Manning says new deal about Colts, not money

INDIANAPOLIS -- Peyton Manning didn't need the money, and he sure didn't want the title of being the NFL's highest-paid player if it meant losing his teammates. Nope, all the four-time MVP really wanted was a few more shots at winning a Super Bowl. On Sunday, Manning, armed with a new five-year, $90 million contract -- likely the last of his career, reported to the Indianapolis Colts' training camp with a sense of relief. [+] Enlarge AP Photo/Alan PetersimePeyton Manning, left, celebrated his new deal with Colts president Bill Polian, center, and owner Jim Irsay, right, on Sunday.
"You take a look at things and what's potentially going to happen, and I realized that I've got to have these guys around me," Manning said. "I've had that title, if you will, for the past seven years and I appreciate Bill (Polian) and Jim (Irsay) doing that seven years ago. I did everything I could to play like it, and I think there is an extra responsibility that comes with it. If they're going to pay you like the highest-paid player, you better play like it." Manning has been worth every penny. Since signing his last contract in 2004, the Colts have not missed the playoffs. Manning has won three MVP awards and led the Colts to two AFC titles, one Super Bowl crown. He now holds NFL records for most MVP Awards (four) and most regular-season wins in a decade (115). With a resume like that, team owner Irsay and club vice chairman Polian were prepared to break the bank to keep Manning in Indy for the rest of his career. But Manning said no thanks. "Peyton called me on Thursday and we had a long talk. He made it clear that he didn't want to be the highest-paid player in the league, he wanted to put the best possible team on the field and he wanted to finish his career as an Indianapolis Colt," Polian said. "Over the weekend, we worked very hard to make that happen." While the annual average salary of $18 million per year matches Tom Brady's record, Irsay described the deal as cap-friendly throughout the life of the contract. Manning will get paid $69 million in the first three years and though his salary cap number this season will be $16 million, that's substantially less than the $23.1 million he would have gotten playing under the franchise tag. The benefit of saving that money is already paying dividends. " Peyton called me on Thursday and we had a long talk. He made it clear that he didn't want to be the highest-paid player in the league, he wanted to put the best possible team on the field and he wanted to finish his career as an Indianapolis Colt. " -- Colts president Bill Polian Shortly after Manning agreed to his new deal, the Colts re-signed free agent running back Joseph Addai to a three-year, $14 million contract. Addai is Indy's best blocking back and a key part of keeping Manning upright against the blitz. The team also redid the contract of right tackle Ryan Diem instead of cutting him. In addition, the Colts have re-signed unrestricted free agents Melvin Bullitt, Bob Sanders' projected replacement, and kicker Adam Vinatieri to three-year deals. And Sunday, Indy announced it was bringing back defensive tackles Eric Foster and Antonio Johnson, and offensive linemen Kyle DeVan and Michael Toudouze. DeVan started at left guard the last two seasons, while Johnson started at defensive tackle. "When I said he would be the highest-paid player in the league, it really was symbolic of the respect I have for him," Irsay said. "I told him the thing I love about him is that he hates losing as much as I do and Bill does. I'm happy it's done. He gave us a chance to sign Joseph Addai and the other guys." Practice is scheduled to begin Monday without Manning, who was placed on the physically unable to perform list as he continues to rehab from neck surgery in May. It was the strangest offseason in Manning's 14-year NFL career. The 35-year-old quarterback had to contend with the longest work stoppage in league history, was part of an antitrust suit against the league and had his third offseason surgery since 2008. He got regular updates on the labor negotiations from NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith and Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday, and, Manning explained, his rehab might have progressed more quickly if the lockout rules hadn't prevented him from working with the team's training staff. Manning also had to contend with questions about his comment of intentionally scoring poorly on the baseline concussion test, speculation that he wanted a special exemption to lift the franchise tag before the lockout was settled and more speculation that he wanted $25 million per year. Manning insisted there was no substance to the rumors. "We met on Thursday, we talked Friday, we had the deal yesterday and I signed it about 15 minutes ago," Manning said. A smattering of fans cheered when Manning rolled a suitcase on campus at Anderson University. Later, Manning walked across the street and signed autographs. The biggest question now is when Manning will return to practice. Polian said team doctors have told him the healing process should accelerate now that the nerve in Manning's neck is "coming back." "There is no timetable with these types of injuries," Polian said. "It's not like a knee where you can say he'll be back in six weeks or something. You just don't know and to speculate would be foolish." One source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that Manning has been rehabbing diligently but getting his nerves to regenerate completely, as well as strengthening his neck, shoulder and arm, is a process that doesn't always satisfy his lack of patience for healing. This is not the first time Manning has missed the start of training camp. He sat out one week in 1998, his rookie season, while negotiating his first NFL contract and missed all of camp in 2008 when he had two surgeries for an infected bursa sac in his left knee. This time, unlike the other two, he showed up on reporting day. But teammates don't seem to be concerned. "Unfortunately, we've been down that road before, too," defensive captain Gary Brackett said. "If there's one guy you don't have to worry about rehabbing, that's Peyton." Manning has started 227 consecutive regular-season and postseason games and he doesn't expect to start missing games now though he will do some light throwing this week. However, sources told ESPN's Mortensen that Manning still has "quite a ways to go" to be ready for a full practice regimen, let alone play in a preseason game. ESPN has dedicated 2011 to examining one of the most crucial positions in all of sports -- the quarterback. Year of the QB � Not everyone benefited from Manning's deal. The Colts released starting cornerback Kelvin Hayden in a cost-cutting move. Hayden returned an interception for the game-sealing touchdown in Indy's Super Bowl win and had a cap number of about $9 million this season. And first-round pick Anthony Castonzo is the only draft pick who remains unsigned. But Manning did his part to help move things along. "I think for him, it's all about winning. He wants a winning legacy and he wants to go out a winner," Brackett said. "He could have taken as much money as he wanted, but he didn't do that because he wants to win." Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Eagles sign DT Jenkins, deal Bunkley to Browns

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed free agent defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins to a five-year contract and traded former defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley to the Cleveland for a fifth-round pick in next year's draft. A league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Jenkins' deal is worth $25 million. Jenkins started 66 games in seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He had a career-high seven sacks in 11 games with the Super Bowl-champion Packers last year. He can play defensive tackle or defensive end but has generally lined up inside throughout his career.

The 6-foot-3, 292-pound defensive end was undrafted in 2003 and signed with the Packers in 2004. Kris Jenkins, formerly of the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, is his brother. Bunkley was picked 14th overall in the first round of the 2006 draft. The Eagles also re-signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Akeem Jordan. Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Colts expect Manning to miss beginning of camp

INDIANAPOLIS -- The pain in Peyton Manning's neck will keep him off the practice field early next week. Indianapolis still isn't sure how long it will take to get the four-time MVP back. Manning Colts coach Jim Caldwell said Friday that the Colts will be cautious with their franchise quarterback, who had neck surgery in May, and will not push him too hard. Camp opens Monday at Anderson University. "Obviously, he's not ready right now, but nobody works harder and is more dedicated than him," Caldwell said. "When he's ready, we'll turn him loose." Caldwell did not provide a timetable for Manning's return. It's the second time in four years the Colts will open camp without Manning. In 2008, Manning missed all of training with an infected bursa sac in his left knee, which required two surgeries. He struggled during the first half of the season, but led the Colts to nine straight wins to make it back into the playoffs. He also had neck surgery in March 2010 but recovered and did not miss any practices at camp. The only other time Manning has missed even a portion of training camp was in 1998, when he was one week before signing his first contract. Teammates said they aren't concerned that Manning won't be throwing right away. "I've told him to be as cautious as he needs to be because the last time I checked, we don't count preseason games," Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday said. "I can tell you this, there's not a player that works harder than he does." The questions about Manning's health have been increasing ever since he had the surgery. In June, Archie Manning, Peyton's father, said his son's rehab wasn't going as quickly as expected. A month later, at the family's annual passing academy, Peyton Manning barely threw and said he was being cautious with his rehab because lockout rules prevented him from working out with Colts team trainers. Last week, team owner Jim Irsay acknowledged Manning might not be ready when practices begin Monday, a position he reiterated just hours after the lockout ended. "You don't want him doing too much too soon and you don't know on recoveries," Irsay said. "A lot of times eight weeks is enough. But to get a full recovery, it's going to be a little longer in this case." Caldwell said the coaches have not had a chance to see where Manning yet, and he's not sure when they will. Manning is still locked into negotiations for a long-term contract that could keep him in Indy for the rest of his career. In February, the Colts tagged Manning as their exclusive franchise player, meaning he would make about $23 million this season if he signed the one-year offer. Until he signs one or the other, Manning couldn't practice anyway. Irsay has promised to make Manning the highest-paid player in league history, but even he acknowledges that's a very high price with a salary cap slated at $120.3 million. Indy hopes that by lowering Manning's salary cap number, they will be able to sign more of their free agents. In an interview with the Indianapolis Star, Manning said he'd accept less money to give the Colts more flexibility with other players. "While I appreciate Jim Irsay offering to make me the highest-paid player, I told him I'd rather he save that money and keep whoever it is. ... Joe Addai, Charlie Johnson, whoever that may be," Manning told the Indianapolis Star. "I'm willing to take less than they've offered if they are going to take that money to keep players we need to keep and go get other players. All I want is for them to have the cap and the cash to keep the players they want to keep and to sign other players." The team also confirmed Friday that it had agreed to new deals with kicker Adam Vinatieri and safety Melvin Bullitt. On Thursday, the Colts also lost linebacker Clint Session, who agreed to a five-year deal worth more than $29 million with Jacksonville. Two key players were still out there: Addai and Johnson, two players who would help protect Indy's biggest investment. ESPN has dedicated 2011 to examining one of the most crucial positions in all of sports -- the quarterback. Year of the QB � "We've been in a lockout, and when you think about that, it's very difficult to get that (Manning's deal) done in two, three days," Caldwell said. "It's going to take a couple days, and it will be done at some point in time. When it is, we'll be ready to go." Manning isn't the only player the Colts have been getting medical checks on. Pro Bowl tight end Dallas Clark has been cleared for full participation and will wear a splint on the wrist he injured last fall, the team said. Other key players cleared to practice are receiver Anthony Gonzalez (knee), tight end Brody Eldridge (knee), cornerback Kelvin Hayden (neck) and cornerbacks Jerraud Powers (foot, arm) and Kevin Thomas (knee). The team also said that receiver Austin Collie has not shown any lingering symptoms of the two concussions that forced him to finish last season on injured reserve. He is expected to be a full participant in practice next week. "I feel good, I'm excited to get back into it," Collie said. "At this point, everything is great." Except, of course, the status of Manning. "Whenever he's ready, he'll come back," Caldwell said. "He gets himself ready faster than most people." Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Source: Bush traded to Dolphins, agrees to deal

