Debbie Sandoval and her husband and two sons arrived before sunrise wearing Tebow’s Jets jerseys and set up camp close the large soundstage with a row of chairs. Additional large video screens and loudspeakers were set up for those toward the back.

“I love that boy … He’s like my third son,” said Sandoval, who is not a regular member of the church but wasn’t going to miss a chance to hear Tebow speak. [...]

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Pamphilon, who said he received no money for releasing the audio, posted it on the promotional website for one of his films on the same day that Saints coach Sean Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis and other team officials appeared before NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for an appeal hearing of their punishment stemming from the bounty scandal.

“It is true that from the beginning Steve and his wife were opposed to releasing this audio and I felt strongly that the public had a right to hear this material and judge for themselves,” Pamphilon said. [...]

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The day Williams signed, Thompson sent an e-mail to his former Bills ticket representative to lock up six season tickets. And the purchase was completed a week later.

“This looked legit,” said Thompson, who had previously held season tickets for eight seasons—from 2002-09—in which the Bills failed to make the playoffs. “Adding Mario, I thought, `Maybe this team can win sooner than later.”’ [...]

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“The Saints have been incredibly open and supportive of me and my family during my disease progression,” Gleason wrote. “From my perspective, the Saints have helped begin to shift the paradigm of how an NFL team should treat its players after retirement.

“I included Sean Pamphilon in some of these activities, because I felt my relationship with the Saints was an integral part of my overall journey,” Gleason said in the statement posted Friday. “The Saints trusted me and gave us unlimited access in filming, and I, in turn, trusted Sean Pamphilon.” [...]

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In February, Avezzano took over the Seamen. Italians in Dallas threw Avezzano a send-off party before he left, Dallas television station WFAA reported.

“I am the long lost heir to the throne,” Avezzano joked, according to the station. “They’ve been looking for me in Italy for years. Now they’ve found me and I’m going back and I will return to Avezzano. And that’s going to be part of my travels.” [...]

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Williams can be heard using metaphors he has often used throughout his coaching career, such as, “kill the head and the body will die.” That was Williams’ way of urging players to disrupt opposing teams’ star players with intimidating and nasty physical play. Another of Williams’ mantras was that “respect comes from fear,” which he repeats in the recording.

“We’ve got to do everything we can in the world to make sure we kill Frank Gore’s head,” Williams says. “We want him running sideways. We want his head sideways.” [...]

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Williams can be heard using metaphors he has often used throughout his coaching career, such as, “kill the head and the body will die.” That was Williams’ way of urging players to disrupt opposing teams’ star players with intimidating and nasty physical play. Another of Williams’ mantras was that “respect comes from fear,” which he repeats in the recording.

“We’ve got to do everything we can in the world to make sure we kill Frank Gore’s head,” Williams says. “We want him running sideways. We want his head sideways.” [...]

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He spent two seasons as head coach of the Arena Football League’s Dallas Desperadoes, which were owned by the family of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. He became a regular on Cowboys-related TV and radio shows in the Dallas market and opened a “Coach Joe’s” restaurant in the area.

“Joe Avezzano was a very special part of our Dallas Cowboys family and our organization’s history,” Jones said in a statement released by the team. “No one enjoyed life more than Joe, and no one that I know had a greater appreciation for the people that he loved and the lives that he touched. There was no one else like him.” [...]

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“Bear in mind that the publicly-disclosed information is frequently inaccurate, incomplete or misleading, and often results from an effort of an individual to advance a self-interested goal,” Goodell wrote.

“What is lost in the pursuit of that goal is concern for the reputation and well-being of the young men who have worked so hard to reach their own goal of becoming an NFL player and concern for the reputation of the NFL and our game.” [...]

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Filmmaker Sean Pamphilon, who had access to Saints meetings for a documentary on football, has posted the audio on his web site. Pamphilon initially shared the content with Yahoo Sports, telling the website that while he was not bothered by much of Williams’ profanity-laced speech, he was troubled by comments about the previously concussed player.

“I thought, `Did he just say that?”’ Pamphilon said in an article posted Thursday. “That was the red flag for me.” [...]

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Holt caught 869 passes for 12,594 yards and 74 touchdowns with St. Louis, all three of those totals ranking second in franchise history behind Bruce. He finished his career in 2009 with the Jaguars and is 10th in the NFL with 13,382 yards receiving and 13th with 920 receptions.

“It was challenging for me to keep up with Isaac on a day-to-day basis,” Holt said. “I owe a lot to Isaac for my career and I hope the same way he challenged me, I hope I was able to challenge him.” [...]

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Castel also criticized Reebok’s effort to capitalize on the change in teams for some big-name players such as Tebow and quarterback Peyton Manning, who left the Indianapolis Colts for the Denver Broncos. He said a sell-off clause in its apparel contracts was designed to let it sell leftover clothing.

“It’s not your termination bonus; it’s so you don’t get stuck with unsold merchandise,” he said. [...]

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The Philadelphia Eagles agreed Wednesday to a five-year contract with Bell, hoping the former Bills left tackle can fill in for injured All-Pro Peters.

