Bucs’ Martin suspended 4 games for doping violation
‘Benching Taylor business decision’
NEW YORK, Dec 29, (Agencies): Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy and said on Wednesday he was entering a treatment facility.
The NFL Network reported that two-time Pro Bowler Martin, who was held out of last week’s loss against the New Orleans Saints, was suspended for using the stimulant Adderall.
“I was notified last week of a four-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy. My initial instinct was to appeal the suspension and finish the season with my teammates,” Martin, 27, said in a statement.
“However, after numerous discussions with people close to me — including Coach (Dirk) Koetter — I am starting the suspension immediately so I can enter a treatment facility and receive the help I truly need.”
Martin
EJ Manuel will start at quarterback for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, but interim head coach Anthony Lynn made it clear the decision to bench Tyrod Taylor in the season finale came from the front office.
“I can’t speak for the owner. I can’t speak for the GM. They’ll have to speak for themselves,” Lynn said on Wednesday of the “business decision” to sit Taylor rather than risk injury that would trigger a $30 million guarantee for 2017.
Taylor, signed to a long-term contract extension before the start of the 2016 season, joined the Bills following four seasons as a Ravens back-up after a strong endorsement from thenhead coach Rex Ryan.
NFL games are being streamed live in China, and will be through the Super Bowl. The league announced Wednesday a partnership with Sina Weibo, one of the largest social media platforms in China.
Six regular-season games were streamed recently, and Sina Weibo will stream the Packers-Lions showdown for the NFC North title on Sunday night. It also will stream three playoff games and the Super Bowl.
Sina Weibo is one of the most popular websites in China with 132 million daily active users, 297 million monthly active users, and a market penetration similar to Twitter and YouTube in the United States. On average, 100 million messages are posted each day on Sina Weibo.
The Buccaneers placed running back Charles Sims on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury, ending his season.
Sims has the rare distinction of being placed on IR twice in the same season. Overall, Sims played in seven games with two starts this season, rushing 51 times for 149 yards and one touchdown, while catching 24 passes for 190 yards and one score.
EJ Manuel will start at quarterback for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, but interim coach Anthony Lynn made it clear the business decision to bench Tyrod Taylor in Week 17 came from the front office.
The move was made to avoid the chance that Taylor could sustain an injury triggering a $30 million guarantee for 2017.
Quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots did not practice on Wednesday as the veteran nurses a thigh issue.
Brady was limited in practice all last week and listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against the q q q The injury did little to slow down the 39-year-old, who threw for three touchdowns in a 41-3 rout of the Jets.
A.J. Green’s season is over. Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis confirmed that the six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver will not play in Sunday’s regular-season finale against Baltimore.
Green has missed five straight games with a hamstring injury suffered on Nov 20 versus Buffalo. He will finish the season with 66 catches for 964 yards and four touchdowns.
Baltimore Ravens receiver Steve Smith became emotional several times while talking to reporters about his impending last NFL game on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
While Smith started the press conference saying he was “89 percent sure” that he was ready to retire, he gradually sounded like he was at peace with the decision to walk away.
The Arizona Cardinals signed safety Christian Bryant off the New York Giants’ practice squad and cornerback Brian Dixon from the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad.
The Detroit Lions signed free agent cornerback Crezdon Butler and placed defensive tackle Stefan Charles (knee) on injured reserve.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after a four-touchdown performance in Week 16, the NFL announced.
Rodgers completed 28 of 38 passes for 347 for a 136.6 passer rating in the Packers’ 38-25 victory over the Minnesota Vikings last Saturday. He also rushed for a touchdown, accounting for five TDs in all.
In this July 30, 2016 file photo, Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass during NFL football training camp in Pittsford, New York. (AP)