Jones drops appeal for suspension

Adam “Pacman” Jones dropped his appeal of a yearlong suspension Tuesday, pledging to repair an image that made the Tennessee Titans cornerback the poster child for NFL misconduct.

His decision came after a third meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell.

“I understand my responsibilities to my teammates, the Titans and my fans and I am committed to turning my life around and being a positive member of the NFL,” Jones said in a statement issued by newly hired agent Michael Huyghue.

Jones was suspended after 10 encounters with police and five arrests since he was drafted in 2005.

“Last week, I asked for an opportunity to meet privately with commissioner Goodell,” Jones said. “I met with him earlier today to tell him about the steps I have taken to change my life since being suspended by the NFL. I accept the discipline that’s been imposed on me and I am withdrawing my appeal.”

Neither the NFL nor the Titans commented.

Still pending is a case in Las Vegas involving a fight and shooting at a strip club during the NBA All-Star weekend that left one person paralyzed.

The outcome of that case could determine whether the suspension is reduced from 16 games to 10 games. That could happen if Jones adheres to the conditions set by Goodell and is not arrested again. If he misses the entire season, the suspension will cost him his salary of nearly $1.3 million.

Lt. George Castro in Las Vegas said police still have not connected what happened inside the strip club and the shooting that took place outside. No new suspects have been identified and police are not seeking new charges based on new information developed during the three months since District Attorney David Roger first declined to prosecute, Castro said.

Until now, Jones had been represented primarily in his dealings with the league by his lawyer, Manny Arora. After he was suspended by Goodell on April 10, Arora filed an appeal on Jones’ behalf.

But this time, Jones was accompanied by Huyghue, who was his agent when he was drafted sixth overall in 2005 and is a former league office employee and former senior vice president of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Earlier this year, the players’ union listed Jones as being without an agent, although Arora said Huyghue had been involved in his case from the start.

Arora said he would have been at Tuesday’s meeting, but was tied up with criminal cases. He emphasized that he remains Jones’ lawyer, but that Huyghue’s knowledge of the NFL was important in dealing with Goodell and other league officials.

Huyghue said Jones intended to keep working out and would go back to school, taking courses online from West Virginia University, where he played.

Culpepper files grievance

Daunte Culpepper is getting help from the NFL Players Association in his quest to be released from the Miami Dolphins.

The NFLPA filed a grievance on Culpepper’s behalf, with hopes that the matter can be resolved within a week, said Richard Berthelsen, the union’s general counsel.

“They’re breaching his contract by refusing to employ him or letting him go someplace else,” Berthelsen said.

Culpepper asked to be released last week, shortly after Miami acquired Trent Green from the Kansas City Chiefs. The Dolphins told Culpepper they wanted to trade him; Culpepper said he wants a release and vowed to block any trades.

Around the league

Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jack Trudeau pleaded innocent to a felony charge of obstruction of justice in the investigation of underage drinking at his home during a high school graduation party for his daughter in Lebanon, Ind. Trudeau denied furnishing any alcohol to teenagers, but authorities said he refused to provide them with a list he had naming those attending the party. … Former NFL star Andre Rison faces a court-ordered bankruptcy to pay more than $105,000 in back child support and other claims. He has until June 25 to respond to the order before the court proceeds with efforts to recover his assets. … The Chicago Bears signed veteran fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo to a one-year contract. … This year’s ArenaBowl at the New Orleans Arena already is a sellout nearly nine weeks before the game. The game is June 29 and will be the first team championship in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina.