NFL asks to look into claim fraud
A federal judge in Philadelphia heard arguments yesterday in the NFL’s request for a special investigator to look into what the league says are fraudulent claims in a $1 billion concussion settlement.
The league last month cited an independent study it said found that more than 400 claims had been recommended for denial based on evidence of fraud by attorneys, doctors and former players.
Plaintiffs’ lawyers contend the league is not awarding settlement funds fast enough, and at least two of the attorneys yesterday said the investigator is unnecessary. The league says attempts to scam the system are responsible for delays . ...
The San Francisco 49ers are easing linebacker Reuben Foster back into the system after he missed the start of the offseason program while dealing with a domestic violence case that was eventually dropped.
Foster, who rejoined the Niners last Thursday, took part in individual drills during organized team activities but spent the time during team drills doing conditioning or watching teammates . . . .
The Green Bay Packers signed free agent offensive lineman Byron Bell, adding a versatile veteran to beef up depth . ...
Charges have been dropped against Arizona Cardinals second-round draft pick Christian Kirk, who was arrested on counts of disorderly conduct and property damage in February.
NBA draft comings, goings
Faced with sitting out at least another year at South Carolina as the federal investigation into college basketball continues, a “devastated” Brian Bowen felt he had no choice but to remain in the NBA draft.
Big East freshman of the year Omari Spellman is staying in the NBA draft after helping Villanova win the national championship. He joins Donte DiVincenzo, Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges as Wildcats who left the champs for the NBA with eligibility remaining.
Leading the group choosing to withdraw from the draft and stay in school is Boston College guard Ky Bowman. The junior-to-be is the ACC’s top returning scorer, averaging 17.6 points per game last year.
Also withdrawing are Kansas forward Udoka Azubuike, Michigan forward Charles Matthews, Florida guard Jalen Hudson, Kentucky’s PJ Washington, UCLA guard Jaylen Hands, Missouri forward Jontay Porter, Iowa State guard Lindell Wigginton, Washington State’s Robert Franks, Iowa forward Tyler Cook and Clemson guards Marquise Reed and Shelton Mitchell.
Stanford forward Reid Travis pulled out of the draft but intends to transfer his final year of eligibility.
76ers prez Colangelo under fire
The Philadelphia 76ers are investigating whether team president Bryan Colangelo used a variety of Twitter accounts to anonymously trash some of his own players and fellow executives and defend himself against criticism from fans and the sports media.
The allegations, reported Tuesday by the sports website The Ringer, raised questions about Colangelo’s future and that of the NBA team itself, a rising franchise heading into perhaps its most important summer ever as it tries to attract free agents to contend for championships.