Ex-NFL kicker, Saints hero Tom Dempsey dies at 73
NEW ORLEANS — Former NFL kicker Tom Dempsey, who played in the NFL despite being born without toes on his kicking foot and made a record 63-yard field goal, died late Saturday while struggling with complications from the coronavirus, his daughter said. He was 73. The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate...
Pro day cancellations forcing changes to NFL draft process
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Bill Polian simplified the NFL’s draft process years ago. He studied film, relied on medical experts, checked the numbers and interviewed players. With the flurry of canceled pro days, the Hall of Famer who constructed multiple Super teams during his 32-year- career believes it’s time for a...
Former Broncos star Derek Wolfe finally gets to play for RavensVideo
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Derek Wolfe figured he missed yet another chance to join the Baltimore Ravens when the team reached agreement last month on a three-year contract with free agent defensive lineman Michael Brockers. After Baltimore’s deal with Brockers fell through, Wolfe immediately told his agent to get in...
Jets’ Perriman says late-season breakout was just sneak peek
NEW YORK — Breshad Perriman insists his late-season breakout last year was merely just a promising start. For him to live up to his own expectations. And, to finally prove the doubters wrong. “I think that was just a sneak peek of what’s to come for this season and many...
Antonio Brown faces felony charge in connection with assault at Florida home
Authorities formally charged former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown in connection with a January assault outside of his South Florida home, ESPN reported Friday night. Brown, 31, faces three charges, including misdemeanor battery, misdemeanor criminal mischief and felony burglary conveyance — the most serious charge. The Miami native turned...
Bears declare open competition between Mitchell Trubisky, Nick FolesVideo
The Chicago Bears declared the quarterback competition between Mitchell Trubisky and newcomer Nick Foles an open one Friday. General manager Ryan Pace made that clear during a conference call, saying both players are “embracing” the battle that will play out whenever offseason workouts begin. Coach Matt Nagy stressed Trubisky will...
Giants’ Dion Lewis becomes backup to star RB again, this time with Saquon BarkleyVideo
Pitt product Dion Lewis is in a familiar role being Saquon Barkley’s backup with the New York Giants. It’s a position Lewis had the past two seasons in Tennessee, spelling NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry. Lewis knows the requirements: be a good team player and be ready when needed to...
First Call: ESPN spruces up Myles Garrett again; Stephen A. Smith rips Antonio Brown; 100-game MLB season?
Friday’s “First Call” illustrates ESPN’s unending desire to shine up Myles Garrett. Stephen A. Smith lowers the boom on Mr. Business is Boomin’. Check out Tom Brady’s new place in Tampa. We may have a 100-game Major League Baseball season. And O.J. Simpson gives us his review of “Tiger King.”...
NFLPA accused of stonewalling ex-players on disability fundsVideo
The attorney representing retired NFL players alleged the players’ union stonewalled his clients when confronted with questions whether their Social Security disability payments would be affected before the labor agreement with the league was narrowly ratified last month. Ben Meiselas told the Associated Press on Friday that email exchanges between...
Bills valued Stefon Diggs’ experience over adding receiver in draftVideo
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Stefon Diggs landing in Buffalo was a direct result of the new coronavirus pandemic potentially disrupting the NFL’s offseason practice schedule. Bills general manager Brandon Beane altered his approach in filling the Bills’ most pressing need at receiver. By acquiring Diggs in a trade with Minnesota last...
Chiefs’ Andy Reid plotting defense of Super Bowl from his basementVideo
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Andy Reid is like most people these days. The Kansas City Chiefs coach is hunkered down in his basement, trying to avoid going out in public as he works from a makeshift office consisting of a computer, an iPad and an old side table. The difference,...
Stuck in Minnesota, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski adjusts to ‘strange times’Video
CLEVELAND — Kevin Stefanski’s title has changed. His address remains the same. Stuck in Minnesota with his family, the Cleveland Browns’ first-year coach has been holed up and riding out the coronavirus pandemic, which has created challenges as he prepares for the NFL draft and a season that remains in...
