5 Things to Know This Morning

— -- Your look at the five biggest and most buzz-worthy stories of the morning.

1. St. Louis Rams, Police Disagree Over 'Apology' for Players' Ferguson Gesture

A St. Louis Rams official spoke with local police officials Monday, after five players from the team entered their home field Sunday with their arms raised, showing support for nearby Ferguson – a gesture that drew ire from law enforcement. But Rams Chief Operating Officer Kevin Demoff and police officials disagree over whether Demoff’s efforts marked an apology.

Demoff says he did not apologize for the players’ actions.

"In those conversations, I expressed regret that players actions were construed negatively against law enforcement," Demoff told ESPN.com.

"At no time in any of the conversations did I apologize for the actions of our players," Demoff added. "[The Rams] do believe it is possible to support both our players' first amendment rights and the efforts of local law enforcement to make this a better community."

2. Capt. of Shipwrecked Concordia Testifies at Trial

The captain of the Costa Concordia cruise ship is offering his first testimony about the 2012 shipwreck off an Italian island that killed 32 people.

Francesco Schettino arrived some 45 minutes late Tuesday for his trial on charges of manslaughter, causing a shipwreck and abandoning ship. His lawyer described Schettino as "tense, concentrated."

3. Congressional Staffer Resigns After Disparaging Comments About Obama Girls

A Congressional communications director resigned after making disparaging comments about Sasha and Malia Obama on Facebook, ABC News has learned.

Elizabeth Lauten, the communications director for Rep. Stephen Fincher, R-Tenn., last week criticized the girls' demeanor during the annual White House turkey pardoning ceremony, writing on Facebook: "Dear Sasha and Malia, I get you’re both in those awful teen years, but you’re a part of the First Family, try showing a little class.

"At least respect the part you play. Then again your mother and father don’t respect their positions very much, or the nation for that matter, so I’m guessing you’re coming up a little short in the ‘good role model’ department. Nevertheless, stretch yourself. Rise to the occasion. Act like being in the White House matters to you. Dress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar. And certainly don’t make faces during televised public events."

4. Rob Portman Says No To 2016 Presidential Race

It’s not even 2015, and the 2016 presidential race already has its first dropout.

Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican who was once considered a top contender to be Mitt Romney’s vice presidential nominee in 2012, said in a statement early Tuesday morning that he would not seek the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Instead, he said, “I have decided to run for re-election in 2016. I am excited about continuing to serve, especially with the change in the Senate leadership.”

“With the new Republican majority, I see a real opportunity over the next two years to break the gridlock in Washington and actually get things done to help Ohioans and all Americans. That's where I believe I can play the most constructive role,” he said. “I don't think I can run for president and be an effective senator at the same time.”

5. Man Used Olive Garden Pasta Pass to Feed Homeless

Olive Garden’s unlimited pasta pass has come and gone, but some are still feeling its effects.

As a casual Olive Garden customer, Matt Tribe of Ogden, Utah, purchased the pass, which gave the owner unlimited pasta from Sept. 22 through Nov. 9, on a whim that turned into something else much more meaningful.

“I thought it would be cool to share with other people. Everything in the world is so negative, and in my own life, if you’re having a hard time, just doing nice things you forget all about it and it brightens you up,” Tribe, 28, told ABC News. “I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool to do random acts of pasta?’ When someone sends you food, nobody’s pissed! They’re always happy.”