Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reports that a team with an interest in acquiring unsigned restricted free agent wide receiver Vincent Jackson from the San Diego Chargers has learned that Jackson is expecting a four-game suspension from the NFL.
Jackson has two DUIs on his record, and was cited for driving with a suspended driver's license while en route to the Chargers' Wild Card playoff loss to the New York Jets on January 17.
The NFL has yet to hand down any discipline for second DUI conviction, and while Florio points out the NFL has reduced punishment for multiple DUIs in the past, he also notes that Jackson hasn't expressed similar remorse for his transgressions.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Agent: DEA Probe Has Nothing To Do With Ellison
Jerome Stanley, the agent for Seattle Seahawks safety Kevin Ellison, says the ongoing investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration into how medical staffs for the San Diego Chargers and San Diego Padres dispense painkilling medication has nothing to do with his client.
Ellison, a sixth-round pick by the Chargers in 2009, was arrested in Redondo Beach, California on May 24 after 100 Vicodin tablets were discovered in his possession during a traffic stop.
The Chargers waived Ellison on June 21. Seattle claimed the former USC standout the following day, but waived him last Friday before re-signing him on Tuesday, apparently to adjust contractual issues.
"This DEA thing has nothing whatsoever to do with Kevin Ellison," Stanley said. "Nothing whatsoever. At all. Period."
Ellison, a sixth-round pick by the Chargers in 2009, was arrested in Redondo Beach, California on May 24 after 100 Vicodin tablets were discovered in his possession during a traffic stop.
The Chargers waived Ellison on June 21. Seattle claimed the former USC standout the following day, but waived him last Friday before re-signing him on Tuesday, apparently to adjust contractual issues.
"This DEA thing has nothing whatsoever to do with Kevin Ellison," Stanley said. "Nothing whatsoever. At all. Period."
Lions Reach Deal With 3rd Round CB Amari Spievey
The Detroit Lions have reached a three-year deal with third-round cornerback Amari Spievey, Andy Simms, Speivey's agent, announced on Twitter.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Chosen with the 66th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Spievey (5-11, 195) was a two-year starter at the University of Iowa, totaling 142 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 14 pass break-ups.
A JUCO All-American in 2007, Spievey earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2008, and was a first-team selection after the 2009 season.
Known for his physical, ball-hawking style of play, Spievey could contend for playing time right away in a thin Lions' secondary. Spievey will most certainly play a large role on the Lions' kick and punt coverage units as a rookie.
Spievey is the third of the Lions' six picks in the 2010 NFL Draft to sign or agree to terms on a contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Chosen with the 66th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Spievey (5-11, 195) was a two-year starter at the University of Iowa, totaling 142 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 14 pass break-ups.
A JUCO All-American in 2007, Spievey earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2008, and was a first-team selection after the 2009 season.
Known for his physical, ball-hawking style of play, Spievey could contend for playing time right away in a thin Lions' secondary. Spievey will most certainly play a large role on the Lions' kick and punt coverage units as a rookie.
Spievey is the third of the Lions' six picks in the 2010 NFL Draft to sign or agree to terms on a contract.
Kevin Ellison's Likely "Contractual Adjustment"
On Tuesday, the Seattle Seahawks re-signed second-year safety Kevin Ellison, just a few days after waiving him. Within the official press release announcing the re-signing, the Seahawks mentioned that he was re-signed in order to "adjust contractual issues".
As the 189th overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, Ellison signed a four-year, $1.851 million dollar contract with the Chargers. Ellison's contract contained a signing bonus of $101,175, with minimum base salaries of $310,000 in '09, $395,000 in 2010, $480,000 in 2011, and $565,000 in 2012. There were escalators that will increase his 2012 contract, as well.
NFLPA records show that Ellison is signed through 2012, so there aren't many noticeable changes to his contract. What has likely changed, however, is the language as it pertains to base salary splits.
Beginning with their fourth-round picks, the Chargers sign their draft picks to contracts that include a pre-season split in each of the first two years of the deal. This means that for each week the player is on the 53-man roster or a reserve list, he will receive 1/17th of his "Up" base salary.
Seattle signs their late-round picks to contracts with "full split" language in the first two years of the deal. This means that if a player is placed on a reserve list at any time during the regular season, the player will be paid 1/17th of his "Down" amount of base salary.
Split amounts in 2010 for players with one accrued season, which Ellison has, are $395,000 (Up) and $240,000 (Down).
Ellison had three knee operations during this career at USC, which according to his lawyer still require treatment with pain medication. When Ellison was waived by the Seahawks last Friday, reports were that it was due to a failed physical, likely relating to knees.
Considering those factors, there's an increased likelihood that if Ellison does make the Seahawks' 53-man roster, he could be placed on a reserved list during the season. By altering the language in his contract, the Seahawks have protected themselves against that.
As the 189th overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, Ellison signed a four-year, $1.851 million dollar contract with the Chargers. Ellison's contract contained a signing bonus of $101,175, with minimum base salaries of $310,000 in '09, $395,000 in 2010, $480,000 in 2011, and $565,000 in 2012. There were escalators that will increase his 2012 contract, as well.
NFLPA records show that Ellison is signed through 2012, so there aren't many noticeable changes to his contract. What has likely changed, however, is the language as it pertains to base salary splits.
Beginning with their fourth-round picks, the Chargers sign their draft picks to contracts that include a pre-season split in each of the first two years of the deal. This means that for each week the player is on the 53-man roster or a reserve list, he will receive 1/17th of his "Up" base salary.
Seattle signs their late-round picks to contracts with "full split" language in the first two years of the deal. This means that if a player is placed on a reserve list at any time during the regular season, the player will be paid 1/17th of his "Down" amount of base salary.
Split amounts in 2010 for players with one accrued season, which Ellison has, are $395,000 (Up) and $240,000 (Down).
Ellison had three knee operations during this career at USC, which according to his lawyer still require treatment with pain medication. When Ellison was waived by the Seahawks last Friday, reports were that it was due to a failed physical, likely relating to knees.
Considering those factors, there's an increased likelihood that if Ellison does make the Seahawks' 53-man roster, he could be placed on a reserved list during the season. By altering the language in his contract, the Seahawks have protected themselves against that.
Patriots Rookies Signing Status
I linked to it this morning, but Christopher Price of WEEI.com enlisted my services to discuss the signing status of the New England Patriots 2010 draft class.
Price has been a friend to the blog, so go to the "It Is What It Is" blog and show 'em some love.
Price has been a friend to the blog, so go to the "It Is What It Is" blog and show 'em some love.
Bears Unlikely to Pursue Vincent Jackson
ESPN's Adam Schefter has identified the three teams who have debated acquiring wide receiver Vincent Jackson from the San Diego Chargers:
1. Seattle Seahawks
2. Washington Redskins
3. Chicago Bears
Unless the price to acquire, not to mention pay Jackson drops considerably, I'd be surprised if the Seahawks are serious players for the 6-5, 230-pound receiver. If Seahawks general manager John Schneider were willing to pay the freight--believed to be two 2nd round picks or a 1st round pick--and hand out a nearly $50 million dollar contract for a talented, but troubled wide receiver, Brandon Marshall would be a Seahawk today.
Jackson is unquestionably talented, but with two DUIs, he'd be a risky acquisition.
Besides, Seattle has big money invested in T.J. Houshmandzadeh, used a second-round pick on Golden Tate, have a young receiver Deon Butler and are implementing an offense that will feature more 2-TE sets, which will involve flexing John Carlson off the line of scrimmage as a key target in the passing game.
Cost is a major reason why the Chicago Bears are unlikely to pursue Jackson, writes Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Though he's taken to referring to Jackson in the past tense, I'm nowhere near convinced that Chargers general manager A.J. Smith is interested in moving Jackson. Had he been at all interested in that, he would not have placed the "First- and Third-Round" restricted free agent tender on Jackson, which was a ring of fire that no other NFL front office was ever going to cross in March or April. (The Denver Broncos placed the "First Round" tender on Marshall, indicating their willingness to make a deal.)
Having media outlets in Seattle, Chicago, or Washington echoing the same sentiment--we like the player, but he's too expensive--could very well help Smith negotiate a team-friendly long-term extension with Jackson.
1. Seattle Seahawks
2. Washington Redskins
3. Chicago Bears
Unless the price to acquire, not to mention pay Jackson drops considerably, I'd be surprised if the Seahawks are serious players for the 6-5, 230-pound receiver. If Seahawks general manager John Schneider were willing to pay the freight--believed to be two 2nd round picks or a 1st round pick--and hand out a nearly $50 million dollar contract for a talented, but troubled wide receiver, Brandon Marshall would be a Seahawk today.
Jackson is unquestionably talented, but with two DUIs, he'd be a risky acquisition.
Besides, Seattle has big money invested in T.J. Houshmandzadeh, used a second-round pick on Golden Tate, have a young receiver Deon Butler and are implementing an offense that will feature more 2-TE sets, which will involve flexing John Carlson off the line of scrimmage as a key target in the passing game.
Cost is a major reason why the Chicago Bears are unlikely to pursue Jackson, writes Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Though he's taken to referring to Jackson in the past tense, I'm nowhere near convinced that Chargers general manager A.J. Smith is interested in moving Jackson. Had he been at all interested in that, he would not have placed the "First- and Third-Round" restricted free agent tender on Jackson, which was a ring of fire that no other NFL front office was ever going to cross in March or April. (The Denver Broncos placed the "First Round" tender on Marshall, indicating their willingness to make a deal.)
Having media outlets in Seattle, Chicago, or Washington echoing the same sentiment--we like the player, but he's too expensive--could very well help Smith negotiate a team-friendly long-term extension with Jackson.
Cardinals G Deuce Lutui to Become US Citizen on Friday
Arizona Cardinals restricted free agent guard Deuce Lutui is set to become a United States citizen, Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic reports.
Born in Ha'apai, Tonga, Lutui has spent most of his life living in Mesa, Arizona.
According to Somers, Lutui will be among 204 Arizona residents to become official citizens of the United States in a ceremony at South Mountain Community College on Friday, July 2.
Lutui is reportedly tipping the scales at nearly 400 pounds this off-season, so he should fit right in with the rest of his countrymen.
Born in Ha'apai, Tonga, Lutui has spent most of his life living in Mesa, Arizona.
According to Somers, Lutui will be among 204 Arizona residents to become official citizens of the United States in a ceremony at South Mountain Community College on Friday, July 2.
Lutui is reportedly tipping the scales at nearly 400 pounds this off-season, so he should fit right in with the rest of his countrymen.
Jets' Players Prefer Clemens to Brunell
Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News conducted an informal poll of the New York Jets' locker room about the team's back-up quarterback position, and the results show that an "overwhelming majority" favored Kellen Clemens over a more experienced passer like Mark Brunell.
"Brunell? Isn't he like 50 years old?" one player said.
Another said he "didn't even know Brunell was still in the league until we played them last year,", Mehta reports.
Brunell, who spent the last two seasons as Drew Brees' backup quarterback in New Orleans--which explains his anonymity--has been linked to the Jets since early April. Because of the "Final Eight" plan of the uncapped season, the Jets haven't been free to add players at will this off-season.
The Jets are expected to sign Brunell prior to the 2010 training camp.
Jets tight end Dustin Keller was willing to go on the record in his support of Clemens.
"Nobody knows this offense as well as Kellen," Keller said. "If anything would ever happen to Mark, we know we have a solid guy that will go in there and knows all the checks. He doesn’t have to get all the reps (in practice) to learn this stuff, because he already knows everything."
"Brunell? Isn't he like 50 years old?" one player said.
Another said he "didn't even know Brunell was still in the league until we played them last year,", Mehta reports.
Brunell, who spent the last two seasons as Drew Brees' backup quarterback in New Orleans--which explains his anonymity--has been linked to the Jets since early April. Because of the "Final Eight" plan of the uncapped season, the Jets haven't been free to add players at will this off-season.
The Jets are expected to sign Brunell prior to the 2010 training camp.
Jets tight end Dustin Keller was willing to go on the record in his support of Clemens.
"Nobody knows this offense as well as Kellen," Keller said. "If anything would ever happen to Mark, we know we have a solid guy that will go in there and knows all the checks. He doesn’t have to get all the reps (in practice) to learn this stuff, because he already knows everything."
Maurice Jones-Drew to Host Radio Show
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew will host a fantasy football radio show on Sirius XM.
The show will air on Friday nights during the regular season, though whether it's a live format or a podcast is unknown.
It will be interesting to if whether or not Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio signed off on the radio show.
Last season, Del Rio famously canceled a Friday radio show that quarterback David Garrard hosted, citing the timing of the show.
"Less than 48 hours away from the game, it's not even a question," Del Rio said. "I don't even understand how anybody could ever advise somebody to think about doing something like that. It makes no sense.
"I've let my feelings be known to David about what's most important late in the week," Del Rio said. "It's very important for us as a football team to, when you're less than 48 hours from the game, to make sure your attention is on the game, your focus is on the game.
"If you're not studying film, you ought to be relaxing with the family. So, those are my thoughts. I conveyed them to him."
The show will air on Friday nights during the regular season, though whether it's a live format or a podcast is unknown.
It will be interesting to if whether or not Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio signed off on the radio show.
Last season, Del Rio famously canceled a Friday radio show that quarterback David Garrard hosted, citing the timing of the show.
"Less than 48 hours away from the game, it's not even a question," Del Rio said. "I don't even understand how anybody could ever advise somebody to think about doing something like that. It makes no sense.
"I've let my feelings be known to David about what's most important late in the week," Del Rio said. "It's very important for us as a football team to, when you're less than 48 hours from the game, to make sure your attention is on the game, your focus is on the game.
"If you're not studying film, you ought to be relaxing with the family. So, those are my thoughts. I conveyed them to him."
