Morning News Links - NFL refs play fantasy football
NFL
Denver Broncos head coach John Fox could be facing a fine from the NFL for bullying the replacement referees in Monday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons. [ProFootballTalk]
Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy says that a referee in Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens wished him luck, because the ref said McCoy was on his fantasy team. [CSN Philly]
Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson has confirmed that his LCL will not require surgery. He plans to begin light running exercises soon. [Buffalo News]
Former NFL referee Jerry Markbreit, who called games for 23 seasons, says that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell doesn't care about the issues surrounding the replacement referees. "It's obvious to me that [Goodell] just doesn't even care," Markbreit said. "Otherwise, how could they replace professionalism with unprofessionalism in a game that's so tough to work, even for the best officials in the land?" [ESPN]
Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams has released his own breakfast cereal called "MariO's." [WGRZ]
Recently released quarterback Vince Young is reportedly broke after losing the majority of the money from a contract that guaranteed him $26 million. [The Score]
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart was held out of practice on Tuesday with an ankle injury. His availability for Thursday's Week 3 matchup with the New York Giants is in doubt. [Charlotte Observer]
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin hinted that safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker James Harrison are unlikely to return to the lineup in Week 3. [Beaver County Times]
St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson's MRI on his groin came back clean. [ESPN]
NBA
Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin, who underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus, says that he has lost 10 pounds and his knee is 100 percent ready to go. Lin went through his first workout with the Rockets on Tuesday. [Houston Chronicle]
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban thinks that O.J. Mayo, who was acquired by the Mavericks in the offseason, can be a star. "I think he can be a star," Cuban said. "And coach [Rick Carlisle] is going to give him that opportunity." [Dallas Morning News]
NHL
Philadelphia Flyers left winger Scott Hartnell has rented a week's worth of ice for his teammates and prospects within the organization. Ten members of the Flyers, along with some prospects, took part in a 90-minute skate on Tuesday. [CSN Philly]
AEG, the parent company for the Los Angeles Kings and the Staples Center, is up for sale. The company also owns the LA Galaxy of the MLS, and has a minority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers. [LA Times]
Ottawa Senators centre Jason Spezza is heading to Switzerland. The 29-year-old has signed with Rapperswil-Jona of the Swiss A League. Spezza recorded 34 goals and 50 assists last season in 80 games played. [The Score]
The NHLPA is working to restore all of the insurance coverage for NHL players that the league cancelled on September 16th. All players who have not signed to play with another team will be eligible. [USA Today]
Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby is not likely to sign in Europe for several months. [TSN]
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to name Rick St. Croix the team's new goalie coach. This comes just days after the Leafs cut ties with veteran goalie coach Francois Allaire. [TSN]
MLB
The Toronto Blue Jays will likely make shortstop Yunel Escobar available for a trade this offseason. [CBS Sports]
Detroit Tigers pitcher Max Scherzer, who left Tuesday's game after two innings with a shoulder injury, underwent an MRI which revealed no structural damage. [MLB.com]
