Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 9, Issue 8 (Thursday, May 1st)
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Hi Folks,
Happy Friday to you. It's been a pretty slow news day but I've still got a few stories for you that you'll want to keep track of. Thanks for letting us be a part of your day and let's get to it. JINSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. CIN - RB Alexander Will Visit With Bengals2. BUF - Bills Sign QB Baker
3. NFL - QB Leak To Visit Kansas City, Buffalo
4. TEN - Case Continued Against Titans RB White
5. GB - Packers Likely To Pass On Signing Veteran QB
6. BAL - Ravens Adjusting To New OC Cameron
7. WAS - HC Zorn To Find His Style
8. DEF - CIN - Bengals LB Brooks Charged With Assaulting Woman
9. DEF - DAL - CB Jones Contract Details
10. DEF - NE - Rookie LB Mayo Reports For Duty
11. Dick Butkus Sues Non Profit Club Over His Namesake Award
12. SD - RB Tomlinson Makes Wish Come True
CIN - RB Alexander Will Visit With Bengals
Source: Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com
Jim Steiner, the agent for free-agent RB Shaun Alexander said today that Alexander is scheduled to visit with the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, but Steiner said the visit is "very preliminary." "Shaun wants to get an idea how the Bengals would use him and I'm sure the Bengals would like to talk to him," Steiner said. "But there is interest on both sides." Alexander is a native of Florence, Ky., which is near the Cincinnati metro area.
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Following up the story we told you about yesterday where Alexander's agent said he was contacting the Bengals. It makes some sense from a couple of angles. First, Alexander does have some connection to the area. He was a high school star in nearby Florence, Kentucky. The Bengals are also less than rock solid at the position. They have a lot of bodies but there are as many questions as there are answers. Rudi Johnson was nicked last year. DeDe Dorsey isn't the answer. Kenny Irons was injured and Chris Perry has never been healthy it seems.
It's also interesting to note that Alexander's former coach, Mike Holmgren, spoke very highly of Alexander downplaying the idea that he'd lost ability. Holmgren said that Alexander entered camp last year in great shape but that in his opinion, the wrist injury affected his entire running style. Holmgren acknowledged that maybe it wasn't the most logical thing for a wrist to affect a player's running style but he felt that in Alexander's case it did. Whatever the reason, it was very obvious that Alexander wasn't running with the same heart and aggressiveness we'd seen from him in the past. It'll be interesting to see how he fares somewhere else this year.Source: Buffalo News
The Buffalo Bills have claimed QB Matt Baker off waivers from the Miami Dolphins. He will most likely battle Gibran Hamdan for the 3rd QB position.
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For all you guys that were counting on Gibran Hamdan to carry your team this year, hang on a second...
NFL - QB Leak To Visit Kansas City, Buffalo
Source: Langston Wertz Jr., Charlotte Observer
2007 National Title MVP QB Chris Leak has arranged a three-day rookie camp with the Chiefs, followed by a visit with the Bills if necessary. Leak went undrafted last year and signed on with the Bears, but was cut during preseason.
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I'm sorry, Folks. You know it's a pretty slow news day when I'm pumped about Chris Leak visiting the Chiefs.
TEN - Case Continued Against Titans RB White
Source: Jim Wyatt, Nashville Tennessean
Tennessee Titans RB LenDale White, who was issued a citation in Denver in March, had the case continued to June 2 on today. White did not appear, but his lawyer did on his behalf in court, when the case was continued. Denver police issued White a citation in March on charges of destruction of property and disobedience to a lawful order/ interference and resistance.
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White's uncle, Herman White, who witnessed some of the alleged incident, recently said it "is nowhere near what is being portrayed."
Of course not...GB - Packers Likely To Pass On Signing Veteran QB
Source: Mike Woods, Green Bay Press-Gazette
Following the draft Sunday, general manager Ted Thompson pretty much indicated they are willing to play the hand they were dealt, or, picked.
Daunte Culpepper, the last, best option to serve as a veteran backup, still believes he's a starter and is a poor fit for the Packers system anyway. Thompson refused comment on the team's talks with Culpepper, but indications are that road is all but closed.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We told you the other day about Culpepper visiting with the Packers. But apparently, the team feels confident it can do without a veteran QB. I'm not saying Daunte Culpepper is the answer, but with Aaron Rodgers looking like my quarterback, I'd be all for signing a backup with some experience. It's a long spring and summer though so let's not rule anything out just yet.
BAL - Ravens Adjusting To New OC Cameron
Source: Mike Duffy, BaltimoreRavens.com
As the Ravens enter their second three-day minicamp of the offseason, the offense is trying to learn a new language.
