In Albany, Matthew Hamilton notes New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman yesterday sent a letter to the NFL "requesting documentation of steps the league has taken to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation." The letter comes on the heels of a report that Falcons assistant coach Marquand Manuel during last month's combine asked former Ohio State CB Eli Apple "if he likes men." Schneiderman previously reached an agreement with the league in '13 that required, among other things, the league’s anti-discrimination policy "be displayed on posters in locker rooms" (TIMESUNION.com, 3/15). The NFL "opened an investigation into the Falcons matter earlier this month." NFL VP/Communications Brian McCarthy said it "remains under review" (USATODAY.com, 3/15).
ONE MORE YEAR: In Toronto, Mike Zeisberger notes the concept of moving the NHL draft-eligible age from 18 to 19 is "one that has left general managers intrigued at their annual spring meetings." GMs feel that the "additional time allows a player to mature, to get stronger and to get a far better handle of where one’s place truly is in the hockey world." Sabres GM Tim Murray: "It would make it easier, for sure. ... At 19, you are getting a more mature kid. There will be less mistakes made which is good for the kid too" (TORONTO SUN, 3/16).
FORCE OF NATURE: USA TODAY's Jeff Gluck noted the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Auto Club Speedway this weekend, an event which has "been excellent for several years now, thanks to increasingly worn-out asphalt" on the track. The lower downforce rules package NASCAR added for this year should "only add to the show, and expectations will be high for drivers to put on one of the best races of the year" (USA TODAY, 3/15). FOXSPORTS.com's Tom Jensen noted the Cup series this season has "produced four different winners in four races, with two finishes where the margin of victory was 0.010 seconds in each race" (FOXSPORTS.com, 3/15).
