Jets' draft of tight end leaves starter Baker upset

The positive message tight end Dustin Keller got on Saturday when he was taken in the first round by the New York Jets was clear, especially because they traded up to get him.

Jets GM on ESPN Radio

On the Mike & Mike Show, Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum discusses the team's thinking behind selecting Vernon Gholston, Dustin Keller, and Erik Ainge. Listen

Raiders release Rhodes, get some cap space back

The Oakland Raiders notified halfback Dominic Rhodes that he is being released.

Rhodes

The move wasn't much of a surprise. The Raiders invested the fourth pick in the first round of the NFL draft on halfback Darren McFadden. With McFadden, Michael Bush, Justin Fargas and LaMont Jordan under contract, someone had to be the odd man out, and it turned out to be Rhodes.

Former Titans WR faces indictment on DUI charges

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Former Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyrone Calico faces indictment on drunken driving charges after a judge Tuesday sent his case to the grand jury.

The 2003 second-round pick never lived up to the promise of his 6-foot-4 size and 4.34-second speed in the 40 because of injuries. He was released by the Titans in 2006.

Calico was arrested just before 3 a.m. on Feb. 20 and charged with drunken driving and implied consent. Police said Calico weaved over the center line before they pulled him over. He admitted drinking, and refused a breathalyzer test.

Marion, NFL official for 28 years, dies at 81

NEW YORK -- Ed Marion, an NFL official for 28 years and a head linesman in three Super Bowls, has died. He was 81.

He died Monday night at his home in Paoli, Pa., the NFL said Tuesday.

Marion might be best known for a controversial call he made on the Steelers game-clinching drive in Super Bowl IX. Larry Brown caught a 30-yard pass and fumbled the ball when he was thrown to the ground. The other officials on the field said the play was a fumble but Marion had the clearest view and correctly ruled it down by contact.

Texans, free agent Weary agree on one-year deal

Fred Weary's patience was rewarded Tuesday when the Houston Texans re-signed the offensive lineman to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

Weary, 30, is one of four remaining members of the original 2002 expansion team, but he had to wait through the draft to see if the Texans would bring him back. Houston didn't draft a guard, so Weary had the opportunity to return.

The former third-round draft pick started 43 games in his six seasons with the Texans, and 24 over the past two seasons. The 6-4, 307-pound Weary was an unrestricted free agent.

Eagles sue T.O. to recoup 2004-05 bonus money

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles sued their former wide receiver Terrell Owens for bonus money he has not repaid the team.

Owens

Coughlin: 'Little activity' with Shockey trade talk

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Super Bowl champion New York Giants took a Miami safety in the first round and made as much news by keeping another Hurricanes top pick -- tight end Jeremy Shockey.

In the weeks leading up to the draft, the New Orleans Saints and several other teams approached the Giants about a trade for the oft-injured Pro Bowler who admittedly was unhappy with his role.

The Giants listened, but that was it.

"There was a lot of talk but very little activity," coach Tom Coughlin said.

Jets sign NCAA career rushing leader Woodhead

OMAHA, Neb. -- Chadron State running back Danny Woodhead, the NCAA's career rushing leader, signed a free-agent deal with the New York Jets on Sunday night, according to the player and his agent.

Agent Chris Gittings said he and Woodhead thought the Jets were a good fit after teams passed on the 5-foot-7½ running back during the draft, mostly because of his size. Woodhead ran for 7,962 yards in four seasons for the Division II school in western Nebraska.

Report: Steroids dealer sold PEDs to lineman Lehr

DALLAS -- A convicted steroids dealer claims he sold steroids and human growth hormone to NFL offensive lineman Matt Lehr, according to a published report.

David Jacobs also told The Dallas Morning News that Lehr, who played four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before moving on to Atlanta, Tampa Bay and now the New Orleans Saints, used a hair loss prevention drug that can mask steroid use.

Lehr's attorney told The Associated Press on Sunday that the player hasn't used banned substances since he was suspended for four games during the 2006 season while playing for Atlanta, and has passed NFL drug tests.

Pacman's a Cowboy: NFL OKs Titans-Dallas deal

The NFL has finally approved the first trade in league history involving a suspended player: Pacman Jones is officially a Dallas Cowboy.

Jones

Lions' Pearson facing domestic battery charges

TAMPA, Fla. -- Detroit Lions safety Kalvin Pearson was arrested Saturday in southwest Florida on domestic violence charges.

Pearson was charged with aggravated battery on a pregnant woman and domestic battery by strangulation, both felonies, according to an arrest report from the Hillsborough County sheriff's office.

He also was charged with obstructing or opposing an officer without force, a misdemeanor, and was being held without bail in a Tampa jail.

Lions pick RB Smith with first pick of second day

NEW YORK -- After threatening Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record in college, Kevin Smith now can concentrate -- or at least dream about -- Sanders' marks with the Detroit Lions.

The Central Florida running back and nation's leading rusher in 2007 was chosen atop the third round of the NFL draft Sunday. The Lions even traded up two spots with Miami for the privilege of beginning the second day by grabbing Smith.

Don't Believe The Hype

Players union has concerns about Pacman deal

Adam "Pacman" Jones' trade to the Dallas Cowboys may have run into another snag as the clock ticks down to the NFL draft.

Jones

ESPN's Ed Werder is reporting that the NFL Players Association is concerned about the precedent the Tennessee Titans cornerback would set by giving up $1.25 million in performance bonus money he earned from the Titans in order to make the trade happen.

Clayton: Five compelling pre-draft story lines

Getty Images

Could New Orleans move up to get Glenn Dorsey, and will Matt Ryan, right, fall to the Ravens?

As the NFL draft approaches, story lines -- some new, others old -- have emerged to pique interest.

Niners' Baas tears muscle, will miss some camp

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- San Francisco offensive lineman David Baas probably will be out until the regular season after tearing his right pectoral muscle.

Baas, the 33rd overall pick in the 2005 draft, was slated to start at right guard for the 49ers this season after starting nine games at the position last year. He will undergo surgery Friday after injuring himself while lifting weights last week.

Baas will miss at least part of training camp, likely including the preseason schedule in August. After a slow start to his pro career due to several injuries, the former Michigan center was expected to be a key part of the 49ers' offensive line this season following right guard Justin Smiley's departure for the Miami Dolphins.

Judge denies suspect's bail request in Taylor case

MIAMI -- A Miami judge denied bail Friday for one of the suspects in the slaying of Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor.

Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy noted that 20-year-old Jason Scott Mitchell and three other suspects allegedly hatched their plot in the Fort Myers area and drove across the state intending to burglarize Taylor's Miami-area home.

"Youth and guns have been such a prevalent issue of concern in our community. Now we're getting it imported from other parts of the state," Murphy said at a hearing. "I'm not sure any form of release would adequately protect the public."

Walsh, NFL finally reach deal for Spygate meeting

Former New England Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh, who has told ESPN.com he has potentially damaging information about the team's taping practices, reached an agreement Wednesday to meet with league officials and turn over any videotapes he might have to support his allegations.

Walsh, employed by the Patriots from 1996 through the 2002 Super Bowl and now an assistant golf pro in Hawaii, is expected to travel to New York and interview with commissioner Roger Goodell and other NFL officials on May 13. Before the long-anticipated meeting, the agreement calls for Walsh to provide the league with any tapes or materials he possesses from his years with the Patriots.

Bears' backup WR Davis agrees to 3-year deal

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Wide receiver Rashied Davis signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Bears on Wednesday after accepting the team's one-year tender offer as a restricted free agent last week.

Signed out of the Arena Football League in 2005, Davis caught 39 passes for 468 yards and two touchdowns the past two seasons after spending his first year in Chicago as a reserve cornerback and return man.

Davis has 1,172 yards on 55 kickoff returns and 31 yards on five punt returns in his career. He ranked fifth on the team last season with 11 special teams tackles.

Vandy's Williams postpones honeymoon for draft

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Chris Williams had no problem persuading his new bride to postpone their honeymoon. Business comes first, and the left tackle from Vanderbilt is close to seeing his hard work and patience pay off.

The 6-foot-6, 315-pound tackle from Louisiana who wasn't even courted by his home state college could hear his name called within the first 20 selections of the NFL draft. That has made the waiting much easier.

NFL Draft Central

Cardinals not interested in dealing unhappy Boldin

The Arizona Cardinals have no interest in dealing wide receiver Anquan Boldin, despite trade inquiries from other teams and a trade request by Boldin's agent.

Colts RB Keith pleads not guilty to trespassing

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts running back Kenton Keith pleaded not guilty to criminal trespassing for allegedly refusing to leave a nightclub parking lot that was being cleared by police.

Keith made his initial court hearing Wednesday. Marion County Judge Rebekah Pierson-Treacy set a pretrial date of May 14 and gave Keith permission to travel outside the state. He is out of jail on his own recognizance.

Keith, who was arrested Sunday, no longer faces charges of disorderly conduct, resisting law enforcement, public intoxication and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, said Matthew Symons, a spokesman for the Marion County prosecutor's office.

Patriots sign TE Pollard, P Player, DL Smith

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots signed three free agents Wednesday: tight end Marcus Pollard, punter Scott Player and defensive lineman Kenny Smith.

Pollard has been in the league for 13 seasons with Indianapolis, Detroit and Seattle. He has 349 catches for 4,280 yards and 40 touchdowns in 191 career games. The 36-year-old led Seattle's tight ends last season with 28 receptions for 273 yards and two touchdowns.

Player punted in three games last season for Cleveland before being released on Oct. 8. He sent nine seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. The 38-year-old kicker has 727 punts for 31,345 yards.

Parcells had 2nd Long plan ready if 1st fell through

The early signing of Jake Long by the Miami Dolphins seemed to catch a lot of people off guard. It was by design, and there was a Plan B ready to go.

Bill Parcells, the vice president of football operations for the Dolphins, had set an internal deadline of Tuesday to get the deal done or he would have turned to Virginia defensive end Chris Long, according to team sources.

Parcells even sent a letter on Monday to Jake Long's representatives -- Tom Condon and Ben Dogra of Creative Artists Agency -- suggesting Parcells would have to move on if the deal didn't come to a conclusion.

Report: Packers, ex-Vikings QB Culpepper meet

For the first time in his career, Aaron Rodgers knows he'll be the Green Bay Packers' starting quarterback. While his role is certain, the Packers are still searching for his understudy and may end up turning to an ex-Viking to fill that role.

Lewis: Bengals linebacker Pollack plans to retire

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker David Pollack will retire from the NFL, head coach Marvin Lewis said Tuesday.

Pollack, a former first-round draft pick, suffered a serious neck injury in the second game of the season against the Cleveland Browns in 2006. He played in 16 career games in two seasons and recorded 4½ sacks.

"David has expressed to me that I believe ... he's headed [into] retirement," Lewis said. "He is not completely comfortable medically where he has been given an opportunity ... to play football. We know the quality of person [he is] and he has a bright future no matter what he chooses to do."

Panthers' Smith to Jarrett: 'You're here to play'

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Steve Smith wants Carolina Panthers teammate Dwayne Jarrett to get his act together.

Carolina's three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver was asked Monday if the embattled Jarrett was due for a coming-out party after his disappointing rookie season was followed by an offseason charge of driving by impaired.

Bengals decline big Redskins offer for WR Johnson

How serious are the Cincinnati Bengals about not giving in to Chad Johnson's trade demands?

Serious enough to swat away an offer from the Washington Redskins that could have netted the Bengals two first-round draft picks, team and league sources said.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, who initially denied the team had received offers for Johnson during a Tuesday news conference, confirmed to ESPN that Cincinnati turned down Washington's offer of two picks.

Falcons GM says he's had offers for No. 3 pick

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Thomas Dimitroff faces a crucial decision Saturday with the Atlanta Falcons holding the third pick in the NFL draft.

Does Dimitroff, in his first year as general manager, select Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan to further distance the Falcons from the Michael Vick era?

Would defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey of Louisiana State be the wise choice, especially since the Falcons could take a quarterback with one of their three second-round picks?

Steelers re-sign tackle Starks to 1-year contract

Steelers tackle Max Starks cleared up any uncertainty about his feelings about playing for the Steelers in 2008 by signing his transition tender.

Man awaits extradition to Vegas in Pacman case

LAS VEGAS -- A 29-year-old man awaited extradition to Nevada on Saturday for attempted murder charges stemming from the Las Vegas strip club melee and triple shooting that resulted in the suspension of Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones.

Arvin Kenti Edwards, of Renton, Wash., faces three counts of attempted murder with a weapon and three counts of battery with substantial bodily harm, police said.

Edwards was arrested Friday in the Yakima County Correctional Facility, where he was already in custody on a domestic violence charge, a jail clerk said.

Houshmandzadeh sees 'problem' if Chad not dealt

Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh said Thursday the poor relationship between the Cincinnati Bengals and disgruntled receiver Chad Johnson could pose problems for the team.

Vikings DE Udeze making recovery from leukemia

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- His head shaved bald and his face a bit thinner than before, Kenechi Udeze otherwise looked fit and strong Friday as he proudly announced a pair of remarkable developments in his three-month fight against leukemia.

Yasinskas: No room for football in Westbrook's heart

Mark J. Rebilas/US Presswire for ESPN.com

Michael Westbrook is finished with football, but his immense athletic ability is not going to waste.

Developer unveils L.A. stadium plans to lure team

LOS ANGELES -- Billionaire developer Edward P. Roski Jr. has made a commitment to build the kind of stadium an NFL team needs to thrive in Los Angeles. Now, he's hoping one will commit to play there.

[+] Enlarge

Mind willing but body not: Ravens' McNair retires

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Steve McNair intended to complete the final three years of his contract with the Baltimore Ravens. He worked hard during the offseason and arrived at minicamp ready to assume his role as the starting quarterback.

His body had other plans.

McNair announced his retirement Thursday, ending a 13-year career in which he was selected co-MVP, led the Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl and orchestrated the most successful regular season in the Ravens history. He received a standing ovation from his teammates after revealing his decision, then contained his emotions during a hastily arranged news conference.

Allen may be large piece in Chiefs' rebuilding plan

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- As improbable as it might have sounded at the end of last season when he led the NFL in sacks, the Kansas City Chiefs could be willing to part with All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen while he's in the prime of his career.

If the price is right for the 26-year-old Allen, the Chiefs could extract precious extra selections to use next week in what shapes up as one of the most crucial drafts in recent team history. Extra picks could greatly speed up coach Herman Edwards' rebuilding project for a team that lost its last nine games in 2007 and finished 4-12.

Pack to retire Favre's No. 4 during season opener

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers will retire Brett Favre's No. 4 during the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 8.

Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy said the legendary quarterback's number would be retired in a ceremony at Lambeau Field during the Monday night game, which will be televised by ESPN. Favre announced his retirement earlier this year, ending a 17-year career.

"The season-opening game is always an exciting event, and now we're very pleased to add the retirement of Brett's No. 4 to that evening," said Murphy. "It will make for an electric atmosphere at Lambeau Field, as well as a great opportunity for our fans around the country to share in it while watching the game on the national broadcast.

Minor league team drops prison-themed Vick night

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- A minor league baseball team has dropped plans to hold a welcome party for Michael Vick.

The Kansas City T-Bones of the Northern League had planned to have a Michael Vick "Welcome to the Neighborhood" night May 28, complete with prison uniforms, spotlights and escape sirens. Other events promoting caring for animals also were planned.

Vick, the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, is serving a 23-month sentence at the U.S. Penitentiary in nearby Leavenworth after pleading guilty to federal charges related to dogfighting.

Dolphins GM's slip may be hint to draft plan, or not

DAVIE, Fla. -- Perhaps it was a slip of the tongue or subterfuge scripted by Bill Parcells.

Or maybe Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland inadvertently tipped his hand regarding the team's plan with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.

At a news conference Thursday to discuss the draft, Ireland said he wouldn't talk about the Dolphins' strategy, and he didn't discuss specific players. But one comment he made was surprisingly specific.

Chiefs' franchise player Allen to visit Bucs, Vikes

Defensive end Jared Allen, the Kansas City Chiefs' designated franchise player, has scheduled visits with two NFL teams even though he doesn't have any assurance the Chiefs would even consider trading him.

A welcome surprise: Suggs at Ravens minicamp

Terrell Suggs, the Baltimore Ravens' designated franchise player, wanted to surprise his new head coach, John Harbaugh, with a goodwill gesture. Even though he is unsigned, Suggs stunned Harbaugh on Thursday by walking unannounced into Harbaugh's first minicamp and being present for the first minicamp meeting.

For weeks, Suggs plotted a strategy to show Harbaugh an initial sign of support. He thought showing up at minicamp and walking into the first meeting with no advance warning would be just the right move.

Giants patiently await Strahan's decision on future

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Super Bowl champion New York Giants are not going to push seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan for a decision on retirement.

Johnson leaves no room for doubt, demands trade

Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson left no room for doubt Wednesday: He wants out of Cincinnati as fast as possible and he doesn't plan on reporting for any future Bengal function -- mandatory or voluntary.

Goodell: Trade won't affect Pacman reinstatement

DALLAS -- Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Roger Goodell sat side-by-side at lunch Wednesday, and it's easy to guess who did most of the talking.

It might be just as easy to guess what they were talking about.

The status of Adam "Pacman" Jones is of major interest to the Cowboys because they are trying to acquire the suspended cornerback-kick returner from the Tennessee Titans. Trade talks have stalled, likely because of uncertainty about when he will be reinstated by Goodell, the NFL commissioner.

