one year, two years, or if you play flag football," he said. "I think our popularity, the platform we have, level to protect our player

Sweden and Canada became the first mens teams to qualify for the Olympic curling semifinals on Sunday, and Britain missed the chance to join them by losing to Norway. Canada (6-2) stole a point at the last end to secure an 8-6 win over the U.S., which now cannot qualify. The Canadians didnt know they had qualified when they came off the ice after a tense win over the U.S. team, but they soon were celebrating. Even if the Canadians lose their last game — to China in the evening session — the worst they could finish is tied at 6-3 with Norway and Britain. They would qualify on a superior head-to-head record, the Canadian Curling Association confirmed. "We played all right, definitely not our best, but its still good to get the win knowing that we didnt put our best performance together," Canada skip Brad Jacobs said. The game came down to the final shot, delivered by U.S. skip John Shuster. His draw settled around the button next to a Canadian stone, which was closer by barely half an inch. "Sometimes you are on the right side and sometimes on the wrong side," Shuster said. "It just sucks that weve been on the wrong side at the Olympics." Playing in front of their king, Carl XVI Gustaf, the Swedes beat Russia 8-4 in nine ends to move into the outright lead at 7-1. They are the reigning world champions. Norway (4-3) staved off elimination with a 7-6 win over Britain (5-3), ensuring there will be plenty to play for going into the final day of round-robin action Monday. "It was one of the most important games of our career," said Haavard Vad Petersson, who was part of the Norway team that won an Olympic silver medal in 2010. "We had to win this one to stay alive. "We have won a medal before but we want to get gold." The Americans are 2-5. Norways final two games are against Switzerland and Denmark, both of which are out of contention. Britains last game is against China. 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Parnell will be out much longer if it turns out he needs surgery. But first, he will try resting for two weeks before beginning a throwing program that could last up to a month, general manager Sandy Alderson said.FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell responded Thursday night to criticisms by NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith, who contended a double standard exists when it comes to the league doling out punishments. In comments to ESPN earlier Thursday, Smith specifically addressed the delayed discipline of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, who has yet to be punished by Goodell after being arrested in March for allegedly operating a vehicle while intoxicated and while in the possession of prescription drugs and $29,000 in cash. Irsay was formally charged Friday. "The personal conduct policy applies to commissioners, owners, players, coaches," Goodell told reporters at the New England Patriots team facility. "It applies to all of us. We all have a responsibility to do things the right way. There are several players that we havent taken any action on, either. "We like to get the facts, we like to be thorough and we like to understand them. Charges were just filed last week. I dont believe theres a credibility gap." Goodell was at Foxborough to speak at a football safety clinic for mothers, a program aimed at furthering safer play at all levels of the game. Smith pointed toward Goodells swift and sometimes harsh action when dealing with troubled players in the past. "The commissioner understands that there is a significant credibility gap that exists in the National Football League," Smith said. "What troubles our players is the speed and the deliberateness of the punishment that they have seen in the past when it comes to a player. "There isnt the same speed or deliberate action when it comes to an owner, and thats a problem." Goodell said the league has yet to collect all the facts on Irsays case. "You can judge us when we make our final determinations, which you undoubtedly will, and so will everybody else," he said. "Thats fair. But dont make judgments until weve had an opportunity to do whats in the best interest of everyone, which is getting the facts. Everybody wants process. DeMaurice Smmith talks about process all the time.dddddddddddd "The process is important." The safety program organized by the Patriots comes more than a week after a group of retired players filed another lawsuit against the league, accusing team doctors and trainers of supplying them with powerful painkillers and other drugs that allowed them to keep playing despite injuries, but led to serious complications later in life. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of more than 500 former players, charges the NFL with placing profits ahead of players health. Goodell addressed the leagues continued role in the education and pursuit of safer play. "We want you to learn the right techniques from the moment you play, regardless if you play one year, two years, or if you play flag football," he said. "I think our popularity, the platform we have, gives us an opportunity and its part of our responsibility to make the game safer, not only at the NFL level to protect our players, but also at every other level of football, and frankly, sports in general." Patriots owner Robert Kraft said the health and safety of his players have never been greater in his 20-plus years of owning the team. "I know Im a better human being from having played the game, and when I played, it wasnt as safe as it is now," he said. "So, Im a big believer in the lessons you learn in football." Kraft also was asked about the arraignment Wednesday of former New England tight end Aaron Hernandez, who pleaded not guilty to two more counts of first-degree murder stemming from a 2012 double homicide. Hernandez already is facing charges for the 2013 slaying of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd. Hernandez was released by the team following his arrest last summer. "A year ago when he was arrested, we cut him from the team, I made a statement," said Kraft, who at the time said the organization was "duped" if the accusations were true. "I was very clear about it, and you can go back and read what I said then, and thats the way that I continuously feel." ' ' '