Posted on Wed, May. 21, 2008

NFL NOTEBOOK

NFL owners vote to opt out of labor deal in 2011

League, union: Games will not be interrupted

Associated Press

ATLANTA --

NFL owners voted unanimously Tuesday to end their labor agreement with the players' union in 2011. The league and union, however, insisted the next three seasons won't be interrupted by a contract dispute and both sides are working toward a new deal.

"We have guaranteed three more years of NFL football," Commissioner Roger Goodell said after the owners used the opt-out clause built into the agreement signed more than two years ago. "We are not in dire straits. We've never said that. But the agreement isn't working, and we're looking to get a more fair and equitable deal."

NFL to fine teams for player misdeeds

The NFL put more teeth in its personal conduct policy when Goodell announced he would fine teams whose players were suspended for disciplinary reasons.Goodell also said he would meet soon with cornerback Pacman Jones, who was suspended for all of last season after a series of run-ins with the law. Jones was traded last month to Dallas and has petitioned for the right to work out with his new team, something he will need permission from the league to do. -- AP

Falcons sign Ryan to $72 million deal

Matt Ryan signed a $72 million, six-year contract with the Falcons, ending concerns that prolonged negotiations could threaten his chance to become the starting quarterback as a rookie.

Ryan, the No. 3 overall pick in the draft out of Boston College, is guaranteed $34.75 million. His guaranteed money is $4.75 million more than that given to Jake Long, the No. 1 pick. -- AP

Elsewhere

DALLAS: Running back Marion Barber and cornerback Terence Newman signed extensions.

Barber received a $45 million, seven-year contract that includes $16 million in guaranteed bonuses. Newman's deal is worth more than $50 million.

INDIANAPOLIS: The city has been awarded the 2012 Super Bowl, the fourth time a cold-weather city will host the game.

ST. LOUIS:Chip Rosenbloom, one of the new owners of the Rams, issued a statement denying a report by Yahoo Sports that the team was on the market and being shopped for up to $900 million, with a sale raising the possibility of a return to Los Angeles.

WASHINGTON: Tight end Fred Davis apologized to owner Dan Snyder, coach Jim Zorn and his teammates for missing a minicamp practice May 4. The second-round draft pick from Southern California said he overslept after switching hotel rooms the night before. -- Observer News Services