Goodell Strengthens NFL Conduct Policy
By BARRY WILNER
AP Football Writer
NEW YORK -- NFL teams will be disciplined when their employees, including players, violate the league's personal conduct policy.
Moments after announcing the one-year suspension of Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, and an eight-game ban for Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released his strengthened conduct policy Tuesday. Along with longer suspensions and larger fines for individuals who violate the policy, Goodell will hold teams responsible, as well.
He did not say how he would punish those teams, although stripping them of draft choices is considered one of the most effective ways to do so.
"It is important that the NFL be represented consistently by outstanding people as well as great football players, coaches, and staff," Goodell said. "We hold ourselves to higher standards of responsible conduct because of what it means to be part of the National Football League. We have long had policies and programs designed to encourage responsible behavior, and this policy is a further step in ensuring that everyone who is part of the NFL meets that standard. We will continue to review the policy and modify it as warranted."
The strengthened standards apply to all NFL employees: players, coaches, officials, owners, front-office and league personnel. And Goodell emphasized in the new policy that those standards will be considerably tighter than outside the league.
"It is not enough to simply avoid being found guilty of a crime," the new policy says. "Instead, as an employee of the NFL or a member club, you are held to a higher standard and expected to conduct yourself in a way that is responsible, promotes the values upon which the league is based, and is lawful.
"Persons who fail to live up to this standard of conduct are guilty of conduct detrimental and subject to discipline, even where the conduct itself does not result in conviction of a crime."
The new policy comes in the wake of a series of off-field issues involving several players, notably Jones, Henry and Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson.
There were 10 occasions in which Jones was interviewed by police, the most recent during the NBA All-Star weekend in Las Vegas. Police there recommended felony and misdemeanor charges against Jones after a fight and shooting at a strip club left one man paralyzed.
Henry was arrested four times in a 14-month span, and received a two-game league suspension last year. He was one of nine Bengals arrested in nine months. Johnson currently is in jail, serving four months for violating probation in a 2005 gun case.
Two of Henry's teammates, along with NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw, recognized the need for stronger league guidelines for player conduct.
"You would think it's necessary just because of the negative publicity the NFL is beginning to receive because of what's happening," said Bengals receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh. "It was going on for an extended period of time. Each day, each week, something was happening."
Added Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer: "I think it will (help). With all of the things that have been happening recently, I think it will be good and hopefully give the league a little better image. I hope that it works and that guys abide by the rules and do what's right."
So does Upshaw, of course. He consulted with Goodell before the commissioner, now in his seventh month on the job, revised the conduct policy. Goodell also established a panel of players to offer advice on such matters.
"The NFL Players Association and the Player Advisory Council have been discussing this issue for several months," Upshaw said. "We believe that these are steps that the commissioner needs to take and we support the policy. It is important that players in violation of the policy will have the opportunity and the support to change their conduct and earn their way back."
Tony Dungy said placing responsibility on the teams for their players and employees makes sense, even if it results in penalties that affect more than the wallet.
"That seems to be the thing that gets everyone's attention," the coach of the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts said of potentially lost draft picks and player availability. "We talked about fines at the league meetings, and that may not do the trick. But when you start talking about playing time and draft picks, that seems to get your attention."
___
AP Sports Writers Joe Kay in Cincinnati and Michael Marot in Indianapolis contributed to this story.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Pacman Jones and Chris Henry suspended
Pacman Jones banned for season
BY BOB GLAUBER-Newsday
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has sent a decisive message to players who misbehave off the field: Don't expect to be playing much football.
The first-year commissioner this afternoon announced that he has suspended Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones for the entire 2007 season. In addition, Goodell announced that Bengals receiver Chris Henry, another player with several off-field problems, will be suspended for the first eight games of the season.
Jones has been questioned 10 times during his NFL career for a variety of transgressions, and was involved in a fight that led to a shooting in a Las Vegas strip club in February.
"We must protect the integrity of the NFL," Goodell said in a statement. "The highest standards of conduct must be met by everyone in the NFL because it is a privilege to represent the NFL, not a right. These players, and all members of our league, have to make the right choices and decisions in their conduct on a consistent basis."
In a letter to each player, Commissioner Goodell wrote: "Your conduct has brought embarrassment and ridicule upon yourself, your club, and the NFL, and has damaged the reputation of players throughout the league. You have put in jeopardy an otherwise promising NFL career, and have risked both your own safety and the safety of others through your off-field actions. In each of these respects, you have engaged in conduct detrimental to the NFL and failed to live up to the standards expected of NFL players. Taken as a whole, this conduct warrants significant sanction."
Goodell added in his letter to both players: "I must emphasize to you that this is your last opportunity to salvage your NFL career. I urge you to take full advantage of the resources available to support you in that effort."
BY BOB GLAUBER-Newsday
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has sent a decisive message to players who misbehave off the field: Don't expect to be playing much football.
The first-year commissioner this afternoon announced that he has suspended Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones for the entire 2007 season. In addition, Goodell announced that Bengals receiver Chris Henry, another player with several off-field problems, will be suspended for the first eight games of the season.
Jones has been questioned 10 times during his NFL career for a variety of transgressions, and was involved in a fight that led to a shooting in a Las Vegas strip club in February.
"We must protect the integrity of the NFL," Goodell said in a statement. "The highest standards of conduct must be met by everyone in the NFL because it is a privilege to represent the NFL, not a right. These players, and all members of our league, have to make the right choices and decisions in their conduct on a consistent basis."
In a letter to each player, Commissioner Goodell wrote: "Your conduct has brought embarrassment and ridicule upon yourself, your club, and the NFL, and has damaged the reputation of players throughout the league. You have put in jeopardy an otherwise promising NFL career, and have risked both your own safety and the safety of others through your off-field actions. In each of these respects, you have engaged in conduct detrimental to the NFL and failed to live up to the standards expected of NFL players. Taken as a whole, this conduct warrants significant sanction."
Goodell added in his letter to both players: "I must emphasize to you that this is your last opportunity to salvage your NFL career. I urge you to take full advantage of the resources available to support you in that effort."
Monday, April 09, 2007
My Email To Mike Silver On LSU's JaMarcus Russell - He's A Mobile Pure Passer
My friend Mike Silver wrote an article where he stated that JaMarcus Russell's arm does not guarantee pro day success. I responded with this email.
To Mike Silver From Zennie Abraham
Hey Sil,
Nice article, but I have to disagree with you about Ja Marcus Russell. First, I think there's a bit of home-eroticism in NFL scouting "analysis" of his ability to throw on his butt, as that's not something any offensive coordinator has based play design around. But if you take a look at the videos of him playing, you'll find a pure passer that has a unique ability to spot his target and hit it.
What I mean is that many quarterbacks throw on anticipation -- JaMarcus throws when he sees and opening. Now, to be frank, he's got to be coached to make a pass via anticipation, but his current habit is the sole reason why he's able to make spectacular plays as the rush is breaking down. Now a smart team will have him throw from three-step drops, where he will be unstoppable, but he's also capable of litterally throwing out of trouble.
I see him as -- read this -- a more mobile Dan Marino, with a live arm like Brett Favre. Anyone who compares JaMarcus to Vince Young doen't know what they're doing. The only things they have in common is that they're Black, big, and played in Division 1 schools -- that's it.
Russell's more advanced in the pro passing game than Young was at this stage of his career -- way ahead of him. I'm quite excited to see what he can do at the NFL level. I'd love to be the offensive coordinator.
As to his mobility, to quote the great Gary Coleman "What you talkin 'bout?!" This guy can move! Again, see the videos. I'm telling you, this guy is dangerous. I was never sold on Jim Drunkenmiller, feeling that Mooch should have picked his Cal guy Pat Barnes and worked with him. But to compare JaMarcus to Drunkenmiller is just not right, man. I think you just cost yourself a good dinner -- well wait. You're supposed to buy, right?
Hmm......
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Panthers come to terms with QB David Carr
Panthers come to terms with QB David Carr
By MIKE CRANSTON, AP Sports Writer
A month after he was released by the Houston Texans ,David Carr agreed Friday to a two-year deal to play for the Carolina Panthers .
Carr, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft, will serve as Jake Delhomme 's backup.
"It's a case where we were obviously looking for someone to come in back up Jake and the opportunity to get a quarterback the caliber of David in free agency is unique," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. "We thought it was a good situation and a good opportunity for us."
Carr was a five-year starter for the expansion Texans. He completed 60 percent of his passes, but threw 65 interceptions and was sacked 249 times. Carr completed a career-high 68.3 percent of his passes last season, but was released by the Texans after they obtained Matt Schaub in a trade from Atlanta and anointed him as their starting quarterback.
The Panthers believe Carr's troubles stemmed from Houston's poor offensive line, and tried to sign him during his visit with the team early in the week. Carr left without a contract and visited Seattle, while Carolina brought in former Miami quarterback Joey Harrington for a visit.
But on Thursday Carr decided he wanted to sign with Carolina, and the two sides reached a deal over the phone early Friday morning, ending a nervous period for Hurney.
"He met everybody and met Jake and I think he felt comfortable," Hurney said. "You never know what happens when he leaves without a contract. But we felt good about him I think he felt good about us and he made the decision to come here."
The Panthers were looking for an experienced quarterback to back up Delhomme after releasing Chris Weinke last month. Weinke struggled in a relief role in three games last season when Delhomme had a sprained thumb, throwing two touchdown passes and four interceptions. The Panthers went 1-2 in those three games and the lone game they won came with Weinke throwing only seven passes.
The 6-foot-3 Carr may have had other opportunities to start with other teams, but Hurney insisted Carr will back up Delhomme, who struggled last season as the Panthers finished disappointing 8-8.
"We made it clear and he knows that Jake Delhomme is our starting quarterback," Hurney said. "I think it was important for him to come to a winning organization and a place where he thinks has a chance to win. He knows that Jake is our starter. Every player wants to play, but he knows the role he's coming into."
The move means the Panthers now have the top two picks from the 2002 draft. Carolina selected defensive end Julius Peppers with No. 2 pick.
Carr's signing is the biggest move the Panthers have made so far in free agency. Hurney has said they were content with 21 of 22 starters returning next season.
By MIKE CRANSTON, AP Sports Writer
A month after he was released by the Houston Texans ,David Carr agreed Friday to a two-year deal to play for the Carolina Panthers .
Carr, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft, will serve as Jake Delhomme 's backup.
"It's a case where we were obviously looking for someone to come in back up Jake and the opportunity to get a quarterback the caliber of David in free agency is unique," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. "We thought it was a good situation and a good opportunity for us."
Carr was a five-year starter for the expansion Texans. He completed 60 percent of his passes, but threw 65 interceptions and was sacked 249 times. Carr completed a career-high 68.3 percent of his passes last season, but was released by the Texans after they obtained Matt Schaub in a trade from Atlanta and anointed him as their starting quarterback.
The Panthers believe Carr's troubles stemmed from Houston's poor offensive line, and tried to sign him during his visit with the team early in the week. Carr left without a contract and visited Seattle, while Carolina brought in former Miami quarterback Joey Harrington for a visit.
But on Thursday Carr decided he wanted to sign with Carolina, and the two sides reached a deal over the phone early Friday morning, ending a nervous period for Hurney.
"He met everybody and met Jake and I think he felt comfortable," Hurney said. "You never know what happens when he leaves without a contract. But we felt good about him I think he felt good about us and he made the decision to come here."
The Panthers were looking for an experienced quarterback to back up Delhomme after releasing Chris Weinke last month. Weinke struggled in a relief role in three games last season when Delhomme had a sprained thumb, throwing two touchdown passes and four interceptions. The Panthers went 1-2 in those three games and the lone game they won came with Weinke throwing only seven passes.
The 6-foot-3 Carr may have had other opportunities to start with other teams, but Hurney insisted Carr will back up Delhomme, who struggled last season as the Panthers finished disappointing 8-8.
