SEAHAWKS-SHERMAN APPEAL
Seattle's Richard Sherman wins suspension appeal
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman has won his appeal of a four-game suspension for use of performance enhancing substances, making him eligible for the NFL playoffs.
Sherman posted "I won," on his Twitter account Thursday morning, followed by teammates tweeting their congratulations. Sherman added, "Thank you (at)nfl for upholding the truth! To the 12s Thank you your faith is rewarded! Thank you lord."
The decision was made by former NFL executive Bob Wallace.
Sherman was steadfast since news broke of his pending suspension that he believed he would win on appeal. Sherman's appeal was based on errors in the chain of custody of his sample and that there were mistakes made by the tester. Sherman made his appeal late last week.
Sherman is now eligible for the Seahawks season finale against St. Louis and the playoffs.
RAMS-JACKSON
Rams RB Jackson heads into finale amid questions
(Stations: Note Seattle interest.)
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Running back Steven Jackson will have the option to explore free agency after the season, raising the question of whether Sunday's finale at Seattle will be his final game in a St. Louis Rams uniform.
Jackson intimated Thursday that he might retire at the end of this season. Though he laughed as he said it, the 29-year-old running back didn't retreat from the idea when asked how serious he was about the possibility
He has expressed interest in ending his career with the only team he's played for as a professional, but he hasn't publicly committed to returning.
Coach Jeff Fisher said the team wants him back, but Jackson's demands could price him out of a Rams uniform.
BLAZERS-LAKERS
Trail Blazers travel to Los Angeles for meeting with Lakers
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Portland will try to build on its current winning streak as it looks for its seventh victory in eight games Friday night against the Lakers at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The Lakers (14-15) are coming off a 126-114 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday that halted their five-game winning streak. NBA-leading scorer Kobe Bryant scored 40 points in that matchup, but the Nuggets' Corey Brewer hit four of his six 3-pointers in the final 12-plus minutes to help Denver hold off Los Angeles.
The Trail Blazers (14-13) beat Sacramento on Thursday, 109-91, three days after losing 108-96 to the Kings. Three Blazers recorded double-doubles in the victory, including LaMarcus Aldridge with 28 points and 12 rebounds.
Portland beat Los Angeles 116-106 at the Rose Garden on opening night.
