NFL: Taylor, Merriman feud still hot in Hawaii

LaDainian Tomlinson now thinks Bill Belichick has nothing but class, and Belichick says the feeling is mutual.

Meanwhile, Jason Taylor has no problem starting alongside Shawne Merriman at the Pro Bowl – but it’s still unclear whether Merriman is less than thrilled to play with the Miami star who said the steroid-tainted San Diego linebacker shouldn’t be allowed to play in Hawaii.

Though Peyton Manning and his four offensive teammates from the champion Indianapolis Colts hadn’t yet arrived, the star-studded AFC squad enjoyed the first day of workouts Tuesday on Oahu’s gorgeous west shore in Hawaii.

While league MVP Tomlinson no longer has any bad feelings toward the New England Patriots’ three-time Super Bowl-winning coach after their playoff meeting, another San Diego player’s feud still might be simmering: Merriman pointedly refused to speak to reporters after working out alongside Taylor, Miami’s NFL defensive player of the year.

In late December, Taylor spoke out strongly against players who test positive for performance-enhancing substances. Though only some of his comments were addressed directly to Merriman, Taylor said players who use banned substances shouldn’t be allowed to receive postseason honors or even play in the league.

Taylor and Merriman didn’t speak during Monday evening meetings or Tuesday’s practice.

Rivera latest Dallas candidate

Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera is the ninth and latest candidate in team owner Jerry Jones’ search for a head coach after Bill Parcells retired more than two weeks ago.

Rivera played nine seasons in the NFL and has coached for 10, the last three as the Bears’ defensive coordinator.

A big question surrounding this opening is how legitimate a candidate he is for the top job. There’s speculation that San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner has it locked up, and that Jones wants Rivera as defensive coordinator.

When asked his chances of becoming defensive coordinator, Rivera said: “I am here to discuss being the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.”

Around the league

Former University of Idaho head coach and Atlanta Falcons offensive line coach Tom Cable was hired to fill the same role with the Oakland Raiders. … Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs was dropped from the NFC’s Pro Bowl roster because of a left foot injury and replaced by Tampa Bay linebacker Derrick Brooks. … Jeff Rutledge was hired as Arizona’s quarterbacks coach. … Washington right tackle Jon Jansen signed a five-year, $23 million contract extension. … New England left tackle Matt Light was chosen for the Pro Bowl, replacing Jonathan Ogden of Baltimore on the AFC team. … Tennessee cornerback Cortland Finnegan pleaded guilty to reckless driving in a plea agreement to settle a drunken driving charge.