Whether it is turning words into numbers or the other way around, the process of assimilating offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's bulky playbook has proven to be a challenge. Under former coach Brian Billick's regime, routes for receivers were marked by actual words, while protections were given a numerical designation, the polar opposite of Cameron's offense. While the offensive principals and many of the plays are the same, but knowing what they are called is imperative in the huddle. "Every transition is a little different," Cameron said after Thursday's practice. "Sometimes you take everything they have and just go with that. But then sometimes, you have a mix of the two. Well, this was one of those cases where it was a complete start from scratch. We just had to switch our thinking a little bit."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This isn't the first new offense for Cam Cameron. And fortunately, he's got plenty of time to install the new terminology and schemes. Don't underestimate the difficulty involved with a transition like this but these guys are professionals and they should be good to go by summer. After the tough times in Miami wearing the head coach hat, it'll be interesting to see if Cameron can return to success as an offensive coordinator.
WAS - HC Zorn To Find His Style
Source: Gary Fitzgerald, Redskins.com
"I think I am more of an encourager," new head coach Jim Zorn told Redskins.com TV's Larry Michael this week. "People have said I have a high level of intensity. I'm not really a yeller and I don't talk down to people. I like to teach."
He added: "I do have a loud voice, but I've been a quarterback in the National Football League and you have to scream over 90,000 fans. So I know how to raise my voice."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Zorn was a pretty interesting hire for Washington. From offensive coordinator to following the legendary Joe Gibbs as head coach. He'll have a crash course in learning the head coaching ropes as he'll do it not just in the NFL, but he'll do it while coaching one of the NFL's most storied franchises with a rabid fanbase. The honeymoon will be short and sweet and the pressure is already on.
DEF - CIN - Bengals LB Brooks Charged With Assaulting Woman
Source: Jim Hannah, Cincinnati Enquirer
The off-field issues never stop for the Cincinnati Bengals. This time, it is repeat offender LB Ahmad Brooks has been charged with punching a woman in the left eye. Brooks has been summoned to appear June 6 in Boone District Court to answer to the charge of misdemeanor assault, punishable by up to a year in the jail.
The victim gave a sworn statement Wednesday that Brooks was arguing outside her neighbor's home, and that she "nicely approached" Brooks and asked him to stop and "take it somewhere else," "He then pulled back his fist and struck (punched) me in the left eye," the victim wrote. "I then fell and blacked out." There was no immediate reaction from the Bengals other than a statement issued by club spokesman Jack Brennan: "Our policy is that it's not appropriate to comment on legal proceedings in which there is no ruling."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
I wonder if Mr. Brennan has a string coming out of his back that if pulled says, "Our policy is that it's not appropriate to comment on legal proceedings in which there is no ruling."?
DEF - DAL - CB Jones Contract Details
Source: Todd Archer, Dallas Morning News
When CB Adam "Pacman" Jones was traded to the Cowboys, he signed a four year deal worth $13.3 million. Jones will earn a $700,000 base salary this year, but receive nothing by way of a signing bonus. The base salaries in 2009-10 are $1 million and $3 million, but in 2011 it would spike to $7.25 million. He has March roster bonuses worth $250,000 and $255,000 due in 2009 and '10 and a $345,000 reporting bonus in 2010. He also has $250,000 workout bonuses in 2009 and 2010. The contract includes incentive clauses that could earn him a whole lot more, including playing time, interceptions, and more. But of course much of it depends on if his is reinstated by the league.
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As the article says, this is all dependent upon Jones being reinstated by the league. And Commissioner Roger Goodell was very clear that he has made no promises on that subject. Goodell and Jones will likely meet sometime in June to discuss the player's status for 2008.
If he is reinstated and if Jones can stay out of trouble, the Cowboys could have a great bargain. Although I don't have words to describe how big an "if" that is for Jones staying clear of trouble.DEF - NE - Rookie LB Mayo Reports For Duty
Source: Jimmy Golen, AP
The Patriots showed off their new linebacker for the cameras at midfield of Gillette Stadium on Thursday, with team owner Robert Kraft and his son giving Mayo a ceremonial No. 1 jersey. Mayo also spent some time in Kraft's office chatting with the owner.
"Just being able to come to a winning situation … I never thought I'd be able to come to a team that only lost one game," Mayo said Thursday. "I'm ready to get my playbook and start to practice." "It feels like the first day of school," Mayo said. "I'm just going to be a sponge here, pick up a lot of things from the veterans. Hopefully I can have a long career like some of them." He also hopes to learn from Belichick. The two have spoken only briefly, and when the coach called to say New England was taking him, Mayo didn't believe it at first. "He's a great coach, a championship-winning coach," Mayo said. "Throughout my career, I've had all different styles of coaches. So I think I will adjust pretty well."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Nothing earth shaking here as this is pretty much the normal first round pick introduction stuff. You have to be happy for a linebacker like Mayo to land in spot like New England. Should be a great fit for a team that definitely needs some youth at linebacker.
