Bills rookie quarterback EJ Manuel said the team’s offensive system has been easy to pick up. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback EJ Manuel said in a radio interview Sunday that the team’s offensive scheme has been extremely simple to learn under new head coach Doug Marrone and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.

Manuel said that the Bills’ offense has been easier to learn than the offense at Florida State.

“The funny thing is it’s easier to learn than the offense I had at Florida State,” Manuel, the Bills’ first round draft pick, told SiriusXM NFL Radio, according to ESPN.com. “It’s a true West Coast-type progression offense. That’s really what I wanted when I was coming through the pre-draft process. I wanted something that I could just go in and say 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, check it down and run it. That’s it, it’s that simple. I love it.”

“The learning curve for me is a lot shorter simply because of what I had at Florida State,” he added. “[That offense is] more complex and a little bit harder to catch on and learn. This offense is very simple. I’ve done a great job with it.”

The Bills selected Manuel with the 16th overall pick in the NFL Draft, making him the only quarterback selected in the first round. Marrone has said that Manuel will compete with returning backup Tarvaris Jackson and veteran Kevin Kolb.

Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III and fiancee Rebecca Liddicoat, engaged since October 2010, have set a July 6 wedding date. (Stephen Cohen/Getty Images)

Since Robert Griffin III’s wedding registry went public earlier this month, the Washington Redskins quarterback has apparently been showered with gifts from fans.

RGIII, whose wedding date with Rebecca Liddicoat is set for July 6, tweeted a picture on Sunday to thank fans for buying all of the items on the couples’ Bed Bath & Beyond registry.

He then responded to criticism by clarifying that he never asked the fans to buy the items.

Thank you to the Fans who are helping buy ALL the items from our wedding registry at Bed Bath & Beyond … say.ly/MLw5Rbg—
Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 19, 2013

I didn't ask the fans to buy me anything. They found it on their own and decided to get what they could. SMH at all these Debbie downers—
Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 19, 2013

The 23-year-old has been engaged to Liddicoat, a Colorado native who he met at Baylor, since October 2010.

Griffin’s father said this week that the Offensive Rookie of the Year’s rehab from a torn ACL is going “extremely well.”

Jets cornerback Dee Milliner has new agents after firing his previous one weeks after the draft. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

New York Jets rookie cornerback Dee Milliner can now focus on getting a contract done because he has a new agent after being required to wait for a league-required five business days to hire new representation, reports the SportsBusiness Journal.

The time period actually ended Thursday after Milliner fired his previous agents, Impact Sports on May 10.

Milliner fired Impact Sports and lead agent Tony Fleming after falling out of the top-five in the 2013 NFL Draft. Milliner ended up signing with agents Pat Dye and Bill Johnson on Thursday.

“I know that everything was done to ensure that Mr. Milliner would be drafted as high as possible,” Fleming said to NFL.com. “Dee was the first cornerback selected, and he was drafted ninth overall to the New York Jet. This is a tremendous accomplishment. I wish Mr. Milliner future success in his professional career.”

The Jets next selection in the draft, quarterback Geno Smith, also fired his agents after the draft.

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick calls his critics “ignorant” and says they don’t know anything about football. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has seemingly had enough of his critics saying that he is not good at reading NFL defenses.

Vick unloaded against those critics this week in a Philadelphia radio interview calling those critics “ignorant” along with a few other choice words.

“I’m really tempted right now to just say ‘no comment’ to that because, like I said a second ago, you don’t last 12 years in the NFL not being able to read the defense,” Vick said on 97.5 The Fanatic this week. “Those people who are talking and saying that are just ignorant, and they know nothing about football. Unless they turn on the film and watch my game and see what goes on, then they’ll replace those comments with the right comments.”

Vick also knows he could be right on the bench if he does not curb his turnover issues. Vick has fumbled 32 times in his last 35 games, losing 12 of those. He threw 10 interceptions last season and was sacked 28 times.

“Chip (Kelly) told me how to run with the football the other day,” Vick said. “He taught me how to run with the football and how to carry the football, and I think it’s something that you just have to work on.”

The Eagles’ Jason Avant has strictly played receiver during his seven seasons with the team, but has begun taking snaps at defensive back. (Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

Chip Kelly’s latest experiment involves two Eagles offensive players trying their hand at defense.

Eighth-year wide receiver Jason Avant and fourth-year tight end Clay Harbor have been taking additional practice reps at defensive back and linebacker, respectively, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer‘s Zach Berman.

