2010 NFL training camps: David Patten, New England Patriots wide receiver, retires from football

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Wide receiver David Patten, who was a key contributor to the New England Patriots' three Super Bowl championships, announced his retirement Saturday morning at the team's training camp.

Patten, who turns 37 on Aug. 19, said he believed he could keep up physically. But it was the mental challenge that led him to tell coach Bill Belichick he was retiring after four practices.

"This is in no way, shape or form what I anticipated coming back here this year," he said. "I'm actually a little saddened that I'm proving some of the naysayers right this morning. Some felt I signed back with the team to retire, but that was not part of my thought process. I honestly felt like I could still play this game and play at a high level. I felt the competitive spirit and nature was still there, but over the course of the last two days and over the course of the break [before training camp] away from the team, there was a lot of reflection. There was a lot of contemplation.

"I just felt like it was time. It just hit me yesterday. Camp was going really well. I was still able to go out and be competitive and operate at a high level, but I believe once you get to the point in your career where it's multiple years -- it would be my 13th year -- and you're thinking about it mentally and you're not 100 percent into it mentally wise, it's tough to play this game. I always felt like when I got to that that point, it would be in my best interests to walk away."

Patten, who was out of football last season, had yet to inform his family of the decision. He said he would have preferred to walk away quietly, but wanted the chance to address the fans of New England one final time. Patten described his time with the Patriots, from 2001 to 2004, as the highlight of his career.

In a hastily arranged news conference, Patten and Belichick reflected on some memories.

Belichick said that the team had hoped to sign Patten as a free agent in 2000, which was Belichick's first year as Patriots coach. But the team lost out to the Cleveland Browns, whose offer was $50,000 richer.

The Patriots finally got their man the following season, with Patten facing what he thought were long odds for a roster spot. About two weeks into training camp, Belichick pulled Patten out of a meeting, and Patten feared the worst.

Instead, Belichick told him he had an opportunity to fight for a starting job, and that the team was offering him a three-year contract extension.

"I was thinking he was ready to release me," Patten recalled. "When you get called out of a meeting, not too much good is [usually] going on. That was the beginning to it all. Over those four years, it was just great times."

Patten played for the New York Giants (1997-99), Browns (2000), Patriots (2001-2004), Washington Redskins (2005-2006) and New Orleans Saints (2007-2008).

He totaled 324 receptions for 4,715 yards and 24 touchdowns, while adding 20 catches for 260 yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs.

One of his biggest catches came in arguably the greatest victory in franchise history, in Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams, when he was on the receiving end of an 8-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady.

Saturday's news conference began with Belichick reflecting on Patten's career. He mentioned Patten's work ethic and toughness as top attributes.

"He had a tremendous career. He's meant a lot to this team," Belichick said. "Going back to '01, when we were getting this program started, the toughness, the attitude, the leadership he brought to this football team in a sort of quiet Troy Brown-like way, he just did his job and worked hard, set the pace for everybody to keep up with."

Patten was an underdog story, but his perseverance was ultimately rewarded.

"You reflect now and say, 'Hey, your career wasn't that bad for a kid, undersized out of Columbia, South Carolina and a small I-AA school [Western Carolina]. Undrafted. Working in a coffee bean factory. Electrician work. Landscaper.' Who would have thought 12 years in the National Football League?" Patten said. "Three championships. So many memories. Now I can sit back and reflect on it and pass this on to my kids."

Patten and his wife, Gailena, have four children.

Patten, who was a long shot to earn a roster spot with the team in 2010, said he has no set plans for what he will do next. He is a minister and said that will be part of his post-playing career, in addition to pursuing business interests.

Mike Reiss covers the Patriots for ESPNBoston.com. Follow him on Twitter.

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Sean Morey of Seattle Seahawks retires just as camp begins

RENTON, Wash. -- Special-teams ace Sean Morey has retired from the Seattle Seahawks.
A team spokesman announced the move Saturday morning, minutes before the Seahawks started training camp. Morey was a Pro Bowl selection in 2008 with Arizona, and he signed a free-agent contract with Seattle this offseason.

The 34-year-old has been a leader in raising awareness of head injuries. Last season, he was named co-chair of the NFL Players Association's concussion and traumatic brain injury committee.

This spring Morey admitted that the revelation that the late Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry had brain damage, likely from repeated blows to the head, rattled him.

Morey went to Brown, then played nine seasons for the Patriots, Steelers and Cardinals.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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2010 NFL training camps: Twisted knee to sideline Cleveland Browns RB Montario Hardesty

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns second-round draft pick Montario Hardesty will miss "a couple weeks" after twisting a knee during a pre-camp drill.
Hardesty, expected to vie with Jerome Harrison to be the starting running back, was injured Thursday but surgery was not required, coach Eric Mangini said Saturday after the Browns' first practice of training camp.

"He twisted his knee in drills the other day, so you probably won't see him for a couple weeks," the second-year coach said. "We're taking it real slow, conservative. We'll see where it is at that point [after rehabbing it]."

The 59th player taken in the draft, Hardesty signed a four-year deal this summer and was one of the team's bright spots during early workouts.

Hardesty had knee and ankle problems while at Tennessee, but Mangini said the latest setback was not related to previous injuries.

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Harrison, in his sixth year, had three consecutive 100-yard rushing games as the Browns won their last four games to finish 5-11 season last year.

Mangini was asked who would have gotten the first snap at running back Saturday had Hardesty been around.

"I think the best way to look at this is there's not really a depth chart; it's a rep chart," he said. "Jerome would have taken some of the snaps and Montario would have taken some of the snaps."

The only other notable absentee as the Browns went through their paces before a few thousand orange-clad fans was offensive lineman Tony Pashos, who was fighting a cold. The veteran was signed as a free agent.

The team's first-round draft pick, cornerback Joe Haden, meanwhile, has agreed to terms with the Browns, a team source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Contract details were not immediately available.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Jimmy Clausen humbled as Carolina Panthers' career begins

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- If Jimmy Clausen indeed becomes Carolina's franchise quarterback, it'll be after overcoming a humble beginning to his professional career.

