Former NFL player says rules proposals off-target

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. (AP) - A member of the NFLPA's executive committee says the league “tries to blame players for how violent the game has become.”

Former NFL player Sean Morey says Thursday that new rules proposed this week don't address the real problems of player safety. He says the league wants to change rules “to just show” it's being proactive.

Instead, Morey wants more effort to “manage injuries properly.” A 2008 Pro Bowler on special teams, he retired in 2010 after a series of concussions.

The NFL said Wednesday illegal hits will have a greater chance of resulting in suspensions next season. It also proposed moving kickoffs up 5 yards to the 35, and bringing kickoff touchbacks to the 25.

League spokesman Greg Aiello declined to respond to Morey's comments.