Broncos, veteran receiver Jackson agree to deal

Veteran receiver Darrell Jackson has reached agreement on a contract with the Denver Broncos, his agent confirmed today.

Jackson

Raiders return to familiar face, sign CB Starks

The Oakland Raiders went back to an old friend to replace departed cornerback Chris Cash when they signed veteran Duane Starks to a one-year contract.

The 33-year-old Starks will be joining the Raiders for his third consecutive season. The veteran cornerback signed with the Raiders in 2006 and played three games. He was on the Raiders roster three games in 2007 before being released.

Starks is a former first-round pick who played for the Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots before joining the Raiders.

DUI charge against Buccaneers LB June dropped

A DUI charge filed against Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Cato June last year has been dropped.

June

"The evidence to support the charge just wasn't there … for the state to go forward," attorney Ron Hanes told The Tampa Tribune in an e-mail. "We were confident of Cato's innocence when we saw the evidence.

Chargers LB Cooper suspended for four games

SAN DIEGO -- Chargers linebacker Stephen Cooper was suspended by the NFL on Tuesday for four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Cooper

NFL: Memo to Goodell Castro and Titans: Just Do It!

Remember the Dynasty of Dallas one decade ago? Remember the troubled athletes who found success with a balls-to-the-wall coach?

Well, those times are on the verge of returning.

After acquiring a few troubled athletes over the past few years (TO and Tank Johnson), the Dallas Cowboys are one step closer to adding another name to their list of Pro Cons: Adam "Pacman" Jones.

Yes, I am aware that this is the first time Pacman's name has come up in conversation since his short stint with TNA Wrestling, but Dallas hopes to turn Jones back into the man that was a dangerous defensive threat with the Titans a few years ago.

Unfortunately, there are those who wish that he would just go away. Such as...

Roger Goodell Castro

Since taking over the NFL a couple of years ago, Roger Goodell has been known by many names. But the one that has been following him like a bad virus is "Goodell Castro."

One of the main reasons he got that name was because of his actions with Tank Johnson and Pacman Jones.

Ever since that time, not many have been in agreement with Castro's "Plan of the Future." I have been firmly opposed to Castro's rule simply.

He has been spending more time running around like a chicken with his head cut off than a guy who is supposed to be making sure that the NFL stays entertaining.

But my animosity towards Castro, though warranted, is not the reason why I have decided to write this today.

For over a season, Castro has been trying his hardest to rule the NFL world with an iron fist by making sure that guys like Jones and Johnson never play football again.

Unfortunately, a team picked up Johnson, and that same team may be on the verge of picking up Jones. This situation would truly pick a kink in the armor of Castro's iron fist in the event that Dallas picks him up.

However, like many others, this situation has been long winded and dragged through the mud for far too long. It's time for Castro to learn to pick his battles.

This isn't one of those battles he should fight. He should just live and let die.

In other words: Goodell Castro, in regards to the reinstatement of Pacman Jones, Just Do It!

Tennessee Titans

The Titans suffered a black eye due to Jones' actions in Las Vegas a year ago. They also suffered a serious setback when they had to quickly find a replacement for Jones.

But their biggest setback was making sure, by any means necessary, that Pacman Jones didn't earn a living in his "vacation."

While he was serving his suspension, Jones decided that he would step into a wrestling ring in a way to earn a living while he was off the field.

However, the Titans did everything in their power to make sure that neither Jones nor TNA founder, Jeff Jarrett, got what they wanted.

Despite all the objections and roadblocks thrown in their way, TNA got Jones in the ring—he just couldn't physically participate in any of the matches.

During his stint, he was a TNA World Tag Team Champion, but his time was short lived there as it was now time to focus on getting back to what made him famous: Football.

The Titans made the playoffs last season, beat the defending Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts in the season ender, and even put up a fight in the postseason against the Chargers.

They did all that without Adam Pacman Jones anywhere near the field.

I'm not a rocket scientist, but if this is a sign of things to come, especially with the return of "The Freak" Jevon Kearse, they don't need Pacman back in a Titans uniform next season.

But even though they don't need him, should they keep punishing themselves for his misdeeds?

There's no real reason for them to keep him on the roster. Just trade him for a late round pick and collect their bounty.

Translation Tennessee: Season starts soon. Just Do It!

Adam "Pacman" Jones

For a little over a year, I have supported the NFL's residential bad boys (Tank, Ricky, Pacman, Vick), but there comes a time in a writer's life when he has to approach the player causing the problems.

This time around, it's you, Pacman.

For the record, I enjoyed your time with TNA. You were entertaining and added spice to several rivalries in the company.

However, it's time for you to step up and be the player you were meant to be.

The stats from your last full season in the league (62 tackles, four picks, & one sack) were impressive, but that was two years ago.

Just how bad do you want to be back in the league? How much do you want to play football again? Are you willing to shed at least some of that bad boy image to keep your job?

Just ask Ricky Williams. It took him a long time to get back here, and he screwed it up.

Ask Michael Vick. He did something completely unspeakable, and now he's trying out for the sequel to the latest remake of The Longest Yard.

The time has come to grow out of the little boy shell and step up to what you're truly capable of.

Goodell Castro enjoyed that cigar he lit up after suspending you after the 2006 season. I'm sure he's still smiling and thinking, "I am God, and no one can stop me."

Imagine how quickly that smile can turn into a grimace at the thought of you stepping out of the tunnel and earning your paychecks every week.

Like D-Generation X of the WWE, they make the rules, and you break them every chance you get.

This time around, it's only fair to show that your suspension was a dumb move, especially considering that several Bengals players have gotten multiple chances to fix their mistakes.

Regardless of what happened in that strip club in Vegas, you need to drop the act that made you an outcast among your teammates, your coaches, and your peers.

So even though I'm calling your soon to be former team and the guy who has been trying his damnedest to make your life a living miserable out, I'm also calling you out.

Pacman, if you do get reinstated, and the magic eight ball is saying that you will, don't mess it up. Learn from your new teammates, and you'll be fine.

So Pacman, when you get the start, don't just talk about doing it. Go out there and Just Do It!

Could Dolphins Skip #1 Pick?

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel brings up a very interesting possibility that hasn’t been talked about very much. That is the Dolphins, with the first overall pick in the draft, just letting the clock run out.

Under NFL rules, it’s entirely legal. Miami could then pick another spot to make their first selection in the first round, probably somewhere in the top ten.

Why would they want to do this? Well, it’s simple. They don’t want to pay a ton of guaranteed money to who they pick, which always happens with the first player chosen. Right now, they’re negotiating a deal with Jake Long and Vernon Gholston, and will do the same with Chris Long and Glenn Dorsey later, to avoid a hold-out. But, if they can’t reach an agreement with one and think it’s too big of a risk or they don’t want to spend so much on an unproven player, than just maybe………

It’s comical how no one wants the formally coveted first overall pick. Despite their best efforts, the Dolphins were unable to find a team willing to take it, with all owners having the same concerns.

If Miami was to just let the clock run out, than they could take someone later in the first round, most likely sooner than later, and pay them less money. If they don’t have someone that they’re set on getting, which it appears they don’t at the moment, than getting one of the four players they’re interested in later in the top five wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

However, them doing this is highly unlikely, as it would set off a chain of unfortunate events.

Remember the mass hysteria in Miami when they picked Ted Ginn Jr. last year? Well, that would be nothing compared to what it would be like if they didn’t get the first pick. The fans suffered through a one win season in 2007, and want to get at least something positive out of it. All it would do for the fans would send a message that they’re just thinking about being penny-wise, not about winning.

Also, the league, specifically commissioner Roger Goodell, would be absolutely furious with them. This pick is what starts and sets the stage for the rest of the draft, and in some fan’s minds, is the biggest reasons to watch the draft. This article says that the rule that teams could give up their pick for a later one could even be changed if the Dolphins were to do this.

Ya, it doesn’t sound like the Dolphins would be making very many friends by doing something as unthinkable as this. But then again, considering how absurd these rookie signing bonus’s have gotten and how Miami doesn’t want to start their rebuilding effort out with a huge contract on the books, maybe it’s possible. Boy, what a commotion it would cause if it actually happened.

Gumbel leaves NFL Network

The NFL Network announced Friday that Bryant Gumbel is giving up his duties as play-by-play announcer on the network's game telecasts. First thought? That's great news! Well that was the first thought I'd have if I was actually one of the six people who got the NFL Network.

Gumbel is a fine host on HBO's Real Sports and I even like his commentaries despite the fact that he comes off as incredibly smug at times. But I have heard enough of his game broadcasts to decide he is not a game announcer. Over his two seasons, Gumbel was repeatedly criticized for on-air mistakes, including once calling Tony Romo "Rick Romo.''

Anyway, the NFL Network says the search to replace Gumbel begins immediately. Two names that have been floated are Frank Gifford and Tom Hammonds. I'd have no problem with Gifford. Then again, like I said, I'm not one of the six people who get the NFL Network.

2008 NFL Draft Preview – Oakland Raiders

Introduction

The way the Raiders are throwing around money you’d think they finished 12-4 and close to a Super Bowl title in 2007. In reality, they were 4-12 for the third time in five seasons (2007, 2005, 2003). Their record was actually a two game improvement from 2006 in which they went an NFL worst 2-14.

As I mentioned, the Raiders are spending money at a remarkably fast pace and the signings have not been well received around the league. Resigning Tommy Kelly, coming off a serious injury, for seven years and $50.5 million ($18.125 million guaranteed)? And then grabbing the injury-riddled Javon Walker for six years, $55 million ($16 million guaranteed)? Odd. Will these signings pay off? Not if they don’t fix a few other areas through the draft.

Areas of Need
The Raiders biggest needs lay with arguably the most important units on the football field: offensive and defensive lines. Both need upgrades at almost every position within the unit.

Offensive Tackle – Robert Gallery is officially a bust. Barry Sims was cut. Kwame Harris was signed from the 49ers but he is really a bust, too. Jeremy Newberry is gone as well so the o-line is not in that great of shape. Another tackle to play opposite of Harris is a necessity but unless Jake Long falls past Atlanta (doubtful) or the Raiders reach for Ryan Clady, a new tackle won’t be selected until round four (the Raiders traded their pick in round two to Atlanta in the DeAngelo Hall deal and their pick in round three to New England).

Possible Targets (Round) – John Greco, Toledo (4); Oniel Cousins, UTEP (4); Tony Hills, Texas (4); Jeremy Zuttah, Rutgers (4); Kirk Barton, Ohio State (4)

Wide Receiver – Randy Moss is gone. Jerry Porter jumped ship as soon as he could. Who are the WRs currently under contract? Injured Javon Walker, Ronald Curry, Johnnie Lee Higgins, and Drew Carter (plus a few others that few people would recognize). When Walker is healthy he is good, a more than capable number two and possible number one. Curry is a solid number three. The Raiders would love to add a great number two to team with Walker and Curry. Adding one solid player would drastically upgrade this unit. Unfortunately, as mentioned before, the Raiders have no second or third round pick. I fear that the Raiders may not address the WR position until round six or seven. Not good.

Possible Targets (Round) – Harry Douglas, Louisville (6); Arman Shields, Richmond (6); D.J. Hall, Alabama (6); Keenan Burton, Kentucky (6); Marcus Monk, Arkansas (6)


Defensive Line – This need most certainly should be rectified (well made better) with the fourth overall pick in the draft. At four the Raiders will have their choice of Glenn Dorsey, Sedrick Ellis, Chris Long, and Vernon Gholston. Two of those four are guaranteed to be there. I say Long is more than likely gone (that’s a shame, too, because having Chris play for the same team Howie did would be sweeeeet). However, Darren McFadden will be available and may be enough to entice Al Davis to take him because of his freakish ability and the huge impact Adrian Peterson had last year. Taking McFadden would be a bad choice, only because of the team needs. Dorsey, Ellis, or Gholston are much better options.

Possible Targets (Round) – Glenn Dorsey, LSU (1); Sedrick Ellis, USC (1); Vernon Gholston, Ohio State (1); Kendall Langford, Hampton (4); Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan (4)

Judiciary Committee blasts NFL, union over medical care

The House Judiciary Committee blasted the NFL and the NFL Players Association on Wednesday, issuing a statement that the league's medical care system is "subject to a variety of conflicts of interest which appear to be detrimental to players," and threatening to impose new regulations on its benefits plans.

Lawmakers on the committee were reacting to the findings of a Congressional Research Service (CRS) report on player disabilities and benefits, which the Judiciary Committee made public Wednesday.

"This report identifies major concerns about the long-term health of NFL players that demand further attention," said Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., chairman of the Judiciary Committee. "The Committee intends to hold hearings and explore possible legislation to address this matter."

The 145-page CRS report was compiled by a nonpartisan team of researchers. Among its findings:

• Nobody tracks the health of retired players. "Comprehensive data about the health of former players apparently are not collected and maintained, either by the NFLPA or the NFL, or by a third party," the report states. "Neither the players association nor the league collects data on number or percentage of players who retire because of an injury or injuries." The NFL has said that from 1993 to 2004, 181 players left the game after failing to pass preseason physicals because of injuries. But that total does not include players who retired without attempting to pass physicals the following season.

• The league has not relied on independent research in establishing medical care policies. As the Judiciary Committee put it in its statement: "The NFL has … consistently selected individuals and organizations that are affiliated, either directly or indirectly, with the NFL to conduct research on subjects and issues related to player health."

• The union has little authority over health issues. "The extent of the NFLPA's authority and capabilities regarding health and safety issues, and its position on such issues are, at times, unclear," according to the report. The report points out that while the NFLPA is part of a joint committee on player safety and welfare, it doesn't have any committees of its own on injuries, safety or health. It also notes that the union's medical adviser is a part-time position.

The report found that the NFLPA has been especially absent on the issue of concussions.

"It appears that the NFLPA has not commented publicly on any of the issues, such as the possible long-term effects of concussions and the possibility that multiple mild traumatic brain injuries could result in chronic [brain damage]," the report states. "The extent of the authority of the NFLPA medical adviser regarding the [league concussion] committee's decisions, actions, and recommendations is unclear, as are his possible courses of action, if any, should he disagree with the decisions of the committee. Additionally, the NFLPA's involvement in the MTBI [committee]'s development of the concussion management guidelines and, specifically, the return-to-play guidelines is unclear."

• Inexplicably, players have limited access to their own medical records. An NFL player is allowed to see his medical and athletic-trainer files only twice a year: once during the preseason and once after the regular season. The CRS report states: "The rationale for not permitting a player to see his records during the preseason and regular season is unclear."

• The funding of the NFL's retirement plan is based on unclear calculations. Like any benefits system, the NFL retirement plan relies on various actuarial assumptions to decide how much money it needs to stay well-funded. The CRS researchers found that some of the plan's assumptions make sense, but they couldn't figure out where others come from. "The 'football-related disability rates' factor apparently is not based on [an actuarial] table … The method and information used for determining these rates is unclear."

Ominously, the CRS report asks: "Is it possible that retired [that is, inactive] players' needs for medical care exceed the amount of funds for disability benefits that are calculated using this disability rate?"

In response, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello stated: "We appreciate Chairman Conyers' recognition of the positive steps that we have already taken with the NFLPA to address the medical needs of our players. Earlier this month, additional significant improvements in our medical and disability benefits took effect. We look forward to reviewing the report and to continuing our efforts to identify additional opportunities to enhance the health and safety of our players and the benefits available to our retirees and their families."

Aiello added that the league would be responsive to the Judiciary Committee's inquiries and was seeking a meeting with leading members to discuss recent changes to the disability benefits system.

NFLPA spokesman Carl Francis said the players association would decline comment until it could analyze the CRS report and Judiciary Committee statement.

Advocates for disabled players, in contrast, were overjoyed.

"Today's report validates every criticism we have raised about this system, and underscores the urgent need for reform," said Brent Boyd, a former player who testified last year about his own protracted and unsuccessful battle to obtain full disability benefits from the NFL, and who has founded the group Dignity After Football. "Congress has clearly heard the testimony of numerous retired players, and now the nonpartisan, highly respected Congressional Research Service has exposed the flaws and echoed our concerns."

Some members of the Judiciary Committee who were waiting for the CRS report now plan to use its findings to push for changes in how the NFL's retirement and disability benefits plans are regulated.

"We're looking at eight different things," said one member, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the committee has not decided precisely what legislation to introduce. "We might have OSHA, the federal agency that oversees health and safety standards in other industries, look into workplace issues in the NFL. We might require studies on player injuries to be done independently. We might require representation for retired players in the players union. We're very concerned about the entire process players go through."

The CRS report is based in part on congressional research and in part on answers the NFL and NFLPA supplied to written questions the Judiciary Committee asked last autumn. Today, the committee also posted those answers.

NFL Draft - Dolphins in Talks With Michigan OT Jake Long

While the 2008 NFL Draft is still more than two weeks away, it appears as though Bill Parcells and the Miami Dolphins don't want to wait to make the first overall selection.

According to several media reports out of Florida, the Dolphins have already begun talking shop with standout Michigan offensive lineman Jake Long. Long, a 6-7, 313-pound left tackle, has been the darling of scouts for quite some time now, thanks in no small part to winning Big Ten lineman of the year in each of his last two seasons.

Miami is apparently intrigued with the prospect of adding a franchise LT to the mix. Its leaky offensive line was one of the biggest problems during last season's disastrous 1-15 campaign, but Parcells has been leery in past drafts of using high picks on the O-Line.

