NFL Capsules - League and Player News: Jets owner not optimistic about Revis deal
CORTLAND, N.Y. (AP) — It appears Darrelle Revis won't be joining his teammates anytime soon.
The New York Jets rejected the latest offer proposed by the All-Pro cornerback's agents, and owner Woody Johnson is not optimistic a deal can get done before the regular season.
"The answer's no," Johnson said tersely Monday, a few hours after agent Neil Schwartz told The Associated Press he was awaiting a response from the Jets.
Schwartz and partner Jonathan Feinsod met with general manager Mike Tannenbaum and director of football administration Ari Nissim at a diner last Friday. They offered a long-term contact proposal for Johnson to review to try to make some headway in the dispute.
"Fundamentally, there really wasn't any change," Tannenbaum said, "and right now, we can't find something that makes sense for both sides, so we really don't have any progress."
Revis has missed nine days, including Monday, since the team reported for training camp at SUNY Cortland. He is scheduled to make $1 million in the fourth year of his six-year rookie deal, but wants to become the league's highest-paid cornerback.
A clearly irritated Johnson sounded less optimistic than he did a week ago, when he last commented on the negotiations.
"Well, I think based on the meeting we had last Friday, that Mike had, that's the conclusion," Johnson said. "And, you know, that's my feeling right at this moment."
Tannenbaum added that both sides had a "pretty good sense" of where the negotiations stood after their three-hour meeting at Roscoe's Diner, located about two hours southeast of the team's training camp site.
Revis is seeking a deal higher than the three-year, $45.3 million extension Oakland's Nnamdi Asomugha signed last offseason. The All-Pro cornerback has not commented publicly since minicamp in June.
"The problem in this situation is we have a very fundamental difference of opinion on what the compensation should be," Tannenbaum said. "When we will talk next, that's hard to say."
Schwartz said the HBO and NFL Films crew from "Hard Knocks," which is filming the Jets during training camp, asked to attend the meeting. Schwartz and Feinsod declined.
Jets coach Rex Ryan said he hadn't heard anything new between practices Monday, and insisted the team needs to press ahead without Revis.
"We're coaching this group," Ryan said. "That's all we can focus on right now is getting this team ready. We've got to prepare like he's not going to be here. And, if he comes walking through the door, that's fine. Somebody will kiss him on the lips, probably. It doesn't matter. We're getting this team ready."
Revis is being fined $16,523 for each day he misses, meaning he is already out $148,707. By sitting out, he also waived a clause in his contract which would have guaranteed him $20 million over the last two years of his deal.
The next big day in the holdout is Tuesday, when — by rule — he wouldn't get credit for this year as an accrued season toward free agency. However, it is believed that won't have much bearing on Revis' decision.
The possibility that it could be a long holdout isn't out of the question. Revis' uncle, former NFL defensive lineman Sean Gilbert, sat out the entire 1997 season in a contract dispute. Gilbert, whom Revis confides in, ended up getting traded from Washington to Carolina and got the big payday he sought.
"When there is an appropriate deal to be made, I have absolutely no idea," Tannenbaum said. "Do I hope it was a month ago? Sure. But, until there's a deal that makes sense for both sides, he's not here and there's nothing we can do about it."
Patriots sign G Stapleton, CB Willingham
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots have signed guard Darnell Stapleton and DeAngelo Willingham and released defensive lineman Adrian Grady and wide receiver Buddy Farnham.
Left guard Logan Mankins is out of camp in a contract dispute and Nick Kaczur, who moved from right tackle to replace Mankins, is sidelined with a back injury. Stapleton started 12 games at right guard for Pittsburgh in 2008 then spent last season on injured reserve with the Steelers.
Willingham was on the practice squads of New England and Seattle last year then spent part of the offseason with Cincinnati.
Farnham was a rookie free agent from Brown. Grady was on the practice squads of New England and St. Louis last season.
Panthers bolster line, sign OL Capizzi, Crummey
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have brought in two offensive linemen after the third-team line struggled in a scrimmage over the weekend.
The Panthers signed tackle Jason Capizzi and claimed guard Andrew Crummey off waivers from Jacksonville on Monday. The Panthers waived undrafted rookies Noah Franklin and Kurtis Gregory.
The 6-foot-9, 330-pound Capizzi has bounced around several teams and practice squads over the past few seasons. He was waived by Cleveland in June.