Randall Cunningham's Son Drowns
Christian Cunningham, the 2-year old son of former NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham, drowned Tuesday in a hot tub at the family's Las Vegas home, Mark Anderson of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.
The body was discovered by a woman watching the Cunningham children at 4:30pm. She removed the body from the hot tub, and began performing CPR. Neglect and abuse detectives are investigating, but no charges are expected.
"It appears that it’s just a complete tragedy," Metro Lt. Dennis Flynn said. "It only takes a brief minute for someone to take their eye off the child."
Cunningham was in San Diego at the time of the accident.
Cunningham, who attended UNLV, spent 16 years in the NFL, spending the first 11 years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Cunningham went to three Pro Bowls (1988-90) as an Eagle before spending three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, including one Pro Bowl season in 1998. Cunningham spent one season each with the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Cunningham family.
The body was discovered by a woman watching the Cunningham children at 4:30pm. She removed the body from the hot tub, and began performing CPR. Neglect and abuse detectives are investigating, but no charges are expected.
"It appears that it’s just a complete tragedy," Metro Lt. Dennis Flynn said. "It only takes a brief minute for someone to take their eye off the child."
Cunningham was in San Diego at the time of the accident.
Cunningham, who attended UNLV, spent 16 years in the NFL, spending the first 11 years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Cunningham went to three Pro Bowls (1988-90) as an Eagle before spending three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, including one Pro Bowl season in 1998. Cunningham spent one season each with the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Cunningham family.
NFL News and Notes - June 30, 2010
Christopher Price of WEEI.com looks at when the rest of the New England Patriots' 2010 draft class will sign their rookie deals.
New York Jets players prefer Kellen Clemens over Mark Brunell as Mark Sanchez's back-up, reports Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.
Miami Dolphins defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers discusses the team's line with Mike Berardino of the Sun-Sentinel.
Vacation plans vary in the Baltimore Ravens locker room.
Pittsburgh Steelers right tackle Willie Colon will have season-ending surgery today.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson was arrested in Austin, Texas.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning helped raise money for the Niswonger Children's Hospital in Johnson City, Tennessee earlier this week.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins has gotten serious over the off-season, writes Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew will host a fantasy football radio show on Friday nights this fall.
Houston Texans tight end Joel Dreessen is helping a mural project at his former high school.
Kansas City Chiefs fifth-round safety Kendrick Lewis signed a contract on Tuesday, the team's first draft pick to do so.
Vicki Michaels of the USA Today wonders if the Denver Broncos have one too many quarterbacks.
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson may have worn out his welcome, writes Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Kyle Boller is getting married on Friday.
Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News examines the Dallas Cowboys' nose tackle position.
New York Giants third-round safety Chad Jones is being transferred to a New York hospital to continue his rehab.
Surveillance video reportedly disputes Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick's timeline of events prior to a shooting outside his 30th birthday in Virginia Beach last week.
Fifteen of the Washington Redskins' training camp practices in 2010 will be open to the public.
Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney isn't going anywhere, writes Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer.
An architects study determined that adding a retractable roof is possible for the Georgia Dome, reports Leon Stafford of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
All signs point to Sean Jones as the starting strong safety in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' secondary, writes Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times.
New Orleans Saints assistant defensive line coach Travis Jones entered a plea agreement for his involvement in a real estate scam in Texas.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt spoke at the NFL's Rookie Symposium.
The San Francisco 49ers have depth at offensive tackle, but not enough to interest other teams in a trade, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
Free agent safety Kevin Ellison has signed with the Seattle Seahawks.
Howard Balzer of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat reveals some details of the contracts signed by the St. Louis Rams draft picks. (I posted some on Monday night)
The Green Bay Packers have sold over 35,000 tickets for their Family Night on August 7.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback R.J. Archer was waived on Tuesday.
Detroit Lions seventh-round wide receiver Tim Toone will be center stage during Irrelevant Week, which gets underway today in Newport Beach, California.
Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs was hurt by the release of defensive end Alex Brown earlier this off-season.
Today's NFL birthdays: Bears guard Josh Beekman (27), Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin (26), Jaguars cornerback Tyron Brackenridge (26), Eagles defensive tackle Antonio Dixon (25) and safety Marlin Jackson (27), Buccaneers defensive end Tim Crowder (25), free agent wide receiver Demetrius Byrd (24), defensive end Rulon Davis (25), defensive tackle Vaka Manupuna (28), running back Travis Minor (31), cornerback Matteral Richardson (25), defensive end Nu'u Tafisi (29), tight end Ben Utecht (29), and safety Tank Williams (30).
New York Jets players prefer Kellen Clemens over Mark Brunell as Mark Sanchez's back-up, reports Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.
Miami Dolphins defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers discusses the team's line with Mike Berardino of the Sun-Sentinel.
Vacation plans vary in the Baltimore Ravens locker room.
Pittsburgh Steelers right tackle Willie Colon will have season-ending surgery today.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson was arrested in Austin, Texas.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning helped raise money for the Niswonger Children's Hospital in Johnson City, Tennessee earlier this week.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins has gotten serious over the off-season, writes Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew will host a fantasy football radio show on Friday nights this fall.
Houston Texans tight end Joel Dreessen is helping a mural project at his former high school.
Kansas City Chiefs fifth-round safety Kendrick Lewis signed a contract on Tuesday, the team's first draft pick to do so.
Vicki Michaels of the USA Today wonders if the Denver Broncos have one too many quarterbacks.
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson may have worn out his welcome, writes Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Kyle Boller is getting married on Friday.
Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News examines the Dallas Cowboys' nose tackle position.
New York Giants third-round safety Chad Jones is being transferred to a New York hospital to continue his rehab.
Surveillance video reportedly disputes Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick's timeline of events prior to a shooting outside his 30th birthday in Virginia Beach last week.
Fifteen of the Washington Redskins' training camp practices in 2010 will be open to the public.
Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney isn't going anywhere, writes Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer.
An architects study determined that adding a retractable roof is possible for the Georgia Dome, reports Leon Stafford of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
All signs point to Sean Jones as the starting strong safety in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' secondary, writes Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times.
New Orleans Saints assistant defensive line coach Travis Jones entered a plea agreement for his involvement in a real estate scam in Texas.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt spoke at the NFL's Rookie Symposium.
The San Francisco 49ers have depth at offensive tackle, but not enough to interest other teams in a trade, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
Free agent safety Kevin Ellison has signed with the Seattle Seahawks.
Howard Balzer of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat reveals some details of the contracts signed by the St. Louis Rams draft picks. (I posted some on Monday night)
The Green Bay Packers have sold over 35,000 tickets for their Family Night on August 7.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback R.J. Archer was waived on Tuesday.
Detroit Lions seventh-round wide receiver Tim Toone will be center stage during Irrelevant Week, which gets underway today in Newport Beach, California.
Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs was hurt by the release of defensive end Alex Brown earlier this off-season.
Today's NFL birthdays: Bears guard Josh Beekman (27), Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin (26), Jaguars cornerback Tyron Brackenridge (26), Eagles defensive tackle Antonio Dixon (25) and safety Marlin Jackson (27), Buccaneers defensive end Tim Crowder (25), free agent wide receiver Demetrius Byrd (24), defensive end Rulon Davis (25), defensive tackle Vaka Manupuna (28), running back Travis Minor (31), cornerback Matteral Richardson (25), defensive end Nu'u Tafisi (29), tight end Ben Utecht (29), and safety Tank Williams (30).
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Report: Vick Left Party 3 Minutes Before Gunshots
Guadalajara, the Virginia Beach restaurant that hosted Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick's 30th birthday party last Thursday night, has turned over surveillance video to Virginia Beach police that shows Vick and his entourage driving away from the restaurant just three minutes before gunshots rang out, The Daily Press reports.
Quanis Phillips, a co-defendant of Vick's during the infamous dogfighting scandal, was shot in the leg, and restaurant spokesman Allen Fabijan says the shots rang out from the direction Vick and Co. drove off in.
If true, the video would seem to contradict the timeline put forth by Vick's attorney, Larry Woodward, who has claimed that Vick and his entourage left the party 30 minutes prior to the gunshots.
Fabijan also disputes Woodward's claim that restaurant security had to remove Phillips from the premises.
"It was a flawless night until the shooting", Fabijan said.
If NFL public relations departments had a nickel for every time they've heard that...
Quanis Phillips, a co-defendant of Vick's during the infamous dogfighting scandal, was shot in the leg, and restaurant spokesman Allen Fabijan says the shots rang out from the direction Vick and Co. drove off in.
If true, the video would seem to contradict the timeline put forth by Vick's attorney, Larry Woodward, who has claimed that Vick and his entourage left the party 30 minutes prior to the gunshots.
Fabijan also disputes Woodward's claim that restaurant security had to remove Phillips from the premises.
"It was a flawless night until the shooting", Fabijan said.
If NFL public relations departments had a nickel for every time they've heard that...
DEA Reviewing Chargers, Padres Doctors
Physicians for the San Diego Chargers and San Diego Padres are under review by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Brent Schrotenboer of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
The DEA is attempting to "verify the correctness" of their controlled-substance inventories and records.
"The physicians under review are affiliated with the San Diego Chargers and San Diego Padres organizations," the DEA said in a statement.
"Currently, there are no administrative charges, criminal charges or indictments pending for any of the physicians or pharmacies where the warrants were served."
According to Schrotenboer, the Chargers had no one available to comment, while the Padres are looking into the matter.
The DEA is attempting to "verify the correctness" of their controlled-substance inventories and records.
"The physicians under review are affiliated with the San Diego Chargers and San Diego Padres organizations," the DEA said in a statement.
"Currently, there are no administrative charges, criminal charges or indictments pending for any of the physicians or pharmacies where the warrants were served."
According to Schrotenboer, the Chargers had no one available to comment, while the Padres are looking into the matter.
Seahawks Sign S Kevin Ellison
The Seattle Seahawks announced that they have signed free agent safety Kevin Ellison.
Ellison was originally claimed off waivers from the San Diego Chargers on June 22, but was waived on June 25. Reports last Friday were that Ellison, who underwent three knee surgeries at USC, had failed his physical.
According to the team's press release this afternoon, the Seahawks release and re-signing of Ellison was intended to adjust a contractual issue.
"Coach Carroll and I are excited to add Kevin’s intensity to the competition at the safety position," said General Manager John Schneider. "He has a feel for our system, and although he is a late addition, we believe he can step in and challenge for a roster spot."
A sixth-round pick (189th overall) by the Chargers, Ellison started at strong safety in 9 of 13 regular season games during his rookie season. The 6-1, 224-pound Ellison totaled 52 tackles, including three for a loss, and a quarterback sack. Ellison also defended three passes during his rookie season.
Ellison was arrested in May in Redondo Beach, California after 100 Vicodin tablets were discovered in his car when he was stopped for speeding. If Ellison makes the Seahawks' 53-man roster, he may be subject to discipline under the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Ellison was originally claimed off waivers from the San Diego Chargers on June 22, but was waived on June 25. Reports last Friday were that Ellison, who underwent three knee surgeries at USC, had failed his physical.
According to the team's press release this afternoon, the Seahawks release and re-signing of Ellison was intended to adjust a contractual issue.
"Coach Carroll and I are excited to add Kevin’s intensity to the competition at the safety position," said General Manager John Schneider. "He has a feel for our system, and although he is a late addition, we believe he can step in and challenge for a roster spot."
A sixth-round pick (189th overall) by the Chargers, Ellison started at strong safety in 9 of 13 regular season games during his rookie season. The 6-1, 224-pound Ellison totaled 52 tackles, including three for a loss, and a quarterback sack. Ellison also defended three passes during his rookie season.
Ellison was arrested in May in Redondo Beach, California after 100 Vicodin tablets were discovered in his car when he was stopped for speeding. If Ellison makes the Seahawks' 53-man roster, he may be subject to discipline under the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Saints Claim CB Danny Gorrer Off Waivers
Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that the New Orleans Saints announced that they have claimed cornerback Danny Gorrer off waivers from the St. Louis Rams.
Gorrer was waived on Monday as the Rams cleared space on their 80-man roster for the eight 2010 draft picks they signed.
The 6-0, 178-pound Gorrer originally entered the NFL with the Saints, signing with the club last April as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M. Gorrer tallied seven tackles and a pass defensed or the Saints during the '09 pre-season, but was cut at the end of training camp and signed to the Saints' practice squad.
Signed by the Rams off the Saints' practice squad midway through the '09 season, Gorrer appeared in three games for the Rams, totaling 5 tackles (4 on defense, 1 on special teams) and a pass defensed. Gorrer started his first NFL game in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Gorrer is signed for the 2010 season with a base salary of $395,000.
Gorrer was waived on Monday as the Rams cleared space on their 80-man roster for the eight 2010 draft picks they signed.
The 6-0, 178-pound Gorrer originally entered the NFL with the Saints, signing with the club last April as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M. Gorrer tallied seven tackles and a pass defensed or the Saints during the '09 pre-season, but was cut at the end of training camp and signed to the Saints' practice squad.
Signed by the Rams off the Saints' practice squad midway through the '09 season, Gorrer appeared in three games for the Rams, totaling 5 tackles (4 on defense, 1 on special teams) and a pass defensed. Gorrer started his first NFL game in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Gorrer is signed for the 2010 season with a base salary of $395,000.
Redskins Are Interested in Vincent Jackson
Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that, in addition to the Seattle Seahawks, the Washington Redskins are interested in acquiring restricted free agent wide receiver Vincent Jackson from the San Diego Chargers.
As easy as it is to connect Jackson to the Seahawks, it's important to remember that if Seattle had any interest in trading multiple high-round picks, and shelling out $40+ million dollars on a free agent contract for a wide receiver, Brandon Marshall would be a Seattle Seahawk right now.