There are also reports that the Dolphins are discussing contract with Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston. The former Buckeye set a single-season school record for sacks - with 14 - in 2007 and is widely considered to be one of the top-three talents available in the upcoming draft.

Chris Williams' NFL journey a love story

Vanderbilt offensive lineman Chris Williams has added a lot in the past few years -- muscle, determination, a wife. On draft day, you'll know him as a first-round pick, but to really know him you must understand how his passions shaped his journey.

During his wedding homily, Father Greg Daigle turned toward the bride and groom and said teasingly, "She pursued him. That's what I heard."
This is how it began. Marissa Love was a waitress at a steakhouse in Nashville when a group of Vanderbilt football players came in one day three summers ago. She thought the big one was cute, but she was too shy to give him her phone number herself. So she had her friend hand it to him as he left the restaurant.

Chris Williams was an offensive lineman. He wasn't accustomed to girls giving him second glances, much less their phone numbers. You better believe he was intrigued. So he called her the next day and a love story was born.

A new chapter was written last Saturday deep in the heart of Cajun country -- where sugar cane fields, soybean farms and the occasional stately mansion with a big wraparound porch dot the landscape -- when Chris and Marissa wed at Immaculate Conception Church in Lakeland, La., 20 miles northwest of Baton Rouge and just a few miles down the road from the tiny town of Glynn, where Williams grew up.

This is the same church where Chris' paternal grandfather was married. Forced to evacuate New Orleans because of Hurricane Katrina, he now lives in his son's house and has Chris' old bedroom. It is the church Chris' family has belonged to for 23 years. It's where Chris and his twin sister, Christine, used to be altar servers at 7 a.m. Mass on Sundays because their father liked going that early. "They hated me for that," Joseph Williams says, smiling.

Father Daigle, a former opera singer who played the piano and sang "Like Cedars They Will Stand" before the wedding ceremony, has been the pastor at Immaculate Conception for six years. He recalled when Williams used to serve Mass. "He's still the same height," he told the congregation.
The 6-6 Williams may be just as tall as he was back then, but his musculature has changed remarkably. And now he is someone who is attracting serious attention from more than Marissa.

This is a big month for Williams. If last Saturday was the most important day in his life, April 26 will be a close second. That is the first day of the NFL draft, and Williams is projected to be selected in the early middle of the first round. Most mock drafts have him being taken 12th by the Broncos or 14th by the Bears.

Williams won't be the first offensive tackle selected. He may not even be the second. Most scouts rate Michigan's Jake Long and Boise State's Ryan Clady ahead of him. But Williams is a self-made man -- his goal going into his senior season at Vanderbilt was simply to be drafted -- and you can bet his remarkable evolution is provoking intense debate about his value in war rooms across the NFL.

Growing -- and growing up

With the click of a mouse, John Sisk brings up a picture on his computer screen. The image, from August 2003, is of a bare-chested, scrawny-looking teen -- if an 18-year-old who weighs 245 pounds can be labeled scrawny -- who could barely lift 185 pounds seven times. The head is big in proportion to the torso, which is why Sisk, Vanderbilt's strength and conditioning coach, nicknamed him "The Human Bobblehead Doll."
This can't be Chris Williams! Not the finely chiseled specimen who now weighs 320 and can bench 225 pounds 25 times. Talk about a metamorphosis.

Bulk, or lack of it, has been an issue for Williams since he started playing football in seventh grade for a parochial school in Port Allen, La., across the Mississippi from Baton Rouge. The league weight limit was 180, and Williams was a few pounds over. So he had to wear an "R" (restricted) sticker on his helmet, which prohibited him from touching the ball as a runner, receiver, quarterback or returner.

At Baton Rouge's Catholic High -- an all-boys school whose alumni include NFL running backs Warrick Dunn and Travis Minor, former University of Texas quarterback Major Applewhite and Carl Weiss, Class of '21 valedictorian, local physician and the man who allegedly assassinated U.S. senator and former Louisiana governor Huey Long -- Williams didn't play any sports as a freshman and didn't start on the varsity football team until his senior year. And that happened only because the incumbent starter failed to attend a mandatory linemen's camp in the summer.

Williams also played baseball and threw the discus in high school. When he was younger, he dreamed of being a pitcher (he could throw two- and four-seam fastballs, a curve and a changeup) and first baseman. But he broke his left wrist in sixth grade while playing kickball, and he never could throw as effectively after that. Then while participating in track as a senior, he caught a virus and his weight fell from 260 to 245.

Even though Williams played in its back yard, LSU had no interest in a two-star, 245-pound prep tackle. Oklahoma State, Northwestern, Georgia Tech, Memphis, Southern Miss and Vanderbilt all recruited Williams, who chose Vandy because he liked Nashville, the campus and Vandy's coaches. He thought Bobby Johnson and his staff were a tight group.

The first time Sisk saw Williams, he figured Williams was a tight end or a linebacker. When he found out Williams was an offensive tackle, Sisk knew he had work to do. He needed to help Williams strengthen both his upper and lower body. "He had quick feet," says Sisk, "but we had to get him strong to where he could take on a bull rush."
Sisk had a plan. He got Williams up to 260 by Thanksgiving and to 280 by Christmas. At that point, they slowed it down a bit -- fewer reps in the weight room, fewer calories at mealtime -- to make sure Williams could handle the additional weight while maintaining his quickness. Then, they amped it up again.

In spring 2004, Williams weighed 290. By preseason camp, he was up to 310 and playing center. He would have started there as a redshirt freshman in '04 had he not run into a different hurdle: He was academically ineligible. Schoolwork had come easily for Williams at Catholic -- he was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated with a 3.9 GPA -- so he focused more on football when he came to Vanderbilt. As a consequence, his computer engineering courses overwhelmed him. "I wasn't ready for that kind of curriculum," says Williams, admitting he was immature at that time.

He also was a bit rebellious. Before the 2005 season, he made one of his infrequent calls home and complained to his mother, Sandres, that Johnson wanted him to cut his Afro. Chris said he wasn't going to do it. Taking the phone from his wife, Joseph Williams said, "It's like this, Chris. Coach Johnson is going to decide who plays. So if your football career is worth the hair, do what you have to do."

A few weeks later, Williams came home to visit -- sans Afro.

"It was like a light went on," says Joseph Williams, an operations department supervisor at an electrical power plant in New Roads, La. "All of a sudden, he grew up and turned into the fine young man we're so proud of today."

As a sophomore in '05, Williams started nine games at left guard but was versatile enough to slide over to le•ft tackle and handle speed rushers in third-and-long situations. He finished out his Vandy career as the starting le•ft tackle in 2006 and '07.

"He really improved over the last two years in his technique," says Blake Beddingfield, the Tennessee Titans' scouting coordinator. "He always knew he had the feet and the athletic ability to move, but now he's really starting to gain that confidence in his strength.

"He's a true let• tackle. And those are rare."

An appetite for success

Other than the bed in his dorm, the weight room is where Williams spent more time than any other place in his first two years at Vandy. Even though it took more than weightli•fting to restructure his body, steroids certainly weren't on the menu. Rapid weight gain of•ten raises the suspicion of the use of illegal substances, but Williams and Sisk both say Williams never used performance enhancers.

No, it's nutrition that played the other integral part in the change in Williams' body. Which brings us to the "Magic" man.

Majid Noori, a chef and food coach who has worked at Vanderbilt for 18 years, prescribed a customized eating program for Williams. Diet would be a misnomer. "It was more 'eat what you want,' " Williams says.

Noori, nicknamed "Magic" by former Vanderbilt football coach Gerry DiNardo, put Williams on a 5,000 calories-per-day plan that included three large meals and at least two snacks. The goal was for Williams to gain muscle and mass but not fat. Bread, potatoes, steak, chicken, shrimp and some desserts were OK; Buffalo wings, a favorite of many football players, and several other dishes were discouraged.

One of the most essential training table items was a 1,000-calorie protein shake created by Magic that consisted of protein powder, whole milk, sliced bananas, ice cream (often Cookies 'n' Cream), honey, almonds and peanut butter. Williams would drink at least two a day. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were another nutritional staple. "He wasn't a picky eater like some athletes," says Noori, who has worked individually with such Titans players as Eddie George, Keith Bulluck and Jevon Kearse. "He'd listen and you could see he wanted to do everything right. I tried to cook the special foods he liked. Sometimes if I was busy, he'd wait until I could slow down and then he'd get his food from me."

Even though Williams is partial to desserts, especially chocolate ones, and steers clear of most vegetables, don't get the wrong idea about his eating habits. He has a healthy appetite but doesn't gorge.

"He never got too out of the ordinary in one sitting, but throughout the day he could put some stuff away," says Ronnie Swoopes, a former Vanderbilt defensive back and wide receiver who shared an off-campus apartment with Williams for two years.

