NFL games top-rated prime-time show of TV season

A sports series is the most-watched prime-time show for an entire television season for the first time.

NFL and on-field officials agree to mediation

The NFL and its referees' union have agreed to federal mediation.

Hakeem Nicks breaks right foot at Giants OTA

By TOM CANAVAN

New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks is expected to be sidelined up to three months after breaking his right foot at a team organized activity early Thursday.

Collusion claim the latest NFL-union feud

By BARRY WILNER

The lockout was easier than all this.

49ers sign All-Pro punter Andy Lee through 2018

By ANTONIO GONZALEZ

Andy Lee has made every punt and held every field goal and extra-point attempt _ minus a few in the preseason _ for the San Francisco 49ers since 2004.

Thomas, Decker building rapport with Manning

By ARNIE STAPLETON

Peyton Manning's two biggest targets are a pair of promising young receivers who have already made their mark in the NFL despite spending lots of time on the sideline.

NFL union files suit against league over 2010 cap

By BARRY WILNER

The players union claimed Wednesday that the NFL imposed a secret salary cap during the uncapped 2010 season that cost the players at least $1 billion.

Manning, Giants focused as they return to field

As far as Eli Manning is concerned, the fulfillment of teammate Justin Tuck's claim that the New York Giants can turn into an NFL dynasty began Wednesday with the first organized team activity.

NFL making thigh and knee pads mandatory in '13

By BARRY WILNER

The NFL's move to make thigh and knee pads mandatory equipment for the 2013 season already has drawn criticism from the guys who will have to wear them.

Browns' Fujita says bounty charges "not true"

By TOM WITHERS

Forced to fight for his name in a "public trial" against the NFL, Browns linebacker Scott Fujita vowed he did not participate in the New Orleans Saints' bounty program.

NFL wins salary cap fight with Redskins, Cowboys

An arbitrator upheld the NFL's salary cap reductions on the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins for this season and next.

Seau's suicide prompts worries about post-NFL life

By HOWARD FENDRICH

Junior Seau's suicide is troubling NFL players.

Buccaneers deal TE Winslow to Seattle, sign Clark

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded tight end Kellen Winslow to the Seattle Seahawks for a draft pick on Monday night and signed former Colts star Dallas Clark to replace him.

AL HAMNIK: Bears, Bulls celebs searching for heroes in the region

By Al Hamnik Times Columnist

Sometimes, you need to be involved. You have to get up off your backside and help the less fortunate.

Union president sends letter about labor gains

By BARRY WILNER

NFL players union president Domonique Foxworth sent a letter to his membership Monday outlining the gains they made in the collective bargaining agreement reached last summer with the league.

Mistrial declared in DJ Williams' DUI case

By P. SOLOMON BANDA

Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams' trial on driving under the influence and traffic charges ended in a mistrial just hours after it began Monday after his lawyer objected to how jurors were selected.

Jets DT Ellis pleads guilty to assault in Virginia

By BROCK VERGAKIS

New York Jets defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis pleaded guilty Monday to assault and battery stemming from a 2010 fight while attending college in Virginia.

Saints upbeat despite Brees' absence

By BRETT MARTEL

With no sign of a contract breakthrough for Drew Brees on the eve of the Saints' first offseason practice, safety Roman Harper tried to look on the bright side.

Manning looks good in Broncos' first OTA workout

By ARNIE STAPLETON

His passes were hitting receivers in stride and right between the numbers, not skipping off the ground or whizzing behind their heads like so many of Tim Tebow's.

Texans WR Johnson out 3-4 weeks after knee scope

By CHRIS DUNCAN

Texans star receiver Andre Johnson said Monday that he will be out for three to four weeks after arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

Loomis: Brees deal has to be right for both sides

By BRETT MARTEL

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says he isn't taking any of Drew Brees' recent complaints about the slow pace of contract negotiations personally.

Saints' Vilma sues Roger Goodell for defamation

By BRETT MARTEL

Suspended Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma filed a defamation lawsuit Thursday against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, claiming the league's top executive made false statements that tarnished Vilma's reputation and hindered his ability to ear…

Brees critical of Saints in radio interview

Drew Brees said in a radio interview Wednesday night that he is frustrated by what he views as a lack of communication with the New Orleans Saints in his ongoing contract negotiations, adding the club should have shown more urgency to get a l…

Bicycle stolen from Junior Seau's garage recovered

A bicycle stolen from Junior Seau's Oceanside home days after the former NFL star's suicide has been recovered, police said.

