NFL changes personal conduct policy
NFL owners approved changes to the personal conduct policy Wednesday, but Commissioner Roger Goodell will retain authority to rule on appeals.
A special counsel for investigations and conduct will oversee initial discipline, Goodell said. The commissioner also may appoint a panel of independent experts to participate in deciding an appeal.
The players’ union has sought negotiations with the NFL on any revamping of the policy, and said Tuesday it would “reserve the right to take any and all actions” should the owners act unilaterally. The union could consider Wednesday’s vote by the owners as a violation of the collective bargaining agreement reached in 2011 to end the lockout of the players.
Newton released from hospital: Cam Newton has been discharged from the hospital following a two-car crash that left the quarterback with two fractures in his lower back, team officials said.
Panthers spokesman Charlie Dayton said Wednesday that Newton was thankful for the care he received and is stiff and sore, but otherwise “his spirits were high.” Newton left the hospital with his family and will stay with them while recuperating. He will not be at the team’s facility Wednesday.
It remains unclear when Newton will return to action.
“That will be determined really on a day-to-day basis and we’ll see how fast the soreness goes away,” Dayton said. “He’ll start the recuperation process today.”
Browns expect Manziel magic: Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is going to send in a play from the sideline and then hold his breath.
There’s no telling what Johnny Manziel might do with it.
Manziel will make his first career start on Sunday against Cincinnati, and like almost everyone, Shanahan is bracing himself for what could be an action-packed afternoon. Manziel’s cockiness and confidence made him a star at Texas A&M, where the rookie quarterback built his brand on turning broken plays into touchdowns.
Redskins expect McCoy to start: Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden anticipates Colt McCoy will be sufficiently recovered from a neck injury in time to start Sunday against the New York Giants, adding that McCoy is “in the lead” above Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins despite coming off a subpar performance.
McCoy was officially listed as limited in practice Thursday and will need to receive a final medical clearance on Friday, but Gruden believes McCoy will get the go-ahead from the doctor.
“It’s pretty positive right now. … He looked fine today,” Gruden said.
Marrone sticking with Orton: So long as it’s his call, Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone says he’s sticking with quarterback Kyle Orton as his starter for the remainder of the season.
What has suddenly become unclear is whether that decision rests solely with Marrone.
The second-year coach raised questions after practice Wednesday as to whether he has the last say on determining his starting lineup.