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Watson would accept 8-game ban, $5M fine

(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

(AP) -- Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson would accept an eight-game suspension and $5 million fine to avoid missing the entire season, a person familiar with his defense told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Watson, who is facing a potential year-long ban for sexual misconduct, would agree to a lesser penalty in a settlement, said the person who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case.

The biggest question is whether the NFL would make this compromise.

Russell’s No. 6 being retired across NBA
Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey is being retired across the NBA, a first for the league. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association announced Thursday that the number worn by the 11-time champion, civil rights activist and person good enough to be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach was being permanently retired by all 30 teams. (MORE)

Smyly, Cubs beat Reds at Field of Dreams
DYERSVILLE, Iowa (AP) Standing among rows of Iowa cornstalks, Nico Hoerner had Johnny Bench on his left and Billy Williams right next to him. "Pretty incredible," Hoerner said. (MORE)

Bucs' Brady taking planned 11-day break

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Tom Brady was excused from training camp on Thursday, the first day of what Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said was a planned, 11-day absence from the team to address "personal things."

Bowles said the 45-year-old quarterback's break from practice was arranged before camp began, adding that Brady won't return until after the Bucs' preseason game at Tennessee on Aug. 20. (MORE)

Patriots RB White announces retirement
AP Sports Writer (AP) James White, who scored the game-winning touchdown in the New England Patriots' historic comeback win over Atlanta in Super Bowl 51, announced his retirement on Thursday. White won three Super Bowls in eight seasons - all with the Patriots. (MORE)

Jets signing T Brown after losing Becton
NEW YORK (AP) The New York Jets and offensive tackle Duane Brown agreed to terms on a two-year contract Thursday, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press The move came three days after the Jets learned they likely lost Mekhi Becton for the season because of a knee injury suffered in practice. (MORE)

Bears' Smith sits practice amid dispute

Michigan St. gives Izzo new deal, raise
Michigan State has signed coach Tom Izzo to a new deal valued at $6.2 million per season, giving him about $2 million more each year. The school announced the deal Thursday, saying that the five-year rollover contract will need to be approved by its board next month. (MORE)

Ravens win 21st straight in preseason

Vegas G Lehner expected to miss season