Three months after his draft weekend snub, a nervous Clausen fumbled a couple of snaps early in his first workout of training camp with the Panthers on Thursday, before laboring in the intense heat in his new role: third-stringer.
It was a long way from all the high school hype, the brashness at Notre Dame and the declaration after the Panthers finally ended his two-day draft wait with the 48th selection that his goal was to be the starter from day one.

"That's how you have to think. When you go out to practice you want to do as much as you can to be the starting quarterback," Clausen said. "At the end of the day, I can control only what I can control and the coaches are going to make the decisions, who's going to play and who's not going to play."

It was the typical measured response Clausen has made routine since his first NFL minicamp in April. He's impressed coaches with his lengthy film sessions and won over many of his teammates with his work ethic.

"He's quiet. He's kept his mouth shut and has just been working hard," said left tackle Jordan Gross, who added Clausen sent him a couple of text messages over the summer. "I think that's the right way to do it as a quarterback or any player.

"I think he's got great potential. I know Matt [Moore] is our starter right now and that's who I support. But anybody that's got a Panthers helmet on, I want them to do their best. I'd love for him to succeed beyond anybody's expectations. That would just make us better."

A day after signing a four-year contract that could be worth up to $6.3 million, Clausen blamed "a little pre-practice jitters" for bobbling a couple of snaps in a walkthrough before Thursday's first practice.

He then settled in mostly as the third-string QB behind Moore and Hunter Cantwell, although Clausen did take some snaps with the second unit and appeared to be sharp with his throws.

The Californian acknowledged that despite being warned about the South Carolina humidity, it "caught me off guard a little bit."

"I feel like I'm in a good position right now playing in an offense that I did at Notre Dame for three years," Clausen said. "At the same time you've got to get used of the speed. You've got to get used to different guys running routes. There's a lot of timing that goes into everything, so that's a big thing that I'm going to be working on in camp."

The 6-foot-2 Clausen threw 60 touchdown passes and 27 interceptions with the Fighting Irish, but was just 16-18 as a starter, hardly what fans expected after the high school phenom arrived in a limousine to announce his college choice. Questions about his attitude caused him to tumble in the draft after he left school a year early.

"I really don't think about it too often, but I'm sure it'll be in the back of my head," Clausen said. "That's one of the things that makes me strive to be the best quarterback I can be. Go out each and every day and work as hard as I can and try to be perfect."

While the Panthers believe Clausen could eventually become their entrenched starter, Moore is clearly No. 1 at the start of camp after Jake Delhomme's release. Clausen's immediate goal is to pass Cantwell, who spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad as Moore's backup.

"Him and I had a great conversation today talking about some little things with the offense," said Moore, who has started only eight NFL games. "I guess I'm kind of a mentor. I don't see myself as one but I guess I play that role."

Coach John Fox provided little insight when asked what Clausen needs to work on, saying only that he needs practice time to get more comfortable. Clausen is expected to see considerable playing time in the preseason. The exhibition opener is Aug. 12 at Baltimore.

Until then, Clausen plans to stay quiet, learn and say nothing inflammatory.

"Whenever you get your reps, you have to go out there and make plays," Clausen said. "I think that's the biggest thing. When your name gets called, whether it's one play or five plays, it doesn't really matter. You have to produce."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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NFL won't suspended Vince Young of Tennessee Titans for assault

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Thursday he has decided not to suspend Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young over a tussle at a Dallas strip club in June.

Speaking to reporters after the Packers' shareholders meeting in Green Bay, Wis., Goodell said he met with Young earlier this week.
"And at this stage, based on the facts that we have, I see no reason for any kind of disciplinary action. I did have a good conversation with Vince, however, about his responsibility as an NFL player. He needs to avoid putting himself in that kind of position," Goodell said.

Young was given a misdemeanor assault citation after a fight last month that was caught on surveillance video. He quickly apologized and said he hoped he wouldn't be suspended because he owned up to his mistake.

"I pray to God that Roger Goodell doesn't come down hard on me because I definitely want to be here for my teammates," Young said a day after the scuffle.

The video footage released by Dallas police showed the quarterback and several people talking in a small room before Young went after someone in the small room at Club Onyx. He was cited for misdemeanor assault after meeting with police hours later in Dallas. He had left the club before authorities arrived.

Young said the person who provoked him made a downward Longhorns sign that was disrespectful to the quarterback, who attended the University of Texas. Young said more went on but refused to go into further details.

Goodell's decision was a piece of good news for the Titans, who report Friday for training camp. Coach Jeff Fisher lost his running backs coach last weekend when Kennedy Pola bolted for Southern California at the invitation of coach Lane Kiffin, prompting the Titans to sue the university and Kiffin on Monday for poaching the assistant.

Young is going into his fifth NFL season with a 26-13 career record, and he is coming off a personal best 82.8 passer rating in 2009.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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New York Jets expected to sign Laveranues Coles

A familiar face apparently is headed back to the New York Jets -- for the second time.

Free-agent wide receiver Laveranues Coles, who played with the Jets from 2000 to 2002 and 2005-08, will work out for team officials Friday at the team's headquarters in Florham Park, N.J., a league source told ESPNNewYork.com.

Barring complications, Coles is expected to sign with his former team. The Jets report to training camp Sunday in Cortland, N.Y.

With Santonio Holmes out the first four games due to a league suspension for violating the substance-abuse policy, the Jets are looking for insurance at wide receiver.

Coles would join Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith as the top four receivers for the first four games.

Coles left the Jets after the 2008 season, a mutual parting in which he agreed to waive his guaranteed salary in 2009. It was risky, but he wound up signing a four-year, $28 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.

At 32, Coles appears to have lost a step. He produced only 43 catches for 514 yards and five touchdowns last season with the Bengals. He's also had concussion issues in the past, but he could be a good fit with the Jets because they won't ask him to be an every-down player. He always was a popular player in the locker room, well-respected for his toughness and work ethic.

The decision to visit with Coles comes only two days after word leaked that the Jets had placed an exploratory phone call to Terrell Owens' agent. Owens wound up signing with the Bengals.

In 10 seasons, Coles has 674 catches for 8,609 yards and 49 touchdowns.

Rich Cimini covers the Jets for ESPNNewYork.com. Follow him on Twitter.

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Aaron Schobel of Buffalo Bills might be playing in 2010

PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- Aaron Schobel is now considering playing one more year after the Buffalo Bills' leading pass rusher spent the offseason contemplating retirement.

