Author: dsteele@sportingnews.com (David Steele)

The NFL could have (and should have) done nothing about silent gestures during the national anthem. Instead, the league turned peaceful protest into a crime against the sport. Its new anthem policy is not the end.

The NFL dictionary has already claimed more than one player, and it’s only May. The pressure to attend voluntary sessions is still strong.

The NFL, which punished players for their Las Vegas activities but also moved a team there, is not going to wrap its arms around the Supreme Court betting ruling that easily.

Think a sexual-assault indictment slips past NFL teams if it’s on a prospective player’s record, instead of an up-and-coming coach like Matt Patricia? So many people owe so many explanations.

The NFLPA’s entry into Eric Reid’s possible blackballing is raising questions about what other rules teams are breaking, and with which players, says Sporting News’ sports law expert.

Lamar Jackson made the right first impression on his new coach and teammates, leaving them, and himself, anticipating what all he’s capable of doing.

The Ravens are taking a risk with Robert Griffin III, a dangerous one with Joe Flacco’s play and health both shaky as of late. At least Baltimore handled things better than it did last offseason.

Rob Gronkowski trade rumors should be put to rest as New England sends other pass-catchers packing, right? Wrong, SN’s David Steele writes. Guessing what the Patriots will do around the draft is foolish.

As Su’a Cravens arrives in Denver via trade, he must convince everybody he truly wants to continue his abruptly interrupted NFL career. The Broncos seem to have a player with a new perspective.

Lamar Jackson at his Pro Day reinforced the point that he has no desire to feed the notion that he could play wide receiver in the NFL. Regardless, four weeks before the draft, it’s still being debated.