NEW YORK - The NFL asked a judge Tuesday to suspend her decision to allow high school players into the draft, arguing an onslaught of teenagers would harm the league, its athletes and college football.
U.S. District Judge Shira Scheindlin issued her ruling Thursday in a lawsuit by Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett, a 20-year-old sophomore who played just one season in college before trying to enter the draft. The league asked the judge for a stay while it appeals, saying a higher court may not be able to rule before the April draft.
At issue is a league rule that a player must be out of high school three years before he is eligible for the draft. The league said that without a stay, its 32 clubs will be forced to evaluate and interview a large number of prospective NFL players. Those players would sacrifice their scholarships and education for an uncertain future, ultimately perhaps displacing NFL veterans.
FAITH NOT AN ISSUE: Mike Martz said he holds no grudge against quarterback Kurt Warner for his remarks that his ardent religious beliefs might have been a factor in his benching. The Rams coach would not say if Warner will compete with Marc Bulger, who took his job last season. But he said the religious controversy will not be a factor.
On Feb.1, Warner was quoted on baptistpress.com: "I actually had coaches say I was reading the Bible too much and it was taking away from my play. It was okay when we were winning, but now I was (messing) this thing up? People were saying I had lost my job because of my faith."
GIBBS BACK AT WORK: Redskins coach Joe Gibbs returned to work at his office, one day after a trip to a St. Augustine hospital delayed his meeting with Jacksonville quarterback Mark Brunell. Gibbs, a diabetic, was treated for an insulin imbalance and released.
HIRINGS: Rob Ryan, Patriots linebackers coach the past four seasons, joined the Raiders as defensive coordinator. New England's defense allowed 14.9 points a game last season, fewest in the league. ... Karl Dunbar, Oklahoma State's defensive line coach, was hired in the same capacity by the Bears.