Neither player is making a full-time transition. Instead, both are attempting to add versatility, a Kelly staple, in order to increase their chances of making the roster.

Harbor, who has just 47 receptions in three seasons, appears to be on the fringe after the team signed free-agent tight end James Casey and drafted Stanford’s Zach Ertz in the second round.

Avant, on the other hand, has been a veteran fixture in the slot for Philadelphia over the past several seasons. He was the team’s fourth-leading receiver last year with 648 yards on a career-high 53 receptions.

During his first round of offseason workouts, Kelly has already infused the team with a music playlist during practices and a healthier cafeteria menu.

Kyle Long signs with the Bears. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears and their first-round selection of the 2o13 NFL Draft Kyle Long have agreed to a four-year contract, the team announced on Friday. Long was selected with the 20th overall pick in the draft out of Oregon. Long participated in drills with no pads and said the minicamp has been “awesome,” so far.

Long, the son of NFL defensive end Howie Long and brother to St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long, played left guard for most of his collegiate career at Oregon. Long has been playing right tackle for most of minicamp with the Bears with the hopes of offsetting NFC North rival Ndamukong Suh.

Bruce Irvin was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s PED policy. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing drugs, the NFL announced on Friday. Irvin can return to the active roster on September 30 and could return to the lineup for the Seahawks Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Seahawks selected Irvin with the 15th pick out of West Virginia in the 2012 NFL Draft. Irvin recorded 10 tackles, eight sacks and forced a fumble during his rookie year in Seattle.

Irvin released a statement about his suspension for violating the NFL’s policy.

“I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and Seahawks fans for making a mistake when I took a substance that is prohibited in the NFL without a medical exemption,” Irvin said in a statement. “I am extremely disappointed in the poor judgment I showed and take full responsibility for my actions. I will not appeal the discipline and instead will focus my energy on preparing for the season so I can begin earning your trust and respect again. I look forward to contributing to the team the moment I return.”

Robert Griffin III’s rehab is going well, according to his father. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Robert Griffin III‘s father, Robert Griffin II, said his son has been throwing footballs prior to the draft and that his rehabilitation is going “extremely well,” USA Today’s Jim Corbett reported on Friday. Griffin III hopes to be ready in time for the Washington Redskins’ season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 9.

Griffin III, the 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year, had surgery on January 9 to repair torn anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his right knee. Dr. James Andrews, the orthopedist who performed surgery on Griffin III’s knee, said Griffin III’s recovery has been nothing short of “unbelievable” and “superhuman.”

In his rookie season, Griffin III threw for 3,200 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Rob Gronkowski could need surgery to repair a disc in his back. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski could require surgery to repair a disc in his back, USA Today’s Mike Garafolo reported on Friday. Gronkowski recently underwent an MRI to examine a previously injured disc in his back that was bothering him last season.

According to the report, a source speaking on the condition of anonymity said the MRI revealed damage to a disc on Gronkowski’s back. However, it’s not the same disc that was shaved down in a procedure in 2009. The source claims Gronkowski will visit spine specialist Robert Watkins after surgery to place a plate in Gronkowski’s forearm next week. He is expected to be ready for Patriots’ training camp.

The 23-year-old is expected to undergo his fourth arm surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on Monday. An infection from a previous procedure to repair Gronkowski’s broken left forearm had delayed the fourth surgery.

Gronkowski missed five games last season after breaking his left forearm blocking during an extra-point attempt against the Indianapolis Colts. He re-injured his left forearm in the AFC Divisional Playoffs against the Houston Texans.

New Bills GM Doug Whaley said he is open to starting rookie EJ Manuel in Week 1. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

New Buffalo Bills general manager Doug Whaley has a lot to do just a couple of days into his new job.

First on the list is finding a starting quarterback after the team released Ryan Fitzpatrick in March.  The team drafted quarterback EJ Manuel with the 16th pick of the first round of last month’s draft and he is expected to compete for the starting job.

The team already has veterans Kevin Kolb and Tarvaris Jackson on the roster, both acquired in the offseason. The Bills finished 6-10 last season and have not made the playoffs since 1999.

Whaley said he is open to the possibility of Manuel starting the Week 1 contest against the New England Patriots.

“Time will tell,” Whaley said, via NFL.com . ”He does have the work ethic and the leadership qualities that he’ll have a chance. But we believe competition brings out the best in everybody. Between him, Kevin Kolb, Tarvaris Jackson, even Jeff Tuel, we’re excited to see who comes out on top of that position battle.”