Dick Butkus Sues Non Profit Club Over His Namesake Award
Source: AP
A nonprofit group that hands out the Butkus Award to the nation's top college linebacker will stop presenting it after a yearlong legal battle with the Hall of Famer.
Dick Butkus sued in Los Angeles federal court in 2007, demanding the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando relinquish control of the Butkus Award, which it had given out for 23 years and trademarked in 1987. He said the club didn't raise enough money for charity and in April won a summary judgment.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
If I'm understanding this correctly, for 23 years the Orlando Athletic Club has awarded the Dick Butkus Award to the nation's most outstanding collegiate linebacker. Now Dick Butkus has sued the club over them using his name for the award. Classic.
SD - RB Tomlinson Makes Wish Come True
Source: Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
(Joe's Note: I normally condense down the article or cut just a pertinent paragraph or two but please forgive me here as this is such a great story and Casey Pearce does such a great job writing it that I've cut and pasted a big chunk of it here. I just couldn't cut out much.)
Eight year old Chandler Palmerton is battling an ependymoma, a brain tumor that can cause back pain, numbness in the limbs and blurred vision among other painful symptoms. In hopes of lifting his spirits, Palmerton's family contacted the Chargers through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and quickly arranged a trip to San Diego. Through the "Madden" video game series, Chandler has developed an admiration for Tomlinson, and he requested to meet the reigning two-time NFL rushing champion. Tomlinson was more than cooperative, and the trip came together in just a couple of days. "We pretty much found out the day of our flight that we were going out there," Len Palmerton said. "His condition, it can be a rapid-growing tumor. It's gotten worse. They wanted him to be able to enjoy the experience before it gets worse than it is. We're very appreciative of all that the Chargers and Make-A-Wish did." Chandler arrived at Chargers Park with his parents and little brother last Thursday. Shortly after signing a contract to play for the Bolts, Chandler made his way to the locker room to find his locker. Players such as Kris Dielman and Philip Rivers stopped by to spend some time with Chandler, but the biggest smile came when LT arrived moments later. The conversation quickly turned to video games. "He told me he loved to play with me on Madden," Tomlinson said. "It was one of the best things because it brought a smile to his face. To hear about something he enjoys doing felt good for me. Then it feels like we're connected some way because he plays with me on Madden." Chandler spent several minutes in Tomlinson's locker as LT autographed several items for his new friend. They then made their way out to the practice field where Chandler was by Tomlinson's side as LT worked out with his teammates through the Chargers' offseason conditioning program. While the experience was special, it was also a little difficult for Chandler. "Up until the time of his tumor, he really excelled at football," Len Palmerton said. "He's not old enough to play tackle yet, but the two flag football teams he's played for won back-to-back championships in their league. He was one of the stars of their team. He got a little aggravated watching those guys (workout). It's his dream to do that one day and he's been down because he hasn't been able to run around." When the Chargers moved from their speed drills into the weight room, Chandler followed and enjoyed a chat with Antonio Gates. He spent a little more time with Tomlinson before Chandler became physically drained and called it an early day. "He was supposed to watch the whole workout but he really didn't feel good," Tomlinson said. "Nobody can understand what he's going through but him. I was just happy that he was able to come hang out with me for a little while. It was special for me to meet him." "I'm more of a Bengals fan, but meeting a lot of those guys, I'm becoming a big Chargers fan," Len Palmerton said. "All of those guys were super nice. Everybody was sincere and didn't act like they were above the experience. They went out of their way to make it special for Chandler. They could have easily just said hi and left it at that, but they stuck around and spent some time with him. They were unbelievable." The Palmertons were especially impressed with Tomlinson and his generosity. "He's so down to earth," Len Palmerton said. "You can tell he's had a good upbringing. Here's a guy that makes tons of money, has been an MVP and had so much success. He's not just a star, he's the superstar. You can tell when someone is just going along and when that's really who they are. He was as good of a guy as I've met. Chandler wasn't saying a whole lot but LT kept talking to him and trying to perk him up." Tomlinson was humbled to have an opportunity to be part of such a special day. "Any time you're around a situation like that, you always appreciate the situation that you have," Tomlinson said. "This is just a kid. You question why stuff like this happens and it doesn't make much sense. The only thing I can do is try to make him feel better and grant some wishes he might have. "I've got his number. I'm going to keep up with him and see how he's doing. I want to encourage him the best I can. Chandler is pretty amazing."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's a slow news day and I'm a sucker for these kind of stories. Incredibly cool of Tomlinson and the Chargers to use their position and skills to help brighten the day and life of a struggling kid and family. Hats off. And best wishes to Chandler.
With that, I'll wrap this one up, Folks. Hope you have a great Friday and weekend and we'll see you tomorrow with the update. Thanks for reading.
J