NFL

AP Sports WriterAP Source: ESPN tabs Levy, Griese and Riddick for MNF boothBy JOE REEDYSteve Levy, Brian Griese and Louis Riddick will be the new announce team for ESPN's ''Monday Night Football'' according to a person familiar with the decision.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of...

Associated PressFalcons try to keep Devonta Freeman in a steady rhythmBy GEORGE HENRYFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) The Atlanta Falcons are careful not to interrupt Devonta Freeman when he's in a steady rhythm.Freeman, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and the NFL's highest-paid running back, has earned the right to...

AP Sports WriterGordon back with Browns, watches teammates practiceBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon was back at practice on Sunday - as a spectator.Gordon visited with teammates and Hall of Famer Jim Brown a day after ending his three-week absence from training camp and missing...

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) The New York Jets have hired former Rams assistant Dennard Wilson as their defensive backs coach. Wilson replaces Joe Danna on Todd Bowles staff, which has five other vacancies, including offensive coordinator after Chan Gailey retired after the season. Wilson was the Rams' defensive backs coach the...

Newton limited in practice; expected to play vs. SaintsCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Cam Newton was limited to mostly light throwing during practice as the Panthers continue preparations for their game Sunday against the Saints.Newton is expected to start.Panthers coach Ron Rivera called Newton's limited practice schedule during the week...

AP Sports WriterAP sources: Tepper to buy Panthers for record $2.2 billionBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) People familiar with the situation say hedge fund manager David Tepper has agreed to buy the Carolina Panthers from team founder Jerry Richardson for a record $2.2 billion.The people spoke to The...

No change to pass interference rule by competition committeeNEW YORK (AP) The NFL competition committee has decided against making any changes to the new rule for reviewing pass interference, the league announced Thursday.That means the rule stands as approved by NFL owners in March.Owners decided in May to...

AP Pro Football WriterRodgers-Sherman matchup highlights NFC title gameBy JOSH DUBOWSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Nine years into his career and a little more than two years removed from a debilitating torn Achilles injury, Richard Sherman is still tormenting quarterbacks on a weekly basis.Just ask Kirk Cousins.Sherman had his...

AP Sports WriterSeahawks think they got it right with offseason programBy TIM BOOTHRENTON, Wash. (AP) Because the Seattle Seahawks made it through their offseason program without any obvious incidents or issues, Pete Carroll could finally crack a bit of a joke about their troubled past.''I think we had...

AP Sports WriterPackers' Davante Adams has club receiving records in sightBy GENARO C. ARMASGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) At some point soon, Davante Adams will reach out to an old friend, someone who instilled the kind of good habits that have helped make the Green Bay Packers star one...

Bears sign free-agent LB Sheppard, waive rookie EkpeCHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Bears have signed veteran free-agent linebacker Kelvin Sheppard.The team announced the signing Friday and also waived rookie linebacker Hendrick Ekpe.Sheppard is entering his seventh season in the NFL. He had 50 tackles and made 11 starts for...

AP Pro Football WriterUnion committee rejects NFL labor deal; player reps to voteBy BARRY WILNERNEW YORK (AP) The NFL players' union executive committee voted 6-5 Friday to recommend rejecting the terms of a labor deal approved by NFL owners the previous day.The owners' proposal features a 17-game season,...