This time it's Reggie Bush. The Dolphins finalized a trade for Bush on Thursday by negotiating a new two-year contract for nearly $10 million with him, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter Thursday. The Saints will acquire safety Jonathon Amaya from Miami as part of the deal, according to a source. Amaya played 10 games as a backup for the Dolphins as a rookie last season. Miami acquired former Heisman winner Ricky Williams from the Saints in 2002, with mixed results.

He won an NFL rushing title with the Dolphins, but they haven't won a playoff game since that trade. Bush was due about $11.8 million this season, the final year of his Saints contract. It would have been difficult for them to justify paying that given their salary cap constraints. "Change is never easy but I look forward to building something special in Miami and can't wait to embark on this new journey!" Bush said while sending a series of tweets. "To the city of New Orleans you will always have a place in my heart. ... I love you guys you are my family & I will never forget our good times. ... I wish the New Orleans Saints the best of luck I will always be a fan! The team, coaches, and fans will be deeply missed!" Trade talks with Miami began late Wednesday. Bush's agent, Joel Segal, worked with Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland until after 2 a.m. Thursday on the terms of a new contract. Later in the morning Bush agreed to the deal and was en route to Miami. The Dolphins begin practicing Friday, but because Bush signed a new contract, the NFL's post-lockout calendar requires he wait until Aug. 4 to join practice. Miami sought a running back to pair with second-round draft choice Daniel Thomas. Last year's leading rushers, Williams and Ronnie Brown, are free agents. The Dolphins remain in the market to acquire a quarterback to compete with Chad Henne for the starting job, and they've reportedly talked with the Denver Broncos about acquiring Kyle Orton. While the injury-plagued Bush has been paid handsomely since signing his six-year rookie contract worth up to $62 million, his pro career has never reached the heights he and many fans expected when he was selected second overall in the 2006 draft. Bush has had his share of highlight-reel touchdowns on punt returns, receptions and runs, but has never been to a Pro Bowl or even rushed for as much as 600 yards in a season. Last season he missed eight games, and during the other eight games was used as a role player, with only 36 carries for 150 yards and just 34 receptions for 208 yards. Knee and leg injuries forced Bush to miss playing time each of the past four seasons -- a total of 20 games. But the speedy Bush gives the Dolphins big-play potential they've lacked. Last season Miami ranked third-worst in the NFL last year in scoring, rushing touchdowns, yards per carry and rushes of 10 yards or more. The Heisman Trust no longer recognizes Bush as the winner of its award. Bush relinquished his title to it in 2010 after an NCAA investigation concluded the former Southern California star and his family accepted improper benefits from would-be sports agents while Bush was still playing for USC. The same probe led the Bowl Championship Series to vacate the Trojans' 2004 BCS national title. Soon after the Saints made a trade for a second first-round pick in April's NFL draft to take Alabama Heisman winner Mark Ingram, Bush wrote: "It's been fun New Orleans," on his Twitter site. Bush later said he regretted that comment and hoped to find a way to stay with New Orleans. Saints coach Sean Payton had consistently said there remained a place in his wide-open offense for Bush. But after a salary cap of around $120 million was included in Monday's labor agreement that ended the lockout, it became apparent New Orleans would have trouble paying Bush what he wanted while addressing other needs. Before the lockout, the Saints re-signed running back Pierre Thomas to a four-year, $12 million extension. New Orleans also is high on Chris Ivory, who made the squad as an undrafted rookie last season. He filled in while both Bush and Thomas were hurt, and wound up leading the club in yards rushing with 716 yards and TDs rushing with five. It all made for a crowded backfield. In his five-year pro career, Bush has rushed 524 times for 2,090 yards -- an average of 4.0 yards per carry -- and 17 touchdowns. He also has 294 receptions for 2,142 yards and 12 TDs. He also has four career TDs on punt returns. Information from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter and The Associated Press was included in this report.

Sources: Panthers, Williams agree to $43M deal

According to the sources, Williams agreed to a five-year, $43 million deal that includes $21 million in guaranteed money, while Anderson reached a five-year, $22 million agreement. Anderson's contract has $8.5 million in guarantees. Mare, meanwhile, has a four-year, $12 million agreement with a $4 million signing bonus, a source told Schefter. Williams' 2010 season was cut short by a right foot injury. He rushed for 361 yards and one touchdown.

He had his best pro season in 2008, rushing for a team-record 1,515 yards, 18 touchdowns and a 5.5-yard average. In 2009, he was sidelined for three games but still ran for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns and made his only Pro Bowl appearance. Drafted 27th overall in the 2006 draft, the 28-year-old Williams holds the Panthers' franchise mark for career rushing yards (4,211) and rushing touchdowns (31). Former Jets tight end Ben Hartsock also reached a two-year deal with Carolina, a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton. Earlier in the offseason, the Panthers added former Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey Terms of Hartsock's deal were not available. Also, defensive tackle Ron Edwards reached agreement with the Panthers on an $8.25 million, three-year contract, a source told Schefter. Edwards, an unrestricted free agent, was recently with the Kansas City Chiefs. Only a day ago, the Panthers reached agreement with defensive end Charles Johnson on a six-year, $72 million deal that includes $30 million in guaranteed. The Panthers, because of the agreed-to stipulations of the labor settlement, do not have to give a record deal to No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Chargers receiver Jackson to sign tender

Agent Neil Schwartz said Tuesday that Jackson will earn nearly $11 million this year. He says the 6-foot-5 receiver has been working hard and is in good shape. Schwartz declined to comment on whether Jackson and the Chargers might work out a long-term deal. New England Patriots guard Logan Mankins also announced Tuesday he plans to sign his one-year franchise tender, worth a guaranteed salary of about $10.1 million. Jackson and Mankins were two of the 10 named plaintiffs in the players' antitrust lawsuit against the league, which was settled, pending the new labor deal being finished by Aug.

4. The 28-year-old Jackson, who had consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2008 and 2009, received the Chargers' non-exclusive franchise tag in February, but did not sign the tag before owners initiated the lockout. Jackson's original five-year contract expired after his 2009 Pro Bowl season. Unhappy that he didn't get a long-term deal, Jackson refused to sign a $3,268,000, one-year tender as a restricted free agent in 2010. He sat out the first seven games, then reported in time to serve a three-game suspension on the roster exempt list. Jackson was on the active roster for the final six games to accrue a season toward unrestricted free agency. When Jackson hadn't signed the tender by June 15, the Chargers slashed their offer to 110 percent of his 2009 salary, or $583,000. Due to the games he missed, he made less than $300,000 in 2010. Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

NFLPA OKs deal, Goodell says 'football is back'

NFL players voted to OK a final deal Monday, days after the owners approved a tentative agreement, and the sides finally managed to put an end to the 4½-month lockout, the longest work stoppage in league history. "This is a long time coming, and football's back," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, "and that's the great news for everybody." At a joint appearance outside the NFL Players Association headquarters, Goodell and NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith shook hands, surrounded by some of the owners and players who were involved in the talks. They spoke shortly after the NFLPA executive board and 32 team reps voted unanimously to approve the terms of a 10-year deal. "We didn't get everything that either side wanted ... but we did arrive at a deal that we think is fair and balanced," Smith said.

