I would feel about Frank Gore. Now, I knowhow I feel about Frank Gore. The guy is awesome. Somebody should do a movie.Somebody should do the Frank Gore story, because it’s an awesome story.”
Gore didn’t play in last Saturday’s 30-7 loss to the Houston Texans, andHarbaugh wouldn’t say whether he would play in Thursday night’s exhibitionfinale at San Diego. It’s nothing new for him to sit, as Gore has rarely playedduring the preseason in the past.
Gore, who missed the final five games last season with a broken right hip,held out for the first four days of training camp, but has been his energetic,focused self on the field ever since.
There have been no signs of his 2010 injury, either. Gore hurt the hip in aMonday night game at Arizona on Nov. 29.
“I haven’t noticed any lack of focus,” quarterback Alex Smith said. “He’sall in. He’s here. He’s been a part of everything. Jumped in full go, so I’m notreally thinking or paying attention to any of that other stuff.”
Gore sought a contract comparable to the $43 million, five-year deal runningback DeAngelo Williams(notes)—20 days older than San Francisco’s star—recentlyreceived from the Carolina Panthers. That includes $21 million guaranteed.Williams missed the final 10 games last year with a sprained right foot.
Gore needs 931 yards to become the franchise’s all-time leading rusher.While that is a goal, he also wants to have a big year to help turn the 49ersaround after eight straight seasons without a playoff berth or winning record.
He ran for 853 yards and three touchdowns last year before getting hurt inhis sixth NFL season. Gore also caught 46 passes for 452 yards and two TDs. His24 100-yard rushing games are the most in 49ers history.
The 49ers rewarded two other key players with long-term contracts last year.
Tight end Vernon Davis(notes) signed a five-year extension worth $37 millionoverall, including $34 million guaranteed, a night before the 2010 seasonopener. That made him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.
In May of last year, All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis(notes) received a $50million, five-year contract extension that takes him through the 2016 season andincludes $29 million in guaranteed money. He earns $10 million per season.
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Power back at Pats’ stadium after Irene
August 31, 2011
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP)—While most of Foxborough remained without power onTuesday from Tropical Storm Irene, service was back at Gillette Stadium, wherethe New England Patriots’ final exhibition game is scheduled for Thursday night.
A power company spokewoman said it was “absolutely not” true the teamreceived special treatment.
The club had internal discussions about how to handle the game against theNew York Giants if power was not restored, but no decision was made before thelights went back on.
“We thought we might have to go down to the new MetLife Stadium (theGiants’ home) to play the game there,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft saidTuesday. “We know it’s a serious situation. I think there are over 700,000homes in Massachusetts that still don’t have power.”
As of late Tuesday afternoon, 7,287 of 7,820 customers in Foxborough stillhad no power because of damage from Sunday’s storm, according to National Grid,the company that serves the town.
It hopes to begin restoring power to parts of Foxborough on Wednesday withmost customers back in service by Friday, National Grid spokeswoman Jackie Barrysaid.
She said the company received many calls from town residents who felt thePatriots were given priority.
“Customers in Foxborough and a lot of other customers are understandablyupset,” she said. “We know this is extremely unpleasant.”
The stadium and its surrounding area were back in service because one of thesubstations that serves them, in the adjacent town of Wrentham, was not as badlydamaged as the other one in Foxborough, Barry said.
The Patriots paid for expansion of the Wrentham substation after a poweroutage just before halftime of their 20-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars inthe 1996 AFC championship game, said James Nolan, senior vice president ofoperations, administration and finance for the stadium and the Patriots.
“This would guarantee that we would still have power if the feed was lostfrom one of the substations,” he said.
The Foxborough substation serves most of the rest of the town, which has nobackup substation.
Three generators returned power to part of the stadium by 5 p.m. Monday, andby 8:30 p.m., power was restored from the Wrentham substation, Nolan said.
Earlier in the day, the team went to another site to prepare for Thursdaynight’s game.
“We were able to get through film yesterday,” coach Bill Belichick saidTuesday. “(We’re) trying to get back organized here at the stadium today.”
The Giants have just two days between Monday night’s 17-3 loss to the NewYork Jets, pushed back two days because of the storm, and Thursday’s game.
Kraft said he understands that people without power are upset “because Ididn’t have power in my house (in Brookline) and I was here (Monday) whennothing worked and there was no air conditioning and no lights and it was verydifficult. But I don’t run the power company.
“So I try to talk about things I have some understanding of. We did bringin generators from our other businesses and now that power is up we’ve offeredthose generators to the community.”
The Patriots made it home early Sunday from Detroit, where they lost to theLions 34-10 on Saturday night, before the storm hit New England. The Patriotsdominated their first two exhibition games, but Kraft knows preseason resultsdon’t matter much.
“Believe me, I can understand how people wouldn’t have been happy with theeffort the other night,” he said. “I know I wasn’t (happy) on every part ofthe game, but the same kind of game- planning doesn’t go on to attack teams’weaknesses. It’s a more fluid situation. So I think we’ll know better come Sept.12 (the season opener at the Miami Dolphins) what kind of team we’ll watch thefirst three, four weeks of games.”
Kraft spoke at the official announcement that the team’s 60,000-square footindoor space, which 6,000-club seat holders can use during games, will be namedthe Putnam Club as part of a partnership with Putnam Investments. Generatorsmight have been sufficient for that event and the team’s annual kickoff galathat followed had full power not been restored.
But until the Foxborough substation is repaired, the Patriots will bewithout a backup.
“I think everything is still sort of by a thread,” Kraft said. “There’snot backup systems and, please God, things continue to improve and everyone getspower in this state.”
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