NFL
Brown inquiry reopened
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The NFL is going to reopen its investigation of New York Giants placekicker Josh Brown and the team has pulled him from its next game after police released journal entries and emails in which he admitted that he verbally and physically abused his former wife.
Just hours before the Giants were to leave for a game in London on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, they said that Brown would remain at home.
The Giants said they want to review the new information released by county law enforcement officials in Washington and reach a decision on the kicker’s future with the club, possibly next week.
The Giants said that Brown has acknowledged that he has issues in his life and has been working on these issues through therapy and counseling for a long period of time.
The team did not say who would kick against the Rams on Sunday.
COLTS
Wife: Protest led to cut
INDIANAPOLIS — Terricka Cromartie believes the Indianapolis Colts cut her husband, Antonio, because of his national anthem protest.
On Thursday, she took her claims public on Instagram and noted earlier comments from team owner Jim Irsay as confirming it. Irsay called the protests not “a positive thing.”
Cromartie’s wife wrote, in part: “one things for sure I know my husband was told Not to take a knee and he went with his heart and took one. And that cost him his job.” He was the only Colts’ player to protest by taking a knee and raising his fist during the anthem.
Team spokesman Avis Roper responded by citing Coach Chuck Pagano’s previous answer about making the best decision for the team.
The Colts signed Cromartie on Aug. 22 to solidify a secondary decimated by injuries. He started each of Indianapolis’ first four games, but was benched in the second half against Jacksonville after being called for two penalties on the Jaguars’ final first-half drive as well as poor play.
Cromartie, 32, was cut the next day — just as the Colts’ regulars were getting healthy.
PACKERS
Lacy placed on IR
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers have put top running back Eddie Lacy on injured reserve, another blow to Green Bay’s scuffling offense.
The Packers announced the move Thursday, hours before hosting the Chicago Bears. Lacy has been bothered by a left ankle injury and backup James Starks isn’t playing this week because of a knee injury.
The Packers traded a conditional draft pick to Kansas City this week for Knile Davis (Arkansas Razorbacks). They also signed Don Jackson to the active roster from the practice squad.
REDSKINS
Two miss practice
ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson and tight end Jordan Reed have missed practice, putting their availability for Sunday’s game at the Detroit Lions into question.
Jackson has a sore left shoulder. Reed still is dealing with the effects of a concussion that forced him to miss last week’s game for the Redskins.
Reed sat out Thursday after participating in practice a day earlier while wearing a yellow, non-contact jersey. Jackson missed both days.
JETS
Team to honor Byrd
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets will honor the late Dennis Byrd in a pregame ceremony Sunday after he was killed last weekend in a car accident in Oklahoma.
Byrd was an inspiration to many after he overcame brief paralysis and walked again just a few months after injuring his neck during a play in 1992. The defensive lineman, who played for the Jets for four seasons, died in a two-vehicle collision on Oklahoma 88 north of Claremore on Saturday. He was 50.
The Jets will show a video tribute after player introductions Sunday at MetLife Stadium before the game against Baltimore.
A moment of silence will be held before the national anthem, and members of Byrd’s immediate family will serve as honorary captains for the game.
Byrd’s former teammates and close friends Scott Mersereau, Paul Frase and Marvin Washington will join the family at midfield for the coin toss. The Jets also will wear decals featuring Byrd’s retired No. 90 on their helmets, as they did last week during their game at Arizona.