Eli Manning, Giants get latest Super Bowl rings

Like a little kid with a brand new toy, Eli Manning couldn't wait.

Junior Seau's San Diego-area restaurant closes

A San Diego restaurant opened by Junior Seau in 1996 has closed its doors two weeks after the NFL star's suicide.

Arbitrator hears arguments on NFL player penalties

Arbitrator Shyam Das heard arguments Wednesday from NFL and players union lawyers on whether Commissioner Roger Goodell can discipline players for actions that occurred before the league's current labor agreement was signed last August.

NFL, union, NCAA supporting youth helmet program

The NFL, its players' union and the NCAA are donating money to provide new helmets to youth football players in low-income communities.

Forcier signs 3-year deal with Hamilton in CFL

By LARRY LAGE

Tate Forcier is heading north to pursue a professional football career.

Vikings shield books in $975M Minn. stadium deal

By MARTIGA LOHN

The Vikings stadium deal that Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton signed into law Monday involves plenty of public participation, but it also prevents the public from getting a look at the team's finances during their partnership to build the $975 mil…

Search for ex-receiver Affholter ends after calls

Southern California authorities have called off a search for former professional football player Erik Affholter after learning he contacted his ex-wife and mother by telephone.

Rams' dome plan seeks roof panel that would open

By JIM SALTER

The St. Louis Rams and the public entity that operates the Edward Jones Dome are far apart in their plans on how to improve the facility.

Players' union grievance to be heard Wednesday

The NFL players' union grievance against the league in the Saints bounties scandal will be heard Wednesday.

Ochocinco writes letter to support 'Dad' Goodell

By The Associated Press

Chad Ochocinco wants Roger Goodell to know that he has the NFL commissioner's back.

Column: Vikings get sweetheart stadium deal

By TIM DAHLBERG

Whoa, that was a close one.

Junior Seau buried in hometown

By BERNIE WILSON

Thousands of fans got the chance to cheer one more time for Junior Seau at the stadium where he starred for 13 seasons.

Tice shows new Bears offense to rookies

By The Associated Press

LAKE FOREST, Ill. | New Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice wants to see his team playing faster and with more explosiveness. He will have to wait a bit to see all the weapons at his disposal.

Vikes owners hint at retractable roof for stadium

By JON KRAWCZYNSKI

The Metrodome always felt like a rental property for Zygi and Mark Wilf, two New Jersey real estate developers who purchased the Minnesota Vikings in 2005 with the hopes of moving out of the place as quickly as possible.

Ex-Lion Boyd gets prison in sex case with minor

Former Detroit Lions receiver Tommie Boyd has been sentenced to at least five years in prison for having sexual contact with a teenage girl.

Brother of NFL players found incompetent for trial

ERIC TUCKER

The younger brother of NFL players Vernon and Vontae Davis has been declared incompetent to stand trial in the slaying of a man visiting the nation's capital from Colorado.

NFL looking at possible replacement refs

By BARRY WILNER

The NFL is looking for potential replacement officials while it negotiates with the officials' association on a new contract.

Former players sue NFL over concussions in LA

By GREG BLUESTEIN

More than 60 former NFL players have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles, joining hundreds of others who claim pro football didn't properly protect its players from concussions.

The Geathers: 2 generations of NFL, college stars

By PETE IACOBELLI

There has been plenty of NFL talent to come out of the state of South Carolina _ many from the Geathers family tree.

Minnesota Senate approves $975 million Vikings stadium plan; governor says he'll sign bill.

Peterson progressing; Vikings stress caution

By DAVE CAMPBELL

The Minnesota Vikings were running sprints during one of their workouts a couple of weeks ago, and Adrian Peterson was watching off to the side.

Coroner releases Junior Seau's body to his family

By BERNIE WILSON

County officials say the body of former NFL linebacker Junior Seau was released to his family this weekend after undergoing an autopsy.

Leaf pleads guilty to stealing painkillers

MATT VOLZ

Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges that he broke into a Montana home and illegally possessed painkillers, part of a deal with prosecutors that recommends he spend nine months in a secure drug treatment facility.