NFL notes: League says no conclusion yet on Pats’ deflated footballs
The NFL said it has interviewed dozens of people and collected physical evidence but has no conclusions yet on how the New England Patriots used underinflated balls in their last game, offering no timetable for resolving the cheating accusations with the Super Bowl nine days away.
The league said evidence shows the Patriots used underinflated footballs during the first half of the AFC championship game Sunday night against the Indianapolis Colts.
The NFL said it began its investigation Sunday night and expects cooperation from other clubs. It hired an investigatory company to help review electronic and video information.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft said investigators were in Foxborough for three days this week after he received a letter from the league Monday informing him of the probe.
Colts general manager Ryan Grigson declined to comment.
Softer balls are generally considered easier to throw and catch, and quarterbacks, specialists and equipment managers are known to have very individualized preferences in how footballs are readied for games.
Union files grievance on conduct policy
The NFL players union has filed a grievance against the league over changes to its personal conduct policy.
League officials said Friday they want players and others in the NFL to be held to stricter standards. The NFL said in a statement: “Clearly, the union does not share that belief.”
The union and the league have been at odds over the personal conduct policy since both groups began navigating the Ray Rice domestic violence case.
Union officials have said they want to open up the personal conduct policy to collective bargaining to negotiate changes, while NFL executives have said the current contract gives them the leeway to make changes.
The NFL said in its statement that it consulted with the union, plus current and former players and other experts before making changes.
Raiders hire assistants to Del Rio’s staff
The Oakland Raiders have officially hired four assistant coaches for new coach Jack Del Rio’s staff.
The team announced the hiring of offensive line coach Mike Tice, defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson, linebackers coach Sal Sunseri and quarterbacks coach Todd Downing.
Tice worked under Del Rio for four years in Jacksonville and has been a head coach for Minnesota.
Quick kicks
The Ravens intend to cut ties with DT Terrence Cody, who’s under investigation for animal cruelty. No charges have been filed. … The NFL will narrow the Pro Bowl goal posts from the current 18.6-feet to 14 feet. In addition, the kick will be moved back to the 15-yard line. The posts will be the regular 18.6 feet for field goal attempts.