NFL: Parcells begins working with Miami
Bill Parcells reported to his new job and quickly put aside one theory about what ails the Miami Dolphins.
It turns out they really do practice.
Parcells was on the field for Thursday’s workout and a firsthand look at the NFL’s worst team. He signed a four-year contract last week to become executive vice president of football operations.
“When he walked out, everybody noticed,” defensive tackle Vonnie Holliday said. “There was a whisper here and there.”
Parcells didn’t address the team. He’ll likely leave the speeches to his head coach, which for the moment is Cam Cameron.
Parcells’ first big decision will be whether to retain Cameron and general manager Randy Mueller.
Parcells said he doesn’t want either job.
Broadcast turmoil
Three local TV stations thought they had one of the NFL’s biggest games all to themselves. When the potentially historic New England Patriots-New York Giants matchup landed on their competitors, too, they accused the league of violating their contracts.
The NFL and the stations were “working through contractual issues,” league spokesman Greg Aiello said.
Sapp sapped by league
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp was fined $75,000 by the NFL for his confrontation with game officials that led to his ejection last week.
Sapp avoided a suspension, however.
The league said Sapp was punished for “physical and verbal actions toward game officials that drew an unprecedented three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and ejection from last Sunday’s game.”
Barnett wants apology
Nick Barnett might not file a formal grievance against NFL official Jim Quirk after all.
The Green Bay Packers linebacker’s agent said he is more interested in having the league admit that Quirk’s rough treatment of Barnett was wrong.
Umpire Quirk grabbed Barnett by the neck and threw him to the ground while breaking up a scuffle during the Packers’ loss at Chicago on Sunday.
Jacobs’ yards deducted
The NFL has officially deducted 2 yards from Brandon Jacobs’ rushing total in the New York Giants’ victory at Buffalo last Sunday.
Jacobs goes from 145 yards rushing to 143, and the team total drops from 291 to 289, in the Giants’ 38-21 win that clinched a playoff berth.
The 2 yards initially had been credited as fumble yardage.
Around the league
Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn’t practice with the starting offense for the second day in a row, a sign he is unlikely to play in the team’s final regular-season game Sunday in Baltimore. … Eight-time Pro Bowl receiver Marvin Harrison returned to practice with the Indianapolis Colts after missing 10 games. Harrison took part in a full practice and may be available for limited work against Tennessee on Sunday night. … Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth took part in his first full practice since Nov. 30. … Brodie Croyle was able to throw without any problem, and he will probably start Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs play the New York Jets. … Dallas wide receiver Patrick Crayton signed a four-year deal with the Cowboys worth up to $14 million, his agent said. … The Patriots released linebacker Chad Brown.