The Rumor Mill

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Well, that said, he's definitely lost a step, probably two steps....

And, the team he tried to sign with, Buffalo, is now coached by someone who's seen him every practice and game for several years, Mike Mularkey...

So in that respect, I don't think the Steelers NEEDED to say anything negative...

But just as Poj said, the Steelers don't play that kind of dirty pool...

Cleveland, yes, but Pittsburgh, hell no....

[ALinChainz]

Forgot about Mularkey being there.

Maybe Gildon's asking price still too high.

[POJO_Risin]

Who knows at this point...

I'm really surprised that it took this long...

[ALinChainz]

by Profootballtalk editor Mike Florio


POSTED 10:01 a.m. EDT, June 26, 2004



TEXANS FIRST TO SIGN A FIRST-ROUNDER



Western Michigan defensive end Jason Babin, the first first-rounder draft pick in the history of the school, is the first member of the 2004 first-round class to strike a deal, according to the Houston Chronicle.



Serious discussions have been occurring since June 15, and the 27th overall selection, taken by the Texans, could be under contract soon.



Babin will play outside linebacker in the Texans' 3-4 scheme, and he currently is penciled in as a starter in his rookie year.



The numbers aren't yet available. In 2003, 27th overall pick Larry Johnson, a running back, received a $3.3 million bonus on a seven-year deal worth $1.2 million per year.



Babin's deal is for five or six years. As we've previously mentioned, the absence of a CBA extension is preventing teams from using seven-year contracts, thereby forcing a greater chunk of the bonus money into the first year of the deal, when the rookie pool must also be navigated.



SATURDAY ONE-LINERS



Former Bengals flash-in-the-pan Ickey Woods is now coaching a Cincinnati women's football team, for which his wife plays.



The Chargers have signed seventh-round OT Shane Olivea to a three-year deal.




Holy Rod Woodson! Titans CB Tony Beckham, who tore an ACL on April 15, could be cleared to resume running this week.



The Rams, who apparently are realizing it's much easier to sell tickets with a Super Bowl-caliber team, are offering two versions of a four-game ticket package (both of which, of course, include a preseason contest as one of the four games).



DE Marco Coleman has opted not to retire two weeks after telling Broncos coach Mike Shanahan that he was done.



John Elway and Joe Montana will face off in a flag football game on August 20 to commemorate Elway's induction into the Hall of Fame (hey, guys -- couldn't you have picked an opposing quarterback who didn't hang 55 points on Elway's Broncos in the Super Bowl?).

http://www.profootballtalk.com

[POJO_Risin]

Good to see Ickey's career aspirations coming to fruition...chripes...

[ALinChainz]

by Profootballtalk editor Mike Florio



POSTED 7:46 a.m. EDT, June 28, 2004



GILDON DEAL COMING?



We're hearing that former Steelers linebacker Jason Gildon soon could be under contract with the Packers, the Bills, or the Bengals.



Multiple league sources have told us that, contrary to our recent suggestion that the delay in Gildon getting a deal done traces to the fact that the Steelers are badmouthing him, there are no hard feelings between Gildon and his former team, and that the team hasn't been giving bad references to potential suitors.



Word is that the Gildon camp is waiting for one of the three teams interested in Gildon's services to step up, which suggests to us that Gildon is prepared at this point to go to the high bidder -- and that factors like whether the team is in position to compete for the postseason and/or the Super Bowl aren't a consideration.



BLEIER'S BLING BOGARTED



Three of former Steelers fullback Rocky Bleier's Super Bowl rings have gone missing, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.



The rings and his wallet were lifted from an unlocked room at the Charlotte Convention Center while he was speaking to the Moose Convention. Bleier's fourth ring was on his hand.



Bleier previously sold the rings to his attorney for $40,000 two days before filing for bankruptcy in 1996. He later purchased the rings back.



In an unrelated story, three Super Bowl rings currently are for sale on ebay. Go figure.



MONDAY ONE-LINERS



The Arizona media already is more fond of Denny Green than the Minnesota scribes ever were.



After three straight Arena Bowl losses, Arizona Rattlers coach Danny White, a former Cowboys quarterback, could be looking for an NFL gig.



Steelers RB Jerome Bettis is skeptical about reports that the Steelers will return to a ground-based offense in 2004; "I don't believe it 'til I see it," Bettis said. "They said it last year, and it didn't happen."