I remain skeptical that, two months after passing on Marshall and using a second-round pick on Golden Tate, the Seahawks, who have several key holes to fill in the next two NFL drafts (DE, RB, OL), would trade future high-round picks (plural) to acquire a receiver with two DUIs to his credit.
For that to happen, A.J. Smith and Vincent Jackson's asking prices will need to drop considerably.
"The Seahawks maintain interest, as do “several other teams,” according to one source. Among those teams, sources said, are the Washington Redskins. It is not known whether the Redskins have spoken to the Chargers regarding Jackson."Acee acknowledges that while the Seahawks "maintain interest", the price to obtain and compensate Jackson may be an issue.
As easy as it is to connect Jackson to the Seahawks, it's important to remember that if Seattle had any interest in trading multiple high-round picks, and shelling out $40+ million dollars on a free agent contract for a wide receiver, Brandon Marshall would be a Seattle Seahawk right now.
I remain skeptical that, two months after passing on Marshall and using a second-round pick on Golden Tate, the Seahawks, who have several key holes to fill in the next two NFL drafts (DE, RB, OL), would trade future high-round picks (plural) to acquire a receiver with two DUIs to his credit.
For that to happen, A.J. Smith and Vincent Jackson's asking prices will need to drop considerably.
Sinkhole Outside LP Field
After suffering $3 million in damages due to flooding in May, a 30-foot wide, 5 to 6-foot deep sinkhole on the concrete plaza that surrounds LP Field has Metro Sports Authority Executive Director Emmett Edwards concerned.
"This may well be the tip of the iceberg," Edwards tells Brandon Gee of the Nashville Business Journal.
The reason for the Edwards' concern is that LP Field General Manager Walter Overton said that substandard materials were found beneath the plaza. Overton added that the sinkhole may have been caused by poor construction, not the flooding, and that other areas around the stadium may be at risk for similarly-sized sinkholes.
"What has to happen is some expert has to come in and assess that situation," Overton said.
Gee adds that because the sinkhole may have been caused by a pre-existing condition, the city of Nashville's insurance may not cover the repairs.
"This may well be the tip of the iceberg," Edwards tells Brandon Gee of the Nashville Business Journal.
The reason for the Edwards' concern is that LP Field General Manager Walter Overton said that substandard materials were found beneath the plaza. Overton added that the sinkhole may have been caused by poor construction, not the flooding, and that other areas around the stadium may be at risk for similarly-sized sinkholes.
"What has to happen is some expert has to come in and assess that situation," Overton said.
Gee adds that because the sinkhole may have been caused by a pre-existing condition, the city of Nashville's insurance may not cover the repairs.
Chiefs Sign 5th Round S Kendrick Lewis
The Kansas City Chiefs announced that they have signed fifth-round safety Kendrick Lewis.
Terms of the contract were not disclosed, though the Chiefs emulate the "Pittsburgh model", and sign their mid-to-late draft choices to three-year contracts. As such, Lewis' contract is likely in the $1.37 million dollar range, with a signing bonus of around $155,000.
UPDATE: Lewis signed a four-year contract. With only two late-round picks to sign, it appears that the Chiefs are going with the four-year agreements for six of their seven picks. Eric Berry will sign a five or six-year deal.
Lewis entered Mississippi as a wide receiver, catching five passes for 31 yards before moving to the defensive backfield as a sophomore. A started in 33 of his final 38 games for the Rebels, Lewis (6-0, 198) totaled 226 tackles, including 10 for a loss and three quarterback sacks, with six interceptions and 18 passes defensed.
Chosen with the 136th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Lewis' immediate contributions are expected to be on special teams, though head coach Todd Haley has hinted that he wouldn't hesitate to start a pair of rookies at safety this season.
Lewis is the first of the Chiefs' seven draft picks to sign a contract.
Terms of the contract were not disclosed, though the Chiefs emulate the "Pittsburgh model", and sign their mid-to-late draft choices to three-year contracts. As such, Lewis' contract is likely in the $1.37 million dollar range, with a signing bonus of around $155,000.
UPDATE: Lewis signed a four-year contract. With only two late-round picks to sign, it appears that the Chiefs are going with the four-year agreements for six of their seven picks. Eric Berry will sign a five or six-year deal.
Lewis entered Mississippi as a wide receiver, catching five passes for 31 yards before moving to the defensive backfield as a sophomore. A started in 33 of his final 38 games for the Rebels, Lewis (6-0, 198) totaled 226 tackles, including 10 for a loss and three quarterback sacks, with six interceptions and 18 passes defensed.
Chosen with the 136th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Lewis' immediate contributions are expected to be on special teams, though head coach Todd Haley has hinted that he wouldn't hesitate to start a pair of rookies at safety this season.
Lewis is the first of the Chiefs' seven draft picks to sign a contract.
Lawyer for Cedric Benson Issues Statement
Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson, arrested this morning in Austin, Texas is relation to an incident at a bar over Memorial Day weekend, has hired attorney David Cornwell.
Cornwell issued the following statement:
"Late last month at a nightclub, Cedric Benson was asked to take pictures with some female fans. A man approached Cedric and objected to him posing for pictures with the women. Cedric explained that he had been asked to pose with the women and the man punched Cedric.
"An altercation followed and while Cedric was leaving the club, he was approached by another man aggressively. Believing this man was a friend of the man who had punched him; Cedric attempted to protect himself and continued out of the club. Immediately upon leaving the club, Cedric called the police. He was interviewed by the police and left the area.
"Two weeks ago while he was in Cincinnati, Cedric was contacted by a detective investigating the incident in Texas. Apparently, the second man who approached Cedric is an employee of the night club and claimed that Cedric punched him. Cedric agreed to be interviewed upon his return to Texas and provided his return date. Cedric was not contacted by the detective upon his return. This morning Cedric received a telephone call advising him that a warrant had been issued for his arrest. Cedric voluntarily made himself available, was taken into custody, and was released earlier today after posting bond.
"Upon his release, Cedric contacted Coach Marvin Lewis and the Commissioner's office to notify the Cincinnati Bengals and the NFL of these events. Though we adamantly dispute that Cedric committed a crime, Cedric will continue to cooperate with law enforcement, the Bengals and the NFL in their investigation of these events."
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com takes issue with the last paragraph.
Cornwell issued the following statement:
"Late last month at a nightclub, Cedric Benson was asked to take pictures with some female fans. A man approached Cedric and objected to him posing for pictures with the women. Cedric explained that he had been asked to pose with the women and the man punched Cedric.
"An altercation followed and while Cedric was leaving the club, he was approached by another man aggressively. Believing this man was a friend of the man who had punched him; Cedric attempted to protect himself and continued out of the club. Immediately upon leaving the club, Cedric called the police. He was interviewed by the police and left the area.
"Two weeks ago while he was in Cincinnati, Cedric was contacted by a detective investigating the incident in Texas. Apparently, the second man who approached Cedric is an employee of the night club and claimed that Cedric punched him. Cedric agreed to be interviewed upon his return to Texas and provided his return date. Cedric was not contacted by the detective upon his return. This morning Cedric received a telephone call advising him that a warrant had been issued for his arrest. Cedric voluntarily made himself available, was taken into custody, and was released earlier today after posting bond.
"Upon his release, Cedric contacted Coach Marvin Lewis and the Commissioner's office to notify the Cincinnati Bengals and the NFL of these events. Though we adamantly dispute that Cedric committed a crime, Cedric will continue to cooperate with law enforcement, the Bengals and the NFL in their investigation of these events."
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com takes issue with the last paragraph.
Pete Carroll Rips the NCAA
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll returned to Los Angeles, where he received a warm welcome as he helped coach kids at the inaugural Win Forever Academy football camp.
Michael Lev of the Orange County Register reports that while speaking to reporters after the camp, when the subject of the NCAA infractions against USC and the governing body's assault on his coaching approach was brought up, Carroll let 'er rip.
"Anybody that stood for that thought doesn't understand. They don't get it. They've never been close enough to our program to know what it's all about," Carroll said. "To not understand that is to not be informed. It's unfortunate that people from someplace else would make decisions on something that is so powerful, that has been so important and has been such a wonderful exchange."
Much more from Carroll, in video form, can be viewed here.
Michael Lev of the Orange County Register reports that while speaking to reporters after the camp, when the subject of the NCAA infractions against USC and the governing body's assault on his coaching approach was brought up, Carroll let 'er rip.
"Anybody that stood for that thought doesn't understand. They don't get it. They've never been close enough to our program to know what it's all about," Carroll said. "To not understand that is to not be informed. It's unfortunate that people from someplace else would make decisions on something that is so powerful, that has been so important and has been such a wonderful exchange."
Much more from Carroll, in video form, can be viewed here.
Giants S Chad Jones to be Transferred to NY Hospital
New York Giants third-round safety Chad Jones is being transferred to New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center, the team announced on Tuesday.
Jones has been at LSU Public Hospital, and he's being transferred to New York for plastic surgery and perhaps additional orthopedic procedures.
"Chad has received outstanding medical care from the doctors and nurses in New Orleans since his accident. They've shown great compassion," said Giants vice president of medical services Ronnie Barnes. "After consulting with our doctors, Chad's doctors at LSU and his family felt like this move to New York was the next logical step in his care and recovery."
Jones has been at LSU Public Hospital, and he's being transferred to New York for plastic surgery and perhaps additional orthopedic procedures.
"Chad has received outstanding medical care from the doctors and nurses in New Orleans since his accident. They've shown great compassion," said Giants vice president of medical services Ronnie Barnes. "After consulting with our doctors, Chad's doctors at LSU and his family felt like this move to New York was the next logical step in his care and recovery."
Flozell Adams Visiting the Steelers
With starting right tackle Willie Colon out for the 2010 season after rupturing his right Achilles' tendon, ESPNDallas.com's Calvin Watkins reports the Pittsburgh Steelers have brought free agent offensive tackle Flozell Adams to town for a visit.
A second-round pick out of Michigan State in 1998, Adams (6-7, 338) went to five Pro Bowls as a member of the Cowboys, and has started 178 of 182 career games.
Adams was released by the Cowboys in early April.
Since his release, Adams has taken free agent visits with the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos, but has yet to receive a contract offer. Watkins notes that Adams has not played on the right side of the offensive line since his rookie season, but might move to the side, if needed.
Max Starks is entrenched as the Steelers' left tackle.
A second-round pick out of Michigan State in 1998, Adams (6-7, 338) went to five Pro Bowls as a member of the Cowboys, and has started 178 of 182 career games.
Adams was released by the Cowboys in early April.
Since his release, Adams has taken free agent visits with the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos, but has yet to receive a contract offer. Watkins notes that Adams has not played on the right side of the offensive line since his rookie season, but might move to the side, if needed.
Max Starks is entrenched as the Steelers' left tackle.
Trailer for "The Tillman Story"
Below is the trailer for "The Tillman Story", a documentary from Amir Bar-Lev about the death of former Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman on the battlefield in Afghanistan, the cover-up by United States military officials, and the pursuit for the truth by his family.
Bengals RB Cedric Benson Arrested in Austin
Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson was arrested and charged with assault earlier today, the Austin American Statesmen reports.
Benson's arrest is in connection to an incident last month at Annie's West on Sixth Street in Austin, Texas, where after an altercation with another patron, Benson allegedly spit blood at an employee, and then punched an employee after being escorted out of the bar and refused re-entry.
Benson has already posted bail, and if convicted, faces one year in jail for the Class A misdemeanor.
A first-round pick (4th overall) by the Chicago Bears in 2005, Benson played his college ball at the University of Texas, which is located in Austin. Released by the Bears in June 2008 after being arrested for drunk boating and drunk driving, Benson has played for the Bengals since midway through the 2008 season.
In 60 career games, Benson has gained 3,591 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground, while adding 63 receptions for 476 yards as a receiver out of the backfield. Benson has led the Bengals in rushing in each of the last two seasons, and has reportedly been in talks with the Bengals about an extension for a contract that will pay him $2.65 million dollars in base salary this season.
Benson's arrest is in connection to an incident last month at Annie's West on Sixth Street in Austin, Texas, where after an altercation with another patron, Benson allegedly spit blood at an employee, and then punched an employee after being escorted out of the bar and refused re-entry.
Benson has already posted bail, and if convicted, faces one year in jail for the Class A misdemeanor.
A first-round pick (4th overall) by the Chicago Bears in 2005, Benson played his college ball at the University of Texas, which is located in Austin. Released by the Bears in June 2008 after being arrested for drunk boating and drunk driving, Benson has played for the Bengals since midway through the 2008 season.
In 60 career games, Benson has gained 3,591 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground, while adding 63 receptions for 476 yards as a receiver out of the backfield. Benson has led the Bengals in rushing in each of the last two seasons, and has reportedly been in talks with the Bengals about an extension for a contract that will pay him $2.65 million dollars in base salary this season.
Vikings Waive QB R.J. Archer
In a roster move that has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not Brett Favre returns for the 2010 season, the Minnesota Vikings have waived undrafted free agent quraterback R.J. Archer.
Within that blog post, Mike Wobschall of Vikings.com mentions that the Vikings have 4 quarterbacks on the active roster. The fourth quarterback behind Favre, Tarvaris Jackson, and Sage Rosenfels is sixth-round pick Joe Webb, who many teams were looking at as a wide receiver.
During his career at UAB, Webb completed 59% of his 792 pass attempts for 5,771 yards and 37 touchdowns. Webb added 2,771 yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground, and 32 receptions for 471 yards and 4 scores as a receiver. The 6-3, 223-pound Webb worked ahead of Rosenfels during the team's mandatory mini-camp earlier this month.
