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Originally posted by POJO_Risin
Wow...talk about no faith in fucking Kris Brown...interesting...very interesting...
Wow...talk about no faith in fucking Kris Brown...interesting...very interesting...
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Yeah, no doubt... That kicker from Houston needs some competition.
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POSTED 12:46 p.m. EDT, July 17, 2005
BROWNS KEEP KELLNIEVEL'S COIN
In a move that makes us stand up and shout "well freaking done," the Cleveland Browns have refused to pay tight end Kellen Winslow a $2 million installment on his original signing bonus.
According to Terry "Take A Right At Uranus To Get To" Pluto of The Akron Beacon-Journal, the Browns declined to pay the money on Friday, July 15, the specific date set forth in his contract.
Winslow's agreement, a copy of which we obtained in the wake of the incident in early May that resulted in a flight over the handle bars of a crotch rocket and a torn ACL, says that the Browns have the right to withhold payment of the final $2 million due under the signing bonus due to the fact that his injury resulted directly from his decision to engage in activities expressly prohibited by the "Signing, Reporting and Playing Bonus Addendum."
(Editor's Note: We love that title, because it properly reflects the nature of the money paid up front to a player. It's not, as many think, a no-questions-asked lottery prize given solely in exchange for the guy's John Hanc**k. It's instead intended to be advance compensation for future performance.)
Assuming that the Browns have competent counsel and that the Browns have asked said counsel how to properly navigate this issue, our guess is that the team sent a letter to Winslow before July 15 advising him of the breach and demanding relinquishment of his right to the future money. If the Browns instead merely kept the money without formally demanding the right to keep it, Winslow would be able to argue that the team has committed a technical breach of the agreement.
A final installment under the Signing, Reporting and Playing Bonus Addendum, in the amount of $950,000, is due to be paid to Winslow on December 15, 2005.
Under the "Optional Extension Agreement" between the team and Winslow, the Browns have the right to refuse to make a $2.412 million payment to Winslow on July 15, 2006.
In addition to the $5.362 million in unpaid money that the Browns can withhold, they also can attempt to recover another $4 million in money already paid to Winslow under both the Signing, Reporting and Playing Bonus Addendum and the Optional Extension Agreement.
We've also confirmed that the team's non-payment of the $2 million due on July 15 was not the result of a compromise reached by the Browns and Winslow. Per a league source, there is no modification of Winslow's agreement on file with the NFL Players Association, which means that the original contract controls.
And that the Browns are sticking it to Evel Kellnievel.
Whenever we write something negative about the Steelers, we're accused of being Browns fans. We're ambivalent, frankly, about the football team. But we're buying ourselves a Phil Savage poster and a Randy Lerner keychain ASAFP, because it's high time that bad behavior by players be met with a harsh-but-fair response.
SIX PICK MORE CURSE THAN BLESSING OF LATE
A league source has pointed out something very interesting to us regarding the six hole in the NFL draft.
Over the past four years, it's become the official "turd" spot in the top ten.
This year, the Titans selected cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones at No. 6, passing over Antrell Rolle and Carlos Rogers in the process. Needless to say, if the draft were held today, the Titans likely would have pointed to Antrel instead.
Last year, the Browns traded up to the six spot to get their hooks into Kellen Winslow. Again, the benefit of hindsight likely would have caused the Browns to take a slightly different tack (to say the least), especially with guys like DeAngelo Hall, Roy Williams, Ben Roethlisberger, Jonathan Vilma, and Michael Clayton available.
In 2003, the Saints jumped up to No. 6 for defensive tackle Jonathan Sullivan, who hasn't done much more than eat lots of food in two NFL seasons. Pro Bowler and budding superstar Kevin Williams, by the way, went three spots later.
In 2002, the Chiefs pounced on defensive tackle Ryan Sims, a now-confirmed wasted pick who was drafted five spots before Dwight Freeney.
The last non-bust taken at No. 6 was defensive end Richard Seymour, whom the Pats picked in 2001. Sure, Seymour currently is threatening to violate the final two years of his contract, but there's no doubt that the team has gotten four seasons of key production out of him.
The lesson for the team who'll be picking at No. 6 in 2006? After making a decision as to who you plan to draft, tear up the card and pick someone else.Comment
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POSTED 7:08 a.m. EDT, July 18, 2005
BEARS WORRY ABOUT REX'S KNEE
With the Bears less than a week away from launching their 2005 training camp, our previously hibernating Chicago mole tells us that there is growing concern within the organization regarding the condition of quarterback Rex Grossman's knee.
Grossman tore an ACL on a non-contact play against the Vikings in September 2004, and he missed the rest of the season.
Word is that Grossman's knee is still swelling slightly from time to time, and that he often is seen limping around Halas Hall.
The upside is that the Bears love rookie Kyle Orton, a fourth-rounder from Purdue who could end up Bledsoeing the starter Grossman if he misses any significant time due to his past or future injuries.
