Rivera reveals he has lymph node cancer
Washington coach Ron Rivera told ESPN that he has been diagnosed with what he called lymph node cancer after a self check.
Rivera shared the news with his team Thursday night but said the cancer is in the early stages and is considered “very treatable and curable.”
“I was stunned,” Rivera said. “But I was angry because I feel like I’m in best health I’ve been in.”
Rivera, 58, said that he felt a lump in his neck in early July and that he saw a doctor a few weeks later when it didn’t go away. He has consulted with a number of doctors and specialists and is establishing a treatment plan with the team and an outside specialist.
Rivera said he plans to continue coaching. He also said a “Plan B” is in place for the team if he can’t coach but declined to get into specifics.
Brennaman off Fox NFL games
Thom Brennaman will not be calling NFL games on Fox after using an anti-gay slur on the air during a Reds broadcast.
Fox Sports issued a statement Thursday that said “we are moving forward with our NFL schedule, which will not include him.” Fox also said Brennaman’s remarks were “abhorrent, unacceptable and not representative of the values of Fox Sports.”
Brennaman had been a part of Fox’s NFL announcer lineup since they started televising the league in 1994. He was part of the No. 3 announcing team last season with analyst Chris Spielman and reporter Shannon Spake. He also had called MLB games for the network from 1996 to 2014 and called Cubs games on WGN from 1990 to ’95.
The Reds announced late Wednesday that Brennaman, 56, was suspended. He issued an onair apology during the Reds game that night, acknowledging his career might be in jeopardy, and further apologized in a letter to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Chiefs won’t allow headdresses
The Chiefs will prohibit the wearing of Native American headdresses, face paint and clothing at Arrowhead Stadium. They also are discussing the future of the iconic tomahawk chop as they address what many consider racist imagery associated with their franchise.
The team said in a statement that the changes came after conversations with national organizations that work closely on issues that affect Native Americans.
Injury report
Browns cornerback Kevin Johnson remains hospitalized after lacerating his liver when rookie tight end Harrison Bryant landed on him while the two battled for a pass. Johnson, who was expected to be the starting nickel back, is resting comfortably and will stay in the hospital for at least another 24 hours for observation.
Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill left midway through practice with a right hamstring injury after pulling up while attempting to catch a long pass during a one-onone drill. The severity of the injury was not immediately known.