Sports briefs

NFLBraylon files $14M slander suit

Former Jets receiver Braylon Edwards filed a $14 million slander lawsuit, claiming allegations that he was directly involved in an Aug. 1 fight at a suburban Detroit restaurant cost him a big guaranteed contract from another NFL team.

The civil suit filed in Oakland County Circuit Court accuses the South restaurant and bar in Birmingham, Mich., and three of its employees of slander, extortion and malicious prosecution.

Edwards claims he had an offer from an NFL team with $15 million guaranteed, the suit says. He "was forced to take a contract with a different NFL team for only $1 million" in guaranteed money. Last month, he signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the 49ers.

Two members of his group were arrested after two bouncers were assaulted at the restaurant, police said. Edwards was interviewed by police but not charged.

28 ex-players sue NFLPA

Twenty-eight former NFL players filed a class-action federal lawsuit against the NFL Players Association, seeking at least $5 million in damages. They're alleging current players interfered with negotiations on the new collective bargaining agreement and kept money from the retirees. The suit filed in Minneapolis also names NFLPA leader DeMaurice Smith, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and retired linebacker Mike Vrabel. Brady and Vrabel were plaintiffs in the antitrust suit filed against the NFL in March.

Urlacher's mother dies suddenly

Linebacker Brian Urlacher left the Bears after his mother, Lavoyda, died unexpectedly at her home in Texas. It wasn't clear whether Urlacher will be back for Sunday's game at New Orleans.

NBANuggets' Smith, Lawson go overseas

Former Knick Wilson Chandler will have company in China this season. Fellow Nugget J.R. Smith is following him overseas to play there. Another Nugget, Ty Lawson, will play in Lithuania. Unlike Chandler and Smith, Lawson has an out clause in his contract and will be able to return when the lockout ends. The Chinese season will be over in March.-- AP