Owners can point to victories, such as gaining a higher percentage of the more than $9 billion in annual league revenues, one of the key issues throughout. Players persuaded teams to commit to spending nearly all of their salary cap space in cash and won changes to offseason and in-season practice rules that should make the game safer. The labor dispute comes to a close after claiming one exhibition: the Hall of Fame game between the Bears and Rams, scheduled for Aug. 7 in Canton, Ohio. Otherwise, the entire preseason and regular-season schedules remain intact. Club facilities will open to players starting at 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, when 2011 draft picks and rookie free agents can be signed. Also at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, teams can start making trades and begin conversations with veteran free agents from all teams. However, no player can officially sign until Friday at 6 p.m. ET. Teams will not have a window to negotiate exclusively with their own free agents. However, when veteran free agents do sign with teams, they will not be able to participate in any practice, weight training or workouts until the beginning of the league year, slated to be Aug. 4. They will be required to attend classroom sessions and non-physical activity once the contracts are signed. Rookies, both drafted and undrafted, will be allowed to fully participate and their contracts will be fully covered, regardless of whether the agreement is ratified. Then, beginning Wednesday, the first group of teams will report for training camps, 15 days before each club's first preseason game. The first 10 teams are: Seattle, San Diego, Arizona, Oakland, Denver, Dallas, Jacksonville, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New England. On Thursday, 10 more teams will report: Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Miami, Atlanta, San Francisco, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Washington, Cincinnati, Detroit. And Friday, 10 additional teams will report: Buffalo, Chicago, Green Bay, Cleveland, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Minnesota, Tennessee, NY Giants, Carolina. The New York Jets and Houston Texans will be the last two teams to report, on Sunday. AP Photo/Carolyn KasterColts center Jeff Saturday hugged Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose wife Myra died last week, during Monday's news conference. Players under contract must report to teams on Wednesday and Thursday in order to qualify for any weight, performance or attendance bonuses they may have in their current deals. Teams then have until 4 p.m. ET on Thursday to waive or cut players. If there was one unexpected moment during Monday's news conference it was certainly Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday's eloquent tribute to New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft, who was lauded as instrumental in helping forge the deal. Kraft's wife, Myra, died Wednesday after a battle with cancer. "A special thanks to Myra Kraft, who even in her weakest moment allowed Mr. Kraft to come and fight this out," Saturday said. "Without him, this deal does not get done. ... He's a man who helped us save football." With that, Saturday wrapped Kraft in a hug -- a gesture that symbolized how the lockout ended more than anyone's words. Owners overwhelmingly approved a proposal to end the dispute on Thursday, but some unresolved issues needed to be reviewed to satisfy players. The sides worked through the weekend and wrapped up nearly every detail by about 3 a.m. Monday on a final pact that runs through the 2020 season and can't be terminated before then. That's significant because the old collective bargaining agreement contained an opt-out clause, and owners exercised it in 2008. That led to the contract expiring when talks broke down March 11; hours later, owners locked out the players, creating the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987. "I know it has been a very long process since the day we stood here that night in March," Smith said in a brief appearance about 20 minutes before being joined by Goodell and the owners. "But our guys stood together when nobody thought we would. And football is back because of it." As he spoke, Smith was flanked by NFLPA president Kevin Mawae and other key members of the players' negotiating team, including Saturday, Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Ravens defensive back Domonique Foxworth. Brees was one of 10 plaintiffs in the antitrust lawsuit that players filed against the league March 11. They approved the settlement deal Monday, after two unanimous NFLPA leadership votes: to recommend to the plaintiffs that they accept the settlement, then to recommend to all 1,900 players that they re-establish the union. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, also one of the 10 named plaintiffs, said in a statement, "I want to get back to work." "My objectives were two-fold when joining the group of named plaintiffs in the labor-related lawsuit. First, to show unified strength on behalf of benefitting all players; second, to see a resolution that recognizes the interests of players and management. I believe both objectives have been achieved," Manning said in the statement. "As a fan of the game, I'm pleased the two sides have reached a deal and, as a professional, I want to get back to work." Manning was invited to attend the news conference Monday but said he was unable to do so because of his rehabilitation and therapy recovering from neck surgery on May 23 to repair a bulging disk. All players now will take a vote to recertify the union -- it was dissolved March 11, turning the NFLPA into a trade association -- and then one more vote to approve the final CBA. That all needs to be wrapped up by Aug. 4 to make everything official, something everyone involved believes will happen without a hitch. Only once it is back to being a union can the NFLPA finish the contract, covering remaining items such as player discipline, drug testing, disability programs and pensions. "I believe it's important that we talk about the future of football as a partnership," Smith said. Later, standing shoulder to shoulder with Goodell, Smith said: "If we don't have a good relationship, it hurts the game and the business of football. I'm not sure any two people have ever come together in a more compressed, public, interesting time than Roger and I. I'm proud to say our relationship has grown." In addition to Kraft, John Mara of the Giants and Jerry Richardson of the Panthers -- all members of the owners' labor committee -- were present, too. "I'd like, on behalf of both sides, to apologize to the fans: For the last five, six months we've been talking about the business of football and not what goes on on the field and building the teams in each market," Kraft said. "But the end result is we've been able to have an agreement that I think is going to allow this sport to flourish over the next decade." Then, taking a verbal jab at the nearby White House and Congress, Kraft added: "I hope we gave a little lesson to the people in Washington, because the debt crisis is a lot easier to fix than this deal was." Now comes frenzied football activity, starting immediately. On Tuesday, clubs can begin talking to veteran free agents, who can sign as soon as Friday. On Wednesday, training camps will start to open. Both sides set up informational conference calls for Monday afternoon to go over the details of the agreement. The NFLPA told player agents they would be coached in particular on the guidelines and schedule for signing free agents and rookies; the NFL alerted general managers and coaches they would be briefed in separate calls. Smith, who hopes to mend fences with NFL's retired players, also had a conference call Monday morning with the former players to share with them the gains that they made in this deal, including the unprecedented "legacy fund." The major economic framework for the deal was worked out more than a week ago. That included dividing revenue (about 53 percent to owners and 47 percent to players over the next decade; the old CBA resulted in nearly a 50-50 split); a per-club cap of about $120 million for salary and bonuses in 2011 -- and at least that in 2012 and 2013 -- plus about $22 million for benefits; a salary system to rein in spending on first-round draft picks; and unrestricted free agency for most players after four seasons. "We know what we did to frustrate our fans over the last several months," Goodell said. "They want football, and our job is to give them football." Information from ESPN.com's John Clayton, ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen and The Associated Press was used in this report.

Affidavit: DNA links Cox, alleged assault victim

DENVER -- A court document released Friday sheds new light on why Denver Broncos cornerback Perrish Cox was arrested last fall on sexual assault charges involving a woman who told officers she was likely drugged, raped and impregnated with the football player's child. The woman told investigators that doctors put the date of conception around the time she went to Cox's apartment with friends in the early hours of Sept. 6, according to the arrest warrant affidavit. The affidavit said DNA tests indicated Cox was the father. The woman said she has no recollection of most of that night and wasn't sure anyone had sex with her until she learned she was pregnant.

She said she had not had consensual sex for several weeks before or after the date of conception reported by doctors. The woman said she and Cox's girlfriend at the time had gone to a club Sept. 5, and they met Cox and Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. When the club closed at 1:30 a.m., they all went to Cox's apartment. She said Cox's roommate, Broncos defensive back Cassius Vaughn, was there when she awoke later in the day. The woman said she believed she had been drugged because she felt unusually woozy after four drinks. She said she recalled being kissed and fondled by Thomas before she passed out. Thomas told police he had kissed the woman, according to the affidavit. He didn't immediately return messages Friday. Cox's lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, declined to comment on any of the information in the arrest affidavit. "My thoughts have always been that cases work their way through the court system and we need to do our best to ensure people who are charged get fair trials. I'm just hopeful the process works," he told The Associated Press. When police interviewed Cox on Nov. 8, he denied having sex with the alleged victim, the affidavit said. As he left the courthouse after hearing in May, Cox said, "It's tough. It's something that stays over your head. You stay positive and just control what you can control." He has made few other public comments. Craig Silverman, an attorney for the woman involved, issued a statement insisting that his client "suffered a sexual assault by Perrish Cox." "For her, this is an intensely painful, personal and private matter," Silverman said. "My client's victimization will be made clear in a court of law." Broncos spokesman Patrick Smyth issued a written statement: "The allegations involving Perrish Cox are extremely serious and troubling to our organization. We will continue to monitor this situation very closely." The woman went to police Oct. 28, the day she said she learned she was pregnant. She said she didn't file a complaint sooner because she wasn't sure she had been raped and didn't want to make unfounded charges. The affidavit said the woman was shocked when DNA results came back Nov. 29 indicating Cox was the father. Cox refused to allow a DNA sample to be taken until after investigators obtained a court order, the document said. The affidavit says Thomas voluntarily provided a DNA sample and Vaughn provided one after police obtained a court order, but it wasn't clear whether he refused to volunteer one. The affidavit said DNA tests ruled both of them out as the father. Steinberg had fought to keep the affidavit sealed while The Associated Press and The Denver Post asked the courts to release it. Steinberg appealed to the state Supreme Court when a judge ordered the affidavit made public, but on Friday the high court refused to take the appeal and the affidavit was released. Steve Zansberg, an attorney who represented the AP and the Post, called the Supreme Court's decision "a victory for the peoples' right." "This is about the people's right to monitor and scrutinize the conduct of government institutions," he said. Cox, 24, was arrested Dec. 9 and pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual assault while the victim was physically helpless and one count of sexual assault while the victim was incapable of determining the nature of the conduct. He is free on $50,000 bail. His trial is scheduled for October. The Broncos fined Cox in December for missing meetings and practice after his arrest. The team didn't release the amount of the fine but said it was the maximum. Cox could face a four-game suspension from the NFL next season for violating the league's personal conduct code. Commissioner Roger Goodell doesn't need a player's conviction to impose punishment. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Feds don't want doctor's assistant to do jail time

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Federal prosecutors are seeking probation, not prison, for a Canadian sports doctor's assistant whose arrest ultimately led to her employer's conviction for bringing unapproved drugs into the United States to treat professional athletes. Mary Anne Catalano, 33, is scheduled to be sentenced Monday in federal court in Buffalo for lying to border agents about medical supplies she was transporting for Dr. Anthony Galea, a Toronto healing specialist who has treated golfer Tiger Woods and other big-name athletes. The judge is not obligated to accept the government's recommendation for a lighter sentence.

