CBS defends decision to run politically-charged Tim Tebow ad at Super Bowl | NFL

CBS responded to complaints over a conservative group's planned Super Bowl ad featuring football star Tim Tebow by saying that it had eased restrictions on advocacy ads and would consider "responsibly produced" ones for open spots in its Feb. 7 broadcast.

CBS Corp. said Tuesday it had received numerous e-mails — both critical and supportive — since a coalition of women's groups began a protest campaign Monday against the ad, which the critics say will use Tebow and his mother to convey an anti-abortion message.

Funded by the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family, the 30-second ad is expected to recount the story of Pam Tebow's pregnancy in 1987. After getting sick during a mission trip to the Philippines, she ignored a recommendation by doctors to abort her fifth child. She later gave birth to Tim, who won the 2007 Heisman Trophy and helped his Florida team win two BCS championships.

Meanwhile, Tebow showed progress on his second day of Senior Bowl practices even though he might have been "a little under the weather." He was erratic and seemed ill at ease under center.

South team coach Tony Sparano of the Miami Dolphins says the former Florida star was a little more comfortable and got the ball out of his hand quicker on Tuesday. Sparano says that improvement shows how smart Tebow is and how quickly he processes information.

According to Tebow's agent, Jimmy Sexton, Tebow was hospitalized Monday night getting treatment for strep throat.

"He's been sick for two days," Sexton told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch after Tuesday afternoon's practice. "He had a 103 temperature."

Tebow's brother, Robby, told The Orlando Sentinel that Tim has been sick with strep throat since Saturday.

Senior Bowl spokesman Kevin McDermond said Tebow "might be a little under the weather," but added that he doesn't have strep throat as had been reported. Tebow hasn't missed any practice time Monday or Tuesday.

Tebow is trying to show NFL teams that he can be a pro quarterback during the week of practices, interviews and meetings leading up to Saturday's game.

Notes

• The Oakland Raiders hired Hue Jackson as their offensive coordinator in a move that strips coach Tom Cable, a native of Snohomish, of his play-calling duties and gives the Raiders another person experienced at developing young quarterbacks. Jackson is the second new assistant hired by the Raiders since the end of the season, joining defensive-line coach Mike Waufle. While owner Al Davis has not yet committed to bringing Cable back, he has hired two assistants with ties to Cable. Jackson and Cable worked together on the staff at Cal-State Fullerton in 1990 and at California in 1996. Waufle and Cable also worked together at Cal in the 1990s.

• Brett Favre hinted he'll decide about next season sooner rather than later, though with him that's famously been subject to change.

Even if the Minnesota Vikings must switch quarterbacks again, though, they're willing to wait for Favre's word.

Coach Brad Childress said Tuesday he doesn't have a deadline for Favre's decision, insisting the team can plan for both possibilities despite an obvious preference for early resolution. "State of flux is generally not good. It's usually uncomfortable, but sometimes it pushes you to create as well," Childress said.

• The Atlanta Falcons, looking for an improved pass defense, have hired Tim Lewis as the team's secondary coach. Lewis coached the Seahawks' defensive backs this season and is a former defensive coordinator with the Pittsburgh

• Minnesota cornerback Cedric Griffin will have surgery to repair an injured left knee and may not be ready for the start of next season.

• San Francisco defensive tackle Justin Smith has been added to the NFL Pro Bowl roster in place of injured Kevin Williams of Minnesota. Atlanta receiver Roddy White is replacing Minnesota's Sidney Rice for Sunday's game in Miami.

• Baltimore hired Dean Pees, former New England defensive coordinator, as linebackers coach.