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Volume 8, Issue 86 (Thursday, July 19th)PRE-TRAINING CAMP SPECIAL - 40% DISCOUNT!
Top 6 Reasons Why Your FF Library Should Include DOMINATE FANTASY FOOTBALL. 1. Over 100 tips and strategies used by experts today. LIMITED TIME OFFERS THIS WEEK ONLY: 5% off of FantasyHeadquarters.com fantasy football league entry fees! Click Here!Your Mantra, "DOMINATE IN 2007". Your Action... Purchase Excellent FF Book with 40% Discount code... FBG Hi Folks, Welcome to Friday. Believe it or not, there is more to the NFL than Mike Vick as training camps are right around the corner. In fact, that leads us to how we feel about our Quote Of The Day: "It's uncontrollable. I can't wait." -- Dallas DE Marcus Spears on his anticipation of training camp. We're with you, Marcus. And I know many of you are too. If that's the case, you're going to love all the information that's available to our folks that sign up for our Premium Subscription. We answer some questions about why you should subscribe and you can see them by clicking here. Its' the best buy in sports. And we have a money back guarantee so you've got nothing to lose. OK, let's get to it. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great Friday. JSITE NEWS A.
Footballguys Podcast - The Audible - Megan Manfull (HOU)
B.
Footballguys Podcast - The Audible - News & Notes Review
C.
Non NFL - Footballguys Unofficial Sponsor Of Egg McMuffin Eating Contest
D.
Player Face Off - CIN RB Rudi Johnson
E.
Player Face Off - DAL WR Terrell Owens
F.
Footballguys Podcast - The Audible - Transcript - Calvin Watkins (DAL)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. ATL - Falcons Statement From Owner Blank2. TB - QB Culpepper Meets With Buccaneers 3. TEN - Titans HC Fisher Expects Extension 4. ATL - Nike Suspends Release Of New Vick Shoe 5. TB - Bucs QB Plummer To Former Coach: 'I'm Done' 6. CLE - Browns Could Start Camp Without Key Rookies 7. HOU - Texans TE Daniels Fully Recovered From Shoulder Injury 8. ATL - Judge In Vick's Case Known To Be Tough 9. DEF - MIN - Vikings CB Griffin Resolves Court Case 10. DEF - WAS - Redskins WLB McIntosh Poised To Take Over 11. DEF - DAL - Cowboys DE Spears Drops 20 Pounds ATL - Falcons Statement From Owner Blank Source: WSB-TV In Atlanta Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank made a statement Thursday afternoon on the indictment of QB Michael Vick. Here is the full text of Blank's statement: "We know you're anxious to hear more from us regarding the indictment of Michael Vick and its implications to the Falcons. Please be assured that we are working diligently on exploring our options and getting the right people involved in this situation. This is an emotionally charged and complicated matter. There are a wide range of interests and legal issues that need to be carefully considered as we move ahead, including our need to respect the due process that Michael is entitled to. Also, this situation affects everyone-- our club, our players and associates, our sponsors, our fans and the Atlanta community among them-- so we must consider all of our customers in making any decision. Given the differing perspectives and strong feelings around this issue, we probably won't make everyone happy; we are committed to doing the right thing. As the owner of this club that's ultimately my responsibility. In the meantime, know that I'm saddened and distressed about this not for myself, but for our fans and community who have been so loyal to us. We will do our very best to earn your support." The NFL Players union said yesterday that the allegations against Vick "are extremely disturbing and offensive." But it said the case is in the hands of the judicial system, and the legal process must be allowed to run its course. Vick won't be on the field when the Atlanta Falcons open training camp a week from Thursday. Instead, Vick and three associates must appear in Richmond, Virginia, for bond hearings and arraignments on dogfighting charges.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's easy to dissect Blank's statement and read into it what you like. One thing that caught my interest was how much it differs from the team's initial statement issued the day before. (Bold emphasis added is mine) "This situation has been troubling to many people, including our fans, during the last few months. With today's news, our club and team will continue to be tested as Michael works through the legal process toward a conclusion. We are disappointed that one of our players -- and therefore the Falcons -- is being presented to the public in a negative way, and we apologize to our fans and the community for that. Obviously, we are disturbed by today's news from Virginia. However, we are prepared to deal with it, and we will do the right thing for our club as the legal process plays out. We have a season to prepare for and training camp opens next week. Our plan is to continue to do everything we can to support our players and coaches." The initial release was very much in the "wait and see how the legal