An Open Letter to NFL Owners: The Game Deserves Better - Greg Bedard
It is time for the league to have an independent commissioner who is not handpicked by the owners. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would make a fine choice. Other respected public figures who come to mind include John Madden, Steve Young, Alan Page, Steve Largent, Tony Dungy, J.C. Watts, Carl Levin, Robert Thomas, Cory Booker and Jon Runyan.
Shame on Chargers if they're flat - Tom Krasovic (UT$)
The Chargers will have no excuse if they imitate a Great Plains state. If they're flat this week, coach Mike McCoy and the team's captains should return their paychecks to Dean Spanos.
Injured Manti Te'o keeps perspective - Michael Gehlken (UT$)
He missed his first three games as a rookie due to a foot injury. The current one could cost him longer. Coach Mike McCoy said Te'o is "week to week." A source familiar with the situation characterized the timeline as four to six weeks.
Scouting Report: Chargers vs. Jaguars - Ricky Henne
The visitors are making a massive change, giving control of the offense to third overall pick Blake Bortles instead of Chad Henne. The rookie quarterback entered the second half of last Sunday’s game against the Colts and tossed for 223 yards on 14 of 24 passing with two TDs and two INTs. Bortles is one of four rookies expected to start in addition to center Luke Bowanko, guard Brandon Linder and wide receiver Allen Robinson.
Paul Oliver's family sues NFL over his suicide - Associated Press
The suit contends that the NFL and others knew for decades about risks associated with such injuries but concealed the information, leaving Oliver ignorant about the risks of play when making football decisions "from his first snap of youth football to his tragic death."