Midnight Means Madden Mania

(NEWSER) - John Madden has called his last football game, NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol announced today, with the legendary former coach deciding to retire from broadcasting. “I’m 73 years old,” Madden said in a statement. “I still love every part of it—the travel, the practices, the game film, the games, seeing old friends and meeting new people … but I know this is the right time.” More»

Makers can't use players' names, but gamers willing to pay to get data

(NEWSER) - College-sports video games offer players and teams carefully designed to mirror real-world counterparts, but NCAA regulations bar use of college athletes’ names in-game. But, Ars Technica finds, fans are willing to pay those who put in the time-consuming work of compiling rosters, with one company grossing $150,000 last year selling memory cards and downloadable files that put names to players in Electronic Arts’ football franchise. 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.