The 6-2, 220-pound Archer was signed to a three-year contract as an undrafted free agent out of William & Mary. Archer played receiver for the Tribe for two seasons, catching 69 passes for 940 yards and a touchdown before moving to quarterback in 2008. In two seasons under center, Archer completed 60.2% of his pass attempts for 2,778 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Archer earned second-team All-CAA honors after last season.
Within that blog post, Mike Wobschall of Vikings.com mentions that the Vikings have 4 quarterbacks on the active roster. The fourth quarterback behind Favre, Tarvaris Jackson, and Sage Rosenfels is sixth-round pick Joe Webb, who many teams were looking at as a wide receiver.
During his career at UAB, Webb completed 59% of his 792 pass attempts for 5,771 yards and 37 touchdowns. Webb added 2,771 yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground, and 32 receptions for 471 yards and 4 scores as a receiver. The 6-3, 223-pound Webb worked ahead of Rosenfels during the team's mandatory mini-camp earlier this month.
The 6-2, 220-pound Archer was signed to a three-year contract as an undrafted free agent out of William & Mary. Archer played receiver for the Tribe for two seasons, catching 69 passes for 940 yards and a touchdown before moving to quarterback in 2008. In two seasons under center, Archer completed 60.2% of his pass attempts for 2,778 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Archer earned second-team All-CAA honors after last season.
Police Release Video of Lewand's Arrest
Roscommon County police released the dashboard camera video of Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand's arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Lewand, who has said he's in active recovery, claimed to not have had a drink "in about a year and a half". Over an hour after being placed into custody, Lewand blew a .21 and .20 on a breathalyzer.
Video can be viewed at MLive.com.
Lewand, who has said he's in active recovery, claimed to not have had a drink "in about a year and a half". Over an hour after being placed into custody, Lewand blew a .21 and .20 on a breathalyzer.
Video can be viewed at MLive.com.
Steelers OL Colon, Scott Scheduled for Surgery
An MRI confirmed that Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Willie Colon ruptured his right Achilles' tendon on Monday, and surgery has been scheduled for Wednesday with Dr. James Bradley, the team's orthopedic surgion.
Colon will miss the 2010 season.
Additionally, Steelers fifth-round offensive guard Chris Scott suffered a foot injury last week, and will also have surgery on Wednesday.
"Rookie offensive lineman Chris Scott suffered a foot injury while working out at the University of Tennessee last week," Steelers Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert said. "As stated earlier, Willie Colon suffered an Achilles injury while working out on Monday. Both were evaluated by Steelers’ medical personnel today and they are scheduled for surgery on Wednesday. We will have further information regarding both once we know the results of each of their surgeries."
Scott is one of three members of the 2010 NFL Draft class who is not in attendance at the rookie symposium in Calsbad, California this week.
Colon will miss the 2010 season.
Additionally, Steelers fifth-round offensive guard Chris Scott suffered a foot injury last week, and will also have surgery on Wednesday.
"Rookie offensive lineman Chris Scott suffered a foot injury while working out at the University of Tennessee last week," Steelers Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert said. "As stated earlier, Willie Colon suffered an Achilles injury while working out on Monday. Both were evaluated by Steelers’ medical personnel today and they are scheduled for surgery on Wednesday. We will have further information regarding both once we know the results of each of their surgeries."
Scott is one of three members of the 2010 NFL Draft class who is not in attendance at the rookie symposium in Calsbad, California this week.
Alcohol Not a Factor In Jones' Car Accident
New Orleans Police spokeswoman Shereese Harper said the responding officers to the single-car accident involving New York Giants third-round safety Chad Jones last Friday morning determined that alcohol was not a factor in the accident.
"The officers on the scene had no reason to believe alcohol was involved," Harper said, according to Randy Rosetta of The Advocate.
Harper added that no toxicology tests were performed on Jones.
"We have two tests we use when the driver is alive: The Intoxilyzer 5000 (breath test) and a blood test," Harper said. "Obviously, we couldn’t administer the breathalyzer, because the driver needed to go to the hospital. And when the officers got to the hospital to request a blood test, he was already in surgery and by then it was too late."
Doctors sustained multiple fractures, but doctors were able to save Jones' left foot. Jones has already begun rehab, but there is no timetable for his recovery. The Giants are expected to place Jones on the "Non-Football Injury" list, and Rocky Arceneaux, Jones' agent, hasn't ruled out a return to the football field in 2011.
Jones, who played baseball at LSU, was also a 50th round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2010 MLB Draft.
"The officers on the scene had no reason to believe alcohol was involved," Harper said, according to Randy Rosetta of The Advocate.
Harper added that no toxicology tests were performed on Jones.
"We have two tests we use when the driver is alive: The Intoxilyzer 5000 (breath test) and a blood test," Harper said. "Obviously, we couldn’t administer the breathalyzer, because the driver needed to go to the hospital. And when the officers got to the hospital to request a blood test, he was already in surgery and by then it was too late."
Doctors sustained multiple fractures, but doctors were able to save Jones' left foot. Jones has already begun rehab, but there is no timetable for his recovery. The Giants are expected to place Jones on the "Non-Football Injury" list, and Rocky Arceneaux, Jones' agent, hasn't ruled out a return to the football field in 2011.
Jones, who played baseball at LSU, was also a 50th round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2010 MLB Draft.
Lions Waive Medlock, Quarterman
Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that in addition to signing seventh-round defensive end Willie Young, the Detroit Lions have waived kicker Justin Medlock and offensive lineman Kurt Quarterman.
Medlock had been claimed off waivers from the Washington Redskins on June 15. A 2007 fifth-round pick out of UCLA by the Kansas City Chiefs, Medlock has also spent time with the St. Louis Rams and handled the kicking and punting duties for the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL in 2009.
If Medlock clears waivers, he's expected to return to the Argos.
Quarterman also entered the NFL in 2007, signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent out of Louisville. The 6-5, 348-pound guard has also spent time with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, but has yet to appear in an NFL game.
Young signed a three-year, $1.262M contract on Monday, which included a $47,800 signing bonus.
Medlock had been claimed off waivers from the Washington Redskins on June 15. A 2007 fifth-round pick out of UCLA by the Kansas City Chiefs, Medlock has also spent time with the St. Louis Rams and handled the kicking and punting duties for the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL in 2009.
If Medlock clears waivers, he's expected to return to the Argos.
Quarterman also entered the NFL in 2007, signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent out of Louisville. The 6-5, 348-pound guard has also spent time with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, but has yet to appear in an NFL game.
Young signed a three-year, $1.262M contract on Monday, which included a $47,800 signing bonus.
Brunell Has $24.7M in Liabilities
According to his bankruptcy filing, free agent quarterback Mark Brunell has $5.5 million dollars in assets, 60% of which is a $3.1M home in Ponte Vedra, Florida, but $24.7 million dollars in liabilities, Roger Bull of the Florida Times-Union reports.
Most of the liabilities are personal guarantees that Brunell made on commercial loans involving limited liability companies, including Champion LLC, a real estate and development company Brunell partnered with former teammates Todd Fordham and Joel Smeenge on.
Over $11 million dollars of Brunell's listed liabilities are tied to Champion LLC.
"They bought some land and they got killed, like a lot of people did," attorney Rick Wilcox, who filed the bankruptcy filing for Brunell, told the Times-Union.
Most of the liabilities are personal guarantees that Brunell made on commercial loans involving limited liability companies, including Champion LLC, a real estate and development company Brunell partnered with former teammates Todd Fordham and Joel Smeenge on.
Over $11 million dollars of Brunell's listed liabilities are tied to Champion LLC.
"They bought some land and they got killed, like a lot of people did," attorney Rick Wilcox, who filed the bankruptcy filing for Brunell, told the Times-Union.
Reggie Wayne Sells Fla. Home to Karlos Dansby
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne has sold his Southwest Ranches, Florida home to Miami Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby for $3.4 million dollars, Brian Bandell of South Florida Business Journal reports.
Bandell adds that the 10,825-square foot home in the Landmark Ranch Estates was built in 2007 and has two mortgages.
Dansby signed a five-year, $43 million dollar contract with the Dolphins in March, a contract that included $22 million dollars in guaranteed money, and which will pay Dansby nearly $21 million dollars in 2010.
Since he was chosen in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, the former Auburn University standout has started 82 of his 90 career games, totaling 553 tackles, 25.5 quarterback sacks, and 10 interceptions.
Bandell adds that the 10,825-square foot home in the Landmark Ranch Estates was built in 2007 and has two mortgages.
Dansby signed a five-year, $43 million dollar contract with the Dolphins in March, a contract that included $22 million dollars in guaranteed money, and which will pay Dansby nearly $21 million dollars in 2010.
Since he was chosen in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, the former Auburn University standout has started 82 of his 90 career games, totaling 553 tackles, 25.5 quarterback sacks, and 10 interceptions.
NFL News and Notes - June 29, 2010
Former New England Patriots second-round wide receiver Chad Jackson is attempting to revive his career with the Buffalo Bills, writes ESPN's Tim Graham.
Safety Brodney Pool says signing with the New York Jets was "the perfect decision" for him this off-season.
Despite his path to a starting job being blocked, Miami Dolphins nose tackle Paul Soliai hopes to contribute in 2010, writes Mike Berardino of the Sun-Sentinel.
Baltimore Ravens sixth-round offensive tackle Ramon Harewood agreed to a three-year deal on Monday.
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Willie Colon could be lost for the season to a ruptured Achilles' tendon.
Cleveland Browns sixth-round defensive end Clifton Geathers signed a four-year contract on Monday.
Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer discusses the findings that the late Chris Henry had chronic brain damage at the time of his death.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne sold his South Florida home to Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby for $3.4 million dollars.
Tennessee Titans linebacker Colin Allred expects Stephen Tulloch to be the starter when training camp opens.
Former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell has $24.7 million dollars in liabilities, and less than $6M in assets.
Houston Texans offensive tackle Eric Winston was the guest columnist for Peter King's MMQB column on SI.com.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Joe Delaney died 27 years ago today.
San Diego Chargers first-round running back Ryan Mathews is careful when dealing with new people who approach him, reports Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Sean Morey was rattled by the news that Chris Henry had brain trauma.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com looks at how the San Francisco 49ers' 53-man roster may shake out numbers-wise in 2010.
Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic provides a few Arizona Cardinals updates on a slow summer day.
As I reported this last night, but the St. Louis Rams have a thing for palindromes.
Reality-show winner Jesse Holley is still with the Dallas Cowboys, writes Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News.
The New York Giants waived wide receiver Chris Davis after he failed his physical.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson says there's been no progress towards a new contract.
Washington Redskins cornerback Byron Westbrook was acquitted of all charges stemming from a February arrest for driving under the influence.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White is giving back to his adopted home of Augusta, Georgia.
Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times thinks the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will reach a new deal with restricted free agent offensive tackle Donald Penn.
The New Orleans Saints released their 2010 training camp schedule on Monday.
Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand's BAC was twice the legal limit when he was arrested on Friday night.
Minnesota Vikings seventh-round tight end Mickey Shuler continues to learn from his father, who played tight end in the NFL for 14 seasons.
HBO's documentary on legendary Green Bay Packers head coach Vince Lombardi will air in December, HBO and NFL Films announced on Monday.
Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith is alright with the team's depth in the defensive backfield, reports Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
Today's NFL birthdays: Cardinals undrafted wide receiver Stephen Williams (24), Falcons kicker Steven Hauschka (25), Ravens offensive tackle Oniel Cousins (26) and fourth-round tight end Dennis Pitta (25), Eagles safety Quintin Demps (25), Steelers linebacker Andre Frazier (28), free agent wide receiver Jeremy Childs (23), linebacker John DiGiorgio (28), quarterback Chris Pizzotti (24), defensive end Montae Reagor (33), and wide receiver Trey Stross (23).
Safety Brodney Pool says signing with the New York Jets was "the perfect decision" for him this off-season.
Despite his path to a starting job being blocked, Miami Dolphins nose tackle Paul Soliai hopes to contribute in 2010, writes Mike Berardino of the Sun-Sentinel.
Baltimore Ravens sixth-round offensive tackle Ramon Harewood agreed to a three-year deal on Monday.
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Willie Colon could be lost for the season to a ruptured Achilles' tendon.
Cleveland Browns sixth-round defensive end Clifton Geathers signed a four-year contract on Monday.
Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer discusses the findings that the late Chris Henry had chronic brain damage at the time of his death.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne sold his South Florida home to Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby for $3.4 million dollars.
Tennessee Titans linebacker Colin Allred expects Stephen Tulloch to be the starter when training camp opens.
Former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell has $24.7 million dollars in liabilities, and less than $6M in assets.
Houston Texans offensive tackle Eric Winston was the guest columnist for Peter King's MMQB column on SI.com.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Joe Delaney died 27 years ago today.
San Diego Chargers first-round running back Ryan Mathews is careful when dealing with new people who approach him, reports Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Sean Morey was rattled by the news that Chris Henry had brain trauma.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com looks at how the San Francisco 49ers' 53-man roster may shake out numbers-wise in 2010.
Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic provides a few Arizona Cardinals updates on a slow summer day.
As I reported this last night, but the St. Louis Rams have a thing for palindromes.
Reality-show winner Jesse Holley is still with the Dallas Cowboys, writes Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News.
The New York Giants waived wide receiver Chris Davis after he failed his physical.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson says there's been no progress towards a new contract.
Washington Redskins cornerback Byron Westbrook was acquitted of all charges stemming from a February arrest for driving under the influence.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White is giving back to his adopted home of Augusta, Georgia.
Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times thinks the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will reach a new deal with restricted free agent offensive tackle Donald Penn.
The New Orleans Saints released their 2010 training camp schedule on Monday.
Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand's BAC was twice the legal limit when he was arrested on Friday night.