One day, Swoopes and Williams were shopping for snacks in a Big Lots store when they discovered that Kellogg's Mini-Swirlz cereal was selling for a dollar a box. They thought they'd stock up; Swoopes purchased three boxes and Williams bought a dozen. "They didn't really last that long," says Swoopes.

Hey, a growing man had to maintain his strength.

Brawn -- and brains

In 32 years as a college coach, Robbie Caldwell has worked with young men who became doctors, dentists, lawyers and engineers. But he says Williams is the smartest player he ever has coached.

"He was intrigued by how the game works. He was fascinated by it," says Caldwell, Vanderbilt's assistant head coach and offensive line coach who taught Williams the intricacies of all the positions, not just the offensive line. "You give him a week or two, and basically he could play about any position on the field mentally."

Caldwell showed Williams some tough love during the 2004 season, when Williams was ineligible but could practice with the scout team. He made Williams sit next to him in meetings and constantly reminded him of his obligations to get an education and to help the football team.

This is your fault. This should be you playing here, not that guy, Caldwell would say as they watched tape together. "I wanted him to know how important he was to our program and how good he could be," Caldwell says. "And he took it to heart."

Williams, who graduated last December with a degree in Human and Organizational Development, gave further evidence of his intelligence by scoring 32 on the Wonderlic test at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. That certainly didn't hurt his draft status, but his rise on draft boards of most teams was the result of a great senior season, an impressive week at the Senior Bowl in January and his physical performance at the Combine. He benched 225 pounds 21 times and was clocked in 1.75 seconds at 10 yards, 2.91 at 20 and 5.13 at 40. Those times indicate he has good explosiveness off the ball and continues to build to good speed.

Most NFL scouts and coaches have some concerns about Williams, starting with his hand punch and ability to anchor against bull rushes. "It's not that he can't do it. It's just a little inconsistent," says an offensive line coach who worked out Williams in positional drills at Vandy's pro day on March 21.

They also think he needs to be more physical and develop a mean streak. Williams, who is soft-spoken and has a pleasant demeanor off the field, bristles at this criticism.

"Yeah, I'm mean," he insists. "You've got to be mean. I started three years in the Southeastern Conference against top competition. Ask anybody I played against. They'll tell you. ... If they don't think I'm mean, tell them to come line up, and they'll find out."

Not the only athlete

When it comes to sports, Williams must share the limelight with the women in his family. Christine threw the discus, shot put and javelin at St. Joseph's Academy, Catholic's sister school. And Marissa competed in barrel racing, one of the few rodeo events open to women, from when she was 6 until she left home for college.

Marissa, who was born in Memphis and lived off Elvis Presley Boulevard, just a few miles from Graceland, started riding horses when she was 2. Her first pony was a brown and white paint named Snapper. "He had a little edge to him. Anything a horse could do to scare the crap out of you, he did," she says, laughing.

While attending Tennessee State, just a few miles away from Vanderbilt, Marissa wrote three books of poems but never tried to publish any of them. Some of them were about Chris and "how he helped me through my life," she says.

Marissa graduated with a degree in pre-veterinary medicine, loves animals -- she and Chris own a 3-year-old male Jack Russell Terrier-Pomeranian mix named Bam Bam -- and would like to start a pet resort, a combination grooming and lodging business for dogs and cats in the city where they wind up living.

But don't expect horses to be part of the plan if Chris has any say in the matter. Marissa thought Chris climbed up on Snapper once, just to see how it felt to be on a horse, but he denies it. "And I don't plan on it, either," he says.

Williams will stick with football (he also plays softball and bowls recreationally). He grew up a Saints fan -- left tackle Willie Roaf was his favorite player -- and watched them regularly on TV. Surprisingly, he didn't see his first NFL game in person until last December, when he went to Atlanta and watched the Saints play the Falcons in a Monday night game.

Asked what he likes best about playing football, Williams says contact: "Being able to knock people down and not have to go to jail for it is fun."

Soon, he'll start getting paid to do it. What a deal for a guy who was a two-star player coming out of high school.

Now, he says, "I'd like to think I'm a five-star." SN

THIS IS ... CHRIS WILLIAMS

Favorite childhood memory: Hitting a game-winning home run when I was 9 in a little league championship game against a team we hadn't beaten all year.

Nonsports website I visit: IGN.com, which has a lot of online games.

Best advice I've received: There are 31 days in the month and 31 chapters of Proverbs in the Bible. Read one every day.

NFL player I can't wait to play against: Titans defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch. He'd be a true test: a great player, a big guy physically, and he just never stops going.

Favorite TV shows: Entourage, Overhaulin' and Pinks.

Most influential person in my life: My father, Joseph. He's always been there, and he's a great guy.

Something interesting about me: I have written poetry.

Sibling situation: I have a twin sister, Christine, and everybody always wants to know how big she is. "Is she 6-6, too?" No, she's not 6-6.

House report rips NFL's retiree plan

A 144-page report released by the Congressional Research Service on Wednesday echoes what retired football players have been saying for years: The disability plan run by the NFL and its players union is broken and requires a major overhaul.

House Judiciary Committee chairman John Conyers said his panel will hold additional hearings on the disability plan and explore possible legislation.

"I commend the NFL and NFLPA for having taken some affirmative steps since our last hearing, but in my view they still fall short of the goal line," said the Michigan Democrat. "This report identifies major concerns about the long-term health of NFL players that demand further attention."

A House Judiciary subcommittee requested the report after conducting a hearing on the disability plan in June 2007.

"I'm very gratified that Congress took a thorough look at our issues and validated the criticisms we've made of this flawed system," said Brent Boyd, the former Minnesota Viking who testified about his debilitating injuries at that hearing.

The report notes that former players say accessing health benefits is a frustrating and difficult process. It also concluded that the NFL's health-care system is plagued by a variety of conflicts of interest, since team physicians must balance players' health concerns with pressure from coaches and owners who expect athletes to play when they are hurt.

The report also says that the injury rate for NFL players was nearly eight times higher than that of any other pro sports league. Despite the dangerous nature of the game, neither the NFL nor the Players Association maintains data on the number of players forced into retirement because of injuries.

The NFL said in a statement that it has already taken several steps to address the medical needs of its players in conjunction with the Players Association.

"We appreciate chairman Conyers' recognition of the positive steps that we have already taken with the NFLPA to address the medical needs of our players. Earlier this month, additional significant improvements in our medical and disability benefits took effect. We look forward to reviewing the report and to continuing our efforts to identify additional opportunities to enhance the health and safety of our players and the benefits available to our retirees and their families."

A Players Association spokesman did not return calls for comment.

Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka, a vocal critic of the NFL's disability program, said he welcomed congressional intervention.

"There are a lot of problems with it," said Ditka, a member of the board of directors of Gridiron Greats, a Green Bay-based nonprofit group that provides social services to former players. "They have to fix the system."

Team President Calls For Arbitration To Resolve NFL Network Dispute

The NFL Network is being treated unfairly because it is not owned by a cable company, according to the president of the league's Carolina Panthers, so the South Carolina legislature should pass a bill that sends cable programming disputes to an outside arbitrator for resolution.
Mark Richardson, the team executive, testified April 8 in support of the Cable Anti-discrimination and Dispute Act of 2008. The bill, the subject of a hearing before the House Public Utilities Subcommittee, states that a cable company has to treat a competitor's channel the same way in which it treats a channel in which it has an ownership stake.

In other words, if the operator's channel is offered on a basic tier, the provider would have a duty to treat the competitive channel in a non-discriminatory way and offer it on a basic tier.

The bill would address the battle between the NFL Network and the state's cable operators. The league-owned channel wants carriage on the basic programming tier, but operators across the country argue that its high cost should not be forced on all cable subscribers, including non-football fans.

Operators want to offer NFL Netwok on an optional sports programming tier.

In a white paper on the issue, the Southern Carolina Cable Television Association argues that the “NFL Network's huge programming fee is a lot for a network that doesn't rank in the top 30 channels among viewers.”

The trade association adds that the eight games offered seasonally by the NFL Network were free for fans through the league's broadcast agreements, adding the NFL now wants to make profits at the expense of its cable- and satellite-viewing fans.

Richardson told the committee that South Carolina's dominant providers, Time Warner Cable and Comcast Corp., have "bottleneck power" to keep out networks they don't own, adding that the NFL Network is going to be a “huge component of the Carolina Panthers' future success.”

The bill has yet to be voted on by the state House or Senate.

NFL | NFLPA president Kevin Mawae opposes effort to replace Gene Upshaw

Acknowledging an effort by Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover to oust Gene Upshaw, the NFL Players Association executive director, by March 2009, NFLPA President Kevin Mawae said the climate is wrong for a leadership change.

Players and owners face a potential showdown over the collective-bargaining agreement that owners are expected to opt out of Nov. 8.

That is when either side can exercise a reopener clause in a deal owners perceive to increasingly favor the players, with a weakening economy and rising debt associated with funding for new and recently constructed stadiums.

