WNCTIMES

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Suspended Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma filed a defamation lawsuit Thursday against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, claiming the league's top executive made false statements that tarnished Vilma's reputation and hindered his ability to earn a living playing football.

NEW YORK (AP) Lawyers representing Tim Tebow have issued a cease and desist letter to a T-shirt manufacturer which they say is illegally using the name of the New York Jets quarterback to sell products.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says he isn't taking any of Drew Brees' recent complaints about the slow pace of contract negotiations personally.

NEW YORK (AP) Yeremiah Bell is joining the other side of the Dolphins-Jets rivalry.

NEW YORK (AP) The lawyer for Brandon Marshall says no charges will be brought against the Chicago Bears wide receiver for an altercation outside a nightclub in March.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) New York Jets defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis reportedly has reached a plea agreement in a Virginia court that will reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Eagles Thursday agreed to terms with running back LeSean McCoy on a five-year contract extension that runs through 2017.

DECATUR, Ala. (AP) Oakland Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain has been sentenced to 180 days in jail for assault and other charges stemming from a fight in his hometown when he allegedly threatened to kill a man and fired a gun next to his head.