Johnny Manziel firmly believes that Baker Mayfield enters into a different situation with the Cleveland Browns than he himself did four years prior.The No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 draft is being given a better chance to succeed, according to the former NFLer."I feel like Baker's in a better situation having a vet quarterback in there in Tyrod (Taylor)," Manziel told "The Dan Patrick Show" on Thursday. "There's not pressure on him to come in and start Day 1 and I think he's going into it and he's going to learn from the vets."Manziel, the 22nd pick of the 2014 draft, didn't start until Week 15 of his rookie season. Then 29-year-old Brian Hoyer started the first 13 games.A 36-year-old Josh McCown was then brought in for the 2015 campaign, with Manziel making his first start of the year in Week 2, and starting just five other games.He's confident Mayfield will find success in learning from Taylor and playing his game, so long as he, and the Browns, remain patient."Baker's got the fire, Baker's got the spark, and you know, I think he'll do all right," Manziel said. "But don't let the pressure of everything else that goes on get to you. That would be my one advice: just go out and make football the main thing and go out and play."With h/t to CBSSportsCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott isn't concerned over the widespread opinion that his team lacks a No. 1 pass-catcher entering the 2018 season following the release of wide receiver Dez Bryant and retirement of Jason Witten this offseason."I don't know if any team in the league necessarily needs a No. 1 receiver," Prescott said, according to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "It's about getting the ball out, spreading the ball around, keeping the defense on its toes."Cole Beasley and Terrance Williams are the top returning options at receiver, while Allen Hurns and Deonte Thompson were added in free agency, Tavon Austin was acquired via trade with the Los Angeles Rams, and Michael Gallup was selected in the third round of the draft.Geoff Swaim and Rico Gathers will be expected to lead the way in attempting to replace Witten."We did a bunch together. Me and these young guys have been here before we even started OTAs, getting that timing down so we can get in OTAs and have a good feel for each other and now with the defense in front of us, grow off of that and grow from what we've already accomplished. That's the best thing I can do," Prescott said.The 2016 Offensive Rookie of the Year will try to improve on a sophomore season in which he threw for one fewer touchdown and nine more interceptions than he did in his first year.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The worlds of American and association football collided on Saturday afternoon.In a hotly contested Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Liverpool, Gareth Bale submitted one of the greatest goals in the history of the competition, coming off the bench to score a jaw-dropping bicycle kick, giving Real a 2-1 lead.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has secured almost every individual accolade during his professional career, but there are still targets to achieve on the horizon.Brees is looking to lead the Saints toward another deep playoff run after a heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Vikings, signing a two-year, $50-million extension with the club in March.Sitting third on the NFL's all-time passing yards list (70,445), Brees is on pace to surpass both Brett Favre and Peyton Manning in 2018. Still, he's trying not to get ahead of himself with the milestone inching closer."I try not to think about that," Brees said via Joel A. Erickson of The New Orleans Advocate. "I just try to think about, obviously, taking care of business one day at a time. Then as the season rolls around, you take it one week and one game at a time; eventually, those things add up and they stack up, and then you are in a position to do it."Many project Brees to break the record in Week 5 when the Saints are scheduled to host the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football. If you ask Brees, the timing isn't a coincidence."There's a reason they put Week 5 on Monday night, you know what I'm saying?" Brees said. "I don't think any of us are dummies."Brees' legacy has long been secure but at 39, with an extension secured, he's yet to grow complacent.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Bye weeks shouldn't be a major concern when selecting a fantasy quarterback. But you should keep them in mind to avoid being left empty-handed when your QB1 is unavailable.Consider this a preseason cheat sheet. It shows which quarterbacks you should target on the waiver wire in the weeks leading up to your starter's bye. We left out any passer in the top 20, assuming they'll be owned in the majority of leagues. We also flipped from veteran starters to first-round rookies after Week 8, expecting teams will make the switch around then.When creating the lists, we took into account how the potential replacements should fare in 2018, how defenses performed against fantasy quarterbacks last year, and how those defenses may improve heading into 2018.You can also view our 2018 bye-week cheat sheet here.And our complete fantasy quarterback rankings here.Week 4ByeTop ReplacementsCam NewtonCase Keenum vs. KCAlex SmithTyrod Taylor at OAKEli Manning vs. NOMitch Trubisky vs. TBRyan Tannehill at NESam Bradford vs. SEAWeek 5ByeTop ReplacementsJameis WinstonCase Keenum at NYJMitch TrubiskyBlake Bortles at KCRyan Tannehill at CINAndy Dalton vs. MIAJoe Flacco at CLEWeek 6ByeTop ReplacementsMatthew StaffordMitch Trubisky at MIADrew BreesJosh McCown vs. INDBlake Bortles at DALDerek Carr vs. SEAWeek 7ByeTop ReplacementsAaron RodgersCase Keenum at ARIRussell WilsonMitch Trubisky vs. NEBen RoethlisbergerAndy Dalton at KCDerek CarrTyrod Taylor at TBRyan Tannehill vs. DETWeek 8ByeTop ReplacementsPhilip RiversCase Keenum at KCMarcus MariotaEli Manning vs. WASDak PrescottDerek Carr vs. INDMatt RyanMitch Trubisky vs. NYJAndy Dalton vs. TBBaker Mayfield at PITJosh Rosen vs. SFWeek 9ByeTop ReplacementsCarson WentzDerek Carr at SFAndrew LuckBaker Mayfield vs. KCBlake BortlesRyan Tannehill vs. NYJEli ManningSam Darnold at MIAAndy DaltonMitch Trubisky at BUFSam BradfordJoe Flacco vs. PITCase Keenum vs. HOUWeek 10ByeTop ReplacementsDeshaun WatsonMitch Trubisky vs. DETKirk CousinsBlake Bortles at INDCase KeenumEli Manning at SFJoe FlaccoBaker Mayfield vs. ATLRyan Tannehill at GBJosh Rosen at KCSam Darnold vs. BUFWeek 11ByeTop ReplacementsTom BradyEli Manning vs. TBJimmy GaroppoloJosh Rosen vs. OAKBaker MayfieldDerek Carr at ARIRyan TannehillBlake Bortles vs. PITJosh AllenJoe Flacco vs. CINSam DarnoldAndy Dalton at BALCase Keenum at LACWeek 12ByeTop ReplacementsPatrick MahomesMitch Trubisky at DETJared GoffRyan Tannehill at INDBaker Mayfield at CINDerek Carr at BALBlake Bortles at BUFJoe Flacco vs. OAKCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Below is a chart you can use for quick reference to double-check players' bye weeks for the 2018 season.It's important to keep