Chiefs’ Johnson issues an apology for gay slur

Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson issued an apology Tuesday and was told to stay away from the team while the NFL and the Chiefs complete their investigation into his use of a gay slur.

As Johnson was releasing his apology, a national gay rights advocacy organization called on the league and the team to take disciplinary action against the two-time Pro Bowl player.

The episode began Sunday night, when Johnson questioned Coach Todd Haley’s football credentials on his Twitter account.

He used the slur during an exchange with one of his Twitter followers. A day later, he used it again as he brushed off reporters and told them he would not comment, according to the Kansas City Star, which recorded the comment.

NFL to reach out to former players

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell plans to tell Congress that the league will offer free follow-up medical work to 56 players who reported dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other memory-related problems in a recent survey that helped spark a hearing today on head injuries.

Goodell said in written testimony to the House Judiciary Committee that the league also will reach out to the players to see whether they are receiving money from the 88 Plan, which provides up to $88,000 a year to former players suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, regardless of the cause. A copy of Goodell’s testimony was obtained late Tuesday by the Associated Press.

49ers lose Pashos

The San Francisco 49ers took a big blow to their already struggling offensive line, losing right tackle Tony Pashos for the season because of a broken left shoulder blade. The 49ers put Pashos on injured reserve a day after he had an MRI exam on the shoulder. The veteran was injured during the 49ers’ 24-21 loss at Houston on Sunday, his first start at right tackle in place of Adam Snyder.

Injury updates

There’s a chance Chris Cooley will be back this season after all. The Washington Redskins say their two-time Pro Bowl tight end will have surgery today on his broken ankle. If the procedure goes well, Cooley might not be put on injured reserve. Cooley gave his own update via Twitter, saying: “3 pins go in the ankle tomorrow. Hopefully be back in 4 weeks. Thanks for all the support.”

Coach Jim Zorn had said earlier Monday that Cooley would be sidelined a minimum of six to eight weeks and was probably headed for IR. But that was before the tight end saw another doctor for a second opinion.

Rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford took part in the Detroit Lions’ practice as he continues to recover from a knee injury suffered against Chicago on Oct. 4.

Quarterback switch?

Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams informed Coach Jeff Fisher he wants Vince Young to start over Kerry Collins this weekend against Jacksonville, according to the Tennessean. The Nashville newspaper cited sources that Adams apparently told Fisher his preference after the Titans lost to New England, 59-0, on Oct. 18 and became more insistent during the off week.