Kaepernick’s visit to jail draws rebuke from guards’ union
A visit by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to New York’s Rikers Island jail facility has drawn a rebuke from the union representing city correction officers.
Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem last season to protest racial inequality and police brutality, leading to protests by other NFL players and repeated criticism from President Donald Trump.
The head of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association tells the New York Daily News that Kaepernick’s presence at Rikers on Tuesday will encourage inmates to attack jail guards. Union leaders note Kaepernick has worn socks depicting police as little cartoon pigs.
Department of Correction spokesman Peter Thorne says the purpose of Kaepernick’s visit was to “share a message of hope and inspiration.”
Faulk, others suspended
Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk and two other NFL Network analysts were suspended after a woman who worked as a wardrobe stylist at the network accused them of sexual misconduct in a lawsuit.
The NFL on Tuesday identified the three as Faulk, Ike Taylor and Heath Evans. They have been “suspended from their duties at NFL Network pending an investigation into these allegations,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
Jami Cantor described several sexually inappropriate encounters with the three retired players and others who have worked for NFL Network, according to court documents first reported by Bloomberg.
ESPN says former NFL players Donovan McNabb and Mike Davis have also been pulled from the air while it investigates a sexual misconduct lawsuit filed against NFL Network.
ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said Tuesday in a statement that neither McNabb nor Davis would appear on any of the networks while the investigation proceeds.
Trainer’s room
•Falcons running back Tevin Coleman and left guard Andy Levitre were not on the field as the team returned to practice Tuesday following a four-day break.
Coleman has been in the concussion protocol since Atlanta beat New Orleans last Thursday.
Levitre’s streak of 140 consecutive starts ended before the Saints game because of a triceps injury.
•In a season turned sour, add Ronald Leary’s injury to the long list of the Denver Broncos’ misfortunes.
Leary’s first season in Denver has been cut short by a back injury that sidelined the sixth-year guard the last two weeks after he started the first 11 games at right tackle.
Leary is the fourth member of Denver’s free agent class to miss time with an injury and the second to go on injured reserve, where he joined tackle Menelik Watson (torn calf).
Hester announes retirement
Devin Hester, the spectacular speedster who holds the NFL record for kick return touchdowns with 20, announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday.
Hester played for Atlanta, Baltimore and Seattle, but his best years were with the Bears from 2006-13.
Steelers are No. 1 in AP poll
The “Killer B’s” have the Pittsburgh Steelers on top.
The surging Steelers moved up three spots to No. 1 in the AP Pro32 poll on Tuesday, receiving nine of 12 first-place votes for 381 points in balloting by media members who regularly cover the NFL.
Pittsburgh (11-2) has won eight in a row and clinched the AFC North title for the third time in four seasons with a 39-38 win over Baltimore on Sunday night.