PHOENIX — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell calls it "unacceptable" to ask a college player at the scouting combine any questions about his sexual orientation.
Several players indicated they were asked such questions.
"We have been following up with the players and their representatives directly," Goodell said, adding the league wants teams and executives to "understand what you can't ask and what you can ask. We're a professional organization. That's unacceptable."
Michigan quarterback-turned-receiver Denard Robinson, Colorado's Nick Kasa and Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell indicated they were asked about their sexual orientation at the combine in Indianapolis.
Playoff format: The league will not add teams to the playoffs this season, but still is discussing an expanded postseason. Goodell said the league's competition committee looked into adding teams, but said, "it clearly won't happen this year."
Compensation: The Ravens and Falcons each got four compensatory picks in April's draft. There were 32 picks awarded in all, the highest given to Houston at No. 95 overall.
Hasselbeck released: The Titans released veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck after they couldn't work out a deal to trim his $5.5 million salary for 2013. Hasselbeck, 37, backed up Jake Locker last season. ESPN reported that the Titans agreed on a deal to sign former Bills starter Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Opener: The Ravens could open the regular season on the road because of a scheduling conflict with baseball's Orioles. For the past several years the NFL has opened with the Super Bowl champ at home the Thursday night after Labor Day. But the Orioles are scheduled to be home that night at Camden Yards, nearby the Ravens' M&T Bank Stadium. Goodell said he has twice spoken with MLB Commissioner Bud Selig about switching the baseball game to the afternoon.
Falcons stadium: Atlanta's City Council approved a plan to build a downtown stadium. The council voted 11-4 to use city hotel-motel tax revenue to cover the $200 million public contribution for a retractable roof stadium. The team would provide $800 million.
Broncos: Attorney Andrew Leavitt appeared before a judge to say safety Quinton Carter "adamantly denies" cheating at a craps game at a Las Vegas-area casino. The case was postponed until April 18.
Moves: Bengals middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, Colts cornerback Cassius Vaughn, Cowboys linebacker Ernie Sims (one year, $715,000) and Redskins right tackle Tyler Polumbus re-signed. … Chargers free agent linebacker Antwan Barnes signed with the Jets for three years. … Falcons defensive tackle Vance Walker signed with the Raiders. … The Saints signed tight end Benjamin Watson for three years. … Vikings fullback Jerome Felton (three years, up to $7.5 million with a $2 million signing bonus) finalized his deal.
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