“Demetress was one of the top free agent offensive linemen available this year and we are happy to be able to add him to our squad,” coach Andy Reid said. “We had a chance to meet him over the weekend and study him extensively on tape and we came away quite impressed with what we saw and heard. [...]

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The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Smith played in all 16 regular season games and both playoff games for the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. He recorded 16 tackles and one interception during the regular season. Smith also contributed on special teams with six special teams tackles during the regular season and two during the postseason.

“Reggie has been on our radar since the beginning of free agency and is a player we think can come in and compete at safety,” Carolina general manager Marty Hurney said. “We brought him in for a visit Tuesday and it worked out. He is another player we’ve added to increase the competition.” [...]

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Harvin appeared on the injury report several times in 2011, but not specifically for his shoulder. He played with bruised ribs, a finger problem and an illness.

“When he left after the season there was no talk of any problems, but when he was lifting and working out he just kept getting this pain in his shoulder so he came back up, took a look at it and made the decision to clean this up,” Frazier said. [...]

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“We’re players. We’re going out there to make plays. That’s what the game is about,” he said. “You play defense, your job is to tackle.

“They can say they put a bounty out on me when I got knocked out against San Francisco in the playoffs. You can say they put a bounty out on me. Who knows? But they’re just targeting us right now,” he said. “But I’m not faulting the guy that hit me. It’s the nature of the game. That happens.” [...]

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Going for a slightly sleeker but very familiar look, the NFL unveiled its new uniforms Tuesday. Nike, the league’s latest apparel maker, stayed away from the wildly experimental designs it uses with the University of Oregon, get-ups that sometimes make it hard to identify the Ducks.

“You look good, you play good,” said Finley, Green Bay’s star tight end. “Hopefully that kicks into effect this season.” [...]

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NEW YORK (AP)—NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says Saints coach Sean Payton and other New Orleans officials suspended for being involved in the team’s bounty system could have their appeals heard in the next few days.

“I expect we’ll do it before the end of the week,” Goodell said Tuesday at the unveiling of the league’s new Nike-designed uniforms at a film studio in Brooklyn. [...]

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NEW YORK (AP)—NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says Saints coach Sean Payton and other New Orleans officials suspended for being involved in the team’s bounty program will have their appeals heard in the next few days.

“I expect we’ll do it before the end of the week,” he said Tuesday at the unveiling of the league’s new Nike-designed uniforms at a film studio in Brooklyn. [...]

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A possible drawback could be the way last season ended, when locker-room issues became public and there was much finger-pointing at quarterback Mark Sanchez. The Jets missed the playoffs after reaching the AFC title game the previous two seasons.

“I think all those concerns, the positives and negatives, we’d have to look at, sit around the table and say yay or nay,” Johnson said. “It’s not a perfect science. But we’d use our best judgment at that point.” [...]

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Nike isn’t commenting until the big reveal.

“I think that what we’ll see is a subtle homage to the collegiate revolution in uniform design, but in the framework of arguably the most successful sports franchise there is, the NFL, which is more steeped in tradition that the college landscape was when Nike really got into it with Oregon,” said Paul Swangard, managing director of the university’s Warsaw Sports Marketing Center. [...]

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NEW YORK (AP)—While NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is deciding on punishment for players and listening to appeals in the Saints’ bounty case, he says he won’t stand in the way if New Orleans asks Bill Parcells to take over as interim coach.

“That’s their decision. They need to make those decisions and we’ll move forward,” Goodell said Monday at the opening of an NFL pop-up store featuring new team apparel. “Bill’s a great coach, and I’m sure will add a lot of personality and intrigue. And he’s as competitive as they get so I’m sure he’ll do a good job.” [...]

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Leaf was first arrested on Friday after police found oxycodone pills in his golf bag that an acquaintance later said Leaf stole from his home. Then early Monday, three days after posting a $76,000 bond, he was arrested again, Central Montana Drug Task Force Commander Chris Hickman said.

“It’s based on a burglary that happened yesterday afternoon after he bailed out,” Hickman said. [...]

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“The baseline testing gives everyone a free opportunity to pretest,” Muncie Central football coach John Hochstetler said. “The post-test comes with a fee, and that’s where some of our youngsters run into challenges.

“We’re not going to turn anybody away. If an athlete is hurt, he can’t return to action until he passes the post-test. With head injuries, until you match your pretest, you aren’t qualified to play.” [...]

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Gabe Feldman, a law professor and director of the Tulane Sports Law Program, said shortly after the NFL made its investigation public that he didn’t expect any criminal or civil legal action specifically tied to the bounties.

“They’re difficult cases to bring, because it’s hard to prove the injury was caused by a tackle with specific intent to injure, rather than a regular tackle,” Feldman explained at the time. “We all know injuries are a part of football. There can’t be legal liability anytime there is an injury. Otherwise, you can’t have football.” [...]

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When those punishments were announced, Goodell said he would wait for NFLPA input before determining how to discipline players who participated in the bounties.

“While I will not address player conduct at this time, I am profoundly troubled by the fact that players—including leaders among the defensive players—embraced this program so enthusiastically and participated with what appears to have been a deliberate lack of concern for the well-being of their fellow players,” Goodell said. [...]