Broncos WR Rod Smith is a shining example of how pro athletes should handle their money.



Former Cardinals C Jason Starkey is still hoping to land with another team for 2004.



Jacksonville is looking for a catchy new slogan as it prepares for the Super Bowl; here's three that probably won't make the cut -- "We're Not Named After Michael" or "We Still Can't Figure Out How We Got An NFL Team" or "We Make Up For The Fact That We Have Only Three Hotels By Jacking The Price Up Really High On The Handful Of Occasions Every Year When Folks Actually Have A Reason To Come Here."



POSTED 11:23 p.m. EDT, June 27, 2004



FINS READY TO GO WITHOUT O-GUN



Word out of South Florida is that the Dolphins are prepared to proceed to training camp and the regular season without the 2003 AFC sack leader, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye.



Ogunleye, a restricted free agent, refused to sign a one-year tender in excess of $1.8 million. Based in part on threats by Ogunleye to show up anywhere from seven to ten games into the regular season in order to gain another season toward unrestricted free agency while participating in the minimum number of game, the Fins rolled back the tender two weeks ago, into the $400,000 range.



We're told that Ogunleye also will make $300,000 in incentives earned under his 2003 deal.



Despite a belief in some circles that the Fins won't want to embark on an arguably critical campaign without Ogunleye, the front office is by all appearances holding firm in its position -- refusing to cave in to Ogunleye's demands.



Questions also remain regarding Ogunleye's real value. Some of the personnel execs with whom we've spoken explained that Ogunleye benefits significantly from the presence of Jason Taylor on the other end of the line, and that consideration of a player's supporting cast is a fundamental component of any evaluation of his overall worth.



On the other hand, the decision of the Seahawks to pour a $14 million bonus into Grant Wistrom's pockets leads us to believe that Ogunleye could at least do that well if allowed to hit the open market.



The next topic to consider in the Ogunleye soap opera is whether the Fins will slap the franchise tag upon him -- like they did with Taylor -- when he qualifies for unrestricted free agency in March 2005. And with both sides digging in their heels deeper than ever, we have a feeling that this one still could be playing itself out next year at this time.



DHANI IS A DUMMY?



With reports emerging that Eagles linebacker Dhani Jones is having trouble picking up the team's defensive system, we're reminded of info we picked up from a Giants source when Jones made the jump from one NFC East team to another.



"The kid is dumb as a rock," we were told.



Jones is one of the guys who got a deal sweeter than the self-negotiated contract finagled by Tedy Bruschi with the Patriots (scroll down).



Regarding Bruschi, we received plenty of e-mails 'splaining that Bruschi's decision to take less money in Beantown is part of a lifelong design by the defensive standout to make a living off of the rock-star status he's achieved.



Others have reminded us that the deal is in line with comparable deals signed by inside linebackers -- and that it's a solid contract for a 31-year-old defender whose career arguably peaked last season. Also, many think that Bruschi was willing to give up some coin because he knows the team will use the extra money in good ways, to help the team remain among the NFL's elite.



While we don't question any of that, confirmation that Jones is another Wonderlic wunderkind makes us think that Bruschi could have squeezed out more money without upsetting the salary cap applecart.

[POJO_Risin]

1. How stupid could you be to put rings you just sold on ebay...morons...

2. If the Steelers were smart...they'd run the ball a ton...of course...this all will go back to that offensive line...if Bettis is gaining 1 yard a carry...my guess...they'll throw...lmfao...what an idiot...

[ALinChainz]

No doubt. No line, no nothing basically.

Bus isn't the young and spry he once was, he needs some big road gratin' fucks in front of him. Staley is tough, but isn't super elusive.

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Originally posted by ALinChainz
Steelers RB Jerome Bettis is skeptical about reports that the Steelers will return to a ground-based offense in 2004; "I don't believe it 'til I see it," Bettis said. "They said it last year, and it didn't happen."

What a dumbshit....

If you can't gain two yards a carry because your O-line is fucked up, or perhaps because the running back in question has lost a step or two, why would you continually try to run the ball ??

[ALinChainz]

by Profootballtalk editor Mike Florio


POSTED 8:03 a.m. EDT, June 29, 2004



WARD WAFFLING ON HOLDOUT?



Steelers receiver Hines Ward wasn't happy with the team's decision to give Tommy Maddox a contract extension with two years left on his contract, since Ward still has two years left on a deal that he too has outplayed.