In an e-mail to the union's executive board and player representatives obtained Tuesday by ESPN, Stover called for an organized effort to recruit candidates to replace Upshaw. Upshaw, who turns 65 in August 2010, is under contract through that year.

"I feel that the board must begin to prepare for a change in leadership immediately," Stover wrote in his e-mail.

Ex-Seahawk Mawae, Tennessee's center, issued a statement that said, "Matt Stover's letter does not reflect the view of the entire executive committee or the board of player representatives. The board is in the process of preparing for the possibility of a work stoppage and understands the importance of having Gene, with his experience and history, lead the direction of the NFLPA."

In a statement issued by the Ravens, Stover said, "I'm going to respect the process of our union leadership, executive committee and players reps. I choose to handle this matter privately. It was certainly not my intention for my private e-mail to a select group to become public."

Notes

• The Minnesota Vikings finalized a contract with quarterback Gus Frerotte, 36.

Frerotte, who spent the last two seasons with St. Louis, served as Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper's backup for the 2003 and 2004 seasons and is in line to do the same for incumbent Tarvaris Jackson.

Vikings officials were looking for more polish at the position, and possibly someone to push Jackson for the job. Brooks Bollinger and Kelly Holcomb failed to produce at a high level when Jackson was injured.

• Receiver Doug Gabriel, 27, released by Oakland in August, signed a one-year contract with Cincinnati.

• Jacksonville safety Gerald Sensabaugh, 24, a restricted free agent, signed his tender offer.

See Also:

NFL football playoff ticket – The big ones are here, get ready to rock em.

Henry released by the Bengals after fifth arrest since 2005

Inside job: Patriots sign ex-Jet Hobson

The Patriots decided they couldn't wait until the NFL draft later this month to upgrade at inside linebacker, so they waded into the free agent pool and plucked out former Jet Victor Hobson, signing him to a one-year deal.

The acquisition of the 28-year-old Hobson, who spent the first five seasons of his career with New York, is less about the latest broadside in the Border War with the Jets and their coach, Eric Mangini, and more about the Patriots bolstering their linebacking corps.

The 6-foot, 252-pound Hobson was used as a strong-side outside linebacker in the Jets' 3-4 defense the last two seasons, but was really not suited for the position. He is stout against the run and has a body type more suited to 3-4 inside linebacker, which is where the Patriots plan to use him.

Last season, Hobson played in all 16 games, starting 14, and finished with 62 tackles and two sacks. His best season came in 2006, when he had 100 tackles, six sacks, and an interception.

"Victor is a good young player with considerable playing experience," said Patriots coach Bill Belichick. "We are excited about his addition to our linebacker unit."

A teammate of Tom Brady's at the University of Michigan, Hobson was taken by the Jets in the second round of the 2003 draft. For his career, Hobson has played in 76 out of a possible 80 games, making 58 starts. He has 343 tackles, 11 sacks, 3 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries, and 2 forced fumbles.

With Junior Seau still deciding between riding the waves and riding running backs to the ground after surgery for a torn rotator cuff, Hobson's addition, along with the return of Tedy Bruschi, gives the Patriots some security at inside linebacker.

The team also has Eric Alexander, T.J. Slaughter, and Larry Izzo as backups inside, and outside linebackers Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas, who spent most of his first season with the Patriots playing inside, both have experience playing inside.

The Patriots also have Pierre Woods as a reserve at outside linebacker and are expected to pick up another outside linebacker later in this month's draft.

University of Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason was in town for a predraft visit yesterday, sitting down with Belichick, among others. Also visiting was Georgia Tech defensive end/linebacker Darrell Robertson.

Troy University's Leodis McKelvin, a strong candidate to be the first cornerback taken in the draft and a possible top-10 selection, is slated to visit next week.

In addition to being a top-notch cover corner, McKelvin is a dangerous kickoff and punt returner. He had eight career return touchdowns (seven punts, one kickoff).

The Patriots will also host Auburn defensive end/linebacker Quentin Groves next week.

NFL teams are allowed up to 30 in-house visits with prospects before the draft. A visit is essentially a final interview and medical check.

NFL | Jaguars QB David Garrard gets $60 million, 7-year deal

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard signed a $60 million, seven-year contract Monday that is the richest in franchise history.

Garrard and his agent, Albert Irby, had been seeking something similar to the $67.5 million, six-year contract Dallas quarterback Tony Romo signed last season. But Garrard, 30, and his family were weary of the negotiating process.

"I pretty much had to say, 'Let's go ahead and wrap it up. I'm done,' " Garrard said. "It's too much stress on me and my family."

A career backup who beat out Byron Leftwich last exhibition season, Garrard was entering the final season of a four-year deal that paid about $2 million annually.

The Jaguars were eager to get him under contract after his first season as a starter.

Garrard completed 64 percent of his passes for 2,509 yards and 18 touchdowns despite missing three games in the middle of the season because of an ankle injury.

Garrard was intercepted three times and finished with the league's third-highest passer rating (102.2).

Notes

• Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher might skip the team's voluntary offseason workouts while he seeks a contract extension.

The Chicago Tribune reported Urlacher planned to miss Monday's first day and perhaps the rest of the workouts. The Bears declined to disclose whether Urlacher participated Monday.

The 29-year-old Urlacher, who was born in Pasco, has a contract that runs through 2011. He made $3.95 million last season and is to make the same amount this season.

• New England signed linebacker Victor Hobson, 28, previously with the New York Jets.

• New Orleans signed cornerback Aaron Glenn, 35, who played for Jacksonville last season.

• Safety Clinton Hart, 30, got a five-year deal that will keep him in San Diego through 2012.

• Running back Quincy Wilson, 26, was waived by the Cincinnati Bengals.

He was arrested June 17 in Huntington, W.Va., and charged with disorderly conduct for failing to disperse after a wedding party. Wilson was among 10 Bengals arrested in a 14-month span.

The Bengals on Thursday released receiver Chris Henry, 24, who was arrested five times while he was with the team.

• Suspended Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick, 27, is playing football in federal prison in Leavenworth, Kan., Falcons owner Arthur Blank told the New York Daily News. Vick is serving a 23-month term after pleading guilty to a dogfighting conspiracy and is to be released in July 2009.

NFL football playoff ticket – The big ones are here, get ready to rock em.

A single tournament where there are a total of 16games is one for which NFL football playoff tickets are rarely available. From every conference, six teams will qualify to play based on their performance in the past year and their current standing in overall football teams. The NFL football playoff tickets is what will get you to witness every touch down and stand-offs by your favorite teams and in order to get these NFL football playoff tickets one has to be alert and book well in advance. Since the advent of technology and the introduction of the web world, it has become easy to keep track of the updates pertaining to the matches and the schedule for the same. This way they can plan ahead and book well in advance for the games they wish to watch live. Also the rates are likely to be lesser if booked ahead of time instead of waiting last minute. The websites also give out information about different teams playing, and a bit of history about each of them and about NFL in general. This is mainly for the benefit of those coming for the first time or from out of town.
Since each of the six teams needs to play all other teams and win to qualify for further rounds, the games are spread across days and sometimes last for a whole month. So each and every match is a do or die situation for them, unless they are the top two leading teams. In which case, they get to sit back and skip two games and move onto the finals. The entire month is filled with excitement and people rush from offices and work places to watch the match on TV. Every catch and standoff is precious for the fans and so they would not want to miss a single and so when they have the NFL football playoff tickets in their hand, they make sure to be ready and all set on that particular day.

Be it the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Chicago Bulls, the teams will have to be prepared to face each other in the playoffs. All major teams will participate in this and the players will be pumped up and ready to battle against all odds to win the Super Bowl championship. This is a prestigious title, when earned brings with it a whole new range of respect. Soon after getting hold of the schedule, it is then time to plan out your agenda and block the NFL football playoff tickets. Ever since the American Football league and National Football league merged into one, the playoffs have been the biggest attraction in America and for Americans worldwide. Since sports fans watch the games on TV or in pubs regularly, they are aware of the teams performing well and those that are struggling. Hence, they will observe, make note and pick up the NFL football playoff tickets to the matches that are likely to be exciting and thrilling.

Bills Notebook

Three-hundred dollars for a preseason game?

This past week, Buffalo’s first game of its eight-game Toronto Series was announced. The Bills will play a “home game” against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, Aug. 14 at the Rogers Centre.

A letter on the website www.billsintoronto.com, hints that the price range for the Bills-Steelers preseason game is $75-$300, according to the Toronto Star.

"We haven't finalized ticket prices yet," Adrian Montgomery, the Centre Rogers Communications' director of strategic alliances said in the Toronto Star article. "I can tell you there will be price points for every NFL fan. It means there will be ticket prices that every NFL fan of various means will be able to afford."

