AROUND THE LEAGUE

Raider defensive tackle Darrell Russell, who tested positive for the club drug Ecstasy, appealed his one-year drug suspension to the NFL.

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Arthur Blank, co-founder and former chairman of Home Depot, is buying the Atlanta Falcons for $545 million from the Rankin Smith family, giving the team new ownership for the first time in its 36-year history. The deal is subject to approval by NFL owners.

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After meeting with Coach Bill Belichick for more than an hour, receiver Terry Glenn practiced with the New England Patriots for only the ninth time this season and expects to play Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. It would be only his second game in a season wasted by suspensions and injuries. Glenn was suspended last week for refusing to practice.

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Fined $21,611 over a shouting match with Coach Mike Sherman three weeks ago after a costly personal foul penalty, Green Bay Packer safety Chris Akins will be released today after telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he wanted to be waived and insisting that Sherman’s punishment was personal and irrational.

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Rookie running back Anthony Thomas (hamstring) practiced again and expects to play for the Chicago Bears on Sunday against Green Bay.... The Cincinnati Bengals put Brad St. Louis on injured reserve because of a torn left groin muscle, the team’s third tight end to be ruled out for the season.... Buffalo Bill defensive tackle Shawn Price will undergo surgery and miss the rest of the season because of ligament damage in his left knee.