NFL

Associated PressJustices raise doubts over law barring offensive trademarksBy SAM HANANELWASHINGTON (AP) ?? The Supreme Court raised doubts Wednesday about a law that bars the government from registering trademarks that are deemed offensive.The justices heard arguments in a dispute involving an Asian-American band called the Slants that was denied...

IRVING, Texas (AP) - Dez Bryant will get four more months to work on a long-term deal with the Cowboys and make $12.8 million next year after the team used its franchise tag on the star wide receiver.Bryant led the NFL with a club-record 16 touchdowns in the final...

BOSTON (AP) - Lawyers for former New England Patriots player and convicted murderer Aaron Hernandez are due in court in Boston, where a judge could set a date for his double murder trial.Hernandez is not expected to attend Thursday's hearing. He is serving life in prison without the possibility...

AP Sports WriterBennett defines his own 'Patriot Way' en route to Super BowlBy KYLE HIGHTOWERFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) If Martellus Bennett had his way, people would live in his world.He describes it as a fun place, where imaginations can run wild and people can feel unrestrained.And in a way,...

AP Sports WriterTo McCoy's relief, Chargers finally find way to finishBy BERNIE WILSONSAN DIEGO (AP) With 15 seconds left and his San Diego Chargers trying to hold onto a 21-13 lead against Denver, embattled coach Mike McCoy hunched over with his head in his hands.It couldn't be happening...

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal regulators have filed civil fraud charges against former NFL cornerback Will Allen and his business partner. They're accused of reaping more than $31 million in a Ponzi scheme that promised high returns to investors from funding loans to cash-strapped pro athletes.The Securities and Exchange Commission...

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor is retiring, ending a 12-year career in which he helped lead the team to two Super Bowl victories.The 34-year-old player announced the decision Tuesday.Taylor became a free agent last month and says he couldn't envision playing for another team. He finishes his...

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) Panthers cornerback Josh Norman says he has nothing but ''mad respect'' for Cam Newton and there are no hard feelings between he and the star quarterback following a training camp scuffle earlier this week.Norman even posted a selfie of himself and Newton on his Twitter...

Associated PressJudge reminding NFL retirees of concussion settlementBy MARYCLAIRE DALEPHILADELPHIA (AP) A federal judge on Wednesday urged NFL retirees to register for a concussion settlement that could cost the league $1 billion over 65 years.About 22,000 retirees are encouraged to get baseline neurological testing. The league expects more...

The Latest: Browns Poyer dealing with lacerated kidneyBy The Associated PressThe Latest on Week Six of the NFL season (all times EDT):5:15 p.m.Cleveland coach Hue Jackson says Browns defensive back Jordan Poyer has a lacerated kidney that will keep him in a Tennessee hospital at least for a little...

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) - Testimony in the murder trial of ex-NFL star Aaron Hernandez is set to resume with the girlfriend and mother of the man Hernandez allegedly killed taking the stand.Proceedings began last week but were suspended Monday when another snowstorm hit.The former New England Patriots standout...

AP Pro Football WriterSidelined Gronk still easy to findBy BARRY WILNERHOUSTON (AP) While his Patriots teammates are dealing with the business of trying to win another Super Bowl, Rob Gronkowski is handling business of another sort.The sidelined tight end produced and starred in an online TV series that...