NFL
Players cleared
NEW YORK -- NFL stars James Harrison, Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers can start the regular season without having the specter of a league investigation over whether they used performance-enhancing drugs hanging over their heads.
The NFL cleared all three players on Wednesday, saying there was "no credible evidence" the players were guilty of any of the claims made in a documentary by Al-Jazeera America in January.
An NFL statement said "the investigation involved witness interviews, a review of relevant records and other materials, electronic research, and laboratory analysis and review."
The league threatened Harrison, Matthews, Peppers and free agent Mike Neal with indefinite suspensions if they did not meet with investigators.
All of them were mentioned in the documentary during an interview with Charlie Sly, who worked as an intern at an anti-aging clinic.
In the December report, Sly made claims of PED use by several athletes, including Harrison, Peyton Manning and the three others, but later recanted his claims.
Draft in Philly
NEW YORK -- The NFL will announce today that the 2017 draft will be held in Philadelphia, a person with direct knowledge of the announcements tells The Associated Press.
The person spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the league has not made an official announcement of the move.
After two years in Chicago, the draft has become a traveling show. Philadelphia beat out several other locations eager to stage the proceedings.
For decades, the draft was held in New York, but scheduling issues for 2015 and a strong bid from Chicago led to it being moved. The draft traditionally is held on the final Thursday-Saturday of April, which would be April 28-30 in 2017.
The first three rounds are held in prime time, with the opening round on Thursday, the second and third rounds on Friday. The final four rounds take place Saturday afternoon.
VIKINGS
Bridgewater on IR
The Minnesota Vikings placed quarterback Teddy Bridgewater on season-ending injured reserve Wednesday.
Bridgewater suffered a dislocated knee, torn anterior cruciate ligament and other structural damage during what head Coach Mike Zimmer described as a non-contact, "freaky" incident. The quarterback was dropping back to pass in a regular team drill when he hit the turf on Tuesday. The Vikings anticipate "significant" recovery time, though fortunately for Bridgewater he did not suffer any nerve or arterial damage, according to the team.
Taking his place on the 75-man roster is quarterback Brad Sorensen, who was initially let go earlier this week as part of the first wave of roster cuts. Sorensen will give the Vikings an extra arm during practice and potentially during today's preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams, if needed.
Also heading to injured reserve are safety Antone Exum Jr. (knee) and defensive tackle Scott Crichton (undisclosed). Both went unclaimed on waivers.
SAINTS
Kruger a Saint
NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Saints and pass-rushing lineman Paul Kruger have agreed to contract terms, two days after the veteran was surprisingly released by the Cleveland Browns, according to a person familiar with the deal.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been announced.
Kruger has started 46 games for Cleveland in the past 3 seasons, during which he's had 18 sacks, including a career-high 11 in 2014.
Last season, however, he was credited with 27 tackles, his fewest since 2011, and 2½ sacks, his fewest since 2010. When he was released earlier this week, Kruger said the Browns made "absolutely the wrong decision."
His signing with New Orleans was first reported by NFL.com.
The seven-year pro began his career in Baltimore and played for the 2012 Ravens squad that won a Super Bowl. Kruger was credited with nine sacks, an interception and forced fumble during that regular season, and added 4½ sacks and a forced fumble in the playoffs, including two sacks in the Super Bowl.
STEELERS
Brown gets raise
PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown is getting a raise.
A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press the Steelers restructured Brown's current contract to give him a $4 million advance against his 2017 salary. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the details had not been made public. ESPN first reported the reworked deal.
This is the second consecutive year the Steelers have tweaked the details of Brown's contract to give him a pay bump. The team advanced the two-time All-Pro $2 million in 2015. Brown will make $10.25 million this season.
He celebrated by posting a picture of himself signing the amended contract on Wednesday next to agent Drew Rosenhaus.
49ERS
Display raises ire
Colin Kaepernick's decision to sit during the national anthem is prompting protests over a display at the Reno airport that includes memorabilia from his days at the University of Nevada, where he was a star player before being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers.
An official at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport said Wednesday that the airport has received more than a hundred angry messages by phone, email and social media from locals and travelers who want Kaepernick's trophy, helmet and other memorabilia removed from the display case.
Others passing by have also offered disapproving hand gestures, hisses and venting in person.
Kaepernick has been refusing to stand for the national anthem because he said he believes the United States oppresses African Americans and other minorities.
Sports on 09/01/2016