NFL Notebook: Rookies schooled on concussions
BY Associated Press
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
6/26/12 at 3:36 AM
Flanked by the shining helmets of all 32 NFL teams, the head physician for the Cleveland Browns warned some of the league's rookies about the dangers of concealing head injuries and concussions during the league's rookie symposium, now in its 15th year.
"Don't try to hide it," Dr. Mark Schickendantz cautioned. "A little ding is not just a little ding."
Dallas Cowboys rookie cornerback Morris Claiborne said any outside discussion on potential long-term effects of head injuries is sobering.
"You think about it when you're sitting in here," Claiborne said afterward. "Being a football player, once you're on the field, you don't think about getting concussions or stuff like that. It's very important."
Source says Griffin target of extortion: A former Baylor basketball player is facing a federal extortion charge for allegedly threatening to release "derogatory information" about Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III unless he was paid.
Richard Khamir Hurd, 25, was arraigned Monday in federal court in Waco, Texas.
A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that Griffin, the Baylor quarterback who was the No. 2 overall draft choice of the Washington Redskins, was the target of the alleged extortion attempt. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because authorities had not disclosed the fact.
Lions sign Jones, release Proctor: The Detroit Lions have signed safety Sean Jones to a one-year deal and released safety Sam Proctor, an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma.
The 30-year-old Jones started 16 games for Tampa Bay in each of the last two seasons.
The Lions had signed Proctor last month.
Steelers release Heisman winner Smith: The Pittsburgh Steelers have released veteran quarterback Troy Smith, a former Ohio State star who won the 2006 Heisman Trophy.
Smith signed with the Steelers earlier this year.
The Baltimore Ravens drafted him in the fifth round of the 2007 draft.
