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Kupp says Rams intend to trade him

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Receiver Cooper Kupp says the Los Angeles Rams are attempting to trade him after eight seasons with the club, and he doesn’t like the decision.

The Super Bowl 56 MVP made the announcement on social media Monday, saying the Rams told him they “will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships.”

The 2021 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year essentially bade farewell to the city where he has spent his entire career.

“I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA,” Kupp wrote. “Still, if there’s one thing that I have learned over the years: there are so many things that are out of your control, but it is how you respond to these things that you will look back on and remember.”

Kupp’s future with the Rams was an obvious question mark because he is signed for the next two seasons as part of the three-year, $80.1 million contract extension he got after having one of the greatest seasons by a receiver in NFL history in 2021-22. He would have taken up nearly $30 million in cap space next season, but the Rams could clear a large chunk of that by releasing or trading him with a post-June 1 designation.

Kupp won the triple crown of receiving three seasons ago by leading the league in catches (145), yards receiving (1,947) and TD catches (16). In the playoffs, he capped another dominant stretch by winning the Super Bowl MVP award and scoring the eventual winning touchdown late in Los Angeles’ victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Refs offended

NEW ORLEANS — The head of the union representing NFL officials calls allegations that officiating crews are biased in favor of the Kansas City Chiefs or any other team “insulting and preposterous.”

NFL Referees Association executive director Scott Green released a statement on Tuesday thanking Commissioner Roger Goodell for dismissing the allegations and responding to “conspiracy theories” on social media about favoritism to the Chiefs.

A handful of high-profile calls in the playoffs that have gone in Kansas City’s favor have fueled the theories of favoritism. But a deeper look at all penalties shows no signs of systematic bias.

Time to retire

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills safety Micah Hyde made his retirement official after 11 NFL seasons by posting a note on his Instagram account.

The 34-year-old Hyde had already made clear this past season would be his last after signing to the Bills practice squad in early December, where he spent the remainder of the season and playoffs.

Female promoted

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans promoted Lori Locust to a defensive assistant coach.

Locust goes into her third season with the Titans in a new role as Brian Callahan tinkers with his coaching staff after his first season. She previously was a quality control assistant with the Titans.

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