byes in mind to avoid drafting too many players who are off the same week.You can also view our quarterback bye-week replacement guide here.Week 4ByeCarolina PanthersWashington RedskinsWeek 5ByeChicago BearsTampa Bay BuccaneersWeek 6ByeDetroit LionsNew Orleans SaintsWeek 7ByeGreen Bay PackersOakland RaidersPittsburgh SteelersSeattle SeahawksWeek 8ByeAtlanta FalconsDallas CowboysLos Angeles ChargersTennessee TitansWeek 9ByeArizona CardinalsCincinnati BengalsIndianapolis ColtsJacksonville JaguarsNew York GiantsPhiladelphia EaglesWeek 10ByeBaltimore RavensDenver BroncosHouston TexansMinnesota VikingsWeek 11ByeBuffalo BillsCleveland BrownsMiami DolphinsNew England PatriotsNew York JetsSan Francisco 49ersWeek 12ByeKansas City ChiefsLos Angeles RamsCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers don't plan to spend much time enduring growing pains, as newcomer Jerick McKinnon revealed the entire team has lofty expectations for the 2018 season."The Super Bowl. That's what the eyes are on," the running back told NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco. "That's the prize. That's the ultimate goal."McKinnon signed a four-year contract with the 49ers in free agency this offseason after spending the first four campaigns of his career with the Minnesota Vikings.Though he left one team expected to contend for the Super Bowl next season, he joined one on the verge of contention. San Fran reeled off five straight wins to finish last year, led by ascendant quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo."The whole team has talked about it," McKinnon said. "We had a thing with the Navy SEALS. They were asking us, 'What's the goal?' It was equally collaborated on: 'Win the Super Bowl.'"McKinnon will face his old team, the Vikings, to open the regular season at the beginning of September.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Running back Le'Veon Bell dropped a new rap song Friday amid his contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers.The track, titled "Target," takes aim at Bell's critics and includes references to him being franchise tagged again this offseason ("So they put me on the tag, alright / Definitely not going to trip like I that bad guy") and drug tests ("You think they won't pay me 'cause of drug tests / For a fact, I ain't never failed one, that's on me").Bell released his latest album, "No Announcement," in February to celebrate his 26th birthday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pete Carroll didn't just lose Super Bowl XLIX when he let Russell Wilson throw the infamous goal-line interception, he also lost his grip on the Seattle Seahawks' budding dynasty and locker room."I do think that the team would have bought in more to what Coach Carroll was saying instead of going the opposite way of, 'Hey, this is what we thought the foundation of the team is and that's not what happened in that particular play," former defensive end Cliff Avril told Dave Dameshek of Sports Radio 950 KJR."So I think guys started questioning him a little more, instead of following his lead if we would have won that Super Bowl."The Seahawks' decision to try to make Wilson the hero in the dying seconds versus the New England Patriots instead of simply handing the ball off to Marshawn Lynch remains one of the biggest head-scratchers in NFL history.Avril, who spent another three years in Seattle following Super Bowl XLIX, believes Carroll's decision to abandon the team's run-first identity in that defining moment was a turning point for the franchise."If we win that Super Bowl, I think we probably would have won another one within the next two years that went by," Avril said.Had Lynch gotten the ball, the Seahawks may very well have successfully defended their Super Bowl crown. Instead, they immediately began crumbling from within."We were so close and we weren't able to get it, so I think a lot of guys got turned off by the message," he added.Oakland Raiders linebacker Bruce Irvin, who was also on that Seahawks team, concurred with Avril's assessment:

Jon Gruden is wasting no time reigniting old feuds with division rivals.Since returning to his role as head coach of the Oakland Raiders this offseason, the club signed former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson via free agency.Gruden hailed it as a big addition to his defense."We added Derrick Johnson, the all-time leading tackler in Kansas City Chiefs history. He started every game for them last year. They were the division champions," Gruden said on a season-ticket holders conference call this week, according to Ryan Lipton of SilverandBlackPride.com."Last time I was here at Oakland, we stole Rich Gannon from Kansas City, we took Andre Rison from the Chiefs, we took Albert Lewis from the Chiefs. We love stealing from the Chiefs."Actually, the Chiefs let the veteran's contract expire and allowed him to hit free agency, so the Raiders didn't ... congratulations, Coach Gruden!- With h/t to NFL.comCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The long-held belief has been that Aaron Rodgers and his agent would wait to see what Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan commanded for an extension before signing a new deal of his own with the Green Bay Packers.That belief was confirmed this week by Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff on Andrew Brandt's "The Business of Sports" podcast."I saw Aaron, interestingly enough, at the Super Bowl in the airport," Dimitroff said. "He just said to me, 'We don't know each other that well, but just get this deal done with Matt first so I can get on with my life.'"The Falcons signed Ryan to a record five-year, $150-million contract with $100 million guaranteed on May 3.Rodgers is expected to be the next in line to be the league's highest-paid player. On the day Ryan signed his extension, new Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said he anticipates both sides will "come to an agreement soon."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) executive director DeMaurice Smith blasted the NFL for implementing a new policy which mandates all players and league personnel to stand for the national anthem and flag prior to games if they are on the field.The league implemented the policy Wednesday and the NFLPA responded promptly, noting they weren't consulted about the new legislation and would challenge any aspect that is in opposition to the league's current collective bargaining agreement.Smith spoke about his own personal disdain for the rule."It smacks as more of a desire to exert control rather than a desire to stand up and support the rights and freedoms that our country was founded on," Smith told ESPN.It was reported that the NFL didn't hold an official vote among team owners about the policy, while San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York and Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis later revealed they abstained from voting. This certainly wasn't lost on Smith."It doesn’t appear to have the full support of all of the CEOs who own teams," Smith said. "It punishes not only players who wish to protest but also could punish players who want to come out and stand and salute the flag."The new anthem policy is one of the most contentious pieces of legislation the NFL has enacted in recent memory and it doesn't appear that players, nor their union, will back down from voicing their opposition anytime soon.