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 The lift of blackouts in 2015 is a one-year trial as the NFL
determines whether it still needs the threat of blackouts to sell
out stadiums.
The rule, which states that games not sold out 72 hours before
kickoff will not be aired in local markets, was instituted in the
1970s to promote ticket sales.
Just five percent of games have been blacked out in the 2010s, the
league said. There were just two blackouts in 2013 and none in 2014.
Meanwhile, the NFL is expanding its use of online broadcasting by
planning to air the London game on Oct. 25 between the Jaguars and
Bills via digital media to a worldwide audience. It will be the
first NFL game streamed digitally.
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Former NFL safety Darren Sharper, after pleading guilty to sexual
assault and attempted sexual assault in a plea deal with Arizona
prosecutors, was sentenced to nine years in prison.
Sharper, who is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting women in
four states, changed his plea on Monday in Phoenix via
video-conferencing from Los Angeles, where he remains in jail.
Sharper reached a "global" plea agreement that aims to bring
resolution to all nine formal rape charges across four states.
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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the so-called 'deflategate'
investigation is finally moving toward a conclusion.
In an interview with Peter King of TheMMQB.com on the eve of the
league's owners meetings in Phoenix, Goodell said he expects to get
the final report soon from independent investigator Ted Wells.
The NFL is investigating the New England Patriots after 11 of 12
game balls they used in their 45-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts
in the AFC title game were found to be underinflated.
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The Miami Dolphins extended coach Joe Philbin's contract through
2016.
Philbin is 23-25 in three years in Miami, including consecutive 8-8
finishes.
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The Pro Bowl could be on the move again, and this time, the NFL's
all-star game would be a passport-required event.
Following the World Cup and Olympics, the Pro Bowl could be headed
to Brazil in January 2017. The past two years, the Pro Bowl has been
played in Honolulu (2014) and Phoenix (2015).
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The NFL is hiring two people to oversee its personal-conduct policy,
according to several reports.
Todd Jones, former director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives, will be special counsel for conduct. A
former Marine officer and U.S. attorney in Minnesota, Jones is
expected to administer the conduct policy.
Lisa Friel, a former New York sex-crimes prosecutor, was named
special counsel for investigations.
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It was reported last week that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell
Wilson was close to a new deal with Seattle. However, Jason La
Canfora of CBS Sports said this week that "talks between Wilson and
the Seahawks have gone nowhere".
According to La Canfora, "no real progress" has been made and
sources say Wilson is preparing as if he might have to play out his
rookie contract, which will pay him $1.54 million in 2015.
- - (Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)
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