"We made it clear and he knows that Jake Delhomme is our starting quarterback," Hurney said. "I think it was important for him to come to a winning organization and a place where he thinks has a chance to win. He knows that Jake is our starter. Every player wants to play, but he knows the role he's coming into."
The move means the Panthers now have the top two picks from the 2002 draft. Carolina selected defensive end Julius Peppers with No. 2 pick.
Carr's signing is the biggest move the Panthers have made so far in free agency. Hurney has said they were content with 21 of 22 starters returning next season.
Player Council will advise Goodell
Player Council Formed to Advise Goodell
By Associated Press
NEW YORK -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has established a six-member council of veteran players to advise him on a variety of issues, including player conduct.
Most of the players named to the council, which includes players union president Troy Vincent, met this week with Goodell on the same day the commissioner heard from Adam "Pacman" Jones of Tennessee and Chris Henry of Cincinnati to discuss their off-field problems. He is expected to announce disciplinary action next week.
It will meet regularly with Goodell and Gene Upshaw, the executive director of the NFL Players Association to talk about a variety of issues, including player safety, health issues and competition.
"It is important that we know the perspective of players on issues that impact our game and our league," Goodell said in a statement issued by the league.
"We all share the same goal of improving the NFL in every way we can. Veteran leadership is critically important for our teams in many areas. These outstanding veterans can help the entire league just as they help their teams."
The group includes Vincent, currently a free agent, along with safety Donovin Darius of Jacksonville; fullback Tony Richardson of Minnesota; center Jeff Saturday of Indianapolis; linebacker Takeo Spikes of Philadelphia and wide receiver James Thrash of Washington.
The establishment of the council is consistent with the way Goodell has worked since taking over from Paul Tagliabue last September. He spent the early part of his tenure visiting teams and talking with owners, officials and players to get a feel for the league.
"This is the first time in NFL history that a commissioner has used a group of current players in an advisory capacity," Upshaw said. "The players are a great resource for our game and this is a direct way of getting their input. This is a good example of how the new commissioner is leading through strong communication. We appreciate what he is doing."
By Associated Press
NEW YORK -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has established a six-member council of veteran players to advise him on a variety of issues, including player conduct.
Most of the players named to the council, which includes players union president Troy Vincent, met this week with Goodell on the same day the commissioner heard from Adam "Pacman" Jones of Tennessee and Chris Henry of Cincinnati to discuss their off-field problems. He is expected to announce disciplinary action next week.
It will meet regularly with Goodell and Gene Upshaw, the executive director of the NFL Players Association to talk about a variety of issues, including player safety, health issues and competition.
"It is important that we know the perspective of players on issues that impact our game and our league," Goodell said in a statement issued by the league.
"We all share the same goal of improving the NFL in every way we can. Veteran leadership is critically important for our teams in many areas. These outstanding veterans can help the entire league just as they help their teams."
The group includes Vincent, currently a free agent, along with safety Donovin Darius of Jacksonville; fullback Tony Richardson of Minnesota; center Jeff Saturday of Indianapolis; linebacker Takeo Spikes of Philadelphia and wide receiver James Thrash of Washington.
The establishment of the council is consistent with the way Goodell has worked since taking over from Paul Tagliabue last September. He spent the early part of his tenure visiting teams and talking with owners, officials and players to get a feel for the league.
"This is the first time in NFL history that a commissioner has used a group of current players in an advisory capacity," Upshaw said. "The players are a great resource for our game and this is a direct way of getting their input. This is a good example of how the new commissioner is leading through strong communication. We appreciate what he is doing."
Ricky Williams Applies for Reinstatement
Ricky Williams Applies for Reinstatement
By DAVE GOLDBERG-AP
NEW YORK -- Ricky Williams, the former NFL star who played in Canada last season after being suspended for a year for substance abuse, has applied for reinstatement. Williams' agent, Leigh Steinberg, said the running back, who will turn 30 in May, had sent a letter asking that he be allowed to return to the Miami Dolphins.
The NFL confirmed that Williams had sought reinstatement, for which he will be eligible after April 27, when he will have been suspended for a year. Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene said the team had no comment because Williams is not yet eligible for reinstatement.
Williams, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Texas, was originally drafted by New Orleans when then-coach Mike Ditka gave up all his picks in the 1999 draft to get his rights. He was traded to Miami for two first-round draft picks after the 2001 season and rushed for 1,853 yards for the Dolphins in 2002 and 1,372 the next season.
But he abruptly retired shortly before training camp in 2004, then returned in 2005 to back up rookie Ronnie Brown. Williams rushed for 743 yards and a 4.4 yard average that year.
The suspension, handed down last year by former commissioner Paul Tagliabue, was Williams' fourth.
Williams' previous positive drug tests were for marijuana, which he acknowledged using. The latest test apparently involved a substance other than marijuana and may have been related to his interest in holistic medicine.
Steinberg said Williams has been teaching yoga in California since returning from Canada last December.
"He's told me that his interest in eastern philosophy has overcome his desire for mind-altering substances and has given him another outlet," Steinberg said. "He's in outstanding shape and he hasn't taken a lot of hits for a running back. I think he's still at the top of his game."
During the 2005 season, Williams laughingly described himself as weird and compared his career to a roller coaster. But he also dispelled his reputation as an aloof, selfish pothead, winning praise from teammates and winning the south Florida media's annual postseason Good Guy Award, given to the player most cooperative with reporters.
Williams has gained 7,097 yards in 1,757 carries during his NFL career and rushed for 47 touchdowns.
Last season with Toronto in the CFL, he ran for 526 yards on 109 carries and caught 19 passes for 127 yards. He missed two months because of a broken arm.
By DAVE GOLDBERG-AP
NEW YORK -- Ricky Williams, the former NFL star who played in Canada last season after being suspended for a year for substance abuse, has applied for reinstatement. Williams' agent, Leigh Steinberg, said the running back, who will turn 30 in May, had sent a letter asking that he be allowed to return to the Miami Dolphins.
The NFL confirmed that Williams had sought reinstatement, for which he will be eligible after April 27, when he will have been suspended for a year. Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene said the team had no comment because Williams is not yet eligible for reinstatement.