- With h/t to Pro Football TalkCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore staff took part in a 10-team, 12-round mock to help provide a glimpse at what your drafts might look like and give some insight on what to watch for in each round.This is a standard (non-PPR) scoring league with the following roster spots: QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, WR, TE, FLEX, BN, BN, BN, BN. We left off defenses and kickers as they normally get selected in the final two rounds.Draft Participants: Mitch Sanderson, Michael McClymont, Mike Alessandrini, Dan Wilkins, Justin Boone, David P. Woods, Jack Browne, Dan Levine, Josh Wegman, Gino Bottero.Round 1PickPlayerOwner1Le'Veon Bell (RB1)Sanderson2Todd Gurley (RB2)McClymont3David Johnson (RB3)Alessandrini4Ezekiel Elliott (RB4)Wilkins5Antonio Brown (WR1)Boone6Alvin Kamara (RB5)Woods7Saquon Barkley (RB6)Jack8DeAndre Hopkins (WR2)Levine9Leonard Fournette (RB7)Wegman10Melvin Gordon (RB8)BotteroRound 1: Bell or Gurley at No. 1 will be the debate, but there's no wrong answer ... Johnson is back to full health and should be drafted as such ... Elliott no longer has a suspension looming over him, making him a surefire top-five pick ... Coming off a breakout campaign, Kamara was being eyed as a first-rounder and now gets a boost from Mark Ingram's four-game suspension ... Barkley's talent has fantasy owners salivating, but it's his volume that will help guarantee he's worthy of such an early pick. It's hard to see Barkley falling short of 300 touches this season.Round 2PickPlayerOwner11Odell Beckham Jr. (WR3)Bottero12Julio Jones (WR4)Wegman13Dalvin Cook (RB9)Levine14A.J. Green (WR5)Browne15Michael Thomas (WR6)Woods16Kareem Hunt (RB10)Boone17Devonta Freeman (RB11)Wilkins18Keenan Allen (WR7)Alessandrini19Mike Evans (WR8)McClymont20Davante Adams (WR9)SandersonRound 2: In recent years, you never would have expected to see Beckham fall out of the first round. It's a reminder that players coming off serious injuries often create value opportunities for fantasy owners ... Cook doesn't seem to be getting that injury discount, nor should he after teasing us with a phenomenal first month of 2017. The Vikings' offense should be even better this season ... Despite leading the league in rushing yards as a rookie, Hunt is the RB10 here. Memories of his nine-week touchdown drought and worries about Spencer Ware stealing touches are driving Hunt's stock down.Round 3PickPlayerOwner21Rob Gronkowski (TE1)Sanderson22LeSean McCoy (RB12)McClymont23Doug Baldwin (WR10)Alessandrini24Christian McCaffrey (RB13)Wilkins25Jerick McKinnon (RB14)Boone26Tyreek Hill (WR11)Woods27Adam Thielen (WR12)Browne28Jordan Howard (RB15)Levine29Jay Ajayi (RB16)Wegman30Joe Mixon (RB17)BotteroRound 3: Few players offer the positional advantage Gronk gives his fantasy owners. Taking him in the late second or early third, depending on your league size, is the right call .... McKinnon will be a polarizing selection. While some are enticed by the lead back potential in a Kyle Shanahan offense, others are scared off by McKinnon's durability concerns. Gambling with picks in the first two rounds can be risky, but the 49ers man is worth the wager in the third, especially if you're able to grab his handcuff: Matt Breida.Round 4PickPlayerOwner31Kenyan Drake (RB18)Bottero32T.Y. Hilton (WR13)Wegman33Travis Kelce (TE2)Levine34Allen Robinson (WR14)Browne35Sony Michel (RB19)Woods36Amari Cooper (WR15)Boone37Stefon Diggs (WR16)Wilkins38Alex Collins (RB20)Alessandrini39Alshon Jeffery (WR17)McClymont40Aaron Rodgers (QB1)SandersonRound 4: Anyone who drafted Hilton needs to be confident Andrew Luck will be back under center for the Colts in Week 1. Until we see Luck throw, we can't know for sure ... Cooper had a forgettable 2017 campaign, but Jon Gruden wants him to be the focal point of his Raiders offense. That, combined with his talent, is enough reason to buy back in ... Collins doesn't seem to be getting the hype he deserves after emerging as the Ravens' starter. Are owners that worried about Kenneth Dixon or Javorius Allen taking the job from him?Round 5PickPlayerOwner41Demaryius Thomas (WR18)Sanderson42Derrick Henry (RB21)McClymont43Mark Ingram (RB22)Alessandrini44Josh Gordon (WR19)Wilkins45Marvin Jones (WR20)Boone46Pierre Garcon (WR21)Woods47Dion Lewis (RB23)Browne48Brandin Cooks (WR22)Levine49Larry Fitzgerald (WR23)Wegman50Zach Ertz (TE3)BotteroRound 5: Some might think this is too early for Ingram, due to his suspension, but he's been a top-14 fantasy back for three straight seasons. Even with Kamara's arrival, Ingram finished as the RB6 last year. If he slides back into that role after the first month, he's well worth a fifth-round pick ... Better quarterback play and a full offseason to prepare in the Browns' offense make Gordon an intriguing option ... Getting a piece of the ascending 49ers' offense is wise, but this is a reach for Garcon, whose current ADP in 10-team leagues is closer to the seventh or eighth round.Round 6PickPlayerOwner51JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR24)Bottero52Russell Wilson (QB2)Wegman53Deshaun Watson (QB3)Levine54Lamar Miller (RB24)Browne55Derrius Guice (RB25)Woods56Rashaad Penny (RB26)Boone57Aaron Jones (RB27)Wilkins58Golden Tate (WR25)Alessandrini59Michael Crabtree (WR26)McClymont60Chris Hogan (WR27)SandersonRound 6: Watson will be a fan favorite entering the 2018 season thanks to his insane production in the first half of last year. His recovery from a torn ACL seems on track, and while we shouldn't expect him to maintain his TD rate, he's shown he can win fantasy weeks on his own ... There are lots of interesting running back selections in the sixth round. Miller's efficiency went up with Watson in the lineup, but he'll need to hold off D'Onta Foreman for the Texans' starting duties. Guice and Penny are rookies capable of making a big impact in Year 1. Jones has RB1 potential if the Packers' coaching staff gives him the nod.Round 7PickPlayerOwner61Tevin Coleman (RB28)Sanderson62Jimmy Graham (TE4)McClymont63Devin Funchess (WR28)Alessandrini64Corey Davis (WR29)Wilkins65Greg Olsen (TE5)Boone66Jarvis Landry (WR30)Woods67Carson Wentz (QB4)Browne68Marshawn Lynch (RB29)Levine69Will Fuller (WR31)Wegman70Marlon Mack (WR32)BotteroRound 7: Davis is a true breakout candidate and a solid pick in the middle rounds ... Wentz is behind Watson in his recovery timetable, putting his Week 1 availability still in doubt. Once healthy, he's an elite fantasy quarterback, making him good value in the seventh round ... Lynch may be 32, but he showed he still had plenty left in the tank last season. If used correctly, he could provide a nice return at this range in drafts.Round 8PickPlayerOwner71Dez Bryant (WR33)Bottero72Ronald Jones II (RB30)Wegman73Kenny Stills (WR34)Levine74Royce Freeman (RB31)Browne75Robby Anderson (WR35)Woods76D'Onta Foreman (RB32)Boone77Nick Chubb (RB33)Wilkins78Kerryon Johnson (RB34)Alessandrini79Julian Edelman (WR36)McClymont80Jamaal Williams (RB35)SandersonRound 8: If you're taking DeVante Parker over Stills in your draft, you're making a mistake. Luckily, that wasn't the case here as Stills, who will lead the Dolphins in receiving this year, went off the board a round before Parker ... Foreman has star potential if he can regain his form after an Achilles tear, but the list of running backs who have accomplished that feat is short ... Anderson's off-field issues are the only thing keeping him from being a top-24 WR.Round 9PickPlayerOwner81Isaiah Crowell (RB36)Sanderson82Tom Brady (QB5)McClymont83Evan Engram (TE6)Alessandrini84Sammy Watkins (WR37)Wilkins85Cam Newton (QB6)Boone86Delanie Walker (TE7)Woods87Chris Thompson (RB37)Browne88Robert Woods (WR38)Levine89Carlos Hyde (RB38)Wegman90DeVante Parker (WR39)BotteroRound 9: Thinking about waiting on a quarterback? Seeing Brady and Newton available in the ninth round is all the convincing you should need ... Woods was a revelation in 2017, but with Cooks joining the Rams, his ceiling takes a hit ... Crowell, Watkins, and Hyde will all be trying to prove themselves on new teams. Watkins and Hyde are the superior talents, but Crowell will enter the year as the Jets' projected starter, giving him a shot to outproduce them both.Round 10PickPlayerOwner91Drew Brees (QB7)Bottero92Kyle Rudolph (TE8)Wegman93Emmanuel Sanders (WR40)Levine94Nelson Agholor (WR41)Browne95Rex Burkhead (RB39)Woods96Marqise Lee (WR42)Boone97Sterling Shepard (WR43)Wilkins98Cooper Kupp (WR44)Alessandrini99Duke Johnson (RB40)McClymont100Tarik Cohen (RB41)SandersonRound 10: Sanders went a couple rounds later than his ADP, likely due to his disappointing 2017 campaign. However, with the Broncos' upgrade at quarterback, there's reason to believe he can get back over the 1,000-yard mark ... Burkhead will be one of the most intriguing handcuffs, with the skill set to assume the Patriots' starting role if Michel falters or is injured. Burkhead should also provide owners with some decent receiving production even with Michel active ... Do not sleep on Lee. The Jaguars' passing attack isn't normally a source of consistent fantasy numbers, but Lee was brought back to be their top wideout.Round 11PickPlayerOwner101Josh Doctson (WR45)Sanderson102C.J. Anderson (RB42)McClymont103Kirk Cousins (QB8)Alessandrini104George Kittle (TE9)Wilkins105Matt Breida (RB43)Boone106Matthew Stafford (QB9)Woods107Trey Burton (TE10)Browne108Latavius Murray (RB44)Levine109Corey Clement (RB45)Wegman110Marquise Goodwin (WR46)BotteroRound 11: At this point in the draft, you should be aiming for upside. Doctson, Kittle, Burton, and Goodwin are all examples of players who could blow up if things fall their way ... Breida and Murray are top-level backups who would instantly reach RB2 status if their starter was sidelined. Breida has a sneaky chance to become a weekly flex option, assuming the 49ers try to limit McKinnon's touches.Round 12PickPlayerOwner111Jordan Reed (TE11)Bottero112Devontae Booker (RB46)Wegman113D.J. Moore (WR47)Levine114Andrew Luck (QB10)Browne115Ben Roethlisberger (QB11)Woods116Randall Cobb (WR48)Boone117Philip Rivers (QB12)Wilkins118Kelvin Benjamin (WR49)Alessandrini119Calvin Ridley (WR50)McClymont120Spencer Ware (RB47)SandersonRound 12: Reed's upside is well-known, but so is his injury history. It's very difficult to trust him in fantasy, meaning you need to draft another tight end to pair with him ... Reports that Booker will have a larger role than people expect make him worth a late-round flier ... For all the doubts around Luck's recovery, swiping him in the 12th round is an acceptable amount of risk that could have a huge payoff.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tuscaloosa district attorney's office announced Friday that the misdemeanor marijuana charge against San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster has been dismissed, according to Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee.Foster completed a diversion course before the charge was done away with.The district attorney's decision caps a crucial week for Foster, who previously had domestic violence charges dismissed after his ex-girlfriend revealed she fabricated the claims in an attempt to ruin his career.Though he no longer has to worry about the marijuana charge, Foster could still be subject to NFL discipline under the substance abuse policy.Foster enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign for the 49ers last year, registering 72 tackles in 10 games.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is looking to re-establish himself as one of the NFL's premier backs and his quarterback Dak Prescott couldn't be more proud of his attitude.Elliott won the rushing title during his rookie season but served a six-game suspension during the 2017 campaign, ultimately derailing his goal of repeating the feat.The Cowboys superstar is looking to exact some vengeance this season and Prescott spoke candidly about his friend's approach to the summer Wednesday."The emotional roller-coaster he was going through last year - 'Was he playing?' 'Was he not playing?' - and then to have the game taken away from him for the time he did, it takes a toll," Prescott said, per ESPN's Todd Archer."It takes a toll on anybody that cares and loves what they do. And not only that, loves their teammates and the organization they play for. So just having that freedom, coming in this year, being able to work and knowing he's going to have every game ahead of him is going to do wonders for him. He's been great out here at OTAs, being a great leader, showing guys the way to practice and the way to run."At 22, it may be bizarre to consider Elliott a veteran leader but that's exactly what he's revealing himself to be as the Cowboys look to get back to the playoffs following last year's hiatus."He's just showing those young guys the way to practice, with the ball, how to be great with the ball in your hands and how to be great without the ball in your hands," Prescott said."He's one of those guys that doesn't have to say too much on the field, just the way he carries his business, the way he goes about it and the way he practices. It speaks for itself, and the young guys look up to it. I look up to it. The older guys look up to it. That's the way to practice and the way to be a pro in this league."Elliott and Prescott formed one of the league's dynamic duos in 2016, and the former's suspension seemed to briefly hinder the latter in 2017. If Elliott and Prescott are firing on all cylinders, the Cowboys' offense could take the league by storm once again.