That doesn't mean he's made up his mind yet. Speaking by phone from his home in Texas on Wednesday, Schobel confirmed to The Associated Press that he intends to make a decision by the middle of August when it's time for his children to begin attending school.
"I'm thinking about it, but I'm not ready to make a decision," Schobel said. "I'm not saying yes. I'm not saying no."

Schobel spoke on the day Bills players began arriving in suburban Rochester to report for training camp, which opens Thursday. He's spent all nine of his NFL seasons in Buffalo, and his 78 career sacks rank second on the team behind Hall of Famer Bruce Smith.

One factor in his decision is the Bills wanting him back. Schobel has four years left on a $50.5 million contract extension he signed in 2007, including a $2 million roster bonus he was due in March.

"I'm thinking if I want to do it, and they want me to do it, then I'll do it," said Schobel, noting he's not had any contact with the team. "The Bills might tell me to get lost. And I'd understand it if they did that."

Schobel did not attend any of the team's offseason workout programs and practices, including a three-day mandatory minicamp a month ago.

General manager Buddy Nix and first-year head coach Chan Gailey have previously left the door open for Schobel's return. The team also has him listed in their 2010 media guide, which was released to reporters on Wednesday.

Team officials were not immediately available for comment.

Should he return, Schobel would have to make the switch from defensive end to linebacker in the new 3-4 defense Gailey has introduced this offseason.

The possibility of Schobel playing this season would mark a major change of heart after he sold his Buffalo-area home this spring and relocated his family back to his native Texas.

Along with wanting to spend more time with his family, Schobel was fed up with the team's performance. The Bills have not made the playoffs during his tenure and enjoyed only one winning season, a 9-7 finish in 2004, during that span.

He was also concerned about the toll that injuries and the wear and tear of another football season would have on his body once he's done playing. Last month, Schobel was so prepared to retire that he informed the Bills -- through the media -- that they should prepare to move on without him.

"A month ago, I was not playing," Schobel said, noting he spent much of last season "irritated with football."

His mood began to soften as the NFL season approached and he spoke to his wife about the possibility of playing. He also began missing the camaraderie with fellow veteran defensive linemen he's developed, specifically noting Chris Kelsay, Marcus Stroud and Kyle Williams.

"I just needed some time," Schobel said. "The last couple of weeks, I started thinking, 'It ain't so bad.' ... Maybe it's the midweek blues, I don't know."

Also factoring into Schobel's decision is whether he has enough time to relocate his family back to Buffalo and able to get his children into the same school they've attended in the past.

That's a switch after Schobel, in March, said he was open to the possibility of living alone in Buffalo and traveling to Texas to be with his family on days off. He's now realized that the travel would wear him out.

One thing he is certain of is this will be his last season.

"I'll be 33 in September and I've got to get on with my life," he said.

Schobel apologized for wavering on his decision, but said it's one he doesn't take lightly.

"I know I'm probably annoying people, but you've got to be 100 percent committed to this," Schobel said. "I apologize to the people I've irritated. But I guess I can't please everyone."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Cleveland Browns' Shaun Rogers, C.J. Mosley start camp on PUP list

BEREA, Ohio -- Defensive linemen Shaun Rogers and C.J. Mosley will start training camp on the Cleveland Browns' physically unable to perform list.

Second-year cornerback Coye Francies also is on the list with an undisclosed injury.
Rogers missed the final five games of the 2009 season with a broken leg and Mosley sat out the final four with an injured ankle.

Rogers still faces a possible NFL suspension, but has avoided trial on a felony gun charge that will be dismissed if the 31-year-old completes 40 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours in a gun class. Police said Rogers had the semiautomatic handgun in a carry-on bag at Cleveland's Hopkins International Airport in April.

Neither Rogers nor Mosley participated in spring drills. Francies, who played briefly in six games as a rookie, practiced in minicamp and had two interceptions.

The trio does not count against the Browns' 80-man training camp roster and cannot practice.

The players aren't the only Browns hobbled as camp begins.

Mike Holmgren is starting his first season as Cleveland Browns president in a leg cast as he recovers from offseason surgery on his right foot.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Pittsburgh Steelers unsure if NFL will cut down Ben Roethlisberger's suspension

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers expect to go through most or all of training camp without knowing the exact date when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger can play again.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell plans to visit the Steelers' camp on Aug. 5, but the stop is not specifically related to Roethlisberger's six-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. Goodell is visiting seven training camps during the first week of August.
Goodell said the suspension could be reduced by two games if Roethlisberger has no more behavioral issues and does all that is asked by the league. Roethlisberger was suspended April 21 after being accused of, but not charged with, sexually assaulting a Georgia college student in March.

"Toward the end of training camp is the timetable to find out," Steelers president Art Rooney II said Tuesday.

The Steelers' final preseason game is Sept. 2. They open the season at home Sept. 12 at Atlanta, but the earliest that the two-time, Super Bowl-winning quarterback can return is Oct. 17 against Cleveland. Should Goodell decide not to reduce the suspension, Roethlisberger couldn't play until Oct. 31 in New Orleans.

"All we're concerned about is Ben and, at this point, it's six games," director of football operations Kevin Colbert said. "Whether it gets reduced or not, it's up to the commissioner."

The uncertainty over when Roethlisberger can play could make an already challenging Steelers training camp even more difficult.

Coach Mike Tomlin must find enough snaps in camp and during the exhibition games for Roethlisberger and the starter at the beginning of the season -- almost certainly, Byron Leftwich. Leftwich took nearly all the snaps with the starters when Roethlisberger was barred from practicing during the offseason.

The Steelers also want to prepare third-year quarterback Dennis Dixon, who started one game last season. Longtime backup Charlie Batch is also on the roster.

"I don't think they have a set rotation, I don't think they have an exact 1-2-3 order," Colbert said of the coaches. "I think over the course of the preseason they'll get that. They also have to factor in how much work Ben will get knowing that he won't be available for the minimum of four games."

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While teams always work with multiple quarterbacks during camp, this is the first time an NFL team has known it must prepare two starting quarterbacks because of a suspension.

"No question it's an unusual situation and it's a challenge for our coaching staff and our players, but I think we can have the guys who can do it," Rooney said. "I know they're determined to get it right. I think by the time the season opens we'll be ready."

The Steelers open camp Friday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, with their first practice the following day. Roethlisberger can practice through the end of camp, but is barred from all team activities while suspended.

Whenever Roethlisberger returns, Colbert has no worries about him being ready to play despite the lack of practicing. Roethlisberger threw for a career-high 4,328 yards last season, with 26 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions, although the Steelers missed the playoffs a season after winning their second Super Bowl in four seasons.

"No, none whatsoever," Colbert said. "Ben will be prepared. Ben is a super competitor that I think will come back with a real strong desire to prove that he's still a great quarterback."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Devin McCourty, New England Patriots still trying to reach agreement

Negotiations between the Patriots and first-round draft choice Devin McCourty have been slower than anticipated, with the sides unable to strike a deal by Sunday's reporting date for rookies.

The Patriots and McCourty's representatives would not comment on the status of negotiations Sunday night.
One reason for the slowdown seems to be the lack of other first-round signings, as only the Cowboys' Dez Bryant (24th overall) has signed a deal. Because of that, agent Andy Simms can't use other deals as a framework for McCourty's pact.

That factor, coupled with what some agents of high draft choices have said is significant oversight from the NFL Players Association as a result of the looming labor war between owners and players, presumably are the main reasons McCourty, the 27th overall pick, didn't report to Gillette Stadium on Sunday with the team's other rookies.

One source involved in negotiations with a first-round pick from a different team said the NFLPA has advised him to slow negotiations until some other first-round deals are completed, which would provide a better framework to work from.

McCourty and inside linebacker Brandon Spikes (second round) are the Patriots' only unsigned picks.

Mike Reiss covers the Patriots for ESPNBoston.com. Follow him on Twitter.

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Sources: NFL won't discipline Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick

The NFL has informed Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick that he will not be disciplined in the wake of the shooting at his birthday party in Virginia Beach last month, two league sources told ESPN.
Vick spoke at length to commissioner Roger Goodell over the phone about the latest incident and Vick's progress during the investigation, sources said.

Goodell implored Vick to make better decisions and warned him to take more care in how he conducts his personal life.

A source said Vick has taken the incident as a warning, saying "Michael realizes he may not be so lucky the next time."

Vick, who reported to Eagles training camp in Lehigh, Pa., as expected Monday, reiterated to reporters that he had done nothing wrong.

Vick will also meet with Goodell in Lehigh on Aug. 3.

When asked whether a league investigation of Vick has been completed, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told The Associated Press in an e-mail that the league would have no further comment on Vick at this time.

Police have said Vick was not the shooter at the party and decided not to file charges in the case. Commonwealth's Attorney Harvey L. Bryant said the investigation also showed that Vick "was not aware of whether or not anyone was going to be shot, was threatened to be shot or anything to do with any of that business."

The victim has not been identified by police, but Vick's attorney, Larry Woodward, said it was Quanis Phillips -- a co-defendant in the federal dogfighting case that landed Vick in federal prison. Phillips, who Woodward said was not invited to the party and did not interact with Vick while there, was treated at a hospital and released the following day.

Sal Paolantonio is a reporter for ESPN. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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San Diego Chargers open camp without top pick Ryan Mathews

SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Chargers have opened training camp without first-round pick Ryan Mathews.
Mathews, the heir apparent to LaDainian Tomlinson, is San Diego's only draft pick who hasn't signed a contract. He was taken with the 12th pick overall out of Fresno State.

Rookies and selected veterans will practice through Thursday, when the rest of the veterans are due to report. The first full-squad practice will be Friday.

Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill are expected to miss training camp and possibly the first 10 games of the season. They are unhappy they haven't been signed to long-term deals. It's also uncertain when outside linebacker Shawne Merriman will report.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Lane Kiffin hires away Tennesssee Titans coach, irks Jeff Fisher

USC has hired Tennessee Titans running backs coach Kennedy Pola to serve as offensive coordinator under coach Lane Kiffin, causing Titans coach -- and USC alum -- Jeff Fisher to question the professionalism of the Trojans' head man.

"I am very disappointed in Lane Kiffin's approach to this," Fisher told The Tennessean on Saturday. "Typically speaking, when coaches are interested in hiring or discussing potential employment from coaches on respective staffs there is a courtesy call made from the head coach or athletic director indicating there is an interest in talking to the assistant.
"So I am very disappointed in the lack of professionalism on behalf of Lane, to call me and leave me a voicemail after Kennedy had informed me he had taken the job. It is just a lack of professionalism."

The Titans lose their running backs coach one week before the start of the team's training camp, and The Tennessean reported the team will promote from within to replace Pola.

Kiffin released a statement on Saturday attempting to outline the sequence of events surrounding Pola's hiring.

"We reached out to Kennedy Pola [on Friday] to gauge whether he had any possible interest in returning to USC before we moved forward with the process," Kiffin said. "Kennedy said he would think about it and get back to us today. Once Kennedy did call back earlier today, out of my great respect for Coach Fisher I immediately reached out to Coach to make him aware of the situation.

"I have spoken with Coach Fisher and he now has an accurate understanding of the timeline of events.

"We realize the timing of this isn't perfect for all parties, but this is a great opportunity and promotion for Kennedy."

This latest bit of USC family in-fighting comes on the heels of the school naming a new athletic director earlier this week after the football and basketball programs were put on probation for the improper relationships former players had with agents.

USC has gone so far as to scrub any memory of Reggie Bush from the school, planning to erase his image from a mural, remove his jersey that hangs in the school's Heritage Hall lobby and return its copy of Bush's 2005 Heisman Trophy.

After former coach Pete Carroll left the Trojans for a head coaching position with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, Kiffin was tasked with continuing the school's football tradition. But NCAA sanctions will keep the program out of the postseason for the next two years.

By taking the USC job, Kiffin drew the ire of many Tennessee Volunteers fans by spurning the program to take over his alma mater after last season. In one year in Knoxville, he led the Vols to a 7-6 record, including a loss to Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

Now the coach is taking heat from the state's NFL team.

Before being hired at Tennessee, Kiffin became the youngest NFL coach ever at the age of 31 when he was asked to lead the Oakland Raiders.

Kiffin lasted just one season with the Raiders, going 4-12 and left after a public dispute with longtime Raiders owner Al Davis that continued even after the two sides parted ways.

