UFL rules differ from NFL; players, schedule needed next

Even before it has any players or has announced its stadiums and schedule, the new United Football League has some rules.

They're not all the same as NFL rules. Not even close.

When the four-team UFL (Las Vegas will share a franchise with Los Angeles) kicks off its premiere season in October, it will give both teams a possession of the ball in overtime, allow quarterbacks under duress to ground the ball inside or outside the pocket and eliminate the controversial tuck rule.

There also will be more leeway given on touchdown celebrations, provided they are in the end zone or bench area, with "tasteful" group celebrations allowed.

All officiating decisions using instant replay will be made by an official in the replay booth, not by the referee.

The UFL will allow approved TV cameras in the locker rooms for the first four minutes of halftime. Head coaches will be wired for sound for broadcasts, though no sideline discussions will be aired. TV audiences will hear coach-to-quarterback communication on tape delays.

The competition committee determined ways to enhance the overall experience for the players and the fans, said San Francisco coach Dennis Green, the panel chairman.

* VICK -- Michael Vick has a place in minor league football if he doesn't go back to the NFL.

The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, whose federal sentence for dogfighting ends July 20, would be welcomed by the Minor Football League, consisting of professional teams in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Richard Myles, the MFL's president and founder, said the league is willing to give Vick a place to play while the NFL decides his fate.

* GOODELL -- A group including NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Seattle Seahawks coach Jim Mora has reached the summit of Mount Rainier.

The team made it to the summit of the 14,411-foot volcano at 9:15 a.m. and was back at Camp Muir by 2:30 p.m. The climb is a fundraiser for a Seattle charity and has raised $380,000.