In court filings, prosecutors have asked the judge to depart from sentencing guidelines and give Catalano probation because what she told them after her arrest helped them bring felony charges against her boss. The charge she pleaded guilty to, making false statements to federal officers, carries a potential 6- to 12-month prison term. "The cooperation of Mary Anne Catalano was a significant and substantial factor in obtaining a felony conviction against Dr. Anthony Galea," the U.S. Attorney's Office wrote in requesting a probation sentence. Catalano's attorney, Rodney Personius, said Thursday he agrees with the government's recommendation for a more lenient sentence for Catalano, a certified athletic therapist who now works for another Toronto doctor. Catalano had worked in Galea's office when she was 15, stayed in contact with him through college and went back to work for him at the Institute of Sports Medicine Health and Wellness when she graduated in 2004, Personius said in his sentencing memo to the court. As Galea developed a practice involving professional athletes in the United States, Catalano began accompanying him on trips across the border. She began driving separately and took on the responsibility of transporting the medical equipment and supplies after Galea had trouble with border agents leaving Canada, the filing said. She and Galea agreed that if asked by border officers about the supplies, she'd say they were for demonstration purposes at a medical conference. After being stopped for inspection at the Peace Bridge while entering Buffalo on Sept. 14, 2009, Catalano initially said the supplies were for a conference in Washington, D.C, but later told the truth, authorities said: that she was headed to meet Galea in Washington to treat a professional athlete. "Given the duration of the defendant's relationship with Dr. Anthony Galea, dating back to her teenage years, it would be ... fair to find he improperly took advantage of her dogged loyalty," Personius wrote. "Simply, she held Dr. Galea in the very highest regard." "These circumstances notwithstanding, Mary Anne Catalano takes full responsibility for her crime of conviction," he wrote. The judge is not obligated to accept the government's recommendation for a lighter sentence. Galea pleaded guilty July 6 to introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, one of five charges in an indictment. He faces similar charges in Canada. As part of his U.S. plea agreement, Galea must cooperate with investigators in the future. Prosecutors said they would recommend a sentence of 12 to 18 months in prison when he is sentenced in October. Galea admitted that he traveled to the U.S. numerous times from 2007 to 2009 to treat professional athletes in Hawaii, Cleveland, New York City, Miami and elsewhere, despite not being licensed to practice in the country. Some of the treatments involved injections of human growth hormone, banned by major sports, and Actovegin, a derivative of calf's blood not approved for use in the United States. Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed the names of athletes who may have gotten HGH. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

RB Benson's lawyers claiming 'extortion' threat

Cedric Benson's attorneys claim in a statement released to media outlets Wednesday that the man whom the running back allegedly assaulted last weekend is threatening to agree to media interviews if they do not agree to a "settlement" meeting. Attorneys David Cornwell and Sam Bassett, however, said "there is nothing to settle" and that Benson would be "unburdened by the threat of extortion." The attorney for Claven Charles, the alleged victim of the assault, said he was "disheartended and puzzled" by the statement from Cornwell and Bassett. In his response to KXAN-TV in Austin, attorney Thomas Crowley said he and his client have received numerous calls from the media but have declined all interview requests. Crowley says Benson's attorneys tried to set up a settlement meeting, then canceled it, and instead released their statement to the media. Crowley said Charles was hospitalized after the incident and "has incurred thousands of dollars of medical bills, and he has further medical procedures pending." "This is especially disconcerting because neither I nor my client have made any request for money from Mr.

Benson at this time, nor have we threatened to file suit. The purpose of the meeting, in my mind, was to understand Mr. Benson's intentions regarding this serious matter," Crowley said in the statement. Travis County sheriff's spokesman Roger Wade said Sunday that Benson was arrested in downtown Austin, Texas, on a misdemeanor count of assault with bodily injury with family violence. Benson's attorneys also said in the statement that "Cedric did not act without provocation." Benson will be a free agent when the NFL lockout ends after leading the Cincinnati Bengals in rushing each of the past three seasons. He hoped to stay with the Bengals, and worked out with players in Cincinnati during the lockout. In their statement, Benson's attorneys said, "Cedric regrets the events of this weekend and he is committed to addressing any concerns that NFL teams may have." Last summer, Benson was arrested in Austin. Police charged him with misdemeanor assault for allegedly punching a bar employee in the face. Benson has denied the charge, and the case is pending. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell met with Benson about the arrest last year and decided not to punish him. Benson could face a suspension for his latest arrest, once the players and league reach a collective bargaining agreement, clouding his future in the NFL. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Ex-players sue, claim NFL hid concussion data

Seventy-five former players are suing the NFL, claiming the league intentionally withheld knowledge of the damaging effects of concussions for 90 years. The plaintiffs claim that "the NFL knew as early as the 1920s of the harmful effects on a player's brain of concussions; however, until June of 2010 they concealed these facts from coaches, trainers, players and the public." The Herd with Colin Cowherd The group includes former Pro Bowlers Mark Duper of the Miami Dolphins and Rodney Hampton of the New York Giants. Former Super Bowl MVP Ottis Anderson also is named in the lawsuit. The players are seeking unspecified damages. Most players listed their wives as co-plaintiffs.

Helmet maker Riddell also is a defendant. The lawsuit, first reported by TMZ.com, alleges that the NFL did not admit that multiple concussions can affect memory and cause dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) until 2010. League spokesman Greg Aiello issued a statement Tuesday saying the NFL has not "seen the complaint but would vigorously contest any claims of this kind." Riddell spokeswoman Laura Moore said the company had not yet reviewed the complaint and its policy was to not comment on pending litigation. CTE is a degenerative brain condition that has been linked to the deaths of several former NFL players, including former Chicago Bear Dave Duerson and former Cincinnati Bengal Chris Henry. All of the players named in the suit claim they have suffered injuries due to multiple concussions. However, the suit claims that an NFL-authorized 1994 study concluded there was "no evidence of worsening injury or chronic cumulative effects" from multiple concussions. The NFL only warned active players in June 2010 of the risks associated with multiple concussions and Riddell failed to warn active players until about the same time, the suit claims. The NFL has made numerous adjustments in the battle against concussions in the past year, including altering rules on how, when and where players can be hit. The league also introduced new tests and rules regarding in-game concussions and authorized studies to determine the quality of helmets worn by its players. In February, commissioner Roger Goodell went before Congress to urge legislators from all 50 states to pass youth concussion laws. Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Eagles QB Vick gets another endorsement deal

PHILADELPHIA -- The endorsements keep on coming for Eagles quarterback Michael Vick. On Wednesday, Vick, who signed with Nike earlier this month, became an equity partner in Double Eagle Holdings, Ltd., the parent company of Fuse Science, Inc. And as part of the agreement, Vick will endorse Fuse Science and its line of sports nutrition vitamins and minerals. "Fuse Science has game-changing technology and an incredible team of scientists and business leaders to bring it to market," Vick said. "I believe these products will revolutionize how athletes provide their bodies with nutrients and medicines, changing what we have come to accept as normal." Vick, who led Philadelphia to an NFC East title last season, signed his first endorsement after being released from prison on Jan.

27 with Unequal Technologies, a company that produces football pads. And then on July 1, he returned to Nike, a company that had previously dropped him. "He's a changed man," Fuse Science CEO Adam Adler told The Associated Press. "As part of that change, he's becoming a businessman and not just a football player. "He's the hungriest athlete, he's the best athlete in any sport and it was a no-brainer to bring Michael in and build around him." Vick was the AP Comeback Player of the Year last season after having the best all-around year of his career. He started for the NFC in the Pro Bowl and was given the franchise tag by the Eagles before the NFL lockout. Vick's image has turned around dramatically since his release from federal prison in July 2009 after serving 18 months on dogfighting charges. He's won over some fans, and is a well-respected team leader on the Eagles. Companies have noticed Vick's rejuvenation, and are turning to him once again to sell their products. "Michael wants to partner with a select group of companies," said Andrew Stroth, the Chicago-based attorney who negotiated Vick's deal. "Fuse Science has game-changing technology and is a good strategic fit with Michael's brand." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Vick takes anti-dogfighting mission to Congress

WASHINGTON -- Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick brought his anti-dogfighting message to Congress on Tuesday, backing legislation that would penalize those who knowingly attend animal fights and allow minors to attend. [+] Enlarge Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty ImagesMichael Vick is partnering with the Humane Society to back legislation that would penalize those who knowingly go to animal fights and allow minors to attend. Vick, who served 18 months in prison on dogfighting charges, said he wants to teach kids not to repeat his mistakes and to take profits away from sponsors of these events. The football star has been speaking at churches and schools along with Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States. Pacelle told the news conference, "I had a lot of soul searching to do" before deciding to partner with Vick in efforts to stop animal-fighting events.

