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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Study results show Seau had brain disease

Junior Seau had CTE when he committed suicide. (Associated Press)
Associated Press

Retired NFL linebacker Junior Seau had a degenerative brain disease when he committed suicide last May, the National Institutes of Health told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Results of an NIH study of Seau’s brain revealed abnormalities consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

The NIH conducted a study of three unidentified brains, one of which was Seau’s. It said the findings were similar to autopsies of people “with exposure to repetitive head injury.”

Seau was an outstanding linebacker for 20 NFL seasons before retiring in 2009. He died of a self-inflicted shotgun wound.

Former QB finds help for concussions

Former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar says he has finally found a treatment to ease years of pain from concussions he sustained during his NFL career.

Kosar said he had more than a dozen documented concussions as a player. After more than a decade of constant headaches, insomnia and slurred speech, Kosar said he began to feel better following just a few weeks of treatments with Dr. Rick Sponaugle, who has a wellness institute in Florida. Kosar said he was skeptical about Sponaugle but he’s now convinced the complex therapy, which involves nutritional supplements, works.

Jags fire Mularkey, say no to Tebow

The Jacksonville Jaguars have fired coach Mike Mularkey after one season, the worst in franchise history.

New general manager David Caldwell made the announcement as he also nixed the idea of the team getting hometown hero Tim Tebow, saying, “I can’t imagine a scenario in which he’ll be a Jacksonville Jaguar.”

Browns reportedly hire Chudzinski

A person familiar with the decision says the Cleveland Browns have hired Carolina offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski as their new coach.

The 44-year-old Chudzinski has spent the past two seasons with the Panthers. He has had two previous stints with the Browns as an assistant coach.

Around the league

Former Chicago coach Lovie Smith interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles as the team continued its search for a head coach. … Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden is the latest to interview with the Arizona Cardinals for their head coaching job. … Rookie running back Chris Rainey has been cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers.