Lockout looms over NFL

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown and teammates will face the San Diego Chargers today, but Brown said NFL Players Association chief DeMaurice Smith recently told players that there is a “95 percent chance of a lockout” by the owners for the 2011 season.

The union is collecting money and Smith has urged members to save 25 percent of their salaries.

“Of course, we’re willing to sit out,” Brown said. “It hurt the guys that sat out years ago, too, right? If they did it, it can be done. We’re not the first people to do it.”

The NFL players have never been locked out before. The three previous work stoppages – in 1973, 1981 and 1987 – were because of player strikes. There’s a whole season and a half to play before a possible lockout, so there’s still plenty of time to work out a deal. Unfortunately, from what can be gathered in bits and pieces, both sides seem far apart.

“The owners’ intent is to come to an agreement,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told a group of newspaper reporters on Sept. 4.

Dolphins rule out Porter

Joey Porter won’t be making any tackles this week.

Less than 24 hours before kickoff, the Miami Dolphins’ outspoken linebacker was ruled out of today’s game against Tampa Bay because of a coach’s decision. The Dolphins didn’t give any information about the reason for the move by coach Tony Sparano.

Porter made no tackles in last week’s loss to the Patriots after calling them cheaters and saying he hated them. New England quarterback Tom Brady said his team was inspired by Porter’s comments.