Foster will not be prosecuted
Prosecutors will not pursue a domestic violence charge against Washington Redskins linebacker Reuben Foster, though the NFL continues to review the matter.
Prosecutors in Tampa, Fla., filed a notice of termination of prosecution on Wednesday. The notice states that the first-degree misdemeanor battery charge is dismissed and there is no need for Foster to appear at any future court hearings.
Prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence to file charges against Foster after “a meticulous review of the facts of the case,” said Estella Gray, director of communications for the state attorney’s office.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is monitoring all developments in the situation, which continues to be under review. Foster is on the Commissioner Exempt list, which prevented him from playing in games or practicing.
League signs deal with Caesars
The NFL entered a partnership with Caesars Entertainment, the league’s first official casino sponsor. The multiyear deal, however, does not include sports betting or fantasy football.
The arrangement begins with this weekend’s playoffs and is worth $30 million annually for three years, a person with knowledge of the agreement told the Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the league has not announced specific terms.
This latest development is part of a dizzying turnabout for the league. For years, the league insisted gambling was one of the biggest threats to its existence.
Flores is a f inalist for Hall of Fame
First-time eligibles Tony Gonzalez, Ed Reed and Champ Bailey are among 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2019.
They will be joined in balloting on Feb. 2 by Steve Atwater, Tony Boselli, Isaac Bruce, Don Coryell, Alan Faneca, Tom Flores, Steve Hutchinson, Edgerrin James, Ty Law, John Lynch, Kevin Mawae, and Richard Seymour. Although previously eligible, Flores — who coached two Raiders teams to Super Bowl titles — and longtime defensive lineman Seymour are finalists for the first time.
A maximum of eight new members can be elected, five from the modern-era group.
Etc.
A person familiar with the decision told the Associated Press that the Buffalo Bills fired special teams coordinator Danny Crossman . ... The Seattle Seahawks expect to have starting cornerback Shaquill Griffin available for Saturday’s NFC wild-card game against Dallas, while starting guard J.R. Sweezy will be a game-time decision.