Bucs/NFL

League, union return to table

By wire services
Published March 4, 2006

NEW YORK - Talks between the NFL and its players union resumed Friday afternoon, minus the rhetoric that has characterized earlier discussions.

That was perhaps a sign that the sides take seriously the ramifications of beginning free agency without a new deal - something that was seven hours away from happening before the league and the union agreed Thursday to extend by three days the start of the NFL's new calendar year.

It begins at 12:01 a.m. on Monday.

The two sides were not talking publicly Friday and wouldn't even reveal the location of the talks - but they were believed to be in New York, where they broke off Tuesday after three days.

MAXWELL TO YOUNG: For nearly a week, University of Texas quarterback Vince Young has had his intelligence discussed, dissected and demeaned in the wake of reported Wonderlic test scores at the NFL scouting combine.

Young, who won the 69th annual Maxwell Award as college football's player of the year, would not answer specific questions about the Wonderlic test but did acknowledge how upsetting the reports have been.

"It hurts a little bit, and I think it's very disrespectful. But it's cool, it's cool," Young said.

Among others being honored by the Maxwell Football Club was Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy as professional coach of the year.

CHIEFS: Kansas City defensive tackle Saousaolii "Junior" Siavii Jr. was ordered to perform 80 hours of community service for assaulting a doorman at a Minneapolis hotel last summer, according to the Star Tribune. Siavii, 27, pleaded guilty to a charge of causing fifth-degree "assault fear" for his role in a drunken confrontation. "Assault fear," a misdemeanor, means conduct that would put a reasonable person in fear of injury.

EAGLES: Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb and Jeremiah Trotter, charged with parking their cars in handicapped spots, failed to show for a hearing. A Glassboro, N.J., judge cited each player for failing to appear at Wednesday night's hearing.

STEELERS: Tommy Maddox, who lost his starting quarterback's job shortly after Ben Roethlisberger's arrival in 2004, was released by Pittsburghin a long-expected salary cap move. Also cut was Willie Williams, a cornerback on the Steelers' 1995 Super Bowl team who unexpectedly became a starter again after returning to the team in 2004.

REDSKINS: Washington safety Sean Taylor's trail on aggravated assault charges was delayed again by a judge who also heard allegations that one witness has been threatened and offered money.

[Last modified March 4, 2006, 01:47:17]