HELLO, GOODBYE

The New England Patriots cut wide receiver Antonio Brown on Friday after just one game

Patriots release Antonio Brown

Antonio Brown was released by the New England Patriots on Friday after a second woman accused him of sexual misconduct the third team in seven months to tire of the off-field behavior that has overshadowed his accomplishments as one of the NFL's most prolific receivers for a decade.

The defending SuperBowl champions announced the move in a statement emailed to reporters, three minutes after Brown posted on Twitter: "Thank you for the opportunity (at) Patriots (hash) GoWinIt."

Already facing a civil suit claiming that he raped a former trainer, Brown was accused in a Sports Illustrated story published on Monday of exposing himself to an artist he hired to paint a mural at his home. He has denied both allegations.

But the Patriots cut ties with the four-time All-Pro after just one game.

Johnson claims Lions wanted story changed

Retired star receiver Calvin Johnson said the Detroi t Li ons wanted him to change his story regarding one of the many concussions he had during his nine-year NFL career.

J ohnson t old Sports Illustrated in a story published Friday he blacked out against Minnesota in 2012 and later told reporters he had a concussion from the game.

"I wasn' t seeing straight," Johnson said in the interview. "And they wanted me to change my story."

Johnson also told SI he smoked marijuana after every game. His postplaying career includes being involved in the cannabis business, getting preliminary approval earlier this year for a medical marijuana dispensary in suburban Detroit.

The 33-year-old Johnson retired three years ago with 11,619 yards receiving and 83 touchdown receptions

Browns hurting on defense

The Cleveland Browns could be without six defensive starters, including their entire secondary, when they host the defending NFC champion Los Angeles Rams.

Safety Dam a rio us Randall( concussion) and linebacker Christian Kirksey( chest) were formally declared out by coach Freddie Kitchens following practice Friday at the Browns' suburban training facility.

Safety Morgan Burnett (quadriceps), linebacker Adarius Taylor ( ankle) and cornerbacks Denzel Ward ( hamstring) and Greedy Williams( hamstring) are listed as questionable for the first nationally televised Sunday night game in Cleveland since 2008.

Newton ruled out for Sunday's game

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has officially been ruled out for the team's game this weekend against Arizona, coach Ron Rivera said Friday.

Kyle Allen, a secondyear quarter back out of Houston who went undrafted, will start in Newton's place.

Newton has been recovering from a leftfoot sp rain he first sustained during Week 3 of the preseason and reaggravated in last week's loss to Tampa Bay.