Jim Brown to skip Browns’ ceremony

Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown has informed Cleveland Browns President Mike Holmgren that he will not attend the Sept. 19 ceremony when the team unveils its new ring of honor.

Brown, considered the greatest player in team history, is one of 16 Hall of Fame members to be inducted in the ring during halftime of the team’s home opener against Kansas City. Brown was an adviser to Browns owner Randy Lerner before he was stripped of his duties by Holmgren, who was hired in December.

The long, flowing black hair that tumbles out of NFL star Troy Polamalu’s helmet and down his back has been insured for $1 million by Head and Shoulders, the shampoo brand that is endorsed by the Pittsburgh Steelers player.

The insurance was obtained through Lloyd’s of London, which did not reveal what must be done to Polamalu’s hair for anyone to collect on the policy.

ETC.

Death of teenage rider leads to a review

The U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union is promising a review of its motorcycle racing safety rules, conceding it will never be able to eliminate the dangers in a high-speed sport where teenage competitors are the norm.

One day after a 13-year-old rider was killed in Indianapolis, the union’s chief steward, Stewart Aitken-Cade, said series officials will review all safety measures, including new age limits.

A formal investigation, however, is not planned.

Peter Lenz of Vancouver, Wash., died Sunday after he fell off his motorcycle during a warmup lap and was run over by a 12-year-old rider from Flushing, N.Y.

Suspended Missouri running back Derrick Washington was charged with sexually assaulting a former tutor in her apartment over the summer.

Assistant Boone County prosecutor Andrea Hayes said that a single count of felony deviate sexual assault was filed against Washington, a senior from Raymore, Mo., and the Tigers’ rushing leader the last two seasons.

Former Ohio State star Maurice Clarett has signed a one-year contract with the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League.

Clarett was on the practice field Monday night for his first football activity since he was a bust with the Denver Broncos and spent 3 1/2 years in prison for having a hidden gun and holding up two people outside a Columbus, Ohio, bar.