consistency, or otherwise, of punishments its metes out is likely to be an

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Star receiver Alshon Jeffery was suspended Monday for four games without pay for violating the NFLs policy on performance-enhancing substances, the latest staggering blow for the reeling Chicago Bears.Jeffery posted on Twitter that he took a supplement for inflammation containing a substance banned by the league.I take full responsibility and Im deeply upset with myself for not doing the proper research on this supplement, he wrote. I want to apologize to my family, the Bears organization, my teammates, and Bears fans. I will work hard to earn back the respect and trust of the Bears nation and look forward to being back on the field.His suspension was another dose of bad news for a team that lost several players to injuries in an embarrassing 36-10 loss at Tampa Bay that left the Bears with a 2-7 record. Now, they will have to get by without arguably their best player, starting with Sundays game at the New York Giants.Obviously were very disappointed, coach John Fox said. I think hes fairly embarrassed about it, but well support him and welcome him when he gets back after serving his suspension.As if Jefferys punishment wasnt enough, it looks like the Bears will be without star right guard Kyle Long. The NFL Network reported Monday that he will miss the remainder of the season with an ankle injury.Jeffery will be eligible to be activated on Dec. 12 and play against Green Bay six days later. He leads the team with 630 yards receiving and is second with 40 catches.It (stinks) not having your top weapon on offense, tight end Zach Miller said. We have to figure out ways to be better, to do better collectively. But I dont think you really replace Alshon Jeffery that easily. Well have to do it as a group.Jeffery is playing for the $14.6 million franchise tag after he and the Bears were unable to agree to a long-term contract in the offseason. He was limited to nine games because of injuries a year ago, and now has a PED suspension hanging over him with his contract set to expire again.Fox said players found out during meetings on Monday.All teammates, I think, at the end of the day, theyre supportive, Fox said. But I know Alshons embarrassed by it and Im sure disappointed would be a good word for the rest of us.Fox mentioned a silver lining with receiver Marquess Wilson potentially returning soon from a foot injury. He has been on the physically unable to perform list since training camp. But his comeback would be small consolation, particularly given the rash of injuries the Bears suffered against the Buccaneers.Long, a three-time Pro Bowl lineman, left the field on a cart with a right ankle injury. Fox indicated after the game that it might be a high ankle sprain, though he said Monday a full determination on the injury had not been made. Ted Larsen figures to take his place in the lineup, though Eric Kush is a possibility.Fox had no update on running back Jordan Howard (ankle or Achilles tendon), nose tackle Eddie Goldman (ankle) or defensive lineman Will Sutton (ankle). Right tackle Bobby Massie also suffered a concussion.The loss to Tampa Bay also raised more questions about the direction of the franchise and wiped out any good vibes the Bears had after they knocked off NFC North leader Minnesota two weeks earlier.Jay Cutler threw two interceptions and fumbled twice after leading the Bears to a victory over the Vikings in his return from a sprained right thumb. It all added up to a big reality check for a team that was as confident as any with two wins halfway through the season could be.The Bears thought they might turn the corner with key players coming back from injuries. Instead, they crashed.I still feel like were not out of it, Miller said.Mathematically, theyre not.The Bears trail Detroit and Minnesota by three games and Green Bay by two in the division. The Vikings are struggling in a big way with four straight losses. So are the Packers, who have dropped three in a row.But with Jefferys suspension, the Bears will have to get by without one of their biggest playmakers.I guess the best word I could use would be unfortunate, defensive end Akiem Hicks said. Because I look forward to seeing 17 (Jeffery) out there going up deep and catching balls and making plays. Its unfortunate and Im going to miss him.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Jerseys NFL Wholesale China . The 18th player to shoot 60 on the tour, Jamieson settled for par on the final hole when his 15-foot birdie chip grazed the edge of the hole and stayed out. After opening with rounds of 66 and 73 to make the cut by a stroke, he had 11 birdies in the bogey-free round. Wholesale NFL Jerseys Gear .Y. -- Paul Byron and Matt Stajan scored as the Calgary Flames started a five-game road trip with a 2-1 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday afternoon. http://www.nfljerseyschinastore.com/ . LOUIS -- Roman Polak was celebrating even before Alexander Steen scored the winning goal in Saturdays 4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Nike NFL Jerseys China . "I dont know that were close," said general manager Alex Anthopoulos. "I just think, right now, the acquisition cost just doesnt work for us right now. I dont know if I can quantify how far off or things like that that they might be but I would say we continue to have dialogue. Stitched Cheap Jerseys NFL . Detroit and Boston are deadlocked, 1-1, and Tigers manager Jim Leyland could be forgiven if he was caught rationalizing instead of dissecting how his club could blow a 5-1 lead late in Game 2. The NRL and the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) have begun formal negotiations on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement that is expected to dramatically reshape the code.NRL boss Todd Greenberg and his RLPA counterpart Ian Prendergast have met to launch discussions on the new CBA that will be introduced to rugby league in what promises to be a watershed season in 2018.The NRL assumes full control of the playing schedule from broadcasters Fox Sports and the Nine Network under the terms of the new TV deal that year in a situation that is certain to have a positive ripple effect across the code.Prendergast is in the process of meeting the playing groups of all 16 NRL clubs to gauge their wants and expectations over reforms in crucial areas such as welfare, health and safety, governance, integrity and of course the money that will be made available to players.There remains a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the size of the salary cap for the 2018 season as players and clubs push for more of the money that the game generates, including from its billion-dollar five-year broadcast deal from 2018-22.On the key issue of player burnout and welfare, the number of five-day turnarounds is expected to be reduced significantly from this seasons 331, when the draw for 2018 is announced at the end of next year.ddddddddddddThe NRL integrity unit and the consistency, or otherwise, of punishments its metes out is likely to be another key topic of discussion during negotiations for the new CBA. Some clubs are pushing for matters of NRL integrity to be handled by an independent body.The relationship between the NRL and RLPA has improved immensely since the games governing body did not consult the players group before the release of this seasons draw last November, amid claims any concerns of player burnout were being ignored.After that incident, Greenberg indicated the NRL would take a more-collaborative approach with the RLPA to issues across the game and the opening of negotiations so far out from the conclusion of the current CBA at the end of 2017 is a sign of that.The RLPAs standing in the game has gained far-greater prominence since then, due in no small part to the work of Prendergast, who took over the role in December after serving as general manager of the AFL Players Association.The negotiation process for the new CBA is expected to take up to 12 months. ' ' '