"Help us to reach out to these kids before they go down the wrong path," Vick said. The Hampton, Va., native said that while he became involved in dogfighting in his youth, he was unaware that more children are now attending these gruesome events. He said his own experience taught him that attending animal fights has an impact on children. "It's up to the parents to take responsibility and make sure it doesn't happen," he said. Sponsors of the legislation said the laws against animal fighting need to be strengthened. It is illegal in 49 states to be a knowing spectator at an animal fight, while 28 impose felony-level penalties on those attending. The bill would impose penalties of up to a year in prison and fines for attending an animal fight, and a penalty of up to three years in prison and fines for bringing or allowing a minor to attend. The main sponsors of the legislation are Reps. Jim Moran, D-Va., Betty Sutton, D-Ohio and Tom Marino, R-Pa. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Agent: Veteran center Wiegmann not retiring

Veteran center Casey Wiegmann wants to play in 2011. Wiegmann had been considering retirement. Earlier this offseason, his agent said the free-agent center was "50-50" to return in 2011. However, agent Joe Linta said Wiegmann has decided he wants to play this year if a contract can be worked out with the Kansas City Chiefs. Linta said Wiegmann, who will turn 38 Wednesday, is in the best shape he's been in years.

He will be entering his 16th NFL season. Wiegmann is one of the veterans who may have benefited from the lockout. Had Wiegmann had to go through an extensive offseason workout program, he could have decided to retire. Wiegmann extended his consecutive snap streak, which began in 2001, to beyond 10,000 in 2010. While a contract agreement with Kansas City is not certain, the Chiefs likely will be interested in bringing back Wiegmann. Earlier this offseason, Chiefs coach Todd Haley said he wanted Wiegmann to return. Wiegmann, who came back to Kansas City in 2010 for his second tour of duty with the team, started all 16 games last season and he was a big part of the offensive line that paved the way for the No.1-ranked run offense in the NFL. Kansas City drafted center Rodney Hudson of Florida State in the second round in April, but if Wiegmann returns he likely will get the chance to start. Bill Williamson covers the AFC West for ESPN.com.

Ex-Eagles RB Mahe charged with gasoline theft

SALT LAKE CITY -- Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Reno Mahe surrendered to authorities this week to face a criminal theft charge in Utah. Mahe and four others are charged in Utah's 3rd District Court with stealing more than $15,000 in gasoline in 2010 from a construction company in a Salt Lake City suburb, according to court documents. [+] Enlarge Drew Hallowell/Getty ImagesFormer Eagles running back Reno Mahe and four others are charged with stealing more than $15,000 in gasoline. Court records indicate that Mahe, a former BYU standout, was booked into a Salt Lake County jail Thursday and released pending his next hearing. A scheduling conference in Mahe's case is set for Aug.

5. Another former BYU football player, Tevita Ofahengaue, also is charged with a single count of theft, as are Michael Andrus, Mark Evers and Fred Prescott. An affidavit of probable cause signed by Murray City Police Detective Tyler Evans said A-Core Concrete Cutting officials discovered one of their employees, Evers, was using a gas code to steal gasoline from the company for the last four years. The firm conducted an audit and calculated a loss of more than $55,000 between June 18, 2006, and Oct. 17, 2010. The affidavit said video surveillance footage available for the final three months of the thefts observed Evers, and four of his friends, including Mahe, fill their personal vehicles with gas after business hours using the code. The detective said he viewed the video and determined Mahe was present during the theft of $2,688 worth of gasoline. Because the amount is more than $1,500, Mahe is charged with theft, a second-degree felony. Evers is charged with first-degree theft based on the larger amount, while Ofahengaue and Andrus also are charged with second-degree felonies and Prescott a third-degree felony for allegedly stealing $1,212 worth of gasoline. In a police interview, Evers admitted that he and his friends would meet once or twice a week at A-Core and they would fill their vehicles with gas. He said Mahe and Andrus would come with him often and that Ofahengaue and Prescott came with him only a few times. Evers also admitted that he told all four at different times that he was not allowed to take gas from the company. The concrete company previously filed a civil lawsuit against the men, accusing them and nine others not named for stealing more than $55,000 worth of gas. At the time, Mahe said he wasn't aware he was being accused of doing something wrong. Mahe, 31, played for the Eagles for five years until 2008. "It wasn't like I needed (A-Core)'s gas," he said last year, according to the Deseret News. "I'll pay, if that's the deal. I'll pay my portion back if he wasn't allowed to give it to me. I'm not worried about that part. As a man, you pay back your debts." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Harrison clarifies, apologizes for some remarks

"I'll start by offering my apologies for some of the words that I said during the four days in May that Men's Journal was invited to my house to discuss what the NFL has recently been portraying as their attempts at 'player safety' rules and regulations," Harrison said in a statement released on Twitter. He ripped teammates Rashard Mendenhall and Ben Roethlisberger for their performances in the Steelers' Super Bowl loss to the Green Bay Packers. "I did make comments about my teammates when I was talking about the emotional Super Bowl loss, but the handful of words that were used and heavily publicized yesterday were pulled out of a long conversation and the context was lost," Harrison said. "Obviously, I would never say that it was all Ben's or Rashard's fault that we lost the Super Bowl. That would be ridiculous.

"We all have discussed several things that went wrong in the Super Bowl since that day. What I do apologize for and take full responsibility for is for speaking in such a candid manner to someone outside the team." Harrison, the 2008 AP Defensive Player of the Year, hasn't been shy about ripping the league after he was docked $100,000 for illegal hits last season. Harrison's harshest words in the article were aimed at NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, whom Harrison called a "crook" and a "devil." He also said in the article of Goodell, "I hate him and will never respect him." Harrison did not mention those insults, but did say the antigay slur directed at the commissioner "was not intended to be derogatory against gay people in any way. It was careless use of a slang word and I apologize to all who were offended by the remark. I am not a homophobic bigot, and I would never advocate intolerance of gay people." Harrison did not apologize for a photo depicting him with guns, saying collecting firearms is his hobby. "I believe in the right to bear arms. I like to go to the shooting range. I like to hunt. I like to fish. I could just as easily have posed with my fishing poles but it obviously wouldn't be an interesting picture for the magazine," he said. "I am not promoting gun violence by posing for that photo. There are also other photos in the magazine story that were not shown on air yesterday -- including me with my sons, with my mom and as a kid." Harrison said he had hoped to shed light on the NFL's hypocrisy in regards to player safety. "If player safety is the NFL's main concern, as they say it is, they are not going about it in an effective manner," Harrison said. "There's nothing about extending the season or issuing exorbitant fines on defensive players that makes any shift toward the prevention of injury to players. "I believe that the league may have been feeling increasing pressure about injuries and concussions last year, and that they panicked and put rules in place that weren't fully thought out. I'm not advocating more flags and fines, I'm just saying that the current rules are not completely fair, and I don't believe in the way that the league is handling their position as overseer of the NFL and the well-being of its players." The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Workers run test inflation of Metrodome's roof

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings have a roof over their helmets once again. Seven months after the Metrodome's Teflon-coated fiberglass ceiling collapsed in a snowstorm, forcing the Vikings to play their final two home games last season elsewhere, the new roof has been raised in plenty of time for the first preseason game. [+] Enlarge AP Photo/Jim MoneThe Metrodome roof underwent a test inflation Wednesday. Construction is scheduled to be completed in time for the Vikings to play in the dome this season. Stadium officials and construction workers inflated the roof Wednesday morning as a test.

No problems popped up, so the roof of the 29-year-old stadium will stay up while the finishing touches are put on a rebuilding project that began in March. "There doesn't seem to be any issues whatsoever," said Ted Mondale, chairman of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, the agency that operates the facility officially known as Mall of America Field. The new roof sits a little lower than before, to better withstand strong winds and help prevent snow from piling up in drifts. But it still sports the puffy, muffin-top look that frames the east side of the downtown Minneapolis skyline. The 10-acre surface, just 1/16th of an inch thick, is held up by several 100-horsepower fans. MSFC director of facilities and engineering Steve Maki sat in the football press box as the roof was quietly and steadily lifted to full height in about 45 minutes. Workers with poles watched from the upper deck to make sure the inner lining didn't snag on the way up. Five others kept watch on top, casting silhouettes in the morning sun as they walked back and forth. Most of the construction work should be done by Aug. 1, which will trigger a $500,000 bonus for Amherst, N.Y.-based contractor Birdair Inc., the company that also designed and installed the original roof. The project cost $22.7 million, including $18 million for the roof itself, and it's covered by the MSFC's insurance. The artificial turf was also damaged when the roof broke open and snow poured in, and that might have to be replaced, too, but Maki said that work, if necessary, would be done by Aug. 18. The surface, installed just last summer, has been covered in plywood during the project. Bids are in, and Maki said a decision on whether new turf is needed will be made by the end of next week. The Vikings are scheduled to play their first home preseason game on Aug. 27, assuming the NFL lockout is over. Vikings vice president for public affairs and stadium development Lester Bagley said the team is appreciative of the work. "We're going to get our home-field advantage back," Bagley said. The roof collapsed after a storm brought 17 inches of snow in a 24-hour span and high winds that prevented stadium workers from clearing the roof. No one was hurt, but the Vikings were forced to shift home games to Detroit's Ford Field and then to the University of Minnesota, losing both times. It was the fourth roof collapse at the facility, but the first since 1983. Enough damage was done that the entire roof needed to be replaced, rather than just the damaged diamond-shaped panels. Under the new roof, some of the dinginess is gone and the inner lining is smaller, allowing more sunlight. New acoustical panels were also hung from the roof to improve the stadium's sound quality. Mondale credited Maki for his leadership of the project. Workers, who endured 100-degree-plus heat on the roof plus plenty of rain and wind the past four months, appeared to enjoy themselves. A paper airplane was even spotted flying through one of the vent holes. The Vikings don't plan to play under their new roof for long, though. They're in the final year of their lease at the Metrodome, and actively seeking a new stadium in Arden Hills, a suburb north of downtown. That effort has been stymied in part by the state's budget deficit and government shutdown, an impasse between Gov. Mark Dayton, a Democrat, and the Republican-majority Legislature. "We're going to need to raise revenue to do this, and there really hasn't been a lot of synergy on how that would happen at this point," Mondale said. "So we're waiting. But we're working. We're being creative, and we're being solution-focused. I think there's still a pretty good shot that we'll have a good proposal ready for the elected leaders to take a look at -- and hopefully in the right timeframe. I know the governor wants to get this done. He wants to get this done this year." The Vikings have been waiting for a budget deal to be struck first. "Once that comes together, we're confident that we'll be ready and be in position to have a good discussion about a stadium solution," Bagley said. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Agent: 'Old Randy Moss' ready to return in 2011

