Raiders executive Bruce Allen, meanwhile, questioned the credibility of the Sportsline reporter who first reported the positive tests but added the team would not have been informed of such a test. The team is notified by the league only when a player actually is suspended or fined, he said. He said Raiders officials had not asked the players about the letters..We talked about the elusive nature of stardom and how one twist of a ligament could change a person's life. He wasn't bitter, just reflective. He played well, if not spectacularly, did his job, didn't complain.

The NFL reiterated its position that the issues between owners and players on a new collective bargaining agreement should be decided at the bargaining table, not in court. The league's statement read, "It is now time to devote all of our energy to reaching a comprehensive agreement that will improve the game for the benefit of current and retired players, teams, and, most importantly, the fans. This lit