NFL rejects appeal of ‘Pacman’ Jones

The NFL rejected an appeal by the players’ union Thursday on behalf of suspended Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell turned down Jones’ request for leniency Nov. 6. The NFL Players’ Assn. appealed that ruling as excessive and had a hearing by telephone Dec. 14.

But Jones must serve the final two games of his season-long suspension.

“Commissioner Goodell notified Adam Jones today that his suspension for the 2007 season will not be modified,” the league said in a statement.

“Once the Titans have concluded their 2007 season, Jones may begin limited activities at the club’s facility and, assuming no further problems, will be eligible to participate fully in Tennessee’s off-season workout program.”

Jones’ attorney, Manny Arora, did not immediately return a message left on his cellphone. The players’ union did not immediately return a message left by the Associated Press.

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Terrell Owens playfully called out Jessica Simpson.

The 27-year-old singer-actress has become Public Enemy No. 1 among Dallas Cowboys fans because of a link being made between her appearance at Sunday’s game and the poor performance of her new boyfriend, quarterback Tony Romo.

Asked Wednesday about the Simpson scenario, Owens playfully chimed in: “Right now, Jessica Simpson is not a fan favorite -- in this locker room or in Texas Stadium.”

Late Wednesday, Owens further clarified the tone of his statements.

“Man, I was joking,” he said. “Everyone was laughing, right?”

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Rookie quarterback Troy Smith will make his first start Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens visit the Seattle Seahawks.

With Kyle Boller missing his second consecutive day of practice because of lingering effects from a concussion, including headaches and sensitivity to light, Ravens Coach Brian Billick confirmed Smith will take his place.

“With Kyle, it would be problematic for him on Sunday, so, hopefully, he will be available to back up,” Billick said. “Missing two days of practice would make it tough. We’re certainly not going to put him at risk.”

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The Bills are making plans for tight end Kevin Everett to attend the team’s home finale Sunday, which would be his first trip back to Buffalo since sustaining a serious spinal cord injury.

“We’re working on it, but we’re not positive,” Bills General Manager Marv Levy said.

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New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush sat out practice, but Coach Sean Payton is not ready to rule Bush out of Sunday’s crucial home game against Philadelphia.

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Oakland rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell could make his first NFL start Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but Raiders officials have yet to make a formal announcement.