PHILADELPHIA — Running back Brian Westbrook was released Tuesday by the Philadelphia Eagles, ending an often-dynamic eight-year run that was marred by various injuries.
A former all-pro, Westbrook led the NFL in yards from scrimmage in 2007 with 2,104. He rushed for 1,333 yards and accounted for 12 touchdowns that season. But he spent much of last season on the sidelines, missing eight games with two concussions and an ankle injury. Westbrook, who had only two touchdowns in 2009, was due $7.25 million next season. He is Philadelphia’s career leader in yards from scrimmage (9,785).
• NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith sent a memo to players and their agents, telling them it is likely no new collective bargaining agreement will be reached before the March 5 deadline and the upcoming season will be played without a salary cap.
• The Carolina Panthers announced they will not place the restrictive franchise tag on defensive lineman Julius Peppers at a cost of at least $20.1 million.
• Former Oakland Raiders assistant Randy Hanson sued head coach Tom Cable and the team for damages suffered during a training camp scuffle that resulted in Hanson being treated for a fractured jaw and broken teeth. The suit alleges Cable “without warning or provocation” grabbed Hanson during an Aug. 5 coaches meeting at the team’s Napa, Calif., hotel. Cable then threw Hanson against the wall, causing the left side of Hanson’s face to strike a table, then hit Hanson while he was on the floor, the lawsuit said.
• San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson pleaded guilty to a DUI charge and was sentenced to four days in jail and five years of probation. Because it was his second DUI conviction, the former University of Northern Colorado standout also will be subject to the NFL’s personal conduct policy and likely will face at least a one-game suspension next season.
Michigan faces NCAA hearing
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The NCAA accused Michigan of failing to comply with practice time rules under football coach Rich Rodriguez.
Michigan has 90 days to respond and will appear at an NCAA hearing on infractions in August.
Michigan is seeing how its internal investigation matches up with the NCAA findings and will consider implementing self-imposed sanctions.
Possible strike hovers over MLS
NEW YORK — Negotiators for Major League Soccer players and owners failed to meet two days before the latest extension in their labor talks is due to expire.
With players failing to match management’s no-lockout pledge with a no-strike offer, the league’s first work stoppage appears possible, one that could postpone the first game of the expansion Philadelphia Union and the official opening of Red Bull Arena.
The league’s first collective bargaining agreement expired Jan. 31, and the sides twice extended bargaining, with the latest additional time running out Thursday.
The Associated Press
