Vince Young Now Officially Cursed

Despite appeal, Tennessee cornerback will serve full season-long suspension

(NEWSER) - NFL commissioner Roger Goodell firmly squashed the campaign of Adam "Pacman" Jones's camp to reduce his full-season suspension, reiterating to the Titans defensive standout that he cannot rejoin his team until fall 2008. Tennessee, whose overall defense has improved significantly this year, said they had been prepared for that eventuality. More»

Pro Bowl QB violated team rules; sits out preseason opener

(NEWSER) - Titans chief Jeff Fisher tested out a new spot for his star QB in the preseason opener against Washington: the bench. Pro Bowler Vince Young was moored for violating an unspecified team rule, putting Kerry Collins and Tim Rattay in charge of Tennessee's offense last night. Neither backup could find the end zone, and the Titans fell 14-6. More»

Fellow players witness media circus

(NEWSER) - Newly-minted New York Jet Tim Tebow's locker room was open to reporters for the first time yesterday, and they pounced. "It’s like shark feeding, man," said Josh Baker, a reserve tight end who, possibly unfortunately, occupies the locker next to Tebow's. Surrounded by dozens of reporters, Tebow told the press that "there’s a lot that’s exciting about being a Jet," the New York Times reports. "I’m just trying to be a little piece to try to help this team win a few games." More»

Brain injuries associated with other players' early deaths

(NEWSER) - Doctors will inspect Junior Seau's brain for any evidence of injury from his football days, following an agreement with his family. Several early deaths among football players have pointed to brain injury, the Los Angeles Times notes. "The family was considering this almost from the beginning, but they didn't want to make any emotional decisions," says the San Diego Chargers chaplain. Finally, "they came to a joint decision that absolutely this was the best thing." More»

Championship team hit by tragedy time and time again

(NEWSER) - Junior Seau’s death is just the latest tragedy in the sad history of the 1994 San Diego Chargers. That team—the only Chargers team to make it to the Super Bowl—has seen seven other deaths. CNN has the rundown:

• 1995: Linebacker David Griggs, 28, dies in a car crash.
• 1996: Running back Rodney Culver, 26, dies in a plane crash.
• 1998: Linebacker Doug Miller, 28, dies after being struck by lightning.