Probe continues
The NFL said it is still investigating how the New England Patriots used underinflated balls in its last game but has no conclusions yet and no timetable for resolving the cheating accusations with the Super Bowl nine days away. The league said evidence shows the Patriots used underinflated footballs during the first half of the AFC Championship Game Sunday night against the Indianapolis Colts. It issued a statement that the Patriots have pledged full cooperation and have given the league information it requested and made personnel available upon request. Quarterback Tom Brady said Thursday afternoon he had not been contacted at that point. The NFL said it expects full cooperation from other clubs and has hired an investigatory company to help in reviewing electronic and video information. The league also said when it is able to come to conclusions, they will be shared publicly. m The New York Jets have hired
Kacy Rodgers as their defensive coordinator and Bobby April Jr. as special teams coordinator under new Coach Todd Bowles. The team announced the moves Friday. Bowles hired Chan Gailey as his offensive coordinator earlier in the week. Rodgers had been Miami’s defensive line coach since 2008. He and Bowles have worked together previously with the Dolphins and under Bill Parcells in Dallas. April, regarded as one of the NFL’s top special teams coaches, was with Oakland the past two seasons.
m The Baltimore Ravens intend to cut ties with defensive tackle
Terrence Cody, who is under investigation for animal cruelty. The Ravens made no reference to the investigation Friday, when it issued a one-sentence news release that said Cody’s contract will be terminated after the Super Bowl. Cody, 26, is the subject of an investigation launched by the Baltimore County state’s attorney’s office. A Baltimore County police official said no charges have been filed, and that the investigation is ongoing. Cody missed the first 12 games of the 2014 season following hip surgery. He was activated on Nov. 4 but played in only one game, seeing limited action in Miami on Dec. 7. His oneyear, $730,000 contract was set to expire in March. Cody will then become an unrestricted free agent.
A jury is expected to be seated next week in the murder trial of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez. Superior Court Judge Susan Garsh has cleared 53 potential jurors as of Friday after individually questioning them to weed out people who are biased, have a hardship or have a valid reason to be excused. Lawyers from both sides will have the chance to eliminate 18 people each from the final pool Monday for any reason using what’s called peremptory challenges. Eighteen jurors will be seated. If 18 jurors cannot be seated from that group, the judge is expected to resume individual questioning. Opening statements could begin as soon as Tuesday. Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to killing semiprofessional football player Odin Lloyd in 2013.