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NFL
NFL, union make deal to toughen drug rules
By wire services
Published April 13, 2005
DALLAS - The NFL and its players agreed to follow stricter standards for testosterone levels for the start of next season.
The upgrade, which required the approval of the union, had been expected to be adopted but not until next month, when the league and union hold their annual discussions about revising the drug program.
But commissioner Paul Tagliabue said Tuesday the union had approved the new standards, which will be similar to those used for the Olympics.
"We try to stay as much ahead of the curve as we can," union executive director Gene Upshaw said. "We support trying to get cheaters off the field any way we can."
The league's program includes random testing and suspensions for first-time failures. More modifications, such as adding items to the list of banned substances, are expected at the upcoming meeting.
Bucs sign two linemen
The Bucs signed offensive tackles Jeff Hatch and Matt Martin. Terms were not disclosed.
A third-round pick of the Giants in 2002, Hatch started four games during 2002 and 2003. Martin, undrafted in 2002, spent his rookie season with the Titans, splitting time between the active roster and the practice squad. He has appeared in one game.
Also, the Bucs expect a visit today or Thursday from Nebraska cornerback Fabian Washington. One of the draft's best athletes, Washington's stock rose at the scouting combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds and had a vertical leap of 411/2 inches.
The Bucs also continue to keep an eye out for receivers. Northern Colorado's Vincent Jackson worked out for them Friday.
--ROGER MILLS, Times staff writer
JETS: The Empire State Development Corp., New York's economic development board, approved plans for a 75,000-seat stadium in Manhattan. The board is controlled by Gov. George Pataki, a stadium supporter, so approval was expected. It now must be approved by the Public Authorities Control Board, another state panel, where passage is less assured.
REDSKINS: Receiver Santana Moss and safety Sean Taylor are skipping spring workouts because they want new contracts.
Moss, acquired from the Jets for receiver Laveranues Coles during the offseason, is entering the final season of his deal and is scheduled to make $450,000. Taylor, the fifth overall pick last year, said he doesn't like his seven-year, $18-million deal.
Also, coach Joe Gibbs met with LaVar Arrington a day after the linebacker criticized the way the team handled his knee injury. Neither commented on the meeting.
SEAHAWKS: Linebacker Jamie Sharper agreed to a deal the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported is for five years and $17.5-million, including a $1.5-million signing bonus. Entering his ninth season, he started all 48 games in Houston history before being released April1. Last season, he led the Texans with 137 tackles.
SUPER BOWL: Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said the game likely will be played in Dallas' new stadium in 2011 or 2012. The Cowboys used the lure of a Super Bowl as part of their campaign to get voters in Arlington, Texas, to approve raising taxes to pay for $325-million of the stadium's $650-million price. The 75,000-seat, retractable-roof facility is scheduled to open in time for the 2009 season.
--Information from other news organizations was used in the report.
[Last modified April 13, 2005, 01:30:19]
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