NFL : Belichick talks with Goodell, apologizes

This videotape needs no interpretation: New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick walked out of his news conference Wednesday when pressed repeatedly about the sideline spying scandal that landed him on NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s crowded docket.

Ten minutes before his regular availability, Belichick issued a one-paragraph statement apologizing to his team and confirming that he has spoken to Goodell about an “interpretation” of league rules that ban videotaping of the opposing sideline.

“Although it remains a league matter, I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected, most of all ownership, staff and players,” Belichick said. “Following the league’s decision, I will have further comment.”

Hixon smiles again

Kevin Everett can move again and Domenik Hixon can smile again.

For 48 hours, despair enshrouded the Denver returner who was on the receiving end of Everett’s devastating hit that left Buffalo’s backup tight end with a life-threatening spinal cord injury.

Hixon was sitting at home Tuesday night when his father called with the news that Everett was moving his limbs on his own in what doctors were calling a minor miracle.

Around the league

JaMarcus Russell was guaranteed a record $29 million in his six-year $61 million deal with Oakland, according to two people familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms were not released. … New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning took some snaps, made a few handoffs and tossed lightly to test his bruised right shoulder. … NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and union chief Gene Upshaw plan to testify Tuesday at a Senate hearing on the NFL’s retirement system and the problems for former players who are disabled from injuries. … The St. Louis Rams placed left tackle Orlando Pace on injured reserve, ending the seven-time Pro Bowl player’s season after one game because of a shoulder injury. … Receiver David Boston was released by Tampa Bay, two days after police released results of a urine test that showed the eighth-year pro had a depressant in his system when he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence last month in Tampa, Fla. … Rams president Jay Zygmunt was hospitalized for tests after complaining of shortness of breath.