Whaley said he was part of the decision to draft Manuel.

“We have a philosophy that the information makes the decision,” Whaley added. “We think that we did enough due diligence and the information pointed us all to this point that EJ would be the guy we feel will take the Buffalo Bills into the future.”

GALLERY: Manuel and other rookies at NFL minicamps

Free-agent wideout Donte’ Stallworth can resume football activities after being burned in a hot-air balloon accident. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Free-agent wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth has been cleared to resume football activities after he was burned in a hot-air ballon accident in March, reports NFL.com. 

The balloon carrying Stallworth, his girlfriend and the balloon’s pilot became tangled after hitting power lines. Stallworth suffered no permanent injuries.

“In that moment, I thought my eyes would close and I’d never wake up again,” Stallworth told FoxSports.com about the accident.

Stallworth has played for six different NFL teams and has just 84 catches over the past four seasons. Last season, Stallworth played for the New England Patriots.

He signed with the team in December and caught one pass for a 63-yard touchdown in a victory over the Houston Texans. He was placed on injured reserve the next day with a high ankle sprain. In his career, Stallworth has 321 catches for 4,837 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Tyron Smith said he has given his parents and siblings more than $1 million since being drafted in 2011, but they keep coming back for more. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

After USC tackle Tyron Smith signed a four-year, $12.5 million contract as the ninth overall pick of the 2011 draft, he gave a substantial amount to his family. But it wasn’t enough, Smith told The Dallas Morning News.

Smith and his girlfriend have since had to file protective orders against his parents and siblings who have kept coming back for more.

During Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, Calif. last year, one of Smith’s brothers showed up and had to be removed from the facility. In October last year, while Smith was at the Cowboys’ team hotel prior to a Sunday afternoon home game, two of his sisters showed up from California unannounced at his Dallas home. His girlfriend dialed 911. A Dallas police report reads the sisters were there to “harass and torment” him “in the pursuit of collecting financial gain.”

Last October Smith’s attorney at the time said Smith’s “mom and/or the stepdad threatened the physical well-being of Tyron and the life of his girlfriend.” The order also prohibits contact from Smith’s parents through his siblings.

The Morning News also reports on more than $1 million that Smith’s attorney claims his family took without authorization through a financial advisor they recommended to their son before the draft. Smith said no money has gone missing since switching financial advisors. Smith said he won’t pursue legal action at this time in an effort to recover the money.

“There was money missing, but I just don’t know where it went,” Smith said. “There were times I would check my statements and it wouldn’t make sense and I hadn’t authorized it at all. I just felt betrayed and I was like, ‘Who can I trust?’”

Last October, Smith’s mother, Frankie Pinkney, denied the family took any of Smith’s money without his authorization or harassed or threatened him. She has also blamed Smith’s girlfriend for the family’s turmoil.

“I don’t know anything about any missing money,” Pinkney said at the time. “The money that we did receive from Tyron was all accounted for and everything is in writing.”

Last season, when Cowboys coach Jason Garrett told Smith he was ready to move to the more prestigious — and potentially more lucrative –left tackle position, Smith wanted to share his good news with his parents via a text message. He said the return text might as well have just read dollar signs — and possibly started the demand cycle all over again.

“They were already looking forward to the next contract, talking about things they wanted to get already,” Smith said, dropping his head. “I was like I haven’t even got there and there’s not even a sure thing that I will. And that was all that was coming out of their mouth.”

Jets running back Mike Goodson was arrested on drug and weapons charges. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

New York Jets running back Mike Goodson was arrested Friday morning and booked on drug possession and gun charges, reports Channel 12 New Jersey.

Woodson was officially charged with possession of marijuana (under 50 grams), possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a loaded handgun and possession of hollow point ammunition, according to the New Jersey State Police.

Goodson, 25, and a companion were in a stopped SUV along a highway when a tow truck driver came upon them just after 3:00 a.m. Goodson was being taken to a nearby hospital when officers searching the vehicle found marijuana and a loaded handgun. A police spokesman also said hollow-point bullets were with the gun in the car with Goodson.

Goodson signed a three-year, $6.9-million deal this offseason and was thought to get some playing time with another recent Jets pickup, running back Chris Ivory.

Goodson has been in the NFL for four seasons and played with the Oakland Raiders in 2012, rushing for 221 yards on 35 carries.

More from Channel 12:

Sources say Goodson and a companion were found intoxicated in an SUV along Route 80 in Denville. Authorities have not said why the car was stopped on the highway.