Williams, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Texas, was originally drafted by New Orleans when then-coach Mike Ditka gave up all his picks in the 1999 draft to get his rights. He was traded to Miami for two first-round draft picks after the 2001 season and rushed for 1,853 yards for the Dolphins in 2002 and 1,372 the next season.
But he abruptly retired shortly before training camp in 2004, then returned in 2005 to back up rookie Ronnie Brown. Williams rushed for 743 yards and a 4.4 yard average that year.
The suspension, handed down last year by former commissioner Paul Tagliabue, was Williams' fourth.
Williams' previous positive drug tests were for marijuana, which he acknowledged using. The latest test apparently involved a substance other than marijuana and may have been related to his interest in holistic medicine.
Steinberg said Williams has been teaching yoga in California since returning from Canada last December.
"He's told me that his interest in eastern philosophy has overcome his desire for mind-altering substances and has given him another outlet," Steinberg said. "He's in outstanding shape and he hasn't taken a lot of hits for a running back. I think he's still at the top of his game."
During the 2005 season, Williams laughingly described himself as weird and compared his career to a roller coaster. But he also dispelled his reputation as an aloof, selfish pothead, winning praise from teammates and winning the south Florida media's annual postseason Good Guy Award, given to the player most cooperative with reporters.
Williams has gained 7,097 yards in 1,757 carries during his NFL career and rushed for 47 touchdowns.
Last season with Toronto in the CFL, he ran for 526 yards on 109 carries and caught 19 passes for 127 yards. He missed two months because of a broken arm.
Rumor: Matt Leinart Not Happy With CAA - Profootballtalk.com
LEINART LOOKING FOR NEW A MARKETING REP
On Friday, USA Today ran a front-page story on the growing power and influence of Creative Artists Agency , which has amassed a host of A-list entertainers and athletes in the past year.
The story fails to point out one potentially relevant fact.
Per a league source, the powerhouse agency is in danger of losing its lock on the marketing dollars to be generated by former USC quarterback Matt Leinart, the 2004 Heisman winner and starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals.
The source tells us that Leinart recently informed CAA of his decision, but that he has not yet hired a new firm. In the interim, CAA is trying hard to keep him.
As the source observed, it could be that CAA is growing too fast without the right people in place to handle the workload.
On Friday, USA Today ran a front-page story on the growing power and influence of Creative Artists Agency , which has amassed a host of A-list entertainers and athletes in the past year.
The story fails to point out one potentially relevant fact.
Per a league source, the powerhouse agency is in danger of losing its lock on the marketing dollars to be generated by former USC quarterback Matt Leinart, the 2004 Heisman winner and starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals.
The source tells us that Leinart recently informed CAA of his decision, but that he has not yet hired a new firm. In the interim, CAA is trying hard to keep him.
As the source observed, it could be that CAA is growing too fast without the right people in place to handle the workload.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Oakland Raiders Seek To Reopen NFL Lawsuit - My Take
Raiders seek to reinstate $1.2 billion suit against NFL
Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
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(04-03) 12:08 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- The Oakland Raiders will be looking to snap a legal losing streak Wednesday when they ask the state Supreme Court to reinstate a $1.2 billion suit that accuses the National Football League of forcing the team out of Los Angeles in 1995 by sabotaging plans for a new stadium.
The court's ruling, due in 90 days, isn't likely to affect the team's location -- its lease in Oakland runs through 2011, and the Raiders and the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority have expressed interest in negotiating an extension.
But the verdict could resolve Raider headman Al Davis' long-standing claim that his plans to keep the team in the larger and more lucrative Southern California market were undermined by league officials' ill-will toward him.
The Raiders moved from Oakland to Los Angeles in 1982 after winning an antitrust suit against the NFL, which opposed the shift. They returned to Oakland in 1995 after trying to relocate from the cavernous Los Angeles Coliseum to a planned new stadium at Hollywood Park in suburban Inglewood, which was never built.
A separate legal dispute with Oakland authorities began two years later, when city and county officials accused the team of trying to break its lease and the Raiders countersued for fraud, claiming they had been misled about advance ticket sales.
The Raiders sought $833 million in that suit, but a Sacramento jury awarded them only $34.2 million, and a state appeals court wiped out those damages in November. The court said the team had waived its right to sue when it negotiated a new contract with the Oakland Coliseum in 1996 after learning the truth about slow ticket sales.
In the case to be heard by the high court Wednesday in Los Angeles, the Raiders claimed that the NFL caused the Hollywood Park negotiations to fail by insisting on unacceptable conditions, including a requirement that the Raiders share the stadium with another team.
The lawsuit sought $500 million in damages for the failure of the stadium deal and $700 million for the right to put a new team in Los Angeles, which has not had an NFL franchise since 1995.
After a 10-week trial, which included five days of testimony by Davis, a Los Angeles jury issued a 9-3 verdict in 2001 finding no wrongdoing by the NFL. But Superior Court Judge Richard Hubbell granted the Raiders a new trial in 2002, finding jury misconduct.
According to juror declarations submitted by the Raiders, one panel member said during deliberations that he hated Davis and the team, and would never award them damages, because he once lost a bet on them. Another juror, a lawyer, told her fellow panelists about the legal rules they had to follow in a way that differed from the judge's instructions, the Raiders said.
The first juror said in a declaration that he had only been joking to ease tensions in the jury room, and the second juror denied giving legal instructions to others. Hubbell did not specify which actions were misconduct.
His ruling was overturned in June 2005 by a state appeals court, which said the Raiders had failed to show that either juror did anything wrong. The court quoted several jurors as saying they had never heard any expression of bias from the juror who supposedly hated the Raiders. The second juror's denials were supported by other jury members, the court said.
"When faced with such conflicting evidence, courts generally deny motions for a new trial,'' because the losing side in the case has the burden of proving that the jury verdict should be set aside, the three-judge panel said.
But the Raiders' lawyers said conflicts in the evidence must be resolved by the trial judge rather than by an appellate court, which reviewed only a written record.
