Former Vikings in, out of ESPN plans

ESPN hired one former Viking and parted company with another on Tuesday. Former receiver Cris Carter will become part of the network's NFL coverage beginning April 1, and ex-quarterback Sean Salisbury will depart.

Carter had been working as an analyst on HBO's "Inside the NFL," but that network recently said it would no longer air the program. Carter will appear on ESPN's "NFL Live" and "SportsCenter," as well as ESPN News and ESPN Radio. He also will be part of the network's draft coverage in April.

Carter said he was excited to join ESPN. "I have always felt connected to ESPN since they gave me an opportunity to do some television work during my playing career, and even while working at HBO," he said.

Carter, who played with the Vikings from 1990 to 2001 and was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, was one of 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2008.

Salisbury, who had been a studio analyst with ESPN for 12 years, did not have his contract renewed. His stay at ESPN included a one-week suspension in fall 2006 for misconduct.

Salisbury thanked the network and said he wanted to "expand into other opportunities in TV, radio, Internet, publishing, movies and public speaking, among others."

JUDD ZULGAD

An appeals court has ruled that cable TV giant Comcast Corp. and the NFL Network must return to court to determine what kind of viewing package fans need to watch their favorite football teams.

The state Appellate Division decision Tuesday reverses a lower court ruling that allowed Comcast to distribute NFL Network games in a sports package rather than in a larger digital package with more viewers.

The appeals court said the contract language between Comcast and the network were too "ambiguous" to rule in favor of either side.

• Linebacker Rosevelt Colvin, who played on two Super Bowl-winning New England teams but was plagued by injuries throughout his time there, was released.

• Wide receiver Eddie Kennison, 35, was released by Kansas City after seven seasons.

• Washington released disappointing receiver Brandon Lloyd, who had only 25 catches in two seasons with the team.

• The Jets released WR Justin McCareins, CB Andre Dyson and G Adrien Clarke.