The 6-5, 300-pound Crummey was let go by the Jaguars on Sunday. He's also briefly spent time with Washington and Cincinnati.
The Panthers were looking to add veteran depth on the line before Thursday's preseason opener at Baltimore after protection problems in Saturday's scrimmage.
Bears sign DT Williams
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears have signed defensive tackle Mick Williams to a two-year contract and waived/injured defensive tackle Averell Spicer.
The 2009 Big East co-Defensive Player of the Year for Pittsburgh, Williams was an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets.
He had five sacks, 17 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles in 13 games as a senior.
Injuries
Harvin still absent, Vikings unsure when he's back
MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings are still missing wide receiver Percy Harvin, and the coaching staff is unsure when he'll return.
Harvin was absent again on Monday, eight days after the death of his grandmother. He has missed 15 straight practices, but coach Brad Childress declined to express concern about the length of his leave.
"The thing that I've learned is that everybody grieves differently. That's just the facts. You've got to be able to respect that and appreciate that," said Childress, who three years ago fined wide receiver Troy Williamson for an extended absence following his grandmother's death before having a change of heart and returning the money.
Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said Harvin is "dealing with some personal issues," but neither he nor Childress offered any more insight. Harvin has struggled with migraine headaches throughout his life, and stress can be a trigger.
Asked about concern about Harvin's conditioning, both Childress and Bevell praised his work ethic.
"He is a highly conditioned athlete. How long it will take him to get up to speed, I don't know, but his legs will come to him. He'll be all right," Childress said.
The Vikings have been notably short-handed during training camp so far, with Harvin, wide receiver Sidney Rice (hip) and the infamously indecisive quarterback Brett Favre highlighting the list of absentees.
"We'd like to have them all out here, but we don't," Bevell said, "so we're working those other guys and giving them as many reps as we can."
As for the star of missing stars, Childress said he text-messaged Favre in the morning but gained no new insight about his status. Childress also said he didn't know when Favre will see Dr. James Andrews about his surgically repaired left ankle.
Kicker Ryan Longwell insisted his friend Favre remains torn about his decision to play or not.
"Deep down I think he really wants to play, loves the guys, loves the locker room," Longwell said. "But if you can't play and give it your all like you're used to playing with injuries and stuff, then that kind of leaves you in a bind."
As for a timetable for his decision?
"He wanted to a week or so ago, but unfortunately the injury just hasn't allowed that," Longwell said. "I think he'd like to do it sooner than later, but at that same time wait as long as he can and see if he gets any more action out of the ankle and see if he gets a little better."
Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe didn't practice again due to an injury that Childress called a strain, without specifying the muscle. Right guard Anthony Herrera was also not participating because of back spasms. Even long snapper Cullen Loeffler was missing on Monday, resulting in a couple of poor snaps by his replacements during special teams drills.
The good news for the Vikings was that center John Sullivan was back in action after missing last week because of a right calf injury and running back Adrian Peterson continued to increase his work after missing time because of tightness in his left hamstring.
"It's just great to see him out here getting those turns. He looks fresh-legged," Childress said.
-- Dave Campbell
Chargers hit by injuries at left tackle
SAN DIEGO (AP) — An injury plague has struck San Diego Chargers left tackles.
Presumptive starter Brandyn Dombrowski missed his second straight practice on Monday, the same day it was announced that current backup Nick Richmond will have arthroscopic knee surgery and will be out two weeks. Veteran tackle Tra Thomas is out another week after having the same procedure last week.
That left guard Tyronne Green to work with the first team at left tackle, a position he first assumed on Saturday.
Left tackle Marcus McNeill is holding out in a contract spat.
"We've got some nagging injuries there, but it's funny how things like that happen and it ends up making you better," coach Norv Turner said. "Tyronne Green has moved over there, and it might be his most natural position. What you find out is that you have guys who, throughout the course of the season, can contribute in a number of different spots."
Receiver Legedu Naanee was pulled from Monday morning's practice with a groin injury that sidelined him last week. Guard Scott Mruczkowski re-aggravated an ankle injury that kept him out last week as well.
Outside linebacker Larry English (foot), safety Darrell Stuckey (groin), receiver Buster Davis (hamstring) and linebacker Brandon Siler (ankle) also missed practice.
