NFL Owners Tweak Rules at League Meeting

If players agree, team facilities could open on Saturday

(NEWSER) - It's possible the NFL will be open for business again in a matter of days. League owners approved a proposed 10-year labor agreement this evening, and the 4-month lockout will be over if the players follow suit, reports USA Today . It's not exactly a cinch, however, at least from what anonymous NFLPA officials are telling Sal Paolantonio of ESPN . "We are not happy here," says one. More»

Hopes of a 2-game suspension dashed

(NEWSER) - Pittsburgh fans can forget any hope that Ben Roethlisberger will get off with a slap on the wrist. The league today suspended Big Ben for the first 6 games of next season for violating its personal conduct policy, reports ESPN . Some in the Steelers organization had actually feared an 8-game penance over the rape allegations. More»

Recession keeps people on couch on Sunday

(NEWSER) - NFL ratings are through the roof this year, as the recession keeps fans on the couch on Sunday afternoons...and Sunday nights and Monday nights. Ratings are at a 20-year high, with an average 17.2 million watching each game. “The NFL and television are actually getting the so-called ‘benefit’ of the recession,” an ex-CBS Sports exec tells the Washington Post . “People are making conscious decisions that their entertainment dollars are best spent watching NFL games free” on TV. More»

(NEWSER) - Michael Vick, who last played in the NFL in 2006, will be eligible to suit up for the Eagles on Sept. 27, the Philadelphia Daily News reports. "Hopefully we can have a success story here that will be good for society in general and good for the NFL," commissioner Roger Goodell said today after meeting with the suspended quarterback and coach Andy Reid. "He is very genuine in his remorse." More»

It's official: QB may play as soon as October —if he can find a team

(AP) - Michael Vick was reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell today and could play in regular-season games as early as October. Vick can immediately participate in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games—if he can find a team that will sign him. A number have already said they would not. More»