SMITH SHOULDN'T HAVE SLAMMED SEXTON
In the wake of that shot across the bow fired by Chargers G.M. A.J. Smith at first-rounder Shawne Merriman and the Postons, there's talk in league circles that it was unwise of Smith to do so by rubbing agent Jimmy Sexton's nose in the fruits of the Philip Rivers holdout from a year ago.
Said Smith: "He will be given a good contract by the Chargers, and if he rejects it and misses the first day of camp, it's only going to get worse. They don't have leverage -- not with this organization. Call Jimmy Sexton and ask him and you'll find out. He played games, and everything blew up in his face. He got the double whammy."
Rivers missed a big chunk of training camp, didn't get the kind of deal he and Sexton wanted, and ultimately blew his chance at winning the starting job. Instead, Drew Brees held onto the gig and led the team to an unlikely 12-4 record.
(Should Smith, then, really be complaining about this?)
"He is 100 [percent] right about kicking Sexton's ass last year . . . [but Smith] he doesn't have to rub [Sexton's] nose in it," said the source. "You win a fight, walk away and keep quiet. . . . Someday the sun won't be shining so brightly and you'll be looking for friends."
We agree. Smith eventually will have to do business again with Sexton, so why gratuitously piss him off and/or put him in a position where he has to "get even" with Smith next time around?
And that's a big part of the problem with Smith's pre-emptive strike against the Postons. By taking them on before the two sides even get to the bargaining table, the Postons will now believe that they need to hit a home run in order to prevent Smith from later crowing about kicking their asses.
ARRINGTON HIRES NEW LAWYER
The Washington Times reports that Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington has hired a new lawyer in connection with his grievance against the team.
"I was brought in to give LaVar a fresh set of eyes," attorney Steve Brown said. "LaVar would like to get a resolution of this before training camp starts [in two weeks], and after reviewing the documents, I expect that we can come to a win-win resolution and LaVar can restore the relationships with the Redskins that are so important to him."
(Are those the same relationships that Arrington completely disregarded earlier this year when he unloaded against the team for the manner in which it handled his knee injury?)
As we see it, there is no chance for a win-win resolution. Arrington claims that the team perpetrated a fraud on him and his agents by removing a $6.5 million roster bonus from Arrington's December 2003 contract extension.
The 'Skins have been waiting for their chance to prove that the contention is a load of crap via paperwork and notes corroborating the team's position that the deal, which already includes a $6.5 million roster bonus due in 2006, never had a second one in it.
As a practical matter, the team already is likely to part ways with Arrington in 2006, unless he makes a very strong and decisive recovery from a knee injury that wiped out most of his 2004 season. If the second $6.5 million roster bonus is put into the contract, the chances of Arrington getting released go from about 87 percent to 99.99999.
Then again, the new lawyer could also be looking at this issue from the perspective of a potential malpractice claim against the Postons. After all, the agents admit that they failed to read the final draft of the contract. If they had, they would have seen that the second $6.5 million roster bonus was not included.Comment
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POSTED 7:38 p.m. EDT, July 18, 2005
ARRINGTON'S CASE WON'T HOLD WATER
There's rampant talk around the league the linebacker LaVar Arrington's recent change of lawyers in connection with his grievance against the Redskins won't make a damn bit of difference.
"They have no f--king chance to win," said one league insider, "and the PA is quietly telling them that."
Word is that the team has copies of notes that the agents made on the contract, which show that they blew right over that bonus clauses and didn't raise a peep about the fact that there was one but not two $6.5 million roster boni for 2006.
HUSKIES DONE WITH DAVID
A league source tells us that the two UConn players taken in the NFL draft have parted ways with their agent, David Dunn.
Per the source, linebacker Alfred Fincher and quarterback Dan Orlovsky parted ways with Dunn earlier this month.
Fincher, the 82nd overall selection, was selected in round three by the Saints. Orlovsky was a fifth-round choice of the Lions, the seventh quarterback off the board, and the 145th overall selection.
MONDAY EVENING ONE-LINERS
As usual, Bills G.M. Tom Donahoe shows when it's time to crow, but when the team is swirling down the crapper, coach Mularkey gets the mike.
WR Tim Brown has proven that he really is no Jerry Rice -- and we think that's a very good thing.
Now, will Tim Brown make it to Canton before Art Monk, Mike Irvin, Andre Reed, and/or Cris Carter?
Jets CB Donnie Abraham officially gave up plenty of potential Lincolns on Monday.
Hall of Famer Jim Parker has hung up his cleats for good.
The Rams have inked seventh-round QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Drew Rosenhaus doesn't want people to prematurely judge Chief Randy of the Slapaho tribe.
From the "Hey Alanis, Here's Yet Another Example Of What The Word Really Means" file, the wife of Fins owner Wayne Huizenga is a member of the board of directors of a group dedicated to stopping domestic violence.
Physicians, heal thyselves (. . . . or not, we really don't give a f--k).
The Ol' Ball Coach won't be sending a Christmas card to Joe Theismann (unless, of course, it bears a likeness of L.T. snapping a candy cane).
Former Redskins exec Joe Mendes has put together a new business that walks, swims, and quacks like a glorified, legitimized, and sanitized "runner" operation.
