Truth & Rumors > NFL

08:01 PM ET 06.17 | A contrite Chad Johnson apologized Monday for disrespecting a judge when the former NFL star slapped his attorney on the backside in court last week, and his immediate release from jail was ordered. Broward County Circuit Judge Kathleen McHugh accepted Johnson's apology and cut his 30-day jail term for a probation violation to the seven days he has already served since the rear-swatting incident. Johnson, a flamboyant wide receiver formerly known as Chad Ochocinco, said in court that he'd had time to think about why his flippant attitude was wrong -- especially in a domestic violence case. "I just wanted to apologize for disrespecting the court last time," said Johnson, wearing a tan jail jumpsuit with his hands shackled at the waist. "I apologize. I did have time to reflect on the mistakes I made in this courtroom."

Sporting News

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07:36 PM ET 06.17 | Arthur Brown is glad to be back on the practice field after spending the last month watching from the sidelines. The second-round pick is recovering from surgery to repair a sports hernia, and he's gradually working his way back into the defensive rotation. He has participated in full-team drills throughout the week of mandatory minicamp, but he's only able to go through about half of practice at this point. "I'm not [fully] back yet," Brown said after Wednesday's practice. "I'm really rehabbing and going through the process of healing. It's difficult to simulate the movements on the field inside the training room, so that's part of the recovery process. But it feels great being able to participate with the guys and get on the field." Recovery time for a sports hernia procedure is about four to six weeks. The inside linebacker had surgery just after rookie minicamp in the first week of May, so he's still on schedule to be full-go when training camp opens up near the end of July.

Baltimore Ravens Team Site

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07:32 PM ET 06.17 | NBC Sports has hired the former Chiefs general manager for its Football Night In America studio program. [Scott] Pioli will appear weekly on either the FNIA studio set in New York City or at the game site of Sunday Night Football. He'll also appear every Monday on the NBC Sports Network's Pro Football Talk in segments with FNIA analyst Rodney Harrison. Pioli said NBC Sports executives have told him they want him to be an "informationalist." He described that position as "being able to talk about experiences, tie them into what is happening currently, and attempt to educate fans and viewers about how things really work behind the scenes." Pioli's segments will be a work in progress. On some weeks, he'll appear in-studio with analysts Tony Dungy and Harrison or with Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio and reporter Peter King. NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood said he also might send Pioli to the Sunday Night Football game site, where he'd appear with host Bob Costas and analyst Hines Ward. (Pioli, whose wife, Dallas, is the daughter of Bill Parcells, will remain based in Kansas City).

Sports Illustrated

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07:28 PM ET 06.17 | As the Broncos wrapped up their minicamp at Dove Valley, a funny thing happened with the running backs. A swarm of media swamped Montee Ball, the rookie, beneath an octopus of digital recorders and TV cameras. Meanwhile, the running back who would be the starter right now, Ronnie Hillman, barely drew a crowd. Same for veteran Knowshon Moreno. Confusing? I thought so, too. So let's try to clarify any confusion with the Broncos running back situation - starting with the sudden release of Willis McGahee, the former starter. Why was McGahee cut loose? Foremost, he's not healthy. I have it on good authority that's what the Broncos believe. It's why McGahee was afforded only limited carries in the mandatory minicamp. It's the No. 1 reason he's on the job market for a new gig.

Sacramento Bee

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07:24 PM ET 06.17 | Desmond Bishop admits himself he saw "the writing on the wall." On Monday, it became official. The Green Bay Packers released the inside linebacker who two seasons ago was one of their best defensive players. When the Packers decided to re-sign Brad Jones and restructure A.J. Hawk???s contract, Bishop's future with the Packers was in question. On Monday, the Packers released Bishop, whose salary was $3.464 million this year. Bishop said he doesn't necessarily blame the Packers. He was the one coming off a torn hamstring tendon. So in March, Green Bay covered its bases by re-signing Jones to a three-year, $11.75 million deal and also keeping Hawk at a reduced salary. Hawk is set to make $10.6 million the next three years. ???It???s a smart thing to do," Bishop said. "It???s understandable.???

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

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