Cribbs opposes no-kickoff proposal

BEREA, Ohio — Kickoffs have defined Josh Cribbs' career in the NFL, and made him an invaluable weapon for the Cleveland Browns.

So the thought of the league abolishing the exciting play irritates the return specialist.

"They need to call it a different league if they do that," Cribbs said. "It'll change the game drastically."

Earlier this week, commissioner Roger Goodell said the league's competition committee will consider eliminating kickoffs in the offseason. In an effort to reduce head injuries and protect players, the league previously moved the kickoff from the 30 to 35-yard line to cut down on violent collisions.

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J. League open to Copa proposal

The J. League will work to make Japan's trip to the Copa America in Argentina happen as long as the bulk of Alberto Zaccheroni's team is made up of Europe-based players.

J. League chairman Kazumi Ohigashi said on Monday night that he, as well as the 38 J1 and J2 clubs, would still need to hear the details of the Japan Football Association's proposal for the July 1-24 South American continental championship, but is prepared to cooperate if the plan is feasible.

JFA general secretary Kozo Tashima and technical director Hiromi Hara will sell their case to the J. League first division's executive committee meeting on Tuesday.

"It's not like we're in conflict with the JFA," Ohigashi said at JFA House in Tokyo. "That has never been the case."

"Ogura-san has said he wants to go with the overseas players," he said, referring to JFA president Junji Ogura. "We just don't know the nuts and bolts of it. We're not aware of how we're going to do it and with what kind of team."

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