Minnesota Vikings seventh-round tight end Mickey Shuler continues to learn from his father, who played tight end in the NFL for 14 seasons.
HBO's documentary on legendary Green Bay Packers head coach Vince Lombardi will air in December, HBO and NFL Films announced on Monday.
Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith is alright with the team's depth in the defensive backfield, reports Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
Today's NFL birthdays: Cardinals undrafted wide receiver Stephen Williams (24), Falcons kicker Steven Hauschka (25), Ravens offensive tackle Oniel Cousins (26) and fourth-round tight end Dennis Pitta (25), Eagles safety Quintin Demps (25), Steelers linebacker Andre Frazier (28), free agent wide receiver Jeremy Childs (23), linebacker John DiGiorgio (28), quarterback Chris Pizzotti (24), defensive end Montae Reagor (33), and wide receiver Trey Stross (23).
Monday, June 28, 2010
Rams Have a Fondness for Palindromes
The St. Louis Rams have begun signing members of their 2010 NFL draft class, and it's become apparent that they have an affinity for palindromes.
Gregg Rosenthal of ProFootballTalk.com reported the details third-round wide receiver Jerome Murphy's signing, which included a $937,739 signing bonus, on Saturday.
The Rams also got seventh-round picks seventh-rounder picks Josh Hull and George Selvie, and fifth-round tight end Michael Hoomanawanui under contract.
Not all of the details are in, but according to a league source, Gilyard's signing bonus was $552,255. Hoomanawanui received a signing bonus of $215,512, and fellow fifth-round defensive end Hall Davis signed for $188,881.
Sixth-round defensive end Eugene Sims received a $103,301 signing bonus, which was "enhanced" (NFL buzz word) by a fully guaranteed $564 roster bonus to keep the palindrome streak intact.
Seventh-rounder Selvie received a $55,955 signing bonus.
Further contract quirkiness with the Rams is shown in the 2010 base salary within safety O.J. Atogwe's five-year contract extension: $2,100,021.
Atogwe has worn the #21 since his days at Stanford.
The seventh-year safety will also make base salaries of $3.5M in 2011, $5.5M in 2012-13, and $5M in 2014.
To make room for the signed draft picks, Howard Balzer of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat reports the Rams terminated the contract of defensive end James Wyche, and waived defensive tackle Leger Douzable, cornerback Danny Gorrer, long-snapper Clint Mower, and running back DeMaundray Woolridge.
Linebacker K.C. Asiodu was waived/injured, and will be added to the injured reserve list if he clears waivers, which he should do.
Gregg Rosenthal of ProFootballTalk.com reported the details third-round wide receiver Jerome Murphy's signing, which included a $937,739 signing bonus, on Saturday.
The Rams also got seventh-round picks seventh-rounder picks Josh Hull and George Selvie, and fifth-round tight end Michael Hoomanawanui under contract.
Not all of the details are in, but according to a league source, Gilyard's signing bonus was $552,255. Hoomanawanui received a signing bonus of $215,512, and fellow fifth-round defensive end Hall Davis signed for $188,881.
Sixth-round defensive end Eugene Sims received a $103,301 signing bonus, which was "enhanced" (NFL buzz word) by a fully guaranteed $564 roster bonus to keep the palindrome streak intact.
Seventh-rounder Selvie received a $55,955 signing bonus.
Further contract quirkiness with the Rams is shown in the 2010 base salary within safety O.J. Atogwe's five-year contract extension: $2,100,021.
Atogwe has worn the #21 since his days at Stanford.
The seventh-year safety will also make base salaries of $3.5M in 2011, $5.5M in 2012-13, and $5M in 2014.
To make room for the signed draft picks, Howard Balzer of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat reports the Rams terminated the contract of defensive end James Wyche, and waived defensive tackle Leger Douzable, cornerback Danny Gorrer, long-snapper Clint Mower, and running back DeMaundray Woolridge.
Linebacker K.C. Asiodu was waived/injured, and will be added to the injured reserve list if he clears waivers, which he should do.
Browns Sign 6th Round DE Clifton Geathers
The Cleveland Browns announced that they have signed sixth-round defensive Clifton Geathers.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but Geathers' four-year deal is believed to have included a signing bonus of slightly over $104,000, making the total value of the agreement worth $1.894 million dollars.
Geathers appeared in 37 games at South Carolina, but did not enter the starting lineup until 2009. In 12 games last season, Geathers totaled 41 tackles, including 8.5 for a loss and 3.5 quarterback sacks, but opted to forgo his senior season to enter the 2010 NFL Draft.
Overall, the 6-8, 299-pound Geathers posted 72 tackles, with 12 coming behind the line of scrimmage and 6 quarterback sacks during his career.
Geathers projects to the “5” technique end position in the Browns’ 3-4 defense.
Geathers is the first of the Browns' eight picks in the 2010 NFL Draft to sign a contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but Geathers' four-year deal is believed to have included a signing bonus of slightly over $104,000, making the total value of the agreement worth $1.894 million dollars.
Geathers appeared in 37 games at South Carolina, but did not enter the starting lineup until 2009. In 12 games last season, Geathers totaled 41 tackles, including 8.5 for a loss and 3.5 quarterback sacks, but opted to forgo his senior season to enter the 2010 NFL Draft.
Overall, the 6-8, 299-pound Geathers posted 72 tackles, with 12 coming behind the line of scrimmage and 6 quarterback sacks during his career.
Geathers projects to the “5” technique end position in the Browns’ 3-4 defense.
Geathers is the first of the Browns' eight picks in the 2010 NFL Draft to sign a contract.
Vikings Claim WR Marko Mitchell Off Waivers
Tom Pelissero of ESPNTwinCities.com reports that the Minnesota Vikings have claimed wide receiver Marko Mitchell off waivers.
Mitchell (6-4, 218) had been waived by the Detroit Lions last Friday.
Drafted by the Redskins in the seventh-round (243rd) of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Nevada. Mitchell led the Redskins in receiving during last year's pre-season, catching 11 passes for 113 yards and 3 touchdowns, earning a spot on the team's 53-man roster. In 10 games last season, Mitchell caught 4 passes for 32 yards and recorded one tackle on special teams.
Minnesota put in a waiver claim when Mitchell was released by the Redskins earlier this off-season, but his rights were awarded to Detroit.
Mitchell (6-4, 218) had been waived by the Detroit Lions last Friday.
Drafted by the Redskins in the seventh-round (243rd) of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Nevada. Mitchell led the Redskins in receiving during last year's pre-season, catching 11 passes for 113 yards and 3 touchdowns, earning a spot on the team's 53-man roster. In 10 games last season, Mitchell caught 4 passes for 32 yards and recorded one tackle on special teams.
Minnesota put in a waiver claim when Mitchell was released by the Redskins earlier this off-season, but his rights were awarded to Detroit.
Giants Waive WR/KR Chris Davis
The New York Giants announced that wide receiver/kick returner Chris Davis has been waived after failing his physical with the team.
Davis was claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals on June 23.
A 2007 fourth-round pick (128th overall) out of Florida State in 2007 by the Tennessee Titans, Davis (5-10, 181) has 7 receptions for 69 yards in 17 games during his career.
Davis was claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals on June 23.
A 2007 fourth-round pick (128th overall) out of Florida State in 2007 by the Tennessee Titans, Davis (5-10, 181) has 7 receptions for 69 yards in 17 games during his career.
Lions Agree to Terms With 7th Round DE Willie Young
Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post reports that the Detroit Lions have agreed to a three-year deal with seventh-round (213th overall) defensive end Willie Young.Wilson adds that Young received a signing bonus of around $48,000.
A 6-5, 251-pound pass-rush specialist from North Caroline State, Young posted 194 tackles, including 45.5 for a loss and 20.5 quarterback sacks during his 49-game career. An exceptional athlete, Young added 11 pass break-ups and 3 interceptions during his career, as well.
Young earned honorable mention All-ACC honors after his junior season, and second-team All-ACC after the 2009 season.
To earn a spot on the 53-man roster, Young will need to have an impressive showing during training camp and the pre-season. Young’s NFL career will most likely begin as a member of the team’s practice squad.
Vick Meets With Va. Beach Police
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick and his lawyer, Larry Woodward, voluntarily meet with Virginia Beach detectives this afternoon, Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News reports.
"The case in still being investigated. The case is currently assigned to a homicide detective. Over the last several days, numerous people have been interviewed by detectives. This afternoon, Michael Vick, along with his attorney, came to Virginia Beach Police Headquarters to speak with detectives. He answered the detectives' questions," Virginia Beach police spokesman Adam Bernstein said on Monday.
"The investigation into the identity of the shooter continues. No arrests have been made in the case. Police are asking anyone with information to call Virginia Beach Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP."
Woodward tells the Virginian-Pilot that Vick left the party 30 minutes before the shooting occurred. Woodward added that the victim of the shooting, Quanis Phillips, a co-defendant from Vick's dogfighting trial who Vick is not allowed to associate with as a term of his probation, was not invited to the party, which was open to the public, and had been kicked out prior to the shooting.
"The case in still being investigated. The case is currently assigned to a homicide detective. Over the last several days, numerous people have been interviewed by detectives. This afternoon, Michael Vick, along with his attorney, came to Virginia Beach Police Headquarters to speak with detectives. He answered the detectives' questions," Virginia Beach police spokesman Adam Bernstein said on Monday.
"The investigation into the identity of the shooter continues. No arrests have been made in the case. Police are asking anyone with information to call Virginia Beach Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP."
Woodward tells the Virginian-Pilot that Vick left the party 30 minutes before the shooting occurred. Woodward added that the victim of the shooting, Quanis Phillips, a co-defendant from Vick's dogfighting trial who Vick is not allowed to associate with as a term of his probation, was not invited to the party, which was open to the public, and had been kicked out prior to the shooting.
Seahawks WR Sean Morey "Rattled" By Henry's Brain Damage
A report that Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a form of degenerative brain damage, at the time of his death, has rattled Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Sean Morey, Alan Schwartz of the New York Times reports.
"It's very emotional to hear--it rattles me," said Morey. "The fact that this has been found (in) guys (you) played against last year, an active player, I think it's sobering. You have to ask yourself how many are playing the game today that have this and don't even know about it.
"We have to educate the players," Morey said. "The players have to have the ability to have informed consent."
A Pro Bowl-caliber special teams player, Morey was named co-chair of the NFL Players Association concussion and traumatic brain injury committee last October. Despite taking a leadership role in that area of the game, Morey admitted to playing in a game last season, despite knowing he had a concussion.
Morey won't publicly admit to the number of concussions he's sustained during his career, but told the Associated Press that it's "more than I'd like to admit".
Morey, 34, signed a three-year contract with the Seahawks this off-season.
(H/T: Greg Johns of seattlepi.com)
"It's very emotional to hear--it rattles me," said Morey. "The fact that this has been found (in) guys (you) played against last year, an active player, I think it's sobering. You have to ask yourself how many are playing the game today that have this and don't even know about it.
"We have to educate the players," Morey said. "The players have to have the ability to have informed consent."
A Pro Bowl-caliber special teams player, Morey was named co-chair of the NFL Players Association concussion and traumatic brain injury committee last October. Despite taking a leadership role in that area of the game, Morey admitted to playing in a game last season, despite knowing he had a concussion.
Morey won't publicly admit to the number of concussions he's sustained during his career, but told the Associated Press that it's "more than I'd like to admit".
Morey, 34, signed a three-year contract with the Seahawks this off-season.
(H/T: Greg Johns of seattlepi.com)
Redskins CB Bryon Westbrook Acquitted of All Charges
Washington Redskins cornerback Byron Westbrook was acquitted of all charges last Friday in Charles County (VA) District Court, Paul Tenorio of the Washington Post reports.
Westbrook was arrested in Waldorf, Virginia on February 19 after a sheriff's deputy observed that he was driving erratically. Westbrook was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired, negligent driving and failing to stay on the right side of the road, and plead not guilty.
"Several things all added up to there just wasn't enough evidence to stop this guy because he wasn't violating any laws," said Jim Farmer, Westbrook's attorney.
Westbrook was arrested in Waldorf, Virginia on February 19 after a sheriff's deputy observed that he was driving erratically. Westbrook was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired, negligent driving and failing to stay on the right side of the road, and plead not guilty.
"Several things all added up to there just wasn't enough evidence to stop this guy because he wasn't violating any laws," said Jim Farmer, Westbrook's attorney.
Ravens Sign 6th Round OT Ramon Harewood
The Baltimore Ravens have signed sixth-round offensive tackle Ramon Harewood, Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times and National Football Post reports.
According to Wilson, Harewood received a $74,171 signing bonus, making his three-year deal worth $1.289 million dollars.
A raw, 6-6, 341-pound prospect out of Morehouse, Harewood began his college career as a defensive lineman before switching to offense as a sophomore. Harewood started 30 games over the last three seasons, with 20 starts coming at right tackle as a sophomore and junior, where he earned second-team all-SIAC honors in 2007, and first-team honors in 2008.
Harewood switched to left tackle last season, again earning first-team All-SIAC honors.
The Barbados native is a developmental prospect for the tackle-rich Ravens, and will not be expected to make a contribution in his rookie season. With his impressive size, strength, and intensity, Harewood projects to right tackle in the NFL.
Harewood is the fourth of the Ravens' seven picks in the 2010 NFL Draft to sign a contract.
According to Wilson, Harewood received a $74,171 signing bonus, making his three-year deal worth $1.289 million dollars.
A raw, 6-6, 341-pound prospect out of Morehouse, Harewood began his college career as a defensive lineman before switching to offense as a sophomore. Harewood started 30 games over the last three seasons, with 20 starts coming at right tackle as a sophomore and junior, where he earned second-team all-SIAC honors in 2007, and first-team honors in 2008.
Harewood switched to left tackle last season, again earning first-team All-SIAC honors.
The Barbados native is a developmental prospect for the tackle-rich Ravens, and will not be expected to make a contribution in his rookie season. With his impressive size, strength, and intensity, Harewood projects to right tackle in the NFL.
Harewood is the fourth of the Ravens' seven picks in the 2010 NFL Draft to sign a contract.
Vikings Waive Two
The Minnesota Vikings waived a pair of undrafted free agents this morning, Mike Wobschall of Vikings.com reports.
Waived were center Tommy Hernandez and defensive end Cedric McKinley.
Hernandez started 34 games during his college career at UC-Davis, while McKinley (6-5, 275) totaled 43 tackles, including 10.5 for a loss and 5 quarterback sacks, during his two years at the University of Minnesota as a JUCO transfer.
Today's moves leave the Vikings with 75 players signed to the active roster, with six unsigned picks from the 2010 NFL Draft.
Waived were center Tommy Hernandez and defensive end Cedric McKinley.
Hernandez started 34 games during his college career at UC-Davis, while McKinley (6-5, 275) totaled 43 tackles, including 10.5 for a loss and 5 quarterback sacks, during his two years at the University of Minnesota as a JUCO transfer.
Today's moves leave the Vikings with 75 players signed to the active roster, with six unsigned picks from the 2010 NFL Draft.
Steelers OT Willie Colon Injures Achilles
Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Willie Colon suffered an Achilles' injury during a workout today.
Caplan adds that an MRI has been scheduled to determine the significance of Colon's injury.
A fourth-round pick (131st overall) out of Hofstra by the Steelers in 2006, the 6-3, 315-pounder from Hofstra has started 50 consecutive regular season games at right tackle for the Steelers.
Colon has also started four post-season games for the Steelers, including Super Bowl XLIII.
Due to the uncapped year, Colon was not eligible for unrestricted free agency. The Steelers tendered Colon at the "First-Round" level, which is scheduled to pay him a $2.521 million dollar base salary this season. Colon played last season under the same restricted free agent tender, earning $2.198 million dollars.
Caplan adds that an MRI has been scheduled to determine the significance of Colon's injury.
A fourth-round pick (131st overall) out of Hofstra by the Steelers in 2006, the 6-3, 315-pounder from Hofstra has started 50 consecutive regular season games at right tackle for the Steelers.
Colon has also started four post-season games for the Steelers, including Super Bowl XLIII.
Due to the uncapped year, Colon was not eligible for unrestricted free agency. The Steelers tendered Colon at the "First-Round" level, which is scheduled to pay him a $2.521 million dollar base salary this season. Colon played last season under the same restricted free agent tender, earning $2.198 million dollars.
Rams Have Deals With 8 of 11 Picks
Brian Stull of 101 ESPN in St. Louis reports the St. Louis Rams announced that they have signed or reached deals with eight of their 11 picks in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Still unsigned are first overall pick Sam Bradford, second-round offensive tackle Rodger Saffold, and sixth-round tight end Fendi Onobun. This means that deals with sixth-round defensive end Eugene Sims and seventh-round cornerback Marquis Johnson have been reached.
A 6-5, 235-pound defensive end, Sims totaled 112 tackles, including 26.5 for a loss and 17 quarterback sacks, during his two seasons at West Texas A&M, where he earned first-team All-Lone Star Conference in 2009.
Sims added nearly 15 pounds before his Pro Day in March, where he displayed excellent athleticism, and ran a 4.69-second time in the 40-yard dash. Upper-body strength is an issue for Sims, who managed just 14 reps in the bench press.
A developmental pass-rush prospect, Sims is unlikely to contribute in 2010, and could be ticketed for the practice squad. Sims will benefit from a year spent in an NFL weight room.
A reserve defensive back his first three seasons at the University of Alabama, Johnson (5-11, 192) started 10 of 14 games in 2009, leading the team with 18 passes defensed. Johnson totaled 89 tackles and 3 interceptions during his career.
Johnson will need to impress on special teams to stick on the Rams’ 53-man roster.
Still unsigned are first overall pick Sam Bradford, second-round offensive tackle Rodger Saffold, and sixth-round tight end Fendi Onobun. This means that deals with sixth-round defensive end Eugene Sims and seventh-round cornerback Marquis Johnson have been reached.
A 6-5, 235-pound defensive end, Sims totaled 112 tackles, including 26.5 for a loss and 17 quarterback sacks, during his two seasons at West Texas A&M, where he earned first-team All-Lone Star Conference in 2009.
Sims added nearly 15 pounds before his Pro Day in March, where he displayed excellent athleticism, and ran a 4.69-second time in the 40-yard dash. Upper-body strength is an issue for Sims, who managed just 14 reps in the bench press.
A developmental pass-rush prospect, Sims is unlikely to contribute in 2010, and could be ticketed for the practice squad. Sims will benefit from a year spent in an NFL weight room.
A reserve defensive back his first three seasons at the University of Alabama, Johnson (5-11, 192) started 10 of 14 games in 2009, leading the team with 18 passes defensed. Johnson totaled 89 tackles and 3 interceptions during his career.
Johnson will need to impress on special teams to stick on the Rams’ 53-man roster.
Rams Reach Deal With 5th Round DE Hall Davis
ProFootballTalk.com reports the St. Louis Rams reached a four-year deal with fifth-round defensive end Hall Davis.
Financial terms of the four-year deal were not disclosed.
A two-year starter at Louisiana-Lafayette, the 6-4, 271-pound Davis didn't produce eye-popping statistics for the Ragin' Cajuns (61 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, 6.5 sacks), but demonstrated his strength (28 reps on the bench press) and athleticism during pre-draft workouts.
Davis is viewed by the Rams' coaching staff to be a pass-rushing prospect with a lot of upside, and could see playing time on special teams and as a situational pass-rusher for the Rams this season.
Financial terms of the four-year deal were not disclosed.
A two-year starter at Louisiana-Lafayette, the 6-4, 271-pound Davis didn't produce eye-popping statistics for the Ragin' Cajuns (61 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, 6.5 sacks), but demonstrated his strength (28 reps on the bench press) and athleticism during pre-draft workouts.
Davis is viewed by the Rams' coaching staff to be a pass-rushing prospect with a lot of upside, and could see playing time on special teams and as a situational pass-rusher for the Rams this season.
Rams Sign 4th Round WR Mardy Gilyard
The St. Louis Rams have signed with fourth-round wide receiver Mardy Gilyard, Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post reports.According to Wilson, the contract is worth $2.34 million dollars, indicating that Gilyard received a signing bonus of around $550,000. Gilyard's agent, David Lee, has confirmed the deal.
Gilyard began his career at the University of Cincinnati at cornerback, totaling seven tackles and averaging 25.1 yards on seven kick returns as a freshman in 2005.
After losing his scholarship for academic reasons, and living out of his car for six months, Gilyard returned to the program in 2007 as a wide receiver. Gilyard caught 204 passes for 3,003 yards and 25 touchdowns his final three seasons with the Bearcats, earning first-team All-Big East honors after his junior and senior seasons.
Gilyard was first-team All-American after the ’09 season.
Gilyard scored 5 touchdowns on kick and punt returns, averaging 28.6 yards on 93 kick returns, and 11.8 yards on 22 punt returns. Gilyard could compete for a starting job opposite Donnie Avery this season, and will be used on kick and punt returns.
Photo credit: David Kohl/Associated Press
Goodell: "Rookie Wage Scale is Critical"
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell discussed the need for a rookie wage scale on Sunday night.
"I think a new rookie compensation system is critical," Goodell said. "I think it's important that we have a system that is designed to reward players who succeed on the NFL field. And when a player is paid a lot of money and doesn't make it in the NFL, and that money leaves the system, that's not good for anybody. So I think we need to reward performance on the field."
As I wrote last month, the NFL and NFLPA are likely going to agree on a rookie wage scale as part of a new collective bargaining agreement. This is the popular opinion among NFL owners, just about every incredulous fan who e-mails me about the amount of money rookies are paid, and certain short-sighted players who are at the tail end of their careers and are in leadership positions within the union.
Unless owners are willing to limit rookie contracts to three years, and completely eliminate restricted free agency and franchise and transition tags, the NFLPA would be insane for agreeing to a rookie wage scale tighter than the one which already exists.
The contracts that draw the ire of the media, fans, and veteran players are the ones at the very top of the draft. The $41.7 million dollars to a quarterback who hasn't thrown an NFL pass, or the $30 million in guaranteed money to a left tackle from a spread offense in college who hasn't had to face the likes of Jared Allen or DeMarcus Ware, cause the spillage of pixels on websites and message boards, imploring for tighter restrictions on what these players can make as they're entering the NFL.
Players are paid based on what they're going to do, not for what they've done. That quarterback is expected to not only turnaround a franchise that went winless the year before, but also lift the spirits of one of the most depressed areas of the country. That left tackle is expected to start immediately and protect the blindside of a once Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback who received a $65 million dollar contract, but has suffered through numerous injuries due to a leaky offensive line.
Not every player chosen in the top half of the first round is going to pan out, and that's not going to change by instituting a rookie wage scale, it's just going to make it less costly for NFL teams to draft poorly. NFL teams have a great way of ensuring that they never have to pay out these sorts of contracts: Win more games.
That's why I call the contracts signed by those Top 15 players the "Loser's Tax". Don't want to pay it? Win.
And if NFL veterans think that by limiting what players can make as they enter the league, that more money will be available for them on their way out, they're sorely mistaken. Again, there are no golden parachutes in the NFL. The older and more expensive you are, the easier it is for your contract to be terminated.
Not to mention the fact that contracts signed by veterans are often influenced by the rookie contracts. Do Karlos Dansby or DeMeco Ryans get $8 million dollars per year this off-season if Aaron Curry hadn't gotten the same last August?
The sad part is that if the NFLPA agreed to a tighter rookie wage scale, as long as all rookie contracts are limited to three seasons with no restricted, franchise, or transition tenders, the NFL would keep things just the way they are. Many of the key decision-makers inside NFL front offices are former coaches and personnel executives, who value player control over minimum short-term cost savings.
Then again, it's hard to take a league that wants to "reward performance on the field" seriously when they got rid of the poorly-named "Performance-Based Pay" program. That program didn't reward "performance" so much as it rewarded lower-paid players who logged a lot of playing time for their teams, but keeping the program, which paid out $105 million after the '09 season, in place might have lent some credibility to the league's claim to want to reward on-field performance.
"I think a new rookie compensation system is critical," Goodell said. "I think it's important that we have a system that is designed to reward players who succeed on the NFL field. And when a player is paid a lot of money and doesn't make it in the NFL, and that money leaves the system, that's not good for anybody. So I think we need to reward performance on the field."
As I wrote last month, the NFL and NFLPA are likely going to agree on a rookie wage scale as part of a new collective bargaining agreement. This is the popular opinion among NFL owners, just about every incredulous fan who e-mails me about the amount of money rookies are paid, and certain short-sighted players who are at the tail end of their careers and are in leadership positions within the union.
Unless owners are willing to limit rookie contracts to three years, and completely eliminate restricted free agency and franchise and transition tags, the NFLPA would be insane for agreeing to a rookie wage scale tighter than the one which already exists.
The contracts that draw the ire of the media, fans, and veteran players are the ones at the very top of the draft. The $41.7 million dollars to a quarterback who hasn't thrown an NFL pass, or the $30 million in guaranteed money to a left tackle from a spread offense in college who hasn't had to face the likes of Jared Allen or DeMarcus Ware, cause the spillage of pixels on websites and message boards, imploring for tighter restrictions on what these players can make as they're entering the NFL.
Players are paid based on what they're going to do, not for what they've done. That quarterback is expected to not only turnaround a franchise that went winless the year before, but also lift the spirits of one of the most depressed areas of the country. That left tackle is expected to start immediately and protect the blindside of a once Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback who received a $65 million dollar contract, but has suffered through numerous injuries due to a leaky offensive line.
Not every player chosen in the top half of the first round is going to pan out, and that's not going to change by instituting a rookie wage scale, it's just going to make it less costly for NFL teams to draft poorly. NFL teams have a great way of ensuring that they never have to pay out these sorts of contracts: Win more games.
That's why I call the contracts signed by those Top 15 players the "Loser's Tax". Don't want to pay it? Win.
And if NFL veterans think that by limiting what players can make as they enter the league, that more money will be available for them on their way out, they're sorely mistaken. Again, there are no golden parachutes in the NFL. The older and more expensive you are, the easier it is for your contract to be terminated.
Not to mention the fact that contracts signed by veterans are often influenced by the rookie contracts. Do Karlos Dansby or DeMeco Ryans get $8 million dollars per year this off-season if Aaron Curry hadn't gotten the same last August?
The sad part is that if the NFLPA agreed to a tighter rookie wage scale, as long as all rookie contracts are limited to three seasons with no restricted, franchise, or transition tenders, the NFL would keep things just the way they are. Many of the key decision-makers inside NFL front offices are former coaches and personnel executives, who value player control over minimum short-term cost savings.
Then again, it's hard to take a league that wants to "reward performance on the field" seriously when they got rid of the poorly-named "Performance-Based Pay" program. That program didn't reward "performance" so much as it rewarded lower-paid players who logged a lot of playing time for their teams, but keeping the program, which paid out $105 million after the '09 season, in place might have lent some credibility to the league's claim to want to reward on-field performance.
Chad Jones Could Pursue Baseball Career
In addition to being chosen in the third-round of the 2010 NFL Draft, New York Giants safety Chad Jones was selected in the 50th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Milwaukee Brewers.
Jones is out for the 2010 NFL season after nearly losing his left foot during a horrific automobile accident in New Orleans early Friday morning. Jones' agent expects a 2011 return, but he's not ruling out Jones abandoning a football career for one on the baseball diamond, Burt Hubbuch of the New York Post reports.
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com thinks Arceneaux needs to be more coy about Jones' career plans, which I agree with. If Jones is healthy enough to play baseball between now and 2013, the Giants would be within their rights to recoup a portion of his $825,965 signing bonus.
As for 2010, Jones is likely headed for the "Reserve/Non-Football Injury" list, which means he's not going to earn $320,000 base salary this season. Jones has a pre-season split in his contract for this season, which means he will receive a $225,000 base salary if he is not on the team's 53-man roster.
Jones is out for the 2010 NFL season after nearly losing his left foot during a horrific automobile accident in New Orleans early Friday morning. Jones' agent expects a 2011 return, but he's not ruling out Jones abandoning a football career for one on the baseball diamond, Burt Hubbuch of the New York Post reports.
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com thinks Arceneaux needs to be more coy about Jones' career plans, which I agree with. If Jones is healthy enough to play baseball between now and 2013, the Giants would be within their rights to recoup a portion of his $825,965 signing bonus.
As for 2010, Jones is likely headed for the "Reserve/Non-Football Injury" list, which means he's not going to earn $320,000 base salary this season. Jones has a pre-season split in his contract for this season, which means he will receive a $225,000 base salary if he is not on the team's 53-man roster.
Goodell Discusses San Diego Stadium Issue
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's softer approach improves the odds of a publicly-funded downtown stadium for the San Diego Chargers, Tim Sullivan of the San Diego Union Tribune.
Goodell discussed the several stadium proposals in the state of California after speaking at the NFL's Rookie Syposium, including San Diego's.
"I think, again, it’s a positive development from last week with respect to the community looking for a solution," Goodell said last week's city council’s decision to commission a downtown redevelopment study. "But these stadiums are very complicated and a solution has to be developed that can work for the community and work for the team. And there’s really no cookie-cutter here. There are a lot of compelling issues on a local basis and from a team standpoint that have to be considered. They’re big developments."
Goodell added that the $493 million dollars in private money the San Francisco 49ers are committing to the Santa Clara stadium project--which Sullivan notes is based on personal seat licenses, which the Chargers say won't work for them--doesn't mean that a similar private financing can be expected in San Diego.
"Why?" Goodell asked. "Look at the 31 (NFL) markets. Every one of the projects, I think, is developed locally. It has its own elements that are driven by community issues. Some need to have more convention facilities. Some are part of broader developments that are important to the city. So I don’t think you can assume because it’s done in one market (it should happen in another), because they’re all significantly different."
Goodell discussed the several stadium proposals in the state of California after speaking at the NFL's Rookie Syposium, including San Diego's.
"I think, again, it’s a positive development from last week with respect to the community looking for a solution," Goodell said last week's city council’s decision to commission a downtown redevelopment study. "But these stadiums are very complicated and a solution has to be developed that can work for the community and work for the team. And there’s really no cookie-cutter here. There are a lot of compelling issues on a local basis and from a team standpoint that have to be considered. They’re big developments."
Goodell added that the $493 million dollars in private money the San Francisco 49ers are committing to the Santa Clara stadium project--which Sullivan notes is based on personal seat licenses, which the Chargers say won't work for them--doesn't mean that a similar private financing can be expected in San Diego.
"Why?" Goodell asked. "Look at the 31 (NFL) markets. Every one of the projects, I think, is developed locally. It has its own elements that are driven by community issues. Some need to have more convention facilities. Some are part of broader developments that are important to the city. So I don’t think you can assume because it’s done in one market (it should happen in another), because they’re all significantly different."
Colts May Continue With Two QBs
Research by Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star shows that not only has Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning started 210 consecutive regular season and post-season games, Manning has only missed one regular season snap due to an injury.
Manning's remarkable durability is why the Colts have tendered to carry just two quarterbacks during the regular season.
With Manning coming off knee surgery, the Colts used a 2009 sixth-round pick on Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter, and kept him on the 53-man roster behind Manning and long-time backup Jim Sorgi.
When Sorgi was placed on injured reserve with an injured shoulder, the Colts reverted back to a two-quarterback approach.
Sorgi has moved on, signing a two-year contract with the New York Giants where he'll back-up the other Manning brother. Despite Painter's struggles in limited action last season (8-of-28, 83 yards, 2 INTs, 9.8 passer rating), Colts president Bill Polian isn't sure if the team will carry three quarterbacks in 2010.
"The backup quarterback is Curtis Painter," Polian said. "The question is: Do we carry a third, and if we do, who is it?"
Competing for that third spot will be Tom Brandstater, a sixth-round pick in '09 out of Fresno State by the Denver Broncos who was claimed on waivers on June 7, and undrafted free agent Tim Hiller, who played his college ball at Western Michigan.
Polian explained his philosophy towards the back-up quarterback spot to Chappell.
"If you have a young player that you feel has a future, that's always better than a veteran player who's proven that he can't do the job, which is why he's (available) in the first place," Polian said.
Manning's remarkable durability is why the Colts have tendered to carry just two quarterbacks during the regular season.
With Manning coming off knee surgery, the Colts used a 2009 sixth-round pick on Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter, and kept him on the 53-man roster behind Manning and long-time backup Jim Sorgi.
When Sorgi was placed on injured reserve with an injured shoulder, the Colts reverted back to a two-quarterback approach.
Sorgi has moved on, signing a two-year contract with the New York Giants where he'll back-up the other Manning brother. Despite Painter's struggles in limited action last season (8-of-28, 83 yards, 2 INTs, 9.8 passer rating), Colts president Bill Polian isn't sure if the team will carry three quarterbacks in 2010.
"The backup quarterback is Curtis Painter," Polian said. "The question is: Do we carry a third, and if we do, who is it?"
Competing for that third spot will be Tom Brandstater, a sixth-round pick in '09 out of Fresno State by the Denver Broncos who was claimed on waivers on June 7, and undrafted free agent Tim Hiller, who played his college ball at Western Michigan.
Polian explained his philosophy towards the back-up quarterback spot to Chappell.
"If you have a young player that you feel has a future, that's always better than a veteran player who's proven that he can't do the job, which is why he's (available) in the first place," Polian said.
Report: Chris Henry Had Brain Damage
Peter Keating of ESPN the Magazine reports that at the time of his death, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a form of degenerative brain damage caused by multiple blows to the head.
"We would have been very happy if the results had been negative, but multiple areas of Chris Henry's brain showed CTE," said Julian Bailes, Director of BIRI and chairman of neurosurgery at West Virginia University, Henry's alma mater.
Henry died on December 17, 2009, after either jumping or falling from the back of a pick-up truck being driven by Leila Tonga, Henry's fiancee, after a domestic dispute. Henry suffered a fractured skull and severe brain injuries.
According to the police report, Tonga was traveling 19 miles per hour at the time of the accident.
Bailes believes the CTE may have contributed to Henry's "emotional volatility".
"Superimposed on the acute brain injuries Chris suffered when he died, there was fairly extensive damage throughout his brain that was fully consistent with CTE," Bailes said. "This syndrome is expressed not only as changes in the brain, but clinically, as behavioral changes. And starting with Mike Webster, we have seen common threads in these cases: emotional disturbances, depression, failed personal relationships and businesses, suicidal thoughts, sometimes alcohol or drug use."
Read the rest of the story here.
"We would have been very happy if the results had been negative, but multiple areas of Chris Henry's brain showed CTE," said Julian Bailes, Director of BIRI and chairman of neurosurgery at West Virginia University, Henry's alma mater.
Henry died on December 17, 2009, after either jumping or falling from the back of a pick-up truck being driven by Leila Tonga, Henry's fiancee, after a domestic dispute. Henry suffered a fractured skull and severe brain injuries.
According to the police report, Tonga was traveling 19 miles per hour at the time of the accident.
Bailes believes the CTE may have contributed to Henry's "emotional volatility".
"Superimposed on the acute brain injuries Chris suffered when he died, there was fairly extensive damage throughout his brain that was fully consistent with CTE," Bailes said. "This syndrome is expressed not only as changes in the brain, but clinically, as behavioral changes. And starting with Mike Webster, we have seen common threads in these cases: emotional disturbances, depression, failed personal relationships and businesses, suicidal thoughts, sometimes alcohol or drug use."
Read the rest of the story here.
NFL News and Notes - June 28, 2010
Former New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi still has the itch to play.
Miami Dolphins specialists Dan Carpenter, Brandon Fields, and John Denney form a strong trio, writes Ethan Skolnick of the Sun-Sentinel.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason thinks a contending team should sign free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger owes the team an apology, writes Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Brian Robiskie has improved this off-season.
At the time of his death, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry had chronic brain damage, Peter Keating of ESPN the Magazine reports.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Tom Brandstater will compete with Tim Hiller for the potentially non-existent #3 quarterback job. (Despite his inclusion in the article, Drew Willy is not on the Colts' roster)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jason Babin thinks he'll get a fair shake in Nashville, reports John Glennon of The Tennessean.
Former Houston Texans wide receiver Harry Williams has adjusted to life after a career-ending injury.
Kansas City Chiefs fifth-round safety Kendrick Lewis has dealt with adversity, writes Bob Gretz.
Hall of Fame Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway is returning to the franchise.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell improves the odds of San Diego getting a new football stadium, writes Tim Sullivan of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
New York Giants third-round safety Chad Jones' condition is improving, and he's thinking about football again, Peter Finney of the New York Post reports.
The NFL is probing a potential violation of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick's reinstatement.
Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth gets the "Point/Counterpoint" treatment from Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com.
Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Drew Pearson has some advice for this year's team.
Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely enjoys discussing his conservative views on FOX.
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Reggie Smith held a football camp in Oklahoma City on Saturday.
Seattle Seahawks tight end John Carlson will join several Notre Dame alums at a football camp in St. Paul, Minnesota on Thursday.
Pre-season games will determine who handles the punting duties for the Green Bay Packers, writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Lito Sheppard is still learning the team's defensive system, reports Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson hopes to help improve the team's passing game and earn the $25 million dollar contract.
Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith discussed an array of topics with Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune writes that the front office has earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to parting ways with high-profile players.
Atlanta Falcons fourth-round center Joe Hawley is looking to get a pick-up truck with his signing bonus, writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Tank Tyler will be at the star-studded Jimmy Raye Youth Foundation fundraiser and football camp tonight and tomorrow in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Today's NFL birthdays: Ravens second-round nose tackle Terrence Cody (22), Lions offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus (26), Jaguars safety Gerald Alexander (26), Chargers tight end Randy McMichael (31), Buccaneers undrafted rookie kicker Hunter Lawrence (22), free agent linebacker Matt Chatham (33), cornerback Therrian Fontenot (29), fullback Dionte Johnson (24), safety Terrance Stringer (25), and Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway turns 50 today.
Miami Dolphins specialists Dan Carpenter, Brandon Fields, and John Denney form a strong trio, writes Ethan Skolnick of the Sun-Sentinel.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason thinks a contending team should sign free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger owes the team an apology, writes Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Brian Robiskie has improved this off-season.
At the time of his death, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry had chronic brain damage, Peter Keating of ESPN the Magazine reports.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Tom Brandstater will compete with Tim Hiller for the potentially non-existent #3 quarterback job. (Despite his inclusion in the article, Drew Willy is not on the Colts' roster)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jason Babin thinks he'll get a fair shake in Nashville, reports John Glennon of The Tennessean.
Former Houston Texans wide receiver Harry Williams has adjusted to life after a career-ending injury.
Kansas City Chiefs fifth-round safety Kendrick Lewis has dealt with adversity, writes Bob Gretz.
Hall of Fame Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway is returning to the franchise.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell improves the odds of San Diego getting a new football stadium, writes Tim Sullivan of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
New York Giants third-round safety Chad Jones' condition is improving, and he's thinking about football again, Peter Finney of the New York Post reports.
The NFL is probing a potential violation of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick's reinstatement.
Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth gets the "Point/Counterpoint" treatment from Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com.
Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Drew Pearson has some advice for this year's team.
Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely enjoys discussing his conservative views on FOX.
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Reggie Smith held a football camp in Oklahoma City on Saturday.
Seattle Seahawks tight end John Carlson will join several Notre Dame alums at a football camp in St. Paul, Minnesota on Thursday.
Pre-season games will determine who handles the punting duties for the Green Bay Packers, writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Lito Sheppard is still learning the team's defensive system, reports Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson hopes to help improve the team's passing game and earn the $25 million dollar contract.
Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith discussed an array of topics with Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune writes that the front office has earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to parting ways with high-profile players.
Atlanta Falcons fourth-round center Joe Hawley is looking to get a pick-up truck with his signing bonus, writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Tank Tyler will be at the star-studded Jimmy Raye Youth Foundation fundraiser and football camp tonight and tomorrow in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Today's NFL birthdays: Ravens second-round nose tackle Terrence Cody (22), Lions offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus (26), Jaguars safety Gerald Alexander (26), Chargers tight end Randy McMichael (31), Buccaneers undrafted rookie kicker Hunter Lawrence (22), free agent linebacker Matt Chatham (33), cornerback Therrian Fontenot (29), fullback Dionte Johnson (24), safety Terrance Stringer (25), and Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway turns 50 today.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
FOX Hires Mike Pereira
FOX has hired recently retired NFL Vice President of Officiating Mike Pereira as a rule analyst, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Farmer reports that FOX is building a command center in Los Angeles for Pereira, who lives in Sacramento. Pereira will be active on FOX's television broadcasts, as well as on FOX Sports Radio and live in-game chats on FOXSports.com.
"If I was given my choice of anything I could do after retiring from the league, this is pretty much it," Pereira told Farmer.
Pereira, a former side judge in the NFL, retired in April after serving as the league's director of officiating since 2001.
Farmer reports that FOX is building a command center in Los Angeles for Pereira, who lives in Sacramento. Pereira will be active on FOX's television broadcasts, as well as on FOX Sports Radio and live in-game chats on FOXSports.com.
"If I was given my choice of anything I could do after retiring from the league, this is pretty much it," Pereira told Farmer.
Pereira, a former side judge in the NFL, retired in April after serving as the league's director of officiating since 2001.
Lions to Support Tom Lewand
Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand was arrested for suspicion of drunk driving on Friday evening.
"I am deeply sorry for my actions and take full responsibility for them," Lewand said in the statement released by the Lions. "As a person in active recovery, I am committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure nothing like this ever happens again."
Lions owner William Clay Ford Sr. said the following early Sunday evening.
"As he continues to seek professional assistance for this problem, the Lions will support and help him in any way possible," Ford said according to John Niyo of the Detroit News. "I continue to have full confidence that Tom will positively lead our organization as he has since assuming his current role of team president. He has all my support."
Lewand is subject to fine and/or suspension under the NFL's personal conduct policy.
"I am deeply sorry for my actions and take full responsibility for them," Lewand said in the statement released by the Lions. "As a person in active recovery, I am committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure nothing like this ever happens again."
Lions owner William Clay Ford Sr. said the following early Sunday evening.
"As he continues to seek professional assistance for this problem, the Lions will support and help him in any way possible," Ford said according to John Niyo of the Detroit News. "I continue to have full confidence that Tom will positively lead our organization as he has since assuming his current role of team president. He has all my support."
Lewand is subject to fine and/or suspension under the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Haynesworth Settled Two Small-Claims Lawsuits
Washington Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth recently reached settlements on two small-claims lawsuits, Naomi Snyder of The Tennessean reports.
The suits were brought by Roy Dale of Dale & Associates, a Nashville engineering firm, who filed the suits seeking about $50,000 in unpaid surveying and engineering expenses for two real estate developments.
Haynesworth, who has banked over $32 million dollars from the Redskins over the 16 months, is also being sued by Clayton Bank & Trust for defaulting on a $2.38 million dollar loan. Haynesworth's ex-wife is also seeking child support from him, and an exotic dancer in New York has filed a paternity suit against Haynesworth.
The suits were brought by Roy Dale of Dale & Associates, a Nashville engineering firm, who filed the suits seeking about $50,000 in unpaid surveying and engineering expenses for two real estate developments.
Haynesworth, who has banked over $32 million dollars from the Redskins over the 16 months, is also being sued by Clayton Bank & Trust for defaulting on a $2.38 million dollar loan. Haynesworth's ex-wife is also seeking child support from him, and an exotic dancer in New York has filed a paternity suit against Haynesworth.
NFL News and Notes - June 27, 2010
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick expects plenty of position battles on defense this summer, reports Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald.
In addition to the quarterback position, Buffalo Bills wide receivers will be competing for roles this summer, writes Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News.
New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards will not face a suspension for an incident at a Cleveland nightclub, Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com reports.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall expects to have a career season.
Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union recaps the Jacksonville Jaguars' OTA sessions.
Tennessee Titans second-year wide receiver Kenny Britt is struggling with dropped passes.
Indianapolis Colts left tackle Charlie Johnson was stung by comments made by team president Bill Polian about the play of the offensive line in Super Bowl XLIV.
Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub discussed the team's off-season with SportsRadio 610.
Former San Diego Chargers cornerback Mike Williams belongs in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Louis Murphy is helping change the perception of receivers from the University of Florida in the NFL.
Hall of Fame Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway discusses turning 50 with Woody Paige of the Denver Post.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle is not content with a backup role.
Cincinnati Bengals first-round tight end Jermaine Gresham isn't sure if he'll be signed when the Bengals open camp on July 29.
Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer opens up his Cleveland Browns mailbag.
Pittsburgh Steelers Hines Ward and Charlie Batch participated in the NFL's Broadcast Bootcamp this week.
Cornerback Cary Williams has taken advantage of his opportunity with the Baltimore Ravens.
New York Giants third-round safety Chad Jones has spoken to head coach Tom Coughlin and general manager Jerry Reese, reports Kevin Armstrong for the New York Daily News.
Despite his innocence, many want the Philadelphia Eagles to release quarterback Michael Vick after a shooting occurred outside his 30th birthday party.
Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth settled two small-claims lawsuits with a Nashville engineering firm.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bradie James says the team has talent and cohesion heading into the 2010 season.
Several St. Louis Rams draft picks agreed to terms on contracts on Saturday.
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune isn't going to judge the Seattle Seahawks' rebuilding project while it's still in progress.
The San Francisco 49ers are attempting to lower their rent at Candlestick Park.
Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette looks at the Green Bay Packers' pre-training camp roster.
Former Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Esera Tuaolo was charged with domestic assault.
Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand was charged with suspicion of drunk driving on Friday night.
49ers running back Frank Gore sold several Chicago Bears on offensive coordinator Mike Martz this off-season, reports Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune.
The New Orleans Saints deny a report that owner Tom Benson's Republican politics are behind the team's delay in visiting the White House.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris continues to adjust his approach, writes Stephen Holder in the St. Petersburg Times.
Carolina Panthers sixth-round safety Jordan Pugh knows that special teams is the quickest path to playing time.
Today's NFL birthdays: Packers undrafted guard Nick McDonald (23), Jaguars cornerback Scott Starks (27), 49ers sixth-round tight end Nate Byham (22), Seahawks defensive tackle Craig Terrill (30), free agent safety Paul Chiara (25), running back Justise Hairston (27), and wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe (27).
In addition to the quarterback position, Buffalo Bills wide receivers will be competing for roles this summer, writes Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News.
New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards will not face a suspension for an incident at a Cleveland nightclub, Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com reports.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall expects to have a career season.
Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union recaps the Jacksonville Jaguars' OTA sessions.
Tennessee Titans second-year wide receiver Kenny Britt is struggling with dropped passes.
Indianapolis Colts left tackle Charlie Johnson was stung by comments made by team president Bill Polian about the play of the offensive line in Super Bowl XLIV.
Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub discussed the team's off-season with SportsRadio 610.
Former San Diego Chargers cornerback Mike Williams belongs in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Louis Murphy is helping change the perception of receivers from the University of Florida in the NFL.
Hall of Fame Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway discusses turning 50 with Woody Paige of the Denver Post.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle is not content with a backup role.
Cincinnati Bengals first-round tight end Jermaine Gresham isn't sure if he'll be signed when the Bengals open camp on July 29.
Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer opens up his Cleveland Browns mailbag.
Pittsburgh Steelers Hines Ward and Charlie Batch participated in the NFL's Broadcast Bootcamp this week.
Cornerback Cary Williams has taken advantage of his opportunity with the Baltimore Ravens.
New York Giants third-round safety Chad Jones has spoken to head coach Tom Coughlin and general manager Jerry Reese, reports Kevin Armstrong for the New York Daily News.
Despite his innocence, many want the Philadelphia Eagles to release quarterback Michael Vick after a shooting occurred outside his 30th birthday party.
Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth settled two small-claims lawsuits with a Nashville engineering firm.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bradie James says the team has talent and cohesion heading into the 2010 season.
Several St. Louis Rams draft picks agreed to terms on contracts on Saturday.
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune isn't going to judge the Seattle Seahawks' rebuilding project while it's still in progress.
The San Francisco 49ers are attempting to lower their rent at Candlestick Park.
Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette looks at the Green Bay Packers' pre-training camp roster.
Former Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Esera Tuaolo was charged with domestic assault.
Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand was charged with suspicion of drunk driving on Friday night.
49ers running back Frank Gore sold several Chicago Bears on offensive coordinator Mike Martz this off-season, reports Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune.
The New Orleans Saints deny a report that owner Tom Benson's Republican politics are behind the team's delay in visiting the White House.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris continues to adjust his approach, writes Stephen Holder in the St. Petersburg Times.
Carolina Panthers sixth-round safety Jordan Pugh knows that special teams is the quickest path to playing time.
Today's NFL birthdays: Packers undrafted guard Nick McDonald (23), Jaguars cornerback Scott Starks (27), 49ers sixth-round tight end Nate Byham (22), Seahawks defensive tackle Craig Terrill (30), free agent safety Paul Chiara (25), running back Justise Hairston (27), and wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe (27).
Rams Reach Deal With 5th Round TE Michael Hoomanuwanui
Brian Stull of 101 ESPN in St. Louis reports that the St. Louis Rams have signed fifth-round tight end Michael Hoomanawanui.
Financial of the terms were not disclosed.
Hoomanawanui's signing capped a busy Saturday for the Rams, who got four of their 11 picks in the 2010 NFL Draft under contract.
The 6-4, 264-pound tight end Hawaii native caught 40 passes for 409 yards and four touchdowns during his four-year career at the University of Illinois. Hoomanawanui's top season came in 2008, when he caught 25 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
Hoomanawanui is an excellent blocker, and has the ability to develop into a solid receiver. Health is a question mark for Hoomanawanui, who was slowed by an ankle injury last season and was unable to fully work out at the Combine after injuring his right quadriceps.
Hoomanawanui will compete with Billy Bajema, Darcy Johnson, and sixth-round pick Fendi Onobun for backup tight end spots on the Rams' roster.
Financial of the terms were not disclosed.
Hoomanawanui's signing capped a busy Saturday for the Rams, who got four of their 11 picks in the 2010 NFL Draft under contract.
The 6-4, 264-pound tight end Hawaii native caught 40 passes for 409 yards and four touchdowns during his four-year career at the University of Illinois. Hoomanawanui's top season came in 2008, when he caught 25 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
Hoomanawanui is an excellent blocker, and has the ability to develop into a solid receiver. Health is a question mark for Hoomanawanui, who was slowed by an ankle injury last season and was unable to fully work out at the Combine after injuring his right quadriceps.
Hoomanawanui will compete with Billy Bajema, Darcy Johnson, and sixth-round pick Fendi Onobun for backup tight end spots on the Rams' roster.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Rams Sign 3rd Round CB Jerome Murphy
Gregg Rosenthal of ProFootballTalk.com reports the St. Louis Rams have signed third-round cornerback Jerome Murphy.
According to Rosenthal, Murphy received a signing bonus of $937,739, making the base value of his four-year contract worth $2.727 million dollars. Murphy, who was chosen with the 97th overall pick, and the first pick in the third round, is the highest pick in the 2010 NFL Draft to sign a contract.
In 52 games at South Florida, a school record, the 6-0, 196-pound Murphy totaled 201 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss and a 1/2 a quarterback sack. A reserve and nickel corner his first two seasons with the Bulls, Murphy moved into the starting lineup in 2008, and over his final two seasons, totaled 144 tackles with 8 interceptions and 13 pass break-ups.
Murphy ran a 4.51-40 at the Combine, and displayed outstanding athleticism by posting a 38" vertical leap and 10'07" broad jump. Murphy is a tough, physical corner who could just Justin King for the Rams' starting right cornerback job this summer.
Murphy is the third of the Rams' 11 picks in the 2010 NFL Draft to sign a contract.
According to Rosenthal, Murphy received a signing bonus of $937,739, making the base value of his four-year contract worth $2.727 million dollars. Murphy, who was chosen with the 97th overall pick, and the first pick in the third round, is the highest pick in the 2010 NFL Draft to sign a contract.
In 52 games at South Florida, a school record, the 6-0, 196-pound Murphy totaled 201 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss and a 1/2 a quarterback sack. A reserve and nickel corner his first two seasons with the Bulls, Murphy moved into the starting lineup in 2008, and over his final two seasons, totaled 144 tackles with 8 interceptions and 13 pass break-ups.
Murphy ran a 4.51-40 at the Combine, and displayed outstanding athleticism by posting a 38" vertical leap and 10'07" broad jump. Murphy is a tough, physical corner who could just Justin King for the Rams' starting right cornerback job this summer.
Murphy is the third of the Rams' 11 picks in the 2010 NFL Draft to sign a contract.
Rams Sign Pair of Picks
The St. Louis Rams have signed 2010 seventh-round picks Josh Hull and George Selvie, reports Brian Stull of 101 ESPN in St. Louis.Both received four-year deals, and financial terms were not disclosed.
Selvie and Hull are the first two of the Rams' 11-player 2010 draft class to sign contracts.
A four-year starter at the University of South Florida, the 6-5, 252-pound Selvie burst onto the scene in 2006-07, tallying 143 tackles, including 46.5 for a loss and 20 quarterback sacks in his first two seasons with the Bulls. Selvie earned first-team All-American honors as a sophomore, and was named the Big East’s Defensive Player of the Year.
In 2008, Selvie again earned first-team All-Big East honors, and was a second-team All-American after playing through a sprained ankle to produce 43 tackles, including 13.5 for a loss and 5.5 quarterback sacks. Last season, Selvie totaled just 42 tackles, with 9.5 behind the line of scrimmage, and 3.5 quarterback sacks.
Viewed as a ‘tweener, Selvie did little to improve his draft stock by running a 4.93-second time in the 40-yard dash. With long arms and the ability to be very quick off the snap, Selvie could make an impact as a situational pass-rusher. He will need to work on his pass-rush moves to succeed at the NFL level, and could be headed for the practice squad.
A former walk-on at Penn State University, the 6-3, 237-pound Hull started 26 of his 52 games in Happy Valley, totaling 216 tackles, including 14.5 for a loss, 3 quarterback sacks, 3 interceptions, six pass break-ups, and two fumble recoveries.
Hull was a second-team All-Big Ten selection after last season.
A smart, instinctual player with less an ideal speed (4.76-40 at his Pro Day), Hull is best-suited to play middle linebacker. Hull will need to show that he contribute on special teams to make the 53-man roster.
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