Former Redskins QB Heath "Gus Frerotte's Biatch" Shuler has selected another high-profile profession in which he'll likely be a complete and total failure.Comment
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POSTED 7:05 a.m. EDT, July 19, 2005
NHL TO LOOK TO NFL FOR HELP WITH CAP
We're hearing that the National Hockey League, with its newly-minted salary cap contained in a lengthy and complex collective bargaining agreement, will be looking to the NFL for assistance in navigating the system of keep player wages under a hard ceiling.
And our guess is that some NHL teams will offer jobs to former or current NFL cap gurus in order to get a leg up on the new system.
In an unrelated development, Vinny Cerrato took his pocketbook to Kinko's and left with 30 new copies of his resume.
TUESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS
Titans G.M. Floyd Reese confirms that first-round CB Pacman Jones will get a contract offer reflecting his off-field troubles, even if it means not getting him signed before training camp opens; "We're going to have to protect ourselves three or four different ways," Reese said. "We're not going to run the risk of doing something dumb to make sure somebody doesn't miss day one. This one will be a little bit different, and it's not something we've created."
Bills G.M. Tom Donahoe says that RB Travis Henry is in Tennessee and not Jacksonville because the Jags were too slow and too wishy-washy.
Meanwhile, Jags exec Paul Vance is trying to make it look like the team wasn't really interested in Henry at all, saying "[Coach Jack Del Rio] made it clear last week that he likes the people who are already here." (But Del Rio also said last week that a Jaguars trade for Henry was imminent -- apparently, that statement was made by Jack's evil twin.)
Says Donohoe as to the to Henry trade, "It's probably been almost as difficult as childbirth, at least from what my wife tells me," he said. (Hey, Tom, unless Travis crawled up your butt and then busted back out, it's nothing like childbirth.)
Hall of Fame DE Doug Atkins says that he gave the late Jim Parker tips on some of the finer points of the game: "I taught him how to cuss," Atkins said. "When we lined up, I'd call him an ugly name and he'd say something back and I'd say, 'Jim, those two words don't even go together.' "
Peyton Manning thinks that baby bro Eli will be much improved in his second season.
The 'Skins have signed seventh-round FB Nehemiah Broughton.
LB LaVar Arrington's new lawyer is trying to put his nose into Dan Snyder's rear end in an effort to settle Arrington's grievance over a phantom $6.5 million roster bonus: "As a pallbearer of Dan Snyder's father," said Steve Brown, "as a person who accommodated the team twice in restructuring his contract to help the salary cap, as a person who gives back to the community and as a person who cares very much about Redskins fans and a person now reaching out to the team to restore their relationship, this cries out for us to get together and resolve this." (Brown conveniently forgot to mention how Arrington's offseason rant regarding the team's handling of his knee injury fits into this whole "let's be friends again" thing.)
QB Brett Favre has yet to call agent Drew Rosenhaus to chat about Javon Walker or Grady Jackson; "I don't think he'll answer my calls," Favre said. "Set me straight on what? I've played 14 straight years. I have not held out one time. He has nothing to say to me."
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the recent decision to impose a fee for entry into training camp likely will require the Vikings to allow scouts to attend practices. (Where have seen that one before?)
The Eagles have signed fourth-round S Sean Considine.
Pro scouts love Texas QB Vince Young -- they just don't know what position he'll play at the next level.
POSTED 10:00 p.m. EDT, July 18, 2005
KOREN FACING ONE-YEAR SIT?
With receiver Koren Robinson pleading guilty on Monday to DUI charges, he could end up facing a one-year suspension from the NFL.
Previously, Robinson was suspended four games for violation of the league's substance abuse policy. It's unclear whether Robinson already is in Stage Three of the NFL Substance Abuse Intervention program. If he is, his Monday guilty plea could result in a one-year sit.
Robinson will spend one day in jail in connection with the crime, but he likely will remain in NFL purgatory. Word is that teams have stayed away from Robinson because of his murky status with the confines of the program (and because, well, he's a turd). Who, after all, wants to sign a guy who might be gone for either four or 16 games? (And who is, well, a turd?)
With the guilty plea on the record, the NFL can now impose a penalty, and teams potentially interested in Robinson will finally know whether and to what extent he'll be unavailable if/when he's signed.
Several years ago, a looming four-game suspension essentially ended the NFL career of receiver Andre Rison, since no team was willing to add to the roster a guy who would be gone for 25 percent of the season.
Stay tuned.Comment
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Timberwolves: Jaric being courted
by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
News
The Timberwolves are apparently very interested restricted free agent, Clippers guard Marko Jaric. Jaric's agent Bill Duffy confirmed the Wolves interest, telling the Minneapolis Star Tribune, "That would be a great fit," Duffy said. "It's a pretty aggressive market, but we'll try to be creative with every team." It is perceived to be difficult for the Wolves to sign Jaric outright, given their financial situation, but a sign-and-trade may satisfy both teams and get the deal done.
