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Appeal by ex-star Sharper continues in drug, rape case
Imprisoned former NFL star Darren Sharper is pressing on with his attempts to reduce his 18-year federal sentence in a sexual assault case.
An on-again-off-again appeal was revived Friday at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. It follows a U.S. district judge’s August rejection of Sharper’s argument that he was not adequately advised by his lawyers on the consequences of his 2015 guilty plea to conspiracy and drug charges involving his drugging of two women so he could rape them. His sentencing judge said similar allegations involve as many as 16 victims in four states.
Sharper’s August appealed was tossed out for failure to pay a court fee. However, the case was reopened Friday because earlier notices from the court to Sharper’s appellate lawyers had gone to the wrong address.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have listed cornerback Jalen Ramsey as questionable to play Sunday against New Orleans.
Coach Doug Marrone made the designation Friday, a day after owner Shad Khan said he expects the disgruntled defender to return following a two-week absence because of an apparent back injury.
Khan told The Street he had a “heart to heart” with Ramsey earlier this week and “I think we’ll be able to come to what makes sense for all.”
It’s unclear if that means trading Ramsey or repairing his fractured relationship with the franchise.
Ramsey was limited in practice for a third consecutive day Friday. He saw a back specialist Monday in Houston.
Broncos sign fullback Andy Janovich to three-year deal
Fullback Andy Janovich has signed a three-year extension with the Denver Broncos worth $5.7 million.
The fourth-year pro from Nebraska is making $720,000 this season in the final year of his rookie contract as a sixth-round draft pick. He’s the first member of the Broncos’ 2016 draft class to sign a second contract.
Janovich missed the first three games this season after tearing a pectoral muscle in August.
Behind Janovich’s blocking last season, Phillip Lindsay became the first undrafted offensive rookie to make the Pro Bowl. Also, Lindsay (nine TDs) and Royce Freeman (five TDs) became just the third rookie tandem since the 1970 merger with at least five touchdowns each.