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The sudden, toothless, unclear policy announced by the NFL this week regarding protocol for national anthem observation became yet another public-relations disaster for a league seemingly insistent upon dragging its own reputation through the mud.In trying to simultaneously satisfy both supporters and critics of anthem protests with rules that permit players to remain in the locker room but fine teams for sideline protests, the NFL made clear the legislation's only aim is protecting the cash flow that’s made the league No. 1 on the revenue leaderboard among the four major professional American sports.If everyone’s happy, the league must have figured, so will be the sponsors and advertisers.Instead, both sides are viewing the policy with skepticism. The players’ union has promised another fight and U.S. President Donald Trump, an outspoken leader of the anti-protest movement, said the policy isn’t harsh enough and suggested all players should either stand on the sideline or, perhaps, face deportation.The NFL’s inability to appease paying customers or handle delicate situations with sense and sensitivity isn’t the new norm. It just seems that way.In reality, the league that has leaned heavily on lies, deceit, false information, and betrayal to protect its beloved shield has failed time and again to react wisely to situations that could threaten its bottom line.The NFL recently settled a $1 billion lawsuit alleging it intentionally concealed information linking football to brain trauma, consistently turned the other cheek on domestic violence before implementing and enforcing only mild punishments, and historically minimized and marginalized its business partners at the negotiation table and in the media.Much like in baseball and basketball, the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between NFL players and owners is supposed to represent a business partnership in which profits are divided close to 50-50. But that didn’t stop Houston Texans owner Bob McNair from telling fellow owners last year they can’t have “inmates running the prison” during a meeting in which anthem protests were discussed, per an ESPN report.McNair’s comment conjured images of another historically insensitive and inappropriate moment for the league. In 1992, during an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL that would eventually herald the birth of free agency, union executive director Gene Upshaw testified that Dallas Cowboys owner Tex Schramm told him NFL players were like “cattle” and owners were like “ranchers”.

An online petition is asking several of the NFL's corporate sponsors to end their partnerships with the league following the adoption of a new policy that will punish protests during the national anthem.Related - Report: NFL didn't hold official vote for anthem policyThe petition, launched on Care2, specifically calls on Nike, Anheuser-Busch, Bose, Ford, Hyundai, and Under Armour to cut ties with the NFL. The six companies all released statements last season supporting players' rights to freely express their views."Care2 is calling on Nike, Anheuser-Busch, Bose, Ford, Hyundai, and Under Armour to put their money where their mouth is and stand in support of free speech and against police brutality," the petition reads.As of Friday afternoon, the petition had received more than 9,200 signatures.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos met with former Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie on Thursday to consult him on their use of analytics, a source told Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic.Hinkie is the man responsible for popularizing the mantra "Trust the Process," which he uttered repeatedly while at the helm of a 76ers franchise that spent years tanking in order to acquire elite talent in the draft.He reportedly met with Broncos executive vice president and general manager John Elway, the team's scouting staffs, and others in the front office during his trip to team headquarters in Dove Valley, Colo.Hinkie was often criticized for his methods in Philadelphia, but he's become something of a revered figure in recent times thanks to the 76ers' success.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tavon Austin isn't concerned with what position he plays for the Dallas Cowboys, as long as it's one that allows him to get his hands on the pigskin."At the end of the day, I'm a playmaker," Austin told Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News. "That's how I describe myself. I don't really care where I'm at on the field. I just want the ball and a little bit of space and let me create and I'm going from there."Austin was traded by the Los Angeles Rams during the NFL draft to the Cowboys, who plan to use the 28-year-old as a receiver/running back hybrid. Austin could also factor into the equation on special teams as a returner."Hopefully, I win the punt return job," he said. "That's always been my dream to do and still is. Pretty much get the ball in my hands. That's the role I'm going to take, get the ball in my hands and make something happen."An athlete who creates, the thing I did my whole life. I'm cool with it, running back, receiver, punt returner, it really doesn't make a difference to me. I just definitely want my opportunity to get the ball in my hands and get a little bit of space and do what I do best."Despite proclaiming himself a playmaker, Austin provided the Rams with just 383 yards of total offense (receiving, rushing, punt returning, and kickoff returning) to go with one touchdown a year ago.The former eighth overall pick was, largely, a disappointment over his five campaigns with the Rams. His best season came in 2015 when he totaled 473 receiving yards and 434 rushing yards.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After successfully scratching out a role on the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted rookie, running back Corey Clement wants to see his responsibilities expand in 2018."I definitely want to get more touches, more carries, more catches out of the backfield this year," Clement told Paul Domowitch of Philly.com. "I want to be more of a key contributor. I don't think that's being greedy. I have a job to do and that's to put this team in the best position possible (to win)."Clement emerged as a third-down weapon for the Eagles last year, especially following the season-ending knee injury to veteran Darren Sproles early in the campaign.His star exploded at Super Bowl LII, when he made four catches for 100 yards including an impressive third-quarter touchdown in the Eagles' win over the New England Patriots.Philadelphia lost fellow tailback LeGarrette Blount in free agency, opening the door for Clement or someone else to claim a larger role as the complementary piece to Jay Ajayi.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A player who has knelt during the anthem took umbrage Thursday with President Donald Trump's latest criticism of such protests.After Trump said of NFL players who don't stand during the national anthem ahead of games, "Maybe you shouldn't be in the country," Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall called the statement "disgusting.""I say 'disgusting' because of our First Amendment rights," Marshall told Jeff Legwold of ESPN. "We have freedom of speech, right? Freedom to protest? Because somebody decides to protest something, now they have to be kicked out of the country? That's not how things should work, in my opinion."Marshall joined the protests in 2016, kneeling during eight games that season. He did the same in Week 3 of the 2017 season after Trump caused a firestorm by calling for protesters to be yanked off the field and lose their jobs.He received death threats after taking his position in 2016.