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Gabe Feldman, a law professor and director of the Tulane Sports Law Program, said shortly after the NFL made its investigation public that he didn’t expect any criminal or civil legal action specifically tied to the bounties.

“They’re difficult cases to bring, because it’s hard to prove the injury was caused by a tackle with specific intent to injure, rather than a regular tackle,” Feldman explained at the time. “We all know injuries are a part of football. There can’t be legal liability anytime there is an injury. Otherwise, you can’t have football.” [...]

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DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association, told the website Pro Player Insiders that the league hasn’t turned over what the union would consider direct evidence of player involvement in a ‘pay to injure’ scheme.

“If there is direct evidence of a `pay to injure’ scheme implicating players or anybody involved,” Smith said, “we are asking the league to turn over that information.” [...]

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Leaf released a statement through his publicist, Wendy Ogunsemore on Friday night.

“I’ve made some mistakes, and have no excuses,” the statement read. “I am using the tools I’ve learned to move forward rather than backwards, and will be open to talking about the details in the days to come. I am confident that there will be further understanding when the facts are revealed, and feel very blessed for all of the support, especially from my friends and family.” [...]

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But he didn’t have any carries last year under new coach Ron Rivera and caught one pass for 4 yards.

“We wanted to acquire another player to compete at the running back position,” McKenzie said. “He can do a lot of things in our scheme on offense. He’s very versatile, he has natural running skills, he’s a great receiver out of the backfield, and he has kick-return ability. I’m anxious to see if he can put all that together here as a Raider.” [...]

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Tebow told 1050 ESPN Radio on Friday that he’s “not sure” if he’ll ever be a starting quarterback again, and that thought doesn’t even concern him right now.

“I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds my future,” Tebow said, referring to his strong Christian faith. “That’s something that has always given me peace and comfort. That’s why I don’t have to worry about the future. I can just worry about today and worry about becoming better as a football player and a person.” [...]

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The former fourth-round draft pick in 2009 can also returns kickoffs.

“We wanted to acquire another player to compete at the running back position,” McKenzie said. “He can do a lot of things in our scheme on offense. He’s very versatile, he has natural running skills, he’s a great receiver out of the backfield, and he has kick-return ability. I’m anxious to see if he can put all that together here as a Raider.” [...]

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The NFL could not immediately provide details on how Payton’s decision to file an appeal on Friday would affect the timeline for the process to play out.

“The decision to appeal is for Sean Payton to make and announce as he deems appropriate,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. “If there are appeals, the commissioner will arrange for expedited hearings, as he stated at the league meeting.” [...]

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The NFL could not immediately provide details on how Payton’s decision to file an appeal on Friday would affect the timeline for the process to play out.

“The decision to appeal is for Sean Payton to make and announce as he deems appropriate,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. “If there are appeals, the commissioner will arrange for expedited hearings, as he stated at the league meeting.” [...]

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Miano said he has short- and long-term memory problems and blames what he figures could have been 10 to 20 concussions during his playing days.

“There were a lot of vicious collisions, and you would have loved to come out of the game and get the tests they have now, (but) everybody was so worried about losing your job,” Miano said. “In those days, you don’t talk about it, you don’t report it, you continue to play, you continue to practice.” [...]

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The NFL could not immediately provide details on how Payton’s decision to file an appeal on Friday would affect the timeline for the process to play out.

“The decision to appeal is for Sean Payton to make and announce as he deems appropriate,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. “If there are appeals, the commissioner will arrange for expedited hearings, as he stated at the league meeting.” [...]

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Tannehill was moved to receiver as a freshman after losing the quarterback battle. He had 1,453 yards receiving and nine touchdowns in his first two seasons combined at A&M and had 143 yards receiving as a junior before returning to quarterback.

“It was a frustrating time for me,” he said of his time at receiver. “I had a lot of fun being able to help the team out at the receiver position, but I still wanted to be a quarterback. So when I finally got that opportunity, I wasn’t going to let it slip.” [...]

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He also suggested Mike Shanahan could get fired if things don’t go well next season. The head coach is 11-21 so far with the Redskins. The team pulled off a blockbuster trade with the St. Louis Rams to move up to the No. 2 overall pick in next month’s draft and is expected to get Griffin.

“If this doesn’t work this year—we don’t see the splash, like a Cam Newton splash—this could be it,” McNabb said. [...]

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“I think he’s probably the best running back in the draft this year,” Tide coach Nick Saban said. “Probably one of the best players in the draft. I think that’s based on his performance and his production and his consistency he’s played with. The personal characteristics he has in terms of psychological disposition to be successful, which is really A-plus.

“I know there are some people that have some concerns about taking a running back high but with the salary cap changes in the rookie pool, you’re not investing as much in a guy as you used to.” [...]

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There are also three strong candidates among Saints assistants to take over as interim coach: offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer. Payton expressed confidence in the abilities of his own assistants to compensate for his absence, but also has voiced some misgivings about saddling those coaches with additional responsibilities.

