NFL notebook: Goodell says NFL would help fund Oakland stadium
BY Wire reports
Friday, December 07, 2012
12/07/12 at 5:49 AM
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Thursday the league is willing to contribute funding to help build a stadium in Oakland to keep the Raiders in town.
Goodell said it is crucial that the Raiders improve their stadium situation. They currently play in the outdated Oakland Coliseum and have said they would like a more modern facility at the same location. There have been talks between the team and city officials but nothing concrete has happened as of yet.
"It's our stage. It's part of where we present our game. It's the biggest part," Goodell said.
Cowboys lagging on INTs despite new cornerbacks: Dallas cornerback Morris Claiborne probably figured his first NFL touchdown would come on an interception. The rookie had to settle for a fumble return because the picks have been hard to come by for the Cowboys.
After trading up eight spots to take Claiborne at No. 6 in this year's draft and committing at least $26 million to free agent Brandon Carr, Dallas is last in the league with five interceptions and the only team without a player who has at least two heading into Sunday's game at Cincinnati.
"We certainly want to create more takeaways," coach Jason Garrett said. "There's no question about that."
Urlacher fined again for horse-collar tackle: Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher told the Chicago Tribune the NFL fined him $21,000 for his horse-collar tackle on running back Leon Washington during Sunday's overtime loss to the Seahawks.
It was the second consecutive week Urlacher was fined for such a tackle. He received a $15,750 fine for one against Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.
Jets' Keller, Tebow uncertain vs. Jaguars: New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller sat out practice for the second straight day with a sprained left ankle, leaving his status for the team's game at Jacksonville on Sunday uncertain.
Backup quarterback Tim Tebow was limited for the second straight day Thursday with two broken ribs, and might not be able to play against his hometown Jaguars.
"I'm still not ready to say I'm comfortable with him (playing) right now," coach Rex Ryan said. "We'll see how it goes."
Keller, the Jets' second-leading receiver with 28 catches, was hurt in New York's 7-6 victory over Arizona on Sunday.
