Athlete compensation
FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2019, file photo, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks to throw in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys have their star quarterback under contract for the 2020 season. Prescott has signed his $31.4 million tender under the franchise tag. That would be the richest one-year contract in franchise history. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth, File)
Cowboys' Prescott signs $31M tag, still time for longer deal

By Stephen Hawkins Jun. 22, 2020 04:46 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2019, file photo, Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook rushes during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, in Detroit. The Vikings have centered their offense around running back Dalvin Cook and praised him at every turn, but now the bill has come due. Cook is holding out of team activities until he has a new contract.(AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)
Vikings, Cook present NFL's latest RB contract standoff

By Dave Campbell Jun. 18, 2020 05:31 PM EDT

FILE - In this April 6, 2020, file photo, an empty MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. , is viewed. Timing favored the NFL over other major pro sports leagues in trying to figure out how to keep the coronavirus pandemic from wrecking the 2020 season. America's most popular sport has another big advantage if the games are played: TV money. While NFL owners could lose billions collectively with limited capacities in stadiums or no fans at all, the league is well-positioned financially because of lucrative media contracts approaching $10 billion in a full 2020 season. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
TV money gives NFL leg up if fans can't fill teams' coffers

By Schuyler Dixon Jun. 13, 2020 10:28 AM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 20, 2020, file photo, Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel answers a question during an NFL football news conference in Nashville, Tenn. Vrabel has seen all he needs to see from his Titans during this very unique and virtual offseason. That's why Vrabel and the Titans wrapped up their offseason program Thursday, Jan, 11, 2020, even though the NFL is allowing teams to work through June 26. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
Vrabel: Time right to end Titans' offseason program early

By Teresa M. Walker Jun. 11, 2020 06:01 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 18, 2016, file photo, United States' Megan Rapinoe, right, kneels next to teammates Christen Press (12), Ali Krieger (11), Crystal Dunn (16) and Ashlyn Harris (22) as the national anthem is played before the team's exhibition soccer match against the Netherlands in Atlanta. The U.S. women's national team wants the U.S. Soccer Federation to repeal the anthem policy it instituted after Rapinoe started kneeling during the national anthem. The U.S. women's team also wants the federation to state publicly that the policy was wrong and issue an apology to the team's black players and supporters. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
USWNT wants soccer federation to repeal anthem policy

Jun. 08, 2020 11:37 PM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 3, 2019, file photo, Oklahoma State linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga poses during an NCAA college football media day in Stillwater Okla. Oklahoma State University officials said Wednesday, June 3, 2020, that three returning student-athletes have tested positive for COVID-19 although they were not showing symptoms. Among them is OSU linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, who said on Twitter he tested positive for the virus after he attended a protest in Tulsa. The 21-year-old Ogbongbemiga says he protected himself during the protest. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
The Latest: Detroit Pistons set to reopen practice facility

By The Associated Press Jun. 03, 2020 01:38 PM EDT

Grounds crew members mow as work continues to keep the Seattle Mariners' field in playing shape as the ballpark goes into its seventh week without baseball played because of the coronavirus outbreak, Monday, May 11, 2020, in Seattle. A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that Major League Baseball owners have given the go-ahead to making a proposal to the players' union that could lead to the coronavirus-delayed season starting around the Fourth of July weekend in ballparks without fans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
AP source: No MLB economic plan in 1st session with players

By Ronald Blum May. 12, 2020 10:02 PM EDT

Panthers' Okung appealing NLRB decision on labor practices

By Steve Reed May. 11, 2020 12:16 PM EDT
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Panthers offensive tackle Russell Okung says he's appealing a decision that denied a claim he brought against the National Football...

