Ex-Redskin Mitchell, 36, dies

Ashburn, Va. – Former NFL linebacker Kevin Mitchell died in his sleep at the age of 36.

Mitchell died overnight Sunday at his home in Ashburn, near the Washington Redskins’ training facility, according to the team. An autopsy was performed Monday by the Virginia state medical examiner’s office. The cause of death was not immediately announced.

Mitchell was drafted in the second round out of Syracuse in 1994 by the San Francisco 49ers. Mitchell played with San Francisco until 1997, then signed with New Orleans (1998-99). He played his final four seasons (2000-03) with the Redskins.

Tank Johnson pleads guilty

Waukegan, Ill. – Chicago Bears defensive tackle Terry “Tank” Johnson pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor weapons charge Monday as part of an arrangement with prosecutors that will keep him from serving additional time in jail.

The 25-year-old Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a firearm without an owner’s identification, said Mary Stanton, chief of the Lake County Court’s misdemeanor division.

He was ordered to serve 45 days in jail, which will be served concurrently with a four-month sentence he’s already serving in the Cook County Jail for violating his probation, she said.

Eagles release LB Jones

Philadelphia – The Philadelphia Eagles cut seven-year veteran Dhani Jones on Monday, thinning a linebacking corps made crowded by offseason additions. He became expendable after the selection of Nebraska’s Stewart Bradley in the third round of this year’s draft.

‘Pacman’ appeal received

Nashville, Tenn. – Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones has filed his appeal of a season-long suspension and a hearing with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell should be held within the next two weeks, a league spokesman said Monday.