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants have fired a number of equipment staffers following the settlement of a lawsuit in which it was alleged Eli Manning memorabilia was passed as game-worn to unsuspecting collectors.The Giants let go of equipment director Joseph Skiba, assistant equipment director Edward Skiba, and equipment/locker room manager Ed Wagner Jr, ESPN's Jordan Raanan and Darren Rovell report. The Skiba brothers had been with the team since they were in college. Wagner worked for the Giants his entire adult life, according to The New York Times.Memorabilia dealer Steiner Sports filed a lawsuit against the Giants, Manning, and the Skiba brothers alleging two helmets were passed off as game-worn. The matter was scheduled to go to trial before a settlement was reached on May 14.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Joe Flacco can see the writing on the wall.The Baltimore Ravens drafted his likely successor at quarterback when they traded up to select Lamar Jackson with the final pick of the first round in this year's draft.The two shared snaps at team OTAs Thursday, and Flacco tried his best to make the situation as amicable as possible."We welcomed Lamar here with open arms," Flacco said to reporters, including Todd Karpovich of the Associated Press.Though head coach John Harbaugh insists Flacco will remain the starting quarterback, the veteran knows the Jackson pick is significant."Obviously, when you pick a quarterback, when you pick anybody in the first round, it means something. I don't know what that means. I don't know exactly what it is. That's not my job to worry about what it is," Flacco said."My job is to keep my approach exactly what it's been the last 10 years and help my team win football games."The Ravens narrowly missed out on the postseason in 2017 and haven't made the playoffs since 2014.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

President Donald Trump's verbal disputes with NFL players have recommenced.Much like when Trump said any "son of a b---h" that protests during the national anthem should be fired and the league's workforce responded by intensifying their symbolic gestures, the two sides are going at it again over the NFL's anthem issue.Trump suggested Thursday morning that those who don't stand for the national anthem "shouldn't be playing" and maybe "shouldn't be in the country." Seattle Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin responded in kind Thursday afternoon."He's an idiot, plain and simple," Baldwin said, according to Gregg Bell of The News Tribune."I mean, listen, I respect the man because he's a human being first and foremost, but he's just being more divisive, which is not surprising," Baldwin continued. "It is what it is. But for him to say that anybody who doesn't follow his viewpoints or his constituents' viewpoints should be kicked out of the country, it's not very empathetic. It's not very American-like, actually. It's not very patriotic. It's not what this country was founded upon."It's kind of ironic (for) me that the President of the United States is contradicting what our country is really built on."Baldwin also expressed his disappointment with the NFL's new rules for conduct during the national anthem. Those that are on the field will be required to "stand and show respect for the flag and anthem" and those that choose not to stand will be permitted to remain in the locker room."I think the NFL really missed it this time," he said.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Marcedes Lewis signed with the Green Bay Packers on Thursday. The veteran tight end confirmed the move on his Instagram account.Contract terms have not been disclosed, but Lewis is set to join just his second NFL team. The veteran tight end is heading into his 13th season after being a first-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars (28th overall) in 2006. He spent his entire career with the club before being released in March.Lewis will join Jimmy Graham as one of the new faces on Green Bay's tight end depth chart. He'll compete with Lance Kendricks for snaps behind Graham.The 34-year-old's pass-catching abilities have diminished, and he hasn't topped 25 receptions in a single season since 2012. But Lewis remains an excellent blocker, especially in the run game - a skill that could give him an inside track to make the Packers' roster out of training camp. He also caught five touchdowns in 2017, his second-most in a single season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks expect star safety Earl Thomas to report for mandatory minicamp, head coach Pete Carroll said Thursday, according to the Seattle Times' Bob Condotta.Carroll said he has been in contact with Thomas, reiterating that organized team activities are indeed voluntary. The veteran defensive back has skipped offseason workouts thus far in hopes of a contract extension.Related - Sherman: Thomas deserves to be paid as 'top safety in the league'Earlier this month, Seahawks general manager John Schneider said he believes Thomas wants to stay despite trade rumblings.Seattle reportedly listened to at least two offers for Thomas this offseason and sought a second-rounder for the six-time Pro Bowler. The safety has just one year remaining on his deal.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster reported to organized team activities Thursday after his domestic violence charges were dismissed, and his teammates are excited to have him back.Left tackle Joe Staley, San Francisco's longest-tenured player, said he has seen Foster this offseason and is eagerly anticipating his return."(I'm) just real excited about (Foster returning)," Staley said at a team event Wednesday evening, according to NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco. "Obviously, that’s real positive. So, (I’m) excited to see him come back whenever he comes back to the building, and give him a hug and move forward."Foster had not taken part in the 49ers’ offseason program to date, but rejoins the team ready to build on the momentum of an impressive rookie campaign.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL reportedly didn't hold an official vote among team owners regarding the new national anthem policy. Instead, league executives polled owners to see how they'd vote, sources who were present during the discussions Wednesday told ESPN's Seth Wickersham.The NFL said team owners voted unanimously in favor of passing the policy, though San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York later revealed he abstained. Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis also abstained, according to Wickersham, who described the lack of a vote as "atypical for such a major resolution."Though the process was controversial, the league followed regular protocol when it comes to votes on league issues, according to Daniel Kaplan of the Sports Business Journal.

