[naviga:h3]Seahawks didn’t follow protocol[/naviga:h3]

RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks have been fined $100,000 for not properly following concussion protocol with quarterback Russell Wilson during a game in November.

The NFL and NFLPA announced their decision on Thursday following an investigation that lasted more than a month. Along with the financial penalty, Seattle’s coaching and medical staffs will be required to attend remedial training regarding the concussion protocol.

Seattle is the first team fined for such a violation.

[naviga:h3]Nationals sign reliever Kintzler [/naviga:h3]

WASHINGTON — Brandon Kintzler and the Nationals have finalized a $10 million, two-year contract that keeps the relief pitcher in Washington.

Kintzler will earn $5 million next year under the deal announced Thursday. The Nationals have a $10 million option for 2019, and if that is declined Kintzler has a $5 million player option.

The 33-year-old right-hander went 2-1 with a 3.46 ERA, 10 holds and a save in 27 games with the Nationals after they acquired him from Minnesota at the July 31 trade deadline. Kintzler had 28 saves in 32 chances for the Twins and was a first-time AL All-Star.

[naviga:h3]Cavs’ Lue misses game with illness[/naviga:h3]

CLEVELAND — Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue missed Thursday night’s game against Chicago with an undisclosed illness.

Lue did his usual media session about 90 minutes before tip-off and was seen in the team’s locker room before the game. He didn’t mention anything about feeling ill. However, the team announced about 10 minutes before the scheduled 7 p.m. start that Lue would not be coaching the team.

Assistant coach Larry Drew filled in for Lue, who is in his third full season as Cleveland’s coach. Drew previously coached in Atlanta and Milwaukee.

[naviga:h3]No more index cards for NFL officials[/naviga:h3]

NEW YORK — The NFL has told its officials not to use index cards or any other paper to aid in measurements.

In last Sunday night’s Cowboys-Raiders game, veteran referee Gene Steratore tried to slide what appeared to be an index card between the tip of the ball and the end of the chain while measuring for a first down. When the card didn’t slide through, Steratore signaled a first down for Dallas. He said he had decided it was a first down before the odd measurement.

NFL officiating chief Alberto Riveron on Thursday confirmed what Steratore said.

“I will advise them not to use it again,”said Riveron, who replaced Dean Blandino this season.