Talking Points: NFL gets in players’ grill

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Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo said he finds it “disheartening” that the league will not permit him to wear a customized face mask on his helmet during games.

“I have to make a switch just for the time being, after all that work,” Orakpo said. “But, you know, the league is funny about trying altered stuff.”

The Giants’ Justin Tuck and the Ravens’ Chris Canty have received medical clearance to wear their nonstandard versions.

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That unprecedented 211-game suspension Alex Rodriguez was handed last week?

Not harsh enough, in Mike Trout’s estimation.

The Angels star said Monday that all performance-enhancing drug cheats should be banned from baseball on the first offense.

“I think you should be out of the game if you get caught,” the outfielder told WFAN radio Monday morning. “It takes away from the guys that are working hard every day and doing it all-natural.”

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The banana thrower has stepped forward. But he stressed the incident was not a racially motivated, even though the fruit landed near Orioles outfielder Adam Jones.

Alexander Poulides insists he was just disgusted at the San Francisco Giants after a 10-2 loss to the Orioles on Sunday.

“I’m embarrassed and shocked by the outcome,” the Northern California resident said. “In hindsight, I wish I didn’t do it and I apologize. I’m very sorry.”