NFL: Charlie Sanders, Lions great, dies
The Detroit Lions say Hall of Fame tight end Charlie Sanders has died at age 68. Sanders, who played from 1968 through 1977, died Thursday from cancer. He spent 43 years with the Lions as a player, assistant coach, scout and radio broadcaster.
The Detroit Lions say Hall of Fame tight end Charlie Sanders has died at age 68.
Sanders, who played from 1968 through 1977, died Thursday from cancer. He spent 43 years with the Lions as a player, assistant coach, scout and radio broadcaster.
Lions president Tom Lewand says Sanders was "one of the greatest Detroit Lions of all time." Only late owner William Clay Ford was associated with the team for more years.
Sanders was elected in 2007 to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He made 336 catches over his career, a team record that would stand for 20 years until Herman Moore passed him.
Sanders played college football at Minnesota. In 1968, he was the only rookie to play in the Pro Bowl.
3 players suspended
Three players have been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2015 NFL season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. They are:
Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers tight end. He will be able to return to the team's active roster after the Chargers' Oct. 4 game against the Cleveland Browns. Gates issued a statement through the team apologizing to the Chargers, his teammates and fans.
Rolando McClain, Dallas Cowboys linebacker. The move puts two key Dallas defenders on the sideline to start the season with pass rusher Greg Hardy's 10-game ban. McClain would be eligible to return for Dallas' Week 5 game against New England.
"I apologize to my family, the Cowboys organization, my teammates and Cowboys fans for my mistake," McClain said in a statement issued through the players association. "I will not break the rules of my profession in the future, and I regret my error."
Hardy has appealed his suspension for his role in a domestic violence case.
Sheldon Richardson, New York Jets defensive lineman. He will be eligible to return to the Jets' active roster on Monday, Oct. 5.
"I apologize for letting down my family, teammates, this organization and the fans," Richardson said in a statement.