As many as a dozen similar NFL concussion lawsuits have been filed in New York, New Jersey, Georgia, and Florida. They, too, could end up before Judge Brody.
The NFL has vowed to vigorously defend the claims. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy declined to comment, but the league had supported the consolidation in Philadelphia for logistical purposes.
Four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning told reporters that he doesn't plan to stop playing and that his recovery from a third neck surgery continues to be on schedule. "I'm on track with what the doctors have told me to do," he said.
There has been much speculation about his recovery, the potential risks of a return, whether the Colts will pay Manning a $28 million roster bonus in early March to prevent him from becoming a free agent, or whether the soon-to-be 36-year-old might quit playing.
Southern California authorities are investigating the theft of sports memorabilia and jewelry from the home of former football stars John Cappelletti, the 1973 Heisman Trophy winner from Penn State.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department said the burglary occurred on or around Jan. 20 at Cappelletti's home in Laguna Niguel, Calif. The items taken relate to Cappelletti's playing days at Penn State and NFL years with the Los Angeles Rams and the San Diego Chargers.
BASEBALL: Former Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry has been hired by the New York Yankees as a special-assignment scout. Hendry spent 17 seasons with the Cubs and was GM from July 2002 until he was fired Aug. 18.
The Houston Astros have agreed to a minor-league contract with former World Series MVP Livan Hernandez. The 36-year-old righty pitcher, who led the Florida Marlins to the 1997 championship, started 29 games for the Washington Nationals last season, going 8-13 with a 4.47 ERA.
AFL: The Soul's open tryout over the weekend yielded one new signed player: kicker Phil Marfuggi, a New Jersey native who played soccer at Clemson and was with the Iowa Barnstormers last season.
NASCAR: Driver Danica Patrick will be guaranteed a spot in the Daytona 500 via a partnership with Tommy Baldwin Racing. TBR will officially field Patrick's No. 10 Chevrolet in all 10 of her Sprint Cup Series races this season, including the Feb. 26 season opener.
- Staff and wire reports
