Union challenges anthem policy

The NFL Players Assn. filed a grievance with the league challenging its national anthem policy. The union says that the new policy, which the league imposed without consultation with the NFLPA, is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement and infringes on players’ rights. The filing met a statute of limitations deadline and will be heard by an independent arbitrator, an NFLPA spokesman said. In May, the NFL approved its national anthem policy that forbids them from sitting or taking a knee if they’re on the field or the sidelines.

New Panthers owner David Tepper says while he’ll accept nothing less than an open and safe work environment in Carolina, he’s “contractually obligated” to keep a 13-foot-high statue of former owner Jerry Richardson outside of the team’s stadium. Richardson sold the franchise to Tepper after his reputation was tarnished following reports in December of sexual and racial misconduct.

Police and the NFL are investigating after a woman allegedly was assaulted at a suburban Atlanta house owned by LeSean McCoy, hours after allegations posted on social media, along with a graphic photo of the alleged victim, accused the Buffalo Bills running back of targeting his former girlfriend in the attack. McCoy issued a statement denying the claims.

“For the record, the totally baseless and offensive claims made against me today on social media are completely false,” McCoy said in a statement released on two of his social media accounts. “Further more, I have not had any direct contact with any of the people involved in months.”

An Ohio man has admitted defrauding NFL players out of money meant for charities. Camario Richardson, 39, of Maple Heights, Ohio, pleaded guilty Monday to mail fraud in federal court in Kansas City, Mo. Prosecutors say Richardson told the players he could deliver Nike-branded merchandise to charitable events. The five players involved weren’t identified in the indictment.