Bills fail to sell stadium naming rights

The Buffalo Bills are settling for simplicity in calling their home field “Bills Stadium” after they were unable to find a new naming rights partner before the start of the upcoming season.

“As we continue the transition process from New Era Field to a new naming rights partner, we will officially use the name Bills Stadium for our home in Orchard Park,” the Bills said Thursday.

The Buffalo-based New Era Cap Co. backed out of its naming rights agreement in

July at a time the global sports headwear and clothing apparel company was laying off more than 100 employees as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The deal was worth more than $35 million over seven years.

Chiefs

Kansas City said Thursday that it will prohibit fans from wearing headdresses and Native American-themed face paint to home games at Arrowhead Stadium. The team announced the measures as part of a dialogue with local and national leaders from diverse American Indian backgrounds. The steps by the Chiefs come after Washington’s NFL team said recently that it would cease using Redskins as its name.

Browns

Cornerback Kevin Johnson was hospitalized after his liver was lacerated when rookie tight end Harrison Bryant landed on him in a recent practice when the two players battled for a pass. Johnson, who was signed this past offseason by Cleveland and expected to start at nickel back, will stay in the hospital for at least another 24 hours for observation.