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Elvis Dumervil's contract with Denver Broncos sets mark for pass rushers

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Elvis Dumervil's route to riches was somewhat unconventional by today's NFL standards for superstars. He didn't posture, wasn't petulant or pouty. He didn't rip his coaches or the front office, hold out of minicamps or ask for a trade.
Coming off an NFL-leading and team-record 17 sacks last season, Dumervil signed his restricted free agent tender and continued working out with the Denver Broncos during the offseason while his agent and general manager exchanged figures.

Dumervil hit pay dirt with a $61.5 million extension through 2015 that includes $43.168 million in guarantees, a record for a player at his pass-rushing position.

His agent and his coach both suggested Dumervil's payday wasn't just about his pass-rushing prowess but also came about because of his patience and professionalism.

Dumervil said he was raised with a strong work ethic and he praised the advice he got from family members and his agent.

"And so at the end of the day, I knew my value and there was no need to go out and pout or go out, you know, the way other guys may have handled things because I know that character is No. 1 for me and I knew if I could bring the stats along with that it gave me a good chance," Dumervil said.

Coach Josh McDaniels, who has shipped Pro Bowlers Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall out of town -- where they got big extensions from their new teams -- said the humble, hardworking Dumervil is the kind of player a team can be built around.

"The way he has handled this lengthy negotiation this offseason is a great example of the type of player and person we want on our team," McDaniels said.

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Dumervil's agent, Gary Wichard, lauded both his client's quiet approach to an extension and also the Broncos for coming up big at a time when uncertainty surrounds the league's labor accord, which is set to expire after the upcoming season.

"I give all the credit to Elvis for conducting himself with class throughout the whole process this off season," Wichard told The Associated Press in an e-mail Friday. "Also, Brian Xanders did a great job of getting this done through some tough circumstances and signing a 'Josh McDaniels guy."

Dumervil's approach stood in stark contrast to that of Marshall, a member of the same draft class who was a similar bargain for the Broncos for several seasons as a fourth-round steal in 2006.

Marshall's petulance consumed the team at times last season. He was suspended during training camp and again for the season finale for insubordination. The Broncos traded him to Miami just before the draft, and the Dolphins gave him a contract extension through 2014 that could be worth $50 million.

One of McDaniels' first orders of business as coach in Denver was to grant Cutler's trade request and send his recalcitrant quarterback to the Bears, who gave him a two-year, $30 million extension last season.

About the only time Dumervil talked money publicly last season was when he mentioned in passing to an AP reporter that pass-rushers "get paid" because of their value to a team's defense. So stunning was his comment that teammates who overheard it immediately gave him grief, albeit good-naturedly.

Dumervil thrived last season in the Broncos' new defensive alignment that turned him from a classic 4-3 defensive end in a three-point stance into a stand-up outside linebacker in the 3-4. He earned a trip to the Pro Bowl and was named All-Pro, burnishing his credentials for a contract extension.

Although the total value of Dumervil's deal isn't as high as other top pass-rushers, his $43.168 million in guaranteed money surpasses that of Chicago's Julius Peppers ($42 million), Dallas' DeMarcus Ware ($40 million), Baltimore's Terrell Suggs ($38 million) and Minnesota's Jared Allen ($31 million).

The Broncos could have put off a deal with Dumervil because the league might shut down in 2011 without a new labor accord, and they could have slapped the franchise tag on him after that, effectively keeping him away from unfettered free agency.

Instead, they rewarded him with the biggest deal since Champ Bailey's six-year, $63 million contract in 2005.

Dumervil realizes his sack total could go down this season even as his value rises because he'll see plenty of double-teams and offenses scheming away from him. That makes it imperative for the Broncos to develop another pass-rusher such as outside linebacker Robert Ayers.

"If my sack total goes down and other guys make plays -- that's what it's all about," Dumervil said. "It's not really about the numbers all the time, it's about how effective I can be in trying to free up someone else. As far as that guy, I don't know. We'll have to see when the time happens."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

Elvis Dumervil signs Denver Broncos’ tender before deadlineXavi signs Barca extension

New York Giants sign free-agent linebacker Keith Bulluck

Free-agent linebacker Keith Bulluck officially joined the New York Giants on Saturday, after nailing a private workout Monday in the oppressive Meadowlands heat.

But he unofficially joined them in March in the cold Manhattan rain.

Coming off ACL surgery just seven months ago, with no team to supervise his recovery, Bulluck spent most of his spring rehabbing in New York. In the process, he fell back in love with the city of his youth -- and signed Saturday with the Giants, making it the city of his immediate future.

Bulluck's one-year deal is worth about $2.5 million with incentives, a league source told ESPNNewYork.com's Ohm Youngmisuk.

"Just walking the streets of New York gave me my edge back," said Bulluck, 33, a former Pro Bowl player who has spent his 10 NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans. "Some of those walks were tough, man. Like when it's raining or sleeting or it's just cold out. And your knee aches. I wasn't 100 percent at the time.

"But the energy of it all helped me," Bulluck added. "Just the people, the good attitudes, the bad attitudes, just the whole vibe of the metropolitan area. If you're from there or have ever been there, you definitely know what I'm talking about. I'd have to say this is a dream come true."

Bulluck visited with the Arizona Cardinals after his visit with the Giants this week but it didn't take him long to make up his mind on where to play this season.

"He was pretty geeked up about both places," Gary Wichard, Bulluck's agent, said by telephone on Saturday. "Next day he calls me up and he says, 'I've been dreaming about this my whole life. I'm from New York. It's not even close.' It was his dream to play for the Giants. He grew up in New City. Like all kids his age, LT [Lawrence Taylor] was what it is about."

A native of New City, New York -- about 20 miles from the Meadowlands -- Bulluck fills a huge need for the Giants, who released middle linebacker Antonio Pierce in February and were trying to replace him with Jonathan Goff and Chase Blackburn.

But the Giants also fill a huge need for Bulluck, who'd been twisting in the wind ever since he blew out his left knee Dec. 20 -- two weeks before becoming an unrestricted free agent.

"It's just hard when you're a free agent with an injury," he said. "You kind of feel like after all you've done, you're being abandoned."

