Additional off-field problems in Dallas
C.J. Spillman practiced Thursday with the Dallas Cowboys a day after his name surfaced in a sexual assault investigation. Not far away, Josh Brent was in a weight room working out on an exercise bike.
America’s team is in the midst of an unusual public relations nightmare, with owner Jerry Jones embroiled in a sexual assault lawsuit even as he steadfastly supports Brent, who is back after his arrest two years ago in a drunken-driving crash that killed a teammate.
The Cowboys are also standing behind Spillman, with coach Jason Garrett saying the special teams player will remain active because he hasn’t been arrested or charged in a police investigation into his role in an alleged assault last month at a suburban Dallas hotel.
“We’ve been very clear with our team about consequences that there will be if there is a situation where charges or arrests are made for a crime,” Garrett said. “That doesn’t apply in this particular case.”
NFL moves draft to Chicago: The 2015 NFL draft will be held in Chicago, the league announced Thursday.
Hours after the Bears posted an announcement on their Twitter account, the NFL confirmed the draft will move to Chicago on April 30-May 2. It will be held Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.
The draft was held in Chicago in 1938, 1942-44, 1951, and 1962-64.
“Chicago is pleased to welcome the 2015 NFL draft to America’s heartland,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Next year, NFL fans from across the country will travel here or tune in as the future of their team is decided in Chicago.”
Oakland loses WR Streater: The Oakland Raiders’ Rod Streater will miss at least the next eight weeks after being placed on the injured reserve list with a designation to return.
The Raiders placed Streater on the list Thursday after he underwent surgery on his broken foot. Streater will be eligible to return to practice Nov. 13 and can play again starting Nov. 30 at St Louis.
Palmer gets good news for shoulder: A visit to a spine specialist confirmed what already had been diagnosed: Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer has a “dead” nerve in his throwing shoulder.
Palmer visited the specialist on Wednesday, and said Thursday that there was no structural damage and no need for surgery.