Campbell fined for hitting NewtonCHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers quarterback Cam Newton’s concerns about “illegal hits” have been heard by the NFL — and action has been taken.A person familiar with the situation says Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell has been fined $18,000 for his hit on Newton in Sunday’s game. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the league does not publicly announce fines.

Johnson followed mother’s adviceNASHVILLE, Tenn. — Wide receiver Andre Johnson says his mother taught him when a person decides to take their leave they should exit the same way they entered, explaining why he quietly retired midway through his 14th NFL season.Johnson thanked everyone for their texts, post and calls in a statement on Instagram, two days after telling Tennessee Titans coach Mike Mularkey he was retiring.He also thanked his mother, an uncle, former Houston general manager Charley Casserly, the city of Miami and both the Colts and Titans.Johnson wrote he is returning home to Houston where he “will always be a Texan.”He still is the leading receiver in Texans’ history with 1,012 catches for 13,597 yards and 64 touchdowns.

Vikings coach gets torn retina repairedEDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is recovering from surgery to repair a torn retina in one of his eyes.Wearing sunglasses to limit the outside light at his news conference next to the team’s practice fields, Zimmer said he’d had vision trouble for a couple of days before scratching his eye during the game Monday in Chicago. He was sent for further examination and a procedure done Tuesday by doctors who warned him he risked blindness if he didn’t address the problem.Zimmer said he’s been watching film with his good eye, using reading glasses so he can write down notes.The Vikings play Sunday at home against Detroit.