NFL Player Says 'Nothing Wrong' with Fact He Took Money in College

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. | Houston Texans running back Arian Foster says in an upcoming documentary he accepted money his senior year at Tennessee.

Foster, who played for the Volunteers from 2005-08, said that, "My senior year, I was getting money on the side." Sports Illustrated first reported Foster's comments in the EPIX documentary, "Schooled: The Price of College Sports."

"I had to either pay the rent or buy some food," Foster says. "I remember the feeling, like, 'Man, be careful,' but there's nothing wrong with it. You're not going to convince me that there is something wrong with it."

Tennessee didn't respond immediately to a message seeking comment. A phone call to Phillip Fulmer, Foster's coach at Tennessee, and emails to the NCAA were not immediately answered, either.

"I feel very strong about the injustice the NCAA has been doing for years," Foster said after Friday's practice. "That's why I said what I said. I'm not trying to throw anyone under the bus or anything like that. ... I feel like I shouldn't have to run from the NCAA anymore. They're like these big bullies. I'm not scared of them."

pro football

polamalu getting a trim for a cause

PITTSBURGH | The NFL's most famous head of hair is getting a trim to help raise awareness for the plight of military veterans.

Steelers safety Troy Polamalu will have what he called a "ceremonial haircut" on Veterans Day as part of a fundraiser for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The four-time All Pro, who is an ambassador for the VFW, pointed to the suicide rate and number of homeless former soldiers as areas of concern.

jets, pats slapped with $88.5k in fines

NEW YORK | The Jets and Patriots have been fined a combined $88,500 from their game last week that included a sideline skirmish.

The fourth-quarter melee was set off by New York center Nick Mangold's low hit on Aqib Talib after an interception. Jets guard Willie Colon led the way - $26,250 for contact with an official and $7,875 for punching an opponent.

Also, the Titans' Jackie Battle was fined $21,000, becoming the first running back docked for lowering the crown of his helmet into an opponent.

All-Pro niners lb busted for dui, pot

SAN FRANCISCO | San Francisco All-Pro linebacker Aldon Smith was released from jail Friday after his pickup apparently struck a tree and he was arrested on suspicion of DUI and marijuana possession.

Smith, 23, posted $5,250 bail and later practiced with his teammates. He is due in court on Nov. 4.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said Friday he expects Smith will play Sunday when the Niners host the Colts.

IN OTHER NFL NEWS

Lions RB Reggie Bush (knee) and DT Nick Fairley (shoulder) are questionable Sunday at Washington.

Colts safety, and former Redskin, LaRon Landry (ankle) won't play.

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (back spasms) says he will play against St. Louis; DE Anthony Spencer (knee) is questionable.

Giants CB Corey Webster (hip flexor) missed his second straight practice on Friday and is doubtful.

Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis (calf) is out for a third consecutive game.

Browns RB Willis McGahee, who was signed this week, will play Sunday against the Vikings.

The Seahawks placed LT Russell Okung (toe) on injured reserve with a designation to return.

hockey

Source: classic coming to d.c. in '15

WASHINGTON | A person familiar with the situation says the Winter Classic, the NHL's annual New Year's Day outdoors showcase, is coming to Washington for the first time in 2015.

Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, who has lobbied for the game for several years, is expected to make the announcement today. The Caps played in the 2011 game in Pittsburgh.

The area has several potential sites, including Nationals Park, RFK Stadium and FedEx Field.

IN OTHER NHL NEWS

The Flyers signed forward Matt Read to a four-year, $14.5 million contract extension.

world hoops

france, parker end reign of spain

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia | France ended Spain's reign as European basketball champion with a 75-72 OT victory behind 32 points from Tony Parker and set up a final against Lithuania.

Two-time defending champion Spain led by 14 at the half, but Parker's 3-pointer with 2 minutes left gave France its first lead of the second half at 64-63.

Jonas Maciulis' 23 points led Lithuania past Croatia 77-62 and to its first championship final since winning the title in 2003.

college hoops

miami's larranaga named to faculty

CORAL GABLES, Fla. | Miami coach Jim Larranaga is now a member of the faculty.

Larranaga, last season's Associated Press Coach of the Year, was appointed adjunct assistant professor of kinesiology and sport sciences. He will be a guest lecturer.

Larranaga was also a member of the faculty at George Mason.

in other news

Two-time defending champ Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France beat Germany's Tobias Kamke 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the semifinals of the Open de Moselle.

N.C. State baseball coach Elliott Avent has received a new contract through at least 2018. The Wolfpack reached the College World Series this year for the first time since 1968.

El Salvador's soccer federation has banned 14 national-team players for life for their role in alleged match-fixing, including games against the United States and Mexico.