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In his third season, Jaric averaged 9.9 points, 6.1 assists and 1.68 steals for the Clippers. He has the ability to play both guard positions and that diversity probably endears him to the Wolves even more. There is no reason he can't improve his scoring and assist numbers if put in a starting role with the right team. If that panned out, his value in fantasy leagues would increase noticeably.Comment
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Houston: Swift decides to become a Rocket
by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
News
After a week of courting, forward Stomile Swift decided to become a Rocket on Monday. "He has decided to become a Houston Rocket,'' his agent Andy Miller told the Houston Chronicle. "He's absolutely excited about playing with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. The Houston organization has been very consistent and adamant about getting him." Players cannot sign with teams until July 22 when the new collective bargaining agreement is expected to be completed and the financial formulas that dictate such contracts are expected to become available. Now that Swift has chosen his team, Miller and the Rockets will likely work out the details of the contract this week.
Views
Swift was buried behind Pau Gasol, among other players, while with the Grizzlies and that prohibited him from developing into the player he is capable of becoming. He'll be no more than the third option in Houston, behind T-mac and Yao and his athleticism should fit in nicely. Fantasy owners should consider him as a sleeper capable of 12 and 10 almost every night.Comment
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POSTED 8:50 p.m. EDT, July 19, 2005
HENRY DEAL HARDLY IMPRESSIVE
While the Associated Press is reporting that the Titans have signed newly-acquired running back Travis Henry to a multiyear deal, the "real" media does not yet have the terms.
We do.
Well, sort of.
Although, on paper, the deal contains bigger numbers and more years, a league source tells us that the practical value of the contract is, in essence, three years and $7.2 million.
Many NFL contracts, especially those signed by veterans, contain unrealistic salaries and bonus figures in the out years. In Henry's case, the wages and/or boni after year three will render a continued relationship impractical under the terms of the current deal.
And the problem then for Henry (as many running backs nearing and/or passing the big 3-0 are learning) is that he'll be too old to generate a big money contract.
At 26, now is the time for Henry to get paid. Why not play this season under the final year of his deal and then hit the market?
You know, the market that saw LaMont Jordan (also 26) reel in $25 million over five years from the Raiders.
The bottom line? Ignore the puffed-up numbers that his agent Hadley Englehard will be leaking to the media (or, at a minimum, letting them hack into his NFLPA account so they can get the figures on their own). The truth is that Henry has signed what appears to be a bad deal, for no good reason.Comment
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POSTED 7:22 a.m. EDT, July 20, 2005
NO NEW JUICE FOR TICE?
In the wake of our story from last week that the change in title of former Vikings director of pro scouting Paul Wiggin to consultant could lead to more au jus for the man who's cranium is filled with rancid prime rib, further discussions with league insiders have caused us to conclude that, in reality, coach Mike Tice won't be picking up any additional authority.
As it turns out, Wiggin's role had been limited throughout his return to full-time employment with the Vikings when Tice was hired as the head coach. In other words, although Wiggin officially is a consultant now, he essentially was only a consultant throughout the past three seasons.
So it looks like the power structure hasn't changed in Minnesota. Tice previously had partial authority over personnel -- and he'll still have that same power with Wiggin operating under a title that better reflects his actual role.
MRS. BROWN SLAMS O-GUN?
Though we spend little or no time wading through the crap that fills the e-waves in NFL message boards, plenty of our readers subject themselves to the experience -- and some of our readers tip us off from time to time as to the the goings-on in the many "say what you want with no consequence" communities.
And one reader has tipped us off to a situation in which either the wife of Bears defensive end Alex Brown or someone posing as Mrs. Brown has become an active poster of messages.
In a recent thread, the actual or phony Mrs. Brown took up for her hubby in response to general criticism of Brown's performance. In so doing, the actual or phony Mrs. Brown took a backhanded slap at Chicago defensive end Adewale Ogunleye, complaining that people "make excuses" for the guy who was acquired from the Fins last year and implying that Ogunleye does nothing but generate sacks.
Newsworthy? Hell, we don't know. But if O-gun gets his eyeballs on those comments, you can bet that he and Brown will be having a little chat -- and that Brown might have to have a little chat of his own with Mrs. Brown.
WEDNESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS
A report out of New England puts LB Tedy Bruschi's chances of playing football this season at 90 percent (dude, you had a stroke not an ingrown toenail).
With talks between the Niners and No. 1 overall pick QB Alex Smith not expected to wrap up until July 28 at the earliest, No. 2 overall pick RB Ronnie Brown is expected to miss the first few days of camp in Miami.
Phil the Shill put together a humorous-but-borderline-sacrilegious piece regarding T.O.'s efforts to compare himself to J.C.
The Vikings spent some time hammering out preliminary details on a deal for first-round DE Erasmus James.
The Flyers have asked Eagles president Joe Banner for help in managing the new NHL salary cap (in exchange, the Philly hockey team has offered to send a cement-headed goon to T.O.'s house).
Titans RB Chris Brown says he's looking forward to working with RB Travis Henry (Brown also can't wait for his upcoming battery acid enema).
Triple Word Score Wilf is dropping more than $100,000 on new air conditioning and the dilapidated Viking ship in the team's parking lot.
