Union says NFL seeks right to suspend players arrested for alleged DUI

The players’ union says the NFL has asked for the right to immediately suspend players who are arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

NFL Players Assn. executives told the Associated Press on Friday that the league’s proposal to increase penalties for DUI offenses includes a provision to suspend or discipline a player before the completion of his legal due process.

“They want to immediately discipline for an arrest,” said George Atallah, the NFLPA’s assistant executive director of external affairs.

Such a policy change would also go for coaches, owners and league staff.

“We prefer to discuss these issues directly with the union,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

Atallah also noted that progress has been made on possible testing for human growth hormone as well as other areas of the drug program.

Also being discussed is marijuana testing. The union feels the league’s threshold for a positive test of 15 nanograms per millileter is too demanding, citing the International Olympic Committee’s threshold of 150 ngs, 10 times as high.

Patriots’ Brady practices

Tom Brady is practicing again with the New England Patriots and says he is looking forward to playing in the season opener.

The star quarterback returned to practice Friday after a one-day absence that the team attributed to a calf injury. Brady was wearing sweat pants during the warmup period that was open to reporters. The Patriots open the season Sunday at Miami against the Dolphins.

Brady’s status was officially listed as “questionable” on the injury report Friday.

Jets’ Milliner out

The New York Jets’ top cornerback, Dee Milliner, was ruled out for the regular-season opener against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday with a high ankle sprain. Coach Rex Ryan made the announcement after practice Friday.

That means Antonio Allen, a converted safety, and career backup Darrin Walls will be the Jets’ starting cornerbacks for the game at MetLife Stadium.

Milliner injured his left ankle on Aug. 10 during training camp and hasn’t practiced since.

Etc.

Arizona’s dynamic running back Andre Ellington missed practice Friday with a foot injury. The Cardinals did not reveal the severity of the injury or whether it would keep him out of Monday night’s season opener against San Diego.

::

The New Orleans Saints have ruled out fullback Erik Lorig (ankle) and safety Marcus Ball (hamstring) for Sunday’s regular-season opener at Atlanta. Receiver Kenny Stills, who has a quadriceps injury, is listed as questionable.

::

James Harrison, a five-time Pro Bowl linebacker, officially retired from the NFL on Friday after signing a one-day contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with whom he began his career.

::

San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Sean Lissemore was limited in Friday’s practice as he recovers from a sprained right ankle but indications are he will play in the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night.

::

The Jacksonville Jaguars might be without receiver Cecil Shorts III for the team’s season opener at Philadelphia. The Jaguars have just four healthy receivers on the roster, including rookie Marqise Lee.

::

Washington Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans after being limited in practice this week with a sprained right ankle.

::

Buffalo Bills starting cornerback Stephon Gilmore has a nagging groin injury that leaves his status uncertain for the opener at Chicago on Sunday.