“We feel like we’ve got a number of good candidates” on the staff, Payton said earlier this week at NFL meetings in Florida. “The trick then is what it does to affect their roles that they currently have.” [...]

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Schwartz said past awards he’s given out while working for the Tennessee Titans and the Lions—baseball bats or a boxing glove for big hits—had league approval, because they didn’t have any monetary significance.

“It was part of the game-ball program. It wasn’t part of anything else,” Schwartz said. “A recognition system has been in effect for football since pee wee ball. We give out game balls. We give out trophies at the end of the season for all different things. A lot of colleges give out stickers on helmets; high schools give out stickers on helmets. There’s a big difference between things like that and things like bounties.” [...]

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Given the NFL’s concern with player safety, not extending the horse-collar rule seemed surprising. But competition committee chairman Rich McKay said the ownership “didn’t think this can impact on player safety.”

“The rule was developed for the open field tackle when a defender has the chance to do something else (in making the tackle),” he said. “He’s also able to use the runner’s momentum against him. We didn’t think that applied to the pocket, didn’t see the injury risk.” [...]

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Given the NFL’s concern with player safety, not extending the horse-collar rule seemed surprising. But competition committee chairman Rich McKay said the ownership “didn’t think this can impact on player safety.”

“The rule was developed for the open field tackle when a defender has the chance to do something else (in making the tackle),” he said. “He’s also able to use the runner’s momentum against him. We didn’t think that applied to the pocket, didn’t see the injury risk.” [...]

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Coughlin also said he wouldn’t discount Bill Parcells, his former boss and longtime confidant, considering the interim coach’s role with the New Orleans Saints. The Saints spoke with Parcells about the job on Tuesday; coach Sean Payton is suspended for the 2012 season for his part in the team’s bounty system that targeted opponents for hits that could injure them.

“I had one conversation (after the Super Bowl) with Bill and it was as if he had the league and all the key situations in your games and the other games on the tip of his tongue,” Coughlin said. “He knew the ins and out of our season. It seemed like he knew the ins and outs of every teams’ seasons.” [...]

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Yet when asked why Parcells, a finalist for the Hall of Fame this season, would make a good fit as interim coach, Payton had some definite ideas.

“He’s a great teacher,” Payton said Tuesday at the NFL owners meeting in Palm Beach. “Certainly I’m biased, having worked with him. But he’s a Hall of Fame head coach. And I would also say there’s some things probably set up in the framework of our program that would be exactly how he would have set those things up had he been the head coach (in New Orleans) in `06. So there’s some carry-over that way.” [...]

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It’s an issue that the NCAA is still trying to better address.

“Tackling the complex issue of improper agent activity in college sports requires commitment from several groups to provide effective education and enforcement,” NCAA spokeswoman Stacey Osburn said Tuesday. “For this reason, we appreciate the NFLPA continuing to examine how best to address inappropriate contact from third parties with student-athletes, while also holding agents and runners accountable for unscrupulous activity.” [...]

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The Cowboys will play in the season opener on Sept. 5 at the Super Bowl champion New York Giants. That game will be on a Wednesday night for the first time; President Barack Obama is scheduled to address the Democratic National Convention on Sept. 6.

“Who cares who we are playing, hosting the game is all that’s important,” Giants owner John Mara joked, knowing well that the NFL champion hosts the kickoff to the season. “It’s exciting. They’re one of our big rivals. We had two great games last year. The fans will be jacked up for it.” [...]

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And with Luck or Griffin expected to join those two next month, Stanton understands what he’ll be asked to do.

“It’s a unique situation I think, especially with a new coach and (general manager),” Stanton said. “They thought enough to trade for me, and I’m really excited about the opportunity that exists here. Obviously, that first overall pick is going to be a quarterback, so, it’s just a matter of getting in there, getting a good foundation laid down and trying to help that kid out.” [...]

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Payton said he first learned of the bounty program at the end of that Super Bowl season. He said Tuesday he didn’t want this chapter to “taint or tarnish” the team’s recent success.

“We’ll get through this,” Payton said. “This will be a challenge. … You know, we’ve gone through a lot of adversity and we’ve won a lot of games in really a short window of time. And I know our players are leaders both within the locker room and the coaching staff will look at this as a challenge and a little bit as an opportunity.” [...]

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Now add Tebow, among the most popular players in sports, but also a polarizing figure because of his strong religious beliefs. While Ryan sees the potential for distraction and a quarterback controversy, he appears comfortable with the setup the Jets have created.

“I understand that,” he said of Tebow’s persona and notoriety. “I could say he is one of 53 guys. He’s not, he has a great following. [...]

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Speaking Tuesday morning at the NFL meetings, Payton said he talks regularly with Parcells, and has sought his counsel often throughout this process. He added that he, general manager Mickey Loomis—who is facing an eight-game suspension—and team owner Tom Benson are weighing a number of scenarios, and Payton said a decision whether he will appeal the suspension is likely in the next “two to three” days.