Goodson was being taken to a hospital when authorities discovered marijuana in his possession. Officers searching the SUV also found a loaded 45-caliber handgun.

Both Goodson and his companion, identified as Garret Evans, were taken to a hospital for an evaluation. They were then released to State Police custody and transported to the Netcong barracks.

Bail for Evans was set at $150,000 full cash and Goodson’s was set at $50,000. Both men were transported to the Morris County Jail in default of bail.

Peyton Manning worked under the tutelage of Duke head coach David Cutliffe this offseason. (Getty Images)

Peyton Manning has a signed a new contract with the Broncos that includes an insurance policy to give the team salary cap credit if the quarterback incurs a serious injury, according to ProFootballTalk.

The financial terms of Manning’s contract were not restructured. He will still be paid $40 million guaranteed over the next two seasons — $20 million in 2013 and 2014.

From ProFootballTalk:

Though it has been disclosed on the league’s official online transaction page as a “renegotiated” contract, a source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that the new terms don’t alter the compensation in any way. The insurance would both compensate the Broncos and provide a cap credit in the event Peyton can’t play.  To get the cap credit, the contract must refer to the insurance policy. The Broncos can avoid the $20 million payment in 2014 only if Manning suffers injury to the same area of his neck that kept him from playing in 2011.

The Broncos are currently about $7 million under the cap, according to the Denver Post.

Manning has spent some of his offseason throwing balls to new receiver Wes Welker and working out with Duke coach David Cutliffe.

Rob Gronkowski will have a fourth surgery on his arm. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will undergo a fourth arm surgery soon, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday. Rapoport reported that the surgery is technically set for Monday, though it could happen even earlier.

For more than a month, it’s been considered likely that Gronkowski would have to undergo another procedure.

Last month, reports said that Gronkowski was battling an infection in an area where a second metal plate was installed to help heal his broken forearm. Doctors would remove the plate and install a new one, but they would need to make sure the infection is gone. Rapoport added that Gronkowski could need another surgery if the infection persists.

As of now, the Patriots expect Gronkowski to be ready for training camp, but it depends on whether his infection has cleared up.

The 23-year-old Gronkowski missed five games near the end of last season after breaking his left forearm blocking during the final, meaningless extra point of a 59-24 Patriots win over the Indianapolis Colts. He re-injured the forearm during New England’s 41-28 AFC Divisional Playoff victory over the Houston Texas and missed the rest of the Patriots’ playoff run.

In 11 regular-season games last season, Gronkowski had 55 receptions for 790 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Titus Young was released by the Lions after the 2012 season for detrimental conduct. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

The ex-girlfriend and mother of Titus Young’s son claimed the troubled ex-Lions receiver waited outside her home, threatened and harassed her while seeking a restraining order, according to the Press-Enterprise.

A Riverside County judge granted a temporary restraining order Wednesday, May 8 during an eight-day period in which Young was arrested four times. The order requires the NFL free agent to stay at least 100 yards away at all times from his ex-girlfriend, who is also the mother of his 8-month-old son, Titus Jr.

From the Press-Enterprise:

“He would say things like, ‘I understand why O.J. killed his wife.’ He says, ‘We’re always gonna be a family and I’m always going to be his,’” the restraining order request states. “He got mad and yelled at my neighbors and tried to fight multiple people that he doesn’t even know.

“Titus Young Sr. has been clinically diagnosed with a mental disorder and I am afraid of what he is capable of doing,” she wrote in the restraining order request. “He also has been in a mental help facility more than once and still believes that he does not have a problem.”

Young, 23, was drafted by the Lions in 2011 before being benched in November for detrimental conduct — including punching teammate Louis Delmas — and eventually released from the team at the end of last season. The Rams claimed Young, but released him after nine days.

His father claims Young suffers from a psychological disorder stemming from a concussion.

Chad Johnson was given probation as part of a plea bargain involving domestic violence charges last August. (Marc Serota/Getty Images)

CBS Sports reports the Broward County sheriff’s office has confirmed its issue of a warrant for Chad Johnson’s arrest.

TMZ.com first reported the former NFL wide receiver was wanted for allegedly violating his probation by not visiting his probation officer. Johnson was given probation and ordered to attend counseling as part of a plea bargain following a domestic violence incident with then-wife Evelyn Lozada last August.

Lozada accused Johnson of head-butting her during an altercation in a vehicle. The Dolphins released him after his arrest and he has not be signed by another team. The receiver who once legally changed his name to “Chad Ochocinco” and back was one of sports’ most colorful personas during his 11-year NFL career that began with the Bengals and included a stop with the Patriots.

