NFL

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) Although the Rams' defense has been largely outstanding this season, Alec Ogletree is still searching for ways to improve while Los Angeles' losing streak stretches on. The middle linebacker thinks the defense could take a big step forward by forcing more turnovers. The Rams (3-5) visit the...

CLEVELAND (AP) - The NFL has suspended Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon for at least one year without pay for violating the league's substance-abuse program.Gordon, who has already served two league suspensions, will have to apply for reinstatement. A league spokesman said his one-year ban begins immediately. The former...

AP Pro Football WriterMarshawn Lynch's appeal of 1-game suspension deniedBy JOSH DUBOWALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Marshawn Lynch's appeal of his one-game suspension for shoving an official was denied Tuesday and the running back will miss Oakland's game this week at Buffalo.Appeals officer James Thrash, who was appointed jointly by...

AP Sports WriterGiants' Casillas sees more give and take with SpagnuoloBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) No one on the New York Giants' defense has spent more time working with coordinator Steve Spagnuolo than weakside linebacker and captain Jonathan Casillas.The two worked together in New Orleans in 2012...

Mike Ditka apologizes for comment on racial oppressionCHICAGO (AP) Mike Ditka is apologizing for saying he wasn't aware of any racial oppression in the U.S. over the last 100 years.The famed former Chicago Bears coach issued the apology Tuesday, a day after he made the comments during a...

AP Pro Football WriterEagles back in familiar role as playoff underdogsBy ROB MAADDIPHILADELPHIA (AP) The Philadelphia Eagles are back in a familiar role with a different disguise.The defending Super Bowl champions traded in the dog masks for ski masks, but they're still playoff underdogs for the second straight...

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) The Chicago Bears have signed quarterback Mark Sanchez, who is expected to back up Mike Glennon next season. The Bears announced the one-year contract Friday. Chicago is coming off a season in which it went 3-13 and finished last in the NFC North. The Bears cut quarterback...

Judge frees NFL star Antonio Brown from house arrestFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) A Florida judge freed NFL free agent Antonio Brown from house arrest Tuesday, allowing him to travel freely as he awaits trial on charges that he attacked the driver of a moving truck.Circuit Judge Michael Usan...

AP Pro Football WriterBroncos still juggling quarterbacks during lost seasonBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Vance Joseph's rookie season in Denver has been full of losses, laments and quarterback switches.Joseph said Friday that Trevor Siemian's season is over, indicated Brock Osweiler's starting days also might be finished and hinted...

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...

The Indianapolis Colts and the Baltimore Ravens will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at M&T Bank Stadium. Indianapolis at Baltimore When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, January 6, 2013 Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland Oddsmakers currently have the Ravens listed as 6½-point favorites versus the Colts, while...

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) - Twelve jurors working to decide whether to convict former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez in the death of another man are set to resume deliberations.The jurors spent nine hours deliberating on Tuesday and Wednesday.Hernandez is charged with the June 2013 shooting death of...