League, players continue talks
Talks between the NFL and its players union resumed Friday afternoon, minus the rhetoric that has characterized earlier discussions.
That was perhaps a sign that the sides take seriously the ramifications of beginning free agency without a new deal – something that was seven hours away from happening before the league and the union agreed Thursday to extend by three days the start of the NFL’s new calendar year. It now begins at 12:01 a.m. EST on Monday.
The two sides were not talking publicly and wouldn’t reveal the location of the talks – but they were believed to be in New York, where they broke off Tuesday after three days.
Owners were under the threat of fines for talking to the media and Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Association, and other union officials were equally silent.
The contract between the players and the league doesn’t expire for another two seasons.
Steelers cut Maddox, Williams
Tommy Maddox, who lost his starting quarterback’s job shortly after Ben Roethlisberger’s arrival in 2004, was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers in a long-expected salary cap move.
Also cut was Willie Williams, a cornerback on the Steelers’ 1995 Super Bowl team who unexpectedly became a starter again after returning to the team in 2004. He lost his job to Ike Taylor.
Droughns gets extension
Running back Reuben Droughns, who last season became the first Cleveland back to eclipse 1,000 yards since 1985, signed a three-year contract extension.
Droughns rushed for 1,232 yards last year and broke Jim Brown’s record for carries in a season (309) while starting all 16 games, finally giving the Browns some consistency at the position.
Glover cut; Nguyen retires
The Dallas Cowboys have released defensive tackle La’Roi Glover and announced the retirement of linebacker Dat Nguyen.
Glover, a 10-year veteran who signed with the Cowboys as a free agent in 2002, was cut Thursday. Glover made his sixth Pro Bowl last season, finishing with 26 tackles and three sacks. He has 71 1/2career sacks, second all-time among defensive tackles behind Warren Sapp’s 84 1/2.
McNabb, Trotter face trouble
Philadelphia Eagles players Donovan McNabb and Jeremiah Trotter, charged with parking their cars in handicapped spots, failed to show for a hearing in Glassboro, N.J.
Glassboro Municipal Judge Charles J. Springman Jr. cited each player for failing to appear at Wednesday night’s hearing. A courts administrator told the Philadelphia Inquirer that if the athletes, or their attorneys, failed to attend rescheduled hearings, contempt charges could result.
Lions sign QB King
The Detroit Lions signed Shaun King to a one-year contract, adding quarterback depth and perhaps competition for Joey Harrington.
King did not play in the NFL after being released by the Arizona Cardinals a year ago, following a three-game stint during the 2004 season, his sixth.
Saivii gets community service
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Saousaolii “Junior” Siavii Jr. was ordered to perform 80 hours of community service for assaulting a doorman at a Minneapolis hotel last summer, according to the Star Tribune.
The 6-foot-5, 336-pound Siavii, who played his college ball at Oregon, was in Minneapolis for a preseason game with the Minnesota Vikings.