"There is substantial evidence of egregious and prejudicial juror misconduct,'' the team's attorneys said in written arguments to the state Supreme Court. They said only Hubbell, the trial judge, could determine who was telling the truth -- the juror who said he was joking about hating the Raiders, or other jurors who said it didn't appear to be a joke.
Lawyers for the NFL countered that Hubbell's failure to specify the juror misconduct prevented any meaningful review of his ruling by a higher court and justified the appellate panel's reinstatement of the jury verdict. The Raiders' lawyers replied that the high court, if it has any doubts, should return the case to Hubbell to clarify his ruling.
The case is Oakland Raiders vs. National Football League, S132814.
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Me:
With all due respect to Mr. Davis, he's misguided on this.
The basic problem is that the documents show Mr. Davis tried to play both sides -- NFL and Oakland -- in a way that he got the stadium he desired.
It's well-known amoung those like me who were first covering the issue and later -- in my case -- involved in it, that Mr. Davis stalled signing the Oakland agreement to see if he could get a better deal at Hollywood Park.
I do wish the organization wasn't so populated with "yes" people, as they're not countering the perceptions Mr. Davis is coming up with.
I understand he hates to lose, but the Raiders made a TON of tactical errors in this case, and didn't gain my support as some of the people were trying to undermine our Super Bowl - Oakland effort.
Attacking the NFL just reopens that case, BUT now with a twist -- they lost to Oakland. The Raiders tried to tie them together at first, but that did not work at all. In other words, we sue the NFL for tampering with our Oakland move, then sue Oakland for not giving us all we believed we were getting.
But now, Oakland's given them what they wanted, and because of that it was clear the NFL was not tampering, but the Raiders were creating the climate for things to look that way.
Not right at all.
Now, Mr. Davis wants to unravel all of that, and have egg on the face of the team yet again.
All I can say is his evidence better be water-tight this time.
I seriously doubt it is.
Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
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(04-03) 12:08 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- The Oakland Raiders will be looking to snap a legal losing streak Wednesday when they ask the state Supreme Court to reinstate a $1.2 billion suit that accuses the National Football League of forcing the team out of Los Angeles in 1995 by sabotaging plans for a new stadium.
The court's ruling, due in 90 days, isn't likely to affect the team's location -- its lease in Oakland runs through 2011, and the Raiders and the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority have expressed interest in negotiating an extension.
But the verdict could resolve Raider headman Al Davis' long-standing claim that his plans to keep the team in the larger and more lucrative Southern California market were undermined by league officials' ill-will toward him.
The Raiders moved from Oakland to Los Angeles in 1982 after winning an antitrust suit against the NFL, which opposed the shift. They returned to Oakland in 1995 after trying to relocate from the cavernous Los Angeles Coliseum to a planned new stadium at Hollywood Park in suburban Inglewood, which was never built.
A separate legal dispute with Oakland authorities began two years later, when city and county officials accused the team of trying to break its lease and the Raiders countersued for fraud, claiming they had been misled about advance ticket sales.
The Raiders sought $833 million in that suit, but a Sacramento jury awarded them only $34.2 million, and a state appeals court wiped out those damages in November. The court said the team had waived its right to sue when it negotiated a new contract with the Oakland Coliseum in 1996 after learning the truth about slow ticket sales.
In the case to be heard by the high court Wednesday in Los Angeles, the Raiders claimed that the NFL caused the Hollywood Park negotiations to fail by insisting on unacceptable conditions, including a requirement that the Raiders share the stadium with another team.
The lawsuit sought $500 million in damages for the failure of the stadium deal and $700 million for the right to put a new team in Los Angeles, which has not had an NFL franchise since 1995.
After a 10-week trial, which included five days of testimony by Davis, a Los Angeles jury issued a 9-3 verdict in 2001 finding no wrongdoing by the NFL. But Superior Court Judge Richard Hubbell granted the Raiders a new trial in 2002, finding jury misconduct.
According to juror declarations submitted by the Raiders, one panel member said during deliberations that he hated Davis and the team, and would never award them damages, because he once lost a bet on them. Another juror, a lawyer, told her fellow panelists about the legal rules they had to follow in a way that differed from the judge's instructions, the Raiders said.
The first juror said in a declaration that he had only been joking to ease tensions in the jury room, and the second juror denied giving legal instructions to others. Hubbell did not specify which actions were misconduct.
His ruling was overturned in June 2005 by a state appeals court, which said the Raiders had failed to show that either juror did anything wrong. The court quoted several jurors as saying they had never heard any expression of bias from the juror who supposedly hated the Raiders. The second juror's denials were supported by other jury members, the court said.
"When faced with such conflicting evidence, courts generally deny motions for a new trial,'' because the losing side in the case has the burden of proving that the jury verdict should be set aside, the three-judge panel said.
But the Raiders' lawyers said conflicts in the evidence must be resolved by the trial judge rather than by an appellate court, which reviewed only a written record.
"There is substantial evidence of egregious and prejudicial juror misconduct,'' the team's attorneys said in written arguments to the state Supreme Court. They said only Hubbell, the trial judge, could determine who was telling the truth -- the juror who said he was joking about hating the Raiders, or other jurors who said it didn't appear to be a joke.
Lawyers for the NFL countered that Hubbell's failure to specify the juror misconduct prevented any meaningful review of his ruling by a higher court and justified the appellate panel's reinstatement of the jury verdict. The Raiders' lawyers replied that the high court, if it has any doubts, should return the case to Hubbell to clarify his ruling.
The case is Oakland Raiders vs. National Football League, S132814.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Me:
With all due respect to Mr. Davis, he's misguided on this.
The basic problem is that the documents show Mr. Davis tried to play both sides -- NFL and Oakland -- in a way that he got the stadium he desired.
It's well-known amoung those like me who were first covering the issue and later -- in my case -- involved in it, that Mr. Davis stalled signing the Oakland agreement to see if he could get a better deal at Hollywood Park.
I do wish the organization wasn't so populated with "yes" people, as they're not countering the perceptions Mr. Davis is coming up with.