On Tuesday, the Steelers spent six hours negotiating with Tom Condon on a contract for first-round TE Heath Miller.
The reality show in which Lions DE Shaun Cody picks his agent debuts Friday night on Spike TV.
The Vikings might have an oar in their pocket for RB Eddie George.
The Packers added more than $200,000 in cap room by settling former QB Tim Couch's injury grievance for just under $100,000 (said Bucs coach Jon Gruden in response to the news, "Can we get us a few of those?")
Jags second-round OT Khalif Barnes got a $1.4 million signing bonus as part of a four-year, $2.8 million deal.
Jacksonville fans must make a choice -- tickets or blackouts (or death by mugabi).
The Titans have inked a couple of low-round picks, and formally added AFL defensive lineman Joe Minucci.Comment
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Vikings: George contacted
by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
News
The Vikings are curious about Eddie George. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports the team has been in contact with the agent for the veteran running back. George rushed for 432 yards and four touchdowns for the Cowboys last year.
Views
The Vikes have been talking about adding a back out of free agency since Onterrio Smith was handed a one-year suspension. George would provide them with some insurance should both Michael Bennett and Mewelde Moore get injured again this season, and if nothing else could be used on occasion just to prevent some wear and tear. Goal-line duty would also be a possibility, as George is much bigger than both Bennett and Moore, so it will be interesting to see if this deal happens.Comment
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POSTED 2:29 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 4:47 p.m. EDT, July 20, 2005
'BOYS READY TO HOOK SPEARS?
"Real" media, start your engines.
We've received an unsubstantiated tip that the Dallas Cowboys are close to signing first-round draft choice Marcus Spears to a rookie deal.
The signing, we're told, could occur as soon as tomorrow.
Spears was the second of two defensive ends drafted by the Cowboys in round one. They took him with the 20th overall pick, which came from Buffalo as a result of the 2004 draft-day trade that allowed the Bills to select quarterback J.P. Losman, who in turn rendered former starter Drew Bledsoe obsolete, which in turn enabled the Cowboys to upgrade the position by signing Bledsoe as a free agent in 2005.
The Cowboys surprised some by passing over Maryland defensive end/linebacker Shawne Merriman at the eleven hole for DeMarcus Ware.
Merriman went in the next spot to the Chargers -- and might not sign a contract before the frost is on the pumpkin. In Hell.
Meanwhile, an industry source tells us that Spears and the Cowboys aren't close to a deal. So we don't know what the hell to think at this point. Given that a prior version of this post got Spears confused with Ware, maybe Ware is the one who's close to signing.
Stay tuned.
POSTED 12:02 p.m. EDT, July 20, 2005
TRAVIS ANOTHER TENNESSEE TURD?
In the wake of the acquisition of running back Travis Henry by the third-round draft pick and a contract essentially worth $7.2 million over three years, one league source has told us that, although the deal is on the low side, Travis should consider himself lucky to have gotten what he did.
"The guy is problems," said an exec from a team other than the Titans, which is fast becoming an organization that by all appearances wouldn't be able to spot a turd if it were turning clockwise in the toilet bowl.
"That's why [the Bills] wanted to get rid of [Henry] and that is also why it took them so long to get a deal done," said the source.
"He is not really a bad guy but he does have . . . problems and they don't come any dumber," added the source.
So why did the Titans not chose to forget about him? "Either Reese didn't know or he felt backed into the corner because they have a problem at the position," said the source. "Either way it was still a lot of money to pay for potential problems."
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS
Someone in a town with more than one stop light and two mules needs to offer a writing gig to Duncan Stewart of The Daily News Journal of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, who has penned this simple-yet-powerful truism on the question of whether rookie Pacman Jones will be able to stay away from the four multi-colored ghosts we'll call Drinky, Smoky, Punchy and, well, Sue: "Think back to your teenage years and recall even one example of someone who started off as a thug and, by whatever means, became a gentleman. Can you do it? I can't."
We're hearing the agent for Ricky Williams Jr. is in daily contact with the Bears but that the two sides are not close to a deal.
After reading this story on the manner in which WR Joe Horn made it to the NFL, we almost concluded that he's not a big jerk. Almost.
L.T. will be the cover boy for Midway's NFL-free football offering, Blitz: The League (which features among other things a quarterback for the Atlanta Hawks with the last name "Mexico").
Retired soccer star Eric Cantona, who once played for the Manchester United, doesn't agree with the decision of Malcolm Glazer to buy the team: "I don't care about him. I don't need him. I don't need nobody." (With that attitude, Cantona likely would have been a great American football player, too.)
The Raiders have added former Oakland first-round TE Ricky Dudley to an offense that will do more scoring than Glenn Quagmire on an all-day pass at the Chicken Ranch.
Cowboys DE Greg Ellis thinks that, as to him, 3-4 means out the door, eventually.
Vikings WR Kelly Campbell has until September 9 to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors regarding weapons and drug charges.
The Bucs have signed sixth-round DT Anthony Bryant.
The 'Boys have inked a couple of draft picks.Comment
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POSTED 7:43 a.m. EDT, July 21, 2005
JAVON WON'T SHOW FOR CAMP
A day after saving a kid's life, agent Drew Rosenhaus resumed the process of making life miserable for the members of the Green Bay front office.
