http://www.mail.com/sports/football/ Football - Sports: Find breaking news, world news and pictures on Football en en http://sec-s.uicdn.com/mail.com/2.28/img/mailcom_logo_rss.png http://www.mail.com/sports/football/ http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2095162-chargers-freeney-agree-to-2-year-deal.html SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Chargers agreed Saturday to a two-year deal with aging star pass rusher Dwight Freeney that could be worth $13.35 million. The deal to bring Freeney to the Chargers came four days after outside linebacker Melvin Ingram tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in a padless practice. The addition of Freeney also he... Sat, 18 May 2013 22:47:23 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2095162-chargers-freeney-agree-to-2-year-deal.html 2013-05-18T22:47:23Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2092606-ojs-ex-lawyer-contradicts-testimony-guns.html LAS VEGAS (AP) — O.J. Simpson's former lawyer defended himself point-by-point Friday against allegations he botched the former football star's armed-robbery trial, after giving damaging testimony that Simpson actually knew his buddies had guns when they went to a hotel room together to reclaim some sports memorabilia. Miami-based attorney Yale Galanter qu... Sat, 18 May 2013 01:28:22 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2092606-ojs-ex-lawyer-contradicts-testimony-guns.html 2013-05-18T01:28:22Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2093724-jets-goodson-facing-drug-weapons-charges.html NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets running back Mike Goodson is facing drug and weapons charges after he was found in a car with an acquaintance early Friday morning on Interstate 80 in New Jersey. According to state police, Goodson was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 31-year-old Garant Evans of Roselle. After receiving a 911 call from a tow-truck drive... Sat, 18 May 2013 00:56:48 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2093724-jets-goodson-facing-drug-weapons-charges.html 2013-05-18T00:56:48Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2094174-seahawks-de-bruce-irvin-suspended-4-games.html RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin was suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season on Friday after the league announced he violated the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances. Irvin will be eligible to participate in all offseason activities and preseason practices and games, but will be suspended without pay... Fri, 17 May 2013 23:25:41 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2094174-seahawks-de-bruce-irvin-suspended-4-games.html 2013-05-17T23:25:41Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2093192-woodson-hes-fit-raiders-visit.html ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Charles Woodson pushed back a visit to Oakland to pursue a reunion with the Raiders because extending his career in the NFL isn't his only mission. The 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year would've traveled to the Bay Area from Denver after meeting with the Broncos on Wednesday, but he had charity obligations this weekend to suppo... Fri, 17 May 2013 22:23:30 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2093192-woodson-hes-fit-raiders-visit.html 2013-05-17T22:23:30Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2090192-bills-promote-whaley-to-take-gm.html ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Doug Whaley was promoted to take over as Buffalo Bills general manager, making the team's near top-to-bottom offseason overhaul complete. The much-anticipated decision to elevate Whaley from his position as assistant GM was announced Thursday, three days after Buddy Nix stepped down as GM. The 40-year-old Whaley has spent the pas... Thu, 16 May 2013 20:58:17 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2090192-bills-promote-whaley-to-take-gm.html 2013-05-16T20:58:17Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2088608-ravens-lb-mcclain-retires-playing-with-team.html OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Linebacker Rolando McClain has told the Baltimore Ravens that he's retiring from the NFL. The 23-year-old McClain played three seasons with the Oakland Raiders before signing a one-year contract with Baltimore as a free agent on April 12. "Rolando let me know that he plans to retire from the NFL," Ravens general manager Ozzie News... Wed, 15 May 2013 21:29:59 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2088608-ravens-lb-mcclain-retires-playing-with-team.html 2013-05-15T21:29:59Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2088400-tcu-suspends-de-fields-1st-2-games-season.html FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — TCU defensive end Devonte Fields has been suspended for the first two games of the 2013 season due to an unspecified violation of "university and team policy." Coach Gary Patterson announced the suspension of the Big 12 defensive player of the year in a one-sentence statement Wednesday. Patterson didn't immediately return a mess... Wed, 15 May 2013 20:33:47 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2088400-tcu-suspends-de-fields-1st-2-games-season.html 2013-05-15T20:33:47Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2085488-saints-chargers-rb-chuck-muncie-dead-60.html METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Chuck Muncie, a Pro Bowl running back with both the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers, has died at age 60, the NFL clubs and a family spokesman said Tuesday. Muncie family spokesman Vintage Foster of AMF Media Group in San Ramon, Calif., said Muncie died at his Los Angeles-area home on Monday from heart failure. Muncie was the... Tue, 14 May 2013 23:44:06 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2085488-saints-chargers-rb-chuck-muncie-dead-60.html 2013-05-14T23:44:06Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2083354-vikings-light-with-design-stadium.html MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Opening the roof over the new home of the Minnesota Vikings would have forced planners of the $975 million project to eliminate some of the fancy features. So the team, the public agency in charge of the stadium and the architects designing it literally saw the light. The yet-to-be-named multi-purpose facility will have a