NFL owners approve two rule changes

First Published Mar 19 2013 05:08 pm • Last Updated Mar 19 2013 11:22 pm

NFL • NFL owners approved two rule changes Tuesday to enhance player safety. They might not vote on a proposal to ban offensive players from using the crown of their helmets against defenders.

The owners outlawed peel-back blocks anywhere on the field; previously, they were illegal only inside the tackle box. A player makes a peel-back block when he is moving toward his goal line, approaches an opponent from behind or the side, and makes contact below the waist.

Also banned is overloading a formation while attempting to block a field goal or extra point. Defensive teams can now have only six or less players on each side of the snapper at the line of scrimmage. Players not on the line can’t push teammates on the line into blockers, either.

• New York Jets coach Rex Ryan says the team is not actively pursuing a trade of star cornerback Darrelle Revis.

Speaking at the NFL owners meetings Tuesday, Ryan says it is not a foregone conclusion that the Jets will deal Revis, who is unhappy with his contract.

Jeter scratched from lineup

MLB • Derek Jeter was removed from the Yankees’ lineup against the Phillies on Tuesday for "precautionary" reasons because his surgically repaired left ankle feels "stiff." He said he might be able to play Wednesday, and doesn’t consider this a setback.

Barcelona wins max points in AP poll

Soccer • Barcelona received the maximum points in AP’s global soccer rankings on Tuesday, with the team’s striker, Lionel Messi, coming close to top marks.

From wire reports

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