Union and NFL agree on testing
The NFL Players Association has told its members that the union “tentatively agreed” that 40 players will take blood tests for HGH each week during the season, with a positive result drawing a four-game suspension.
The NFLPA emailed players a memo in question-and-answer format Tuesday. The Associated Press obtained a copy.
According to the email, players participating in NFL training camps this year will provide a blood sample for a “population study” to determine what level of HGH will result in penalties.
While Tuesday’s memo says owners and players “will likely finalize soon” the in-season weekly HGH testing, the union does not indicate what the NFL has agreed to — or give specifics about what stands in the way.
Cowboys moving
The Dallas Cowboys formally announced they are moving their headquarters from suburban Irving to suburban Frisco after winning approval for a $115 million development that includes an indoor stadium for practice and use by area prep teams.
Accompanied by cheerleaders and city officials, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and his son, executive vice president Stephen Jones, made a quick trip home from training camp in Oxnard, Calif., to celebrate with Frisco officials. The multi-use sports facilities, which will be shared with Frisco Independent School District’s sports teams, are expected to open in 2016.
The stadium will be paid for mostly through a city sales tax, with the school district funding part of the construction. The deal calls for the Cowboys to manage the facilities and pay operating costs.
Around the league
Jets RB Chris Ivory, who played at Washington State, practiced for the second straight day after being limited by a hamstring injury and hopes to play Saturday night against Jacksonville. … The Steelers have put veteran WR Plaxico Burress on the injured reserve list, likely ending his season. … Giants safety Antrel Rolle says he sustained a “pretty good” sprain to his right ankle and does not know when he will be able to return to practice. Veteran Ryan Mundy has replaced Rolle. … Pro Bowl running back Jamaal Charles sat out Chiefs practice after straining his right foot the previous day’s work out. He’s expected to play Friday against San Francisco.