translucent ro... Tue, 14 May 2013 02:56:45 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2083354-vikings-light-with-design-stadium.html 2013-05-14T02:56:45Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2082056-buddy-nix-steps-bills-gm.html ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Not getting any younger and confident he's put in place a young foundation capable of turning the Buffalo Bills into a winner, Buddy Nix called this the right time to step down as general manager on Monday. "I think at some point, you've got to step aside and let young guys that are qualified have their shot," Nix said during a h... Mon, 13 May 2013 21:57:39 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2082056-buddy-nix-steps-bills-gm.html 2013-05-13T21:57:39Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2082474-jags-blackmon-blames-problems-poor-decisions.html JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Justin Blackmon pinned his problems on his decisions. Blackmon, suspended the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, acknowledged Monday that he's at a crossroads in his career and his personal life. But the Jacksonville Jaguars receiver insisted he doesn't have an alcohol or substance... Mon, 13 May 2013 20:46:11 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2082474-jags-blackmon-blames-problems-poor-decisions.html 2013-05-13T20:46:11Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2081930-kiffin-usc-strive-drama-free-2013-season.html LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lane Kiffin has an idea. He's not serious about it. Not really. There is, however, just a hint in his voice that suggests he's not totally joking, either. "I did think the other day what it would be like to be a high school head coach or to be at a small school," Kiffin said. "I thought about it the other day. The first time. I wonder i... Mon, 13 May 2013 16:16:56 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2081930-kiffin-usc-strive-drama-free-2013-season.html 2013-05-13T16:16:56Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2075734-tim-tebow-appears-lecture-word-plans.html BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Eleven days after he was cut by the New York Jets, Tim Tebow's future plans remain up in the air. Since his release, Tebow has not spoken publicly about the dismissal or what his next move will be. Does he feel jilted by the Jets? Does he have any other NFL prospects? Would he consider the Canadian Football League? ... Fri, 10 May 2013 02:00:34 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2075734-tim-tebow-appears-lecture-word-plans.html 2013-05-10T02:00:34Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2074116-ravens-shipley-colts-draft-pick.html OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens acquired center A.Q. Shipley from the Indianapolis Colts for a conditional 2014 draft pick. The trade, announced Thursday by the Ravens, will be finalized after Shipley passes a physical. Shipley played in 14 games last season with the Colts, getting five starts. He played a key role on an offensive line that ... Thu, 09 May 2013 15:27:37 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2074116-ravens-shipley-colts-draft-pick.html 2013-05-09T15:27:37Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2071680-coach-cleared-charges-longer-msu-mankato.html MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A former head football coach for Minnesota State University, Mankato, who was cleared of child pornography charges last year but reassigned to an administrative position, is no longer employed at the university, the school said Wednesday. However, a faculty union said Todd Hoffner was fired and that it has filed a grievance over his ter... Thu, 09 May 2013 02:40:14 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2071680-coach-cleared-charges-longer-msu-mankato.html 2013-05-09T02:40:14Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2072396-ronde-barber-to-retire-16-seasons-with-bucs.html TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Three-time All-Pro Ronde Barber is retiring after a 16-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that included a Super Bowl title and five Pro Bowl appearances. The Bucs announced Wednesday night that the 38-year-old twin brother of former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber will not return to play on a defense overhauled since the... Thu, 09 May 2013 02:18:45 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2072396-ronde-barber-to-retire-16-seasons-with-bucs.html 2013-05-09T02:18:45Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2072326-psu-coach-obrien-expecting-transfers.html NEW YORK (AP) — Penn State has 67 scholarship players on its football roster and coach Bill O'Brien sees no reason why that will change significantly by the time the season starts Aug. 31. O'Brien said Wednesday he doesn't expect a second wave of departures from the Nittany Lions, even though NCAA sanctions still allow his players to transfer without sitt... Wed, 08 May 2013 23:59:54 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2072326-psu-coach-obrien-expecting-transfers.html 2013-05-08T23:59:54Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2072020-49ers-reach-stadium-naming-rights-deal-with-levis.html SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The future home of the San Francisco 49ers will be called Levi's Stadium. The 49ers and Levi Strauss & Co. announced an agreement Wednesday for a $220 million, 20-year naming rights deal for the team's stadium in Santa Clara. Levi's CEO Chip Bergh and 49ers CEO Jed York announced the deal at Levi's Plaza in San Francisco. Santa Clara ... Wed, 08 May 2013 22:18:03 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2072020-49ers-reach-stadium-naming-rights-deal-with-levis.html 2013-05-08T22:18:03Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2072278-rg3s-pink-cleats-photos-raise-33k-charity.html ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Robert Griffin III's knee is still feeling fine. His ability to turn a room upside down is better than ever. The Washington Redskins quarterback made an appearance — and quite an impact — Wednesday at a luncheon for the American Cancer Society. He raised $33,000 in a matter of minutes, more than half of the $60,000 tallied during the a... Wed, 08 May 2013 19:37:24 