NFL retirees sue over concussions

Seventy-five retired NFL players have filed suit against the league, claiming it has known the danger of concussions for decades and concealed that information from players.

The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges the NFL “knew as early as the 1920s of the harmful effects on a player’s brain of concussions,” but until June 2010 the league “concealed these facts from coaches, trainers, players, and the public.”

Among the players listed as plaintiffs are former NFL standouts Raymond Clayborn, Ottis Anderson and Mark Duper, and most players have listed their wives as co-plaintiffs.

Helmet maker Riddell is also listed as a defendant.

In an emailed statement, league spokesman Greg Aiello wrote: “We have not seen the complaint but would vigorously contest any claims of this kind.”

— Sam Farmer

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick brought his anti-dogfighting message to Congress, speaking in support of legislation that would penalize those who knowingly attend animal fights and allow minors to attend.

Vick, who served 18 months in prison on dogfighting charges, said he wants to teach children not to repeat his mistakes and to take profits away from sponsors of such events.

The bill would impose penalties of up to a year in prison and fines for attending an animal fight, and a penalty of up to three years in prison and fines for bringing or allowing a minor to attend.

HOCKEY

Ducks, Cogliano agree to three-year deal

The Ducks have agreed to a three-year contract with center Andrew Cogliano, acquired from Edmonton last week. The deal, which avoided salary arbitration, will pay Cogliano $2.15 million next season, $2.35 million in 2012-13 and $2.67 million in 2013-14. He had 11 goals and 35 points in 82 games with the Oilers last season.

— Helene Elliott

An NHL mediator was unable to resolve the dispute between the Kings and Edmonton Oilers over the fitness of center Colin Fraser, leaving it up to the Kings to decide if they will file a grievance with the league. The Kings acquired Fraser on June 26 as part of the Ryan Smyth trade and contend he has an unhealed foot fracture, a cyst and a blood disorder that could prevent him from playing for up to four months and prohibit them from buying him out or waiving him. A formal dispute would be heard and ruled upon by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

— Helene Elliott

All-Star center Steven Stamkos signed a five-year, $37.5-million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, two months after helping the team make a surprising run to the Eastern Conference finals. … The Buffalo Sabres re-signed defenseman Andrej Sekera to a four-year, $11-million contract. … The New Jersey Devils named Pete DeBoer as their coach, replacing Jacques Lemaire.

ETC.

Alvarez to defend title at Staples Center

Mexico’s Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will defend his world super-welterweight belt Sept. 17 at Staples Center against former “The Contender” reality-TV fighter Alfonso Gomez, boxing officials said.

Alvarez (37-0-1, 27 KOs) claimed the belt at Anaheim’s Honda Center in March, then defended it with a 12th-round technical knockout of Ryan Rhodes in June. The fight against Gomez (23-4-2) will be the main event of the Staples card, and be televised as part of the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Victor Ortiz pay-per-view card from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Golden Boy Promotions also said former world champion Erik Morales will fight Anthony Crolla in Las Vegas that night.