Wednesday around the NFL News & notes

Judge dismisses all charges on free agent Darrelle Revis

PITTSBURGH

A judge has dismissed all charges against former New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis stemming from a fight last month in Pittsburgh.

Revis had been charged with aggravated assault and other counts in a fight Feb. 12 in which two men were punched and knocked out.

A witness testified Wednesday that he came to Revis’ aid during the fight and was responsible for the knockout punches.

Police said the incident began when a man started recording a video of Revis and Revis grabbed his phone and tried to delete it.

The Jets released Revis shortly after the incident and he’s yet to sign with another team.

Vikings express concern over new gun legislation

st . paul, minn.

The Minnesota Vikings have expressed concern over legislation backed by police unions that would allow off-duty officers to carry guns in places where other people can’t in Minnesota.

The bill would allow off-duty police to take firearms into stadiums and other specified venues as long as they go through regular security screening and present valid law identification, Minnesota Public Radio reported.

The changes would override a National Football League restriction that limits gun possession to on-duty officers and hired security.

Vikings Executive Vice President Lester Bagley said the bill could impact public safety and stadium security. He said there is already significant law enforcement presence in and outside of U.S. Bank Stadium on game day, including hired security and uniformed officers.

Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association official Dennis Flaherty said off-duty officers could take action if an incident occurs. He noted that a part-time officer who was at shopping center in St. Cloud fatally shot a man who injured 10 people.

“If this attacker had not been encountered by the trained, armed, off-duty police officer who was capable of confronting him, the attacker would have certainly harmed or killed many more people,” Flaherty said.

Some Democrats on the Minnesota Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee said they were uncomfortable with what they see as the bill’s lack of specified precautions. Sen. Ron Latz of St. Louis Park said officers should have to follow rules when they’re off duty with a gun where a ban is in place.

“I’m trying to find some reasonable language here that accommodates the desire of peace officers to attend these games and not disarm,” Latz said, “but still give the venue the ability to verify that in fact they are who they say they are.”

The legislation cleared a Minnesota Senate committee Tuesday. It now awaits final action by the Legislature.

Marinovich pleads guilty in public nudity case

newport beach, calif.

Former USC and Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Todd Marinovich pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges related to his arrest after he was seen trying to enter a stranger’s home naked.

The 47-year-old entered guilty pleas Tuesday to public nudity, drug and trespassing counts and was sentenced to 90 days in jail.

The Orange County Register reports that the sentence could be stayed pending completion of six months in an outpatient rehab facility.

Authorities said a naked Marinovich tried to open the sliding glass door of an Irvine home last August. He allegedly left a bag containing meth, marijuana, drug gear, his wallet and driver’s license on a nearby hiking trail.

Marinovich has struggled with drug problems that drove him from the NFL and resulted in several arrests.

Redskins release DE Ricky Jean Francois

ashburn, va.

The Washington Redskins continued their defensive line makeover by releasing Ricky Jean Francois and re-signing Ziggy Hood.

Jean Francois’ release comes less than a week after the start of free agency and the firing of general manager Scot McCloughan. The team announced the moves Wednesday.

The 30-year-old started six of Washington’s 16 games last season and had 32 tackles and 11/2 sacks. In 109 games over eight NFL seasons, Jean Francois has 153 tackles and 12 sacks.

Jean Francois had criticized the Redskins in a radio interview for firing McCloughan and also made his feelings known on social media.

The day the team said McCloughan was not at the scouting combine for a family matter, he tweeted: “Got to be more careful on what you say, cause the next day when your words change, people are going to highlight those lies u said before.”

Associated Press