Commissioner Goodell disputes notion of tanking
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell disputed the belief that there is tanking in the NFL.
‘‘ I don’t think any team tanks, I really don’t,’’ Goodell said on a visit Monday to the New York Jets’ training camp in Florham Park, New Jersey.
The Jets, who parted ways with 11 veterans during the offseason, have been accused of sacrificing the upcoming season for a high draft pick in 2018. With so many young players on the roster and an unsettled quarterback situation, they’re predicted to be one of the worst teams in the league.
Goodell, though, took umbrage with the idea that a team would lose games deliberately to enhance its draft position.
‘‘ I think teams, depending on where you are, go through transitions,’’ Goodell said. ‘‘ They are looking to sort of say: ‘ We need to build more talent here, we’ll do it through the draft. Let’s let some of our veteran players go and develop some of our younger players.’
‘‘ That’s always been part of football; that’s always been part of sports. . . . Every team does that differently.’’
Raiders rookie DB in the clear
A grand jury in Cleveland decided not to charge Oakland Raiders rookie defensive back Gareon Conley with any crimes after a rape investigation.
Spokesman Ryan Miday of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement that the grand jury declined all possible charges for Conley after being presented with the facts and circumstances surrounding the sexual- assault allegations.
‘‘ I’m excited for him,’’ Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie said. ‘‘ It’s tough on a young man like that to go through this. I’m excited for Gareon and the Raiders for the process to work. We’re excited, and now we can move forward.’’
Conley was accused by a 23- year- old woman of sexually assaulting her in a Cleveland hotel room April 9. His attorney said the sex was consensual.
Jaguars OT Albert retires
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Branden Albert abruptly retired, ending his NFL career after nine seasons and two Pro Bowls.
Albert, whom the Jaguars acquired from the Miami Dolphins in March for a seventhround draft pick in 2018, called it quits after three practices in camp and a brief discussion with coach Doug Marrone. The Jaguars will get the draft pick back because Albert failed to be on the 53- man roster for at least three regular- season games.
RB Ajayi may have concussion
Dolphins coach Adam Gase said running back Jay Ajayi is being evaluated for a possible concussion suffered during practice. He walked off the field accompanied by trainers.
Ajayi had a breakout season for the Dolphins in 2016, when he ran for 1,272 yards and had consecutive 200- yard games.