NFL

Former NFL receiver James Hardy's death ruled a suicideFORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) The death of former NFL wide receiver James Hardy has been ruled a suicide by Indiana officials.The Allen County Coroner's Office said Wednesday that the 31-year-old Hardy died of ''asphyxia due to drowning.'' Michael Burris, chief...

AP Sports WriterRaiders' Conley maintains innocence in rape accusationBy JOSH DUBOWALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Oakland Raiders first-round draft pick Gareon Conley called his meeting with police this week about a rape accusation another chance to prove his innocence.Conley met with Cleveland police Monday to give a statement and a...

AP Sports WriterOdell Beckham and Olivier Vernon miss Giants OTAsBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The New York Giants ended their first week of voluntary organized team activities missing two of their biggest stars - wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and defensive end Olivier Vernon.The workout Thursday was...

Ravens release TE Dennis Pitta after third hip injuryOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) The Baltimore Ravens have released tight end Dennis Pitta with an injury waiver after he hurt his right hip for a third time in practice last week.The injury occurred during an offseason practice session Friday. Each...

Justice Department gives up Washington Redskins name fightWASHINGTON (AP) The Justice Department is giving up the legal fight over the name of the Washington Redskins.In a letter to a federal appeals court, the department said last week's Supreme Court decision in favor of an Asian-American band calling itself...

The Latest: Ex-NFL star Hernandez's remains will be crematedBRISTOL, Conn. (AP) The Latest on the funeral for Aaron Hernandez (all times local):5:05 p.m.Aaron Hernandez's family plans to have his remains cremated after the ex-NFL star hanged himself in prison.A spokeswoman for the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association says the...

AP Sports WriterBromley, Tomlinson front-runners for defensive right tackleBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The battle to replace Johnathan Hankins at defensive right tackle for the New York Giants has come down to Jay Bromley and Dalvin Tomlinson.Both have split the work with the first team in recent...

AP Sports WriterGarrett not practicing with Browns because of 'little nick'By TOM WITHERSBEREA, Ohio (AP) Browns rookie defensive end Myles Garrett, the No. 1 overall draft pick, is not practicing because of an unspecified injury.Garrett was not on the field Wednesday, and after the workout he said the...

AP Sports WriterAP source: Jackson agrees to $56M, 5-year deal with RaidersBy JOSH DUBOWALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) The Oakland Raiders have agreed to a five-year extension to keep guard Gabe Jackson under contract through the 2022 season.A person familiar with the deal said Friday that it is worth $56...

AP Sports WriterVikings to hold final Mankato training camp after 52 yearsBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Vikings say the 52nd training camp in Mankato will be their last one away from headquarters.The Vikings announced on Tuesday that they plan to hold training camp at their new practice...

AP Sports WriterBrowns follow miserable, 1-win season with solid draftBy TOM WITHERSBEREA, Ohio (AP) For three days, the Cleveland Browns were decisive, aggressive and precise in the NFL draft.Who are these guys?Ridiculed for years for making major mistakes while on the clock, they picked the consensus best player,...

Vikings player Floyd expected to appear in Arizona courtBy Associated PressSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Vikings wide receiver Michael Floyd is expected to appear in an Arizona court after being flagged for failed alcohol tests that are part of his monitoring for house arrest in Minnesota.The Scottsdale City Court hearing...