Warning: Video contains coarse languageA video of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams' arrest emerged Thursday, via TMZ. Williams was arrested for public intoxication after he crashed his Lamborghini into a light pole - a crash he's blaming on a former college teammate.When police questioned Williams about how his car crashed, the receiver blamed it on a "friend." When asked who the friend was, he answered, "Kendall Wright ... We went to Baylor together." Williams and Wright were teammates at Baylor from 2008-11.Williams claimed that the Minnesota Vikings receiver called him and told him he crashed his Lamborghini, which contradicts the statement he released after he was arrested. In the statement, he said: "The driver in front of me slammed on his brakes and I turned to the left and hopped the curb to avoid hitting him. I got his insurance information and my neighbor picked me up when my car wouldn’t drive."Despite Williams' claims in the video, his attorney, Chip Lewis, said the Cowboys receiver was in the car alone when it crashed, according to Sports Day's Brandon George. Williams and Wright were together earlier in the evening but left separately, according to Lewis.Vikings general manager Rick Spielman released a statement in support of Wright on Thursday."I have spoken directly with Kendall and his agent and both have assured me there is no truth to the matter," Spielman said, according to Ben Goessling of the Star-Tribune.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

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Steve Kerr is one of the NBA's most outspoken and well-respected head coaches, often using his platform as the leader of the Golden State Warriors to comment on the social issues dominating the United States.Asked Thursday about the NFL's decision to enact a national anthem policy that will force those on the sidelines to stand during "The Star-Spangled Banner," Kerr didn't hold back, calling the football league's policy "idiotic.""It's just typical of the NFL. They're just playing to their fan base," said Kerr, according to Anthony Slater of The Atlantic. "Basically, just trying to use the anthem as fake patriotism, nationalism, scaring people. It's idiotic. But that's how the NFL has conducted their business."

Warning: Story contains coarse languageFree-agent offensive lineman Richie Incognito's bizarre offseason continues.Incognito was reportedly placed on psychiatric hold Wednesday after an altercation with another man at a Florida gym.New details have now come to light from the police report, via NFL reporter Andy Slater:

Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Rodgers are among the athletes appearing on Discovery Channel's "Shark Week" this summer.The New England Patriots tight end and Green Bay Packers quarterback, along with Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn, will be featured on a program called "Monster Tag." The special will see them "join forces with top shark scientists to learn crucial information about the ocean's top predators," according to Discovery Channel.This year marks the 30th anniversary of "Shark Week," running July 22-29.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced Thursday that second-year wideout Zay Jones will miss the rest of offseason practices after undergoing knee surgery, according to Vic Carucci of buffalonews.com.McDermott added that he doesn't consider Jones' season to be in doubt "at this point."The injury is the latest setback for Jones this offseason following a subpar rookie year, during which he caught only 27 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns.The 23-year-old was also arrested in March for an incident - which was caught on video - in which he grapple-fought with his brother while naked and covered in blood after supposedly kicking his foot through a window on the public balcony of a Los Angeles apartment building. Jones was initially charged with felony vandalism, but that charge was later dropped.The loss of Jones would be a significant blow for Buffalo. Kelvin Benjamin is the only receiver on the roster with a 1,000-yard season on his resume, and the Bills were counting on their 2017 second-round pick to make a sophomore leap.Jeremy Kerley would likely be moved to the No. 2 receiver spot if Jones is forced to miss any regular-season time.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers' investment arm, 49ers Enterprises, has become a minority investor in English soccer team Leeds United, according to BBC Sport.49ers Enterprises president Paraag Marathe has joined Leeds' board of directors, and the soccer club's chairman, Andrea Radrizzani, said the funds from the collaboration will be used to "improve results on the pitch.""This strategic partnership enables Leeds United to align with and gain invaluable expertise from the owners of one of the biggest global sports entities," Radrizzani said."The 49ers are an innovative, successful organisation and we are delighted to have access to such a rich source of business and sporting expertise."The partnership could lead to Leeds playing at Levi Stadium in the future.49ers Enterprises is believed to have purchased 10 percent of Leeds United, which finished 13th in the country's second division.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL sought the help of a Washington consulting firm to gauge public opinion on whether Colin Kaepernick should be signed last offseason, sources told Charles Robinson of Yahoo.The Glover Park Group, a consulting firm that was co-founded by then-NFL communications chief Joe Lockhart, conducted the poll four months into Kaepernick's 2017 free agency and prior to President Donald Trump's attacks on the league.While the specific numbers from the poll weren't shared with Robinson, some of the questions were. Two were specifically about Kaepernick:

President Donald Trump reacted positively to the NFL's decision to enact a national anthem policy that prohibits players from protesting during the "Star-Spangled Banner," and said, "maybe you shouldn't be in the country" to those who still decide to demonstrate.Trump also said he didn't feel players or team personnel should stay in the locker room - an option the league is giving those who don't want to stand during the anthem.

The New England Patriots are closing in on a new contract for tight end Rob Gronkowski, a source told Jeff Howe of The Athletic.The two sides have reportedly been in talks on reworking his contract for some time now, but there has been no word on whether the player will receive an extension or merely a pay raise.Gronkowski is set to make $8 million in base salary in 2018 and $9 million in 2019 before hitting free agency. The best player at his position, he also became the highest-paid tight end in the game after signing his $54-million contract in 2012.He's been away from voluntary OTAs, though he's expected back for mandatory minicamp.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals aren't ruling out the possibility of Josh Rosen becoming the team's starting quarterback as a rookie.Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks was asked on Wednesday if the 2018 first-round pick is considered a long shot to unseat Sam Bradford."No (he's) not," Wilks said, per the team's official site. "I talked about it from Day 1 - the best 11 are going to play."The Cardinals committed to Bradford on a one-year, $20-million deal before selecting Rosen with the 10th pick in April's draft. But the team appears to recognize the risk in relying on Bradford, who has played a full 16-game campaign just twice in his eight-year career."Sam is the starter, and when he's healthy, he's great. But everybody is competing to be out there on the field," Wilks said. "Competition is a great thing. It makes us all better."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Count Dallas Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott out at your own peril.Elliott took the NFL by storm during his rookie season in 2016, winning the rushing title and adding 16 total touchdowns. His sophomore year was marred by a six-game suspension, but Elliott still rushed for 983 yards and seven touchdowns, and the Cowboys slumped in his absence.The Cowboys running back was ranked No. 54 on NFL Network's Top 100 Players of 2018 list, and he chafed at his place on the chart, sending a message to the rest of the league."I know the player I am," Elliott said via Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "You guys know the player I am. Everyone in the league knows the player I am. So I don't really need verification from a top-100 list."Elliott has proven to be one of the NFL's most dangerous running backs when he's on the field, excelling in space with breakaway speed and outstanding field vision.After the suspension ruined his chances of winning a second consecutive rushing title, Elliott is looking to reestablish himself as one of the NFL's marquee stars."I'm excited for this year. I have high expectations for myself."