In L.A., Gary Klein notes in the wake of Wednesday's mass shooting at a bar in Thousand Oaks, Calif., several Rams players began the process of "finalizing plans that could possibly aid victims’ families financially or in other ways." Rams OT Andrew Whitworth said that players have "formed a social justice group to discuss and create opportunities that will allow them to positively affect the community." Rams coach Sean McVay said that the team is "planning to have a moment of silence" before Sunday’s home game against the Seahawks (L.A. TIMES, 11/9). In California, Rich Hammond notes the Rams as of Thursday "hadn’t identified" any players or coaches "with a familial connection to any of the victims." But that "didn’t make the news any less jarring" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 11/9).
DORSEY'S DECISION: In Cleveland, Mary Kay Cabot cited a source as saying that Browns Owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam have "officially turned their fourth coaching search over" to GM John Dorsey, who "will have full authority to conduct it any way he wants." It remains to be seen if Dorsey will "enlist the services of a search firm." The Haslams "will have input in the collaborative process, but Dorsey will drive the decision" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 11/8).
HELP IS AVAILABLE: ESPN.com's David Newton noted NFL Panthers Dir of Player Wellness Tish Guerin is "one of the first -- and currently believed to be the only -- active in-house psychological clinicians" in the league. While most teams "have a licensed mental health practitioner available for players and staff members on a contract basis," Guerin has her own office at Bank of America Stadium and is "readily available to any player or staff member seeking help." Being onsite allows Guerin to "observe any potential changes in the mood or behavior of a player that could be an early warning sign" (ESPN.com, 11/7).