Johnson wrote, “Chilly in Pasadena” on his Twitter account Thursday, which, if true, puts him outside the Broward County jurisdiction for the time being.

Chilly in Pasadena 😡—
Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) May 16, 2013

A disappointing 2012 led the Cowboys to demand a pay cut from offensive tackle Doug Free. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

The Dallas Cowboys have apparently won their game of chicken with offensive tackle Doug Free. Free has accepted a pay cut to remain with the team, according to a source reported by ESPN.

Free was due $7 million this season and count $10.02 million against the Cowboys’ salary cup, before the team informed him he would be cut unless he took a salary reduction.

The 2007 fourth-round draft pick out of Northern Illinois reportedly will make $3.5 million in 2013 and 2014, clearing the same amount in the team’s cap.

Free has been disappointing at right tackle after an impressive 2011 season led to a four-year, $32 million deal that included $17 million guaranteed. The Cowboys have said they believe a second year under assistant coach Bill Callahan will benefit Free.

Doug Whaley was promoted on Thursday to the Bills’ general manager. (Getty Images)

In an expected move, the Buffalo Bills promoted assistant General Manager Doug Whaley on Thursday to be the next GM of the team, replacing Buddy Nix, who stepped down earlier in May.

Whaley signed a long-term contract with the team in February, one month after playing a pivotal role in the hiring of Bills head coach Doug Marrone, according to AP Sports writer John Wawrow.  Whaley was also instrumental in the scouting process that resulted in Buffalo selecting Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel in the first round of last month’s draft.

Team president Russ Brandon said Whaley will be the man to lead the Bills into the future and make them a team fans can take pride in:

“Doug is a passionate and committed leader, who will work tirelessly with his department to build a team our fans and all of western New York will be proud of heading into the future.”

According to Wawrow, one of Whaley’s top priorities is to re-sign safety Jairus Byrd. The Bills placed a franchise tag on him during the offseason but he is holding out for a long-term deal.

Whaley becomes the team’s fifth GM since John Butler was let go in 2000, and the first minority to fill a general manager or coaching position this offseason. He is the Bills’ first black GM and the eighth in league history.

Former Vikings punter Chris Kluwe has signed with the Raiders. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe has signed a one-year contract for the league minimum with the Oakland Raiders and, according to a Fox Sports report, a formal announcement is expected Thursday.

Kluwe was released by the Vikings on May 6 and will replace Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler, who signed with the Houston Texans as a free agent.  Kluwe, 31, averaged 45 yards on 72 punts last season in Minnesota and said he’s excited to be playing in Oakland and hopes to end his career in California, according to the report:

“I’m excited to be an Oakland Raider and be playing in California. Now, my family can actually come to games…Hopefully, I’ll be able to play for the next seven years and end my career in California.”

Kluwe has been an outspoken proponent of LGBT rights and some speculate his beliefs, often expressed publicly on Twitter, led the Vikings to release him. But Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said Kluwe’s departure had everything to do with football and nothing to do with off-the-field matters.

Now in California, a state that recognizes a marriage only between a man and a woman,  Kluwe said he has his eye on the measure and hopes it will be repealed in June, when a decision is expected. He said if it’s not, it will be of concern for him and he won’t be shy about taking action:

“I’m still going to be myself socially and continue to tweet and interact with my fans.”

The Vikings will move Joe Webb to receiver full-time. (Leon Halip/Getty Images)

In last season’s wild-card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings started Joe Webb at quarterback, giving him the nod because of an elbow injury to starter Christian Ponder.

Webb completed 11 of 30 passes for 180 yards, throwing a touchdown and an interception. He also ran seven times for 68 yards in the 24-10 loss to the Packers.

Now Webb’s quarterbacking days with the team are over.

The team decided to move the speedy Webb to wide receiver full-time, reports the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

“We had been talking about it for a while, and we made the decision that this was the way to go after we had our draft,” Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said.

Webb said he was told of the decision on the first day of the teams workouts. Webb does have some experience at the position, playing it his entire sophomore season in college.

“When I came back … Coach brought me in the office and talked to me about the different plans they had and stuff. It’s going to be very interesting,” Webb said. “I haven’t played it since my rookie minicamp, but I think I can adjust to it pretty good. You just have to put in a lot of work. Coach Stew [wide receivers coachGeorge Stewart] will do a lot of that with me, so we’ll see what happens.”