NOTES: The Chargers signed offensive lineman Cameron Stephenson, who last played in the NFL for the Jacksonville Jaguars. ... San Diego waived receiver Ernest Smith and offensive lineman Corey Clark chose to leave the team.
Bills WR Huggins out with shoulder injury
PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills backup receiver Felton Huggins is out indefinitely after hurting his left shoulder in practice on Monday.
Without providing much detail, coach Chan Gailey would only say that Huggins was "hurt pretty bad," and didn't rule out the possibility of the player having surgery. Huggins, competing for a backup spot, was hurt when he landed hard while making a diving catch in the first of Buffalo's two practices on Monday.
Fullback Corey McIntyre also left the first practice after hurting his lower right leg while blocking on a run play. Gailey referred to the injury as minor. McIntyre had his right ankle wrapped while riding a stationary bike, watching the team's evening practice.
Gailey also revealed that receiver Marcus Easley, a rookie fourth-round draft pick, was getting a second opinion to determine the severity of a knee injury that's kept him out for a week. Easley was hurt when he landed awkwardly on his knee during practice last week.
On the bright side, injured veteran linebackers Paul Posluszny, who is coming off groin surgery, and Keith Ellison practiced for the first time since training camp opened July 29. Both were limited to taking part in non-contact drills.
Gailey said Ellison has a better chance than Posluszny to play in Buffalo's preseason-opener at Washington on Friday.
Right tackle Cornell Green did not practice after hurting his right leg Saturday.
Browns' Zastudil facing uncertain return
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Browns punter Dave Zastudil will miss more training camp when he returns from Colorado after getting his right knee examined.
Zastudil had been expected to return to the Browns by now, but coach Eric Mangini said "plans changed" and the eight-year veteran will not be back until Wednesday. Mangini said Zastudil did not undergo another procedure on his knee. He had surgery on a torn patellar tendon late last season.
Mangini did not say Monday when he expected Zastudil to be back on the field.
The 31-year-old missed Cleveland's final eight games last season. Reggie Hodges, who replaced Zastudil last season, has been punting during camp.
Zastudil signed with the Browns as a free agent in 2006 after spending four years with Baltimore.
Balmer misses practice for personal reasons
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Former first-round draft pick Kentwan Balmer missed Monday's practice with the San Francisco 49ers for what coach Mike Singletary called "personal reasons."
Singletary said he expects Balmer, a defensive lineman who finished last season on injured reserve with a hurt shoulder, to return to the team soon. Singletary would not elaborate on the reason for Balmer's absence.
Balmer has been a disappointment to the 49ers since they selected him with the No. 29 overall pick of the 2008 draft. Entering his third NFL season, Balmer has yet to start a game and has 40 career tackles with no sacks.
Other NFL News
Keith Butler is Steelers' coordinator-in-waiting
LATROBE, Pa. (AP) — Loyalty often vanishes in pro sports the first time a substantial contract is offered. Keith Butler proves it still exists in the NFL.
Butler, the Pittsburgh Steelers' linebackers coach since 2003, was offered the job as the Miami Dolphins' defensive coordinator in January. Many NFL assistants would jump at such a promotion, not knowing if they would get another such opportunity. Butler turned it down for multiple reasons.
He didn't like the thought of coaching the 3-4 defense without linebackers like those in Pittsburgh. He wanted to keep working for coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. He felt the Steelers were better equipped to win a Super Bowl.
There also were concerns about being employed by a new ownership group in Miami that included several entertainers who own small shares, as opposed to the stability of working for the Rooney family in Pittsburgh.
So Butler chose to stay with Pittsburgh, for less money and with no guarantee he would someday succeed the 72-year-old LeBeau, one of pro football's top defensive minds.
"Everybody wants to go to the top, everybody wants to be a head coach, everybody wants to be a defensive coordinator. And I'm no different," Butler said Monday. "In my mind, Dick LeBeau should retire when Dick LeBeau wants to retire. I'm in no hurry to be selfish and jump in front of him. I want that guy to coach as long as he wants to coach because he deserves it."
As for what happens when LeBeau retires, Butler doesn't know — though he would appear to be the obvious choice to succeed him.
"You never take anything for granted in this business," he said. "That's not a decision that's up to me. That's up to Mike Tomlin and Dick LeBeau and I'm not going to push it."
