NFL

Hester holds out as Bears open training camp

Devin Hester, who has electrified the NFL with 11 punt and kickoff returns for touchdowns in his first two seasons, skipped the Chicago Bears’ first training camp practice Wednesday in a holdout.

Near retirement, Rod Smith to hold news conference

Broncos receiver Rod Smith is planning to hold a news conference Thursday amid published reports that he will retire. Smith’s agent, Jack Mills, confirmed the event but declined to give details.

Bears, top pick Williams agree on 5-year deal

The Chicago Bears and first-round pick Chris Williams agreed to a five-year contract Wednesday on the first day of training camp.

AP Source: Goodell monitoring Favre situation

Army orders Lions draft pick Campbell to duty

Bears star Urlacher signs 1-year, $18M extension

Browns sign 5 draft picks to 4-year contracts

Eagles coach Reid’s son sentenced to drug rehab

Raiders sign safety Greg Wesley to 1-year contract

Bengals coach Lewis shuts door on Henry returning

Chargers DE Castillo gets $43M in 5-year extension

Dungy hopes Manning recovers quickly from surgery

Pats’ Nick Kaczur works deal to drop drug charges