I understand he hates to lose, but the Raiders made a TON of tactical errors in this case, and didn't gain my support as some of the people were trying to undermine our Super Bowl - Oakland effort.
Attacking the NFL just reopens that case, BUT now with a twist -- they lost to Oakland. The Raiders tried to tie them together at first, but that did not work at all. In other words, we sue the NFL for tampering with our Oakland move, then sue Oakland for not giving us all we believed we were getting.
But now, Oakland's given them what they wanted, and because of that it was clear the NFL was not tampering, but the Raiders were creating the climate for things to look that way.
Not right at all.
Now, Mr. Davis wants to unravel all of that, and have egg on the face of the team yet again.
All I can say is his evidence better be water-tight this time.
I seriously doubt it is.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Goodell Meets with Jones, Henry, Union Leaders
Jones, Henry, union leaders all meet with NFL chief
By DAVE GOLDBERG, AP Football Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and league officials met with Adam "Pacman" Jones Tuesday as the Tennessee Titans' cornerback attempted to avoid a long suspension following a series of arrests.
Goodell and his staff also met with Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Henry and members of the NFL Players Association executive board as he prepared a tougher policy on NFL players who violate the law.
Goodell has said he will announce his decision on suspensions or other disciplinary action before the draft on April 28 and perhaps in the next 10 days.
The NFL had no comment and lawyers for the players had no immediate response. The meeting with the players was held away from the NFL offices where six television cameras stationed themselves with no one to interview.
The Titans couldn't add much either Tuesday night.
"We have not heard anything from the NFL office," Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt said.
Goodell also met with Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFLPA and other union officials as he tried to get a consensus for his policy. Upshaw also has been critical of player misbehavior.
Henry is one of nine Bengals who were arrested last season, leading to calls for a crackdown on player behavior. But Jones has become the focus for Goodell, who took over as commissioner in September and has been preoccupied by the issue almost from the start of his tenure.
"It went pretty good, to have the chance to meet the commissioner face to face," Henry told The Cincinnati Enquirer. "I just wanted to explain my situation to the commissioner and move on. I told him I was learning from my mistakes and how to handle myself in a better manner."
Since being drafted in April 2005, Jones has been arrested five times and questioned by police in 10 episodes. Last week, Las Vegas police recommended he be charged with a felony and two misdemeanors for his role in a Feb. 19 strip club fight that led to a triple shooting.
His lawyer, Manny Arora, did not return calls or e-mails from The Associated Press. However, he told the Nashville Tennessean on Monday: "I fully expect him to be part of that team when the season kicks off in September.
However, Jones' former agent, Gary Wichard, told the AP that he thinks Goodell could be hard on Jones. "In the commissioner's mind, he's trying to make a statement because the league needs this," Wichard said.
That seems to be the general consensus around the NFL -- that the problems have gone too far. Henry, Jones' teammate at West Virginia, was suspended by Goodell for two games last season and could face more discipline after serving two days in a Kentucky jail for letting minors drink in a hotel room he had rented.
AP Sports Writer Teresa Walker in Nashville contributed to this story.
By DAVE GOLDBERG, AP Football Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and league officials met with Adam "Pacman" Jones Tuesday as the Tennessee Titans' cornerback attempted to avoid a long suspension following a series of arrests.
Goodell and his staff also met with Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Henry and members of the NFL Players Association executive board as he prepared a tougher policy on NFL players who violate the law.
Goodell has said he will announce his decision on suspensions or other disciplinary action before the draft on April 28 and perhaps in the next 10 days.
The NFL had no comment and lawyers for the players had no immediate response. The meeting with the players was held away from the NFL offices where six television cameras stationed themselves with no one to interview.
The Titans couldn't add much either Tuesday night.
"We have not heard anything from the NFL office," Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt said.
Goodell also met with Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFLPA and other union officials as he tried to get a consensus for his policy. Upshaw also has been critical of player misbehavior.
Henry is one of nine Bengals who were arrested last season, leading to calls for a crackdown on player behavior. But Jones has become the focus for Goodell, who took over as commissioner in September and has been preoccupied by the issue almost from the start of his tenure.
"It went pretty good, to have the chance to meet the commissioner face to face," Henry told The Cincinnati Enquirer. "I just wanted to explain my situation to the commissioner and move on. I told him I was learning from my mistakes and how to handle myself in a better manner."
Since being drafted in April 2005, Jones has been arrested five times and questioned by police in 10 episodes. Last week, Las Vegas police recommended he be charged with a felony and two misdemeanors for his role in a Feb. 19 strip club fight that led to a triple shooting.
His lawyer, Manny Arora, did not return calls or e-mails from The Associated Press. However, he told the Nashville Tennessean on Monday: "I fully expect him to be part of that team when the season kicks off in September.
However, Jones' former agent, Gary Wichard, told the AP that he thinks Goodell could be hard on Jones. "In the commissioner's mind, he's trying to make a statement because the league needs this," Wichard said.
That seems to be the general consensus around the NFL -- that the problems have gone too far. Henry, Jones' teammate at West Virginia, was suspended by Goodell for two games last season and could face more discipline after serving two days in a Kentucky jail for letting minors drink in a hotel room he had rented.
AP Sports Writer Teresa Walker in Nashville contributed to this story.
NFL INTERNATIONAL TO FOCUS ON LONDON 2007: CHINA PRESEASON GAME RESCHEDULED FOR 2009 CHINA PRESEASON GAME RESCHEDULED FOR 2009
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
(212) 450-2000 * FAX (212) 681-7573
WWW.NFLMedia.com
Joe Browne, Executive Vice President-Communications
Greg Aiello, Vice President-Public Relations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/2/07
NFL INTERNATIONAL TO FOCUS ON LONDON 2007:
CHINA PRESEASON GAME RESCHEDULED FOR 2009
The NFL has determined that it will focus its global resources this year on its first overseas regular-season game --
to be held on October 28 in London, England, with the Miami Dolphins hosting the New York Giants.
The American Bowl preseason game in China, originally set for August 9 in Beijing between the New England
Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, will be rescheduled. Working in partnership with the Beijing municipal authorities,
the NFL will plan to play a game at the National Stadium of Beijing in August of 2009.