“We’ve gone through just an early, between Mickey, myself, Mr. Benson, just an early synopsis of what our options would be,” Payton said. “We’ll continue to do that when we get back to Metairie. Even this morning some, we’re going to have some breakfast and discuss that matter. Fortunately, we feel like we’ve got a number of good candidates. The trick then is what it does to affect their roles that they currently have.” [...]

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Goodell added the league approached the Saints before their playoff game with the Lions in January and warned them to make sure the bounties had ceased. He sent Jeff Pash, the NFL’s lead counsel, and Jeffrey Miller, its director of security, to speak with owner Tom Benson.

“The point was to make it clear we had new and credible info and he should make it extremely clear with the game the next day there should be no bounty system in place,” Goodell said. [...]

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Hours after the Jets introduced Tebow at a huge news conference at the team’s headquarters, Sanchez spoke for the first time since New York acquired the popular backup quarterback from Denver last Wednesday.

“We’re adding another player and were not replacing anybody,” Sanchez said during a conference call from California. “I mean, he’s here to help us and I’m confident in my abilities. I know the team feels the same way about me. They have belief in me. … I’m not worried about losing my spot.” [...]

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McKenzie said he believes he can find starters through the fifth round based on his experience with the Green Bay Packers as director of football operations.

“I think there are very good players in the middle rounds,” he said. “From the standpoint of depth, I think it’s there. In the first round it may not be too deep. But for the most part, there are some good players throughout this draft.” [...]

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McKenzie said he believes he can find starters through the fifth round based on his experience with the Green Bay Packers as director of football operations.

“I think there are very good players in the middle rounds,” he said. “From the standpoint of depth, I think it’s there. In the first round it may not be too deep. But for the most part, there are some good players throughout this draft.” [...]

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With Manning gone, the Dolphins also talked with Alex Smith, then wound up signing David Garrard, who will presumably be Matt Moore’s backup entering the season. The Dolphins won six of Moore’s final nine starts last season, after starting the year 0-7.

“I’m very excited about Matt Moore,” Ross said. “People, we got so many people who really liked what Matt Moore did last year. I think as he got more experience, the team got better. That’s a good place to start with. And if we can continue that, that’d be great. There’s a lot of good personnel on that team.” [...]

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Players, too, have expressed support for their embattled coach. Starting right tackle Zach Strief has said the Saints owe it to Payton to live up to the standards he has set and win in his honor.

“This season is going to take on an us-versus-the-world mentality,” Strief said last week. “This team is going to come together closer than it has ever been and I think that we all feel like we have something to prove. We’re going to do our best to make this situation into a positive one.” [...]

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The committee felt because reviewing a turnover will not cause a delay—the clock is stopped on such plays—it makes sense to look at them just like the way the league began reviewing touchdowns, field goals, extra points and safeties in 2011.

“The coaches will have a lot more challenges left in their pockets,” McKay said. “The majority of challenges were on scoring plays and turnovers prior to last year.” [...]

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But Grigson insisted Monday that the team has not decided who to take and would likely wait until after the first round is completed April 26 before negotiating a deal with the top pick.

“We’re going to do it the old-fashioned way, and that’s not something that’s been discussed at this point about how we would go about that,” Grigson said. “I think we’ll do it like teams always have and keep it simple.” [...]

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But Grigson insisted Monday that the team has not decided who to take and would likely wait until after the first round is completed April 26 before negotiating a deal with the top pick.

“We’re going to do it the old-fashioned way, and that’s not something that’s been discussed at this point about how we would go about that,” Grigson said. “I think we’ll do it like teams always have and keep it simple.” [...]

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Speaking at news conference in the Jets field house, because the media crush was so great the session couldn’t be hold in the team’s normal press room, the headline-grabbing New York backup QB went out of his way to play down any conflict between himself and starter Mark Sanchez.

“Me and Mark have a great relationship,” Tebow said. “We’ve been friends past three years and have already texted back and forth. We are going to have a great working relationship and I think we’ll have a lot of fun together.” [...]

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“I’ve been 19 years at the NFL, and I don’t think there’s been a year we have not talked about (building) a store,” Kane said. “We’re not sure it makes sense. We did a pop-up in New Orleans when the season kickoff was there the year the Saints won the Super Bowl and it was dedicated to products for women and phenomenally successful.

“Anytime you do a pop-up store, you are testing. One of the things we like is testing in New York. There’s a Super Bowl here in 22 months and we will get a good indication if makes sense along these lines for Super Bowl 48. If we are successful in doing this for the draft this year and the draft next year and then Super Bowl 48, will it make sense? We don’t know that yet.” [...]

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Coexistence, of course, is possible for Gang Green.

“Mark knows he’s the starter, and he knows we all need to improve from last year,” Jets defensive end Mike DeVito said. “I think he’s going to be motivated and driven. I don’t think he’s going to be worried about Tim. I think he’s going to be more excited about having him on the team. I believe they’ll be fine.” [...]

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“One of the most important things I learned from (former NFLPA president) Kevin (Mawae) is about responsibility,” Foxworth, a free agent cornerback, said to the board following his election.

“Players like to say, `The NFLPA is our organization.’ There is a wealth of experience and talent in this room, and I will reach out to each and every one of you about your interests and passions. If we work as hard as we did during the lockout now in peacetime, we will be the strongest organization in the world.” [...]