Bulluck had 108 tackles last season in 14 games before suffering his knee injury. Bulluck had started 127 straight games prior to the injury.

Wichard said Bulluck's knee isn't an issue.

"He is seven months post-operation, he is ready to go," Wichard said. "He didn't want to visit or meet anybody until he could work out for them."

Following the 2009 season, Bulluck was only allowed to rehab at the Titans facility through Feb. 28 -- because, as of March 1, he was no longer a member of the organization. And he left town miffed, because management seemed ambivalent about re-signing him.

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"I asked a couple coaches, and I actually asked the general manager what was up with me," Bulluck said. "And I never got any clear answers. So that told me right then and there what was up. And I understand. It's a business thing. They've got to see how I'm going to be in six or seven months when my injury's healed.

"It's easy when you get hurt and you're on a team, and you have a facility to go to. The trainers are going to work with you; you've got everything right there for you. Mind you, I'd never had a major injury before. So this being my first major injury and for me to not be with a team, I felt displaced this whole time. I really felt displaced."

With nowhere else to go, he flew to New York on the final day of February.

"Well, New York -- that's where I'm from," he said. "My second home. New York, that's where I kind of get my football mentality from. You know the song, 'If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.' I consider myself a New Yorker. So, yeah, you've got to go back to where everything started. I was broke down. My body was broke down, so I had to get back to my roots. Go get back around my friends, my family, like the people I probably needed most at the time, and that's where they all were -- in New York."

Through one of those friends, he hooked up with Gary Guerriero, a physical therapist/trainer/strength coach at the U.S. Athletic Training Center. Guerriero looked up Bulluck's stats one day in April and saw that he'd been a Pro Bowl player in 2003, that he'd had 1,057 tackles over 10 Tennessee seasons. Guerriero, a longtime New Yorker, immediately started campaigning for Bulluck to join the Giants.

As many as six teams wanted to bring Bulluck in for a look-see, but neither he nor his agent saw any purpose in it. As part of his plan, he left New York at the start of May to work out with trainer Brett Fischer in Phoenix. Bulluck's periodic training partners were Darrelle Revis, Vincent Jackson and his old Syracuse buddy, Donovan McNabb.

Around July 1, Fischer told Bulluck he was full-go.

Bulluck's first team visit was July 19 at the Meadowlands. He showed up without a knee brace -- a heartening sight just seven months after surgery -- and the Giants staff led him through a series of linebacker drills in sweltering conditions. Head coach Tom Coughlin, a Syracuse alum himself, was one of Bulluck's strongest advocates, but the club wanted to wait a day to see how Bulluck's knee responded. When he woke up Tuesday without swelling, GM Jerry Reese offered him a contract and the starting middle linebacker job.

But the Cardinals were Bulluck fans, too, and convinced the linebacker to fly to Phoenix for a workout on July 21. Bulluck hit it off with head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who also dangled his starting middle linebacker job. The Cardinals had earlier lost inside linebacker Karlos Dansby to free agency and had a definite need. But Bulluck slept on it, mulled over the decision for a day and a half and chose the Giants.

"I'm a New York dude -- no way I can play anyplace else," Bulluck said. "New York's about toughness ... the NFC East. That's where I belong. ...

"I felt like [the Titans] could've signed me at the beginning of last year or halfway through the season if they really wanted me. So they know what's up. They've seen me play, practice, carry myself. Even in big games. They know what type of player I am. So them being my former team now, they don't want to see me on the other sideline, for sure."

But they will see him fairly soon -- the Giants host the Titans on Sept. 26.

"The game changes now that I'm in New York," Bulluck said. "The game totally changes. I think that the energy that the city brings and the excitement and the fans that all the New York sports teams have will definitely help me out a lot. Just as far as stoking the fire that's still burning. I'd love to help bring another championship to New York.

"But I can't just go back there and not be productive. I've still got work to do, and I'm still working towards everything that I need to do for myself individually. I mean, it would've been great to end my career in Tennessee because that's where I started. But it would be great to end my career in New York because that's where it really all started."

Tom Friend is a senior writer for ESPN.com. Information from ESPNNewYork.com's Ohm Youngmisuk contributed to this report.

Elvis Dumervil signs Denver Broncos’ tender before deadlineBig Sam admits Guti interest

Report: Wes Welker of New England Patriots healthy enough to take part in training camp

New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker will be healthy enough to open training camp with the team, The Boston Globe reported Saturday.

Welker, who has been recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee, will be able to take part in all drills, including those requiring contact, the newspaper reported, citing an NFL source.
Earlier, Boston-area media reports said Welker, who had surgery in February to repair ligament damage suffered in the last game of the 2009 regular season, would be expected to take part in camp.

And the Boston Herald reported that Welker could start camp on the physically unable to perform list as a precaution, depending on the Patriots' medical evaluation of his recovery.

Welker has been an important part of the Patriots' offense over the last three years, catching more than 100 passes and gaining 1,000-plus yards receiving in all three of his seasons in Foxborough.

He set career highs with 123 catches and 1,348 receiving yards in 2009.

Forlan eyes Prem returnNew England Patriots owner Robert Kraft calls Tom Brady talks ‘complicated’

Sources: St. Louis Rams very interested in signing Terrell Owens

The St. Louis Rams have intensified discussions in hopes of signing free agent Terrell Owens, according to sources close to the player and team.

The Cincinnati Bengals, as reported by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, are also engaged in talks with Owens.

The Bengals signed free-agent receiver Antonio Bryant during the offseason but Bryant has struggled so far. According to a team source, that has motivated the Bengals to take another look at Owens.

One source said the Rams have gotten very aggressive in their pursuit of Owens and it's possible that Owens will sign with the Rams or Bengals within the next 48 to 72 hours.

Chris Mortensen is ESPN's senior NFL analyst.

Elvis Dumervil signs Denver Broncos’ tender before deadlineToure agent expects departure

Pittsburgh Steelers sign coach Mike Tomlin to two-year contract extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed coach Mike Tomlin to a two-year extension with an additional option year, just a year removed from missing the playoffs.
The extension was expected because the Steelers' policy has been to sign a coach before he begins the final season of a contract. Tomlin's current contract, which averages $2.5 million annually, had one season and an option year remaining.

Financial terms of the extension weren't disclosed.