Ward hinted that he might stay away from training camp in protest, and his recent comments on the subject suggest that the issue is still up in the air.



Asked if he'll report on July 30, Ward told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:



"I hope. As far as I know I am. Until Eugene [Parker] tells me otherwise, I am planning on reporting to camp. That is my plan to be there. I never even considered [being late]. That's the last resort, I think. We don't see it being a problem.



"I'm waiting to see what [Parker] wants me to do," Ward said. "I don't know 'what-if.' I ask myself that question, too."



Frankly, we're not sure we buy the whole "blame the agent" thing. If Ward stays away, it's his decision to do so. And if he's letting his agent make those decisions for him, he needs an agent who understands that the agent, in the end, doesn't make those decisions.



It could be part of a subtle plan by Ward to skip a few days of camp in order to get the team's attention, and then say Parker told him to do it in order to avoid the negative P.R.



Speaking of P.R., Ward recently visited U.S. troops and hospitals in Europe this month.



"They read about athletes saying 'We support the troops,' but actually one of us taking time out to go see them up close, they got enjoyment out of that more than seeing it in a newspaper."



Hmmm. Though we respect anyone with name recognition who takes time to go visit the troops overseas, we're wondering whether Parker, as Hines would say, told him to do it, in order to help deflect some of the criticism that will be heaped on the veteran wideout if/when he holds out.



As the article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review begins:



Doctors, nurses and soldiers -- even a boy who lost both legs in Afghanistan -- had the same question for Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward when he visited U.S. troops and hospitals in Europe earlier this month.
"They wanted to know what is going on with my contract," Ward said.

Yeah, right. As if little Jimmy with the two stumps gives two sh-ts about whether Hines will make $2.5 million or $4.5 million in 2004 for using the things that little Jimmy doesn't have anymore. Please.



Our advice to Hines -- please be glad you got legs of your own and start using them again come July 30.



TUESDAY ONE-LINERS



There are conflicting views as to whether the Redskins are interested in trading for Dolphins DE Adewale Ogunleye.



Former Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw had this to say about disgruntled WR Plaxico Burress: "Plexico, Plaxico, Fiberglass, whatever his name is, if I was him I'd shut up and get my (butt) in here and earn your money. And if not, let him go, unload him, 'cause if you're only playing for the money, anyway, we're not going to win with him. I hate guys like that."



Redskins TE David Ware was arrested in Houston for public intoxication (and Playmakers is a gross exaggeration . . . oh, hell, you know what we're thinking).

[POJO_Risin]

2 fantastic quotes...leave it to Bradshaw with this one...

"Plexico, Plaxico, Fiberglass, whatever his name is, if I was him I'd shut up and get my (butt) in here and earn your money. And if not, let him go, unload him, 'cause if you're only playing for the money, anyway, we're not going to win with him. I hate guys like that."

and...

Doctors, nurses and soldiers -- even a boy who lost both legs in Afghanistan -- had the same question for Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward when he visited U.S. troops and hospitals in Europe earlier this month. "They wanted to know what is going on with my contract," Ward said.

Yeah, right. As if little Jimmy with the two stumps gives two sh-ts about whether Hines will make $2.5 million or $4.5 million in 2004 for using the things that little Jimmy doesn't have anymore. Please.

Our advice to Hines -- please be glad you got legs of your own and start using them again come July 30.

bwahahahahahhaa...

got a couple of good receivers goin here in Pittsburgh...could you imagine Swann and Stallworth goin' there with this bullshit?

[POJO_Risin]

Bradshaw..."we're not going to win with this guy"

there was a day he wouldn't have said "we're"

[ALinChainz]

Trade rumors are picking up

By Tom Gatto - SportingNews



News and notes from around the majors to help you stay one step ahead of your fantasy competition.

Kris Benson should have picked up some admirers with his eight-inning gem against the Cardinals on Monday, just in time for trading season.

The Pirates righthander essentially has been showcased all year and is just waiting to find out what his next address will be. The Bronx remains high on the list, but there might be a little extra competition after that performance. The crosstown Mets reportedly are in the picture, too.

Any team with a reasonable shot at the postseason and some payroll flexibility could be a player for the 29-year-old Benson, who will be a free agent after this season. Teams apparently question his toughness, but if he keeps throwing well, he could be a serviceable two-month rental.