Agent Joel Segal told NFL.com that Moss is in "freakish shape" after "working out, two-a-days, all spring and summer in West Virginia." "He is determined, motivated and quite frankly has a huge chip on his shoulder. Whatever team ends up getting Randy, they're going to know they're getting the old Randy Moss," Segal told NFL.com. "He's not just coming in to be on the team, he's going to be Randy Moss -- a difference maker." Moss, who turned 34 in February, finished 2010 with 28 receptions -- including just six in his eight games with Tennessee -- along with 393 receiving yards and five touchdowns in an up-and-down season in which he split time with the Titans, Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots. That production was a big drop for the receiver who ranks second only to Jerry Rice for most TD catches, 100-yard receiving games and most games with two TD catches or more. The seven-time Pro Bowler is tied with the Steelers' Hines Ward for eighth all-time in receptions with 954.

He is just one of 10 players to have 950 or more career receptions. The New York Jets are among the teams reportedly interested in Moss. Three of New York's top four receivers (Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, Brad Smith) likely will be unrestricted free agents when the lockout is lifted. Moss became a star in college, when he ended up at Marshall after off-field issues caused Notre Dame to rescind a scholarship offer. He had two brilliant seasons with the Thundering Herd, but he fell to the Vikings at No. 21 in the 1998 draft because of concerns about his character. Moss unleashed all of that pent-up frustration in his first season, scoring 17 touchdowns and averaging more than 19 yards per catch to help the Vikings reach the NFC title game. In his seven seasons with the Vikings, Moss caught 574 passes for 9,142 yards and 90 touchdowns. But the Vikings eventually grew tired of Moss' occasionally petulant behavior, and shipped him to the Raiders in 2005. A few nagging injuries and Oakland's struggles on the field combined to make his two years there largely unproductive. However, 2007 -- his first year in New England -- ranks among the best from any receiver in NFL history, with 98 catches for 1,493 yards and a record 23 touchdowns to help the Patriots reach the Super Bowl. He caught 50 touchdowns in 52 games with the Patriots. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Brady, Manning, Brees: 'Time' to finish deal

The three star quarterbacks are among 10 players who are named plaintiffs in an antitrust suit against the NFL that is pending in federal court in Minnesota. In a statement released via the NFL Players Association on Wednesday, New England's Brady, Indianapolis' Manning and New Orleans' Brees say they think "the overall proposal made by the players is fair for both sides and it is time to get this deal done." The statement continues: "This is the time of year we as players turn our attention to the game on the field. We hope the owners feel the same way." Sources told ESPN's Sal Paolantonio that the statement was crafted Tuesday by NFLPA leaders during a conference call with the plaintiffs. According to the source, after the owners floated a July 21 date for ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement, many players saw that as an attempt to put pressure on the players to fold on the remaining issues in the talks, so they decided to put out the joint statement. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello posted the league's response on Twitter: "We share the view that now is the time to reach an agreement so we can all get back to football and a full 2011 season.

We are working hard with the players' negotiating team every day to complete an agreement as soon as possible." Brady, Manning and Brees spoke out as a group publicly for the first time as representatives of players and owners gathered Wednesday morning at a Manhattan office building for the latest round of talks aimed at resolving the fourth-month lockout. It's the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987, and negotiations are at a critical phase, with deadlines to get training camps and the preseason started on time. Players' association chief DeMaurice Smith, along with NFL owners Robert Kraft of the Patriots, John Mara of the New York Giants and Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys were seen arriving for the talks Wednesday morning. There is a growing belief inside league circles that the NFL and NFLPA will have an agreement in place that can be ratified during the July 21 league meetings in Atlanta, sources familiar with the state of negotiations told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen and ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. But one member of the players' negotiating team who has been a constant presence at the table told Mortensen that players believe they have made significant concessions and overtures "that have not been reciprocated." He stated that negotiations Wednesday and Thursday will be the most telling days on whether an agreement indeed will be finalized within the July 21 time frame because "we've basically reached the limits of compromise." The same source added that the players have agreed to cut rookie compensation in half but won't agree to a deal that does not allow for the rookie class to become free agents at the end of four years. High-level sources on both sides of the talks told ESPN.com's John Clayton that the debate in the rookie pool talks is over how to structure a fifth-year option for first-round draft picks. Under current proposals, all first-rounders would get four-year deals, plus an option year. That option could be executed by the team after the third or fourth year of the contract. However, owners want a fixed amount for the fifth-year option, roughly $4 million. Players want a top 10 salary at the position for the top 16 picks. They proposed a top 15 salary for picks 17 through 32. According to sources, Smith told those on Tuesday's conference call that the players' association had no comment on current negotiations and wouldn't be updating plaintiffs on the particulars. Smith said plaintiffs have some legal tactics they could pursue if necessary in the future, sources said, but Smith declined to identify what those were. Aside from the rookie pool talks, the owners and players also have been stuck on a proposal by management that for the 2011 transition period, teams can exercise the right of first refusal on three free agents, in addition to their franchise-tag designees. The proposal -- in which teams could match any contract offer and retain their free-agent player -- has been rejected by the players. The two sides appear comfortable with a split of an all-revenue model in which players will receive about 48 percent of the money at the outset, and never less than approximately 46.5 percent as revenues are expected to grow significantly from $9.6 billion in 2011 over the term of an agreement that will be no less than seven years and could go as long as 10. Meanwhile, NFL retirees continue to press for their say in the labor fray, telling a judge Wednesday they they have fresh complaints against the league and players they accuse of negotiating a new labor deal without them. Hall of Fame defensive end Carl Eller is the lead plaintiff for the retirees. Attorneys for the Eller plaintiffs asked a judge for permission to update an existing complaint signaling their intent to sue both sides for allegedly leaving them out of the labor talks. The retirees say a federal appeals court decision upholding the lockout is one of the reasons an update is needed and so are the "unlawful" ongoing talks that don't include them. The retirees say the NFL and NFLPA "have conspired" to set low retiree benefit and pension payments. A hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 8 in Minneapolis on the retirees' complaint. Information from ESPN national correspondent Sal Paolantonio, ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, ESPN.com senior NFL writer John Clayton and The Associated Press was used in this report.

Ex-Bengals returner Turner shot, killed by cops

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A California deputy shot and killed a former running back for the Cincinnati Bengals in front of a convenience store after he allegedly hit an officer with a bag holding two cans of beer. David Lee "Deacon" Turner, 56, played with the Bengals from 1978 to 1980 and had a long arrest history after his playing career was finished. [+] Enlarge AP Photo/NFL PhotosDeacon Turner, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals, played in the NFL from 1978 to 1980. Deputies who were investigating reports of teenagers asking adults to buy alcohol and cigarettes approached Turner on Sunday as he left the convenience store with his 19-year-old son and a 16-year-old juvenile.