More from the Star-Tribune:

Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said Webb has done a good job catching the ball, and there’s a belief that because of his speed the coaches figure they can use Webb as a member of special teams and in other ways on offense.

Webb’s speed — he ran a 40 yard-dash in the low 4.4’s coming out of college — has proved to be a big advantage when he scrambled as a quarterback and should be an advantage as a receiver

The ref with his hands up will also be umpiring a softball game put on by Seahawks corner Richard Sherman. (Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

During the first month of the NFL 2012 season, arguably the most reviled people in sports were the NFL replacement referees.

Now one of the referees, Lance Easley, who officiated the infamous “Fail Mary” game will be a umpire in Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman‘s celebrity softball game, according to NFL.com.

Yes, you read that right.

For those who don’t remember, it was Easley who signaled touchdown in the “Fail Mary” Monday Night Football  game between the Green Bay Packers and Seahawks, ruling a touchdown catch for wide receiver Golden Tate on a play that was clearly an interception by safety M.D. Jennings. The Packers lost the game 14-12.

The softball game is scheduled for July 7 in Seattle.

The Facebook page for the softball game has the slogan, “Don’t be surprised if a few flags are thrown.”  Clearly, someone has a sense of humor.

More from NFL.com:

Easley was far from the only replacement ref who blew a call over those three grisly weeks, but he became the symbol for the failures of an overwhelmed group of substitutes, as well as the impetus in ending a lingering labor battle. The real officials returned six days later.

The Patriots released defensive tackle Kyle Love after he was diagnosed with diabetes. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

The New England Patriots released defensive tackle Kyle Love on Wednesday and his agent says the team let the three-year veteran go after he was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes.

Love, who started 11 games last season, was set to make $750,000 in base salary. His agent expects Love to clear waivers and then be available to sign with a team at the veteran minimum of $630,000.

“He’s disappointed but he told me this is just a minor blip he’s expecting to overcome,”  Love’s agent Richard Kopelman said to USA Today. “He’s a great guy with a wife and a baby he’s supporting. The goal is to get back healthy, play for a new team and set himself up for a big contract next season.”

Love, 26, a 6-foot-1, 315-pounder has played in 41 NFL games with 25 starts and registered 109 total tackles, 5 1/2  sacks, and one fumble recovery.

[Update: 4:27 p.m. EDT] Adam Schein reports via twitter that David Garrard has texted his plans to retire because of problems with his knee.

Tania Ganguli reports Garrard plans to retire as a Jaguar, possibly on a one-day contract.

[Original: 4:17 p.m. EDT] Quarterback David Garrard is parting ways with the Jets according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, but the details surrounding their parting remain mysterious.

Garrard, who signed with the Jets in May after being released by the Dolphins last September,  told the USA Today he looked forward to being a mentor for rookie franchise quarterback Geno Smith.

I texted David Garrard to ask if he was planning to retire a Jaguar. His reply: "U know it. Jags"—
Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) May 15, 2013

Text from Garrard: "Having to call it quits. My knee is not holding up. Continuing to swell after practices. Limiting what I can do."—
Adam Schein (@AdamSchein) May 15, 2013

QB David Garrard told 2 players he no longer plans to be with the #Jets, per sources. Nothing official from team. Unclear if cut/retired—
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 15, 2013

Jets say Garrard is still on the roster and has not been released. So there's that.—
Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 15, 2013

I'm hearing that David Garrard has requested his release—
ProFootballCentral (@PFCentral) May 15, 2013

Rolando McClain, 23, is retiring from the NFL. (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Rolando McClain is retiring from the NFL at the age of 23, Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome said on Wednesday. Newsome announced the Ravens put the former first-round selection on the reserved/retired list.

McClain signed a one-year deal with the Ravens on April 12 but was arrested just 10 days later for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest in his hometown of Decatur, Ala. He was also arrested in January after violating tinted window regulations and lying to police about his identity.

McClain was selected as the eighth-overall pick in the 2010 draft by the Oakland Raiders where he compiled 173 tackles and seven sacks over three seasons.

The Oneida Indians will present a check for $10,000 to an upstate New York school district on Wednesday night after the Board of Education voted in April to do away with its Redskins mascot at the request of its students.

According to a report from the Associated Press, Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter will present the check to the Cooperstown Central School District for new jerseys bearing the school’s new mascot, the Hawkeyes, a character created by author and former Cooperstown resident James Fenimore Cooper who penned the novel, The Last of the Mohicans.