Butler, 54, has worked with LeBeau under both Bill Cowher and Tomlin in Pittsburgh, and he didn't want to be coaching in Miami when LeBeau was inducted into the Hall of Fame. About a month after Butler turned down the Dolphins, LeBeau was elected.
"That meant a lot to me, to be there when he got into the Hall of Fame," said Butler, who attended the Saturday night ceremonies in Canton, Ohio, along with the Steelers players and staff.
While Butler once coached with Dolphins coach Tony Sparano in Cleveland, he especially values working for Tomlin. The Steelers coach was a graduate assistant at Memphis when Butler was the linebackers coach and later was the secondary coach at Arkansas State when Butler was the defensive coordinator.
"I've worked with Mike Tomlin for a long time and Mike is the best guy I've ever worked for," Butler said. "I know what he thinks and he knows what I think. He knows what my philosophy is in terms of trying to stop people. (Staying in Pittsburgh) meant more about who I'm working for and who I'm working with."
LeBeau was away from the Steelers for three-plus days for the various Hall of Fame events, the first practices he can remember missing in 52 years as an NFL player and coach. According to the Steelers players, Butler ran the defense during his absence, though Butler denied that.
Inside linebacker Larry Foote said there's plenty of evidence to the contrary, citing Butler's booming voice that can be heard simultaneously on all four Steelers practice fields.
"He's normally arguing and fighting with the offensive coaches, but when you're the defensive coordinator, you let your assistants do that," Foote said. "So (we told him to) keep working on it."
A former Seattle Seahawks linebacker who ranks second in club history in career tackles, Butler has coached some of the NFL's best linebackers while in Pittsburgh, including James Harrison, Joey Porter, James Farrior and LaMarr Woodley.
This season, he's helping to break in several new linebackers: Jason Worilds, a second-round pick who's been hampered by a hamstring injury during training camp; Thaddeus Gibson, a fourth-round pick from Ohio State; and Stevenson Sylvester, a fifth-rounder from Utah who was the best of the rookies during the first week of camp.
Butler welcomes the challenge of blending new talent into a defense that ranked No. 5 last season yet was a disappointment as the Steelers missed the playoffs with a 9-7 record, a year after winning their second Super Bowl in four seasons.
"The stuff he does with linebackers, not too many coaches in the league (do that)," Foote said. "He's going to be a good coordinator in this league, a head coach, too."
Then, mimicking Butler's loud voice, Foote repeated it.
"A head coach, too," Foote said.
-- Alan Robinson
Tony Dungy: Michael Vick is on straight path
ATLANTA (AP) — Tony Dungy believes in mentoring and says it puts people on the right path — including his most famous pupil, Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick.
On a national tour to promote his new book on mentoring, Dungy told The Associated Press on Monday that Vick still has a lot to learn about his image.
Dungy says even if Vick isn't doing something illegal, he still can better decisions to stay out of harm's way.
Vick hosted a birthday party that ended with a shooting June 25 in Virginia Beach, Va.
"The first thing people have to realize is that probation officers detail everything, and if he is off track even a little, they're going to come down," Dungy said. "They reviewed the situation that went on and moved forward. The NFL did and moved forward. Michael would like to have all the negative publicity back, but it really wasn't the type of thing that people have blown it into. But that's the lesson for him."
Vick is on probation after serving an 18-month federal prison sentence that ended in May 2009 for dogfighting.
According to police in Virginia Beach, Vick was not present when a person was shot. Vick's attorney, Larry Woodward, identified the victim as Quanis Phillips, a co-defendant in the dogfighting ring.
"Tony Dungy can go somewhere and if something happens, I'm not going to get singled out," Dungy said. "Michael Vick goes some place and the same thing happens, and you're the center of attention. You're the focus. Now is it fair? Who knows?
"But that's the bed you've made and you've got to sleep in it and be prepared for that. That's the lesson he's learned."
Dungy shares life lessons in his new book, The Mentor Leader. It went on sale last week, and Dungy spoke at the national offices of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in midtown Atlanta. He will also make stops during the promotional tour this week in Central and South Florida.
Dungy writes at length about his work with Vick.
"Whether Michael manages to regain the status he once had in the league is not nearly as important as the kind of man he becomes," Dungy said. That's what I wrote about him in the book."
