NFL notebook

Goodell mandates training program

Associated Press / September 18, 2010

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The NFL said that while there was “unprofessional conduct,’’ New York Jets owner Woody Johnson and his staff acted promptly to correct the situation that arose last weekend when a TV Azteca reporter said she felt uncomfortable in the team’s locker room.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said yesterday that as a result of the incident, the league will implement a training program for all 32 teams on proper conduct in the workplace and that the program would be underwritten by Johnson.

The NFL came to its conclusion after interviewing 17 people who were present when the incident occurred involving reporter Ines Sainz.

In a letter to Johnson, Goodell said that while “there seems little doubt that passes were thrown in Sainz’s direction at last Saturday’s practice, it is also clear that she was never bumped, touched, brushed against, or otherwise subjected to any physical contact by any player or coach.

“Sainz herself was unequivocal in saying both that no physical contact occurred, and that no player or other Jets staff member made any comment or gesture that could be construed as threatening, demeaning or offensive,’’ he said.

Goodell said Sainz explained that her postings on Twitter while in the locker room reflected her “general lack of comfort in that setting, and were not related to any specific act, comment or gesture directed to her by any member of the Jets organization.’’

She interviewed quarterback Mark Sanchez “and was quite satisfied with her conversation with him,’’ Goodell’s letter said.

Vick set to start

Michael Vick will start at quarterback for the Eagles tomorrow against the Lions, the first time he’s been under center at the start of a game since his time with the Falcons — long before the world learned about his cruel world of dogfighting.

Eagles coach Andy Reid made it official when he ruled quarterback Kevin Kolb out for the game with the concussion he suffered in their season-opening loss to the Packers. Middle linebacker Stewart Bradley was also ruled out with a concussion.

Kindle could be finished

Baltimore linebacker Sergio Kindle’s rookie season is likely over, and possibly his football career. Kindle fractured his skull shortly before training camp in July when he fell down two flights of stairs. The former Texas standout underwent a series of neurological exams from independent doctors in Baltimore. “He’s got some serious issues that he’s dealing with,’’ Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “The chances of him playing this year are slim. We’re going to be very, very careful.’’ Kindle, a former Big-12 standout, said it’s just a matter of time before he returns to football. “I know I’ll play football again,’’ he said. “I don’t know when, but I’m going to make it back.’’ . . . Raiders left guard Robert Gallery is doubtful against the Louis Rams with a hamstring injury. Gallery has not practiced all week and coach Tom Cable is not optimistic that he will be healthy enough to play. Defensive tackle Richard Seymour did not practice for a third straight day with a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable.

League reviews Hill

The NFL is reviewing Seattle linebacker Leroy Hill’s decision to attend last Sunday’s game against San Francisco while he was suspended by the league. Hill and coach Pete Carroll acknowledged Hill was in violation by attending the game. Hill says he didn’t realize he couldn’t attend the game as a fan, and Carroll says the team should have done better in letting Hill know the rules. Hill was suspended for his arrest on a marijuana-possession charge in Georgia . . . The NFL fined several players for misconduct during Week 1 games, including Vikings offensive tackle Phil Loadholt $10,000 for two unnecessary roughness penalties against New Orleans. Tennessee linebacker Stephen Tulloch was fined $7,500, and Houston running back Arian Foster, cornerback Glover Quin, Denver defensive end Ryan McBean, Carolina safety Sherrod Martin and Dallas nose tackle Jay Ratliff were all fined $5,000 each.

Wallace may get nod

Jake Delhomme did not practice for the third straight day because of an ankle injury, increasing the likelihood that backup Seneca Wallace will start Cleveland’s home opener against Kansas City. Browns coach Eric Mangini did not name Wallace his Week 2 starter, but he seemed headed in that direction. Wallace was asked if he has been told he’ll start. “Somewhat,’’ he said after practice. “I got the feeling because I was out at practice and he [Delhomme] is still walking around.’’ . . . The status of Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth against the Texans is uncertain because of a sprained ankle. Coach Mike Shanahan said Haynesworth practiced yesterday, but the team’s injury report listed Haynesworth as limited. Safety Kareem Moore is out with a sprained right knee . . . Vikings receiver Percy Harvin returned to practice and coach Brad Childress said the team would make “a game-time decision’’ on Harvin.