Peterson calls it a career

TEMPE, Ariz. — Three-time All-Pro Patrick Peterson announced his retirement on Monday as a member of the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent the first 10 of his 13 NFL seasons as one of the league’s elite cornerbacks.

The 34-year-old Peterson was honored at the team’s practice facility with a highlight video and tributes from several former teammates, including receiver Larry Fitzgerald and quarterback Carson Palmer.

The No. 5 overall pick in the 2011 draft out of LSU, Peterson made an immediate impact as a rookie and was a Pro Bowl selection in each of his first eight seasons.

He also spent two seasons with the Vikings and one with Pittsburgh.

Lawsuits filed against NCAA

DURHAM, N.C. — Former football players from Duke and North Carolina have a hearing next week in lawsuits seeking additional eligibility from the NCAA for playing careers they say were hampered by injuries, ailments and personal difficulties.

Duke’s Ryan Smith and Tre’Shon Devones are plaintiffs in a complaint filed in Durham County Superior Court on April 3. Additionally UNC’s J.J. Jones and Duke’s Cam Bergeron are plaintiffs in a similar lawsuit filed that day.

“The NCAA stands by its eligibility rules, including the five-year rule, which enable student-athletes and schools to have fair competition and ensure broad access to the unique and life-changing opportunity to be a student-athlete,” the NCAA said in a statement. “The NCAA is making changes to modernize college sports but attempts to alter the enforcement of foundational eligibility rules – approved and supported by membership leaders – makes a shifting environment even more unsettled.”

They seek to prevent the NCAA from following its policy of having athletes complete four years of eligibility within a five-year window. A hearing is set for April 22.

The Associated Press