NFL rejects contract

The NFL denied the St. Louis Rams’ attempt to rework a contract with coach Jim Haslett that would ensure him a job beyond this season if he won six games because of a requirement that minority candidates be interviewed for head coaching vacancies.

Team president John Shaw said Saturday in a telephone interview with the AP that the league office cited the Rooney Rule when informing the Rams earlier this week, “either Tuesday or Wednesday.” The story first was reported by CBSSports.com.

“We gave them the language with the incentive bonus and they said the contract wouldn’t qualify,” Shaw said. “We were looking for a provision that would ensure him an extension if he won a certain amount of games.”

Language in Haslett’s contract refers to him as the head coach, not the interim coach. But Haslett’s agent said his client has no problem going through the interview process and wanted to make it clear there was no intent to sneak a deal past the NFL.

“We are 100 percent behind the Rooney Rule, the intent, the goal and the application of it,” Peter Schaffer said. “We will do nothing to try to circumvent that rule.”

Browns rescind suspension

The Browns have agreed to rescind Kellen Winslow’s one-game suspension, but the Pro Bowl tight end will still miss Cleveland’s game today.

The team said in a statement Saturday night that Winslow will return on Monday, following the Browns’ game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The franchise said it has worked through its differences with Winslow and looks forward to his return.

Winslow was suspended last week after he made critical comments about the Browns’ handling of his hospitalization with a staph infection. He later appealed the suspension.