NFL drug policy set
The NFL is going deeper into the wallets of players who get caught using steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs.
After four months of sometimes intense negotiations, the league and union announced Wednesday more extensive testing for performance-enhancing drugs and the addition of the blood-boosting substance EPO to its list of banned substances.
The union also agreed that players suspended after testing positive will, for the first time, forfeit a portion of their signing bonuses in addition to the salary they will lose during their time away. That is significant because the signing bonuses often are the only guaranteed portion of a player’s salary and can be larger than salaries, which sometimes are kept artificially low to keep the team under the salary cap.
Manning mum on thumb
Peyton Manning thumbed his way through questions about his injured throwing hand.
“I attended the Bill Belichick school of discussing injuries, so there’s my answer,” Manning said, drawing laughter.
Belichick, New England’s coach, is known for keeping the status of injured players secret, and Manning took advantage of a rare opportunity to do his impersonation of the three-time Super Bowl winner by giving no update on his right thumb.
Smith extension likely
As the NFL’s lowest-paid coach, Lovie Smith led the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl. He’s now in line for a contract extension.
Bears president Ted Phillips expects to work out the extension soon. Phillips said he’s had preliminary discussions with both Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo on new deals, but talks are on hold until after the Super Bowl on Feb. 4 in Miami as to avoid any possible distractions.
Dungy’s plans up in air
Colts coach Tony Dungy will wait until after Indianapolis’ Super Bowl appearance against Chicago before considering his future with the team.
Dungy signed a contract extension last year that would keep him in Indianapolis through 2009. But many have wondered whether the 51-year-old coach, who previously said he intended to retire at age 50, might resign if he wins the Super Bowl.
Seahawk interviewed
The Tennessee Titans interviewed Seattle Seahawks vice president Mike Reinfeldt as team officials work to wrap up their search for a new general manager.
Reinfeldt just concluded his seventh season with the Seahawks and was named vice president of football administration in March 2005.
Around the league
Lions leading receiver Mike Furrey agreed to terms on a three-year deal with Detroit. … Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis earned an eighth trip to the Pro Bowl, replacing injured linebacker Al Wilson of the Denver Broncos on the AFC squad. … A security video showing Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick surrendering a water bottle to a security screener at Miami International Airport was erased because it would not be needed for evidence. … Bruce Arians, former offensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns, has been promoted to the same job by new Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. … Former Denver Broncos defensive back Tyrone Braxton pleaded guilty to cocaine and marijuana possession in Centennial, Colo., but avoided jail time. … The Miami Dolphins hired Terry Robiskie as their wide receivers coach and Brett Maxie as safeties coach. … Miami Dolphins quarterbacks coach Jason Garrett interviewed with the Dallas Cowboys for their vacant offensive coordinator and head coaching positions.