NFL

After meeting with former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell effectively closed the book on Spygate. Goodell also determined that a tape of the St. Louis Rams' practice before Super Bowl XXXVI never existed, prompting the Boston Herald to issue an apology for publishing the rumors "in the absence of firmer verification." More »

A murmur rippled across the room as the NFL revealed the tapes provided by former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh. The cause was not some new revelation of wrongdoing by New England, which was caught last September recording opposing coaches' signals in violation of league rules. More »

A former New England Patriots assistant has given the NFL eight videotapes showing that the Pats broke the rules by recording rival teams' play-calling signals—but the rumored tape of the St. Louis Rams isn't among them, the New York Times reports. There had been reports that the worker had a video of the Rams' practice the day before the 2002 Super Bowl. More »

Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson was booked in Austin, Texas on Saturday night for boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest, the Chicago Tribune reports. The former Texas Longhorn denies all charges and alleges that police acted improperly in macing him without provocation. Bears coach Lovie Smith said he was "disappointed," but reserving judgment until more details surface. More »

Professional sports stadiums have seen an enormous boom since 1990, often drawing on millions of dollars in public financing. Economics professor Dennis Coates, writing in the American , examines whether the expenditures actually benefit local economies—and  finds the answer a general "no." Stadiums actually reduce per-capita income, drive down wages, and divert spending from other areas. Further, he argues: More »

Police have questioned Indianapolis Colts star Marvin Harrison about a shooting outside his Philadelphia bar this week, the Indianapolis Star reports. Details are vague so far: A man was shot in the hand, doctors treated a child hurt by shattered glass, and “a vehicle that was on the highway” was involved in the Tuesday incident, a police spokesman said. More »

If linebacker Caleb Campbell hadn't been picked up by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the NFL draft Sunday, he'd  be suiting up for the battlefield, not the gridiron. Assuming he makes the team, Campbell, who graduates from the U.S. Military Academy  May 31, will be allowed to replace five years' service by working as a recruiter and a reserve while playing, the Detroit Free Press reports. More »

The Chiefs made all 13 of their 2008 draft picks count by tapping defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey and picking up sleepers, writes Mel Kiper Jr for ESPN. The Cowboys would have made out equally well but didn't draft a wide receiver, and the Redskins got big guns despite trading out of the first round. But not everyone drafted smart. More »

The two top picks at today's NFL draft were spoiled ahead of time: Everyone knew Jake Long and Chris Long would go first and second. The real drama started with pick #3, in which the Atlanta Falcons chose Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan. The Raiders took Darren McFadden with pick #4, and Glenn Dorsey went fifth to Kansas City, NBC Sports reports. More »

For many of the top prospects in this year’s NFL draft, the path to stardom didn’t begin in college. Instead, it started at the US Army All-American Bowl, an annual high-school all-star game that’s been remarkably good at spotting future NFL talent. Since 2005, 69 participants have reached the pros; this year, 28 are expected to go, with seven projected as first-rounders. More »

The Tennessee Titans finally washed their hands of suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones on Wednesday, agreeing in principle to trade him to the Dallas Cowboys. Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple confirmed the teams had an agreement, but no terms had been filed with the NFL office, which already had closed for the day. More »

Adam "Pacman" Jones paid "extortion" money to a 29-year-old man arrested for a Las Vegas strip club shooting that left a club employee paralyzed, police said. Arvin Kenti Edwards, of Renton, Wash., allegedly used go-betweens to reach Jones, who paid $15,000 in two installments after the shooting, according to a police report obtained Monday. More »

As bloggers multiply and media outlets aim to put more audio, video and photo content on their websites, tensions mount with professional sports leagues. Leagues argue that outlets making such content widely available steps on the toes of the broadcasters who have paid to present games—but, the New York Times reports, limiting the media's scope might impinge on free speech. More »

Hype is mounting for this year's NFL draft class, but plenty of hopes are dashed each year.  ESPN catalogs the top 50 picks who fizzled: Ryan Leaf: drafted No. 2, behind Peyton Manning, but racked up 14 TDs to 65 sacks in 4 seasons Lawrence Phillips: had troubles with the law and with his own attitude More »

Ravens quarterback Steve McNair will announce his retirement today, the Baltimore Sun reports. The 13-year veteran surprised his teammates with his decision this morning at a team mini-camp. After leading Tennessee to a Super Bowl, he spent the past two seasons with Baltimore, and injuries limited him to only six games last season. More »

Saints running back Deuce McAllister, coming off the second knee surgery of his career, will remain with New Orleans for at least one more season. A member of the team with knowledge of the contract negotiations confirmed the agreement to The Associated Press on Monday night. The person did not want to be named because the team hasn't made an official announcement. More »

In less than two weeks, the Miami Dolphins will make the first overall pick of the 2008 NFL draft—and Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan is the likely candidate, the Houston Chronicle reports. Seven of the past nine No. 1s have been QBs, but for every Carson Palmer there's a David Carr, and for every Eli Manning there's a Tim Couch. More »

Gary Davidson may not be a household name to many sports fans. But the man who founded the World Football League and co-founded the ABA and WHA certainly has been influential in the nation’s professional sports landscape by challenging three of the big four sports leagues, writes the LA Times . The NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, are a remnant of his ABA. More »

Suspended Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones will again ask NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to reinstate him, with his agent planning to send in his latest request on Tuesday. Jones had planned to ask to be reinstated before the NFL draft on April 26-27. His agent, Manny Arora, said that being able to work out for teams would increase Jones' appeal to those in the market for a cornerback. More »

The Information Age is great in a lot of ways, but when it comes maintaining the privacy of public figures, it can be a real hassle. Just ask Matt Leinart, Paul LoDuca, and countless other professional athletes who can tell you just how easy it is to have their most unguarded moments appear on the Net—and land them in trouble. More »