National Football League

Goodell blocks any Walcott signing

Published Jul. 3, 2013 3:33 p.m. ET

Mike Garafolo

As he did with former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has informed teams he won't approve any attempt to sign former Cleveland Browns linebacker Ausar Walcott.

The former undrafted free agent was arrested last week and charged with first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree endangering an injured victim.
The Browns promptly released Walcott, whom they signed in May.

In the daily transaction reports sent to teams, Goodell has stated he won't approve the signing of either Walcott or Hernandez until he "conducts a hearing and determines any appropriate discipline under the Personal Conduct Policy."

Both Hernandez and Walcott passed through waivers unclaimed.