The deputies detained Turner while they investigated. The sheriff's office said Turner initially complied but then decided to leave, and the scuffle occurred when deputies tried to stop the former NFL player. Deputy Aaron Nadal was hit on the back of the head with a bag holding two, 24-ounce cans of beer before Deputy Wesley Kraft drew his handgun and fired twice at Turner, authorities said. Friends and family told the The Bakersfield Californian they have trouble believing authorities' account of the story. Nephew Kevin Turner called his uncle "the backbone of our family." "He was a marvelous kid," Bakersfield College coach Gerry Collins told the newspaper. Turner excelled at shredding defenses at Shafter High School, Bakersfield College and San Diego State University before getting drafted by the Bengals in the second round in 1978. Turner was used primarily as a kick returner in his three years in the league, amassing 1,149 return yards in 1979 for the last-place Bengals. He had 549 career rushing yards. Court records show an arrest history stretching back to 1986. The most recent, on June 17, was for driving while his license was revoked because of a conviction for driving under the influence. Sheriff Donny Youngblood said department investigators were getting tapes from video cameras at the store to see if the incident Sunday was recorded. He said he has purposely not researched Turner's criminal background. "I want to look at it with an open and objective mind," Youngblood said. "Having a record is a tiny piece of the puzzle, but not a significant piece." He declined to comment about the investigation directly. The department issued a release saying Nadal was treated and released at a hospital. Officials have not described the nature of his injury. Kraft is on administrative leave while sheriff's detectives investigate the shooting. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press ESPN Conversations + Add your comment The NFL on ESPN.com DREAM TEAM OF TOMORROW Symmes: You make the call Offensive ballot | Defensive ballot Blogger breakdown | Mike & Mike NFL Live analysis: Offense | Defense Sando: Lessons in NFC West, beyond HOT BUTTON: Free-agent RBs Which one is most vital to his current team? FANTASY FOOTBALL Mass: The two-quarterback conundrum Harris: Replicating Vick's success Draft kit | Mock 1.0 | Top 300 Projections | FFL signup POWER RANKINGS: Best player Graziano: QBs dominate discussion Bloggers debate | Division reaction Chadiha: These 10 stand out BEST OF NFL Barnwell: Least valuable NFL players Outsiders: Top draft steals who failed Seifert: Why Woodson a Hall of Fame lock Clayton: Where is Brady's place in history? Paolantonio: Tight squeeze in labor talks Schefter: Why A. Johnson is NFL's top WR Clayton: These teams may have cap issues Munson: Ruling raises timing questions Chadiha: Timing hurts Pryor's chances Williamson: Does Rivers have HOF stats? Schefter: Revisiting Rodgers-Favre Graziano: Why the Redskins like Beck Clayton: What Mackey meant to the game Kuharsky: Jags' Thomas a true No. 1? Joyner: What Peterson means to Cards SCOUTS INC. Can San Diego's English make switch? Scouts Eye: Ranking AFC South RBs Will Wilson's role for Cards change? BEST OF NFL WEEK: Teams Clayton: Look for longevity NFC: West | East | North | South AFC: West | East | North | South BEST OF NFL WEEK: Coaches Chadiha: Strengths, styles vary NFC: West | East | North | South AFC: West | East | North | South BEST OF NFL WEEK: Players Chadiha: These 10 really stand out NFC: West | East | North | South AFC: West | East | North | South ESPN THE MAG ULTIMATE STANDINGS Which NFL team is No. 1? Keating: Why Packers deserve kudos NFL BLOG NETWORK AFC: East | South | North | West NFC: East | South | North | West FOLLOW THE NFL ON TWITTER ESPN's NFL coverage on Twitter " MORE NFL HEADLINES MyESPN NFL MLB NBA NHL NCAA FB NCAA BB NASCAR SOCCER GOLF TENNIS BOXING MMA MORE SPORTS INSIDER SN RADIO& MORE PAGE 2& COMMENTARY FANTASY& GAMES WATCH NFL Home Scores Schedule MNF Standings Stats Teams

Vegas DA to look into Pacman's new arrest

Clark County District Attorney David Roger said that before he takes the case to a Nevada judge, he'll review police accounts of the arrest of the 27-year-old Cincinnati Bengals cornerback on resisting arrest and misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges at an Ohio bar. Jones was sentenced to one year of probation in February for his role in a 2007 Las Vegas strip club melee that left three people shot. "One of the conditions of his probation was that he stay out of trouble," Roger told The Associated Press. "We haven't seen the reports yet." Jones' lawyer in Las Vegas, Robert Langford, told AP that based on his client's account of the arrest, charges in Ohio may have to be dropped. Langford declined to provide specifics.

"Based on the facts I've heard, it will resolve in our favor," he said. The case adds to a list of off-field troubles for Jones, the 2005 first-round draft pick of the Tennessee Titans. He's been arrested at least six other times over the years, and has been involved in about a dozen situations that included police intervention. He was suspended by the league for the entire 2007 season and six games in 2008 following off-field incidents. He sat out the 2009 season before signing a two-year deal in May 2010 to play for Cincinnati. Authorities in Cincinnati reported Jones tried to pull away from police after he was accused of shouting profanities in a Cincinnati bar. Jones denied the allegations after leaving jail. He told WCPO-TV in that he hadn't been drinking and was out with his wife to celebrate her birthday. "I was not yelling at the police. I did not yell profanity at the police," he said. Jones, who was wearing a neck brace, said he had been recovering from a neck injury that required surgery but was expecting to play this year. A Bengals spokesman said the team had no comment on the most recent arrest. The team is prohibited from having contact with Jones because of the NFL lockout. Roger is the Nevada prosecutor who gained a 2008 jury conviction of Pro Football Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson in a 2007 armed robbery and kidnapping case. Simpson is now serving nine to 33 years in a Nevada prison. Roger said it could be several weeks before he receives and reviews the Cincinnati police reports on Jones' arrest and decides whether to take the case to a Clark County District Court judge. "We're in a holding pattern until then," he said. Jones pleaded no contest in December 2007 in Las Vegas to conspiracy to commit disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor, after agreeing to testify against the accused shooter in the strip club melee during NBA All-Star Weekend. Authorities had blamed Jones for instigating the fracas by showering strippers with hundreds of $1 bills. The shootings occurred minutes after Jones and his entourage were ejected from the club. A bouncer, Tommy Urbanski, was left paralyzed from the waist down. The shooter, Arvin Kenti Edwards, 32, of Renton, Wash., has pleaded an equivalent of no contest to attempted murder with a deadly weapon. He is being held at the Clark County jail pending sentencing July 21. A co-defendant with Jones, Robert Reid, 31, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor conspiracy to commit disorderly conduct. He is free pending sentencing Aug. 25. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Report: Shanahan noncommittal about McNabb

Among the issues facing the Washington Redskins once the NFL lockout is finally resolved, settling on a starting quarterback ranks high atop the list. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, speaking Friday at a Loudoin County football camp sponsored by former NFL cornerback Shawn Springs, wouldn't comment on the status of Donovan McNabb, according to a report from Comcast SportsNet Washington. "Until I get a chance to talk to Donovan and I go through the scenario with him, I really can't share it with the public," Shanahan reportedly told a 7-year-old boy who asked if McNabb would return to Washington. Shanahan went on to praise McNabb, while at the same time cautioning that his decision will concern the Redskins' best interests. "Those are the decisions that are always tough for a coach, because you have to make decisions that you feel are in the best interest of the team," Shanahan told Comcast SportsNet Washington.

"I love Donovan McNabb. ... He's one of the best guys you'll ever be around. You cannot find a better person in the world. The thing that you do when you put a football team together is you sit down and make some tough decisions, and I will sit down with him once we are able to talk."

Steelers WR Ward charged with DUI in Georgia

DECATUR, Ga. -- Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver Hines Ward was arrested early Saturday in Georgia on a drunken driving charge, sheriff's officials said. The former Super Bowl MVP and reigning "Dancing With the Stars" winner was booked into the DeKalb County jail just outside Atlanta at 3:41 a.m. ET and charged with driving under the influence. A jail official said he was released on $1,300 bond, though the sheriff's office website said his bond was set at $1,000.

The discrepancy couldn't be immediately resolved Saturday. The sheriff's office said it had turned over paperwork to the courts and couldn't release any further information about the player's arrest. Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said the team was aware of the DUI charge against Ward, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported, but added he would not comment further. It was not immediately clear if Ward had an attorney. Ward's marketing agent and attorney, Andrew Ree, released a statement Saturday afternoon. "(Ward) cooperated fully with the police and truthfully answered all of their questions ... From our preliminary investigation we can tell you that we are confident that the facts will show that Hines was NOT impaired by alcohol while driving," the statement read. "However, Hines is deeply saddened by this incident and apologizes to his fans and the Steelers organization for this distraction." Since being drafted in the third round out of Georgia in 1998, the 35-year-old Ward has been a four-time Pro Bowl selection and won two Super Bowls. Dancing with professional partner Kym Johnson, Ward in May became the second professional football player to win the "Dancing" crown after Emmitt Smith won in 2006. He beat actresses Kirstie Alley and Chelsea Kane to become the Season 12 champion of the TV celebrity dance competition. Coincidentally, Ward had made mention on Facebook of his habit of texting while driving, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Saturday. "How many of you guys and gals text while driving?" Ward asked on Facebook. "I am bad at doing that. It's very unsafe. Help remind me from time to time to stop texting, tweeting, or facebook while driving. Let's help each other!" Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

N.Y. attorney general investigating NFL lockout

ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York's attorney general has started an antitrust investigation into the NFL lockout, requesting information from both the league and the players' association about the economic impact of pro football's labor impasse. Football Today "While we are hopeful that the NFL and its players will reach an agreement to end the ongoing lockout in the near future, this office will take all appropriate steps to protect New Yorkers, many of whom rely on the significant economic activity generated by the NFL," Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said Thursday. Assistant Attorney General Richard Schwartz wrote this week to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, saying the lockout will "inflict significant economic injuries statewide," starting with losses of upstate training camps, and the AG's office is obliged to investigate whether it is lawful. "In particular, we are deeply troubled by the possible antitrust implications of the NFL's conduct under the New York State Donnelly Act, as well as certain contractual violations it may have prompted," Schwartz wrote.