Tension over the Bills’ future has been high on the home front. Local celebrities such as Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly and Buffalo Sabres’ owner Tom Golisano have voiced their assurance that the Bills will remain in Buffalo. The Bills’ owner, Ralph Wilson Jr., has sent frequent uneasy shockwaves through Bills Nation, saying it will be hard for a small market team to compete in the modern day NFL.

Still, the Bills’ insist the Toronto Series is purely marketing-based.

"We needed to begin and continue to regionalize this brand," said Brandon. "We've been very successful with our training camp model in Rochester and we anticipate to have the same kind of success in the Toronto marketplace."

How successful the Bills-Steelers game is will surely be scrutinized by Wilson and the Bills. Toronto has emphatically supported an NHL team (Maple Leafs), NBA team (Raptors) and a MLB team (Blue Jays), amongst several other lower-level sports franchises. While Buffalo sports fans are familiar with the Maple Leaf support (many Leafs fans fill the HSBC Arena for Sabres-Leafs games because they can’t get tickets in Toronto), the city’s support for the Raptors may be a better indicator. The Raptors joined the NBA 13 years ago, and have maintained very strong popularity.

From 2000-02 - in Vince Carter's heyday - the Raptors led the NBA in sellouts. Last season when the Raptors won the Atlantic Division, an average of 18,258 fans filled the Air Canada Centre – 13th highest in the league. This amount is 92 percent of the arena’s capacity. In 2007, the value of the franchise was $373 million. Nine years ago, it was only $125 million.

Of course, NFL football is entirely different monster. No other sport experiences more fluctuations in fan support. How would a Toronto fan base reacted to the Bills near-decade long playoff drought? Tough to say.

The rumored high ticket prices aren’t a good sign for local Bills fans. How successful each successive Bills game in Toronto, though, will show whether the city can support an NFL franchise.

Don’t discount a trade down

Jonathan Stewart’s toe injury may have an inadvertant effect on the Bills’ draft strategy.

At best, Stewart will be ready to go by training camp and it’s difficult to determine how healthy he’ll be then. His injury equates to much, much more money for Illinois’ running back Rashard Mendenhall. At No. 11, Buffalo is in prime trade-down position. Many teams, including Carolina (No. 13) Chicago (No. 14), Detroit (No. 15), Dallas (No. 22, 28) may be looking to leapfrog each other for Mendenhall now that he is probably the second-best running back available.

If cornerbacks Leodis McKelvin and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are taken in the top 10, Buffalo might be wise to move down and take Aqib Talib, Mike Jenkins or another cornerback a few picks later – adding another selection in the process.

Two back-ups re-sign

The Bills re-signed exclusive rights free agents Tim Massaquoi and Corey Mace this past week.

The tight end, Massaquoi, signed with Buffalo on Nov. 14 and played in the team’s final four games, primarily on special teams. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers originally drafted him in the seventh round of the 2006 draft.

The odds are stacked against Massaquoi. Buffalo signed Courtney Anderson in free agency, and will most likely draft a tight end in the early rounds of the draft. With Robert Royal and Teyo Johnson also on the roster, Massaquoi may need a dynamite training camp to land a roster spot. Still, many teams in recent years have opted to keep three and sometimes four tight ends on the roster. It’s certainly a position of great value, as running schemes become more complicating and more teams utilize tight ends in the passing game

Mace, a defensive tackle, signed with the Bills as an undrafted rookie last year, making the team’s practice squad. He joined the active roster on Dec. 28, but was inactive for the team’s final game at Philadelphia.

Henry released by the Bengals after fifth arrest since 2005

CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry lost his job while in jail awaiting arraignment on assault charges on Thursday.
The Bengals cut him after his fifth arrest since 2005.

An attorney for Henry, 24, entered not guilty pleas for him after Henry was accused of punching an 18-year-old man in the face and breaking his car window with a beer bottle.

Municipal Court Judge Bernie Bouchard set bond at $51,000 on charges of misdemeanor assault and criminal damaging. Noting Henry's previous arrests involving drugs, guns and alcohol, the judge called Henry "a one-man crime wave." He ordered electronic monitoring if Henry makes bail.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said it was premature to speculate on Henry's future in the league.

"It will be reviewed under the standard conduct policy," Aiello said.

Henry did not speak at the hearing. His lawyer, Perry Ancona, disputed the allegations in the complaint sworn by Gregory Meyer.

"We have a different set of facts we ask the court to consider," Ancona said.

Minutes before the arraignment, Ancona broke the news to Henry that he had been released.

Bengals president Mike Brown said in a statement that Henry, an often brilliant receiver who would be in his fourth pro season this year, had forfeited his career with the club.

"His conduct can no longer be tolerated," Brown said.

Henry was suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for the first half of last season for repeatedly violating the league's conduct policy. He also was suspended for two games in 2006.

"The Bengals tried for an extended period of time to support Chris and his potentially bright career," Brown said. "We had hoped to guide him toward an appropriate standard of personal responsibility that this community would support and that would allow him to play in the NFL. ... But those efforts end today, as we move on with what is best for our team."

Henry's agent, Marvin Frazier, thanked the Bengals for their patience.

"I just want to say that we're sorry this all happened, and we will continue to try to work to help Chris," Frazier said. "I do want to thank the Cincinnati Bengals -- Mike Brown, (coach) Marvin Lewis and everyone -- for all they have done to try to help this young man. Many of them have gone beyond the call of duty."

Under the NFL's tough new policy, Henry could face further suspensions even if he is not convicted of the latest charges. The Bengals were among the worst offenders in recent years, with 10 players arrested in a 14-month span from April 2006 and June 2007.

According to a complaint filed with authorities, Henry was identified by Meyer and a witness who claimed Henry punched Meyer on Monday, causing "visible injury." Henry then threw a beer bottle at Meyer's car, breaking the rear passenger window, according to the affidavit.

After an arrest warrant was issued, and Henry surrendered to police Wednesday night.

Henry has had a string of problems with police. He was in court last week after being ticketed for driving with expired Kentucky license plates. He paid $149 in fines and court costs, according to the Municipal Court records.

He was ticketed a year ago for driving with a suspended license.

Henry was arrested four times between December 2005 and June 2006. He was accused of possession of marijuana in northern Kentucky, carrying a concealed weapon in Florida, drunken driving in Ohio and providing alcohol to minors in northern Kentucky. In that case, he served two days in jail in 2006 after pleading guilty to a charge of letting minors drink alcohol in a hotel room he had rented.

Following his suspension, Henry caught 21 passes for 343 yards and two touchdowns last season. He had nine touchdown catches in 13 games in 2006, when he was suspended by the league for two games and benched for another by Lewis because of misconduct.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound receiver was a third-round draft pick from West Virginia in 2005.

Titans unveil new logo to celebrate tenth anniversary

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Forget those two seasons spent as the nomadic Tennessee Oilers. The Titans want to celebrate a 10th season with their more successful current nickname.

Team officials on Friday unveiled a new logo with the number 10 including the Titans' fireball, the silhouette of Tennessee and the years 1999-2008. The Titans will wear the logo as a patch on the left, front shoulder of their jerseys this season as well.

Owner Bud Adams said in a statement he looks forward to the fun of looking back at the moments and players defining the franchise over the past nine seasons. He remembers deciding to start from scratch and select a new nickname and uniform to go with the new stadium being built in Nashville along with a new headquarters for his team.

"I would love to finish the decade as we started it -- in the Super Bowl," Adams said.

The logo will be on merchandise for fans to buy, of course, and will be on display at LP Field during the 2008 season. The team has also lined up past players like kicker Al Del Greco and receiver Kevin Dyson to take part in an offseason tour across Tennessee and into parts of Alabama and Kentucky that begins April 14.

The Titans are asking fans to help select the favorite players, games and moments over the past nine seasons in voting on the team's Web site.

Taking time to celebrate seems only right for a franchise that endured a difficult relocation from Houston before severing ties with Texas by dropping the Oilers' nickname for a new name fresh for fans in the team's new home.

Steve Underwood, the team's senior executive vice president, said he sees the team's relocation as the most tumultuous in the history of professional sports considering the litigation the Oilers faced in Houston, a referendum in Nashville on whether to build the stadium and Congress attempting to intervene in the move.

The players, coaches and staff also had to deal with a move in July 1997 just before training camp, followed by a difficult season spent commuting to Memphis where the then-Oilers played in front of few fans, the same fans who continued to stay away in 1998 when the team moved to Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville.

But everything clicked in 1999 with the new nickname, uniform and opening of the new stadium, now called LP Field. The Titans went 13-3 and reached the lone Super Bowl, where they lost to St. Louis, the first of five playoff berths in the past nine seasons.

The team also has sold out each of the 93 games played there, with every suite full and every spot of signage sold.

"If you had been through what we went through to get here and have had the kind of support we've had from our fans, it's made it all worthwhile," Underwood said.