Bears pro scouting director Ballard accepts bigger role with Chiefs

The Bears lost a rising star Friday. Chris Ballard, their director of pro scouting, is leaving for a promotion with the Kansas City Chiefs. He’ll oversee the Chiefs’ college and pro scouting departments, essentially becoming new general manager John Dorsey’s right-hand man.

Ballard was promoted to director of pro scouting by Bears GM Phil Emery a year ago. He had been the Bears’ Southwest-area college scout for 11 years before that.

Ballard played an essential role in the Bears drafting running back Matt Forte and cornerback Charles Tillman. Former Bears Johnny Knox, Tommie Harris and Nathan Vasher were among others he scouted and recommended.

It’s a considerable front-office loss for the Bears. Ballard is highly regarded around the NFL and considered by some to be a future GM.

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington was arrested Friday after being accused of grabbing his ex-girlfriend by the throat and shoving her to the ground after an argument at her apartment.

Maricopa County, Ariz., prosecutors said Washington posted $4,200 bond and was released after his initial court appearance after he had been booked into jail on suspicion of two counts of aggravated assault.

The Miami Dolphins were dealt a crushing blow when the Florida Legislature ended its session without passing any funding plan that would assist the team’s quest to refurbish its stadium. The lack of funding help also could spoil South Florida’s efforts to attract another Super Bowl in the next few years.

The Baltimore Ravens have added former St. Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo as a senior defensive assistant. The New Orleans Saints fired him as their defensive coordinator in January after the defense allowed a single-season NFL record 7,042 yards.