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“I’m going to call it an injured reserve exception for major injury to a designated player,” McKay said.

“Traditionally, in our system, injured reserve players have been out for the year. In this case, if that player was on the roster all the way through the first regular-season weekend, then you could put that player on injured reserve, designate that player for return and the player could begin to practice six weeks after he has gone on that list. And play in games eight weeks after he has gone on that list. ” [...]

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Lofton, who was an unrestricted free agent, started all 16 games at middle linebacker for the Falcons last season. Jonathan Vilma is the Saints’ current starting linebacker and defensive captain, but Lofton also has the ability to play other linebacker spots.

“Curtis is a versatile, hard-working player that has displayed a knack for being around the football, and more importantly, making plays on the ball,” Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said Saturday night in a release. “He has the ability to play all three linebacker positions and we feel that he’s just entering the prime of his career. We think he can come to New Orleans and fit in well and provide us with a significant contribution to our defense.” [...]

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METAIRIE, La. (AP)—Sean Payton apologized Friday for the bounty scandal under which Saints players were offered payouts for big hits on opponents, saying he takes “full responsibility” for the system that operated for three years under his watch.

“I share and fully support the league’s concerns and goals on player safety,” the Saints coach said in a written statement released by the team. “It is, and should be paramount. [...]

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Indy still wasn’t finished, trading a sixth-round draft pick acquired recently from Philadelphia to the Jets to get Drew Stanton and New York’s seventh-round pick. Stanton signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract earlier this month to back up Mark Sanchez, but lost that job when the Jets finally consummated a deal for Tim Tebow, the Broncos’ previous starter.

“Drew is a big, athletic and strong-armed quarterback that has the intangible package we are looking for at the position,” new general manager Ryan Grigson said in a statement. [...]

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The Colts have the first pick in the draft in April and are expected to choose between quarterbacks Andrew Luck of Stanford and Robert Griffin III of Baylor.

“Drew is a big, athletic and strong armed quarterback that has the intangible package we are looking for at the position,” said colts general manager Ryan Grigson. “He is a young, but seasoned quarterback that has won games in this league and we look forward to seeing him contribute to this team and our collective vision for the future.” [...]

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Barber, who had little to say to reporters during his only year in Chicago, told Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com: “I want to thank everyone who gave me the opportunity to play, and I’m very thankful to have had the chance to suit up for two of the NFL’s most storied organizations.”

“I want to thank everyone who helped me become a better player,” Barber said. “I owe a lot to a lot of coaches, and am also very grateful to the owners and organizations I played for. Last but not least, I want to thank the fans for the support and inspiration they gave me.” [...]

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Stanton signed a one-year, $1.25 million deal last week to back up Mark Sanchez, but became expendable when the Jets acquired Tebow from the Denver Broncos on Wednesday. After that trade, general manager Mike Tannenbaum said Tebow would be the team’s No. 2 quarterback.

“It’s a big relief to have this over,” Stanton told The Associated Press. “I’m excited about the opportunity in Indy. I can’t wait to get there and get down to business.” [...]

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Graham, a Pro Bowl special teamer for the Chicago Bears, visited the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings. Graham intercepted a career-high three passes with one forced fumble last season and should play a role in Baltimore’s secondary.

“I definitely see myself making an impact,” Graham said. “I study, I care about the way I play and I figure if I’m going to be doing special teams, I want to be the best special teams player in the league.” [...]

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Now, the work really begins. Caldwell realizes Manning is notorious for his work ethic and expects—no, demands—the same commitment out of his receivers.

“He’s a workaholic. He’s likes to study film, likes to go out there and throw, likes to get better every day,” Caldwell said. “There’s nothing easy about it. He’s going to work his tail off. That’s what I’m ready for.” [...]

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Now, the work really begins. Caldwell realizes Manning is notorious for his work ethic and expects—no, demands—the same commitment out of his receivers.

“He’s a workaholic. He’s likes to study film, likes to go out there and throw, likes to get better every day,” Caldwell said. “There’s nothing easy about it. He’s going to work his tail off. That’s what I’m ready for.” [...]

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The 49ers led the league in run defense and forced turnovers, and were second in scoring defense. That entire starting unit is expected back in 2012 with cornerback Carlos Rogers and linebacker Ahmad Brooks re-signing, and safety Dashon Goldson getting the franchise tag.

“They swarm, they’ll hit you and they’ll cover you,” Manningham said. “I feel like they have the best linebacking corps in the league. They have athletic defensive backs, D-line, they’re all really good. It’s a great defense out there.” [...]

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Brockers ran a 5.15 40 at LSU—more than two tenths of a second better than his time at Indianapolis. He did 21 repetitions of 225 pounds in the bench press. Brockers had done 19 reps at the combine. His vertical jump improved from 26 inches to 30.

“My stock was up there before the combine,” said Brockers, who had two years of college eligibility remaining. “Then, my stock was at a standstill. Hopefully, I opened some eyes today. No particular team is talking to me more than another. My ability to play the 3-4 or 4-3 gives me good value.” [...]

