NFL: Goodell plans swift action on Jones, Henry
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell hopes to hand down disciplinary measures within 10 days of meeting with Tennessee cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones and Cincinnati receiver Chris Henry.
Goodell’s new, stronger player-conduct policy has not been fully formulated, but he’ll still meet Tuesday with the two players, who have had numerous run-ins with the law.
“These are part of the hearings I’ve had with a player or coach facing discipline decisions,” Goodell said Wednesday as the league meetings concluded in Phoenix. “It’s to get their perspective, look them in the eye and get them thinking. They are clearly (designed) to give me better info and more facts. I do it frequently.”
It could happen more often, given the number of off-field incidents that have recently plagued the league.
Jones has talked to police in 10 separate incidents since being drafted in April 2005 and has been arrested five times. On Monday, Las Vegas police recommended prosecutors file a felony charge of coercion and misdemeanor charges of battery and threat against Jones, stemming from a Feb. 19 strip club fight and shooting.
Henry is among nine Bengals arrested in less than a year. He had four arrests in 14 months, including marijuana possession, a weapon charge and a drunken-driving count that resulted in a guilty plea to reckless operation of a vehicle.
“I won’t lump all of these incidents into a bowl and deal with it,” Goodell said. “I’m not trying to send a signal here and make examples of people. We’ll do what we need to protect the integrity of the NFL. That’s our objective.”
Niners reward Gore
Running back Frank Gore has agreed to a four-year contract extension with San Francisco, a reward for his team-record 1,695 yards rushing last season.
Gore, who led the NFC in rushing, was due to earn $435,000 next season. With the extension, the Pro Bowl running back will be under contract to the 49ers through 2011 with a deal containing more than $14 million in guaranteed money.
Gore was the heart of the 49ers’ offense last season, setting franchise records for yards rushing; for his 2,180 total yards from scrimmage; and for single-game rushing with his 212-yard performance against Seattle.
Around the league
A Castle Rock, Colo., judge gave Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall permission to travel out of state after an arrest on suspicion of domestic violence and false imprisonment. … Veteran receiver Troy Brown acknowledged that he had off-season knee surgery, after saying in an earlier interview that he intends to play next season and hopes to finish his career with New England. … The New York Jets agreed to terms on a three-year contract with free-agent defensive end David Bowens. … Denver agreed to terms on a contract extension with cornerback Dre Bly, obtained earlier this month from Detroit.