On Wednesday, Rosenhaus said that receiver Javon Walker will not report for training camp due to ongoing displeasure with the two remaining years of his contract, which will pay him $515,000 in salary in 2005.
Walker also received a $3 million signing bonus in 2002 and a $1.3 million option bonus in 2003. Thus, under the six-year deal that Walker signed (without, as far as we know, a gun to his head), Walker essentially has received advance compensation of $716,000 for the 2005 season.
The trigger for the decision to stay away from camp was the result of a letter from Packers G.M. Ted Thompson a week ago, in which Thompson informed Walker and Rosenhaus that there would be no contract extension and no permission to seek a trade.
"We were very disappointed with the team's decision and when they memorialized that with a letter, it basically limited our options to this point to either being traded or deciding what our other options are," Rosenhaus said. "For right now we don't intend to report to training camp.
"I have several concerns," Rosenhaus said. "One is equity. I don't feel that it's fair that Javon should play at that number. I've stated that. Two, injury is a major concern. Three, just the way things have developed there are just not positive. Everything that's gone on with Brett Favre and the team's really lack of flexibility, it's not a good situation."
According to The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the team can try to recoup 25 percent of Walker's $1.3 million option bonus if he fails to report to camp, but his $3 million signing bonus contains no such provision.
Still, Rosenhaus and Walker apparently aren't deterred by this possibility.
"We went through this with Mike McKenzie and he ultimately was traded and, I mean, I guess we're on the same path happening here," Rosenhaus said. "It's a shame."
But perhaps Walker needs to ask Rosenhaus or McKenzie about the fruits of the former Packers corner's holdout, which lasted into the early stages of the regular season before he was traded to the Saints. Between a forfeited workout bonus, fines for missing training camp, one lost game check, and the partial recoupment of bonus money, we've heard that the total bill for McKenzie's 2004 escapades were more than $500,000.
And, by the way, McKenzie is still waiting for that new contract.
Finally, if/when Walker returns, he'll have to deal with quarterback Brett Favre, with whom Rosenhaus continues to verbally spar.
"I think that a player should really mind his own business when it comes to another player's personal dispute with the team," Rosenhaus recently said.
Yikes.
The quarterback, more than any other player on the field, has discretion when it comes to the distribution of the ball. We're not suggesting that Favre would keep the ball out of Walker's hands if doing so would harm the team's overall interests. But we suspect that, consciously or otherwise, Brett's decision-making processes will be affected when deciding whether to throw the ball to Walker or to another pass-catcher on offense.
If, of course, Walker is ever wearing green and gold again.
THURSDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS
Former Packers QB Bart Starr supports Brett Favre in his stance on WR Javon Walker.
Z-Dub will pony up the coin necessary to keep Vikings training camp free.
Pats LB Tedy Bruschi wisely has decided to sit out the 2005 season.
The Titans won't be re-signing RB Eddie George, but the veteran tailback is eyeing current situations with the Vikings, Giants, and Jaguars.
King Carl confirms that no deal between the Chiefs and CB Ty Law is in the works.
The Pats reportedly will pay Bruschi most of the remaining money due on his contract regardless of whether he plays in 2005 or beyond.
Troy Williamson's Biatch is ready and willing to make the trip to Minny to talk turkey on a contract.
The Redskins have given LB Mike Barrow permission to seek a trade.
Drew Rosenhaus says that T.O. remains undecided on whether he'll stay away from training camp.
The Bucs have gotten two of their draft picks signed, but soon will need to clear some serious cap room in order to sign more.
The Pats have signed two draft picks: third-round OT Nick Kaczur and fourth-round S James Sanders.
The Eagles have signed third-round RB Ryan Moats and fifth-round DE Trent Cole.
The Triplets will be added to the Ring of Honor on September 19 (meanwhile, look for Drew Pearson to register the trademark on the term "Triplets").
The 'Skins soon will be scalping WR Rod Gardner, freeing up $2.1 million in cap room.
Don Shula threw a big, fat, oil-coated log on the fires of his feud with Jimmy Johnson.
The Titans have signed fifth-round OT Daniel Loper.
Now that the Chargers have a team that the fans want to see play, the organization is forcing the fans who are interested in seeing one game to buy tickets to other games, too.
Jets LB Jonathan Vilma has his sights set on the Super Bowl (hey, when did he get traded to New England?).Comment
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Drew Gooden: Shrugs Off Trade Rumors
RotoWire.com Staff - RotoWire.com
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Update: Gooden says he doesn't pay attention to recent trade rumors and thinks he can easily co-exist with fellow power forward Donyell Marshall, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Recommendation: "I haven't been thinking about trades," Gooden said. "I've been thinking about Donyell becoming a great outside threat for us and the great transition game we'll have with LeBron (James) and (Larry) Hughes. There's no reason why Hughes and LeBron shouldn't be 1-2 in steals in the league. Z (Zydrunas Ilgauskas) returning is big for us because you don't want to play against him." Gooden may end up playing against Z if he gets traded for Clippers point guard Marko Jaric. As the Clippers are already fairly set in their front court, a three-way trade involving both Gooden and Jaric could also happen. More to follow.Comment
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Patriots | Dillon Closing in on Career Milestone
Thu, 21 Jul 2005 19:19:06 -0700
Mike Reiss, of the Metrowest Daily News, reports New England Patriots RB Corey Dillon needs 304 rushing yards to reach 10,000 yards for his career. Dillon would become the 18th player in NFL history to reach the milestone and the first to do so as a Patriot.