Besides revenue, employment and contract information, he also requested within 10 days all NFL documents since 2008 concerning: the question of whether to lock out players or suspend play; the actual lockout that began March 12; and, the decertification of the NFL Players Association as the players' union representative in contract talks. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is examining the letter with its attorneys and will respond. The fundamental antitrust issue is whether the 32 football teams acted as an illegal cartel since there's no place else for the players to go. Under New York law, the attorney general can seek triple any damages, estimated at millions of dollars to players and businesses in New York like hotels, restaurants and merchants. Player representatives and team owners were meeting in New York on Thursday in hopes of resolving the lockout. While the New York Jets and New York Giants play their games in New Jersey, their summer training camps are typically held upstate in Cortland and Albany, respectively, drawing thousands of fans. The Buffalo Bills' summer camp is in Rochester, their games in suburban Buffalo. Schwartz noted that the Jets have already canceled their camp at the state college in Cortland. That alone generates an estimated $4.5 million in business activity yearly, according to the attorney general's office. From the NFL Players Association, Schwartz requested the names of all team members living in New York. Players filed a federal antitrust suit against the league in Minneapolis soon after the lockout began. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Hall of Fame tight end, Colts great Mackey dies

Mackey played 10 seasons for the Baltimore Colts and San Diego Chargers, catching 331 passes for 5,236 yards and 38 touchdowns. As president of the NFL Players Association after the AFL-NFL merger, he fought to improve players' pension benefits and access to free agency. Enshrined in 1992, Mackey was the second player elected to the Hall of Fame as a tight end. He played in five Pro Bowls and was named All-NFL at his position three times. In a statement posted by NFL spokesman Greg Aiello on Twitter, commissioner Roger Goodell called Mackey "one of the great leaders in NFL history, on and off the field." "He was a Hall of Fame player who redefined the tight end position.

He was a courageous advocate for his fellow NFL players as head of the NFL Players Association," Goodell said. "He worked closely with our office on many issues through the years, including serving as the first president of the NFL Youth Football Fund. He never stopped fighting the good fight. Our thoughts are with Sylvia and the Mackey family on the loss of our good friend." In a pair of Twitter entries, current NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith paid tribute to Mackey. "John Mackey has inspired me and will continue to inspire our players. He will be missed but never forgotten" reads a post on Smith's Twitter page. A previous post reads: "John Mackey is still a leader. As President of the NFLPA he led the fight for fairness with brilliance and ferocious drive." [+] Enlarge AP PhotoJohn Mackey, seen in 1970, helped redefine the tight end position with a mix of strength and speed. He suffered from frontotemporal dementia in later years that is believed to have been caused by the contact associated with playing football. Four years ago, the dementia forced Mackey into living in an assisted-living facility. But the cost of his care well exceeded his pension of less than $2,500 a month. His plight eventually led the NFL and the players' union to establish the "88 Plan" -- named for his uniform number -- providing for nursing home care and adult day care for retired players suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease. In 2010, Sylvia Mackey pledged to donate her husband's brain upon his death to a Boston University School of Medicine study of brain damage in athletes. The university's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy is researching potential links between repeated concussions and CTE, a condition which mirrors symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. As the first president of the post-merger players' union, Mackey started fighting for improved salaries and benefits for players. In July 1970, he organized a players' strike that resulted in an additional $11 million in pensions and benefits, according to The Baltimore Sun. Mackey also filed and won an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL which eliminated the so-called "Rozelle Rule," named for then-commissioner Pete Rozelle, which mandated equal compensation for teams that lost free agents and had the effect of limiting free-agent signings. The ruling set the stage for the players' union to eventually achieve full free agency. "We were a fractured group until John began putting permanence in [the union's] day-to-day operations," said teammate and former union president Ordell Braase, according to The Sun. "He had a vision for that job, which was more than just putting in time and keeping the natives calm. You don't get anything unless you really rattle the cage." Mike and Mike in the Morning ESPN NFL reporter Sal Paolantonio says the death of John Mackey is a reminder for the players of what they are fighting for. Paolantonio also talks about the current state of the lockout. More Podcasts " Drafted in 1963 from Syracuse, Mackey, at 6-foot-2 and 224 pounds, helped revolutionize the position of tight end by bringing the added dimension of speed, forcing defenses to account for him not only as a blocker but as a breakaway threat. "Previous to John, tight ends were big strong guys like [Mike] Ditka and [Ron] Kramer who would block and catch short passes over the middle," former Colts coach and fellow Hall of Famer Don Shula said, according to The Sun. "Mackey gave us a tight end who weighed 230, ran a 4.6 and could catch the bomb. It was a weapon other teams didn't have." If Mackey did not run past defenders, he ran through them. "Defensive backs fell off of him like gnats," said Baltimore Colts teammate Jerry Hill, according to The Sun. "John didn't have a fluid gait -- he looked like a plowhorse -- but you didn't want to touch him for fear of getting caught up in the wheels." "Sometimes you had a sense that, given the option, John would rather run over you than outrun you," added former Colts teammate Bob Vogel, according to The Sun. In 1966, six of Mackey's nine touchdown receptions came on plays of 50 yards or more. His speed led the Colts to use him as a kick returner in his rookie season. " Previous to John, tight ends were big strong guys ... who would block and catch short passes over the middle. Mackey gave us a tight end who weighed 230, ran a 4.6 and could catch the bomb. It was a weapon other teams didn't have. " -- Hall of Fame coach Don Shula He caught 35 passes for 726 yards and a career high 20.7-yard average as a rookie in 1963, when he was selected to the Pro Bowl. Mackey also played a crucial role in the Colts winning Super Bowl V in 1971. His catch of a Johnny Unitas pass that had been deflected by two other players -- Colts receiver Eddie Hinton and Dallas Cowboys defender Mel Renfro -- went for 75 yards and a touchdown. The Colts won 16-13 on Jim O'Brien's 32-yard field goal with 5 seconds left. Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and general manager Ozzie Newsome also offered their condolences on Mackey's passing. "I was fortunate to get to know John and Sylvia personally, and I was struck by her love and loyalty throughout the difficult times of his illness," Bisciotti said. "John set the standard by which tight ends are measured on the field, and he will be sorely missed not only by his family, but also by the entire Baltimore community. " "John revolutionized the tight end position during his Hall of Fame career, and he laid the foundation on and off the field for modern NFL players," Newsome added. Syracuse named Mackey, who played for the Orange from 1960-62, to its all-century team in 1999 and retired his No. 88 in 2007. His legacy is remembered yearly when the John Mackey Award is bestowed upon the player deemed college football's best tight end. ESPN national correspondent Sal Paolantonio and The Associated Press contributed to this report. ESPN Conversations + Add your comment The NFL on ESPN.com HOT BUTTON: Comeback choice Plaxico or Tiki: Who's the better option? FANTASY FOOTBALL Mass: The two-quarterback conundrum Harris: Replicating Vick's success Draft kit | Mock 1.0 | Top 300 Projections | FFL signup POWER RANKINGS: Best player Graziano: QBs dominate discussion Bloggers debate | Division reaction Chadiha: These 10 stand out BEST OF NFL Graziano: Why the Redskins like Beck Clayton: What Mackey meant to the game Kuharsky: Jags' Thomas a true No. 1? 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BEST OF NFL WEEK: Teams Clayton: Look for longevity NFC: West | East | North | South AFC: West | East | North | South BEST OF NFL WEEK: Coaches Chadiha: Strengths, styles vary NFC: West | East | North | South AFC: West | East | North | South BEST OF NFL WEEK: Players Chadiha: These 10 really stand out NFC: West | East | North | South AFC: West | East | North | South ESPN THE MAG ULTIMATE STANDINGS Which NFL team is No. 1? Keating: Why Packers deserve kudos NFL BLOG NETWORK AFC: East | South | North | West NFC: East | South | North | West FOLLOW THE NFL ON TWITTER ESPN's NFL coverage on Twitter " ALSO SEE MORE NFL HEADLINES MyESPN NFL MLB NBA NHL NCAA FB NCAA BB NASCAR SOCCER GOLF TENNIS BOXING MMA MORE SPORTS INSIDER SN RADIO& MORE PAGE 2& COMMENTARY FANTASY& GAMES WATCH NFL Home Scores Schedule MNF Standings Stats Teams

NFL talks wrap for day; pressure mounting

Mike and Mike in the Morning ESPN NFL reporter Sal Paolantonio explains the steps that have to be taken before the lockout is lifted in the NFL. More Podcasts " Putting more pressure on the negotiators, U.S. District Judge Arthur Boylan, the mediator in the talks, is scheduled to go on vacation Saturday, sources said. But both sides are committed to stay in New York this weekend to try to finish the deal. The sides did not get together on weekends during negotiations the past month.

On Wednesday, lawyers negotiated details for free agency and training camps once the NFL is re-opened for business. The players have so far rejected any deal that allows teams to have a right of first refusal on offers for up to three of their own free agents. One agent said: "That punishes the top guys." Also, teams would be allowed to bring in 80 to 90 players to training camp to allow for injuries and rust because of the lockout, which reached its 113th day Wednesday. On Thursday, commissioner Roger Goodell, NFLPA leader DeMaurice Smith, owners and players are expected to join the talks to finalize the details of a new revenue split, which is getting closer to agreement. Time is gradually becoming a factor in the discussions. Training camps for the St. Louis Rams and Chicago Bears are scheduled to open July 22, and those teams are scheduled to play in the Hall of Fame Game Aug. 7. The rest of the training camps would open about a week later, with a full slate of preseason games set for the second weekend in August. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is still on track to hold the game, hall president Steve Perry told ESPN on Tuesday. "We're making all plans to have the game on time. We've heard from both parties -- the owners and the players -- and they've expressed their desire to have the game. So, that's our plan," Perry said. Sal Paolantonio is a national correspondent for ESPN. Chris Mortensen is ESPN's senior NFL analyst. John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.