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So if the Jaguars really wanted Tebow, who grew up in Jacksonville, why not give up a third-round pick?

“That’s confidential,” he said. “The draft is how you build a football team and that’s what we’re going to continue to do. That’s been the philosophy of this franchise; that’s my philosophy. You’ve got to be very careful what you start doing with draft picks and we feel strongly about the draft.” [...]

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The quarterback whipped balls to his wide receivers and tight ends with ease on a day when it wasn’t easy to throw outdoors. His lone mistake was overthrowing wide receiver and former roommate Griff Whalen on a corner route in the end zone.

“It was probably the first workout I’ve seen where a guy throws into the wind,” Colts quarterback coach Clyde Christensen said. “That probably reveals something about him, that he just goes and plays football, which is kind of neat.” [...]

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Bush played four seasons for the Oakland Raiders, gaining 2,642 yards (4.2 yards per carry) and scoring 21 touchdowns. The powerful 245-pound back had his most productive season in 2011, setting career highs in rushes (256), yards (977), touchdowns (7), receptions (37) and yards receiving (418). He mostly was a backup to Darren McFadden but had nine starts last season when McFadden was injured.

“I was told that the rotation will be very good,” Bush said in a conference call after signing a four-year deal the Chicago Tribune reported was worth $14 million, with $7 million guaranteed. “I think there are enough carries to go around.” [...]

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“I’ve played with guys who are first-round picks or really talented guys that handled that situation well … basically how to handle it well you essentially don’t flinch. Don’t blink. Just do your job better,” Hasselbeck said. “And I’ve seen guys handle it differently. They get caught up. They whine. They complain. They whisper to people in the locker room about that guy. The blame the coaches.

“They blame somebody else instead of I guess just getting determined to prove people wrong.” [...]

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The assistant Senate majority leader, an Illinois Democrat, said Thursday he wants to examine whether federal law should make such bounty systems a crime.

“Let’s be real basic about it here. If this activity were taking place off of a sporting field, away from a court, nobody would have a second thought (about whether it’s wrong). `You mean, someone paid you to go out and hurt someone?”’ Durbin said in a telephone interview before raising the issue on the floor of the Senate. [...]

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Manningham has 160 catches for 2,315 yards and 18 touchdowns in his four-year career after being drafted out of Michigan in the third round in 2008. He was limited to 12 games last year because of injuries and had only 39 catches for 523 yards and four scores in his least productive season since his rookie year.

“We are very pleased to add a player like Mario to our team,” general manager Trent Baalke said. “Although it is still early in his NFL career, he is a productive wide receiver with a lot of big game experience. He will be a nice complement to our current wide receiver group and a good fit for our offensive system.” [...]

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Now, the work real begins. Caldwell realizes that Manning is notorious for his work ethic and expects—no, demands—the same commitment out of his receivers.

“He’s a workaholic. He’s likes to study film, likes to go out there and throw, likes to get better every day,” Caldwell said. “There’s nothing easy about it. He’s going to work his tail off. That’s what I’m ready for.” [...]

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But the deal also raised questions about the Jets’ commitment to Sanchez, who received a $40.5 million contract extension, with $20.5 million guaranteed, earlier this month. During a call late Wednesday night, Tannenbaum repeatedly referred to Sanchez as “our guy” and the team’s unquestioned starting quarterback.

“We obviously know that Tim has a magnetic following,” Tannenbaum said. “We understand the popularity of the backup quarterback, and this one is more unique than others.” [...]

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Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath, who led the Jets to their only Super Bowl title in 1969, was among those unhappy.

“I’m just sorry that I can’t agree with this situation. I think it’s just a publicity stunt. I can’t go with it. I think it’s wrong,” Namath told 1050 ESPN Radio on Wednesday. “I don’t think they know what they’re doing over there.” [...]

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The league’s competition committee, prompted by the Buffalo Bills, will propose having the booth official make all decisions on replay reviews. He also would be allowed to review all turnovers just as he now reviews all scoring plays.

“This proposal will definitely spark some discussion,” Rich McKay, president of the Atlanta Falcons and chairman of the committee, said of possibly taking away review responsibilities from the refs. “We developed our system based on the last time we had replay. That’s how we developed the referee to be the decision maker.” [...]

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Fisher said he’d be part of a committee of coaches replacing Williams and likely wouldn’t hire another assistant. Fisher is a former defensive coordinator, pointing out that he’s the originator of the Rams playbook and he has two other people with experience at that position on his staff, assistant head coach Dave McGinnis and defensive backs coach Chuck Cecil.

“So I have a pretty good feel for the defense,” Fisher said. “At this point I’m not at liberty to say who’s going to make the calls and the decisions, but it’ll get done and it’ll get done effectively.” [...]

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Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath, who led the Jets to their only Super Bowl title in 1969, was among those unhappy with the possible deal.

“I’m just sorry that I can’t agree with this situation. I think it’s just a publicity stunt. I can’t go with it. I think it’s wrong,” Namath told 1050 ESPN Radio. “I don’t think they know what they’re doing over there.” [...]