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2072278-rg3s-pink-cleats-photos-raise-33k-charity.html 2013-05-08T19:37:24Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2071794-ferguson-key-man-us-financial-transformation.html LONDON (AP) — Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson. Apple and Steve Jobs. Will one of the world's most recognized soccer clubs face the same challenges the world's technology darling did after the departure of its iconic leader? The announcement Wednesday that the Manchester United manager universally known as Fergie will retire has raised concerns not... Wed, 08 May 2013 19:32:03 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2071794-ferguson-key-man-us-financial-transformation.html 2013-05-08T19:32:03Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2070698-huskers-frazier-knew-call-to-hall-would.html Some of the greatest players have had to wait decades after becoming eligible to get the call from the College Football Hall of Fame. Tommie Frazier's selection Tuesday came in his third year of eligibility, and many believe that still was too long for the player who defined Nebraska's run of dominance in the mid-90s. Frazier sounded more relieved than ex... Wed, 08 May 2013 08:19:24 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2070698-huskers-frazier-knew-call-to-hall-would.html 2013-05-08T08:19:24Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2068708-wuerffel-frazier-dayne-selected-college-hall.html NEW YORK (AP) — The only time Tommie Frazier and Danny Wuerffel shared the field during their brilliant college careers, Frazier's Nebraska team trampled Wuerffel and Florida in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl to win the national championship. Wuerffel and the Gators bounced back from that record-breaking 62-24 smackdown to take the title the next season. The former... Tue, 07 May 2013 22:48:53 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2068708-wuerffel-frazier-dayne-selected-college-hall.html 2013-05-07T22:48:53Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2067218-forbes-poll-tabs-tebow-influential-athlete.html NEW YORK (AP) — Even on the unemployment line, Tim Tebow remains a popular presence. The former Jets quarterback, cut by New York last week after one disappointing season and now a free agent, was selected as America's most influential athlete, according to a survey released Monday by Forbes.com. Tebow had the most influence on fans, a... Mon, 06 May 2013 22:42:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2067218-forbes-poll-tabs-tebow-influential-athlete.html 2013-05-06T22:42:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2066756-stadium-decision-hurts-miamis-super-bowl-chances.html MIAMI (AP) — As Dan Marino campaigned for Miami to be chosen the site of the 50th Super Bowl, he made no pretense about being objective on the subject. "In my opinion," the former Dolphins quarterback said, "every Super Bowl should be here." Instead, the NFL championship game might not return to Miami for a long time. Last week the Dolphins were denied pu... Mon, 06 May 2013 20:20:03 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2066756-stadium-decision-hurts-miamis-super-bowl-chances.html 2013-05-06T20:20:03Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2066760-kluwe-hes-released-vikings.html MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Vikings released punter Chris Kluwe on Monday, bringing an end to his colorful and outspoken eight-year stay in Minnesota. Kluwe announced the news on Twitter shortly after meeting with Vikings GM Rick Spielman, a move that had been expected ever since the team spent a fifth-round draft pick on punter Jeff Locke at the end of last m... Mon, 06 May 2013 18:59:40 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2066760-kluwe-hes-released-vikings.html 2013-05-06T18:59:40Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2061618-steelers-rookie-lb-jarvis-jones-settling.html PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jarvis Jones is not James Harrison. For one thing, there's the hair. The rookie Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker has long dreadlocks that appear under his helmet and skitter across his name when he sprints into the backfield. There's the body, too. The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Jones is taller, leaner and wispier than the 2008 NFL Defens... Fri, 03 May 2013 19:54:25 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2061618-steelers-rookie-lb-jarvis-jones-settling.html 2013-05-03T19:54:25Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2058832-secs-network-with-espn-to-debut-2014.html ATLANTA (AP) — The Southeastern Conference and ESPN on Thursday announced a 20-year agreement to operate a SEC network that is scheduled to debut in August, 2014. SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said the SEC network will produce 1,000 live events each year, including 450 televised on the network and 550 distributed digitally. Slive says the network will carry... Thu, 02 May 2013 20:34:25 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2058832-secs-network-with-espn-to-debut-2014.html 2013-05-02T20:34:25Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2059074-jets-sanchez-no-doubt-expect-to-win-qb-job.html FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Mark Sanchez spoke for more than 20 minutes about the New York Jets' crowded quarterback situation, saying all the right things throughout. Yes, he believes he'll be the starter, and, yes, he looks forward to the competition. Then came the question everyone really wanted to know: Hey, Mark, what's up with that headband? "It's my ... Thu, 02 May 2013 20:28:43 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2059074-jets-sanchez-no-doubt-expect-to-win-qb-job.html 2013-05-02T20:28:43Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2059282-manziel-talks-football-friendships-fame.html NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Johnny Manziel has decided he's not going to allow the pitfalls of fame stop him from having a good time, forging friendships with rival quarterbacks or even going back to class — in person. As for the pressure inherent in living up to the Heisman Trophy standard he set for himself in only his first season as quarterback at Texas A&M, i... Thu, 02 May 2013 19:32:36 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2059282-manziel-talks-football-friendships-fame.html 2013-05-02T19:32:36Z