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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told to testify in Ray Rice case

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a news conference in New York on Oct. 8.
(John Minchillo / Associated Press)
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell must testify at next month’s Ray Rice appeal hearing, according to multiple reports Wednesday.

The reports said U.S. District Judge Barbara S. Jones, the independent arbitrator handling the appeal, issued the ruling. Rice is appealing his indefinite suspension by the NFL for striking his wife-to-be in the elevator of an Atlantic City, N.J., casino. He and his representatives contend he was subject to double jeopardy when the league turned a two-game suspension into an indefinite ban.

—Sam Farmer

No fine for Kuechly

Carolina Panthers Coach Ron Rivera says the NFL has informed him that Luke Kuechly was wrongfully ejected from Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers for contact with an official.

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Rivera said Wednesday he received a memo from the league that also indicated the middle linebacker will not be fined.

“I’m definitely in agreement with that,” Rivera said. “I appreciate what the league’s response was. It doesn’t help us, but it makes sense and it’s a learning experience for everyone in the league.”

Kuechly, one of the team’s defensive leaders, was ejected late in the third quarter of a 38-17 loss when he shrugged off an official who was pulling him from behind. Kuechly said he thought he was being pulled away by a Packers player.

Rivera said he would like to see such calls reviewable by replay officials and hopes the league will consider changing that rule during the off-season.

Meanwhile, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Erik Walden has been fined $27,562 after being ejected for making contact with an official during Sunday’s victory over Cincinnati.

Walden says he didn’t mean to bump umpire Bruce Stritesky late in the first half. Instead, Walden says he was trying to move around Stritesky so he could hear and see which Bengals player was talking to him.

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Charles passes test

Jamaal Charles has passed a battery of tests and does not show symptoms of a concussion, the Kansas City Chiefs said Wednesday — one day after the star running back told a radio show he saw “light bulbs” after a hit in Kansas City’s win over San Diego.

Charles took a big hit from Brandon Flowers when he scored in the Chiefs’ 23-20 victory Sunday. Flowers received a concussion from the collision and missed the rest of the game, but Charles popped up and trotted off the field, where he was met by trainers. He played the rest of the game.

But Tuesday, he told ESPN Radio that he saw “light bulbs around my eyes” a few plays later, and that he avoided going through the NFL’s concussion protocol.

Etc.

Oakland defensive end LaMarr Woodley reportedly suffered a torn biceps and is out for the season. ... The Tennessean newspaper, citing people familiar with the situation, reported the Titans plan to start rookie quarterback Zach Mettenberger against the Houston Texans on Sunday. The newspaper said the move could signal “the beginning of the end” for Jake Locker’s term as Tennessee’s starting quarterback. Locker has struggled with injuries. ... St. Louis Rams safety T.J. McDonald did not practice because of concussion symptoms. McDonald played every snap in Sunday’s victory over Seattle. ... Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor returned to practice Wednesday one month after breaking his right arm.

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