“The regular-season game initiative was approved by NFL ownership after we announced the China Bowl.
Therefore, we will focus this year’s efforts on the regular-season game,” commented MARK WALLER, senior vice
president of NFL International.
“Our assessment is that Chinese fans would be better served if our game in China is played at a later date after we
have launched our international series of regular-season games and more effectively paved the way for the
introduction of our game into China,” added Waller. “As a new sport in China, it is critical that we create the best
platform for the introduction of the game. We are delighted Beijing authorities have agreed with our assessment
and have invited us to play in Beijing in 2009.”
NFL International is presently establishing an office in Beijing and will partner with the city to build fan interest in
American football prior to the 2009 flagship event.
# # #
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
(212) 450-2000 * FAX (212) 681-7573
WWW.NFLMedia.com
Joe Browne, Executive Vice President-Communications
Greg Aiello, Vice President-Public Relations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/2/07
NFL INTERNATIONAL TO FOCUS ON LONDON 2007:
CHINA PRESEASON GAME RESCHEDULED FOR 2009
The NFL has determined that it will focus its global resources this year on its first overseas regular-season game --
to be held on October 28 in London, England, with the Miami Dolphins hosting the New York Giants.
The American Bowl preseason game in China, originally set for August 9 in Beijing between the New England
Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, will be rescheduled. Working in partnership with the Beijing municipal authorities,
the NFL will plan to play a game at the National Stadium of Beijing in August of 2009.
“The regular-season game initiative was approved by NFL ownership after we announced the China Bowl.
Therefore, we will focus this year’s efforts on the regular-season game,” commented MARK WALLER, senior vice
president of NFL International.
“Our assessment is that Chinese fans would be better served if our game in China is played at a later date after we
have launched our international series of regular-season games and more effectively paved the way for the
introduction of our game into China,” added Waller. “As a new sport in China, it is critical that we create the best
platform for the introduction of the game. We are delighted Beijing authorities have agreed with our assessment
and have invited us to play in Beijing in 2009.”
NFL International is presently establishing an office in Beijing and will partner with the city to build fan interest in
American football prior to the 2009 flagship event.
# # #
NFL - PRESEASON NATIONAL TV SCHEDULE FEATURES ALL PLAYOFF TEAMS & SUPER BOWL XLI REMATCH
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
(212) 450-2000 * FAX (212) 681-7573
WWW.NFLMedia.com
Joe Browne, Executive Vice President-Communications
Greg Aiello, Vice President-Public Relations
FOR USE AS DESIRED
4/2/07
PRESEASON NATIONAL TV SCHEDULE FEATURES
ALL PLAYOFF TEAMS & SUPER BOWL XLI REMATCH
It kicks off in Canton, Ohio...showcases every 2006 playoff team...and includes a rematch of Super Bowl XLI.
Those are among the highlights of a 15-game national television preseason schedule that was announced today by the
NFL, along with the complete list of 2007 preseason matchups.
The preseason begins on Sunday night, August 5 with the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio when
the New Orleans Saints face the Pittsburgh Steelers on NFL Network at 8:00 PM ET. The Saints marched to a division
title and advanced to the NFC Championship Game last season, led by AP Coach of the Year SEAN PAYTON and Pro
Bowl quarterback DREW BREES. The Steelers enter the 2007 season under the guidance of MIKE TOMLIN, who will
make his head-coaching debut in Canton.
On Monday night, August 20, the Chicago Bears visit the Indianapolis Colts in a rematch of Super Bowl XLI on ESPN
(8:00 PM ET). It will mark the first home game for the Super Bowl champion Colts since defeating the Bears on February
4 in South Florida.
Following is the 2007 NFL preseason national television schedule:
2007 NFL PRESEASON NATIONAL TELEVISION SCHEDULE
(All times Eastern)
DATE GAME NETWORK (TIME)
Sunday, August 5 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, Canton, OH:
New Orleans vs. Pittsburgh NFLN (8:00 PM)
Preseason Week 1 (August 9-13)
Thursday, August 9 Indianapolis at Dallas FOX (8:00 PM)
Friday, August 10 Buffalo at New Orleans CBS (8:00 PM)
Saturday, August 11 Washington at Tennessee NFLN (8:00 PM)
Sunday, August 12 Seattle at San Diego NBC (8:00 PM)
Monday, August 13 Denver at San Francisco ESPN (8:00 PM)
Preseason Week 2 (August 16-20)
Thursday, August 16 Miami at Kansas City ESPN (8:00 PM)
Friday, August 17 Minnesota at New York Jets FOX (8:00 PM)
Saturday, August 18 San Diego at St. Louis CBS (8:00 PM)
Sunday, August 19 New York Giants at Baltimore NBC (8:00 PM)
Monday, August 20 Chicago at Indianapolis ESPN (8:00 PM)
Preseason Week 3 (August 23-27)
Thursday, August 23 Jacksonville at Green Bay FOX (8:00 PM)
Friday, August 24 New England at Carolina CBS (8:00 PM)
Sunday, August 26 Philadelphia at Pittsburgh NBC (8:00 PM)
Monday, August 27 Cincinnati at Atlanta ESPN (8:00 PM)
2007 PRESEASON WEEK-BY-WEEK SCHEDULE
HALL OF FAME GAME – AUGUST 5
New Orleans vs. Pittsburgh (NFLN)
WEEK 1 – AUGUST 9-13