process works out" theme as the team supports "our players and coaches". Today's release was dramatically different turning the focus to the responsibility Mr. Blank is entrusted with and how he wants to consider and support his "customers". Blank dramatically broadened the scope of those he's considering as he defined "customers" as "our club, our players and associates, our sponsors, our fans and the Atlanta community". I sarcastically said last night that I was amazed Blank hadn't asked my counsel. But it sounds to me like he's starting to think like I am on this subject. I'd be shocked to see an outright release now given the salary cap implications but I could absolutely see a paid leave of absence scenario happening here. Stay tuned as sadly we'll be talking about this for a while.TB - QB Culpepper Meets With Buccaneers Source: Rick Stroud, St. Petersburg Times Several member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' brass reportedly met Thursday with free agent quarterback Daunte Culpepper. The meeting took place at the corporate airplane hangar at Tampa International Airport. Also greeting Culpepper were GM Bruce Allen and Doug Williams, the team's senior pro personnel assistant. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jacksonville has been the team everyone has been talking about for Culpepper but Tampa makes some sense as well. Geographically, it's a plus as Culpepper is familiar with the area. It also makes sense with the Buccaneers as an aging Jeff Garcia is clearly not a long term solution. Chris Simms is a question mark with how he returns from his injury and Bruce Gradkowski doesn't seem like a guy they feel comfortable with as a starter. Jacksonville still would seem more likely to me but Tampa would appear to be in play here now as well. TEN - Titans HC Fisher Expects Extension Source: Paul Kuharsky, Nashville Tennessean Tennessee Titans HC Jeff Fisher doesn't anticipate any problems regarding a contract extension. He is entering the final year of his current deal, but believes a new one will be worked out. "....Negotiations are progressing. Nobody's put a timetable on anything and we're just moving forward. I don't anticipate any problems and I fully expect to be here," Fisher said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Seems like the smart move for Tennessee to lock up Fisher here. Although he's going to have a coaching challenge ahead of him this year. ATL - Nike Suspends Release Of New Vick Shoe Source: AP Michael Vick's legal troubles prompted Nike today to suspend the release of its latest product line named after the Atlanta Falcons quarterback. Nike has told retailers it will not release a fifth signature shoe, the Air Zoom Vick V, this summer. Nike spokesman Dean Stoyer said the four shoe products and three shirts that currently bear Vick's name will remain in stores. A statement released by Nike said the company "is concerned by the serious and highly disturbing allegations made against Michael Vick, and we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane and abhorrent. We do believe that Michael Vick should be afforded the same due process as any citizen; therefore, we have not terminated our relationship."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's also important to note that Nike added the words, "We do believe that Michael Vick should be afforded the same due process as any citizen; therefore, we have not terminated our relationship." These added words imply that terminating the relationship would be denying Vick's due process rights. But the reality is that due process in court and being a good representative of your company are not necessarily directly connected. Air Tran airlines ended their relationship with Vick earlier this year when they deemed Vick wasn't who they wanted representing their company.TB - Bucs QB Plummer To Former Coach: 'I'm Done' Source: Rick Stroud, St. Petersburg Times According to QB Jake Plummer's high school coach, Steve Vogel, Plummer said that he really is retiring. "They don't believe me down there (in Tampa), but I'm done," Plummer told Vogel. The Buccaneers are still hopeful that Plummer will join the competition that is currently being led by 37-year old QB Jeff Garcia. "We traded for him (Plummer) with the intent of him playing for the Buccaneers," Tampa Bay GM Bruce Allen said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Do the Bucs have something they're thinking that makes them believe Plummer will change his mind? They keep saying Plummer is a guy they want and Plummer seems to keep saying he's not going. I guess we'll know for certain here if / when Plummer officially retires. CLE - Browns Could Start Camp Without Key Rookies Source: Tony Grossi, Cleveland Plain Dealer The Cleveland Browns will likely be without their top three rookies when pre-training camp orientation opens on Monday. Both first rounders, QB Brady Quinn and T Joe Thomas, along with second rounder CB Eric Wright remain fairly far from agreeing to terms with the Browns. "I would say there's probably been a little bit more consistent conversation between Joe Thomas and us than Brady Quinn," GM Phil Savage said. The Browns signed their first draft pick Wednesday when they agreed to terms with seventh round pick DE Chase Pittman. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] I've said it from the get go and I'll say it until he gets into camp but if Brady Quinn has any real hopes of contributing on the field this year, every snap of training camp will be huge. The Browns are implementing a new offense and a prolonged holdout could be devastating for Quinn. I'm less worried about Joe Thomas as he's a more obvious fit in the starting lineup. HOU - Texans TE Daniels Fully Recovered From Shoulder Injury Source: Carmine Pirone, HoustonTexans.com Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels is now 100% recovered from a shoulder injury from last season. Daniels missed the final two games of the 2006 campaign with a minor shoulder injury. It's healed now and shouldn't be a problem during training camp. "Shoulder is feeling good, but I don't know what the plan is for me during training camp," Daniels said. "They had me take it kind of easy during OTA's, but if they want me to go every practice, I'm ready to go."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We're excited about Owens' chances this season. He has an excellent shot to be the 2nd best receiver on the team. To see how we project the entire team, click here.ATL - Judge In Vick's Case Known To Be Tough Source: Jeremy Redmon, Atlanta Journal-Constitution The judge assigned to preside over Michael Vick's sensational dog-fighting case is a tough jurist who has a history of exceeding federal sentencing guidelines to make a point, criminal defense attorneys here said today. represented many clients before Hudson. "He is not temperamental. He is even-handed. He affords everyone equal respect," Benjamin said. He added that Hudson "is willing to take into consideration the effect of the crime on a community" when he sentences defendants. Benjamin referred to a corruption case in 2004 in which Hudson sentenced a Richmond City Hall employee to 10 years in prison, declaring the normal punishment was inadequate given the damage Robert Evans did to the city. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported the sentence was almost double the federal guidelines. Hudson also ordered Evans to pay back the $1.1 million he stole from city taxpayers. "He brought absolute disgrace to the city of Richmond," Hudson said during the sentencing, according to the Times-Dispatch. Less is known about the lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Gill. His office declined a request for an interview with Gill, who works under U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Punishing a guy almost double the federal guidelines because he brought disgrace to his town? Not exactly cheerful news if you're Mike Vick... DEF - MIN - Vikings CB Griffin Resolves Court Case Source: Judd Zulgad, Minneapolis Star Tribune Vikings CB Cedric Griffin, who was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after an April incident at a nightclub, had his case resolved today. Griffin's lawyer, David Valentini, said his client did not enter a plea and that under terms of the agreement, there will be a continuance for dismissal in one year, meaning that if Griffin has no similar type violations during the next year the case will be dismissed without any need for future appearances. Griffin also had to pay the prosecution costs of $1,000 and agree to stay out of the nightclub. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Sounds like good news for Griffin and the Vikings. DEF - WAS - Redskins WLB McIntosh Poised To Take Over Source: Gary Fitzerald, Redskins.com Rocky McIntosh is the leading candidate to take over the weak linebacker starting spot for the Washington Redskins. Limited last season, McIntosh was a standout during the team's OTA's and spring workouts this offseason. His only remaining obstacle is LB Lemar Marshall, who was bumped from the middle in favor of free agent acquisition London Fletcher-Baker. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] You IDP guys take note as McIntosh is a guy that may not be on some owner's radar but it looks like he'll earn a starting spot. DEF - DAL - Cowboys DE Spears Drops 20 Pounds Source: Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Cowboys second year DE Marcus Spears lost around 20 pounds in preparation for the new 3-4 defensive scheme installed by HC Wade Phillips. Spears, now down to 290 lbs, is looking forward to his new/old defense. "This is what I was used to (at LSU), and this is getting back to what made me successful," Spears said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Spears may be twenty pounds lighter, but at 290, he's still a big guy. He'll hopefully add a little quickness and agility in exchange for the pounds which is a scary thought. That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Friday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update. J |
