Ex-Giants star Cruz decides to retire
Former New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz has retired.
In making the announcement Tuesday, the 31-year-old Cruz said he plans to join ESPN as an NFL analyst.
Cruz was a seven-year NFL veteran and a 2012 Pro Bowl selection. He joined the Giants in 2010 as an undrafted free agent out of Massachusetts. He had his first 1,000-yard season and caught a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl victory over the Patriots in February 2012.
Cruz had 303 catches for 4,549 yards and 25 touchdowns, including an NFL record-tying 99-yard reception in December 2011. He was signed by the Chicago Bears in 2017 but cut before the season.
Cruz burst onto the scene when he caught three touchdown passes in a preseason game against the New York Jets in 2010.
He became a star the following season.
Baltimore’s Smith suspended: Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith has been suspended for four games without pay for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The Ravens released a statement that in part read: “The Ravens fully support the NFL’s decision. The NFL found evidence of threatening and emotionally abusive behaviors by Jimmy toward his former girlfriend that showed a pattern of improper conduct. Our player’s behavior was inappropriate and wrong.”
The 30-year-old Smith played in 12 games last season before an Achilles tendon injury forced him to miss the team’s final four games. During those four weeks, he chose to accept an NFL suspension for using performance enhancers.
Incognito arrested: Former NFL offensive lineman Richie Incognito was arrested on charges he threatened to shoot employees of a funeral home.
Police in the Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale said Incognito was being held on suspicion of misdemeanor charges of threats and disorderly conduct.
Police said Incognito was at the Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary on Monday to make arrangements for his father, who died last weekend.
“Incognito reportedly was upset with staff and began to damage property inside the business and shout at employees,” said Sgt. Ben Hoster, a police spokesman. “At several points during his contact with staff, Incognito threatened to retrieve guns from his vehicle and return to shoot the employees.”
Bills sign Ryan: The Buffalo Bills signed punter Jon Ryan to a oneyear contract, a day after the 12-year NFL veteran was released by the Seattle Seahawks.
Ryan’s signing places into question returning punter Colton Schmidt’s hold on the job he’s held for the previous four seasons.
The Canadian-born Ryan spent 10 seasons in Seattle and had been the longest active player on the team’s roster.