Tim Dahlberg: Nothing smart about staging UFC fights or NFL draftVideo
Dana White must be a smart guy. He did, after all, build UFC from almost nothing into the entertainment and sports juggernaut it is today. Roger Goodell is pretty smart himself. He’s been able to keep 32 owners happy while filling their pockets with even more billions from NFL fans....
New England Patriots plane with 1.2 million N95 masks from China headed to U.S.
A plane full of needed medical supplies from China was set to land in Boston on Thursday afternoon. Rather than an airline or government logo, though, the plane features the New England Patriots design and their six Lombardi Trophies. According to The Wall Street Journal, the plane was permitted to...
Titans making priority of keeping RB Derrick Henry long termVideo
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans don’t want Derrick Henry going anywhere anytime soon, and the NFL rushing leader sounds as if he is eager to stick around too. General manager Jon Robinson said Wednesday on a conference call with reporters Henry is an important part of the Titans, and...
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson works out with Antonio BrownVideo
Last year, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson drew attention for his offseason work with teammates Willie Snead IV and Chris Moore. On Wednesday, his company was a little more famous. In an afternoon session in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — county seat of his native Broward County — the NFL’s reigning MVP...
Free agent Jadeveon Clowney said to be lowering asking priceVideo
Could we be getting closer to some resolution to the future of Seahawks free agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney? Multiple reports Wednesday seemed to indicate potential movement, though not all of it necessarily good for the chances of Clowney staying in Seattle. Specifically, Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson told...
QB quest new for Patriots but familiar for AFC East foesVideo
NEW YORK — Welcome to the club, Patriots. You know, that unsettling feeling over not being sure who your starting quarterback will be this season, next year — or beyond. Just ask New England’s AFC East rivals about it. Miami, Buffalo and the New York Jets have lived through that...
Bills, Jets, Dolphins hope to capitalize on Tom Brady’s departureVideo
MIAMI — The biggest free-agent deal for the Miami Dolphins this offseason has been one they didn’t make. The Dolphins spent more than $237 million last month and signed seven potential starters. But none will help their chances of overtaking the Patriots in the AFC East as much as Tom...
Browns sign free agent DE Adrian Clayborn to 2-year dealVideo
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns plan to sign veteran free agent defensive end Adrian Clayborn to a two-year, $6 million contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Clayborn, who spent last season with the Atlanta Falcons, agreed to terms on a deal that includes...
Bengals release starting CB Dre Kirkpatrick in defensive overhaulVideo
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals released starting cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick on Tuesday, another move to overhaul their secondary after a 2-14 season. Kirkpatrick was a first-round pick in 2012 and started 67 games in eight seasons. He missed 10 games last season with a knee injury. Kirkpatrick was involved in...
Seahawks release TE Ed Dickson, waive safety Tedric ThompsonVideo
RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks cleared a chunk of salary cap space by waiving safety Tedric Thompson and releasing veteran tight end Ed Dickson on Tuesday. Both moves were expected after each player seemed to fall out of favor with the Seahawks, and the transactions will clear more than...
NFL team owners vote to expand playoffs by 2 teamsVideo
The NFL is gearing up for a normal season and playoffs — with two additional wild-card teams in the Super Bowl chase. NFL team owners voted Tuesday to expand the playoffs by one team in each conference for a total of 14 next season as they continue to plan for...
Tim Benz: Jim Rutherford is right about champions having ‘integrity’ in shortened seasons
Tom Glavine. Patrick Kane. Doug Williams. Tim Duncan. “Who are four men who have never been in my kitchen, Alex?” Yes, Cliff Clavin. Technically, that is correct. But I’m going to need you to be more specific. “Who are four MVPs of their respective sports championship round?” Also true. But...
Eric Reid calls NFL CBA invalid, wants probe over ‘major’ post-vote changesVideo
Free agent safety Eric Reid wants the NFL’s new collective bargaining agreement invalidated over language added following ratification of the pact earlier this month. He is calling for an investigation and a re-vote. In a letter to the NFLPA on Monday, Reid’s lawyers said language posted on the players association’s...
