New Orleans Saints
FILE - In this Dec. 8, 2019, file photo, Cleveland Browns center JC Tretter walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland. NFLPA president JC Tretter warned players they have to "fight for necessary COVID-19 protections" and Malcolm Jenkins said "football is nonessential." With training camp less than a month away, some players are speaking out about concerns over playing football during a pandemic while others are ignoring medical advice and holding workouts with teammates. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
NFL players raise concerns on playing, others ignore advice

By Rob Maaddi Jul. 01, 2020 04:12 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 18, 2018, file photo, then-Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Malcolm Jenkins warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans. New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins will join CNN as a contributor focusing on racial and social justice, the network announced Monday, June 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)
Saints’ Jenkins: Brees' apology "microcosm” of what's needed

Jun. 23, 2020 04:08 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 31, 2019, file photo, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Richie James (13) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz. Richie James Jr. has broken his right wrist during offseason workouts and won't be ready to return to the field until after the start of training camp. The 49ers confirmed a report of the injury by NFL Network on Friday, June 19, 2020, and said they will have a better idea of how long James will be sidelined after he reports to training camp next month. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
49ers wide receiver Richie James Jr. breaks right wrist

By Josh Dubow Jun. 19, 2020 01:48 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

This Feb. 2, 2020 photo shows San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) during the Super Bowl 54 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Miami Gardens, Fla. Samuel is undergoing surgery Thursday, June 18, 2020 after breaking a bone in his left foot during informal workouts with teammates in Tennessee. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
49ers receiver Deebo Samuel has surgery on broken foot

By Josh Dubow Jun. 18, 2020 04:38 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 31, 2019, file photo, Baylor defensive coordinator Phil Snow walks the sideline in an NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Waco, Texas. Carolina Panthers new defensive coordinator Phil Snow has a monumental task ahead of him, returning the once proud Carolina defense to among the best in the league without retired linebacker Luke Kuechly. Carolina's defense is coming off a season in which they allowed 29.4 points per game, the second-most in the league. (AP Photo/Jerry Larson, File)
Snow faces huge task restoring once-proud Panthers defense

By Steve Reed Jun. 17, 2020 05:58 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 18, 2018, file photo, then-Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Malcolm Jenkins warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans. New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins will join CNN as a contributor focusing on racial and social justice, the network announced Monday, June 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)
Saints' Jenkins joins CNN as social justice contributor

Jun. 15, 2020 12:23 PM EDT

Fans stand for the national anthem before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, June 14, 2020, in Homestead, Fla. Up to 1,000 area military members and guests were allowed in to watch the race. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Kamara lauds Wallace's courage after NASCAR's trying week

By Tim Reynolds Jun. 14, 2020 04:55 PM EDT

Kansas City Chiefs' Tyrann Mathieu (32) celebrates during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Kansas City Chiefs won 31-20. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Mahomes, Mathieu leading Chiefs in voter registration drive

By Dave Skretta Jun. 12, 2020 02:07 AM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 25, 2016, file photo, San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick kneels during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle. The NFL, which has raised $44 million in donations through its Inspire Change program, announced the additional $206 million commitment Thursday, June 11, 2020. Kaepernick and others began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest social injustice and police brutality. He has not found an NFL job the last three seasons. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
NFL to spend $250 million on social justice initiatives

By Barry Wilner Jun. 11, 2020 07:19 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 22, 2018, file photo, Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson (26) stands for the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tenn. NFL players who want to kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racism have far more support than Colin Kaepernick did four years ago. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski, File)
Despite far more support, kneeling might not be widespread

By Rob Maaddi Jun. 11, 2020 05:14 PM EDT

Martin Truex Jr. poses with his grandfather clock trophy after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Wednesday, June 10, 2020, in Martinsville, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Truex ends 2020 winless skid with victory at Martinsville

Jun. 10, 2020 11:03 PM EDT

FILE - In this July 16, 2014, file photo, a student walks through empty seats inside Kenan Stadium at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., where preparations continue for the upcoming college football season. The crippling grip the coronavirus pandemic has had on the sports world has forced universities, leagues and franchises to evaluate how they might someday welcome back fans. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)
The Latest: Saints' Thomas donates to help with medical debt

By The Associated Press Jun. 08, 2020 06:31 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 6, 2016, file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, right, is greeted by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees at the end of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif. As athletes and sports organizations around the world speak out against racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd’s death, Drew Brees drew sharp criticism after he reiterated his opposition to Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling during the national anthem in 2016. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron, File)
Drew Brees' wife apologizes for husband's comments on flag

Jun. 08, 2020 07:14 AM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 1, 2017, file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick greets fans after an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, Calif. It was his last game in the NFL.. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)
Colin Kaepernick: Timeline of a gesture and its echoes

By Barry Wilner Jun. 06, 2020 04:57 PM EDT

FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016 file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, middle, kneels during the national anthem before the team's NFL preseason football game against the San Diego Chargers, in San Diego. When Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem to take a stand against police brutality, racial injustice and social inequality, he was vilified by people who considered it an offense against the country, the flag and the military. Nearly four years later, it seems more people are starting to side with Kaepernick’s peaceful protest and now are calling out those who don’t understand the intent behind his action. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)
Colin Kaepernick has more support now, still long way to go

By Rob Maaddi Jun. 05, 2020 05:12 PM EDT

FILE - In this Feb. 25, 2020, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. More than half of the 32 NFL teams will not have their coaching staffs back at their facilities Friday. June 5, 2020, even though the league has approved such returns where local governments allow them. Clubs with coaches in place at their training complexes were Super Bowl champion Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Houston, Denver, Dallas and Atlanta.(AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
More than half of NFL coaching staffs not at team facilities

By Barry Wilner Jun. 05, 2020 03:04 PM EDT

Jacksonville Jaguars assistant defensive line coach Dwayne Stukes walks with his family near the front of the line of players, staff and family members as they start a march from TIAA Bank Field to the Jacksonville Sheriff's office headquarters, Friday morning, June 5, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla., to protest against inequality and police brutality. (Bob Self/The Florida Times-Union via AP)
'Today we say no more': Jaguars march to sheriff's office

By Teresa M. Walker Jun. 05, 2020 12:07 PM EDT

Several hundred demonstrators march peacefully as they protest in Addison, Texas, Thursday, June 4, 2020. Protests continued following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Players send video message to NFL about racial inequality

Jun. 04, 2020 10:53 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 6, 2016, file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, right, is greeted by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees at the end of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif. As athletes and sports organizations around the world speak out against racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd’s death, Drew Brees drew sharp criticism after he reiterated his opposition to Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling during the national anthem in 2016. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron, File)
Saints' Brees takes first step toward mending relationships

By Brett Martel Jun. 04, 2020 07:48 PM EDT