NFL | Sharpe back at ESPN
Thu, 21 Jul 2005 19:17:58 -0700
Barry Jackson, of the Miami Herald, reports ESPN rehired former Green Bay Packers WR Sterling Sharpe to call two Saturday night December NFL games with Mike Tirico. The move was made Thursday, July 21.
Patriots | Brady Closing in on Career Milestone
Thu, 21 Jul 2005 19:17:44 -0700
Mike Reiss, of the Metrowest Daily News, reports New England Patriots QB Tom Brady needs three more touchdown passes to reach 100 career regular-season touchdowns. He can become the fourth Patriots passer to achieve the feat, joining QBs Steve Grogan (182), Drew Bledsoe (166) and Vito "Babe" Parilli (132).
NFL | Potential Monday Night Football Candidates
Thu, 21 Jul 2005 19:14:07 -0700
Barry Jackson, of the Miami Herald, reports Steve Young, Michael Irvin and Sterling Sharpe are among those who have received consideration for ESPN's Monday night NFL booth starting in 2006.
Eagles | Owens: Ready to Leave
Thu, 21 Jul 2005 19:08:04 -0700
Andy Schwartz, of ComcastSportsNet.com, reports Philadelphia Eagles WR Terrell Owens said Thursday, July 21, on Comcast Sports Southeast, which is based in his hometown of Atlanta, that he is prepared to leave the Eagles. His remarks came in response to a question about team president Joe Banner's statement in the Philadelphia Daily News. Banner was asked if Owens would show up August 1 for training camp and Banner replied: "If we were dealing with somebody who was looking at this logically and was going to come to a common-sense conclusion, you'd say (he'll report to camp on time)," Banner told the newspaper. "But you're dealing with two people here who, frankly, don't think in common-sense terms." Owens' rebuttal was: "It doesn't bother me," he said. "When it all boils down to it, I'm doing what's best for my family. Not to stir anything up, but I don't really have to play for the Eagles to be honest. I can go play with any other team and still be productive." As for whether one can expect to see him at training camp, Owens said, fat chance. Owens was then asked if he would consider joining the Atlanta Falcons. "If Joe Banner can give Drew Rosenhaus permission to seek a trade," he said, "who knows, Atlanta might be on the list of people that I could play for."
Patriots | Belichick Closing in on Career Milestone
Thu, 21 Jul 2005 19:05:19 -0700
Mike Reiss, of the Metrowest Daily News, reports New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick needs just one more victory to reach 100 total victories in his career, including regular season and playoff games.Comment
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POSTED 10:07 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 10:39 a.m. EDT, July 22, 2005
KOREN KAPUT
It's fitting, we suppose, that a guy who is scheduled to spend a day in jail on DUI charges might take a few belts of brewski before reporting to the hoosegow.
Incredibly stupid, but fitting.
According to Mike Sando of The Tacoma News Tribune, former Seahawks receiver Koren Robinson allegedly was intoxicated when he reported for his one-day sentence on Wednesday.
Robinson was in jail as of Thursday night on a $25,000 cash bond on charges of violating a Court order that he abstain from alcohol.
Though he denies (predictably) any wrongdoing, our strong sense is that it's over.
Done.
Kaput.
Even if Robinson's recent escapades don't result in a one-year banishment from the NFL for violation the substance abuse policy, we can't imagine any NFL team offering Robinson any amount of money to play football.
His only chance, as we see it, is to get cleaned up, head to Canada, and try to show on a sustained basis the potential that made him a top ten pick in 2001. Then and only then will he have a shot (pun intended) at getting back into the NFL.
VERBA DONE, TOO?
Koren Robinson's NFL career likely has ended involuntarily (as the result, of course, of conduct in which he voluntarily engaged). Ross Verba, on the other hand, forced his way out of Cleveland -- and appears to be having a ball unconstrained by, you know, having a real job.
According to The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Verba recently "went on a legendary champagne binge" after winning $500,000 at the Palms.
He then blew most of it, per The Review-Journal, on a "'massive champagne buying/spraying spree'" at Green Valley Ranch's pool party known as Nirvana."
Meanwhile, no one has offered Verba the $30 million-plus contract he demanded from the Browns.
Gee. We wonder why.
MORE FRIDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS
The Broncos have inked third-round CB Dominique Foxworth.
The Browns have signed seventh-round DT Jonathan Dunn to a four-year deal.
Steve Young, Michael Irvin, and Sterling Sharpe are under consideration for ESPN's Monday Night Football crew; Sharpe will call two Sunday night games on ESPN this year with Mike Tirico.
