Raiders’ Brown loses grievance over old helmet
Raiders receiver Antonio Brown lost his grievance Monday with the NFL over his use of an old helmet that no longer is certified as safe to use for practice or play.
The arbitrator issued the ruling after holding a hearing Friday with Brown and representatives from the NFL and the players’ union.
‘‘While I disagree with the arbitrator’s decision, I’m working on getting back to full health and looking forward to rejoining my teammates on the field,’’ Brown said in a statement on Twitter.
Brown hasn’t taken part in a full practice for the Raiders after starting camp on the non-football injury list with injuries to his feet that reportedly came from frostbite suffered while getting cryotherapy treatment in France. He was cleared to practice July 28 and has participated in parts of two sessions.
Browns DE suffers sprained neck
Browns defensive end Chad Thomas suffered a sprained neck but avoided a more serious injury during a scary moment at practice.
Thomas was immobilized on the field and taken by ambulance to the hospital. A team spokesman said he was back at the Browns’ facility later in the day, and his return to practice will be evaluated daily.
Thomas appeared to absorb a blow to his right shoulder and head during a play. He stood up, then went to the ground and was treated by medical personnel before being put on a backboard and carted away.
Group looking to form RBs-only union
A petition reportedly has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board seeking to create a separate union for NFL running backs. According to the website Law360, the petition was filed Thursday by the International Brotherhood of Professional Running Backs and focuses on the shorter careers for players at the position.
Raiders CB suspended for PED use
The NFL suspended Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson for the first four games of the regular season for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances.