NFL Offseason Thread [Archive] - Page 3

LorenzoL

03-08-05, 11:13 PM

I can't believe this article, it seems unreal but if everybody is doing it why are they after Tice...

Source: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/football/nfl/03/08/banks.tice/index.html

Minnesota head coach Mike Tice is being investigated by the NFL for allegedly heading up and profiting from a Super Bowl ticket-scalping operation within the Vikings organization, a violation of NFL rules that league sources say has been going on for years.

Two investigators from the league's security staff, Larry Sweeney and John Keenan, were in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, questioning Tice in his office and speaking with Vikings running backs coach Dean Dalton, as well as other club personnel. The pair left the team complex in the afternoon to meet with the team's director of ticket sales, Phil Huebner, at the Metrodome, where Minnesota's ticket operations are headquartered.

The league requires all players, coaches, and club personnel who buy Super Bowl tickets to sign a release stating they will not re-sell them at a profit. Still, the practice of scalping Super Bowl tickets is widespread within the league and is an open secret in many NFL locker rooms. Yet the practice in Minnesota is unique, league sources say, because it has been orchestrated by the head coach. And, according to people familiar with the scalping operation, Tice began facilitating the reselling of Super Bowl tickets long before becoming the Vikings' head coach in January 2002. Tice coached Minnesota's tight ends and then offensive line beginning in 1996.

"This started when [Tice] wasn't the figure he is now," said one team source. "I can't believe how rampant it's been. Stuff like this has gone on a long time. There's a pretty good amount of people involved. There could be a lot of people affected by this, not just in the NFL's view, but with the IRS as well."

Tice acknowledged to SI.com that he met with league security officials Tuesday at the team complex, but said he told them he had nothing to do with the re-selling of players' tickets.

"They were in there here talking to me and others about how we deal with our Super Bowl tickets, and how they're distributed,'' Tice said. "I'm confident when the league finishes looking at this, everything will come out fine. It's a shame assumptions are being made about my role in this. I did not approach any player about Super Bowl tickets as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.''

However, in mid-January, after the Vikings were eliminated by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC divisional playoffs, a team source said Tice organized the re-selling of Super Bowl tickets for players and club employees. (Each NFL player has the right to buy two Super Bowl tickets at face value, which this year was $500 and $600 depending on the location of the seat). Those who gave their tickets to Tice received $1,900, a mark-up of at least $1,300 per ticket, sources said. Last season, individuals brokering tickets through Tice received $1,100 per ticket, a former Vikings player said.

"Tice has been turning around tickets for years and years," said one player who was with the Vikings in 2003. "He's been selling them to the same guy. He commits to a certain amount every year."

Late in the 2003 season, Tice berated one Vikings veteran for asking teammates if he could buy their tickets, which he had hoped to procure for family members. Tice, one source said, accused the player of trying to "backdoor the head coach." Tice then successfully pressured some players to renege on their commitment and sell their tickets through him, the player said, even though Tice was offering slightly less money per ticket.

"It was always understood that if you want it, here it is," one Vikings team source said of the opportunity to scalp Super Bowl tickets. "There was nothing different this year about how it worked."

Sources around the league, including several coaches, said it is common practice within the NFL for players and assistants to scalp their Super Bowl tickets. On some teams, the income from the re-sale of those tickets is counted on by assistant coaches to supplement their salaries.

"A lot of teams do it," said an NFL assistant who once worked for the Vikings. "Everybody can do it. Every team has a guy who takes care of moving the tickets. I'd hate to see it end because coaches have always used that as extra money. Coaches do count on that as a little extra deal. [Team] owners will probably stop doing it now, because they don't have to give us those tickets.

"When I was there [in Minnesota], Mike was the guy. He had a guy somewhere who moved the tickets. I just never took him up on it because I was always scared I'd get my ass caught."

Said another coach: "Mike's the wheeler dealer. But it's just stupidity doing it as a head coach. Maybe the NFL wants to send a wake-up call about scalping, and they're going to come down on Mike."

Owner Red McCombs has been made aware of the league's investigation, a Vikings official said. It is unknown whether Reggie Fowler, who has an agreement to purchase the team from McCombs, has been told of the probe. NFL vice president of public relations Greg Aiello would not confirm if there was an investigation into Super Bowl ticket scalping in Minnesota.

"We're not going to respond to questions about what NFL security looks into and what it doesn't look into," Aiello said, "but it's against league rules to sell those tickets for a profit."

Tice, the league's lowest-paid coach at $1 million per season, is entering the final year of his contract with Minnesota, and his job security was an ongoing issue all of 2004. Just last week, in a conference call with the Minnesota media, McCombs said he nearly fired Tice during the second half of last season, in an effort to shake up his slumping club, and specifically star receiver Randy Moss. It is also known that Tice was in danger of being fired if Minnesota had not upset Green Bay at Lambeau Field in the first-round of the NFC playoffs.

CRM114

03-09-05, 11:03 AM

And in the immortal words of some random Eagles fan outside the Vikings team bus on arrival in Philadelphia: "Hey Tice....TICE!....you got your PENCIL Tice?

LorenzoL

03-09-05, 04:39 PM

The Vikings have responded to Donovin Darius' desire to join the team with a resounding "You betcha." Rob Brzezinski, the Vikings' VP of football operations, said, "Yes, we are interested in Donovin Darius. He is a great player." The Vikings have had no meaningful discussions with Darius, one of the NFL's best strong safeties, or his agent, Tom Condon, but that could change this week.
-- Minneapolis Star Tribune

Jaguars senior VP Paul Vance said the organization would continue to have no comment on Darius' public efforts to force a deal, except to say the team is not actively trying to trade him. Although the Jaguars signed veteran backup cornerback Terry Cousin on Tuesday, they might be interested in a deal for Darius with Miami that involves Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain. The Dolphins have given an unhappy Surtain permission to seek a trade.
-- Jacksonville Times-Union

Plaxico Burress was feeling much better yesterday, and if all goes according to plan he'll be at Giants Stadium around noon today. It is the only free-agent visit he has scheduled, and it's possible that by the time he leaves tomorrow morning he will have agreed to terms on a deal. If not, Burress will head back to Miami, where the source said he has been getting a full-court press from Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper all week.
-- New York Daily News

Reports that the Eagles had joined the chase for Burress were erroneous.
-- Newark Star-Ledger

Burress hasn't officially left the Steelers, but Cedrick Wilson's signing guaranteed it. Wilson, a small but speedy receiver, signed a four-year, $8 million contract with a $2 million signing bonus to join the Steelers as a free agent from the San Francisco 49ers. Wilson's total contract is less than what Burress was demanding in a signing bonus, and the Steelers believe his speed will make up for his size.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Dolphins' signing of two defensive ends, Kevin Carter and Vonnie Holliday, in the space of four days has led to questions about the future of Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Taylor. If Miami switches to a 3-4 scheme, he would have to be an outside linebacker, and that idea didn't seem to sit well with his agent, Gary Wichard.
-- Miami Herald

With cornerback Samari Rolle signing with Baltimore, Seattle and Kansas City are expected to heat up their interest in Patrick Surtain.
-- Miami Herald

The recent talk of a possible trade involving Seattle running back Shaun Alexander and Surtain is little more than speculation. No serious trade talks involving Alexander and the Dolphins have taken place. But another Dolphin was thrown into the rumor mill yesterday. Taylor apparently would not welcome a move to outside linebacker if Miami switched to a 3-4 defense, and the Dolphins eventually might be willing to deal him.
-- Seattle Times

The Browns signed newly acquired Trent Dilfer to a four-year contract and introduced him as their starting quarterback. Barring any unforeseen developments, Dilfer will be the fourth Browns starting quarterback on opening day in four years. GM Phil Savage tore up the one year left on Dilfer's Seattle contract and signed him to a four-year deal for $8 million with a $2.1 million signing bonus -- a tad higher than the one offered Kelly Holcomb in a similar deal.
-- Cleveland Plain Dealer

Savage also confirmed he has spoken to the Redskins about a possible trade for receiver Rod Gardner, adding, "We're not there yet." The Browns also signed a second free-agent guard, Cosey Coleman, to a two-year deal; announced they had agreed to a contract for two years with free-agent cornerback Lewis Sanders; and confirmed that restricted free-agent linebacker Andra Davis signed the one-year contract tender of $1.43 million, assuring his return for at least the 2005 season.
-- Cleveland Plain Dealer

Veteran quarterback Gus Frerotte visited the Dolphins and is expected to be signed relatively soon.
-- Miami Herald

For former Miami quarterback Jay Fiedler, it may well come down to this: Does he have a better chance of playing this season backing up the Jets' Chad Pennington or the Bears' Rex Grossman?
-- Chicago Tribune

Fiedler said all the right things after visiting the Bears, but what he said about the Jets made it sound as if he'll be staying in the AFC East. "[The Jets are] an intriguing situation," he said. "Obviously, they're looking for another guy right now, and it's intriguing because whoever comes in is going to get a lot of opportunities to get some reps with the starting unit throughout the offseason while Chad is rehabbing [a torn rotator cuff]."
-- Chicago Sun-Times

Free-agent quarterback Brad Johnson intends to work out for the Lions today in a bid to land a job as Joey Harrington's backup.
-- Detroit News

The Seahawks are in the running to acquire the services of three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Jeff Garcia, who is scheduled to meet with the team in the next couple of days.
-- Seattle Times

Though they remain strapped by the salary cap, the Bucs found enough money to bring back receiver Joey Galloway, who signed a five-year deal. The Bucs are expected to turn their attention to re-signing Joe Jurevicius and a tight end. They have spoken with the agents for tight ends Anthony Becht (Jets) and Freddie Jones (Cardinals).
-- Tampa Tribune

Packers free agent tight end David Martin also visited the Bucs. Becht will visit today.
-- St. Petersburg Times

If they're willing to open the pocketbook, the Packers could have themselves another quality tight end in Jones, who visited Green Bay Monday and had a fruitless stop in Minnesota on Tuesday.
-- Green Bay News-Chronicle

After focusing on improving the depth of their defensive line in the early stages of free agency, the Dolphins worked out Lions unrestricted free-agent tackle Stockar McDougle to possibly fortify an oft-criticized offensive line.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Rick DeMulling, a three-year starting left guard for the Colts, is scheduled to visit the Lions.
-- Detroit Free Press

DeMulling is believed to top the Ravens' list of candidates for right guard. He met with the Bills on Monday and the Lions last night.
-- Baltimore Sun

The Ravens are quietly shopping linebacker Peter Boulware around the league, but GM Ozzie Newsome denied any trade talk.
-- Baltimore Sun

RJainMJ

03-09-05, 08:15 PM

Big news out of Indy is that James could be traded.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2008841

James unlikely to get more than franchise offer

The Indianapolis Colts may be poised to break up one of the greatest offensive trios in recent NFL history.

In a Wednesday morning discussion, Indianapolis team president/general manager Bill Polian apprised the agent for Edgerrin James that the Colts might be unable, for a variety of financial reasons, to make a multi-year contract offer to their star tailback. The bottom line, agent Drew Rosenhaus said, was that James would likely play in 2005 under terms of the one-year "franchise" qualifying offer of $8.08 million, or that the Colts will seek to trade one of the NFL's premier backs.

"Basically, they said that with the stadium, their salary cap situation, they could not make us a proposal beyond the qualifying offer," Rosenhaus said. "And Bill made it pretty clear he would entertain trade offers and, in fact, said he would consider trading 'Edge' for less than a first-round draft choice. I told him that I intended to get the word out about where the Colts stood on this and he encouraged me to do so. I would say this is a pretty significant development."

Polian told ESPN.com that he made the comments to Rosenhaus based on the agent's assessment that there is a depressed market in the NFL for running backs and that he was finding it difficult to locate potential trade partners.

But Polian allowed that, given those conditions, he told Rosenhaus the Colts might have to revisit their position on James. Polian said he will begin to phone teams and make inquiries about interest in the six-year veteran tailback.

Asked if he preferred that James return to the Colts in 2005, Polian said: "I think that the question is, what's it going to take to get him back? I think that's the No. 1 question."

Polian noted that the Colts have a "high regard for Edgerrin, both as a player and person," that owner Jim Irsay possessed a "real fondness" for him, and that the team would like him to be happy. Toward that end, the Colts will continue to work with Rosenhaus and James to create the best situation for the player and for the team, as well.

The possibilities, very definitely, could include a trade.

Such a turn of events might seem contrary to the stance of Irsay, who had reiterated in the past his intention to try to retain James with a long-term contract. In fairness to Irsay, he made the comments, Polian emphasized "in the vacuum of the conclusion of the season."

And Irsay, who reached into his personal holdings to fund signing bonuses for quarterback Peyton Manning and wide receiver Marvin Harrison, also spoke at a time when it appeared the Colts would be getting a new stadium. The team still hopes to be in a new facility by 2008, but the state legislature has yet to approve a funding plan.

Indianapolis, which in the past year signed Manning and Harrison to lucrative long-term deals, two weeks ago designated James as a "franchise" player.

James has hinted broadly that he might prefer to continue his career elsewhere. He has suggested in the past that he might like to play in Miami, since he makes his home in South Florida, but last week acknowledged he would consider other teams as well. League sources have told ESPN.com that the Dolphins, under new coach Nick Saban, are not interested in trading for James.

There seems little doubt, though, that James is attempting to verbally stir the pot in an effort to be relocated.

In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, James likened the Colts to a "dysfunctional" family.

"Man, we're like The Jackson 5," James said. "To everyone on the outside, it looks like we're tight as hell. We're out there, on the playing field, making it all look so effortless, and all the [expletive] running perfectly. Then we go home and it's Jermaine's in this room, Tito's in another and Randy ain't talking to no one. When you get up close, it's all dysfunctional."

James, 26, was the Colts' first-round pick in the 1999 draft, and has rushed for 1,000 yards in four of his six seasons in the league, and 1,500-plus yards three times. That includes 1,548 yards in 2004.

The Eagles need to give Indy a call. :-D

wildcatlh

03-09-05, 08:54 PM

Big news out of Indy is that James could be traded.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2008841

The Eagles need to give Indy a call. :-D

I'd rather have Westbrook.

Jericho

03-09-05, 09:54 PM

I don't know if it's really news that James might be traded, as it's been long speculated. Still who's gonna give up much for James with so many other potential RBs available w/o the mileage?

brizz

03-10-05, 12:18 AM

Daryl

03-10-05, 01:11 AM

Apparently the Lions have fired long time play-by-play team Mark Champion and Jim Brandstatter :(

Some guy named Dan Miller is replacing Champion, no replacement for the color guy named as of yet. Anyone know who Miller is? This really bums me out. They were definately homers, but were never afraid to criticize when warranted. first ernie harwell, now this. They'll be missed.

WTF?! Really?! Mark "You just won the SuperBowl, now what are gonna do?" Champion and Big Jim are gone?? Ugh. Dan Miller (http://164.109.57.230/dynamic/images/stories/personalities/dan_miller.html) is on Detroit Fox2 as their top Sports Anchor. He also hosts a Sunday night show and occasionally appears on WDFN 1130 in Detroit. He also does NFL play by play for FOX, I think he's on the 6th or 7th string announcing team - usually they try put him on Lions games (you'll probably know his voice once you hear him, brizz). He usually appears on WDFN during the week he's supposed to do an NFL game for Fox, and the radio guys will give him a phrase for him to try to slide in during the NFL broadcast that only listeners to the radio show would get.

wildcatlh

03-10-05, 08:25 AM

I don't know if it's really news that James might be traded, as it's been long speculated. Still who's gonna give up much for James with so many other potential RBs available w/o the mileage?

I'm just not sure there's much of a market. I have a feeling that Shaun Alexander is going to end up in Miami (maybe for Surtain and a draft pick, or maybe even Alexander and a draft pick for Surtain and Jason Taylor), so that'd take out his #1 destination. Not sure who else is going to be willing to give up value for James.

Red Dog

03-10-05, 08:44 AM

Dan Miller used to work here in DC.

brizz

03-10-05, 09:50 AM

WTF?! Really?! Mark "You just won the SuperBowl, now what are gonna do?" Champion and Big Jim are gone?? Ugh. Dan Miller (http://164.109.57.230/dynamic/images/stories/personalities/dan_miller.html) is on Detroit Fox2 as their top Sports Anchor. He also hosts a Sunday night show and occasionally appears on WDFN 1130 in Detroit. He also does NFL play by play for FOX, I think he's on the 6th or 7th string announcing team - usually they try put him on Lions games (you'll probably know his voice once you hear him, brizz). He usually appears on WDFN during the week he's supposed to do an NFL game for Fox, and the radio guys will give him a phrase for him to try to slide in during the NFL broadcast that only listeners to the radio show would get.
Word is that Miller and Millen are tight from his D.C. days....this really sucks though. I loved those two guys. I'll miss Champion's "Oh....NOOOOOO.....What are they DOING?!?!??!?" :lol:

Lions cut radio team, hire Miller

Longtime duo Champion and Brandstatter released

March 10, 2005

BY CURT SYLVESTER
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

Channel 2 sports director Dan Miller has been selected as the Lions' play-by-play radio announcer for the 2005 season.

The announcement is expected today from Infinity Broadcasting Corp., owners of the flagship station WKRK-FM (97.1).

Miller replaces Mark Champion, who was the voice of the Lions for the past 16 years after filling a similar position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier in his broadcast career.

Former University of Michigan offensive lineman Jim Brandstatter, a popular local radio and television personality who handled the color commentary with Champion, was also released, according to persons familiar with the situation.

The Lions had no immediate comment regarding the changes on the broadcast team.

Champion, 54, said he was informed Wednesday afternoon that he and Brandstatter would be replaced.

"I was obviously disappointed to hear the news but in this business -- especially in the broadcast business -- this type of thing goes on," Champion said.

Champion, who also does play-by-play for the Pistons as a backup to George Blaha, thanked the Lions, the Ford family and the networks that handled the Lions broadcasts -- first CBS and more recently Infinity -- for the 16 years he spent with the Lions.

Miller has a strong football and NFL background. He has done television play-by-play on Fox regional NFL games for several years and hosted weekly television and radio shows for the Lions in recent seasons.

mgbfan

03-10-05, 01:52 PM

Rumors of the Pack cutting Sharper and him jumping over to the Vikings seem to be really heating up.

bralph

03-10-05, 03:04 PM

Rumors of the Pack cutting Sharper and him jumping over to the Vikings seem to be really heating up.

That would really blow... I really like Sharper. He's made huge strides after being pretty awful his first couple of years. Granted, last year was a bit of a down year, but he is still one of the few bright spots on that defense.

Of course, I'm extra-biased because I met him once and have his jersey... If this happens, I'll have to seriously consider not buying anymore player jerseys. No sooner do I get the jersey, and they leave the team (either willingly or cut). First player this happened to me with was Chmura, and of course that was a "special" circumstance. I actually still wear that jersey occassionally....

Chew

03-10-05, 03:10 PM

As a Packer fan, it's getting seriously depressing with all the news about players leaving the team. They haven't signed anybody of note since free agency started, only lost nearly a half dozen starters. :(

Now Sharper? :mad:

Cusm

03-10-05, 03:27 PM

I really like the rumors of Sharper coming over, a llot better than the Darius trade rumor. We would keep our first day pick and get to screw over the Pack.

brizz

03-10-05, 04:29 PM

David Boston has signed with the 49ers for 1 year at the league minimum. I suppose he can't make them any worse.... :lol:

mgbfan

03-10-05, 04:47 PM

I actually still wear that jersey occassionally....
When you hit the high schools to pick up chicks? :lol:

bralph

03-10-05, 04:56 PM

When you hit the high schools to pick up chicks? :lol:

It's just for the afterprom parties :D

I actually got the Sharper jersey to replace the Chmura jersey, because my wife didn't like me still wearing it. So I'll put it on if she's bugging me...

Chew

03-10-05, 07:57 PM

Brett Favre is returning to the Green Bay Packers for the 2005 season.

Coach Mike Sherman told The AP on Thursday he had a two-hour conversation with his quarterback on Wednesday night. Favre informed him his wife, Deanna, is doing well in her cancer treatment, so he's planning to play at least one more season, maybe more if his own health holds up.

"It came down to his wife and she's doing well in her recovery," Sherman said. "She wants him to play. He said he's looking forward to playing -- hopefully without any off-the-field situations and 'enjoying the journey.'"

The three-time MVP said after the Packers' playoff loss to Minnesota in January he wanted to reflect before committing to playing a 15th NFL season following a year of personal tumult.

His wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in October, a week after the death of her 24-year-old brother in an ATV accident on the quarterback's property in Mississippi.

And Favre was still dealing with the stunning news of Reggie White's death on the day after Christmas, which came about a year after the death of Favre's father, Irv, from a heart attack.

"After the season, he just needed to think about some things," Sherman said. "Any man would have to contemplate his future when his wife is fighting cancer. It's not like he had to work to make money. He didn't want to be a part-time husband and a part-time football player. It came down to his wife. If she's not healthy, it's obviously a different ball game. But now she's doing well. She wants him to play."

It never was a question of diminished ability because even at 35, Favre is still on top of his game.

He topped 4,000 yards passing last season and recorded his eighth 30-touchdown season, twice as many as any other quarterback in NFL history, and the Packers set franchise records for total offense and net passing yards in 2004.

"He's always been excited about playing football," Sherman said. "He's never lost his enthusiasm for the game. It's just his family situation was pulling at him."

Next season won't necessarily be Favre's farewell, either, Sherman suggested: "As long as he can play at a Brett Favre level, he will _ unless some situation off the field, outside of football, affects him or his family."

Deanna Favre has completed her chemotherapy and is undergoing radiation treatment.

The Favres are helping put on a Faith Hill concert back home Saturday night to benefit breast cancer patients. Favre is scheduled to appear at the Packers' inaugural fan fest that morning in Green Bay.

After the Packers were upset 31-17 by the Vikings in the wild-card round of the playoffs -- Green Bay's second playoff loss at home in three years -- Favre said he needed some time to figure out his future.

Although Favre sustained three injuries serious enough to put him on the injury report last season, he extended his NFL quarterbacks record starting streak to 225 games. Since his first start on Sept. 27, 1992, 183 other quarterbacks have made their NFL debut.

Favre's return-or-retire decision has been a hot topic all winter.

Wide receiver Donald Driver created a controversy when he said at the Super Bowl he talks to Favre often and he felt Favre wasn't coming back. Speculation got so crazy that running back Ahman Green even got some radio play by saying "it could go either way."

Because Favre hasn't spoken publicly about his plans, it wasn't known before Thursday whether the retooled coaching staff, the stripping of Sherman's GM duties in favor of Ted Thompson or the loss of starting guards Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle in free agency would play a role in his decision.

Rivera signed with Dallas and Wahle with Carolina last week, leaving two gaping holes in an offensive line that allowed a franchise-low 14 sacks last season.

Sherman said the only thing Favre had to say about the loss of the guards was they deserved the multimillion-dollar bonuses they received.

"I told him we'll get that fixed," Sherman said. "It never was an issue. Brett said he was excited about what we did on offense last year and he thinks we can do more this year.

"Obviously, his major thing is to win another Super Bowl and he's excited about having that chance."
http://www.packers.com/news/stories/2005/03/10/1/

:banana::banana::banana:

wildcatlh

03-10-05, 08:06 PM

But as stated earlier, with that offensive line, what are Favre's chances of not getting killed this season?

SnoopDogg

03-10-05, 09:43 PM

I really hope the Vikings pick up Sharper.... I would love to see Sharper w/ a pick or a blitz sack on Farve.. :)

Happy Vikings fan... so far...

RJainMJ

03-11-05, 12:05 AM

I'd rather have Westbrook.

Me too. But the Eagles could use another RB. I'm sure it's something they'll address in the draft. A Jerome Bettis bigger type of back is what they need.

B.A.

03-11-05, 08:54 AM

New, portable turf could solve Dome's problem

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch
Thursday, Mar. 10 2005

It looks like there could be a solution to the artificial turf problem at the
Edward Jones Dome.

The FieldTurf company has developed a tray system in which its artificial
surface can be removed after football games for conventions or other
non-football events at Dome facilities.

"We have to see it first," said Bob Wallace, executive vice president and
general counsel of the Rams. "But this is what the Dome has been looking for -
this kind of technology that can get a surface in and out of the dome."

Officials from both the Rams and the St. Louis Convention and Visitors
Commission are traveling to Toronto to observe a FieldTurf surface being
installed via the tray system at the SkyDome.

"If we like what we see, I'm sure we'll have someone from the (Ram)
organization's football side go look and see if this is acceptable to them,"
Wallace said. "Or what issues or questions they have. We have to get some input
from the people that are going to actually play on it."

Rams coach Mike Martz has complained about the Dome's AstroTurf surface.
AstroTurf, which is thin and can be rolled up when it needs to be removed, also
makes for a hard playing surface when concrete is underneath, as it is at the
Dome. The Rams have been hoping for a surface that is softer, thicker and more
forgiving but that could still be removed when other events need to use the
Dome.

According to FieldTurf CEO John Gilman, it takes up to eight hours to install
or remove a FieldTurf surface via the tray system.

"It's like a bakery tray," Gilman said in a recent interview from his office in
Montreal.

A big, heavy bakery tray. Each tray contains a section of turf that is 8 feet
by 14 feet and weighs about 1,500 pounds.

"We've developed a motorized ability to take it off skids," Gilman said. "We
have an attachment for a forklift that literally reaches out and grabs the tray
and then brings it over to its spot. And it just starts laying it down like a
jigsaw puzzle."

There are no problems with seams because FieldTurf is thick and heavy. It will
take about 800 trays of turf to fill out the Edward Jones Dome, but when not on
the floor, Gilman said, the trays can be stacked 15 to 20 pallets high in
storage.

Gilman said FieldTurf's first full installation of a tray system surface was in
Montreal's Olympic Stadium last season. Now that the baseball Expos have moved
to Washington, that surface has been shipped to Vancouver. It will be installed
later this year in B.C. Place, the home of the British Columbia Lions of the
Canadian Football League.

The cost of a FieldTurf surface alone is about $500,000, and comes with an
eight-year warranty. A surface with a tray system costs somewhere in the range
of $800,000 to $1 million.

"It's the cost of a holder for a placekicker - depending on how long the
holder's been around," said Gilman, a former CFL quarterback.

Wallace said the eight-hour installation or removal time wasn't a problem.

"We usually give ourselves much more leeway in between events," Wallace said.
"The football field technically is turned over to the Rams 24 hours before the
starting time."

Last season, the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis and the RCA Dome in
Indianapolis were the only stadiums in the NFL still using AstroTurf. But the
RCA Dome is installing a new surface this offseason.

Gilman said his company would have plenty of time to install a FieldTurf
surface at the Edward Jones Dome for the 2005 football season should St. Louis
officials decide that is the way to go.

"We got the order for the SkyDome on Feb. 20, and we'll have it installed by
April 6," Gilman said.

Twenty of the 32 NFL teams have FieldTurf surfaces either in their stadiums or
their practice facilities. The Rams installed a FieldTurf surface in their
indoor practice facility in Earth City before the 2002 season.

But Wallace stopped short of saying that FieldTurf was the company of choice
for the Edward Jones Dome, noting several other companies "also have this kind
of field and are getting close to that (tray system) technology."

He also noted that choosing and buying a new Dome surface was the domain of the
Convention and Visitors Commission and the St. Louis Regional Convention and
Sports Authority - not the Rams.

"Obviously, the ultimate decision is theirs," Wallace said.

B.A.

03-11-05, 08:55 AM

Rams sign Stone to help on special teams, secondary

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch
Thursday, Mar. 10 2005

In a move to bolster their special teams and add depth in the secondary, the
Rams agreed to terms Thursday with free agent Michael Stone. Contract terms
weren't immediately available.

Stone, 27, was a second-round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2001 after
playing his college ball at Memphis. Stone primarily has been a special teams
player with the Cardinals. A safety-cornerback at 6 feet, 201 pounds, Stone had
only three tackles on defense last season, but was second on the Big Red in
special teams stops with 17.

"This was the No. 1 special teams guy (available) in our evaluations," said Joe
Vitt, Rams assistant head coach and linebackers coach.

Stone could have a chance to get into the mix at safety as well.

"As people see, you can't have enough safeties," Vitt said. "We went through a
lot of them last year. This kid can run. He can tackle. He's physical. He
understands the game. We still think he has ascending skills."

After visiting Rams Park at the start of this week, Stone also visited New
England. Vitt said that signing Stone doesn't preclude the Rams from signing
corner-safety Michael Hawthorne, a Green Bay free agent.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Big signing. Big. :lol:

deadlax

03-11-05, 09:49 AM

Eagles signed Mike Mcmahon to a two-year deal.

ChiTownAbs, Inc

03-11-05, 09:54 AM

Mike Tice is busted for scalping his Super Bowl allotment.

What an asshat.

wildcatlh

03-11-05, 09:57 AM

Mike Tice is busted for scalping his Super Bowl allotment.

What an asshat.

Nah. I guarantee that 80% of NFL people who get tickets scalp them. It's just they decided to make a big deal out of this for whatever reason.

Red Dog

03-11-05, 10:03 AM

I can't believe this Mike Tice thing is a news story. Who the fuck cares.

B.A.

03-11-05, 10:13 AM

I can't believe this Mike Tice thing is a news story. Who the fuck cares.
I have been thinking the same thing for the past few days.

Cusm

03-11-05, 10:18 AM

I can't believe this Mike Tice thing is a news story. Who the fuck cares.

Rumor has it that Moss or Hovan called and cried about this to give Tice some grief. Tice admitted he did this, when he was an assistant coach, so this is about 4 year old controversy.

CRM114

03-11-05, 11:35 AM

I can't believe this Mike Tice thing is a news story. Who the fuck cares.

Nobody except that I gather most people think he's an asshat to begin with.

CRM114

03-11-05, 11:37 AM

Eagles signed Mike Mcmahon to a two-year deal.

:hscratch:

http://www.onlinesports.com/images/ssm-mcmaphs008.gif

Jim's making a comeback? Cool. Oh, MIKE McMAHON. Who's that? :lol:

raven56706

03-11-05, 11:42 AM

According to some news sources, Jay Fielder has signed with the JETS.

Josh H

03-11-05, 12:30 PM

:hscratch:
MIKE McMAHON. Who's that? :lol:

Back up for the Lions, started some as well. Played college at Rutgers. Pretty solid back up QB, great scrambler.

mgbfan

03-11-05, 12:44 PM

Nobody except that I gather most people think he's an asshat to begin with.
I don't care if he sold the tickets. But I think Tice is an asshat. I'm not 100% sure what an asshat is, but I'm still willing to apply the label.

Daryl

03-12-05, 11:06 AM

Apparently the Lions have fired long time play-by-play team Mark Champion and Jim Brandstatter :(
:lol: typical Lions. Apparently their only intent was to replace Champion with Dan Miller, and keep Brandstatter, but they screwed up the announcement so that it seemed like Jim was getting canned as well, when in reality a decision hadn't been made on him.

story (http://www.detnews.com/2005/lions/0503/12/H01-114178.htm)

SnoopDogg

03-12-05, 03:47 PM

gmal2003

03-12-05, 03:54 PM

SnoopDogg

03-12-05, 04:03 PM

Packers finally done, Detroit looks like they may go over the hump. Chicago is getting better too... GB in last place next year??

Jam Master Jay

03-13-05, 12:49 AM

Per ESPNews and Len Pascerelli: Lions and Jeff Garcia agree in principle to a contract. :up: :D
He may not be a savior but he filled a glaring hole we had, a backup QB with the experience and ability to start if need be. Rick DeMulling has narrowed his options down to Buffalo and Detroit.

I like the signing, Garcia is a vet with experience running Mooch's West Coast Offense and can come in and start if Harrington falters.

Hopefully they land DeMulling or Neil from the Broncos to fill that hole at the Guard position.

CRM114

03-13-05, 11:27 AM

Ex-Packer Sharper is now a Viking.

3 out of the 4 DBs are in place, we need 1 more.

Smoot, Winfield, Sharper and maybe..... Darius!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2011382

But the Vikes still can't stop T.O. and they lost their only weapon on the offensive side of the ball. AND they still have Tice. :lol:

LorenzoL

03-13-05, 11:31 AM

Per ESPNews and Len Pascerelli: Lions and Jeff Garcia agree in principle to a contract. :up: :D
He may not be a savior but he filled a glaring hole we had, a backup QB with the experience and ability to start if need be. Rick DeMulling has narrowed his options down to Buffalo and Detroit.

Does anyone know who the Bears will go after since Warner and Fiedler has both gone elsewhere?

CRM114

03-13-05, 11:33 AM

I like the signing, Garcia is a vet with experience running Mooch's West Coast Offense and can come in and start if Harrington falters.

This is a bad precedent if you ask me. If the Lions have pretty much given up hope on Harrington then fine. But if they still believe he is their QB, then its a bad move. You know as soon as Harrington struggles, Maricucci will go to his security blanket. Before you know it, Garcia is starting and the result is no growth for the football team.

As an Eagles fan who suffered through a decade of patchwork QBs, I've come to realize that the QB is the single most important position on the field. Until that position is resolved, you might get some 10-6 seasons and some playoff wins but thats about it. The Eagles have no attained that elusive SB title but the fans can feel some solace in knowing the team is right there year in and year out.

I'm pulling for the Lions. Mostly because I'm a Matt Millen fan but I see two cities, Detroit and Philadelphia, whose football fans have suffered long enough.

MrX

03-13-05, 11:35 AM

Does anyone know who the Bears will go after since Warner and Fiedler has both gone elsewhere?
They had Brad Johnson in late last week.

As long as they refuse to open up the competition and insist Grossman is the starter they won't have much of a chance with anyone worth a damn.

LorenzoL

03-13-05, 11:47 AM

They had Brad Johnson in late last week.

As long as they refuse to open up the competition and insist Grossman is the starter they won't have much of a chance with anyone worth a damn.

Thanks.

I just hope that we sign somebody reliable regardless whether they are big name or not. I will hate to go through the Quinn and Krenzel debacle of last year again.

LorenzoL

03-13-05, 11:47 AM

Unrestricted free agent defensive end Derrick Burgess, who played the first four seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, has reached contract agreement with the Oakland Raiders.

The contract, negotiated by agent Jimmy Sexton, is for five years, $17.5 million, and the deal includes $6 million in bonuses.

Burgess, who had visited Seattle earlier in the week, reached agreement with the Raiders Saturday night. The Eagles, who had hoped to retain him, were also a finalist.

LorenzoL

03-13-05, 11:52 AM

I don't believe it was his agent's fault for the lack of interest...

Unable to strike a deal in the first two weeks of the signing period, unrestricted free agent wide receiver Plaxico Burress has turned to the man who many now regard as the NFL's preeminent dealmaker, in hopes of landing a lucrative contract.

Burress has terminated agent Michael Harrison, ESPN.com has confirmed, and will retain high-profile player representative Drew Rosenhaus to try to stoke the flames of a flagging free agency candidacy. With a burgeoning clientele, Rosenhaus represents more players, about 90, than any other NFL agent.

The switch, hardly out of character for the impulsive Burress, will further lengthen his stay in the unrestricted pool, but the wide receiver obviously hopes that it will ultimately enhance his overall marketability.

According to NFL Players Association guidelines, a player must wait five days after dismissing his agent to retain new representation. Burress has forwarded to the NFLPA the pertinent paperwork dismissing Harrison, but it is not known when the documents arrived at the union's Washington, D.C. office, and when the five-day clock begins.

As recently as Saturday afternoon, Harrison told ESPN.com he was negotiating with the Minnesota Vikings on various contract options. There had been rumors for much of last week, though, that Burress was contemplating a change.

Because of the five-day technicality, it is possible that Rosenhaus might not be officially able to begin bargaining for Burress until the end of the week.

Burress, who played the first five seasons of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is essentially back to Square One in a free agent market nearly two weeks old. But he is counting on Rosenhaus, and the influence the Miami-based agent enjoys leaguewide, to heat up the heretofore tepid interest in his services.

Even for Rosenhaus, who has not only negotiated landmark contracts but demonstrated as well a knack for overcoming long odds with some players, the task will be a challenging one. For whatever reason, teams have not warmed to Burress, who was widely perceived at the outset of free agency to be one of the top wide receivers in the veteran pool.

Some teams might view Burress' seemingly cavalier approach to representation -- it is believed that Rosenhaus will become his fifth agent since entering the NFL and third in the past year -- as a weakness of character and a sign of basic instability. At this point, however, Burress clearly feels he has to do something to improve his status.

Rosenhaus probably will attend the annual NFL meetings, with owners set to convene next Sunday in Maui, to meet face-to-face with team officials about Burress and to begin the process of trying to rehabilitate the image of the wide receiver.

Certainly the dearth of interest in Burress has been perhaps the most mystifying element of the early free agency period, with Harrison forced to initiate contact with clubs in an attempt to create a market. It appeared that Burress might sign with the New York Giants last Thursday, but the team ended negotiations -- announcing their decision to move in another direction with a terse, 20-word statement from general manager Ernie Accorsi -- after he declined a six-year, $24 million offer that included a two-tiered bonus of $8 million.

Just hours later, Burress was on a plane to Minneapolis. But he departed on Friday with no concrete contract offer.

It is believed that Burress is seeking a contract similar to the one former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad signed with the Chicago Bears two weeks ago. In that deal, Muhammad, released by the Panthers for salary cap reasons after a Pro Bowl season in 2004, signed a six-year contract that could be worth $30 million, and which includes $12 million in guarantees.

For his career, Burress has 261 receptions for 4,166 yards and 20 touchdowns. His best season was in '01, when Burress had 66 catches for 1,008 yards and six scores.

MrX

03-13-05, 11:54 AM

Hutchinson will be the #2 if they don't sign Johnson and they'll be looking for someone to be the 3rd string QB

LorenzoL

03-13-05, 12:02 PM

Hutchinson will be the #2 if they don't sign Johnson and they'll be looking for someone to be the 3rd string QB

Hutchinson doesn't stir up alot of confidence in me.

SnoopDogg

03-13-05, 12:40 PM

But the Vikes still can't stop T.O. and they lost their only weapon on the offensive side of the ball. AND they still have Tice. :lol:

Well we can't speculate if we can stop him now, but we will see.. We still have enough money to get plexico or draft Mike Williams or Braylon so we will have a weapon back.. You don't watch Viking games very often, or you would watch a guy named Nate Burleson, who is a second year guy. He played very good last year and is very young still. I am not worried about our offense. We should be still pretty good.

But this is a stupid argument cause we are both homers I am sure. :)

CRM114

03-13-05, 01:04 PM

What did Burleson do against the Eagles with Moss on the field? Who knows, maybe Burleson will do better without Moss there. Maybe he's good enough to be the #1 guy.

Daryl

03-13-05, 03:24 PM

Per ESPNews and Len Pascerelli: Lions and Jeff Garcia agree in principle to a contract. :up: :D
:thmbsdwn: :( Now the Lions have a QB with a decent arm who is wildly inaccurate, and a fairly accurate QB with a dead arm who has had the crap beaten out of him the last few years

Mad Dawg

03-13-05, 05:25 PM

CRM114

03-13-05, 05:53 PM

If Garcia sees the ball at all, I wouldn't be too terrified. After all, he has the potential to be more like SF Garcia with Williams/Rogers/Pollard and Jones in the backfield than he does Cleveland Garcia. A mobile QB with a lot of quality options is never a bad thing if they can use their head (I'm looking in your direction, Aaron Brooks). Like most of Detroit's offseason moves, I like this one.

If their desire is to eek out a year or two, the Garcia isn't a bad move. But if you are trying to build a young team around Harrington, they'd be better served keeping McMahon.

Mad Dawg

03-13-05, 07:06 PM

I think having a capable veteran back-up, as long as that is what he is, is a perfectly fine move. Especially one who is comfortable with Mariucci's system.

bralph

03-14-05, 10:54 AM

Ex-Packer Sharper is now a Viking.

3 out of the 4 DBs are in place, we need 1 more.

Smoot, Winfield, Sharper and maybe..... Darius!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2011382

Dammit!!! Now not only do I have to retire my Sharper jersey, I may need to burn it...

Reports are Viqueens are no longer interested in Darius after signing Sharper.

SnoopDogg

03-14-05, 11:22 AM

Yep, I heard....

I guess Chavous, will be ok....

bishop2knight

03-14-05, 02:51 PM

Jericho

03-14-05, 04:18 PM

Mad Dawg

03-14-05, 07:43 PM

Dammit! There was a rumor that New Orleans was going to receive Dat Nguyen from Dallas in a trade for Darren Howard, but the Cowboys say it's not going to happen. Hopefully they can secure a playmaking, run-stopping LB for Howard from someone, but Nguyen would have been a fantastic addition.

Orlando Pace was in Houston today trying to facilitate a trade, according to rotoworld. With Jay Foreman released, it would probably involve Jamie Sharper if he survives the day.

Mad Dawg

03-14-05, 08:09 PM

Update (rotoworld):

NFL Network reports the Texans and Orlando Pace all but agreed to terms on a contract. If the Texans and Rams can agree on compensation, he'll be in Houston by Wednesday.
It looks like it will happen. Houston is willing to give up the #13 overall pick in the draft and has two third-rounders possibly available. The Rams want two first rounders, but are expected to settle for less. Terrible news for Marc Bulger; great news for David Carr. Mar. 14 - 7:45 pm et

Chew

03-15-05, 07:28 AM

Are the Packers going to do anything at all this offseason? Sweet mother of God! They've lost Rivera, Wahle, Jue, Hawthorne, Navies, Ruegamer, and Sharper, but as far as I know, they haven't picked up anyone. What, they think Favre can play behind a sieve they call an offensive line and that their defense is suddenly going to stop sucking? I know it's early yet, but I haven't heard a single word about them trying to pick up anyone.

I share your pain. :(

Surely there is much rejoicing in Green Bay, following the annual announcement that Packers quarterback Brett Favre will return for another/' season. Favre is, after all, the city's living legend, and the the league's reigning icon. (Have a seat, Mssrs. Brady and Manning.) A cursory glance at Favre's 2004 statistics suggest the Packers are far, far better off with Themanthemyth under center: he passed for 4,088 yards and 30 touchdowns last year, his record-tying 13th 3,000-yard season and eighth with 30-plus touchdown passes, twice the number of any other NFL QB in history. In so doing, he led the Pack to team records in total offense and net passing yards.

If he plays out the '05 season -- and given that he last missed a start in 1992, 205 regular-season games ago, I'd say there's a chance he will -- he'll surely pass the 50,000-yard mark in career passing yards and likely the 400-TD-pass career mark. Along the way, he took the Pack to two Super Bowls (winning one), and remains the league's only three-time MVP. When it comes to Favre, the numbers speak -- no, they deafeningly shout -- for themselves.

But there's one career record -- John Elway's record 148 regular-season wins -- that Favre won't come close to by year's end, even though Favre sits at 135 himself. Which is to say, Green Bay will not be a very good team next season, lame conference or no. Which is to say, the Packers have far too many personnel problems for a no-longer-invincible Favre to overcome; in fact, Thursday's other Packers-related news item -- the release of Pro Bowl safety Darren Sharper -- is but the most recent piece of evidence of the team's collective slide. Which is to say, the Packers will have a very, very sticky situation on their hands this time next year, if (Blasphemy Alert) they don't accept the fact that Brett Favre is no longer the long-term, or even the medium-term, answer to their problems.

Make no mistake: Favre's time away this offseason before determining that he'd return was deserved and completely understandable, given his exceedingly rough last 12 months. His wife and rock, Deanna, was diagnosed with breast cancer last October, just one week after her brother was killed in an ATV accident at Favre's Mississippi home. Favre also was leveled by the stunning news of former teammate Reggie White's Dec. 26th death, almost a year following the passing of his father, Irv, from a heart attack. Any combination of such tragedies would have anyone re-thinking their commitment to a job that has already set them up for life, many times over.

But look past the grandeur and the statistics and every Cheesehead's need for Favre to play forever (as he seemingly already has), and the cracks are starting to show. Since 2000, when tailback Ahman Green's ascendance freed Favre from his Superman duties, the Pack have succeeded largely by achieving an offensive balance missing in Favre's early years: Green churning out yards behind a stout offensive line; Favre running an efficient, high-percentage passing game that converts when needed; their combined skill overcoming a defense that hovered between adequate and woeful. But no longer can Green Bay count on the first two, even as the defense looks worse by the day.

Indeed, Green took a major step backward last year (1,163 rushing yards, 4.5 yards per carry, 10 total TDs) from his '03 star turn (1,883 yds./5.3 ypc/20 TDs), despite running behind one of football's three best offensive lines. Having lost starting guards Mike Wahle (Carolina) and Marco Rivera (Dallas) and center Grey Ruegamer (who started 11 games a year ago) to free agency, it's folly to think Green's numbers will improve.

Meanwhile, Sharper's departure only sinks an already-bad Green Bay D further into the muck; last year, the Pack had the NFL's 25th-ranked defense in total yards allowed and against the pass, and gave up 23.8 points a game (up from 19.2 ppg allowed in '03). Their pass rush is terrible, their linebacking corps is middling, and their secondary is in tatters. All of which bodes ill for a defense that had fewer takeaways last season (15) than any team in the NFL -- an especially worrisome problem if Green's nagging fumbling problems make a full-blown return.
Or if (Blasphemy Alert) Favre's tendency to gunsling when the Pack is trailing -- which figures to be often next season and beyond -- continues. Yes, Favre is still good for 3,500 yards and 25-30 scoring passes, especially with the dependable Donald Driver and the emerging Javon Walker as his receivers. But in recent years, when Favre has looked bad, he's looked really bad, especially in the playoffs. Witness his four-interception meltdown at Lambeau Field against the Falcons in '03, or his lousy showing in Green Bay's Jaunuary playoff loss to defensively toothless Minnesota (20-42 passing for 247 yards and two picks, plus a terrible illegal-forward-pass penalty near the end of the first half which cost the Pack a shot at a touchdown and resulted in a missed Ryan Longwell field goal; Green Bay never again threatened).

Now, ghee faces a year playing under new management, one that can only do so much in undoing the abysmal drafting and free-agency decisions made under coach Mike Sherman's general management. He faces a year without the heart of the O-line that has kept him upright all these years, which means he'll be running for his life more than ever, perhaps making him more prone to the boneheaded gambles that have plagued him of late. He faces a year with perhaps the worst defense Green Bay has fielded in his 14-year run as NFL golden child and statewide deity. He faces a year unlike even any, even '04, when his preseason "Super-Bowl-or-bust" proclamation seemed equals parts motivation and fantasy. Given the Packers' current prospects, a similar statement today would be simply ludicrous.

To be sure, I'm not saying the man needs to hang 'em up; I've no bigger pet peeve than sportswriters yammering about when an athlete should retire, for the sake of a legacy, etc. If he wants to play, and someone wants to pay him to do so, then who are we to suggest otherwise. Clearly, his loyalty to the team and community are prime motivators; for Favre to fold now, when the chips are down, would be inconceivable. And obviously, the man's place in team and league history -- as one of the five or six best QBs of all time -- is secure. But with every passing season that Green Bay tempts fate by not addressing the need for someone capable of shouldering the indescribable burden of one day replacing The Franchise, the organization does itself no favors. And to that end, Favre's annual "will-he-or-won't-he" is a damaging luxury, one that comes at an increasingly high price.

Meanwhile, all those invested will wait, patiently and reverentially, for him to walk away on his own, before they commence with the street-naming and the statue-erecting and the Hall-of-Fame-inducting. Maybe that'll be after this season. Or maybe, to believe the conventional wisdom, that'll be years from now. Regardless, Green Bay, for the good of its franchise, needs to finally accept that Favre's walk will happen sooner than anyone would care to admit.

Because the fact remains: Favre last led the Pack to the Super Bowl in 1997, and there's increasingly little to suggest that he'll ever take them back there again.

And as I shudder at the thought of the collective fury of Wisconsin's Internet-savvy citizenry, I bid you farewell until next Thursday...
Link (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/josh_elliott/03/11/daily.blog/1.html)

All I have to say to that is: plenty of "experts" picked the Packers to finish 3rd or 4th last year. Never underestimate the power of the Bears, Lions, and the "late season collapse" Vikings to suck even more than the Packers do. :p

bishop2knight

03-15-05, 10:44 AM

Chew, that article makes me want to cry. The Packers manage to keep their shining star, yet they let the rest of the team slide? ARGH! Why can't they treat this coming season as the end and make it a victory?

Remember the Colorado Avalanche a few years back? They picked up a few solid veterans who could help lead them to the championship. They put together a team that could win and they did it when the had the chance.

For me, that Packers have some glimmer of hope. But certainly not if they don't plan to pick anyone up. What, do they just plan to pick up 5 or 6 defensive rookies or linemen in the draft? Oh, that'll help. They should treat Favre the way they should....they should go out and make the team the best it can be during his final year then rebuild once he's gone.

Cusm

03-15-05, 11:04 AM

I share your pain. :(
All I have to say to that is: plenty of "experts" picked the Packers to finish 3rd or 4th last year. Never underestimate the power of tthe "late season collapse" Vikings to suck even more than the Packers do. :p

Let's see the collapsing Vikings made it to the playoffs, BEAT Green Bay at HOME and had no defense. Now they have one of the best secondaries on paper, beefed up the whole at NT and added some more young talent to their LB corp, I think they will be far from collapsing. Now I see GB not even making it out of the gate, and it will be glorious to see. My only regeret will be hearing Madden and all the rest crying over Farve's season.

Chew

03-15-05, 11:34 AM

Let's see the collapsing Vikings made it to the playoffs, BEAT Green Bay at HOME and had no defense. Now they have one of the best secondaries on paper, beefed up the whole at NT and added some more young talent to their LB corp, I think they will be far from collapsing. Now I see GB not even making it out of the gate, and it will be glorious to see. My only regeret will be hearing Madden and all the rest crying over Farve's season.

I was referring to the Vikings regular season "set your watch to it" annual collapse. I concede the Packers have just as much post-season suckage as the Vikings do of late. :D

The Packers didn't "make it out of the gate" at 1-4 last year, but we see where that led. Time will tell. ;)

bishop2knight

03-15-05, 11:51 AM

I think both the Vikes and the Lions will be better this year. The Vikes' defensive improvements should offset the loss of Moss. The Lions are getting some good players too, and their young guys have more experience.

If the Packers don't fix the holes in their offensive line or if they don't get some defensive help real fast, it could be a long season.*

*By long season I of course mean one that will take them late into January. :)

brizz

03-15-05, 12:34 PM

My NFC Norris prediction for next year:

Vikings 10-6
Lions 9-7
Bears 6-10
Packers 5-11

gmal2003

03-15-05, 01:25 PM

Its really too early to make a prediction. The best time to do it is after the June 1 cuts are through and those players sign. Ill make a NFC North prediction however.

Vikes 11-5
Lions 7-9 (gotta sure up that O-line before I give them their due)
Packers 6-10
Bears 4-12

cleaver

03-15-05, 05:27 PM

Travis Taylor to Vikes, Tebucky Jones to Miami.

mgbfan

03-16-05, 12:06 AM

All I have to say to that is: plenty of "experts" picked the Packers to finish 3rd or 4th last year.
Who? Name one.

Most of what I saw had GB picked first. Some places had Minnesota, but I defy you to find GB picked 3rd or 4th by a respected source.

As for late-season collapses ... Favre has been utterly abysmal in his last several playoff games.

Mad Dawg

03-16-05, 12:21 AM

The Rams have apparently changed their minds on trading Pace and are close to a long-term deal. I hate the Rams.

Jam Master Jay

03-16-05, 03:44 AM

That's too bad, that would have been perfect for the Texans. They need offensive line help BAD.

bishop2knight

03-16-05, 07:42 AM

Looks like the Packers are actually shopping around finally. I heard they're looking into Brian Simmons, a weakside linebacker from Seattle. Apparently he was out most of last year with a broken wrist. Anyone know anything about the guy?

Chew

03-16-05, 07:52 AM

B.A.

03-16-05, 09:34 AM

I hate the Rams.You are not alone.

Rams raise offer to Pace

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch
Tuesday, Mar. 15 2005

If you put general managers from all 32 NFL teams in one room and asked them to
decide among Orlando Pace, Walter Jones and Jonathan Ogden as the league's best
left tackle - it would be quite a discussion.

The three players are that comparable, and that close in skill. It is only
fitting then, that the seven-year, $52.8 million contract Pace is expected to
sign today with the Rams is on the same wavelength as the contracts for
Seattle's Jones and Baltimore's Ogden.

Under the Rams' third contract offer - a revised proposal made Tuesday morning
- Pace will receive:

$18 million in signing bonus and base salary in Year 1, compared
with $17.7 million for Jones.

$22 million in the first two years, compared with $21.7 million for
Jones.

$26 million in the first three years, compared with $26.7 million
for Jones.

In addition, the overall value of the deal is slightly above Jones' $52.5
million deal.

As for Ogden, Pace will receive $2 million more than Ogden three years into the
deal, and $1 million more than Ogden after four years.

None of this was true just 24 hours earlier, under the Rams' previous contract
offer. The Rams were offering Pace $5 million less than Jones after three
years, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. And that was a big
sticking point with Pace and his agents.

For NFL players, money received early in a multi-year contract is important,
because unlike other sports, yearly base salaries aren't guaranteed in
football. That's a particularly important consideration for Jones, 31, because
he will be 38 at the end of his seven-year deal with Seattle. The same is true
for Pace, who turns 30 in November, and would be 37 at the end of a seven-year
deal. They may not see the end of their deals.

So Pace visited the Houston Texans, the Texans made a contract offer, and Pace
hinted broadly about the possibility of a change of scenery. But the landscape
changed Tuesday morning with the Rams' latest - and what one team official
insists is their last - contract offer.

"This is it," the official said. "He takes it; or he doesn't take it."

If Pace does the unexpected, and doesn't take it, it won't be because of
economic issues. It will be because he simply doesn't want to play for the
Rams.

Rams officials remained cautious Tuesday. Pace and his agent neither accepted
nor rejected the proposal when it was presented. Perhaps Pace wanted to sleep
on it.

But the Rams are facing a real deadline today. If all the paperwork on any deal
isn't signed, sealed and delivered to the NFL office by 3 p.m., the Rams would
lose the right to use the franchise tag on any player for the length of Pace's
contract.

And going seven years without having a franchise tag designation at their
disposal is not something the Rams are willing to do. So simply stated, if the
deal's not completed by 3 p.m., there's no deal. And if that's the case, per
league rules, the Rams and Pace's agents can't negotiate again for the next
four months.

In the absence of a contract, team president John Shaw was emphatic Tuesday
that the Rams would not trade Pace to the Texans or anyone else.

"We're not going to trade him," Shaw said. "Let them do an offer sheet. We have
no interest in trading him."

Which is a change from the Rams' stance just three weeks ago.

"We put some feelers out," Shaw said. "It had to be a big-time deal. Really, I
had one conversation with Ernie (Accorsi), and there was never really that much
of a discussion about it."

Accorsi is the New York Giants' general manager.

"The Giants felt like they didn't have enough firepower to trade, so we didn't
discuss it," Shaw said.

If the Texans or anyone else signs Pace to an offer sheet, the Rams have the
opportunity to match the contract - keeping Pace in St. Louis.

And as Shaw said Tuesday, "I can't imagine that Houston's paying him more than
we're offering him. Who knows?"

El Scorcho

03-16-05, 02:40 PM

Awesome, the NFL is looking to ban hits on "unsuspecting players". Kinda like that hit that Warren Sapp laid on that Packer in 2003. About time. There's no need to lay someone out when he's far removed from the play.

LorenzoL

03-16-05, 04:15 PM

You are not alone.

Rams raise offer to Pace

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch
Tuesday, Mar. 15 2005

If you put general managers from all 32 NFL teams in one room and asked them to
decide among Orlando Pace, Walter Jones and Jonathan Ogden as the league's best
left tackle - it would be quite a discussion.

The three players are that comparable, and that close in skill. It is only
fitting then, that the seven-year, $52.8 million contract Pace is expected to
sign today with the Rams is on the same wavelength as the contracts for
Seattle's Jones and Baltimore's Ogden.

Under the Rams' third contract offer - a revised proposal made Tuesday morning
- Pace will receive:

$18 million in signing bonus and base salary in Year 1, compared
with $17.7 million for Jones.

$22 million in the first two years, compared with $21.7 million for
Jones.

$26 million in the first three years, compared with $26.7 million
for Jones.

In addition, the overall value of the deal is slightly above Jones' $52.5
million deal.

As for Ogden, Pace will receive $2 million more than Ogden three years into the
deal, and $1 million more than Ogden after four years.

None of this was true just 24 hours earlier, under the Rams' previous contract
offer. The Rams were offering Pace $5 million less than Jones after three
years, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. And that was a big
sticking point with Pace and his agents.

For NFL players, money received early in a multi-year contract is important,
because unlike other sports, yearly base salaries aren't guaranteed in
football. That's a particularly important consideration for Jones, 31, because
he will be 38 at the end of his seven-year deal with Seattle. The same is true
for Pace, who turns 30 in November, and would be 37 at the end of a seven-year
deal. They may not see the end of their deals.

So Pace visited the Houston Texans, the Texans made a contract offer, and Pace
hinted broadly about the possibility of a change of scenery. But the landscape
changed Tuesday morning with the Rams' latest - and what one team official
insists is their last - contract offer.

"This is it," the official said. "He takes it; or he doesn't take it."

If Pace does the unexpected, and doesn't take it, it won't be because of
economic issues. It will be because he simply doesn't want to play for the
Rams.

Rams officials remained cautious Tuesday. Pace and his agent neither accepted
nor rejected the proposal when it was presented. Perhaps Pace wanted to sleep
on it.

But the Rams are facing a real deadline today. If all the paperwork on any deal
isn't signed, sealed and delivered to the NFL office by 3 p.m., the Rams would
lose the right to use the franchise tag on any player for the length of Pace's
contract.

And going seven years without having a franchise tag designation at their
disposal is not something the Rams are willing to do. So simply stated, if the
deal's not completed by 3 p.m., there's no deal. And if that's the case, per
league rules, the Rams and Pace's agents can't negotiate again for the next
four months.

In the absence of a contract, team president John Shaw was emphatic Tuesday
that the Rams would not trade Pace to the Texans or anyone else.

"We're not going to trade him," Shaw said. "Let them do an offer sheet. We have
no interest in trading him."

Which is a change from the Rams' stance just three weeks ago.

"We put some feelers out," Shaw said. "It had to be a big-time deal. Really, I
had one conversation with Ernie (Accorsi), and there was never really that much
of a discussion about it."

Accorsi is the New York Giants' general manager.

"The Giants felt like they didn't have enough firepower to trade, so we didn't
discuss it," Shaw said.

If the Texans or anyone else signs Pace to an offer sheet, the Rams have the
opportunity to match the contract - keeping Pace in St. Louis.

And as Shaw said Tuesday, "I can't imagine that Houston's paying him more than
we're offering him. Who knows?"

As per espn.com, is a done deal...

The St. Louis Rams reached a seven-year, $52.8 million deal with franchise left tackle Orlando Pace Wednesday that ended three years of efforts to get him to agree to the long-term contract.

Included in the deal is a $15 million signing bonus. By agreeing to the contract Wednesday, the Rams will be able to use the franchise tag on future players instead of losing it for the next seven years, the length of Pace's contract.

The Rams and Pace's agent, Kennard McGuire, exchanged proposals and counter proposals Tuesday afternoon and evening and narrowed the gap enough that Pace went on a radio station and said he was optimistic a deal could be struck with the Rams.

That did not sit too well with the Houston Texans, who were willing to give Pace the second-best left tackle contract in the NFL if they could work out a trade with the Rams. Pace visited the Texans on Monday with hopes of convincing them to trade for him.

Unfortunately for the Texans, the Rams were reluctant to consider taking less than two first-rounders for Pace, the team's franchise player for the past three years. Trade discussion never did heat up enough for the Texans to get a deal with the Rams.

The seven-year, $52.8 million contract is slightly more than Seattle Seahawks left tackle Walter Jones earns. The payout is $22 million in the first two years and $26 million in the first three years. Only Baltimore Ravens left tackle Jonathan Ogden makes more than Pace and Jones at that position.

Red Dog

03-16-05, 04:16 PM

Sad that Chris Samuels gets a bigger signing bonus than Orlando Pace. -ohbfrank-

LorenzoL

03-16-05, 04:28 PM

I believe that Jeff George is still available for the Bears to sign as a backup QB -ohbfrank-

Just two years after winning a Super Bowl title with the Buccaneers, quarterback Brad Johnson is on the move again.

Seemingly prepared to finish his long career playing for the same franchise with which he began his NFL tenure, Johnson on Wednesday agreed to contract terms with the Vikings. He was released by the Bucs nearly three weeks ago for salary-cap reasons.

Johnson will sign a four-year, $6 million contract, which includes a $1.2 million signing bonus. His total compensation will be $2.2 million for the '05 season; it is not known how that contract compared to offers from other teams.

Minnesota drafted Johnson in the ninth round of the 1992 draft. His decision to rejoin the Vikings came after Johnson generated considerable interest as a free agent by teams seeking an experienced backup. The 36-year-old Johnson chose the Vikings after considering offers from Seattle and Chicago. He also visited with the Dolphins and Lions.

Only in Miami, which it is believed did not make a formal contract proposal, might the 13-year veteran had an opportunity to start. Every other team with which Johnson visited regarded him as a valuable insurance policy for a younger quarterback.

"Part of this [decision] is coming to a comfort zone," Johnson acknowledged. "And that means being comfortable with your role and with the people around you. There is a sense of familiarity [in Minnesota] and it's a good situation."

Johnson began his career on Minnesota's bench for four seasons, but his career has now come full circle. He will serve as the backup to Daunte Culpepper, one of the NFL's rising stars, a player coming off a career season who rarely misses playing time. Since winning the job in 2000, Culpepper has missed only seven starts in five years, including only two in the last three seasons.

The need for a backup to Culpepper arose when Gus Frerotte, who had been No. 2 in Minnesota the past two years, signed with Miami as an unrestricted free agent. Even before Frerotte officially departed, Vikings officials targeted Johnson as a potential replacement.

"He's someone we know and respect," vice president Rob Brzezinski said.

Only a week ago, Johnson spoke about his desire to find an opportunity to possibly start again. But reality set in quickly and he finally had to decide on which of the backup situations most appealed to him. Agent Phil Williams said his client will have "no problem at all" fitting into a reserve role for a team with which he once started, and will be "totally supportive" of Culpepper.

The two have never worked together, but there is one key connection between them. After the 1998 season, the Vikings traded Johnson to the Washington Redskins for first-, second- and third-round picks in the '99 draft. Minnesota used the first-round choice gained from the Vikings in that deal, the 11th selection overall, to take Culpepper.

Johnson, who wasn't even a starter for much of his college career at Florida State, did not start his first NFL game until 1996, his fifth season in the league. In stints with Minnesota (1992-98), Washington (1999-2000) and Tampa Bay (2001-2004), he has started in 99 of his 115 appearances. He has 2,166 completions in 3,504 attempts for 23,913 yards, with 143 touchdown passes, 98 interceptions and a career passer rating of 84.0.

Only three times has Johnson started all 16 games in a season. He has thrown for 3,000 yards on five occasions and for more than 4,000 yards once. The highlight of his career came in 2002, when he led the Bucs to victory over Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVI.

With Johnson headed to the Vikings, there still remain several teams -- Chicago, Seattle, Denver, Green Bay and possibly New England -- seeking a veteran backup.

brizz

03-17-05, 04:49 PM

Lions signed DeMulling to a 2 year deal - leaving them a Troy Brown away from just about a perfect free-agency campaign.

waporvare

03-17-05, 08:12 PM

Plaxico Burress signed with the Giants.

Lateralus

03-17-05, 08:43 PM

Plaxico Burress signed with the Giants.

Everyone knew he was leaving the Steelers, I'm glad another team in their division didn't pick him up.

Dr_Evil

03-17-05, 10:16 PM

Plaxico Burress signed with the Giants.

Reportedly for the same offer he declined before. Way to haggle, Plaxico. He's lucky they still offered him that much, considering the lack of interest he was seeing.

ruk

03-17-05, 11:45 PM

i hope he is as good as he thinks he is.

Jam Master Jay

03-18-05, 06:15 AM

Lions signed DeMulling to a 2 year deal - leaving them a Troy Brown away from just about a perfect free-agency campaign.

Love the DeMulling signing, now that McDougle is gone I'm hoping they take that T out of FSU in the draft now.

Troy Brown would be cool, but do you really think we could get him knowing he's going to be the #3 WR? The only name I've heard thrown around and actualy had a visit with the Lions was Cory Bradford.

gmal2003

03-18-05, 08:25 AM

2005 free agency

Winners: Lions, Vikings, Seahawks
Losers: Giants,Bears,Packers,Colts

Cusm

03-18-05, 10:26 AM

2005 free agency

Winners: Lions, Vikings, Seahawks
Losers: Giants,Bears,Packers,Colts

I would put the Cowboys ahead of the Hawks, they have had a great FA, which sucks because I hate them and I loved watching them last year.

Daryl

03-18-05, 10:31 AM

Reportedly for the same offer he declined before. Way to haggle, Plaxico. He's lucky they still offered him that much, considering the lack of interest he was seeing.

He got a better offer from the Giants this time:

So, in essence, Rosenhaus convinced the Giants to not only reinstate the offer they made to his newest client last week, but to increase it in several key areas.

raven56706

03-18-05, 10:31 AM

2005 free agency

Winners: Lions, Vikings, Seahawks
Losers: Giants,Bears,Packers,Colts

Um...... letting Ike Hilliard go and picking up Plaxico Burress.... umm Giants are winners..

Mad Dawg

03-19-05, 11:43 AM

The Vikes aquired LB Sam Cowart from NYJ for a 7th rounder. That's another good pick-up for Minn.

LorenzoL

03-19-05, 11:55 AM

The Vikes aquired LB Sam Cowart from NYJ for a 7th rounder. That's another good pick-up for Minn.

As a Bears fan, it sucks watching the Vikes do a great job upgrading their defense this offseason. It will be interesting to see whom the Vikes choose in the draft.

They are looking like the team to beat in the NFC North.

SnoopDogg

03-19-05, 03:26 PM

Looks like the VIkings got Sam Cowart, Nap Harris and 7th overall pick for Moss so far.

Looking more decent....

I am loving the defense...

gmal2003

03-20-05, 12:47 PM

They paid too much for Plax IMO.

MrX

03-20-05, 01:24 PM

2005 free agency

Winners: Lions, Vikings, Seahawks
Losers: Giants,Bears,Packers,Colts
How are the Bears losers?

They upgraded 2 of the positions they were bad at last year, WR and OT, and cutting David Terrell is addition by subtraction.

The only thing they didn't do was get a backup QB.

Jam Master Jay

03-20-05, 03:27 PM

And I don't really see how the Seahawks are winners. They lost Dilfer, Okeafor, Orlando Huff and Ken Lucas without really picking up any new FAs.

gmal2003

03-21-05, 10:21 AM

How are the Bears losers?

They upgraded 2 of the positions they were bad at last year, WR and OT, and cutting David Terrell is addition by subtraction.

The only thing they didn't do was get a backup QB.

They needed a backup/starting QB more than any other team this offseason. Did you see the number and quality (or lack thereof) of QBs they had last year when their UNPROVEN starting QB went down. The Moose signing was big but he wont be close to his numbers in CAR w/o a running game.

gmal2003

03-21-05, 10:21 AM

O yea another loser in FA is the Cowboys.

LorenzoL

03-21-05, 12:52 PM

Standout inside linebacker Ed Hartwell, arguably the premier player remaining in the unrestricted free agent pool, has reached a contract agreement with the Atlanta Falcons, ESPN.com has learned.

The deal, which came after days of intense negotiations, fits nicely with Atlanta's often-stated offseason priority of further upgrading a defense that statistically ranked 14th in the NFL in 2004. A four-year veteran who had played his entire career with the Baltimore Ravens, Hartwell is the fourth defensive free agent signed by the Falcons, joining safeties Rich Coady and Ronnie Heard and linebacker Ike Reese.

Certainly the aggressive Hartwell is the Falcons' highest-profile offseason addition and, by far, the highest paid. Despite its need to upgrade at linebacker and safety, and to add more speed to both positions, Atlanta had spent modestly in the opening three weeks of the free agent period.

Hartwell's six-year contract totals $26.25 million and includes an $8 million signing bonus. There are additional base salary guarantees in the first three seasons of the contract. The deal will pay Hartwell $10 million in its first two years and $13.25 million over the first three seasons.

In the end, Hartwell chose the Falcons over the Kansas City Chiefs. Seattle had been in the chase for him as well but, over the past few days, dropped out of the bidding. Agent Harold Lewis negotiated extensively with officials from Atlanta and Kansas City over the weekend and the deal came together when the Falcons raised their offer from $4 million per year, a number on which they had been stuck for days.

A number of Atlanta officials -- including owner Arthur Blank and head coach Jim Mora and defensive coordinator Ed Donatell -- lobbied Hartwell hard the past few days.

"They made me feel wanted and I just think it's a great organization, a great city, and a great chance to win a Super Bowl," Hartwell said on Monday. "There are a lot of really good players there already and I hope I can add that something special, having come from a winning program, that helps get them over the hump. The more they called, the more it all came together and, on Sunday, I told my agent, 'Get a deal done with them. It's where I want to be.' And he took care of business."

Hartwell, 26, has started at inside linebacker in Baltimore's 3-4 front the past three years, but considers himself a pure 4-3 middle 'backer. His addition means that the Falcons will likely have two new starters in 2005. Keith Brooking, a perennial Pro Bowl performer, will likely remain on the weak side. Second-year pro Demorrio Williams, mostly used as a "nickel" linebacker in 2004, is projected as the strongside starter. Hartwell will bump Chris Draft from the middle spot.

The result should be a much quicker and significantly deeper unit, which is exactly what Mora and Donatell were seeking going into the offseason.

In four seasons, Hartwell posted 335 tackles, six sacks, one interception and four forced fumbles. He averaged 111.7 tackles in his three years as a starter, including a career-best 144 stops in 2002. That season, with Ray Lewis injured for much of the year, Hartwell took over as the Ravens' primary inside force against the run. His performance that year signaled that he was an emerging player who, in time, might be able to move out of Lewis' considerable shadow and make his own reputation as a top-shelf run defender.

LorenzoL

03-21-05, 12:54 PM

The Ricky saga continues...
After a month of avoiding coach Nick Saban's phone calls, Ricky Williams answered.

The Miami Herald reported that the pair talked last week after Saban tried for a month to get in contact.

The paper also reports that Williams made the statement he had quit using marijuana in front of several people during a meeting regarding his paternity suit involving former South Florida resident Cherie Clark.

Williams has also been advised to drop his appeal of the $8.6 million judgement against him that ordered him to repay the Dolphins. The NFL players' association doesn't think it will win in court.

Saban has left the door open for a Williams return provided the former player were to bring "value" to the team.

chrisih8u

03-21-05, 06:49 PM

The NFL announced on Monday four key games of its 2005 Kickoff Weekend that begins with the debut of the Super Bowl XXXIX champion New England Patriots’ on Thursday night, September 8 and concludes on Monday night with a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game.

In a tradition that was instituted last year, the Super Bowl champion now hosts the NFL Thursday night season kickoff the next year. This year on ABC at 9:00 PM ET, the Patriots will take on the Oakland Raiders. The game will feature the Raiders’ debut of wide receiver RANDY MOSS, and will be Oakland’s first visit to New England since the teams’ memorable 2001 AFC Divisional Playoff “blizzard” game.

On Sunday, September 11, the FOX national doubleheader game at 4:15 PM ET will feature the Dallas Cowboys at the San Diego Chargers. For Dallas, it will be the debut of their new quarterback, 13-year veteran DREW BLEDSOE. For the Chargers, they will launch the defense of their AFC West title under quarterback DREW BREES, the 2004 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

The Sunday night primetime game (8:30 PM ET) on ESPN will be a clash of offense vs. defense when the Indianapolis Colts visit the Baltimore Ravens. It will be the Colts’ high-powered offensive trio of quarterback PEYTON MANNING, running back EDGERRIN JAMES and wide receiver MARVIN HARRISON against the Ravens’ staunch defense led by linebacker RAY LEWIS and safety ED REED, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year who led the league in interceptions last season with nine.

The September 12 Monday night opener on ABC at 9:00 PM ET will be a rematch of last season’s NFC Championship Game featuring two of the NFL’s most exciting quarterbacks – the visiting Philadelphia Eagles’ DONOVAN MC NABB against the Atlanta Falcons’ MICHAEL VICK. The Eagles defeated the Falcons in last January’s championship game, 27-10.

LorenzoL

03-21-05, 08:14 PM

In a tradition that was instituted last year, the Super Bowl champion now hosts the NFL Thursday night season kickoff the next year. This year on ABC at 9:00 PM ET, the Patriots will take on the Oakland Raiders. The game will feature the Raiders’ debut of wide receiver RANDY MOSS, and will be Oakland’s first visit to New England since the teams’ memorable 2001 AFC Divisional Playoff “blizzard” game.

I would have preferred the Steelers instead of the Raiders as previously discussed on espn.com. Oh well! at least it will be interesting to watch Moss debut as a Raider.

CRM114

03-21-05, 11:18 PM

Eagles get to whoop on the Falcons AGAIN?! :lol:

Red Dog

03-22-05, 10:47 AM

Great opening Sunday Night game. Baltimore always get fired up when the Colts return to town for a visit.

chrisih8u

03-22-05, 10:51 AM

At the NFL meetings in Hawaii, Raiders owner Al Davis did not seem pleased about the scheduling.

"Payback, that's all," Davis said. "They have us playing the model franchise in pro football on a Thursday night. It's payback. But it's fine." Davis, who has fought the NFL multiple times in court cases, believes the league is determined to make life as difficult as possible for his team.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2005/03/22/patriots_raiders_a_thursday_opener/

:lol:

CRM114

03-22-05, 11:17 AM

Well, the Raiders had to play the Patriots. What difference does it make what day it is? :hscratch:

Jeremy517

03-22-05, 11:51 AM

Well, the Raiders had to play the Patriots. What difference does it make what day it is? :hscratch:

He just didn't want to be embarrassed on national television, probably.

DeputyDave

03-22-05, 03:03 PM

Chargers vs. Cowboys! Woo Hoo!

And so it begins.

LorenzoL

03-23-05, 09:20 AM

I wonder if he's ever going to play again in the NFL...

BOSTON -- New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi is considering sitting out next season for health reasons, The Boston Globe reported Wednesday.

Bruschi's recently hired agent, Brad Blank, told the newspaper that the Pro Bowler is contemplating whether he can play next season after being treated for a mild stroke last month.

"I can relate to you only that Tedy is considering not playing next year," Blank told The Globe. "Beyond that, I cannot comment on anything."

The 31-year-old Bruschi was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital on Feb. 16 and released a couple of days later. However, an Arizona television station reported that Bruschi was readmitted to the hospital so doctors could repair a hole in his heart.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick declined to comment on Bruschi's medical condition.

"Tedy has made all the comments. I leave it at that," said Belichick, who is in Hawaii for the NFL owners meetings.

Bruschi, a nine-year veteran, has been a key member of the defense that helped New England win three of the last four Super Bowls.

Bruschi, who has three years remaining on his contract, hadn't been represented by an agent since his rookie season. He's scheduled to earn $850,000 in 2005, $1.35 million in 2006 and $1.70 million in the final year of his contract. His deal would be voided if he retires, but he could earn his full salary if the team elects to place him on its physically unable to perform list.

latenight

03-24-05, 01:52 PM

Seems like a good guy, hope whatever he decides, it all works out.

gmal2003

03-24-05, 02:16 PM

There have been rumors about the Pats trading their first round pick for Brian Urlacher. Id think the Bears want a little more but Im not sure if health or salary is an issue with Urlacher. If he's healthy I say he's too young to let go as he's one of the best at LB. I call BS on this rumor.

LorenzoL

03-24-05, 02:34 PM

chrisih8u

03-24-05, 03:18 PM

WTF???

Can you tell us your source?

The report was untrue. From internet boards, I guess it originated from somebody supposedly saying it on Fox Sports New England.

LorenzoL

03-24-05, 03:30 PM

The report was untrue. From internet boards, I guess it originated from somebody supposedly saying it on Fox Sports New England.

I'm glad is not true.

LorenzoL

03-26-05, 03:05 PM

From ESPN Insider...

Mar. 25 - Tom Brady's new contract with the Patriots is on hold, at least temporarily, due to a disagreement over the structure of his signing bonus, the Providence Journal reports. Brady has agreed to a six-year, $60 million deal, but is balking at the Patriots' proposal to pay the two-time Super Bowl MVP his $24 million signing bonus in four installments.
By not receiving the entire bonus up front, Brady could miss out on portions of the bonus in the event of injury. The two sides remain on good terms, according to the newspaper, but Brady doesn't appear flexible when it comes to guaranteed money.

LorenzoL

03-26-05, 06:24 PM

The Seahawks have reached a one-year contract agreement with Tampa Bay WR Joe Jurevicius. The move gives QB Matt Hasselbeck a big (6-5, 230-pound) target and reunites Jurevicius with new team president Tim Ruskell, the Bucs’ director of pro player personnel when Tampa signed the receiver from the Giants in 2002. Injuries to his knee and back have limited Jurevicius to only 15 games the past two seasons. … The Seahawks claimed DE Joe Tafoya off waivers from the Falcons Thursday. Tafoya played three years in Chicago before being released last summer.

The Rams have made a contract offer to UFA DE Jay Williams, a cap casualty in Miami in late February. Williams, who spent the first six years of his career with the Rams, would replace the departed Bryce Fisher in a reserve role. Williams wants to visit Rams Park before making his decision and will probably do so early next week. … According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, with very little fanfare, the Rams restructured the contract of WR Torry Holt — a move that saved the team nearly $1.8 million in cap space this season. With the recent signing of OT Orlando Pace freeing an additional $2.4 million, the Rams suddenly find themselves with about $6.1 million in cap room with the draft fast approaching. … Rams FB Joey Goodspeed signed his one-year, $656,000 tender offer as a restricted free agent.

Niners LB Julian Peterson signed his one-year tender as a franchise free agent on Friday and then joined his teammates for their offseason program. Peterson will earn $7.29 million next season, a 20 percent increase over his 2004 base salary. Peterson indicated that while he would attend the minicamp next weekend in Santa Clara, he wouldn’t participate in any on-field drills as he continued rehab following his Achilles tendon injury last season.

Word from the owners meetings in Hawaii is that Cardinals coach Dennis Green is still interested in Bills RB Travis Henry and a deal between the teams is still a possibility, after once seeming to be all but dead.

The Dolphins re-signed UFA RB Travis Minor to a one-year contract Friday. Last season Minor was the team’s second-leading rusher with 395 yards on 110 carries, with three touchdowns. Minor was inactive for five games because of an ankle injury, and he started four of the 11 games for which he was active. … Former Dolphins DE Jay Williams reportedly has contract offers from Kansas City and St. Louis.

The Patriots re-signed backup DT Ethan Kelley, a seventh-round pick in 2003. … Word is that restricted free-agent DL Jarvis Green has received some interest from other teams, but the fact that those teams would have to surrender a first-round pick for Green has caused them to pause before proceeding further.

The Broncos signed former Buccaneers UFA LB Keith Burns to a contract Friday. The 11-year veteran excels on special teams, having posted a team-high 23 special-teams tackles for Tampa Bay last season, as well as forcing a fumble. Burns had spent nine of his previous 11 seasons in Denver, recording or tying the team high in special-teams tackles six of those nine seasons (1994-98 and 2000-2003). A seventh-round selection by Denver in the ’94 draft, Burns played for Chicago during 1999, posting the second-most special-teams tackles for the Bears that year.

Word is the Chiefs are still interested in acquiring CB Patrick Surtain. The Dolphins are looking for a first-day pick in the upcoming draft, and the fact that the Chiefs were awarded with a third-round compensatory pick could help K.C. make a deal with Miami.

The Chargers have re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent DE Jacques Cesaire to a one-year contract. The two-year player started the final 12 regular-season games of 2004 at left defensive end, as well as the Chargers’ wild-card game. The 6-2, 295-pounder had 24 tackles, three passes defensed and half a sack in 16 regular-season games.

Recently released Seahawks LB Anthony Simmons reportedly is a candidate for the Bears’ opening at strong-side linebacker.

Lions president Matt Millen hinted the team had wrapped up its free-agent spending until post-June 1 but said a veteran right offensive tackle could be on the radar. With Stockar McDougle, the starter for the last three seasons, having departed for Miami, the Lions' current plan is to allow Kelly Butler and Victor Rogers to compete for the starting job. Butler was inactive all of last season, and Rogers played only 11 snaps. Former first-round pick and Saints starter Victor Riley is PFW's top-rated free-agent right offensive tackle yet to be sign.

LorenzoL

03-29-05, 09:01 AM

Free agent defensive end Courtney Brown, sought avidly by four teams despite a career marred by injuries and a glaring lack of production, has reached a contract agreement in principle with the Denver Broncos.

Financial details of a multi-year contract, which is expected to be signed later this week, were not immediately available.

Daryl

03-31-05, 04:41 PM

2005 NFL Schedule will be released Wednesday, April 13 at noon on a special two-hour long edition of Total Access on the NFL Network.

LorenzoL

04-01-05, 12:01 AM

For the third time this month, the Denver Broncos have acquired a defensive lineman from the Cleveland Browns, this time landing veteran end Ebenezer Ekuban in exchange for running back Reuben Droughns, who is coming off a 1,000-yard season.

The Broncos also receive defensive tackle Michael Myers in the deal for Droughns. All players involved passed their physical exams with their new franchises, who announced the trade Wednesday.

"I'm excited," Droughns told Denver station KCNC-TV on Tuesday night. "I get a new chance, a fresh start with a new team."

Because Ekuban underwent knee and shoulder surgeries since the conclusion of the season, and might not be completely rehabilitated until sometime in May, the swap might include a safeguard, in the form of a 2006 draft pick, to protect the Broncos against the injuries.

The Broncos worked out the financial details of the trade Tuesday night, managing to fit both Ekuban's and Myers' contracts under their tight salary cap.

Denver restructured the contract for Ekuban, who was scheduled to make $2 million this season. Myers was making the minimum of $665,000.

Ekuban and Myers will join a pair of former Cleveland linemates, tackle Gerard Warren and end Courtney Brown, with the Broncos as the team continues to rebuild its defensive front. Warren was acquired in a trade three weeks ago for a fourth-round draft pick. Brown reached a contract agreement in principle with Denver on Monday evening. All three of the players are former first-round draft choices.

Droughns, 26, enjoyed a career year in 2004, carrying 275 times for 1,240 yards and six touchdowns. He also posted 32 receptions for 241 yards and two touchdowns. All those numbers represented career highs for the five-year veteran, who had played fullback for most of his NFL tenure, but was forced to start at tailback in 2004 because of injuries.

Entering the season, Droughns, who began his career with the Detroit Lions in 2000 after starring at the University of Oregon, had just 40 rushes for 97 yards.

"It's a great opportunity for Reuben, because it allows him to stay at tailback, which was a big priority," agent Drew Rosenhaus said Tuesday night. "Given his production in '04, he really didn't want to go back to playing fullback. He felt like he established himself as a viable tailback, a guy who could carry a team's running game."

Earlier this offseason, the Broncos, at the request of Rosenhaus, granted permission for Droughns to explore potential trade scenarios with other teams. The Broncos tailback depth chart is certainly a crowded one and it is all but certain Droughns would have gone back to the fullback spot, and would have had to compete for the starting job there if he had not been traded.

There are two seasons remaining on Droughns' contract, with base salaries of $950,000 for 2005 and $1.15 million for '06. Rosenhaus said he has not yet discussed with Browns officials the possibility of an extension.

Droughns will serve as the backup to projected starting tailback Lee Suggs. His addition will likely spell the end of former first-round tailback William Green's oft-troubled three-year stint in Cleveland. The Browns probably will now release Green, their top choice in the '02 draft, but a player plagued by off-field problems.

Ekuban, 28, entered the NFL as the Dallas Cowboys' first-round choice in 1999. After five years with the Cowboys, he signed with Cleveland as an unrestricted free agent in 2004 and enjoyed a strong season, notching 39 tackles and a career-high eight sacks.

At 6 feet 3 and 275 pounds, Ekuban lacked the bulk to play in the 3-4 front Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel will install. The Broncos have said they will play some 3-4 fronts, but not necessarily as their base defense. Denver has been seeking to upgrade at end, and to add more pass-rush potential, since losing Reggie Hayward to Jacksonville as an unrestricted free agent earlier this month. They are hopeful that Brown and Ekuban will provide dual upfield rush threats.

In six seasons, Ekuban, who played collegiately at North Carolina, has 151 tackles and 20½ sacks in 76 games. Ekuban is scheduled to earn base salaries of $2 million in 2005 and $3 million in 2006.

Red Dog

04-01-05, 11:19 AM

Maurice Clarrett continues to wow the scouts. He ran a 4.67 40 yesterday. :lol:

chrisih8u

04-04-05, 03:14 AM

The Patriots signed former Bears WR David Terrell. Its a 1 year deal. Not a bad pickup, I guess. He hasnt done shit in the league so far, but if Brady wants him, then thats good enough for me. :up:

Cusm

04-04-05, 11:08 AM

Vikings Safety RFA Brian Russell signed an offer sheet with the Cleveland Browns. The Vikes have one week to match he offer if they want to keep Russell on the roster in 2005. I beleive the Vikes have Russell signed at the lowest level of RFA, meaning they have right of first refusal.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The club filled the void at defensive tackle created by the departure of Chartric Darby by signing former Viking defensive tackle Chris Hovan.

Hovan, a former first-round pick of the Vikings, will have a chance to compete for a starting job. The Vikings didn't want to re-sign Hovan. He visited the Giants, but the Bucs made the pitch to sign him with their needs at defensive tackle.

Terms of the deal weren't available.

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars added competition for the vacant starting job at right cornerback and bolstered their nickel defensive package by signing unrestricted free agent Kenny Wright to a one-year contract.

The deal includes a base salary of $540,000, the NFL minimum for a player of Wright's tenure.

Wright, who has defended 40 passes in his career, will compete for the opening at right cornerback after Jacksonville released Dewayne Washington last month. Wright has not been a full-time starter in the league since his 1999 rookie season with the Vikings, but his size (6-feet-1, 207 pounds) and physical style fit well with the Jaguars scheme.

A more likely scenario is that Wright will play the nickel cornerback position. The Jaguars recently released nickel defender Juran Bolden.

Two years ago, playing the nickel position for the Texans, Wright had a very productive season, with three interceptions and 12 passes defensed. In 2004, however, he lost playing time to Demarcus Faggins and was relegated mostly to dime-formation duty and special teams.

A fourth-round pick in the 1999 draft, the former Northwestern (La.) State standout spent his first three seasons in Minnesota and then was claimed on waivers by the Texans in 2002.

Wright, 27, is a six-year veteran who played three seasons each with Minnesota and Houston. He has appeared in 94 games, including 31 starts, and has 235 tackles, four interceptions, 40 passes defensed, three sacks and two forced fumbles.

Buffalo Bills: The club filled a need at the right guard position by reaching a three-year, $5.1 million contract with Ravens offensive lineman Bennie Anderson that included a $1.5 million signing bonus.

There are $400,000 of additional incentives that he should make that could make the deal worth $5.5 million.

Anderson, 28, is a non-drafted success story who signed originally with the Rams in 2000 and then went the Ravens in 2001. Though he wasn't expected to be a starter with the Ravens, Anderson ended up starting 56 games over the past four seasons.

The 6-5, 345-pound Anderson has the ideal size to help maul defenders on running plays.

Carolina Panthers: The club added both depth and competition to its interior secondary, signing unrestricted free agent safety Idrees Bashir to a one-year contract. It is believed that the deal includes a base salary of $540,000.

A four-year veteran, who, when healthy, was a full-time starter for the Indianapolis Colts from his rookie season, will vie for the No. 1 free safety spot in a Panthers secondary that is being revamped. Bashir, 26, started all 51 games in which he appeared for the Colts, who chose him in the second round of the 2001 draft.

Bashir has good range and athletic skills but missed 13 games in four seasons to injuries, and was not quite the playmaker Indianapolis coaches felt he would be. With considerable depth at safety, the Colts did not make an effort to retain Bashir. The former University of Memphis standout has 228 tackles, five interceptions and 15 passes defensed for his career.

Cusm

04-04-05, 11:11 AM

Green Bay Packers: The Packers have re-signed restricted free agent Najeh Davenport, the club announced Friday.

A powerful running back, Davenport returns for his fourth season in Green Bay, where he has served as the top backup to Pro Bowler Ahman Green, and also as the team's primary kickoff returner. In 11 games last season, with one start, he rushed for 359 yards on 71 carries (5.1 avg.), including two touchdowns; he also had four receptions for 33 yards and 14 kickoff returns for 286 yards (20.4 avg.).

Davenport, a 6-foot-1, 250-pound veteran out of Miami (Fla.), enjoyed the top performance of his career vs. St. Louis Nov. 29, rushing 19 times for 178 yards and a touchdown. The output ranked as the NFL's third-highest total over the last 20 years for a player in his first league start, in addition to being the fifth-highest one-game total in team history.

Originally a Packers compensatory selection in the fourth round of the 2002 draft, Davenport has averaged 5.1 yards per carry (187 carries, 963 yards) with five touchdowns, and 25.6 yards per kickoff return (36 returns, 921 yards). In other news, the Packers, who are looking for more speed at the linebacker position, are looking into the possibility of signing Kansas City free agent Monty Beisel.

The 26-year-old Beisel, a former defensive end who made the transition to linebacker in 2002 and started nine games last season, will visit Green Bay during the middle of next week, after visiting New England.

Beisel was in Pittsburgh on Wednesday and has remained in contact with the Chiefs during the free-agent period.

Beisel missed five games last year with calf and groin injuries, but started all but two he didn't play in. He finished the season with 54 tackles, 2½ sacks and an interception. He has played in 55 games in four years with the Chiefs.

Tampa Bay Bucaneers: The Bucs announced that they have re-signed S Dexter Jackson. Terms were not disclosed.

A veteran of six years in the NFL, including five with the Buccaneers, Jackson has played in 78 career games with 48 starts. He began his career in Tampa Bay as a fourth-round pick (113th overall) in the 1999 NFL draft.

Jackson was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXVII after intercepting two passes to help the Buccaneers defeat the Oakland Raiders 48-21 at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003. He has played in 62 regular season games with 32 starts and six postseason games as a member of the Buccaneers (1999-02, 2004). He also played one season with the Arizona Cardinals (2003) and finished with a career-high 105 tackles and six interceptions.

Jackson has totaled 325 career tackles, 13 interceptions, 38 passes defensed and five forced fumbles in his career.

Atlanta Falcons: Linebacker Chris Draft was released, another in a series of moves to change the face of the Falcons defense.

Since signing Edgerton Hartwell to a six-year, $26.25 million contract on March 21, Falcons general manager Rich McKay sought to trade Draft but found no takers.

Draft started 31 of 33 games over the last two seasons. Under new defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, Draft played a diminished role for a unit that improved from last to 14th in the NFL, and led the league in sacks for the first time in franchise history.

Draft's best season with Atlanta came in 2002, when he had 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, two passes defensed and started six of 15 games. A former standout at Stanford, Draft played with Chicago in 1998 and San Francisco the following season.

Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals re-signed cornerback Reggie Myles, one of their top special-teams players, to a one-year contract Friday.

He finished second in special-teams tackles with 22 last season after leading the Bengals with 21 in 2003. He forced two fumbles and recovered one in 2004.

Myles is entering his fourth year in the NFL. He played college football for Alabama.

Cleveland Browns: Veteran safety Earl Little was released on Friday.

Little was claimed off waivers midway through the 1999 season. He started 52 games in six seasons and had 18 interceptions, including one last season when he recorded 81 tackles in 11 starts.

Cleveland's secondary will have a completely new look next season. Safety Robert Griffith was released last month and cornerback Anthony Henry signed with Dallas. Cornerback Daylon McCutcheon is the only holdover.

The 32-year-old Little was an outspoken player off the field and had several run-ins with former coach Butch Davis. He had a career-high 105 tackles in 2001 and a career-high six interceptions in 2003.

San Diego Chargers: The Chargers have re-signed exclusive rights free agent linebacker Stephen Cooper to a one-year contract.

In 2004, the 6-1, 235-pound Cooper tallied 33 tackles on defense as a reserve linebacker and added nine stops on special teams. He is entering his third season in the NFL after joining the Chargers as a rookie free agent from Maine in 2003.

Houston Texans: The Texans released LB Jamie Sharper on Friday. Sharper, a nine-year veteran, was taken by the Texans in the 2002 expansion draft from the Baltimore Ravens.

Sharper (6-foot-3, 239 pounds), originally drafted by the Ravens in the second round from the University of Virginia in 1997, started all 48 games at middle linebacker since 2002 for head coach Dom Capers in the Texans 3-4 scheme.

"He's been extremely productive for us," Capers said. "We wish him well with whatever team he ends up catching on with."

Detroit Lions: The Lions signed free-agent running back Jamel White.

Contract terms weren't disclosed, team spokesman Matt Barnhart said Friday.

White will likely backup starting running back Kevin Jones.

White has rushed for 1,406 yards on 376 carries in five seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Baltimore Ravens. He spent last season with the Ravens, where he played in 13 games and had 27 carries for 82 yards.

Seattle Seahawks: Unrestricted free agent Omare Lowe, a cornerback who played with University of Washington from 1998-2001, signed with the Seahawks.

Lowe has played in six career games and has one special teams tackle since being drafted in the fifth round by the Miami Dolphins in the 2002 NFL draft. He was the 161st overall selection.

Lowe was signed by the New England Patriots in December and played in three games last season.

Little Found Innocent of Drunken Driving

CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) - St. Louis Rams defensive end Leonard Little was found innocent of drunken driving Friday by a St. Louis County Circuit jury.
Jurors ruled that Little was speeding at the time of his arrest April 24 on Interstate 64 in a St. Louis suburb. He will be sentenced on that charge May 6.

"We're absolutely thrilled," said Little's lawyer, Scott Rosenblum. "Couldn't be happier."

LorenzoL

04-04-05, 11:46 AM

Daryl

04-04-05, 04:23 PM

Little Found Innocent of Drunken Driving

CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) - St. Louis Rams defensive end Leonard Little was found innocent of drunken driving Friday by a St. Louis County Circuit jury.
Jurors ruled that Little was speeding at the time of his arrest April 24 on Interstate 64 in a St. Louis suburb. He will be sentenced on that charge May 6.

"We're absolutely thrilled," said Little's lawyer, Scott Rosenblum. "Couldn't be happier."
kudos to Little for not killing someone this time. Fantastic.

SpaceBoy

04-04-05, 04:36 PM

The Patriots signed former Bears WR David Terrell. Its a 1 year deal. Not a bad pickup, I guess. He hasnt done shit in the league so far, but if Brady wants him, then thats good enough for me. :up:

Agree. They wanted him back at the draft, it all comes back around. I saw him lots of times watching games while living in Chicago. I think he seems like a big game receiver if he straightens up his attitude which is exactly what will happen on the Pats. :thumbsup:

BrianYuen

04-04-05, 05:50 PM

did anyone notice that the Raiders are so bad!

they went to the Super Bowl and then the next year they were ranked like last besides the dolfins and the 49ners.

Buc were pretty bad too

Nazgul

04-06-05, 08:55 AM

TO looking for possible new deal. :)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2030532

CRM114

04-08-05, 11:13 AM

TO looking for possible new deal. :)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2030532

They should give him what he wants.

MrX

04-08-05, 02:42 PM

Agree. They wanted him back at the draft, it all comes back around. I saw him lots of times watching games while living in Chicago. I think he seems like a big game receiver if he straightens up his attitude which is exactly what will happen on the Pats. :thumbsup:
He's a big game receiver in games that mean nothing.

If you need a big play in the clutch he's not your man.

LorenzoL

04-10-05, 07:36 AM

The Bus apparently will be making another trip.

Jerome Bettis told the Philadelphia Inquirer on Friday that he intends to play for the Steelers in 2005.

"My body didn't feel good after the season," Bettis told the paper. "I felt pretty rough. It was difficult for me. As the days went by, my body started to recover, and I felt better.

"My love for the game hadn't wavered. It was a situation where I'd be doing myself a disservice if I retired, because I wanted to try to win a championship."

The 33-year-old running back had considered retiring after last season, but signed a renegotiated contract on March 2 that will pay him $1.5 million in 2005, ensuring he will play for at least one more year.

Bettis is expected to attend the Steelers' unofficial workout sessions beginning Monday in Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Saturday.

Bettis, last month, set a June 1 deadline for informing the Steelers of his intentions to return or not.

Next season would be Bettis' 13th in the league and 10th with the Steelers.

According to the Post-Gazette, Bettis is likely to remain the backup to Duce Staley.

Bettis led the Steelers with 941 yards rushing last season, and started in place of Staley after he missed six full games and parts of others with injuries in his first season with Pittsburgh. The Steelers signed Staley to a five-year, $14 million contract last March.

"As we talked about him coming back, [I said] there would be no guarantees, there would be no assurances," Steelers' coach Bill Cowher told the paper. "I'm going in open-minded as I did a year ago, and there were no guarantees a year ago.

"He's very receptive whenever we need him, he's been very good for the young players. You know what you're getting every Sunday. I've been around him for a long time and I have just tremendous respect for his passion that he brings to the game and his dependability. That's a great message for young players to see."

Bettis is fifth on the NFL's list of all-time leading rushers with 13,294 yards. He's gained 10,203 yards with Pittsburgh, where he's second only to Franco Harris, who tallied 11,950 yards during his Hall of Fame career.

IdgIe49

04-10-05, 08:35 AM

What does this mean? Exclusive Rights Free Agents.

And why hasnt my guy signed?

chrisih8u

04-11-05, 03:22 PM

Corey Dillon got a 5 year extension in the area of $25 million.

deadlax

04-12-05, 11:40 AM

Can anyone update with the latest kiper mock draft info?

LorenzoL

04-12-05, 12:43 PM

The NFL draft is less than a month away and draft boards all over the NFL are starting to take a clearer shape.

The battle for the No. 1 spot has taken another turn in my latest first-round projection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers trading on his California connection to get into the top spot, while Miami cornerback Antrel Rolle is back in the top 10 after falling slightly during his senior season.

In all, 23 schools are represented among the first 32 selections, including two apiece for Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Texas and USC, while Auburn and Oklahoma each places three players in the first round. Nine defensive linemen, five defensive backs and five wide receivers are on the list, while three running backs, three offensive linemen, two quarterbacks, two linebackers and one tight end complete the positional breakdown.

And two new players make their debuts this week in my first-round projection: Washington offensive tackle Khalif Barnes and Iowa defensive end Matt Roth, who happened to have some tremendous one-on-one battles at the Senior Bowl.

1. San Francisco 49ers: Aaron Rodgers (jr.), QB, California
Virtually nothing separates Rodgers and Utah quarterback Alex Smith, but Rodgers gets the nod because of his local roots and the fact that he conducted an outdoor workout for the 49ers while Smith threw the ball indoors in Salt Lake City. A trade down is still possible, but with no consensus No. 1 player it remains to be seen whether San Francisco will receive an offer equal to the normal value of the No. 1 overall pick.

2. Miami Dolphins: Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn
A complete back with power, speed and size, Brown is adept at catching the ball out of the backfield. New Dolphins coach Nick Saban is very familiar with Brown after spending the last few seasons in the SEC West and Brown would be a great addition for a team whose running game was sorely lacking last season.

3. Cleveland Browns: Alex Smith (jr.), QB, Utah
New coach Romeo Crennel needs a quarterback,and Smith has the smarts, accuracy and mobility teams look for. Smith is only 20 years old and would be a nice place to start as the Browns look to rebuild.

4. Chicago Bears: Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan
Edwards has the size and athletic ability to make defensive backs sweat. He would be a terrific addition opposite Muhsin Muhammad, who signed as a free agent, and allow quarterback Rex Grossman to open things up a bit.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carnell Williams, RB, Auburn
Williams gets tough yards inside despite lacking ideal size thanks to deceptive speed and tremendous feel for running in traffic. He scored 29 rushing TDs over the last two years, and Tampa coach Jon Gruden is very familiar with him after coaching Williams in the Senior Bowl.

6. Tennessee Titans: Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami
Rolle ran a 4.49 in the 40 during his individual workout and his size gives him an advantage over Pac-Man Jones of West Virginia, who was projected in this spot in my last mock draft. Cornerback is a major need position for the Titans and Rolle brings plenty of experience against big-time competition to the table.

7. Minnesota Vikings (from Oakland): Mike Williams (jr.), WR, USC
Williams has the size, strength and hands to be a perfect replacement for Randy Moss, who was traded for a package that included this pick. The Vikings have needs on defense as well but Williams will immediately address Minnesota's biggest loss of the offseason.

8. Arizona Cardinals: Cedric Benson, RB, Texas
Benson is basically equal to the two running backs projected ahead or him and is a little better as a blocker, which is key to NFL teams. Getting a player of his caliber at No. 8 would be a major victory for a team that needs a big-time back. This could change, though, if the Cardinals work out a trade for disgruntled Buffalo running back Travis Henry.

9. Washington Redskins: Adam "Pac-Man" Jones (jr.), CB, West Virginia
The Redskins would not only get a tough, aggressive corner who is good in run support but also a dynamic return man, someone in the mold of former Washington standout Darrell Green. Jones has tremendous speed and instincts.

10. Detroit Lions: Derrick Johnson, OLB, Texas
The first pick that falls under the "best available player" category. The Lions don't have a pressing need at outside linebacker but Johnson would be an upgrade at that position and allow Detroit some flexibility at linebacker with players such as Teddy Lehman and Boss Bailey already there.

11. Dallas Cowboys: Shawne Merriman (jr.), DE/OLB, Maryland
A workout warrior with incredible physical skills, Merriman would be an ideal end/linebacker combo in a 3-4 scheme. Not many players have the ability to start from a three-point stance or play on their feet at 274 pounds. Merriman is reminiscent of Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest, who was the first draft pick of the Patriots when current Cowboys coach Bill Parcells began his tenure in New England.

12. San Diego Chargers: Marcus Spears, DE, LSU
The Chargers need more playmakers on the front seven and Spears would be a good option for providing pressure along the defensive front. He fits perfectly into San Diego's 3-4 scheme with his ability to play both the run and the pass, and at over 300 pounds he will be able to occupy blockers and allow linebackers to run to the ball.

13. Houston Texans: Alex Barron, OT, Florida State
The Texans had an interest in St. Louis veteran Orlando Pace but did not get him, and with quarterback David Carr needing more protection, the versatile Barron an ideal fit. He is very strong in the lower body and has quick feet in pass protection.

14. Carolina Panthers: Troy Williamson (jr.), WR, South Carolina
Williamson showed great speed at the combine and would be a nice option for a team that lost Muhsin Muhammad in free agency. Williamson did not play in a passing offense in college but has the speed all teams are looking for.

15. Kansas City Chiefs: Demarcus Ware, DE/OLB, Troy
The Chiefs likely will dedicate most of their draft to defense, and Ware is a solid end/outside linebacker combo in the mold of Peter Boulware who will help the front seven generate some heat on the passer.

16. New Orleans Saints: Thomas Davis (jr.), S/OLB, Georgia
A college safety who projects to linebacker at the next level because of his size, Davis is a punishing tackler with big-play ability whose weakness in coverage will not be exposed at linebacker the way it could be at safety.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Carlos Rogers, CB, Auburn
Rogers was a steady, reliable player at Auburn and was perhaps the Tigers' best defensive player last season. He has plenty of experience against top-shelf SEC competition and his aggressive attitude would make him a nice fit in Marvin Lewis' defensive scheme.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dan Cody, DE, Oklahoma
The Vikings drafted end Kenechi Udeze in the first round last year, but the defensive line is a major need area for Minnesota and Cody has enough athleticism to be able to play on his feet at times. Cody also has a great motor and never quits so he would fit in nicely under head coach Mike Tice.

19. St. Louis Rams: Jammal Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Orlando Pace is a Pro Bowler at left tackle but the Rams need a right tackle in the worst way. Brown had an outstanding season as both a pass and run blocker and his good feet and long arms allow him to move defenders off the line or away from the quarterback.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Buffalo): Roddy White, WR, UAB
Getting Merriman at No. 11 would allow the Cowboys to fill another major void with White, who averaged 20 yards per catch during his senior season and was very good at both the Senior Bowl and the combine. The acquisition of quarterback Drew Bledsoe means the Cowboys will have to find him some help in the passing game.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Marlin Jackson, CB, Michigan
Jack Del Rio's team is thin in the secondary and Jackson showed in his individual workout that he has the necessary speed to play corner at the NFL level. He also has good size and a lot of experience against some of the best wideouts in the country. Don't forget, he went head-to-head with Braylon Edwards every day in practice.

22. Baltimore Ravens: Mark Clayton, WR, Oklahoma
Arguably the most polished receiver in the draft, Clayton has speed and athleticism that make him one of the most dangerous receivers after the catch to come along in recent years. His presence would help the Ravens overhaul a passing attack that was bolstered with the free-agent signing of Derrick Mason.

23. Seattle Seahawks: David Pollack, DE, Georgia
The Seahawks need a pass rusher with a big-time motor and Pollack fits the bill with his intensity and nose for the ball. An ideal fit for Mike Holmgren's team if he lasts this long on the board.

24. Green Bay Packers: Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin
The Packers need someone to complement end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and James would do just that. He can play the run and pass equally well, and would have been a top-five pick had injury/durability questions not come into play.

25. Denver Broncos: Travis Johnson, DT, Florida State
The Broncos signed several former Cleveland players along the defensive line but only one, end Ebenezer Ekuban, who was productive last season. Johnson improved tremendously last season and would provide a big-time presence inside who could collapse the pocket, stuff the run and occupy blockers.

26. New York Jets: Fabian Washington (jr.), CB, Nebraska
With Marlin Jackson moving up thanks to a good workout, Washington falls to the Jets. He is arguably the best athlete among all the cornerback prospects, though, and is the fastest of the group. Washington was a safety/corner combo in college who did not really play to the level of a first-round pick but his workouts showed his potential and moved him up.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Shaun Cody, DE/DT, USC
Atlanta needs both an end and a tackle along the defensive front, and Cody showed in college the versatility to play either position. He was a major contributor to the nation's No. 1 run defense last season.

28. San Diego Chargers: Khalif Barnes, OT, Washington
Barnes overcame a late-season wrist injury and had a terrific week at the Senior Bowl, and if he can sustain his concentration and intensity for 60 minutes a week he will fill a big need for the Chargers and their young offensive stars.

29. Indianapolis Colts: Matt Roth, DE, Iowa
His presence would take a lot of pressure off stud pass rusher Dwight Freeney and give a boost to a defense that has been a problem area for the Colts in recent seasons.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Heath Miller (jr.), TE, Virginia
A mid-first round talent who dropped down the board thanks to a hernia problem that required surgery after the college season. Miller still remains the best tight end prospect and would give Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger a nice option in the middle of the field.

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Matt Jones, QB/WR, Arkansas
Jones is shooting up the draft board after posting a 4.39 in the 40 at 6-foot-6, 240 pounds. He will have a tough transition to make from quarterback to wide receiver, but a championship-caliber team like the Eagles can afford to give him time to work his way into a new position. He looked like a fifth-round pick after the college season but his great workouts have helped immensely.

32. New England Patriots: Justin Miller, CB, Clemson
The Patriots were thin at corner last fall and Miller would fill that void nicely. He will be a nice nickel/dime back initially as he learns the system and gains experience, but he is also a great return man who will contribute on special teams.

SnoopDogg

04-12-05, 04:36 PM

Jeremy517

04-12-05, 06:36 PM

I'd guess that a team needing a back would trade into a spot ahead of the Vikings, if he was still around that late. But stranger things have happened. Look how long Jackson remained on the board last year.

DVD Josh

04-13-05, 08:20 PM

Wierd question for all you draft nutz....

According to alot of Mocks, I see C. Benson going to the Arizona Cards at #8.

WHAT IF..... Travis Henry is traded to them... Could Cedric Benson fall all the way to #18 to MY Vikings....???

Considering 9-17 Don't need a Running Back, W/ maybe exception of Houston and Carolina, who have good Running backs, but they have injury problems??

Am I just being a homer, or could it happen..

Yeah Yeah, I know that the Vikings don't need a RB, but C. Benson at #18 could be very very hard to not take.

No way. Let me tell you, if Benson fell, EITHER of those teams would take him. Houston is unsettled on Davis and Minnesota loves to draft RBs.

However, if he starts to fall, you WILL see a team trade up to get him, most likely into Arizona's spot.

chrisih8u

04-26-05, 04:50 PM

The Texans released Aaron Glenn.

And the Patriots signed Chad Scott.

cleaver

04-28-05, 01:48 PM

Chevy Troutman, who I expected to get drafted in the 6th or 7th round, is trying out for the Skins this weekend. If I had to pick 1 college basketball player from last year to play TE, it would be Troutman.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05118/495692.stm

Does anyone know what happened with Shazor? I'm convinced there's a huge story there.

gimmepilotwings

04-28-05, 04:13 PM

Yep, Shazor has signed with the Cardinals.

The Cow

04-28-05, 05:21 PM

The Texans released Aaron Glenn.

And the Cowboys picked him up.

cleaver

04-28-05, 05:26 PM

Yep, Shazor has signed with the Cardinals.

I meant what injury or pending criminal charge he has hanging over his head to drop him from a lock 1st day selection to an UFA.

The Cow

04-30-05, 05:00 PM

Peeved McNabb responds to Owens (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2049794)

gmal2003

05-02-05, 01:40 PM

Kellen Winslow injured in motorcycle accident.

http://sportsline.com/nfl/story/8437701

I never like to see a guy get hurt but he is one of my least favprite athletes along with Carmelo Anthony.

chrisih8u

05-02-05, 02:22 PM

Kellen Winslow injured in motorcycle accident.

http://sportsline.com/nfl/story/8437701

I never like to see a guy get hurt but he is one of my least favprite athletes along with Carmelo Anthony.

Winslow was wearing a helmet, but it wasn't strapped on and flew off his head, Arcuri said.

-ohbfrank- Dumbass

Deftones

05-02-05, 03:59 PM

Funny how Boldin wants the Cards to tear up his existing contract, and completely redo another deal, despite the repeated attemps of the Cards to sign him to an extension. He's holding out now and changed his agent to, you guessed it, Drew Rosenhaus. What a prick.

LorenzoL

05-02-05, 04:26 PM

Winslow was wearing a helmet, but it wasn't strapped on and flew off his head, Arcuri said.

-ohbfrank- Dumbass

You said it.

He's coming off a broken leg in which he had two operations and he's going around riding a motorcycle??? Not very smart.

Jeremy517

05-02-05, 04:30 PM

Some guy on some random message board (read: probably complete crap) who reported the KWII accident before it was made public, said this:

Well, obviously my source was right on, so I'll offer some more details....

KWII suffered a collapsed lung and a lacerated liver, and was going into emergency surgery at Cleveland Clinic around 11:30 am.

That's a lot more serious than the news releases are saying.

-ohbfrank- @ Winslow

brizz

05-02-05, 04:46 PM

which random message board was it?

RyoHazuki

05-02-05, 07:29 PM

Interesting article about the Eagles situation:

Owens skips minicamp; McNabb responds to criticism

By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer
April 30, 2005
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Donovan McNabb hit Terrell Owens right between the numbers.

While Owens skipped Philadelphia's first mandatory minicamp practice Friday, McNabb responded sternly to the All-Pro wide receiver's stinging comments about the quarterback's performance in the Eagles' Super Bowl loss to New England.

``I don't play games in the media,'' McNabb said. ``I'm not going to sit here and try to have a war of words. I'm a man at what I do. If there's a problem with anyone, and they feel the need to lash out, they know how to get in touch with me and we can handle it like men."

Owens -- who is holding out, presumably because he wants a new contract -- took a verbal shot at McNabb in an interview earlier this month. Some Eagles said McNabb was so ill in the fourth quarter against the Patriots that he couldn't call one play in the huddle.

``I played every snap they allowed me to play,'' Owens told ESPN.com. ``I wasn't even running until, like, two weeks before the game. But I made sure I was in the best shape possible. I wasn't the guy who got tired in the Super Bowl.''

McNabb, who made a recruiting pitch to get Owens to Philadelphia before last season, insisted he wasn't tired or sick in the final minutes against New England, though it appeared at one point he was either coughing or struggling to catch his breath.

``If you say I was winded, if you say the (offensive) line was winded, if you say the defense was winded, that's fine,'' McNabb said. ``But to be tired and dropping to a knee, that didn't happen.''

Without mentioning Owens, McNabb had strong advice for his most loquacious teammate and anyone else who wants to criticize the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback.

``Just keep my name out of your mouth,'' McNabb said. ``Don't try to throw names or guys under the bus to better yourself. You never heard me say any names in any situation. You never heard me talk about any given players. I'm the guy to be professional and be a man about things.''

McNabb said he hasn't spoken to Owens since hearing the inflammatory comments. He also hasn't talked to wideout Freddie Mitchell, who also made derogatory comments about McNabb.

``If a comment was made about me, it would take that person to call me,'' he said. ``I don't have to reach out to anyone.''

The soap opera atmosphere surrounding the NFC champions is a stunning turnaround from the calm environment the Eagles are used to. Contract disputes also kept Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook and defensive tackle Corey Simon at home, and Mitchell wasn't welcome at camp.

``I told him I did not want him here,'' Eagles coach Andy Reid said of Mitchell, the former first-round pick who has talked himself out of town by constantly griping about his role in the offense.

Owens' holdout could extend deep into training camp, which starts in late July. He said several times this month he wants to renegotiate the seven-year deal he signed last March. The Eagles have refused to redo the contract worth nearly $49 million.

``If he's here, he's here. If he's not, he's not,'' Reid said. ``We have an understanding here that if you're not here, we move on without you. We have been very successful doing that, so we don't waste a lot of time worrying about those things.''

The flamboyant Owens helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl in his first season in Philadelphia after eight years with San Francisco. Owens set team records with 14 touchdown receptions and seven 100-yard games, and finished with 77 catches for 1,200 yards.

Owens broke his leg and severely sprained his right ankle in Week 15 against Dallas, an injury that sidelined him until the Super Bowl. He had nine catches for 122 yards after defying his doctor's advice and playing against the Patriots.

McNabb said he wouldn't have a problem playing with Owens if he returns to the Eagles. He expects Owens to join him and other players for his annual offseason workouts in Arizona.

``When I'm on the field, it doesn't matter who I'm throwing it to,'' he said. ``If I'm throwing it to you, you can catch it. If you catch the ball, you get first downs and that's what I'm happy about. What bothers me is when you get out, lash out and say whatever.''

Poor Freddie. Coach said he didnt want him there.

brizz

05-02-05, 11:49 PM

from NFL.com.....whoops!
POSTED 10:28 p.m. EDT, May 2, 2005

WINSLOW TO LOSE MORE THAN $9 MILLION?

Setting aside for now the question of whether Browns tight end Kellen Winslow should have been riding a motorcycle as he still rehabs from a broken leg that scuttled his 2004 rookie season (and prevented him from earning a big-money bonus payment by failing to participate in 30 percent of the team's offensive snaps), we've gotten a look-see at Winslow's contract, which indicates that he shouldn't have been riding a motorcycle at all. Ever. Period.

As a general matter, Winslow has breached Paragraph 3 of his contract, which prevents him from "engag[ing] in any activity other than football which may involve a significant risk of personal injury."

And this breach could have significant consequences. Winslow's motorcycling allows the team (if it so chooses) to recover $5 million of his initial signing bonus and the full $4.4125 million of his option bonus triggered at the outset of the 2005 league year, $2.4125 million of which won't actually be paid to Winslow until July 15.

So the total potential price tag on Winslow's deliberate failure to comply with the terms of his contract is a whopping $9.4125 million.

Under the contract, Winslow becomes potentially responsible to pay back the bonus money due to "injury as a result of a breach of Paragraph 3 of the Contract" or "as a result of participation in hazardous activities which involve a significant risk of personal injury and are non-football in nature, including but not limited to skydiving, hang gliding, mountain climbing, auto racing, motorcycling, scuba diving, or skiing." (Emphasis added.)

The bottom line is that, under the terms of Winslow's deal, getting injured while motorcycling is no different that walking away from his contractual obligations, a la Ricky Williams did nearly a year ago.

In either case, the club can recover bonus money.

And in Winslow's case, he could end up forking over more than $9 million.
The bigger question is whether the Browns should make a grab for Winslow's $9 million. Since the guy that drafted Winslow is long gone and given that we can't imagine Winslow and 2005 first-round pick Braylon Edwards co-existing in the same conference much less in the same locker room, we think the Browns should send Winslow a bill for $9.4125 million, and then let nature take its course.

If nothing else, such a move could help the Browns recoup a major chunk of Butch Davis' buyout.

And from the latest Browns press release read on WTAM 1100 AM radio out of Cleveland:

+internal injuries
+swelling in right shoulder
+swelling in right knee

They claim that the extent of the injuries are unclear because they are waiting for the swelling to go down..

Jeremy517

05-03-05, 12:03 AM

which random message board was it?

Browns team board on ESPN.

brizz

05-03-05, 02:43 PM

This whole thing just keeps getting better!!!

-- Winslow Could have a Punctured Lung & Broken Ribs --
Tue May 3, 2005 --from FFMastermind.com
#
The News Herald reports Cleveland Browns second-year TE Kellen Winslow II suffered internal injuries and possibly a punctured lung in a motorcycle crash Sunday evening. "Winslow has sustained some internal injuries, which are stable," the Browns said in a statement released Monday night. "There is also swelling in his right shoulder and knee. The extent of these injuries will not be known until further medical evaluation is completed after the swelling is reduced. Winslow will remain at the Cleveland Clinic overnight. No timetable for his release has been determined." The Browns would not elaborate, but two sources close to Winslow confirmed the possibility of a punctured lung and broken ribs. Further tests will be conducted when the swelling goes down, a source said. Winslow played in just two games in 2004 before being injured. He broke his right fibula and stretched ankle ligaments during an on-sides kickoff recovery attempt. Doctors repaired the damage in two surgeries one week apart. Dr. Anthony Miniaci used screws and plates to put the damaged pieces back together. The fibula healed fine. The front of the ankle did not heal quickly, yet the coaches insisted before the wreck that Winslow's recovery was on track.

-- Winslow Popping Wheelies --
Tue May 3, 2005 --from FFMastermind.com
#
The Canton Repository, citing WTAM, reports a neighbor of Cleveland Browns TE Kellen Winslow II saw him popping wheelies near the home days before his accident and warned him he could get hurt. Police said Winslow did not have a learner’s permit and could face charges for that and reckless operation.

chrisih8u

05-03-05, 02:46 PM

So he punctures a lung, has a shit load of swelling and internal injuries, he could lose $9 million, and he could face charges. :lol:

cleaver

05-03-05, 03:14 PM

Posted on the Plain Dealer Browns message board.
LIKE FATHER LIKE SON
Father has bust in Canton. Son is bust in Cleveland.

Cusm

05-04-05, 11:24 AM

Posted on the Plain Dealer Browns message board.
LIKE FATHER LIKE SON
Father has bust in Canton. Son is bust in Cleveland.

Awesome quote.

I grew up watching Sr, got to "meet" him several times and get his autograph, watched him give one of the hardest performances against the Dolphins in the playoffs when he blocked 2 game winning field goals and had to be carried off the field. Sr was such a class act and I remember no one in San Diego ever speaking ill of him.
Now his ass clown of a son is the exact opposite. I think his polar opposite of his dad has added to his ass clown status with me and I love the fact that this dumbass is destroying his own career, hell he lost himself money last year due to using the Poston brothers as agents and scaring off the Redskins that would have taken him a couple picks ahead of Cleveland. I hope Cleveland takes all their money back from him.

brizz

05-04-05, 03:53 PM

Browns worry tight end Winslow might be done for season

Clark Judge May 3, 2005
By Clark Judge
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Tell Clark your opinion!

The Cleveland Browns are concerned that injuries suffered by Kellen Winslow Jr. in a weekend motorcycle accident will prevent the second-year tight end from playing this season, NFL sources said.
Advertisement
Click here to find out more!

The primary problem, sources said, are potentially significant injuries to the right knee and right shoulder -- with the club unable to determine the extent of damage to either until swelling subsides.

The swelling in the knee was considerable, sources said, with the Browns fearful Winslow may have torn his anterior cruciate ligament. The club also suspects Winslow may have suffered ligament or tendon damage to his shoulder, sources said.

In addition, sources said the Browns believe Winslow may have suffered a punctured lung and an injury to his kidney, but that neither had the club overly concerned. A source close to the club said the kidney was bruised.

Winslow was hurt while riding his motorcycle in the parking lot of a community college Sunday. According to police, he hit a curb while driving 35 mph and was thrown from the bike.

He later was taken by ambulance to Fairview Hospital and was transferred to Cleveland Clinic where the Browns' medical staff treated him. The club later said Winslow's injuries were not life threatening, but sources close to the team said the organization has serious concerns that his season may be imperiled.

"Winslow has sustained some internal injuries, which are stable," the Browns said in a statement released Monday. "There is also swelling in his right shoulder and knee. The extent of the injuries will not be known until further medical evaluation is completed after the swelling is reduced."

Winslow was the team's first-round draft pick in 2004, but missed all but two games after breaking his right leg against Dallas attempting to recover an onside kick in the closing seconds.

Winslow, who had five catches last year, had two surgeries on the leg and appeared recovered from the injury.

brizz

05-04-05, 05:25 PM

this seems like a good time to bring back an oldie but a goodie:

http://www.footballguys.com/04bang_negotiation.htm

brizz

05-04-05, 05:34 PM

Thought some of you might enjoy this absolutely SICK catch Roy Williams made at the Lions mini-camp...

http://badblocks.biz/~jcdenton/RoyWilliams-MinicampCatch(Short).mpg

Yeah, I think he'll be pretty good.

brizz

05-04-05, 06:30 PM

looks like there actually is footage of Winslow riding in the parking lot like an idiot...(not a joke...news footage that obtained the surveillance tapes from the adjoining business...)

http://www.19actionnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=1377983

gmal2003

05-04-05, 11:34 PM

Winslow's ACL Might be torn? Sheesh! Coming from a guy who is currently recovering a torn ACL/Meniscus and knee surgery I'll be the first to say that this will be very serious if true.

B.A.

05-04-05, 11:45 PM

The Browns should rip up the morons contract. :lol:

Jeremy517

05-05-05, 12:50 AM

This just in: Footage of the accident

http://movies26.enwhore.com/brandnewbike.wmv

brizz

05-05-05, 04:29 PM

It's official.....

Winslow likely done for the year

By MIKE McLAIN Tribune Chronicle

BEREA - The joy ride Kellen Winslow Jr. took on his motorcycle last Sunday is expected to cost the Browns highly-touted tight end the 2005 season.
The Tribune Chronicle has learned that Winslow suffered a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Surgery will be required, which means that Winslow will likely miss the upcoming season.

Timetables for recovering from ACL surgery vary depending on the severity of the tear and the individual. A common reference point is a minimum of eight to 10 months, but it's possible that Winslow might need a full year to recover from surgery.

The Browns issued a statement Wednesday afternoon confirming that Winslow was still hospitalized, but no details of the knee injury were given. The statement did say that concern remains with the right knee. It went on to say that the team wouldn't comment on any aspects of his contract.

Winslow, the seventh overall choice in the 2004 draft, was hurt when he lost control of his Suzuki GSX-R750 and hit a curb in a parking lot of a community college in Westlake. Winslow, who was traveling an estimated 35 mph, was thrown over the handlebars and landed in a landscaped area. His helmet flew off, but he didn't suffer head injuries.

A report on the "CBS Sportsline" website stated that Winslow might have punctured a lung and hurt a kidney. The kidney injury is believed to be a bruise.

Winslow spent Sunday night at Fairview Hospital. He was transferred to the Cleveland Clinic Monday to be evaluated by Browns' physicians.

Missing the 2005 season could cost Winslow plenty of money because of a breach in Paragraph 3 of his contract that states he must refrain from participating in hazardous non-football activities that involve a significant risk of injury. Activities include, but aren't limited to, skydiving, hang gliding, mountain climbing, auto racing, motorcycling, scuba diving and skiing.

The team could recover $5 million of his initial $6 million signing bonus and the entire $4.4125 million option bonus that was triggered in early March. Winslow received $2 million of that bonus in March, but the remaining $2.4125 isn't payable until July 15.

Agents Kevin and Carl Poston negotiated a six-year, $40 million contract for Winslow last year, which is the most lucrative ever for a NFL tight end. The total value was reduced to $29.4175 million when Winslow failed to meet an incentive for playing time because of a season-ending ankle injury suffered in a week two game against the Dallas Cowboys. The one-time incentive would have activated $5.367 million in future bonuses and $5.215 million in future base salaries.

Winslow is the latest in what has become a long list of Browns first-round draft choices that haven't panned out. Quarterback Tim Couch (1999) is out of football with a sore arm. Defensive end Courtney Brown (2000) had an injury-riddled five-year run and was released in March. Defensive tackle Gerard Warren (2001) never played up to expectations and was recently traded to Denver. Running back William Green (2002) was arrested for DUI and possession of marijuana and is in Stage 2 of the NFL's drug program. Center Jeff Faine (2003) has finished both of his seasons on injured-reserve with leg injuries.

http://www.tribune-chronicle.com/sports/story/055202005_spt01winslow05.asp

brizz

05-06-05, 01:46 PM

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=..._id=21848&rfi=6

Winslow's season likely over
Jeff Schudel Staff Writer 05/06/2005
Email to a friend Voice your opinion Printer-friendly

Multiple sources say right ACL is torn; another says tight end has additional injuries in shoulder

In their best imitation of Sergeant Schultz, the Browns continue to say they know nothing about Kellen Winslow's diagnosis, but three separate sources confirm the suspicion Winslow's right anterior cruciate ligament is torn and that he is likely to miss the entire 2005 season.

In addition to the knee, the 21-year-old tight end also has ligament and tendon damage in his right shoulder, a source said. He faces surgery to repair both injuries. There is also concern Winslow's right kneecap could be damaged.

Winslow has been hospitalized since Sunday night after crashing his motorcycle into a curb at 35 mph, flying over the handlebars, and landing 16 feet from his wrecked Suzuki in dirt and branches after first hitting a small tree hard enough to tear it from the ground, according to police reports.

The source described Winslow's internal injuries from the accident as a punctured lung and a bruised kidney. Though the Browns have never identified the internal injuries they admitted exist in a release Monday, they did say in a release Thursday that the internal injuries are improving.

Privately, some within the Browns organization are concerned Winslow might never be the player he was expected to be when former coach Butch Davis drafted him with the sixth pick in the first round in 2004 because the injured knee is part of the same leg he hurt last year playing football.

Winslow, 6-4, 250 pounds, never had injury problems in three seasons at the University of Miami (he left after his junior season), but since turning pro, his career has been as downhill as the first drop on a roller coaster.

Winslow's troubles began in minicamp of June 2004, when he said it didn't matter if he got to training camp on time because he could study the playbook on his own time - an attitude that did not thrill management. He held out and got a six-year, $40 million contract - a record for a tight end.

So far all the Browns have for their money is five catches. Winslow was injured in the second game last year during an onside kick Sept. 19 in Dallas. At first, the injury was diagnosed as a routine fractured fibula - if there is such a thing. He was supposed to be back on the field no more than eight weeks later.

Within a week, however, doctors discovered a torn ligament connecting the fibula to the ankle and a second, trickier, surgery was required. That ended his rookie season after just two games.

Winslow was still rehabilitating from the injuries sustained in Dallas right up to the time he crashed his motorcycle. The Browns were hopeful he would be 100 percent by the start of training camp in July.

©The News-Herald 2005

Jam Master Jay

05-06-05, 01:55 PM

I'm really glad the Lions didn't draft him.

chrisih8u

05-06-05, 02:12 PM

"First down" Freddie Mitchell was officially released today. He could be valuable to a team looking for loud mouth idiot who thinks he is much better than he is. Do the Raiders have any cap room?

brizz

05-06-05, 02:16 PM

I'm really glad the Lions didn't draft him.
And not only that....we basically got KJ for free out of the deal. One of the most collosally stupid trades in the history of the NFL draft. And they sure are reaping what they've sewn. Poor poor Brown fans......

CRM114

05-06-05, 08:58 PM

"First down" Freddie Mitchell was officially released today. He could be valuable to a team looking for loud mouth idiot who thinks he is much better than he is. Do the Raiders have any cap room?

He was an asshat. But he was our asshat. Thanks Fredex. 4th and 26.

chrisih8u

05-07-05, 10:31 AM

Kellen Winslow's motorcycle debris is on sale at ebay. :lol:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5193788567&rd=1&ssp

brizz

05-07-05, 04:13 PM

it's looking more and more likely that K2 may in fact be done...period.

http://www.newsnet5.com/sports/4460612/detail.html

WEWS NEWS Channel 5 in Cleveland is reporting that the injurys to Kellen Winslow Jr. are in fact WORSE than even speculated before... From there health specialist and sources at the Cleveland Clinic:

1. RE-BROKE the leg that was injured last season
2. BROKE the THIGH BONE on the same leg
3. TORN ACL same leg
4. KIDNEY damage
5. LIVER damage
6. TORN LABRUM in right shoulder

LorenzoL

05-08-05, 02:20 PM

Cornerback Will Poole from the Dolphins to miss the season with a knee injury.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2055610

LorenzoL

05-08-05, 02:22 PM

After a long negotiation, Brady finally signs a $60 million dollar contract.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2054072

cleaver

05-09-05, 03:38 AM

This just in: Footage of the accident

http://movies26.enwhore.com/brandnewbike.wmv

Does he catch it with his right hand palm sideways, pointing away and behind his body?

chrisih8u

05-09-05, 12:03 PM

After a long negotiation, Brady finally signs a $60 million dollar contract.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2054072

"Is it going to make me feel any better to make an extra million, which, after taxes, is about $500,000? That million might be more important to the team.''

:up:

brizz

05-09-05, 10:39 PM

Bang Brothers on KWII....again :D

http://www.bangcartoon.com/easyrider.htm

Demontooth

05-10-05, 09:54 PM

The 21-year-old tight end, Cleveland's top pick in the 2004 draft, bought a powerful motorcycle last month and had a learner's permit, but ignored advice from fellow riders to get lessons.

That's right...lessons are for *******!!!

Nazgul

05-11-05, 10:16 AM

Eagles will not renegotiate T.O.'s contract. I was wondering when the real T.O. would reappear. Sorry, Philly fans. :)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2057714

The Cow

05-11-05, 10:38 AM

Eagles will not renegotiate T.O.'s contract. I was wondering when the real T.O. would reappear. Sorry, Philly fans. :)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2057714
Good for the Iggles! :up:

thenetstud

05-11-05, 02:43 PM

Vikings: Onterrio Smith caught with kit to foil drug tests
Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune
May 11, 2005 VIKE0511

Vikings running back Onterrio Smith was detained last month at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport after police found paraphernalia later identified as a kit used to circumvent drug tests.

Smith was neither arrested nor charged, but as of Tuesday it was unclear whether the incident will affect his status in the NFL's confidential substance-abuse program.

Smith acknowledged to airport police that he was carrying dried urine, along with a device called "The Original Whizzinator" and a bottle of pills labeled "Cleansing Formula." He told police the kit was "for making a clean urine test," according to the police report, and said he was taking the materials to his cousin.

Smith was suspended four games last season after testing positive for marijuana, his second "strike" in the league's program. A third "strike" would result in a yearlong suspension. An attempt to substitute a urine specimen qualifies as a positive test, but NFL spokesman Greg Aiello did not immediately know Tuesday whether possession of a masking device fits that criteria.

Smith could not be reached for comment. His agents -- Michael Sullivan, Doug Hendrickson and Jeff Sperbeck -- declined to comment. Vikings coach Mike Tice said he was unaware of the incident and had no comment.

According to the police report, a bag Smith was carrying set off security alarms before an April 21 flight. The alarms later were traced to a tube of toothpaste.

During the search, a Transportation Security Administration officer found "six or seven" vials of white powder in a clear bag, according to the report. Airport police were called to the scene and began inspecting the materials in a private room.

A sample from one of the vials tested negative for cocaine and opiates. Smith was then led into the room and identified the powder as dried urine. He also acknowledged the presence of a Whizzinator.

Smith was allowed to leave after questioning.

The $150 device includes a prosthetic penis attached to a jockstrap and plastic bag. Using a syringe, the user fills the bag with a precisely measured amount of water blended with the urine powder to create a clean sample. When the user takes a drug test in front of an observer, the water is released through the prosthetic with a valve (the instructions recommend the user cough to hide the sound of the valve unsnapping).

On its website, manufacturers of The Original Whizzinator market the instrument as an "undetectable,"foolproof" and "re-usable" urinating device.

Like other professional sports leagues, the NFL administers random drug tests to players.

According to Aiello, the NFL's testing guidelines include having the player take his shirt off and pull his pants down below his knees in front of an observer.

Smith, 24, was kicked off the University of Tennessee football team in 2000 for marijuana use and finished his college career at Oregon. Scouts considered him one of the top running backs available in the 2003 draft, but questions about his past drug use and character dropped him to the fourth round.

He rushed for 579 yards as a rookie and led the Vikings last season with 544 yards. Barring another suspension, Smith is expected to compete with Michael Bennett and Mewelde Moore for the starting job.

_________________________________________________________________

Man the Vikings really need to get rid of this guy.

chrisih8u

05-11-05, 02:55 PM

:lol:

*Warning! Mature link*
http://www.thewhizzinator.com/index.html

thenetstud

05-11-05, 03:14 PM

I bet he was so stoned he bought the white one.

Flashback

05-11-05, 05:08 PM

:lol:

*Warning! Mature link*
http://www.thewhizzinator.com/index.html

Too funny ... you can choose your 'ethnic' dick - White,Tan, Brown, Latino and Black. :beer2:

The "testimonials" are too funny ...

If not for the Whizzinator I would be serving thirty days in the work-house. Instead I passed my drug test and my stupid probat. officer had no idea. :banana:
Brian, TN

I smoke every day, and being Asian, I have little wang. Now with Whizzinator I can take test and go into public restroom with confidence. Ah soo tang-q. :sad:

Sushi Sucker, Osaka, Japan

you guys rock!!!! I just pleased the hell outa my wife with the thing and i pass every one of my drug tests. its well worth the money! thanx guyz :rock:
tony kerigan, AK

even though my penis is normally small, the whizzinator makes me look and feel like a man when I'm taking a piss test :sad:
Gene G., AZ

zak52

05-11-05, 06:38 PM

The Ravens released Peter Boulware today.

IdgIe49

05-21-05, 08:01 PM

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

:banana: :banana: :beer: :beer: :banana:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2065504

In two seasons, Tony Romo has yet to throw and NFL pass, but that didn't stop Dallas Cowboys officials on Friday from handing the young quarterback a new, two-year contract extension.

Romo, originally signed as an undrafted college free agent in 2003 after a stellar career at Eastern Illinois, signed a deal that will pay him $1.88 million for this season and 2006. The contract includes a signing bonus of $300,000 and base salaries of $380,000 in 2005 and $900,000 for 2006. There is a $20,000 roster bonus due this spring and a reporting bonus of $280,000 next summer.

MrX

05-22-05, 06:20 PM

Bears cut Paul Edinger:up:

chrisih8u

05-23-05, 10:55 AM

Troy Brown back with the Patriots. :up:

LorenzoL

05-23-05, 11:25 AM

Personally, I'm sick and tired of this "drama" but some of you may not be...

Ricky "return" to the Dolphins... (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2064904)

LorenzoL

05-25-05, 01:16 PM

Rice agrees to a one year deal with Denver to vie for the 4th receiver spot. Frankly I wish he had retired instead of joining the Broncos.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2068195

shizawn

05-25-05, 04:02 PM

Jobronie

05-25-05, 04:14 PM

Troy Brown back with the Patriots. :up:Excellent!!! Guess I missed that tidbit. Hope he got some decent up-front money for taking one for the team last season.

Time to head over to Finish Line. They put his game jerseys on clearance back when he was released; gotta snag one before they put the price back up.....:)

chrisih8u

05-25-05, 04:45 PM

Excellent!!! Guess I missed that tidbit. Hope he got some decent up-front money for taking one for the team last season.

According to NFL Players Association documents, Brown signed a one-year, $765,000 contract that included a $35,000 signing bonus

brizz

05-26-05, 09:42 PM

Former QB Marinovich arrested on alleged probation violation

May 26, 2005

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (AP) -- Former NFL quarterback Todd Marinovich has been arrested after being found in a public bathroom with apparent drug paraphernalia.

Marinovich, who has acknowledged that drug addiction derailed his once-promising football career, was being held in an Orange County jail for investigation of violating his probation pending on a drug court hearing scheduled for next week.

A police officer found Marinovich in the bathroom May 20 with a bent spoon and syringe. The former quarterback fled on a bicycle but was arrested 15 blocks away, police said. On the police report, he listed his occupation as ``unemployed artist.''

Marinovich, who lives in Balboa, was first arrested on drug charges when he was a student at the University of Southern California. He earned nearly $2.3 million as a first-round draft pick of the then-Los Angeles Raiders in 1991, but was removed from the roster after two seasons due to his drug problem.

He later played football in Canada and the Arena Football League. He was arrested on drug charges in 1997, 2001 and last August. In last year's arrest, he was caught skateboarding in a prohibited area carrying methamphetamine and three syringes, police said.

He pleaded guilty to those charges and was sentenced to 90 days in jail and three years' probation.

brizz

05-26-05, 09:44 PM

The Cleveland Browns have decided to seek some financial adjustments to Kellen Winslow's contract, and that move could come within the next few weeks.

Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

May 26 Despite the May 1 motorcycle accident that will sideline tight end Kellen Winslow for the 2005 season, and which adds uncertainty to his football future, the Cleveland Browns have no intention of releasing their 2004 first-round draft pick.

* Motorcycle Wreck Benches Winslow for Year
* Rockies Top Cubs 5-2 to End Losing Skid
* Winky Wright seeks big pay day at last

The team has decided, however, to seek financial adjustments to Winslow's contract, and that move could come within the next few weeks. Once Winslow misses a mandatory team function, essentially depriving the Browns of his football services, the franchise will be able to enforce the so-called "dangerous activities" stipulations of his contract. Those are clauses that, in very clear language, preclude Winslow from putting his career, and Cleveland's investment in him, in jeopardy.

Cleveland has a mandatory, three-day mini-camp scheduled for June 13-15. After he misses that mini-camp — and only a miraculous recovery could get Winslow on the field for those sessions — the Browns will seek to recover a portion of the $5.05 million in bonuses that the tight end has received to this point.

The Browns are expected to seek repayment of between $2 million and $3 million. The team will also withhold a $2 million payment due Winslow on July 15, money that is part of his $6 million signing bonus.

Franchise officials have declined to address the financial ramifications of the motorcycle accident, an incident in which the tight end reportedly sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, along with other internal injuries. Because the injuries did not occur in a football situation, the Browns are not compelled to report them, and Winslow and his family have requested that the team not divulge any medical information.

A team source strongly suggested this week that the Browns intend to exercise the injury protections they negotiated into the contract. A source also noted that, while Winslow had been "working really hard" in the offseason, he still was not fully recovered from the broken right ankle suffered in the second game of the 2004 season and showed a lack of judgement in taking up motorcycling as a hobby.

At least twice in Winslow's contract — in the "optional extension agreement" and in the "signing, reporting and playing bonus addendum" — there is specific language regarding the off-field activities in which the player is precluded from participating. The sections of both addendums are similar and refer to "hazardous activities" that "involve a significant risk of personal injury … including, but not limited to skydiving, hang gliding, mountain climbing, auto racing, motorcycling, scuba diving and skiing."

The contract, executed on Aug. 11, 2004, also reads: "It is further understood and agreed that player's waiver of rights to certain unpaid amounts, and player's obligation to re-pay certain amounts of [these bonuses] are express provisions of this contract and, but for the provisions herein contained, club would not have executed this contract."

In terms of his $6 million signing bonus, Winslow received $2 million within 10 days of the execution of the contract and $1.05 million on Dec. 15, 2004. He is due $2 million on July 15 and the final $950,000 by Dec. 15. He also received, earlier this offseason, $2 million of a $4.4 million option bonus that allowed the Browns to extend his contract by one year through the 2010 season. The $2.4 million balance of the option bonus is not due until July 15, 2006.

While the Browns intend to enforce their financial options, doing so could be a tricky maneuver, in terms of attempting to not alienate a player they still feel is a significant part of their program. The team will seek to avoid acrimony, but that might not be easy, even given the specific language built into the contract.

There is a possibility that the Browns would rework Winslow's contract to afford him the opportunity to earn back some of the forfeited money in so-called "back end" incentives, that would be tied to playing time or performance levels.

First-year coach Romeo Crennel said Wednesday that the Browns are still waiting on Winslow to have a second opinion on his right knee, but stressed that the prized tight end is rehabilitating at the team facility and attending the voluntary offseason sessions.

"He comes out on the field and has been learning the system just like everyone else has," Crennel said. "I told him I expected him to do that."

Winslow was charged last week with disregarding safety, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum fine of $150, by Westlake, Ohio, law enforcement authorities. The charges came after police there reviewed a videotape that showed Winslow, said to be a novice rider, performing wheelies in a parking lot. Browns officials have also seen the tape.

Asked on Wednesday how he felt Winslow might react if the Browns attempted to recover part of his bonus money, Crennel said: "I'm not sure. That's something he and his agents are going to have to discuss and talk about, and then they're going to have to make their determination whenever that occurs, or if that occurs."

The sixth player chosen overall in the '04 draft, Winslow appeared in just two games as a rookie. He had five receptions for 50 yards before breaking his right leg while attempting to recover an onside late in a Sept. 19 game at Dallas.

chrisih8u

06-02-05, 06:13 PM

The Chiefs released Johnnie Morton and the Seahawks released Bobby Taylor and Koren Robinson.

Red Dog

06-03-05, 10:37 AM

The Chiefs released Johnnie Morton and the Seahawks released Bobby Taylor and Koren Robinson.

I'm sure Redskins One is gassing up.

chrisih8u

06-04-05, 08:48 PM

Not a good offseason for Sean Taylor. :lol:

Citing sources within the Miami-Dade Police Department, Fox Sports Radio's Jorge Sedano reported that Taylor fired shots at the home of people he believed had stolen an all-terrain vehicle of his.

Sedano also reported that Taylor will be charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and will turn himself in to Miami authorities Saturday morning.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3662672

brizz

06-05-05, 02:24 PM

Koren Robinson’s blood-alcohol level measured .191 percent in a pair of breath tests administered by Medina Police in the early morning hours of May 6, records show.

The state’s legal limit for driving is .08 percent.

Robinson, released Thursday by the Seattle Seahawks after incurring DUI and reckless-driving charges, has pleaded not guilty in Kirkland Municipal Court. He claimed in court papers to have consumed alcohol after driving and before taking the breath tests.

Whatever the case, blood-alcohol readings on file with the Washington State Patrol suggest Robinson was drinking heavily on the date in question.

Robinson, who weighs approximately 205 pounds, might have to consume 10 drinks in an hour to reach .191 percent, according to estimates provided by the state’s liquor control board.

WSP records show that Medina Police officer David Obermiller administered breath tests to Robinson using a DataMaster machine at 4:35 and 4:37 a.m. on the morning in question.

The police report shows that Obermiller cited Robinson on suspicion of DUI and reckless driving at 3: 25 a.m.

DUI attorneys have challenged the accuracy of DataMaster results. They claim the machines do not account for variances in each person’s ratio of blood alcohol to the alcohol culled from a deep breath.

DataMaster results are admissible in court, however.

If convicted of the charges, Robinson’s minimum sentence would be 48 hours in jail or no less than 30 days in electronic home monitoring, plus a $1,078 fine and one year’s suspension or revocation of driving privileges.

Robinson would also face no less than one year with an ignition interlocking device.

The maximum penalty would be 365 days in jail with a $5,000 fine, plus reimbursement for court costs and revocation of Robinson’s license to drive.

Robinson has requested a jury trial.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/seaha...p-4506772c.html

Red Dog

06-05-05, 03:30 PM

Not a good offseason for Sean Taylor. :lol:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3662672

Well, this is par for the course for the Snyder Redskins. I look on the bright side - the alternative was Kellen Winslow Jr.

Lesson - avoid the players from Thug U. Either they are criminals, idiots, or malcontents.

brizz

06-11-05, 12:52 PM

clemente

06-12-05, 12:48 AM

Lions pulled a cock block on Tice & Co. by signing McQuarters last night to a 1yr $1.6m deal....great signing by them - gives them more depth and experience, and with Drummond angling for a new contract (and Rosenhaus being his agent) he also gives them some insurance at the return spot.
Any Bears fan can tell you that a high contract figure isn't why the Bears let him go, he's just not very good. He's been supplanted as a starter in the backfield in successive years by rookies.

gilbertr76

06-12-05, 02:04 AM

KC and WR Az-Zahir Hakim reach oral agreement. Should fit perfectly onto KC's offense! :up:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2083014

chrisih8u

06-12-05, 10:50 PM

Superbowl 39 ring

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/Poiuyt00/08f2f67f.jpg

Jobronie

06-12-05, 11:05 PM

Well, not as gaudy as the RS rings.

Besides, you kinda want it to stand out from the OTHER TWO SB rings........

The Cow

06-12-05, 11:09 PM

Superbowl 39 ring

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/Poiuyt00/08f2f67f.jpg
"World Champions" is pretty pretentious. How about NFL Champs...

The Bus

06-13-05, 03:36 PM

Eagles' L.J. Smith injured in Old City bar fight (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/entertainment/columnists/11881393.htm)

EAGLES tight end L.J. Smith was left with a gash over his eye in a recent bar fight in Old City.

Smith was injured in an altercation the other week at Suede Lounge (120 Market).

When police arrived, Smith did not want to give his name or discuss the incident, according to a police report.

But a responding officer recognized Smith, 25, who joined the team out of Rutgers in 2003.

"There was no wrongdoing on behalf of L.J. Smith," said Police Inspector Bill Colarulo, who calls the sitaution a minor incident.

No arrests or charges have been made or filed.

Smith, through a team spokesperson, declined comment.

I like how the article is under "entertainment" :lol:

PeMo

06-13-05, 03:42 PM

LorenzoL

06-13-05, 03:46 PM

Peter King picks the Patriots to beat the Vikes 30-17 in Super Bowl XL.

SI Article (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/rssclick/2005/writers/peter_king/06/13/mmqb.brady/index.html?section=si_topstories)

I only read Peter King's predictions for amusement purposes. Not to say that he could get it right this year but last year, he predicted Jacksonville vs Seattle.

Joeboo835

06-14-05, 09:34 AM

Peter King picks the Patriots to beat the Vikes 30-17 in Super Bowl XL.

SI Article (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/rssclick/2005/writers/peter_king/06/13/mmqb.brady/index.html?section=si_topstories)

The ultimate kiss of death for the vikings. Might as well just take out Daunte's right knee.

Red Dog

06-14-05, 10:12 AM

I only read Peter King's predictions for amusement purposes. Not to say that he could get it right this year but last year, he predicted Jacksonville vs Seattle.

Anytime Peter King is mentioned, I am required to point out that he predicted 4,000 passing yards for Danny Wuerffel in 2002.

B.A.

06-14-05, 11:46 AM

Superbowl 39 ring
http://images.stltoday.com/stltoday/resources/buzz14big.jpg

I'd like to see Ed O'Neill w/ that ring on.

cleaver

06-14-05, 01:55 PM

Ravens sign Todd Heap to a 6 year extension, terms not disclosed.

Peter King is an asshat who's never broken a story, made an accurate prediction, or broken down a play. On top of this he's as big a homer as anybody working for a national publication today.

MrX

06-17-05, 11:56 PM

KC and WR Az-Zahir Hakim reach oral agreement. Should fit perfectly onto KC's offense! :up:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2083014
Hakim backed out of the deal and will sign with the Saints

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2088735

Jericho

06-19-05, 12:11 AM

Anytime Peter King is mentioned, I am required to point out that he predicted 4,000 passing yards for Danny Wuerffel in 2002.

what about King's Jake Plummer for MVP prediction?

MrX

06-19-05, 01:07 AM

Chiefs sign Freddie Mitchell
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2089260

chrisih8u

06-29-05, 08:06 AM

Remember the episode of the Simpsons where Castro steals Mr. Burnes trillion dollar bill?

It could be an international incident of sorts, a misunderstanding of Super Bowl proportions. Or it could be a very, very generous gift.

Whatever the case, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is out one championship ring, and President Vladimir Putin of Russia has scooped up some very flashy bling.

At a meeting of American business executives and Putin on Saturday in Russia, according to Russian news reports, Kraft showed his 4.94-carat, diamond-encrusted 2005 Super Bowl ring to the Russian president, who, after trying it on, put it in his pocket and left.

It was unclear yesterday whether Kraft intended to give Putin the ring. It was just two weeks ago that he presented this year's championship baubles to Patriots players at his Brookline manse. A Patriots spokesman said yesterday that Kraft was still traveling overseas and could not be reached for comment.

While gifts to heads of state are customary, a token of this magnitude would be highly unusual because of its cost, one specialist said.

''That's sort of something that's outside the box," said Walter C. Carrington, Simmons College professor and a former US ambassador to Senegal and Nigeria. ''A personal thing, a piece of clothing or a ring like that, that is sort of unusual."

This year's ring, billed as the heaviest in Super Bowl history, is studded with 124 diamonds, including a marquise for each of the three Vince Lombardi trophies depicted on its face. Under Kraft's ownership, the Patriots have won three of the last four Super Bowls. Each year's ring, which the team helps design, has been more glitzy than the last. The team would not disclose the value of Kraft's 2005 ring, saying only that it is ''a lot more" than $15,000.

The meeting at the Konstantinovsky Palace near Leningrad featured a virtual who's who of American business, including chief executives from IBM, Intel, Citigroup, and International Paper, according to a report in Kommersant, a leading Russian business newspaper. Kraft's business holdings beyond the Patriots include paper and packaging companies and venture capital investments.

After talking privately for two hours about foreign investment, the group held a press conference, during which Kraft handed Putin the ring, the news report said. And after a few moments, the Russian president began to admire it, smiling as he modeled it on his hand.

''It's a Super Bowl ring," Kraft declared. ''It's a very good ring."

Putin then pocketed the trinket and bade goodbye to his guests, according to Kommersant's report.

Tokens given to the Russian president are normally kept in the Russian state treasury, but in this case, the Super Bowl ring was deposited in the Kremlin library, Kommersant reported.

Yevgeniy Khorishko, a spokesman at the Russian embassy in Washington, would not say yesterday whether there had been any request to retrieve the ring.

Getting the ring back would be exceptionally touchy, Carrington said. Still, he had some advice about how it might be done.

''He should talk to someone who's close to the president to kind of explain that this is a very treasured thing," Carrington said. ''Then just sort of ask when he could expect it back."

The request could be accompanied by a more modest gift, perhaps a souvenir football, he suggested. Carrington said that while he was an ambassador, he often received unusual gifts.

''Sometimes you get a goat or a cow," he said. ''Then I'd tell my aide to take care of it. It would be an insult to give it back."

The best resolution is easy, Carrington said with a laugh: ''Win another Super Bowl."

http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2005/06/29/for_putin_its_a_gem_of_a_cultural_exchange/

http://www.simpsonspark.com/images/whitepages/castro_fidel.jpg

LorenzoL

06-29-05, 11:28 AM

Jobronie

06-30-05, 08:31 AM

[thick Russian accent]E-bay, here I come!![/thick Russian accent]

Seach under seller prezforlife321

chrisih8u

06-30-05, 01:56 PM

Trade rumor from rotoworld:

Reports that a trade could happen between the Raiders and the Eagles involving Terrell Owens and Jerry Porter.

Moss and Owens on the same team? :eek:

LorenzoL

06-30-05, 01:59 PM

Trade rumor from rotoworld:

Reports that a trade could happen between the Raiders and the Eagles involving Terrell Owens and Jerry Porter.

Moss and Owens on the same team? :eek:

If it happens, who's going to be the first one to bitch about not getting the ball enough?

My money is on Owens.

cleaver

06-30-05, 02:02 PM

Wow, that would be scary. A healthy Ron Curry is as good as any slot WR in the NFL, too.
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/sports/06302005_sp_owenstrade.html

chrisih8u

06-30-05, 02:02 PM

Moss told reporters Wednesday, June 29, he could co-exist with Owens as long as he got the number of passes he deserves.

:lol:

http://www.kffl.com/hotw/

Red Dog

06-30-05, 02:04 PM

I don't think Moss and Owens could co-exist on the same fantasy team.

LorenzoL

06-30-05, 02:07 PM

I don't think that there's a team big enough to accomodate those two egos.

deadlax

06-30-05, 05:37 PM

as an eagles fan, i'd be thrilled if that trade went through. we'd probably get a pretty nice draft pick as well.

Josh H

06-30-05, 05:41 PM

That would be a waste of cap space for the Raiders. They're stacked at receiver with Moss, Porter and Curry as is.

Defense is where they need help.

chrisih8u

07-09-05, 10:54 PM

NFL Network to air 55 games in 25 days

NEW YORK (June 20, 2005) -- NFL Network will televise 55 games during the NFL's four-week preseason -- all but the 11 televised nationally by the NFL's four network partners (ABC, CBS, ESPN and FOX).

NFL Network will use the television feeds of local broadcasters and make use of both sets of announcers. For example, if Oakland is playing at San Francisco, NFL Network will use the announcers from the 49ers (home team) for the first half, and then switch to the Raiders' (away team) crew for the second half.

In addition to 55 preseason games, NFL Network will present NFL Total Access: No Huddle, a live look-in show that whips around to NFL preseason games in progress. Seven No Huddle shows will air during the preseason featuring action from four to nine games taking place simultaneously.

Of the 55 games NFL Network will carry nationally during the preseason, six will air live. NFL Network's live games each carry an interesting storyline.

Oakland at San Francisco (Saturday, Aug. 13, at 10 p.m. ET)
Fans get their first glimpse of Randy Moss wearing the Raiders silver and black, plus the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, Alex Smith, takes his first snap as a pro. Also, 49ers new head coach Mike Nolan makes his NFL head coaching debut.

Cleveland at Detroit (Saturday, Aug. 20, at 1 p.m. ET)
Two of the premier rookie wide receivers -- Cleveland's Braylon Edwards and Detroit's Mike Williams -- are featured, plus a look at first-year Browns coach Romeo Crennel.

St. Louis at San Diego (Sunday, Aug. 21, at 4 p.m. ET)
A look at Rams rookie right tackle Alex Barron, plus San Diego's young talent -- including 2004 top pick Phillip Rivers and this year's first-rounders Shawne Merriman and Luis Castillo -- looks to impress.

Tennessee at San Francisco (Friday, Aug. 26, at 10 p.m. ET)
Top rookies are on display in Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones and new offensive coordinator Norm Chow along with 49ers quarterback Alex Smith and running back Frank Gore.

San Francisco at San Diego (Thursday, Sept. 1, at 10 p.m. ET)
The preseason winds down as Smith and Nolan get their last tune-up against the Chargers and their All-Pros Drew Brees, LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates.

Denver at Arizona (Friday, Sept. 2, at 10 p.m. ET)
A look at two rookie running backs, Maurice Clarett (Denver) and J.J. Arrington (Arizona), in addition to Cardinals

Sounds ok, but I wish there were more live games. And the live games they chose suck.

The Cow

07-09-05, 11:02 PM

Sounds ok, but I wish there were more live games. And the live games they chose suck.
Agree it would be nice to have more. But most pre-season games pretty much suck anyway, it's hard to guess a good matchup. Sounds like they are trying to showcase the "newer stuff" rookies and Moss in his new uni (oh, boy).

Red Dog

07-09-05, 11:07 PM

wildcatlh

07-09-05, 11:10 PM

I really don't understand why they don't show more live games. On any given weekend, there are games Thu, Fri, and Sat nights, not to mention Saturday days. Plus there are West coast games that don't start til 11 eastern.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised given this the league that continues going with limited access for Sunday Ticket. -rolleyes-

The lack of live games has alot to do with the fact that the local broadcasts don't tend to be live in a bunch of cities. Especially seeing how they want to switch off on the commentary, guess they have to wait til the tape delay is showing in the local markets.

Red Dog

07-09-05, 11:12 PM

The lack of live games has alot to do with the fact that the local broadcasts don't tend to be live in a bunch of cities.

You're kidding? All the Redskins and Ravens games are broadcast live locally in this area. Always have been as far back as I can remember.

The Cow

07-09-05, 11:35 PM

The lack of live games has alot to do with the fact that the local broadcasts don't tend to be live in a bunch of cities. Especially seeing how they want to switch off on the commentary, guess they have to wait til the tape delay is showing in the local markets.
I'm surprised by this comment as well. "Most" pre-season Bengals games (yup, Bengals) have been broadcast here live for quite some time.

There are some time delays for some re-broadcasts, but even then, you'd think they'd be able to work out getting the initial feeds.

Josh H

07-13-05, 12:21 PM

Jesus, what a moron. I'd have thought he'd have learned his lesson after almost losing his scholarship at WVU by getting in a bar fight in which he hit another student over the head with a pool stick during his redshirt-freshman year. -rolleyes-

Disgrace to my alma mater.

Pac-man Jones surrenders after nightclub frayAssociated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans' top draft pick, cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, surrendered to police Wednesday on charges of assault and vandalism stemming from a nightclub altercation.

Jones surrendered to Nashville police at Titans headquarters Wednesday morning.

Jones' lawyer Roger May said he had not seen the arrest warrants but has been told the charges are simple assault and vandalism. Both are misdemeanors.

A team spokesman said the Titans were aware of the situation and were monitoring it but had no immediate comment.

Nightclub owner Robert Gatti appeared in court before down to swear out the complaint against Jones. Gatti told the court that Jones grabbed his shirt and later struck him.

In April, Georgia authorities investigated a report that Jones was involved in a fight in a nightclub near Atlanta in April, but no charges were filed against him in that case.

The 5-foot-10 Jones, who played for West Virginia, was the first defensive player taken in the NFL Draft in April.

He hurt himself in the Titans' rookie orientation on April 29 and couldn't practice with the team until June 14.

But Tennessee took him for his 4.45-second speed in the 40-yard dash and 37 ½-inch vertical jump as they try to replace veterans Samari Rolle and Andre Dyson.

Red Dog

07-13-05, 12:40 PM

I'm amazed that PacMan didn't end up on the Skins. He would have fit right in.

MrX

07-16-05, 01:29 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2109498

Looks like Travis Henry is going to the Titans for a 3rd tound pick.

lwhy?

07-16-05, 03:21 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2109498

Looks like Travis Henry is going to the Titans for a 3rd tound pick.That is great it looks like the block of cheese is coming back to Tennessee.

Thrush

07-17-05, 01:38 AM

They needed him, since Chris Brown gets hurt just looking at a footbal field.

Red Dog

07-17-05, 04:09 PM

They needed him, since Chris Brown gets hurt just looking at a footbal field.

:lol:

Reminds of my fantasy draft last year. Due to conflicts we actually had to do it on the Saturday - day before Opening Sunday. That Miami/Tennessee game was being played while we drafted. Someone had Brown as a 7th round keeper - they were ecstatic when they saw he had 100 yds rushing in the first half. Then the :hscratch: started when he saw that he ended up with 100 for the game. :lol:

Jericho

07-17-05, 04:39 PM

I'm amazed that PacMan didn't end up on the Skins. He would have fit right in.

Hey man, don't doubt the Redskins. They would have taken him if Tennessee would have given them the chance :D

LorenzoL

07-20-05, 04:24 PM

Red Dog, this is for you.

Since you speak so "highly" of Peter King "prediction" of Danny Wuerffel throwing for 4,000 yards, I thought his article on Fantasy Football will be a fun read for you.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/magazine/07/20/nfl.king0725/index.html

The Cow

07-20-05, 06:30 PM

FWIW:

The Cowboys have scheduled a press conference for 6 p.m. (Central) Wednesday at Texas Stadium, and are expected to announce what arguably will be the biggest Ring of Honor induction in franchise history. Owner Jerry Jones apparently has decided to simultaneously induct Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin into the Ring of Honor at Texas Stadium, bringing the Triplets together once again. The trio helped the Cowboys stake claim to The Team of the 90's, winning three Super Bowls in a four-year span. Jones will announce which game the induction ceremony will take place during tonight's press conference.

chrisih8u

07-20-05, 07:53 PM

Tedy Bruschi is going to sit out this year. :(

TheKobra

07-21-05, 12:16 AM

NCMojo

07-21-05, 09:04 AM

Here's my (early) predictions for 2005-2006:

AFC East - New England
I don't think they'll be 14-2 this year, and I think the loss of Crennel and Weiss will hurt. But Tom Brady is one of the best big money QBs in the league, and I see them using Corey Dillon even more this year.

AFC North - Pittsburgh
Again, I think 15-1 was a fluke... but the defense is solid, the running game is good, and I don't have a lot of faith in the rest of the division. (Are you picking Kyle Boller and the Ravens? Or Trent Dilfer and the Browns?)

AFC South - Indianapolis
I keep going back and forth between the Jaguars and the Colts... I think the Jags will be much improved, and are poised to make a major playoff push. But Peyton Manning and the Colts are just too good, too unified, too experienced.

AFC West - Oakland
What? Oakland? Really? Yes, I think so. I think the defense has some talented pieces, and the offense -- especially with Moss and Jordan added on -- is just too scary. Kerry Collins (curse him) is a much better QB than people give him credit for. I also see a major slide by the Chargers (who will be starting Rivers by Game 6) and the Broncos, who keep toeing the line between mediocrity and excellence.

Wild Cards - Jacksonville, Buffalo
Buffalo may be really good this year... or they could really suck. Hard to say. Losman and McGahee are both exceptionally talented, but who knows how they'll perform full-time. I'm betting they'll break through somewhat and make the playoffs... but I could also see threats from the Chargers, Jets, Bengals and Chiefs.

NFC East - Philadelphia
Yes, I know they're overdo for a fall, but really, who else is there? The Giants and Cowboys are still in flux, and the Skins offense is still a dicey proposition. The coaching staff has zero faith in Ramsey, which has to undermine his confidence and his ability to lead this team. Honestly, I am shocked by the horrible job Joe Gibbs has done so far coaching in Washington.

NFC North - Green Bay
The trendy pick is to say Minnesota... but I'm not convinced. The offense will miss Randy Moss and his ability to draw a double-team, they have no reliable running game, and Culpepper is still inconsistent. I think Brett Favre and Green Bay has one more run in them.

NFC South - Carolina
Assuming they avoid the injury bug, the Panthers may be looking at another Super Bowl run. They have a passel of running backs capable of getting 1,000 yards, some key players back from injury (Smith and Jenkins will be Pro Bowlers again this year), and the game's best D-line, lead by Julius Peppers, who will be huge this year.

NFC West - Seattle
This is my shakiest pick... I honestly feel like Seattle, St. Louis and Arizona may just meet in the middle. I like Dennis Green and the Cardinals, but I am not sold. I like Matt Hasselback in Seattle, and I find it hard to go against Bulger and Jackson and Holt in St. Louis. I'll go with Seattle for right now, but that may change as the season goes on...

Wild Cards - St. Louis, Washington
All of the pieces are in place for the Redskins... if Patrick Ramsey can pull a Drew Brees and get this team together, they have a great backfield, a tremendous defense, and a very good O-line. Other contenders will be the Falcons, Vikings and the Lions. (Yes, I said it -- the Lions should be at least 9-7 this year and be a threat for the playoffs for the first time since 1932.)

Divisional Championships: Colts vs. Pats (AFC), Panthers vs. Seattle (NFC)
Super Bowl Matchup: Panthers vs. Colts
NFL Champions: Carolina Panthers

(Bear in mind that there may be some home cooking in those playoff predictions...)


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