During Vick's imprisonment in Leavenworth Kan., Dungy visited with the former Atlanta Falcons star. Since Vick's release in May 2009, Dungy has stayed in contact with him regularly and talks occasionally with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Eagles coach Andy Reid to ensure Vick is making good decisions off the field.
"He didn't do anything other than maybe put himself in a place where he shouldn't have been," Dungy said. "But people will look at that one incident and forget about the other 364 days and a lot of the good things that have gone on."
Vick is Philadelphia's No. 2 quarterback behind starter Kevin Kolb. Last week at Eagles training camp, Goodell met with Vick — who does not face any disciplinary actions from the NFL as a result of the birthday bash shooting.
Dungy coached the Indianapolis Colts to the 2006 Super Bowl title.
-- George Henry
Mangini cautions Browns about social networking
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The only loud tweets Browns coach Eric Mangini wants to hear about are the ones coming out of his whistle.
Mangini talked to Cleveland's players on Monday about the pitfalls of social media sites after Browns cornerback Brandon McDonald recently posted a vulgar message directed at Cincinnati wide receiver Terrell Owens on his Twitter account.
McDonald posted his trash-talking tweet shortly after Owens signed with the Bengals. He said he regrets sending it on the site, which has become popular with pro athletes.
"It started out as a joke and it escalated to what it is now," McDonald said. "I really didn't mean anything by it. It was a bad decision on my part to put that up. One of the things I don't want to do is cause a distraction to this team. The way it's being taken is not how it was meant. I didn't mean to disrespect anyone or cause a distraction to this team. That's the last thing I wanted to do right now."
McDonald's posting to Owens has been removed from his Twitter page.
Owens was asked if he knew about McDonald's message on Sunday before the Bengals played the Dallas Cowboys in the Hall of Fame game.
"Who?" Owens said. "I don't even know who he is. Ronald McDonald?"
McDonald said he only knows Owens "on the field. I don't know him personally."
The Browns will host the Bengals on Oct. 3 and visit Cincinnati on Dec. 19.
Mangini will not ask his players to discontinue using sites like Twitter, Facebook or YouTube. Boise State coach Chris Petersen has banned players from posting on Twitter for the duration of the season so as not to cause a distraction in the Broncos' national title chase.
Mangini appreciates how the social networking sites can be valuable communication pipelines between players, teams and fans. However, he cautioned his players to watch what they say, to represent the organization in a professional manner, and make sure they think twice before striking the "send" key.
"With social media, it's a great way to connect to the fans," Mangini said. "They (players) have a responsibility to do that in a way that represents the organization in the right way and that's their responsibility and they are accountable for it.
"If they don't do it, there are consequences to those actions."
Mangini said McDonald likely will be disciplined.
The Browns have at least 17 players who frequently use Twitter, none more so than Pro Bowl return specialist Josh Cribbs, who keeps his more than 33,000 followers updated with daily observations and his whereabouts off the field.
Cribbs understands the hazards of words being taken out of context.
"I have fun with it. It's a social tool," Cribbs said. "A lot of it is a joke. You joke around with a lot of guys. It's hard to understand texts, that's why you have to really be careful because guys will take it out of context. They won't know one guy is kidding while another guy is serious."
Cribbs said there was no misunderstanding Mangini's talk.
"I always take Coach's messages serious," he said. "When he talks, we listen. We take heed and we change our situation. We change everything about us to fit what Coach is talking about whenever he talks."
Not all the players ceded Mangini's warning.
Rookie cornerback Joe Haden tweeted after practice that Mangini fined a player during a meeting simply because his cell phone rang.
"These fines ain't no joke!" Haden wrote. "Somebody phone alarm went off in the meeting and all Coach Mangini said was that will b $1760!"
Haden may be next in line for punishment from Mangini.
McDonald did not practice Monday but received treatment on an ankle he said felt "weird." He has no plans to curtail his busy tweeting, but will be more careful with what he posts.
"There definitely won't be anything up like that again, but I tweet often," he said.
Mangini joked that he has no plans to join Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and Lions coach Jim Schwartz and open his own Twitter account. It would be pretty boring, he figures.
"In my office," Mangini said, pretending to send a message. "In my office. At practice. In my office. In bed. It wouldn't be very interesting. He's as boring as he seems."
