National Football League roundup

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[April 21, 2017]    April 20 (The Sports Xchange) - New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning denied accusations Thursday that he knowingly provided fake game-used memorabilia to collectors.

 

"I've done nothing wrong and I have nothing to hide," Manning said.

The two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback turned over a potentially incriminating email earlier this month in connection with a lawsuit that claims Manning, the Giants and a team equipment manager knowingly provided memorabilia that was not worn in games.

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The death of former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was officially ruled a suicide, and his brain will be donated to Boston University for study in accordance with his family's wishes.

The Worcester County District Attorney's Office in Massachusetts announced that Hernandez took his own life after conducting an investigation.

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The defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots will kick off the 2017 NFL season at home on Sept. 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, ESPN reported, citing multiple sources.

The league officially will release the entire schedule at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday.

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Cardell Hayes, who killed former New Orleans Saints star Will Smith during a traffic dispute 12 months ago, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for manslaughter.

Hayes, 29, also received a 15-year sentence for attempted manslaughter in the shooting of Racquel Smith, wife of the former defensive end.

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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James were among seven sports figures named to Time Magazine's annual list of the world's most influential people, which was announced Thursday.

While Brady and James have ample championships on their resume, polarizing NFL free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick also appeared on the list that included pioneers, artists and leaders.

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