NFL-National Football League roundup

May 22 (The Sports Xchange) - The NFL has rejected the NFL Players Association's request that commissioner Roger Goodell recuse himself as the arbitrator in Tom Brady's appeal of his four-game suspension stemming from Deflategate. The NFLPA made the request on Tuesday, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday that it was rejected by the league. After the NFL owners' spring meetings in San Francisco on Wednesday, Goodell would not comment on the specifics of Brady's suspension or his appeal but said he looked forward to hearing from the New England Patriots quarterback. The union called Goodell a "central witness in the appeal hearing," adding that he is not impartial. - - - The Cleveland Browns will not be on "Hard Knocks" this year with the team concerned that the HBO reality series would focus on Johnny Manziel. According to ESPNCleveland.com, the Browns' request to not be on the training camp documentary has been granted. NFL Films, which produces the series, apparently does not want an unwilling participant. The Houston Texans appear to be the favorites. - - - The Dallas Cowboys and cornerback Orlando Scandrick agreed to terms on a contract extension. According to reports, the deal goes through 2019 and Scandrick is scheduled to make a total of $20 million, including $4 million this year. - - - A week before training camp begins for CFL teams, defensive end Michael Sam joined the Montreal Alouettes, agreeing to a one-year deal. Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by an NFL team, was previously with the St. Louis Rams, who selected him out of Missouri in the seventh round in 2014, and the Dallas Cowboys, who released him from their practice squad in October. "I am very excited and proud to join the Montreal Alouettes," Sam said in a statement. "I cannot wait to put on the pads, get back on the field and work hard each and every day with my teammates to bring a Grey Cup to the great fans here in Montreal." - - - With extra points moving back to the 15-yard line this season, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expects two-point conversions to become a "bigger part of the game." Harbaugh thinks weather will dictate more two-pointers. The NFL announced Tuesday that extra point will now be kicked from the 15-yard line with two-point conversions remaining at the 2-yard line. The new rule also gives the defense the ability to score two points on returns. "It is going to encourage more two-point conversion tries," Harbaugh told the Baltimore Sun. "There's no question about it, especially in windy stadiums. Maybe later in the year when it means the most we'll probably see the most attempts. I know one thing, we're going to spend more time defending two-point conversions and practicing two-point conversions because it's going to be a bigger part of the game." - - - The Kansas City Chiefs signed tight end Ryan Taylor after he was released by the Miami Dolphins. (Editing by Gene Cherry)