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster received good news Wednesday, as the domestic violence charges against him were dismissed, according to NFL Network's Patrick Claybon.Judge Nona L. Klippen cited insufficient evidence as the reason not to proceed with the charges.Klippen will also reduce Foster's weapons charge, with a pretrial date set for June 6, per Claybon.The result was expected after Foster's ex-girlfriend testified that her domestic violence claims were false and motivated by anger and money.San Francisco owner Jed York released a statement shortly afterward saying that Foster will have the opportunity to rejoin the team Thursday for organized team activities.The young defender isn't out of the woods yet, however. Foster is due in an Alabama courtroom June 20 to face a marijuana possession charge from his January arrest. He's also subject to league discipline.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A small group of NFL players told Jim Trotter of NFL Media they're considering a different on-field gesture during the national anthem.Those players admitted to Trotter they hadn't thought about demonstrating during the 2018 season. But on Wednesday the NFL introduced new rules that will require players to "stand and show respect for the flag" or stay in the locker room.The NFL will fine teams if their players or personnel do not stand for the anthem when on the field.Players weren't consulted by the league, and a number of them have spoken out.Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins said the league's owners are thwarting players' "constitutional rights to express themselves," and his teammate Chris Long said the players have a "right to peaceful protest."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL receiver Brandon Marshall has been a free agent since the New York Giants released him in mid-April. The veteran doesn't anticipate he'll be jobless for much longer, however."I'm just trying to enjoy my last week of being unemployed," Marshall said to TMZ Sports.Marshall said he and his agent have been keeping an eye on the free-agent market, one that has been slow to build for Marshall and fellow vet Dez Bryant. But Marshall's confidence remains high that he'll play a 13th season in the league.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Actress Olivia Munn spoke Wednesday on "Andy Cohen Live" about her prior romance with NFL star Aaron Rodgers and shared some insight into his strained relationship with his family.During their three-year relationship, fans speculated that Munn was to blame for Rodgers' poor performances on the field and his estrangement from his family. It was revealed on a reality show in 2016 that Rodgers hasn't been on speaking terms with his parents or brother, Jordan, since 2014."I don't think either side of the road is clean," Munn said, according to TMZ Sports. "But, I do think it's not OK when you try to stand on someone's shoulders and then throw dirt in their face, which is what I think they did with him."She said Rodgers hadn't spoken to his parents and Jordan for eight months before they began dating."I do believe that family and fame and success can be really complicated if their dreams are connected to your success," Munn added.Rodgers and Munn broke up last spring. The Green Bay Packers quarterback is now dating NASCAR driver Danica Patrick.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield got off to a rough start during Wednesday's organized team activities.Mayfield, selected first overall in the 2018 draft, threw three interceptions and almost had two more passes picked off, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.The reigning Heisman winner wasn't solely at fault, with two of his three picks deflecting off receivers' hands.Browns head coach Hue Jackson has reiterated throughout the offseason that Tyrod Taylor will remain the starting quarterback, while Mayfield has to earn his spot, and he doubled down on his comments Wednesday."Tyrod's our starting quarterback. Baker's our No. 1 pick," Jackson told Cabot. "He's our quarterback of the future. I've said that since this happened. I don't think that will change.''There's still plenty of time for Mayfield to prove himself, but few could fault Browns fans for grimacing at this development.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown has been through a contract dispute with the team before, and had some words of wisdom for teammate Le'Veon Bell as the star running back sits out ongoing organized team activities."The first rule of getting better is showing up," Brown said to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "You can't make anything better without showing up. I think if he shows up, make everyone understand where he wants to be - he wants to be here not just for this year but years to come, come out here and show up. Show up and get better and show guys you're serious."In March, Bell received the franchise tag from the Steelers for the second consecutive year, but is seeking a lucrative, long-term contract instead before rejoining the team. The parties have until July 16 to reach a long-term agreement; otherwise, Bell would play the 2018 season under the tag and earn $14.5 million.Brown, who signed a four-year extension worth $68 million in February 2017, wanted a new deal back in 2015 but never held out during negotiations and twice had his contract restructured by the Steelers to advance some of his salary. On the other hand, Bell also stayed away from the team last year after receiving the franchise tag, before finally reporting on Sept. 1.But while he may disagree with his teammate's method, Brown said he knows Bell will be ready to roll when the 2018 season begins."The one thing about Le'Veon that makes him special, he takes his game seriously," Brown said. "It's never a question or doubt about his game, is he physically ready? I know when he walks in the building, whenever he shows up, you know what you're going to get - you're going to get a guy who's ready to take 400-to-500 carries, a guy who's willing to run and catch the ball, a guy who can do it all."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears the NFL isn't as unified on its new national anthem policy as the unanimous vote for it might suggest.Owners approved a policy Wednesday that requires any player or team personnel to stand for the anthem if they opt to come to the sidelines, with an option to remain in the locker room. If a player does protest during the anthem, they could face other internal discipline and their team will be subject to fines.New York Jets chairman Christopher Johnson won't take this route, however, and is willing to cover any financial punishments his players incur."I do not like imposing any club-specific rules," Johnson told Bob Glauber of Newsday. "If somebody (on the Jets) takes a knee, that fine will be borne by the organization, by me, not the players. I never want to put restrictions on the speech of our players. Do I prefer that they stand? Of course. But I understand if they felt the need to protest."There are some big, complicated issues that we're all struggling with, and our players are on the front lines. I don't want to come down on them like a ton of bricks, and I won't. There will be no club fines or suspensions or any sort of repercussions. If the team gets fined, that's just something I'll have to bear."Johnson has been a vocal advocate for free expression from NFL players, previously calling the idea of forcing players to stand "a fantastically bad idea."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry will miss the 2018 season due to an ACL injury, general manager Tom Telesco confirmed Wednesday, according to Ricky Henne of the team's website.Telesco added that Henry tore the ligament in Tuesday's practice on a "very routine, non-contact play."In Henry's absence, Telesco said the Chargers will look at all options for the tight end position, per Hayley Elwood of the team's website, while surgery has not yet been planned.Related: 4 options Chargers could explore to replace Hunter HenryCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York abstained from voting on the NFL's new policy regarding protests during the national anthem because he wants to hear more from the players, according to Steve Wyche of NFL Network.Commissioner Roger Goodell said the new policy, that won't require players to be on the field for the anthem but could fine teams for player protests, was unanimously agreed upon.York says his team will halt concession sales during the playing of the anthem as a sign of further respect."I don’t think we should be profiting if we’re going to put this type of attention and focus on the field and on the flag," York said, per Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.