NEW YORK — The NFL will keep a close eye on hits to the knees of defenseless players this season, with the possibility of extending the rules protecting such players.

If the league’s competition committee finds enough evidence this season that hits to the knees are “becoming a problem,” it could take action, chief of football operations Ray Anderson told The Associated Press.

The committee could make a recommendation to the owners next March to prohibit direct hits to the knees of defenseless players. The owners would then vote on such a change.

Grievance filed for ex-Pat HernandezFOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The NFL Players Association has filed a grievance to help former New England Patriots star tight end Aaron Hernandez collect an $82,000 workout bonus.Hernandez’s contract provided for him to receive that amount if he participated in 90 percent of the team’s voluntary offseason workouts.The Patriots cut Hernandez after he was arrested on June 26 and before he was charged with murder later that day.

Ex-receiver Young issued arrest warrantNEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — A California judge issued an arrest warrant for Titus Young after the former Detroit Lions wide receiver missed a fourth court hearing on charges of burglary and attempted burglary.However, Young’s attorney Altus Hudson said he doesn’t expect his client to be arrested, saying the court knows his location. He declined to elaborate outside court.

Pippen not facing criminal chargesLOS ANGELES — Scottie Pippen won’t face criminal charges for a fight with a man who authorities say was drunk when he demanded an autograph and photo with the former Chicago Bulls star, then faked seizures after claiming Pippen punched him in the face.