Sign of brain injury found in ex-players

Researchers have discovered images of a protein that causes football-related brain damage in living former players, a potentially crucial study that could help medical experts diagnose the disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in living patients.

"It is the holy grail of CTE research to be able to identify those who are suffering from the syndrome early, while they're still alive," said the study's author, Dr. Julian Bailes.

CTE has been found in dozens of deceased former players, including Junior Seau, Dave Duerson and Ray Easterling, all of whom committed suicide in recent years.

Researchers recruited five retired NFL players age 45 years or older, and each had a history of one or more concussions. The findings are preliminary, and more players will need to be studied. The hope is the finding will help lead to treatment and prevention of the disease.

Payton returns

The seasonlong suspension of New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton for his role in the bounty scandal was lifted Tuesday by Commissioner Roger Goodell, nearly two weeks earlier than expected.

The decision allows Payton to attend the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Saturday, where some of the top college players available for selection in the NFL Draft will be competing.

In a statement, Payton said he recognized "that mistakes were made," and "a more diligent protocol will be followed" in the future.

Briefly

Rooney Rule: The Fritz Pollard Alliance, a group of minority coaches, front office and scouting personnel, wants the Rooney Rule to include coordinators, assistant head coaches and club president positions. No minorities were hired for eight recent head coaching vacancies and several general manager openings. The Rooney Rule requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate for head coaching positions.

Pro Bowl: The league hopes to decide the fate of the postseason exhibition by April, and whether it survives will largely depend on players' effort in Sunday's game. ... Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph will replace the Falcons' Tony Gonzalez.

Patriots: The NFL is looking into Tom Brady's leg-up slide that hit Ravens S Ed Reed in the AFC Championship Game. The quarterback could be slapped with a fine if the league believes he violated player safety rules. Reed said Brady apologized for the slide. ... Police say two masked men forced their way into the Aurora, Colo., home of DB Derrick Martin during Sunday's game. Police said the gunmen held an adult woman and some children at gunpoint but they were unsure whether Martin was targeted.

Jets: Coach Rex Ryan was issued a warning but no citation in a three-car accident in eastern Pennsylvania last week in which no one was injured.

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