LDN - Sports

National Football League roundup

[July 19, 2017] July 18 (The Sports Xchange) - Running back Le'Veon Bell plans to showcase his value to the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, but the unsigned franchise player might first make a statement by skipping training camp.

Bell is under no obligation to report to training camp because he did not sign the $12.1 million franchise tender under which he would play in 2017. Since his salary for the upcoming season is locked in, Bell's absence wouldn't be the traditional holdout.

The Steelers made an attempt to sign Bell to a long-term deal before Monday's deadline for such agreements, but it was below market in Bell's opinion.

--

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins told WFJK-FM that he has no qualms about playing on a year-to-year contract, one day after the deadline passed for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deals.

Cousins, who will make $23.9 million this season, and the Redskins can't negotiate a long-term deal until the season ends by virtue of being unable to come to an agreement by Monday's deadline.

After the deadline, Redskins president Bruce Allen delivered a statement that said the team offered Cousins a contract with $53 million in fully guaranteed money -- and $72 million guaranteed for injury.

--

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is appealing a misdemeanor conviction for a speeding citation issued in early April, according to court documents.

Elliott's Dodge Charger was clocked on April 4 at 100 mph in Frisco, Texas, 30 mph above the speed limit on the Dallas North Tollway.

Elliott, 21, is also under investigation for his potential involvement in a late-night altercation at a Dallas bar on Sunday.

--

[to top of second column]

Detroit Lions defensive lineman Armonty Bryant was suspended for the first four games of the 2017 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

The ban is the third for Bryant in one year.

He was suspended four games with the Browns last season and, upon being claimed off waivers by the Lions, drew a three-game suspension for off-field conduct.

Bryant pleaded guilty to attempted drug possession to resolve a 2015 case, prompting the league ruling.

--

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver/kick returner Lucky Whitehead announced the return of his beloved dog that had been held for ransom.

"Look who made it home safely!!!" Whitehead posted with a short video of his dog, Blitz, on Snapchat early Tuesday morning. "THANKS EVERYONE."

The reunion came one day after Whitehead announced over Instagram that his dog was stolen. The dog was being held for ransom by Fort Worth rapper Boogotti Kasino, who posted videos of himself and several acquaintances with the pooch. In one of the videos, Kasino demanded $20,000 for the return of Blitz. ))

Back to top