"Mike Tomlin has proven to be one of the top head coaches in the National Football League in a relatively short time," Steelers president Art Rooney II said in the statement. "His unique ability to lead the team and motivate individuals have been key factors in our success over recent years."

Tomlin led the Steelers to the 2008 Super Bowl title in his second year, becoming the youngest coach -- he was 36 -- to win it all when Pittsburgh beat Arizona 27-23.

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But in 2009, the Steelers finished 9-7, losing five in a row and missing the playoffs to become the first champion to miss out on the following postseason since the Steelers themselves in 2006.

Tomlin is only the Steelers' third coach since 1969, following Chuck Noll (1969-91) and Bill Cowher (1992-2006).

"I have been blessed to have the opportunity to be the head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers," Tomlin said in the news release. "I am excited to have the opportunity to live and work in this great city, and to focus on the true matter at hand, which is winning football games and bringing another Super Bowl title to Pittsburgh."

The Post-Gazette had reported earlier this month that Tomlin and the Steelers had reached agreement on a three-year deal.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Xavi signs Barca extensionJeff Fisher on Chris Johnson: ‘He’s under contract’

Sources: San Diego Chargers not shopping WR Vincent Jackson

The San Diego Chargers are not actively shopping receiver Vincent Jackson and are not interested in dealing him, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

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•Blog network: NFL Nation

Jackson, who according to a league source has been suspended three games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, has refused to sign his tender as a restricted free agent and could sit out the first 10 games of the season. There's a possibility a suspension could coincide with his holdout.

The three-game suspension can be reduced upon appeal, but it is uncertain whether Jackson will appeal. He pleaded guilty in February to driving under the influence, his second conviction.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said last month that the team was preparing to play the 2010 season without Jackson or offensive tackle Marcus McNeill, who also didn't sign his tender.

"We lost a couple of great players ... and it hurts," Smith told the San Diego Union-Tribune last month after the players didn't sign their tenders before the deadline to do so. "We are trying to build a championship team, and losing the services of both Vincent and Marcus just made that more difficult -- but not impossible. In due time, Coach [Norv] Turner will name two new starters. We will rally as a team, compete and try to win as many games as we can."

As a result of the players not signing their tenders, the Chargers cut Jackson's salary from $3.268 million to $600,000 and McNeill's salary from $3.168 million to $583,000.

The Chargers, preparing for Jackson's absence, signed receiver Josh Reed earlier this offseason.

The 27-year-old Jackson had 1,167 receiving yards and nine touchdowns last season, his fifth with the Chargers.

San Diego Chargers’ Vincent Jackson suspended 3 games by NFL, source saysForlan rules out Prem return

JaMarcus Russell arrested for possession of codeine syrup

MOBILE, Ala. -- Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell has been charged with possession of a controlled substance -- codeine syrup -- after being arrested at his home in Alabama on Monday, authorities said.

AP Photo/Mobile (Ala.) County Sheriff's OfficeJaMarcus Russell, who was released on $2,500 bond, is due back in court on July 20.

The 24-year-old former LSU star and the No. 1 draft choice in 2007 was arrested as part of an undercover narcotics investigation, said Mobile County Sheriff's spokeswoman Lori Myles. She would not say what led to his arrest. She said he did not have a prescription for the codeine.

Myles told reporters that several people were in Russell's home at the time of his arrest but Russell was the only person taken into custody.

Russell has a bond hearing scheduled for Wednesday and is due back in court on July 20.

"We understand that typically sometime this codeine syrup is mixed with a beverage, like Sprite, and they call it sip-sip," Myles told WALA-TV in Mobile.

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•Williamson: Not helping cause

Russell, who graduated from high school in Mobile, was booked into the city jail and released soon afterward on $2,500 bond, online records show.

"It's a felony, it's my understanding it's his first. He could be probation, or it could be drug court. Whatever the court decides," Myles told WALA-TV.

The Raiders in May released Russell, considered one of the NFL's biggest draft busts, after he won only seven of his 25 starts and was benched.

He completed just 52.1 percent of his passes in his career with 18 touchdowns, 23 interceptions, 15 lost fumbles and a passer rating of 65.2.

Mike & Mike in the Morning

ESPN NFL insider Chris Mortensen says he believes that JaMarcus Russell can be suspended if he doesn't submit himself to the league's drug policies. After this incident, any team that was considering picking him up is thinking twice now.

Oakland paid Russell about $36.4 million through the 2009 season. Since the start of the common draft in 1967, only one other No. 1 pick was released this quickly in his NFL career. Indianapolis cut 1992 top pick Steve Emtman after three seasons, but that was more because of injuries than production.

Last month, sources told ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini that the New York Jets had checked on Russell and had cursory interest.

However, a source told the New York Daily News that the Jets now have no interest in Russell.

Russell and his agent did not immediately return calls for comment.

Fabiano commits to SevillaNew York Jets have inquired about former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell

Philadelphia Eagles' Michael Vick safe until after probe's conclusion

PHILADELPHIA -- The Eagles are not considering releasing quarterback Michael Vick, who is in the spotlight again as police continue their investigation into a shooting that followed his birthday celebration in Virginia Beach last week, a high-ranking team source told ESPN Saturday.

The team, according to the source, will not take any action until Virginia Beach police and the NFL conclude their investigations.

The Eagles issued a statement Saturday afternoon saying "any report or speculation that suggests the Eagles are considering releasing Vick are not true. We will continue to gather information and monitor the situation and we will not have any further comment until that process is complete."

Vick

Earlier Saturday, The Associated Press had reported that a person familiar with the team's thinking said the Eagles were strongly considering releasing Vick.

The person told the AP that the team might cut Vick no matter what police conclude during their investigation. The person spoke to the AP early Saturday on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

Two team sources told ESPN that the AP report was not true.

The latest controversy touching Vick involves Quanis Phillips, a co-defendant in Vick's dogfighting case with whom Vick is barred from associating. Phillips was shot outside a restaurant where Vick had been celebrating his birthday in the early morning hours of June 25.

Vick's lawyer, Larry Woodward, said Vick had left the restaurant long before the shooting. The quarterback, in a statement released Thursday, said he had nothing to do with the shooting. He also said he reported the incident to the Eagles and to the NFL, something confirmed in the Eagles' statement Saturday.

