Jones Drops Contract Challenge

Dallas’ challenge to the settlement of Deion Sanders’ contract by the NFL and the players’ union was withdrawn Friday.

The settlement dramatically increased the effect of Sanders’ signing upon the club’s salary cap, and the Cowboys originally had challenged the authority of the NFL and players’ union to resolve salary cap issues.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, “With Deion’s cooperation, we have renegotiated his contract so it will affect our salary cap as originally intended even with the new rules in place.”

Buffalo fans await Cox

The expectorations have increased expectations of poor fan behavior at today’s AFC wild-card game between Buffalo and Miami.

The Dolphins’ Bryan Cox will make his first appearance in Rich Stadium since he spat his way off the field Dec. 17.

“They’ll have the welcome mat out for us,” Dolphins tackle Richmond Webb said. “Especially for Bryan.” Webb and his teammates expect Cox, who wasn’t commenting, to love every minute of it.

Snow fun in Philly

After New York fans nearly caused a forfeit by throwing snowballs during last week’s Giants-Chargers game, the Philadelphia Eagles are aiming to prevent a repeat at Veterans Stadium.

Scores of hastily gathered workers tackled sheets of thick ice covering seats, aisles and ramps in the 65,000-seat stadium, rushing to finish in time for today’s playoff game against Detroit.