Mike Golic also might be a sleeper candidate for the MNF gig, given that he'll do the color commentary for ESPN's upcoming NFL contest in Tokyo (he'll also take in a few sumo wrestling matches while in Japan -- as a participant).
For all those folks who plan to plunk down some money on the hamstring pull pool, here's the Bears official training camp schedule.
POSTED 11:35 p.m. EDT, July 21, 2005
PACMAN GONE WILD, PART FOUR?
Our sources tell us that there's talk in league circles of a fresh police investigation regarding Pacman Jones based on a recent incident in Atlanta.
We need to be clear on this. The story, for now, isn't that Pacman actually did anything to merit investigation. Instead, a source in Atlanta tells us that authorities are looking into something that might, or might not, result in a fresh batch of trouble for the sixth overall pick in the draft.
We're also told that the Titans have been apprised of this latest issue regarding Jones, and that his agent, Michael Huyghue, has told the team that Jones has been in Jacksonville -- which, if true, should put the matter to rest.
The Titans are still reeling from last week's arrest of Jones on charges of assault and vandalism, which was the third off-field incident involving Jones since he was drafted by the team in April. G.M. Floyd Reese recently said that Jones' contract will be structured to protect the team against additional problems.
Several readers have aksed us if the Titans are permitted under NFL rules to cut the cord on Jones. Per NFL spokesman Steve Alic, a team can renounce its rights to an unsigned draft pick at any time. The player then would go into the waiver system. If not claimed, he would become a free agent.
The prevailing thought among the league insiders with whom we have spoken is that the Titans would be more likely to not sign Jones and trade his rights in early 2006 for a low-round pick. As we see it, however, the team at some point needs to unload Jones, if he continues to put himself in the wrong places at the wrong times. Regardless of whether he's actually guilty of any crimes, his judgment leaves much to be desired.
CANTER CAN'T STAND US
Back in April, ESPN.com ran a story about David Canter's Rain-Manic efforts to keep blue-chip wideout Troy Williamson happy, for fear of losing Troy to another agent.
This prompted us to refer to Canter as "Troy Williamson's Biatch."
And we've used the term on a few occasions since then. Most recently, we dusted it off on Thursday morning due to a story in the Minneapolis Star Tribune in which Canter came off as too eager to make the trek to Minny for the purposes of getting Troy his coin.
In response, we received an e-mail from Mr. Canter, who takes issue with our use of the TWB moniker.
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Jim (I believe),
I understand and appreciate the humor of your website and think it’s the best thing going online for us agents but my question is this, is it really necessary to call me Troy Williamson’s biatch on a continuing basis.
When the ESPN article came out about me and my relationship with clients it was funny as hell -- I sent the link to over 50 friends and business associates but I really do not think it’s funny to keep calling me names any longer. I certainly don’t see you doing it to other agents out there and I do not know you nor have done anything to offend you. So in all niceness and fairness please stop calling me names.
I appreciate it
David
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Okay, okay. We give up. Since we always aspire to display "niceness" to anyone and everyone connected to the NFL, we'll no longer refer to Canter as Troy Williamson's biatch.
Instead, we'll call him Stephen Davis' butt-kisser.
Or Todd Sauerbrun's crotch-nuzzler.
Or maybe just Jim.
POSTED 7:03 a.m. EDT, July 22, 2005
FRIDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS
Redskins S Sean Taylor will report for training camp.
The Cardinals aren't concerned about security issues for their October 2 game in Mexico City.
A D.C. lawyer has notified local television stations that he plans to challenge their broadcast licenses if they don't curtail the use of the word "Redskins" in newscasts. (The joint response of the stations was articulated in a one-word press release: "Ooooooo.")
Saints G.M. Mickey Loomis has his hands full as he tries to disseminate some of owner Tom Benson's "real dollars."
Jets G.M. Terry Bradway says that the team has spoken with the agent for CB Ty Law but nothing is imminent.
Jets DE John Abraham, a franchise player who has not yet signed his tender, likely won't report for training camp.
The Giants have made some moves with their camp fodder.
Former Dolphins QB Dan Marino says that Steelers coach Bill Cowher wanted to sign him in 2000; Marino opted to retire and the Steelers signed Kent Graham instead.
The Vikings have made an initial contract offer to first-round WR Troy Williamson.
Brian Williams, Ralph Brown, and Ken Irvin will compete for the nickel back position in Minnesota.
Jets QB Chad Pennington will be limited in training camp but plans to be at 100 percent by the start of the season.
The Titans are close to signing third-round WR Roydell Williams.
The Fins are close to signing fifth-round CB Travis Daniels.
Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil describes the current contract expectations of CB Ty Law as "delusions of grandeur."
A judge has dismissed criminal charges against Titans WR Tyrone Calico of allegedly getting busy in the back seat of his ride.
The Jets rent at the Meadowlands has been reduced from 15 percent of gross ticket sales to 10 percent.
Meathead sits down for some Q&A with The St. Paul Pioneer Press. ("Hey," he said, "it thought you told me it was gonna be some T and A.")Comment
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