Pacman delays filing appeal to NFL

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Pacman Jones decides to wait for reinstatement application
Cornerback waiting for possible trade with Cowboys
NFL has already rejected two appeals

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Suspended Tennessee Titans cornerback Pacman Jones said Tuesday he's delayed filing for reinstatement with the NFL until a possible trade is worked out.

Jones told the Michael Irvin Show on ESPN Radio that he had planned to seek reinstatement but changed his mind for now.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Jones for the 2007 season for his off-field conduct, which includes six arrests since being drafted. Goodell rejected appeals to let Jones take part in training camp or return after 10 games.

The suspension does not stop the Titans from trading Jones' contract.

"I was going to file for reinstatement, but I didn't," Jones said. "I want the situation to work out, if it be a trade or if it don't be a trade and I go back to Tennessee, before I file for reinstatement with the commissioner.

"Not that I haven't done everything (to gain reinstatement) -- because I think I have done everything -- but if I haven't done anything, it gives (Goodell) time to tell me what I haven't done."

Jones was the first defensive player drafted in 2005 as the sixth pick overall out of West Virginia, and he was Tennessee's best defender in 2005 and 2006. His four interceptions in 2006 helped the Titans to an 8-8 record.

He also led the NFL in punt-return average in 2006 with 12.9 yards per return and three touchdowns.

Jones settled the last of his criminal charges Feb. 14 by entering an Alford plea to obstruction of a police officer in Georgia, which left him with a felony conviction. An Alford plea is essentially a guilty plea but also is a denial of committing a crime.

In January, Jones went to an Atlanta strip club, which prompted Goodell to send him a letter in February barring him from working out at the Titans' headquarters. The commissioner also said Jones would be reconsidered for reinstatement before training camps open.

Rose declares for NBA draft

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Rose declares for draft after leading Memphis to NCAA title game
Guard averaged over 20 points in NCAA tournament
Chicago native will likely be picked No. 1 or 2 overall

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Memphis freshman Derrick Rose announced he was jumping to the NBA Tuesday, the same day coach John Calipari agreed in principle to a contract extension with the school.

Rose capped his spectacular first season by leading Memphis to the national championship game, where they lost to Kansas in overtime.

The 6-foot-3 guard from Chicago averaged 20.8 points in six NCAA tournament games and will likely be taken with one of the top picks in the draft.

Terms of Calipari's deal have not been finalized.

Rose, who helped Memphis to an NCAA Division I record 38 victories last season, said he enjoyed his year in college but is ready to make the leap to the NBA.

"My only regret is not winning a national title for the University of Memphis," Rose said. "I am, however, very excited about the prospect of playing in the NBA and continuing to strive to be the best player and the best person I can be."

Rose's announcement was hardly shocking.

He came to Memphis as one of the nation's top recruits, and spent the year in college only because of the NBA rule that requires a player to be at least one year removed from high school before entering the draft.

Calipari said he always worked under the assumption that Rose would be a one-and-done player.

"Derrick is one of the great players I've ever coached, but of even more importance, he is one of the greatest teammates I've been around," Calipari said in a statement. "We are forever indebted to Derrick and his family for what they did for not only this basketball program, but also for the University and the city of Memphis. It was a tremendous opportunity for me and the staff to coach such a fine person."

Memphis is still waiting to see if junior guard Chris Douglas-Roberts, the team's leading scorer and Conference USA Player of the Year, will enter the draft. Douglas-Roberts had indicated during the season that he would at least submit his name into the draft to test interest from teams.