Condoleezza Rice has joined the Broncos ownership group, Former Cowboys RB Marion Barber III's cause of death was announced, Garoppolo is expected to be traded by the 49ers by the end of July, and more NFL news.
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has joined the Broncos ownership group
Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, 67, who also served as a national security advisor, as well as Provost of Stanford University, has joined the incoming ownership group for the Denver Broncos, ESPN reports. Rice lived in Denver during her childhood and received a bachelor's degree and her doctorate from the University of Denver.
"A highly respected public servant, accomplished academic and corporate leader, Secretary Rice is well known as a passionate and knowledgeable football fan who has worked to make the sport stronger and better," new Broncos owner Rob Walton, heir to the Walmart fortune, wrote in a statement, CBSSports reported. "She is the daughter of a football coach and served on the inaugural College Football Playoff Committee...Her unique experience and extraordinary judgment will be a great benefit to the group and the Broncos organization."
"It is an honor to be part of this ownership group. Football has been an integral part of my life since the moment it was introduced to me, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Broncos organization today," Rice said in a statement posted on Facebook.
Former Cowboys, Bears RB Marion Barber III's cause of death announced
Former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber III was found dead in his apartment by police on June 1. His death at the age of 38 was ruled an accident. Now, the Collin County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled that Barber died of heat stroke, CBSSports reported.
Authorities were called after a tenant reported water was leaking from Barber's apartment, and the staff was unable to contact him. They found one of his bathtub faucets leaking, and the thermostat of the unit set to 91 degrees, with the heat set to "on," USA Today reported.
"Mr. Barber was known to exercise in sauna-like conditions," the coroner wrote in his report.
Police also report that family members had not heard from Barber for six days prior to his death and that he "was known to have a history of medical problems and mental health concerns."
"We are heartbroken by the tragic death of Marion Barber III," the Dallas Cowboys wrote in a statement after his death. "Marion was an old school, hard-nosed football player who ran with the will to win every down. He had a passion for the game and love for his coaches and teammates. Our hearts go out to Marion's family and friends during this difficult time."
Jimmy Garoppolo expected to be traded by end of July
"Team execs are just starting to come back from vacation," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero tweeted Monday morning. "Most training camps open in two weeks, and the expectation within the league continues to be that Garoppolo is traded -- somewhere -- by the end of the month."
Stalling a Garoppolo trade deal is the fact that he underwent shoulder surgery earlier this off-season, and will still have to pass a physical. Plus, his base salary is $24.2 million while the 49ers have less than $5 million in available funds, CBSSports reported.