NFL Notebook

Associated Press

The NFL notebook ...

PHOENIX — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell calls it “unacceptable” to ask a college player at the scouting combine any questions about his sexual orientation.

Several players indicated they were asked such questions, and the New York attorney general has urged the NFL to investigate. Goodell says the league will make clear at this week’s owners meetings “what they can ask and what they can’t.”

By doing so, Goodell says Monday, “I hope that’ll solve the problem.”

Goodell and executives from all 32 teams are meeting later in the day, and he says that will be a primary topic.

Michigan quarterback-turned-receiver Denard Robinson, Colorado tight end Nick Kasa and Michigan State running back Le’Veon Bell indicated they were asked about their sexual orientation at the combine in Indianapolis.

PATRIOTS’ BOSS BARKS

PHOENIX — New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft delivered several messages Monday at the NFL meetings.

He claimed his team’s contract offer to Wes Welker was better than what the receiver got in Denver. Kraft said Welker’s agent, David Dunn, “misrepresented” Welker’s market value.

And Kraft made it clear who is boss in New England.

When asked if Patriots QB Tom Brady was upset that Welker left after Brady reworked his own contract, Kraft said: “I don’t answer to Tom Brady. He’s an important member of the team and we chatted.”

COWBOYS

IRVING, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have re-signed linebacker Ernie Sims to a one-year deal worth a reported $715,000.

Sims joined the Cowboys in midseason when defensive leader Sean Lee was lost for the season with a toe injury. The seven-year veteran ended up making six starts and finished with 42 tackles in 10 games.

ATLANTA STADIUM

ATLANTA — The Atlanta City Council has voted to approve a financing plan to build a new pro football stadium in downtown Atlanta.

The city hotel-motel tax revenue to cover the $200 million public contribution for the proposed $1 billion, retractable roof stadium for the Atlanta Falcons. The team would provide $800 million.

LOVING NEW ORLEANS

PHOENIX — Goodell says New Orleans “deserves” to host another Super Bowl despite the in-game blackout that stopped play for 32 minutes.