[July 15, 2014](The Sports Xchange) - New Orleans
Saints star Jimmy Graham appealed the NFL's arbitration decision that he
is a tight end for franchise tag purposes as he closed in on a new
long-term deal, according to reports Monday.
ESPN.com reported the two sides are nearing a deal that will make
Graham the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.
Graham has argued that he should be considered a wide receiver.
Arbitrator Stephen Burbank ruled earlier this month that Graham is a
tight end. Under the franchise tag for the position, Graham would
make $7.053 million in 2014, compared to $12.3 million for
receivers.
Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam's Pilot Flying J company has
agreed to pay a penalty of $92 million over the next two years and
to fully cooperate with the ongoing federal investigation of fraud
against its customers.
The deal reached Monday with federal prosecutors will avoid criminal
charges against the company.
"We, as a company, look forward to putting this whole unfortunate
episode behind us, continuing our efforts to rectify the damage
done, regaining our customers' trust, and getting on with our
business," Haslam, Pilot Flying J's CEO and chairman, said in a
statement. "We've been committed from the beginning
of this to doing the right thing, and that remains our commitment."
ESPN.com reported the two sides are nearing a deal that will make
Graham the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.