The news comes at a time when the Washington Redskins have seen increased pressure to change its mascot, too. Washington mayor Vincent Gray said in January that he hopes the team moves forward with the change. Officials from the football team were invited to a symposium at the Smithsonian in February about racial stereotypes but did not attend.

A recent AP poll found that nearly four out of five Americans believe the Redskins should not change their name. Earlier in May, Redskins owner Dan Snyder said the team will “never” change its name so long as he owns it, according to USATodaySports.com:

“We will never change the name of the team. As a lifelong Redskins fan, and I think that the Redskins fans understand the great tradition and what it’s all about and what it means, so we feel pretty fortunate to be just working on next season.”

Ex-Lions receiver Titus Young is facing eight counts and could spend up to 7 years in prison. (Photo courtesy of Orange County’s Sheriff’s Department)

Ex-Detroit Lions wide receiver Titus Young faces up to more than seven years in prison if convicted on criminal complaints stemming from two separate incidents last week, reports NFL.com.

Young was arraigned via video conference on eight charges Tuesday, ranging from burglary to assaulting an officer. He pleaded not guilty and remains in custody. A pretrial hearing has been set for 8:30 a.m. Pacific time May 24 at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach, according to the Detroit Free Press.

On May 4, Young entered a Chevron store and allegedly took a bottle of water and candy bars without paying and then returned to the store and took five cigars without paying. That is a second-degree felony burglary charge.

Young was arrested three times in one week, including twice in a 15-hour span on May 5, when he was first arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence by police in California.  Young was re-booked hours later for allegedly trying to steal his car from an impound lot after he was initially released.

Young was arrested again on May 10 in San Clemente, Calif., after police said he broke into a home. When officers arrived at the home, Young fled on foot and then fought with officers after a pursuit.

If convicted of all charges, Young, 23, faces seven years and six months in prison.

His relatives are still debating on whether to bail Young out or let him sit in jail, reports USA Today. Young’s bail, which had been set at $75,000, was reduced to $25,000 on Tuesday.

The Chargers fear that linebacker Melvin Ingram has a serious knee injury. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

San Diego Chargers defensive end/linebacker Melvin Ingram has a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and could be lost for the season, the team announced.

The Chargers say Ingram was injured during organized team activities on Tuesday.

The Chargers selected Ingram with the 18th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft after an All-American senior season at South Carolina in which he had 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, two interceptions and also scored three defensive touchdowns.

Ingram played just 475 snaps with one start for the Chargers in his rookie campaign, recording 41 total tackles and one forced fumble.

The Minnesota Vikings reportedly have no interest in signing Brian Urlacher. (Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Vikings are not currently looking to sign former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, reports NFL.com.

Earlier Tuesday, according to Michael Sneed of the Chicago Sun-Times, it seemed liked Urlacher was leaning toward signing with the Vikings.

Instead of bring Urlacher to Minnesota, the plan is for the Vikings to look to players already on the roster to fill their void at middle linebacker.

The Sun-Times reported in March that the Vikings were “monitoring” Urlacher but general manager Rick Spielman said last month he doesn’t “anticipate” signing the eight-time Pro Bowler who turns 35 this month.

Sneed reports that Urlacher, who nixed the Bears’ $1.6 million contract offer in March, has also been talking to the Broncos.

Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports the Broncos have no interest in Urlacher.

Sorry Brian: #Broncos are not interested in MLB Brian Urlacher. As in period.—
Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) May 14, 2013

Running back LeSean McCoy is hoping to bounce back in Chip Kelly’s new offense after a sub-par 2012. (Alex Trautwig/Getty Images)

LeSean McCoy is being sued by a woman who claims the Eagles running back and his body guard humiliated and assaulted her on a party bus, according to TMZ.

The plaintiff, who filed the suit under the name “Mary Roe,” alleges on Dec. 18, 2012, she was among 16 women invited by McCoy’s publicist to a party at a New York City nightclub, with transportation from Philadelphia on a party bus.

The lawsuit alleges McCoy, his bodyguard Big John and other men in the bus began to spray some of the women with water.

Roe claims she protested the water spraying, after which McCoy ordered Big John to “get her.” She claims McCoy and/or Big John hit her in the face, causing her to fall to the ground. That’s where the men allegedly restrained her and poured a beverage over her hair, body and clothes.

She claims her protests led McCoy and Big John to forcibly eject her from the party bus on the side of the New Jersey Turnpike. When other women complained, she was allowed back on the bus until she could be left at the nearest rest stop.

The plaintiff is seeking damages of more than $50,000 for assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment and negligence.

