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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Carolina benches Hardy

Associated Press

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera had a change of heart Sunday, benching defensive end Greg Hardy before the team’s 24-7 win against the Detroit Lions.

Rivera defended his late decision to make Hardy inactive by saying the “climate has changed” and the team “has to get this right.”

Rivera said he wouldn’t rule out Hardy playing in the future.

Carolina listed Hardy as inactive just two days after Rivera said Friday that Hardy would play.

Hardy was convicted July 15 of assault on a female and communicating threats. He is appealing the ruling. He was active against Tampa Bay in Week 1.

Bills salute Wilson

Ralph Wilson’s legacy was immortalized in gold on the stadium that bears his name.

Fans at a sold-out Ralph Wilson Stadium gave its late namesake a standing ovation Sunday as the Buffalo Bills saluted their founder before the home opener against the Miami Dolphins.

Wilson, who died in March, was one of many Bills legends whose names were written in black along the upper bowl of the stadium. Those names have been changed to gold during the $130 million renovation of the stadium this summer.

Extra points

The Vikings reinstated special teams coach Mike Priefer after a two-game suspension for making anti-gay remarks. … Saints quarterback Drew Brees moved into fourth place on the NFL’s career yardage list, surpassing Hall of Famer John Elway. Brees entered Sunday’s game against Cleveland needing 62 yards to go past Elway, who finished with 51,475 yards. Dan Marino (61,361) is in third place.