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The NFL will begin suspending players for dangerous and flagrant hits starting with the games this weekend. In the meantime, it fined three players Tuesday for their actions last weekend.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' James Harrison was docked $75,000, while the New England Patriots' Brandon Meriweather and the Atlanta Falcons' Dunta Robinson will lose $50,000 each.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league wanted to give players fair warning before it begins suspensions for violent hits.
- Brett Favre spoke with an NFL security official about text messages and lewd photos he allegedly sent to a New York Jets employee when he played for the team two years ago, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Details of the meeting between Favre and NFL vice president for security Milt Ahlerich were not made public.
- Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young is day-to-day after tests showed only a mildly sprained left knee and ankle, and coach Jeff Fisher said he might play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles even if he misses a couple of practices.
- NFL sacks leader Clay Matthews, who missed the Green Bay Packers' last game because of an injured left hamstring, will return this week, according to NFL.com.
- The NFL told the players union it will stop providing health care for players and their families in March if the two sides don't reach a new collective-bargaining agreement.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
PARALYZED PLAYER IN GOOD SPIRITS
Paralyzed Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand is responsive and aware of the difficult road ahead, said coach Greg Schiano, who described the junior defensive tackle as being in ''good spirits.'' Schiano didn't update LeGrand's condition at a news conference.
TENNIS
SERENA'S SEASON OVER
Serena Williams said she ''retore the tendon'' in her right foot, which she originally injured by cutting it on glass at a restaurant shortly after winning Wimbledon in July. Williams, who had surgery Monday, is out for the season.