“The allegations against LeSean McCoy are completely, unequivocally false,” a rep for LeSean McCoy said in a statement. “There are no criminal charges pending and no probable cause was ever found. This is sadly an attempt to extract money and LeSean will vigorously defend any attempt to collect money through a personal injury claim.”

Former Cowboys running back Felix Jones has agreed to a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, reports Albert Breer. Jones also visited with the New England Patriots last week after his meetings with the Eagles.

Jones, 26, was selected in the first round of the 2008 draft (22nd overall) by the Cowboys. He’s spent the entirety of his five-year career with Dallas and showed a lot of potential early on but was hampered by injuries. Last season, Jones played in all 16 games, starting in seven. He averaged 25.1 rushing yards per game and 16.6 receiving yards per game.

Jones will join a crowded Eagles backfield that includes LeSean McCoy, Bryce Brown, Chris Polk  and undrafted free agent Miguel Maysonet.

Eagles make one-year deal with Felix Jones official, announce that he'll practice at OTAs today.—
Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 14, 2013

The new Vikings’ stadium design. (Minnesota Vikings)

The Minnesota Vikings unveiled photos of their new stadium’s design on Monday, which the organization said would make it capable of hosting more events than any other stadium in the world.

“Tonight’s unveiling showcases a bold, iconic design delivered by HKS,” Vikings owner and president Mark Wilf said in a statement. “Not only is this facility unique to Minnesota, but the stadium will also provide Vikings fans with the best game-day experience in the NFL, which has always been our goal.”

Some of the stadium’s proposed features includes what the organization described as the largest transparent roof, which is possible from the first use of clear ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) in a stadium in the U.S. The team said that the stadium would also have the biggest “glass pivoting doors” of any stadium, which will open to the Minneapolis skyline.

Groundbreaking for the new 65,000-seat stadium will take place in October 2013, and the new stadium is scheduled to open in the 2016 season. The stadium is expected to cost $975 million.

You can see more images of the new stadium here.

Former Jaguars receiver Jimmy Smith is serving a six-year prison sentence. (Mississippi Department of Corrections)

Former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jimmy Smith began serving a six-year prison sentence in late March, according to First Coast News in Jacksonville.

According to the Mississippi Department of Corrections, Smith is serving a two-year sentence for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and a four-year sentence for cocaine possession. His tentative release date is Nov. 8, 2018.

Though he entered the Central Mississippi Satellite Facility on March 29, Smith’s sentence didn’t garner media attention until Monday.

The jail sentence completes a rather stunning fall for Smith, who at one time was one of the NFL’s best wide receivers and still stands as perhaps the best player in Jaguars franchise history.

Smith, 44, led the NFL in 1999 with 116 receptions. In 11 seasons with the Jaguars, Smith racked up 862 receptions in 171 career games. He caught 67 career touchdown passes.

Smith hasn’t played in the NFL since 2005.

The Chiefs hired former Nevada coach and pistol offense guru Chris Ault as a consultant. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

The Kansas City Chiefs hired former Nevada football coach Chris Ault as a consultant, reports the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Ault’s agent, Bob LaMonte, confirmed the news. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is also one of LaMonte’s clients.

The Chiefs traded for former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith in the offseason, who ran a version of the spread offense in college at Utah.

Ault invented the pistol offense which generally lines the quarterback up just a few yards behind center, which is closer than the shotgun formation, which has the quarterback five to seven yards behind the center.

Ault, 66, coached at Nevada for 28 seasons and was the athletic director there as well. He stepped down last December.

Jaguars wideout Justin Blackmon says he doesn’t have substance abuse problem. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon has had his issues since being drafted in the first round by the team a year ago.

He has already had an arrest for DUI and will miss the first four games of next season after being suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Backmon told reporters Monday that he doesn’t believe he has a drinking or substance abuse problem.

“No, I would say I don’t,” Blackmon said at Jaguars OTAs, via NFL.com. “Out of this whole thing one of the main things I would say that I had a problem with was just making a poor decision, making a selfish decision at that and not thinking about the long-term of it and just thinking about at the time. If you want to ask if I have a problem? I have a problem with making a poor decision.”

Blackmon caught 64 passes for 865 yards and five touchdowns during his rookie season and says he has a support system that includes head coach David Caldwell and general manager Gus Bradley.

“I’ve been going in and talking to them almost every day so having them there, having the teammates here that I have here have been very supportive here and it feels good to have people I can lean on and talk to,” Blackmon said.