-- Tom Withers
Browns DB Gerard Lawson charged with DUI
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Cleveland Browns defensive back Gerard Lawson returned to practice Monday, one day after he was arrested on charges that include driving under the influence.
Lawson was arrested Sunday morning after sheriff's deputies said he hit a parked car downtown and they saw him leaving the accident scene in the popular downtown Warehouse District. He posted $250 of his $2,500 bond on Sunday and was released from jail. No injuries were reported.
Browns coach Eric Mangini met with Lawson and said they had a "good conversation." Mangini did not say if Lawson apologized.
"I told him I was disappointed in him putting himself in that position," Mangini said. "The value in this and in any experience is what you can learn from it to make sure this type of thing doesn't happen again — not just him, but anybody in our group."
Lawson was arraigned on Monday in Cleveland Municipal Court, where he pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence, physical control of a vehicle, hit-skip and not wearing a seatbelt. Court spokesman Ed Ferenc said Lawson's attorney asked for a jury trial.
He will appear in court again on Aug. 17. Lawson's car has been impounded, Ferenc said. The court did not have contact information for Lawson's attorney.
Lawson signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played in five games last season.
On Saturday, Lawson played in the team's scrimmage at Browns Stadium and returned two kickoffs.
-- Tom Withers
Colts DL Gill likely benched after arrest
ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) — Indianapolis Colts reserve defensive lineman John Gill isn't expected to play for the team this season after a public intoxication arrest over the weekend.
Team president Bill Polian said Monday that he expects the NFL to place Gill in a roster category that would keep him inactive this season.
Gill was arrested early Sunday after Indianapolis police found him passed out in a ditch. A police report said Gill tried to stand but kept falling over.
The 23-year-old Gill was released from jail after the charge was dropped. The Marion County prosecutor's office said Monday it reviewed the details of the arrest and determined that charges weren't warranted.
Gill played in two games as a rookie with the Colts last season.
Jets extend deal for special teams coach Westhoff
CORTLAND, N.Y. (AP) — The New York Jets have extended the contract of special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff through next season.
Westhoff said Monday he'll likely retire after next season, but added he doesn't think that far ahead. The 62-year-old coach has been with the organization since 2001 and has been regarded as one of the top special teams coaches in the league for years.
He has had several operations on his left leg because of bone cancer and stepped down after the 2007 season. After having his femur replaced in February 2008, Westhoff returned to the team later that year and says he feels great.
Westhoff is walking without a cane in camp and can be seen riding a bike around the SUNY Cortland campus after practices.
Colts wear throwback blue helmets at practice
ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts blue helmets for the first time in more than 50 years during Monday's training camp session.
The Colts will wear throwback uniforms from the 1955 season for their preseason opener Sunday against San Francisco, so they used the morning session to start breaking the helmets in. They feature one horseshoe on each side of the back and a white line down the center. Several players gave the look favorable reviews.
Sunday's game pants are white with a single blue line down the side, and the white jerseys have three blue stripes on the sleeves.
The Colts last wore throwback uniforms on Thanksgiving Day 2004, but those paid tribute to the 1956 team, which wore white helmets. The Colts beat Detroit 41-9 in that game.
League News
NFL changes fines process for on-field violations
NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL is modifying how it handles fines for on-field infractions to speed up the appeals process.
The league and NFL Players Association announced Monday that they had agreed on the changes, which stemmed from a conversation between commissioner Roger Goodell and union executive director DeMaurice Smith at the scouting combine in Indianapolis in February.
They've added a second appeals officer, with longtime defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell joining Art Shell. And now in certain situations players won't have to pay fines until the appeals process plays out.
Any fines for on-field violations through the 13th week of the season will not be collected in advance if the player appeals within 20 days and makes himself available for a hearing within 10 days of filing the appeal.
Fines for on-field violations starting in the 14th week will be collected in full when the fine is issued.
The changes will take effect this season.
Dave Matthews, Swift to play NFL kickoff concert
NEW YORK (AP) — Dave Matthews Band and Taylor Swift will perform in New Orleans at the NFL's annual kickoff concert.
The league said Monday the Grammy-winning artists will hold the show in Jackson Square, before the Super Bowl champion Saints face the Minnesota Vikings at the Superdome to open the season Sept. 9.
The concert will air on NBC and NFL Network as part of the pregame show.
