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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

NFL notes: Johnson’s ‘catch’ raises talk at fall meetings

Associated Press

The NFL expects to review the rule that cost Detroit Lions star receiver Calvin Johnson a potential winning touchdown in a season-opening loss to Chicago. After Johnson went to the turf with possession, he placed the ball on the ground as he ran to celebrate. It’s been one of the season’s most discussed calls.

“The going-to-the-ground rule definitely will be discussed,” NFL competition committee co-chairman Rich McKay said Tuesday at the league’s fall meetings. “It’s been discussed the last couple of years. It’s a difficult rule. It was made for on-field officials, not as much for people watching on TV.”

McKay also stated the league is concerned with the rising number of helmets that have flown off players’ heads.

“We’re going back to each manufacturer and asking why it’s happening,” he said.

Kraft optimistic about CBA

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said it’s a realistic goal to reach a new collective bargaining agreement before the end of the season. At the conclusion of the league’s fall meetings, Kraft said, “We’re moving ahead. I’d like to see this get done before the season ends.” Asked if that was a realistic objective, he added, “To me it is.”

Even as the 32 owners were discussing strategies for negotiations with the NFL Players Association and the possibility of a work stoppage, many were expressing confidence that pro football is not headed for a lockout. The CBA expires in March, and union officials claim they expect to be locked out if a new deal isn’t reached.

Cincinnati’s police chief is apologizing to Bengals cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones, who was questioned by officers on Sunday.

Chief Tom Streicher said at a news conference Monday that the police department made a mistake and that Jones did nothing wrong. Police said Jones was questioned after he drove his vehicle over a downtown curb to avoid another vehicle or pedestrian in his way. He was released without a citation or charges.

Around the league

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said there was no timetable for wrapping up an investigation of an Internet report that Vikings quarterback Brett Favre sent racy text messages and lewd photos to Jenn Sterger, a former New York Jets game hostess. … Tim Leiweke the president and CEO of AEG, the company that owns LA Live and Staples Center, said that he is exploring a deal for the company to manage the adjacent Los Angeles Convention Center as part of a plan to bring an NFL team to downtown. … The New Orleans Saints signed former Seattle running back Julius Jones and released 46-year-old kicker John Carney. … The Minnesota Vikings have lost starting cornerback Cedric Griffin for the rest of the season, to another significant knee injury. … New York Jets coach Rex Ryan is not sure if cornerback Darrelle Revis will play Sunday against Denver after experiencing a “very sore” leg after the team’s victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night.