Odell Thurman Faces Indefinite Suspension

When the Seattle Seahawks traded up in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft, I was hoping they'd end nearly a decade of mediocrity at the middle linebacker position by selecting Georgia linebacker Odell Thurman, who was still on the board at that time. Instead of Thurman, Tim Ruskell chose the undersized Lofa Tatupu out of USC.

I admit that I, like most Seahawks fans, was disappointed and downright confused by this selection. Thurman had been so highly thought of by the draft experts, whereas Tatupu, well, wasn't. (That was also Tim Ruskell's first draft with the Seahawks, so his ability to find defensive gems was still unknown at the time.)

It wasn't until NFLDraftScout.com's Rob Rang told Doug Farrar of Seahawks.Net that a "zillion Tatupu jerseys" will be worn by Seahawks fans in Qwest Field in a few years that I allowed myself to come in from the ledge. Less than 7 months later, I was at Qwest Field...wearing a Tatupu jersey. Needless to say, I won't be GM-ing an NFL team anytime soon.

In the three seasons since that day, Tatupu has been to three Pro Bowls, is a captain on a perennial playoff team and in March, signed a 6-year, $42 million dollar contract extension.

Meanwhile, after a productive rookie year, Thurman was suspended for the 2006 and 2007 seasons, was released by the Cincinnati Bengals last month after skipping off-season workouts to attend his grandmother's funeral, and if a Sports Illustrated report is true, faces an indefinite NFL suspension for once again violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

I can't say I'm stunned to hear that Thurman is back in trouble. Between the passing of his grandmother, and being released by the Bengals, the conditions were perfect for Thurman to once again run afoul of the league's substance policy.

His NFL career may be on life support, but I hope Thurman, who turns 25 next month, is able to get the help he needs so that he may have a productive life. It's sacrilegious to say it on a football blog, but there are more important things in life than football.

NFL News and Notes

Monday was a busy day in Dallas, between Adam "Pacman" Jones being reinstated (on a limited basis), Terrell Owens receiving a new 4-year contract worth $1 million for each year he's been alive, and unhappy Cowboys linebacker Greg Ellis met with head coach Wade Phillips to discuss Ellis' reduced role during the team's OTA's.

He was against the Cowboys' trade for Pacman from the beginning, but now Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News writes that Pacman Jones is too smart to get into trouble again. (Want to bet, J.J.?)

Not to be outdone by their division rivals, the New York Giants agreed to a one-year contract with free agent defensive end Renaldo Wynn.

The Washington Redskins plan to go slow with newly acquired defensive end Erasmus James. Redskins defensive backs Shawn Springs and LaRon Landry were the only players not in attendance during the first day of the final OTA sessions this off-season. Also within that piece, the Redskins signed free agent safety Stuart Schweigert.

Voluntary workouts begin today in Philadelphia, so will Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard show up? Josh Barnett of the Eagletarian (with a hat tip to Ed Thompson of Scout.com) looks at the future of the offensive tackle position in Philly.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams' work this off-season has drawn rave reviews from the Packers coaching staff.

A torn ACL has limited Detroit Lions running back Brian Calhoun to just 20 touches in 11 games in his two seasons in the NFL, but Calhoun is confident in his ability and thinks the new offense suits his skill set.

Safety Craig Steltz became the 7th Chicago Bears rookie to agree to a contract. Today is June 3rd.

By re-signing tight end Jerramy Stevens, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise "surrendered some of its dignity", writes John Romano.

Carolina Panthers first-round offensive tackle Jeff Otah practiced with the team for the first time on Monday. Panthers wide receiver D.J. Hackett was held out of practice due to swelling in his knee.

Steve Hummer of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution profiles Atlanta Falcons first-round pick Sam Baker.

With Seattle Seahawks wide receivers Bobby Engram a no-show and Deion Branch rehabbing a knee injury, undrafted second-year wide receiver Logan Payne is making the most of his opportunity to prove he belongs. Seahawks defensive tackle Larry Tripplett couldn't pass up the opportunity to return to Seattle.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart was back working with the first-team offense on Monday, and said that he has no problems alternating time with Warner in workouts.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan is concerned about the offensive line. Kevin Lynch of the Niners Insider blog writes that the 49ers will be paying close attention to Measure G on San Francisco's election ballot, and wonders where wide receiver Arnaz Battle is.

The New England Patriots signed veteran offensive tackle Oliver Ross to a one-year contract on Monday.

Buffalo Bills veteran tight end Matt Murphy is moving to offensive tackle.

Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor believes Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor and Bill Parcells will eventually reach a truce. Dolphins undrafted rookie defensive tackle Kory Robertson retired on Monday.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Russell Stuvaints was one of five people shot inside a Pittsburgh-area restaurant on Monday.

The Baltimore Ravens will help finance a $1 million renovation to the football stadium at Mervo High School.

Well-traveled and unfortunately named wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe made a couple of impressive catches in his first practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Tennessee Titans running back LenDale White has a July 29th court date in Denver.

The San Diego Chargers signed veteran center Jeremy Newberry to a one-year contract on Monday.

Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan questioned running back Travis Henry's commitment to the team, so on Monday, he released him. Mark Kiszla writes that the Broncos are better off without Henry. Jim Armstrong can't let the release of Henry go by without taking a shot at Henry's checkered off-field record. The release of Henry could increase Michael Pittman's role in the offense.

When the Oakland Raiders convene for a three-day mini-camp today, running back LaMont Jordan will be there.