By The Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, October 24, 2012, 7:48 p.m.
Updated: Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The players' union and the four players suspended in the Saints bounties case filed motions Wednesday to have former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue removed from hearing their appeals.

They asked in U.S. District Court in New Orleans that Tagliabue recuse himself because of a conflict of interest, and also asked for a neutral arbitrator to be appointed by the court.

The NFL said it would oppose Tagliabue stepping aside.

Shockey: I'm no snitch

Jeremy Shockey said he was not a whistle-blower in the Saints bounties case and that Warren Sapp's accusation he was has made it difficult for him to go back to New Orleans.

Appearing on Showtime's “Inside The NFL,” Shockey said about being “a snitch” that “I would never do anything like that.”

He added he spoke with Saints coach Sean Payton about it and Payton said, “Jeremy, just let it go.”

Ryan wants apology

Rex Ryan already said he's sorry. He thinks it's about time Reggie Bush did, too.

The Jets coach is still bothered by the Dolphins running back's comments a few weeks ago that Darrelle Revis' season-ending knee injury was a case of “what goes around comes around.”

“I apologized for my comment,” Ryan said. “I expect him to do the same.”

Ryan drew the ire of the Dolphins star when the coach said the Jets were going to put “hot sauce” — saying he meant lots of attention, not an intent to injure — on Bush before New York's 23-20 overtime win last month.

Cowboys' Lee on IR

Linebacker Sean Lee, an Upper St. Clair and Penn State product and the leading tackler for the Cowboys, was placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season because of a right big toe injury.

Coach Jason Garrett said an MRI showed ligament damage that will require surgery in the next week or so.

Fujita's future in doubt

Browns starting linebacker Scott Fujita will be placed on injured reserve with a neck injury, ending his stormy season — and perhaps his football career.

Fujita, one of four players suspended by Goodell for his role in the Saints bounty scandal, was inactive the past two games.

Extra points

Chiefs running back Peyton Hillis was back at practice Wednesday and could play this weekend against Oakland for the first time since Week 3. ... Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert expects to play Sunday at Green Bay despite an injured non-throwing shoulder. ... The Panthers announced they placed three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jon Beason on injured reserve with knee and shoulder issues. ... Mario Williams is not expected to miss any games after the Bills' defensive end had what the team called “a procedure” to relieve discomfort in his injured left wrist. ... Browns guard and Pitt product Jason Pinkston was released from the hospital after being treated for blood clots in his lungs.

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