Saints and Colts have taught NFL a lesson

Q. In relation to Chris Henry, and I suppose to all NFL players: What is the "norm" relating to the disposition of a players contracted salary in the event of said players death? Around the office we assume such things are covered in players contracts, but it is not something we remember hearing about.
— Kirk B., Las Vegas

A. If a player were to be killed while playing the game or because of a football-related circumstance, he likely would be owed the rest of his contract. But when a player dies for causes not related to his profession, his team probably has no more financial obligation to him.

Q. Do you think the Bears should give Lovie Smith another year to work with Jay Cutler or should they just start over?
— Chris Bader, Medford, Ore.

A. I think Smith is a solid head coach, but whatever he has done this year clearly has not worked. It might be a little unfair to put it all on the head coach, but that’s the way the league works. The fact that the Bears have not made it to the playoffs for three straight years after going to the Super Bowl is tough for a lot of fans to get over.

Q. Hey Dan, do you think the Browns will draft another quarterback this year? I’m not impressed with Brady Quinn.
— Darrell Howard, Akron, Ohio

A. I would think there is a good chance they will draft another quarterback now that they have yet another person making the decisions, and probably will have a new offensive system. I would not be surprised if new Browns czar Mike Holmgren thought Quinn was not a fit for the West Coast system he likely will install. Don’t give up on Quinn yet, though. He hasn’t had a chance to show what he can do.

Q. Excessive celebration. Saw someone score a touchdown and hand the ball to a cheerleader several weeks ago and get flagged. If this is considered 'excessive celebration', why isn't there a flag thrown every time a Packer does the "Lambeau Leap"?
— Scott, Medford, Ore.

A. If a player is flagged for handing a ball to a cheerleader, the official probably is calling a penalty for using the ball as a prop — which is illegal. There is no rule against jumping into the stands.