The former financial adviser for ex-NFL quarterback Vince Young says he arranged a seven-figure loan for Young during the 2011 lockout because the player wanted to throw himself a $300,000 birthday party even though he was running low on funds.
Ronnie Peoples of Raleigh, N.C., said under oath during a videotaped deposition last month he contacted New York-based Pro Player Funding LLC about the loan after being informed that Young had already paid for the party.The deposition was taken as part of a proceeding in which the former University of Texas star is challenging the validity of a $1.7 million judgment against him. A transcript of the deposition was obtained by The Associated Press.Panthers renovatingCarolina Panthers president Danny Morrison, a former TCU athletic director, says the team plans to begin renovations on their 16-year-old stadium immediately after the 2013 NFL season and estimates the project could take two years to complete.Morrison says the master plan calls for between $261 million and $297 million in upgrades.Charlotte's City Council is backing a plan to give the Panthers nearly $144 million from a food and beverage tax increase to pay for stadium upgrades and the team is seeking more than $60 million in state funds.The primary objectives include installing three escalators to reach the upper level, new video and ribbon boards and an improved sound system, as well as upgrading technology and stadium infrastructure.Bears cut KnoxThe Chicago Bears have terminated the contract of receiver Johnny Knox, a former Abilene Christian star, after he missed this past season recovering from a back injury.Knox needed surgery to stabilize a vertebra after he sustained a gruesome back injury against Seattle late in 2011.Knox had 133 receptions for 2,214 yards from 2009 to 2011 and was a contributor on special teams with 55 kickoff returns for 1,506 yards.Briefly Super Bowl: The mayors of New Jersey towns Carlstadt and Secaucas are threatening to withhold emergency services during the Super Bowl next February unless they are compensated, according to NJ.com. Patriots: A Lincoln, Neb., police officer testified that Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard punched him in the jaw last April when he tried to arrest the former Nebraska standout for punching a man on the street outside a bar. Dennard, 23, faces a felony charge of third-degree assault on an officer and two misdemeanors. He faces a maximum sentence of seven years and up to $12,000 in fines, according to the Omaha World Herald. Dolphins: Miami Mayor Carlos Gimenez said he wants a promise of a Super Bowl before spending public money on part of a $400 million renovation to Sun Life Stadium, according to the Miami Herald. Redskins: Keith Burns, who spent 11 seasons in Denver as a special teams player - and 10 of those under current Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, was hired by Washington to be its special teams coordinator. He replaces Danny Smith, who left to join the Steelers.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
