LDN - Sports

National Football League roundup

[April 11, 2017] (The Sports Xchange) - A group of NFL players who participated in an arm wrestling event at a casino in Las Vegas will be disciplined by the league.

NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported Monday that the current players will be fined for violating the league's policy barring players from appearing at casinos as part of promotional events. The players did not get pre-approval from the NFL.

It was reported over the weekend the NFL began its investigation after learning of the inaugural Pro Football Arm Wrestling Championship at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino that featured more than 30 current and former players.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told ESPN on Sunday that the league just became aware of the event and would be looking into it further.

The competitors reportedly included Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison and retired running back Marshawn Lynch.

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The Chicago Bears released veteran cornerback Tracy Porter, saving the team $3.6 million against the salary cap.

The move comes one year after the Bears signed Porter to a three-year, $12 million deal. He spent the past two seasons in Chicago. The Bears continue to overhaul their secondary, signing cornerbacks Prince Amukamara and Marcus Cooper during free agency.

Porter, 30, played in 30 games, with 28 starts, in the past two years but battled knee injuries last season. In 2016, he still played in all 16 games and had 48 tackles, two interceptions and nine passes defended.

Porter did not start the Bears' season finale in Minnesota because he overslept and missed the team bus to the stadium.

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Retired running back Marshawn Lynch may have interest in the New England Patriots if talks with the Oakland Raiders break off.

Lynch has privately expressed interest in playing for the Patriots should a move to his hometown Raiders falls through, the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe reported. Lynch visited the Raiders' facility last week as he considers making a comeback. The visit was cleared by the Seattle Seahawks, who own Lynch's rights.

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Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) stretches before their game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Lynch, who turns 31 on April 22, retired from the NFL and Seahawks after the 2015 season. He has been on the reserve/retired list since May 2016.

Under terms of his existing contract, Lynch would be in line for a $9 million salary and cap hit in 2017, and he would be due a base salary of $7 million in 2018 and could potentially make an additional $3 million roster bonus, according to ESPN.

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The Buffalo Bills signed quarterback T.J. Yates to add veteran depth at the position.

Yates, 29, becomes the fourth quarterback on the Bills' roster and the only veteran behind starter Tyrod Taylor. Buffalo also has 2016 fourth-round pick Cardale Jones and Josh Woodrum on the offseason roster.

Yates closed out last season on the Miami Dolphins' roster when they needed a backup to Matt Moore after Ryan Tannehill went down to a knee injury.

(Editing by Andrew Both)

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