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Punishment for any Saints players involved will be determined later, because the league is still reviewing the case with the NFL Players Association.

“While I will not address player conduct at this time, I am profoundly troubled by the fact that players—including leaders among the defensive players—embraced this program so enthusiastically and participated with what appears to have been a deliberate lack of concern for the well-being of their fellow players,” Goodell said. [...]

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With his pro day behind him, Griffin will keep working out, but probably won’t throw or lift weights as much in the next few weeks while waiting for the draft. He finally gets time to reflect on his final season at Baylor, including his Heisman Trophy and only the second 10-win season in 112 years of Baylor football.

“It will be a lot calmer,” he said. “I think everything will start sinking in. I don’t think it’s sunk in I won the Heisman. I’ll be able to look back on the season and appreciate those things.” [...]

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On Tuesday, Sanchez spoke highly of both Tebow and Manning on Fox Sports Radio in Los Angeles.

“I think Peyton is going to do great, and I think Tim is going to do great no matter what happens,” Sanchez said on “The Petros & Money Show.” “He can learn from one of the best quarterbacks to ever play or he moves on somewhere else and uses his skills at another ball club. He definitely has talent. He knows how to win. He knows how to impact players, so both guys are really in a good situation. It’ll work out for both of them.” [...]

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On Wednesday, the Colts signed Samson Satele, who started 74 career games with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders. A person with knowledge of the deal says it’s a three-year contract worth $10.8 million, with $5 million guaranteed. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team did not announce the terms.

“It’s a brand new team,” Satele said in a statement issued by Indy. “In talking with coach (Chuck Pagano) and everyone else, it feels like a family. It’s a fresh, new start for me and a fresh, new team. I can’t wait to get this rolling.” [...]

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Punishment for any Saints players involved will be determined later, because the league is still reviewing the case with the NFL Players Association.

“While I will not address player conduct at this time, I am profoundly troubled by the fact that players—including leaders among the defensive players—embraced this program so enthusiastically and participated with what appears to have been a deliberate lack of concern for the well-being of their fellow players,” Goodell said. [...]

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Smith and Harbaugh built a strong working relationship in a matter of months, and Smith told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Sunday that he understood the business side of the NFL. So, perhaps it won’t take long for Harbaugh and Smith to get over San Francisco’s weeklong courting of Manning.

“It’s a very strong relationship,” Harbaugh told reporters while leaving team headquarters Tuesday, noting nothing had changed in Smith being “our guy.” [...]

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Punishment for any Saints players involved will be determined later, because the league is still reviewing the case with the NFL Players Association.

“While I will not address player conduct at this time, I am profoundly troubled by the fact that players—including leaders among the defensive players—embraced this program so enthusiastically and participated with what appears to have been a deliberate lack of concern for the well-being of their fellow players,” Goodell said. [...]

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Elway and Broncos coach John Fox called Tebow on Monday night to tell him it was possible he would be traded.

“I’m sure he was disappointed,” Elway said Tuesday. “He didn’t come out and say he was disappointed. I think it was a typical Tim Tebow response in the fact that he was very positive, and he said, `Well, we’re talking about Peyton Manning, and I understand exactly what you’re doing.”’ [...]

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“I don’t think there will be any bad blood because he went to Miami for an interview,” former 49ers running back great Roger Craig said Tuesday. “That’s part of the process, it’s the nature of the beast. He has to do what’s best for him and his family. I’m pretty sure the 49ers are going to work something out. Players love him, fans love him. I love him.

“I think Alex wants to get this put to bed so he can focus on having a great year, an All-Pro year this year,” Craig said. “He doesn’t want this dark cloud over him. It’s really his time, and he understands the business. He knows it’s a good situation.” [...]

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Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli said Tuesday that the franchise reached out to Peyton Manning shortly after he was let go by the Indianapolis Colts, but it quickly became evident that the four-time MVP already had a list of likely destinations.

“Clearly he had a plan. He let me know that,” Pioli said. “He didn’t get into the details. He was up front about what he was doing, some of the visits he wanted to take, and we initially weren’t a part of that.” [...]

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Introducing Manning as the newest Denver Bronco on Tuesday, the two Super Bowl winners each talked about hoisting another Lombardi Trophy, this time together. And soon.

“I realize I don’t have 14 years left, by any means,” Manning said. “This isn’t something where I’m just building a foundation to do something in two years or three years. This is a `now’ situation. We’re going to do whatever we can to win right now. That’s all I’m thinking about right now.” [...]

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Last spring, Harbaugh handed over his playbook to Smith during a brief lifting of the lockout—a show of confidence in the QB even though he wasn’t under contract. Smith wound up re-signing for $4.9 million, then earned a $1 million bonus for making the playoffs as the 49ers ended an eight-year stretch without a postseason berth or winning record.

“I don’t think there will be any bad blood because he went to Miami for an interview,” former 49ers running back great Roger Craig said Tuesday. “That’s part of the process, it’s the nature of the beast. He has to do what’s best for him and his family. I’m pretty sure the 49ers are going to work something out. Players love him, fans love him. I love him. [...]

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