Vick is prohibited from associating with Phillips as a condition of his release on probation, which stemmed from a dogfighting conviction and resulting 18-month federal prison sentence.

Commissioner Roger Goodell told the former Atlanta Falcons star after reinstating him last season that his margin for error was "extremely limited."

Vick is entering his second season with the Eagles and is due to earn $5.2 million -- $2 million of which is guaranteed.

In addition, the team paid a $1.5 million bonus to Vick earlier this week, according to ESPN NFL Insider Chris Mortensen.

A three-time Pro Bowl pick, Vick is Kevin Kolb's backup and the most experienced quarterback on the roster following the trade of Donovan McNabb to the Redskins.

The Eagles were heavily criticized by animal rights activists and fans for signing Vick last summer, less than a month after he finished serving 18 months in federal prison for his role in a dogfighting operation.

Team owner Jeffrey Lurie called Vick's actions "horrific" and "despicable." He said he did serious "soul-searching" before agreeing to sign him.

Vick was a model citizen off the field and in the locker room during his first season with the Eagles. He was popular among his teammates, who voted him winner of the Ed Block Courage Award.

But this latest incident could end up costing Vick his job, even if he's exonerated of any wrongdoing.

Vick was expected to play a major role in Philadelphia's offense running the wildcat formation. Instead, he was used sparingly.

Vick completed 6 of 13 passes for 86 yards and one touchdown and ran for 95 yards and two scores. He tossed a 76-yard TD pass in a 34-14 loss to Dallas in the playoffs.

Laudrup lands Mallorca jobPolice: Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick answers questions about shooting

San Diego Chargers' Vincent Jackson suspended 3 games by NFL, source says

Jackson

The NFL suspended San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson three games for violating the league's personal conduct policy, a league source said Thursday.

The three-game suspension can be reduced upon appeal, but it is uncertain whether Jackson will appeal. He pleaded guilty in February to driving under the influence, his second conviction.

Jackson's suspension could be a moot point, however. He has been planning to not report to the Chargers unless he signs a long-term contract extension that nobody believes is forthcoming.

If the season begins and Jackson has not reported to the team, then he would be suspended for three games that he wouldn't have played in anyway.

The 27-year-old Jackson had 1,167 receiving yards and nine touchdowns last season, his fifth with the Chargers.

San Diego Chargers moving on without Vincent Jackson, Marcus McNeillXavi makes Cesc appeal

Report: Video shows Michael Vick leave minutes before shooting

Michael Vick's lawyer says his client was "long gone" before a shooting took place near a Virginia Beach restaurant that hosted his 30th birthday party. A spokesman for the Guadalajara restaurant, however, told ESPN's Kelly Naqi that owners have turned over video surveillance that shows Vick leaving three minutes before shots were fired.

Allen Fabijan, a spokesman for the Guadalajara restaurant, told ESPN video shows Vick "and his entourage" driving away from the restaurant at 2:07 a.m. ET last Friday.

Vick

"You can see everybody duck at 2:10," Fabijan told the Daily Press of Newport News. "I'm not saying that Michael Vick did the shooting. But he did not leave [long] before" the shooting.

Fabijan told Naqi the video has been turned over to Virginia Beach police.

In a telephone interview with The Associated Press, Vick's lawyer, Larry Woodward, said Vick left the restaurant at Town Center shopping center at least 10 minutes and perhaps as much as 20 minutes before the shooting.

Woodward stood by his timeline when contacted by the Daily Press.

"I stand by what I said, that Michael was long gone before the shooting, does not know who did the shooting and had nothing to do with the shooting," Woodward told the newspaper. "Anyone who says any different better be very careful."

Vick was interviewed by a detective Monday. Adam Bernstein, a Virginia Beach Police spokesman, said Vick is not a suspect. No arrests have been made.

Vick was accompanied by Woodward to his interview with police and told police "he wasn't involved, he was gone before the shooting took place, and he doesn't know who did the shooting," Woodward said.

Police have not identified the shooting victim, but several news outlets identified the person as Quanis Phillips, one of the co-defendants in the dogfighting case that landed Vick in federal prison for 18 months. A hospital spokesman confirmed that Phillips was admitted to the hospital Friday morning and discharged that afternoon but refused to disclose his injuries, citing privacy laws.

Woodward said Vick did not invite Phillips to the party and had no contact with him there. Vick remains on three years' probation and is not allowed to associate with anyone convicted of a felony unless granted permission to do so by his probation officer.

An NFL spokesman said Monday the league is looking into the shooting and had no further comment. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Vick last July after the quarterback served a two-year suspension, saying at the time that Vick's margin for error would be "extremely limited."

Police have said witnesses described the shooter as a black man wearing a white tank top and driving a white Cadillac Escalade.

The Thursday night party was hyped on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter as "Michael Vick's ALL WHITE 30th Birthday Bash." Tickets cost $50.

Vick and his brother, Marcus, booked the party at Guadalajara restaurant, Fabijan told ESPN. Michael and Marcus' cut was the admission price at the door ($30 general admission, $50 for VIP access). Vick and Marcus had to reimburse Guadalajara for providing the venue, the serving staff and cleanup. Fabijan would not say how much money was made that night.

Vick arrived at 1 a.m. and Vick's birthday cake was served between 1:30 a.m.-1:45 a.m., Fabijan told ESPN. Vick left shortly after 2 a.m., Marcus stayed inside the restaurant to settle up the tab.

Fabijan told ESPN the restaurant's security camera footage shows Vick's vehicle leaving the parking lot. The shooting is not on video, Fabijan said, because it did not take place on the premises or in the parking lot. The video shows hotel staff taking a break suddenly duck after hearing a gunshot, Fabijan said.

Fabijan would not say of there was any type of altercation in the club before the shooting.

"We have talked to all of our staff and reviewed all the video camera footage and there was no fight or anyone asked to leave by Guadalajara staff or security," he told ESPN.

Vick, who is from nearby Newport News, was in the area conducting a football camp at Hampton University.

Fabijan told the Daily Press that Vick has been a regular customer at the restaurant.

"He's come in unannounced," Fabijan told the newspaper. "We've had absolutely no problems whatsoever with him or his entourage before."

Marquez set for Pep talkPolice: Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick answers questions about shooting