The Bombers aren't focusing just on Benson, either. There still is bullpen help to be found, and Newsday reports the Yankees and Rockies recently discussed a Kenny Lofton-for-Preston Wilson swap. The Rocks would clear Wilson's big salary in the deal, but the only reason Colorado should take Lofton is if it can deal him to another contender and pick up a young player.
The paper also says a Diamondbacks scout was checking out some Yankees prospects at Triple-A Columbus this week. Are we talking Steve Finley here? Not likely. Randy Johnson? Nah. Unit's not going anywhere, right? That's what is being said, at least. And the Yankees weren't supposed to have enough prospects to make too many deals. Probably just due diligence on Arizona's part -- just in case.


The Royals' lineup has taken a sudden turn for the young because of injuries and the Carlos Beltran trade. That means opportunities for young players -- and inconsistency as those players learn on the job. Tread lightly in the free-agent markets. The biggest change is in the outfield, with 24-year-old rookie David DeJesus taking over for Beltran in center and Dee Brown, 26, now playing left. Rookie Byron Gettis, 24, is splitting time in right with veteran Matt Stairs. Rookie John Buck, 23, is the new catcher. And third baseman Mark Teahen, 22, is expected to be brought up from the minors sometime this season.

Until recently, few outside the Braves organization know who Charles Thomas was. But the rookie outfielder is introducing himself to the baseball world in a big way. Thomas, 25, batted .333 in his first seven big-league games (5-for-15) and has hustled every minute he has been on the field. He doesn't look to be a power guy, but steals might be in his future. If the Braves think Thomas can play left field regularly, they could grant Chipper Jones his wish and keep him at third base. Perhaps a more chipper Chipper can be a more productive Chipper. The Braves certainly could use the extra offense given their starting pitching.

The Astros just can't get things together. Andy Pettitte returned from the DL right as Wade Miller (shoulder) went on. Then Jeff Kent hurt his hamstring during the first game of a key series against the Cubs. At this rate, Beltran might not want to unpack. As others have pointed out, Houston might be wise to use Beltran the way the Royals did and grab some youngsters, if the Astros fall out of contention. The club is poised to at least retool, if not rebuild, anyway, and another Beltran move would be a good head start.

Freddy Garcia ought to be very happy to be with the White Sox, because he now is pitching for a team that will score for him. Garcia came into Wednesday's action 4-7 despite a 3.20 ERA, partly because the Mariners scored an average of 2.19 runs in his 15 starts. Garcia's new teammate Mark Buehrle, on the other hand, has received 9.05 runs per start in his first 17 starts, the best run support in the majors.

With this year's trade pool for pitchers supposedly a little shallow, the Angels' Ramon Ortiz might be a more attractive target than usual. Ortiz is throwing very well after a bad April and May, but Anaheim GM Bill Stoneman remains reluctant to part with the righthander, who has repeated his desire to be traded if he can't remain in the rotation. "This is a guy who can help our club, whether it's in the bullpen or whether it's starting," Stoneman told the Los Angeles Times. The Mets and Orioles reportedly are among the teams interested in Ortiz, but the conservative Stoneman knows the Angels' pitching has been shaky and wants maximum value for a live arm.



Tom Gatto is a senior editor for the Sporting News. E-mail him at tgatto@sportingnews.com.

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Originally posted by POJO_Risin
Bradshaw..."we're not going to win with this guy"

there was a day he wouldn't have said "we're"

That's nice to see, finally, after all these years.....

Savran's got an hour interview with him tomorrow on FSN.....

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Originally posted by ALinChainz
Trade rumors are picking up

By Tom Gatto - SportingNews

News and notes from around the majors to help you stay one step ahead of your fantasy competition.

Kris Benson should have picked up some admirers with his eight-inning gem against the Cardinals on Monday, just in time for trading season.

The Pirates righthander essentially has been showcased all year and is just waiting to find out what his next address will be. The Bronx remains high on the list, but there might be a little extra competition after that performance. The crosstown Mets reportedly are in the picture, too.

Any team with a reasonable shot at the postseason and some payroll flexibility could be a player for the 29-year-old Benson, who will be a free agent after this season. Teams apparently question his toughness, but if he keeps throwing well, he could be a serviceable two-month rental.

Damn, didn't someone else just mention the other day that the Mets were pushing for Benson ???