FILE - In this April 19, 2019, file photo, Steve Yzerman walks into the news conference where he was introduced as the new executive vice president and general manager of the Detroit Red Wings NHL hockey club in Detroit. The Red Wings could actually benefit from an adjusted draft lottery that gives him better odds at the top pick, likely Alexis Lafreniere. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
Mixed feelings around hockey about holding NHL draft early

By Stephen Whyno May. 09, 2020 11:46 AM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 7, 2019, file photo, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is shown on the sidelines in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Ann Arbor, Mich. Jim Harbaugh is pushing for a change that would allow football players to enter the NFL draft after their freshman or sophomore seasons in college. Harbaugh shared that idea among others in an open letter to the football community Thursday, May 7, 2020. Currently, players are not eligible for the NFL draft until they have been out of high school for at least three years. (AP Photo/Tony Ding, File)
Jim Harbaugh proposes one-and-done rule change for NFL draft

By Larry Lage May. 07, 2020 03:00 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2019, file photo, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) readies to push off of Seattle Seahawks' Ugo Amadi on a carry during the first half of an NFL football game in Seattle. Kittle, a fifth-round pick in 2017, has one year remaining on his rookie deal. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear, File)
Tight end contracts could be next to see significant rise

By Rob Maaddi May. 05, 2020 07:37 PM EDT

NFLPA president calls for relook at portion of labor deal

By John Wawrow And Barry Wilner Apr. 30, 2020 04:14 PM EDT
NFL Players Association President JC Tretter is calling for a re-examination of a portion of the labor agreement with the league affecting disability coverage...

FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2019, file photo, Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) celebrates a catch as Kansas City Chiefs safety Armani Watts (23) watches during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo. Henry has signed his franchise tag with the Chargers, but the tight end remains optimistic that a long-term extension can still be reached. Henry said during a conference call on Wednesday, April 29, that both sides made progress before things were put on pause for draft preparations. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
Chargers TE Henry optimistic extension can be reached

By Joe Reedy Apr. 29, 2020 07:48 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2018, file photo, Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Telvin Smith (50) runs for a touchdown after intercepting a pass, during the second half at an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Miami Gardens, Fla. Former Jaguars linebacker Smith has been arrested on a charge of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors. He was booked into the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Jail around 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)
Ex-Jaguars LB Smith charged with sexual activity with minor

By Mark Long Apr. 29, 2020 05:55 PM EDT

FILE - Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley (44) tackles Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore (12) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. The division that led the AFC in sacks in 2019 might be even tougher to block next season. Every team in the AFC South made at least one major move along the defensive front between free agency and the draft. Tennessee signed 2016 NFL sack leader Beasley in free agency. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
AFC South adds pass-rushing skill to already-loaded division

By Mark Long Apr. 29, 2020 12:55 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2019, file photo, Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo watches batting practice for Game 4 against the Houston Astros in the baseball World Series in Washington. “The challenges have been that they stopped playing baseball about six weeks into the spring season,” Rizzo said, talking about the draft. “So that’s been the biggest hurdle that we had to face. Fortunately, we dive into this draft thing very, very seriously. We got a lot done early on, especially the higher-round type of premier prospects. We have a really good feel of what’s out there in the country.” (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
MLB teams adjusting as pandemic affects draft preparation

By Noah Trister Apr. 28, 2020 01:49 AM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2019, file photo, Utah State quarterback Jordan Love looks for a receiver during the team's NCAA college football game against Air Force at Air Force Academy, Colo. The Green Bay Packers selected Love in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday, April 23, 2020. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
Draft could bring Vikings more help now than North foes

By Dave Campbell Apr. 27, 2020 05:41 PM EDT

AP Source: Seahawks releasing veterans Britt, Fluker

By Tim Booth Apr. 26, 2020 07:49 PM EDT
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks are releasing Justin Britt and D.J. Fluker in a major overhaul of their offensive line that clears significant salary...

TCU offensive lineman Lucas Niang speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Chiefs gamble on LB Willie Gay in second round, add T Niang

By Dave Skretta Apr. 24, 2020 10:06 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2019, file photo, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff passes against the Arizona Cardinals during first half of an NFL football game in Los Angeles. Goff was disappointed to end his partnership with two good friends when the Los Angeles Rams released Todd Gurley and traded Brandin Cooks. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
Goff creates cap room for Rams to sign Floyd, Robinson

By Greg Beacham Apr. 24, 2020 04:20 PM EDT