Indianapolis at Dallas (FOX, 8/9)
Buffalo at New Orleans (CBS, 8/10)
Washington at Tennessee (NFLN, 8/11)
Seattle at San Diego (NBC, 8/12)
Denver at San Francisco (ESPN, 8/13)
Arizona at Oakland
Atlanta at New York Jets
Carolina at New York Giants
Chicago at Houston
Cincinnati at Detroit
Green Bay at Pittsburgh
Jacksonville at Miami
Kansas City at Cleveland
New England at Tampa Bay
Philadelphia at Baltimore
St. Louis at Minnesota
WEEK 2 – AUGUST 16-20
Miami at Kansas City (ESPN, 8/16)
Minnesota at New York Jets (FOX, 8/17)
San Diego at St. Louis (CBS, 8/18)
New York Giants at Baltimore (NBC, 8/19)
Chicago at Indianapolis (ESPN, 8/20)
Atlanta at Buffalo
Carolina at Philadelphia
Denver at Dallas
Detroit at Cleveland
Houston at Arizona
New Orleans at Cincinnati
Oakland at San Francisco
Pittsburgh at Washington
Seattle at Green Bay
Tampa Bay at Jacksonville
Tennessee at New England
WEEK 3 – AUGUST 23-27
Jacksonville at Green Bay (FOX, 8/23)
New England at Carolina (CBS, 8/24)
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (NBC, 8/26)
Cincinnati at Atlanta (ESPN, 8/27)
Baltimore at Washington
Cleveland at Denver
Dallas at Houston
Detroit at Indianapolis
Minnesota at Seattle
New Orleans at Kansas City
New York Jets at New York Giants
St. Louis at Oakland
San Francisco at Chicago
San Diego at Arizona
Tennessee at Buffalo
Tampa Bay at Miami
WEEK 4 – AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 2
Arizona at Denver
Baltimore at Atlanta
Buffalo at Detroit
Cleveland at Chicago
Dallas at Minnesota
Green Bay at Tennessee
Houston at Tampa Bay
Indianapolis at Cincinnati
Pittsburgh at Carolina
Kansas City at St. Louis
Miami at New Orleans
New York Giants at New England
New York Jets at Philadelphia
Oakland at Seattle
San Francisco at San Diego
Washington at Jacksonville
2007 PRESEASON TEAM-BY-TEAM SCHEDULE
AFC
Buffalo Miami New England New York Jets
at New Orleans (CBS) Jacksonville at Tampa Bay Atlanta
Atlanta at Kansas City (ESPN) Tennessee Minnesota (FOX)
Tennessee Tampa Bay at Carolina (CBS) at NY Giants
at Detroit at New Orleans NY Giants at Philadelphia
Baltimore Cincinnati Cleveland Pittsburgh
Philadelphia at Detroit Kansas City vs. New Orleans* (NFLN)
NY Giants (NBC) New Orleans Detroit Green Bay
at Washington at Atlanta (ESPN) at Denver at Washington
at Atlanta Indianapolis at Chicago Philadelphia (NBC)
at Carolina
Houston Indianapolis Jacksonville Tennessee
Chicago at Dallas (FOX) at Miami Washington (NFLN)
at Arizona Chicago (ESPN) Tampa Bay at New England
Dallas Detroit at Green Bay (FOX) at Buffalo
At Tampa Bay at Cincinnati Washington Green Bay
Denver Kansas City Oakland San Diego
at San Francisco (ESPN) at Cleveland Arizona Seattle (NBC)
at Dallas Miami (ESPN) at San Francisco at St. Louis (CBS)
Cleveland New Orleans St. Louis at Arizona
Arizona at St. Louis at Seattle San Francisco
NFC
Dallas New York Giants Philadelphia Washington
Indianapolis (FOX) Carolina at Baltimore at Tennessee (NFLN)
Denver at Baltimore (NBC) Carolina Pittsburgh
at Houston NY Jets at Pittsburgh (NBC) Baltimore
at Minnesota at New England NY Jets at Jacksonville
Chicago Detroit Green Bay Minnesota
at Houston Cincinnati at Pittsburgh St. Louis
at Indianapolis (ESPN) at Cleveland Seattle at NY Jets (FOX)
San Francisco at Indianapolis Jacksonville (FOX) at Seattle
Cleveland Buffalo at Tennessee Dallas
Atlanta Carolina New Orleans Tampa Bay
at NY Jets at NY Giants vs. Pittsburgh* (NFLN) New England
at Buffalo at Philadelphia Buffalo (CBS) at Jacksonville
Cincinnati (ESPN) New England (CBS) at Cincinnati at Miami
Baltimore Pittsburgh at Kansas City Houston
Miami
Arizona St. Louis San Francisco Seattle
at Oakland at Minnesota Denver (ESPN) at San Diego (NBC)
Houston San Diego (CBS) Oakland at Green Bay
San Diego at Oakland at Chicago Minnesota
at Denver Kansas City at San Diego Oakland
*Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
(212) 450-2000 * FAX (212) 681-7573
WWW.NFLMedia.com
Joe Browne, Executive Vice President-Communications
Greg Aiello, Vice President-Public Relations
FOR USE AS DESIRED
4/2/07
PRESEASON NATIONAL TV SCHEDULE FEATURES
ALL PLAYOFF TEAMS & SUPER BOWL XLI REMATCH
It kicks off in Canton, Ohio...showcases every 2006 playoff team...and includes a rematch of Super Bowl XLI.
Those are among the highlights of a 15-game national television preseason schedule that was announced today by the
NFL, along with the complete list of 2007 preseason matchups.
The preseason begins on Sunday night, August 5 with the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio when
the New Orleans Saints face the Pittsburgh Steelers on NFL Network at 8:00 PM ET. The Saints marched to a division
title and advanced to the NFC Championship Game last season, led by AP Coach of the Year SEAN PAYTON and Pro
Bowl quarterback DREW BREES. The Steelers enter the 2007 season under the guidance of MIKE TOMLIN, who will
make his head-coaching debut in Canton.
On Monday night, August 20, the Chicago Bears visit the Indianapolis Colts in a rematch of Super Bowl XLI on ESPN
(8:00 PM ET). It will mark the first home game for the Super Bowl champion Colts since defeating the Bears on February
4 in South Florida.
Following is the 2007 NFL preseason national television schedule:
2007 NFL PRESEASON NATIONAL TELEVISION SCHEDULE
(All times Eastern)
DATE GAME NETWORK (TIME)
Sunday, August 5 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, Canton, OH:
New Orleans vs. Pittsburgh NFLN (8:00 PM)
Preseason Week 1 (August 9-13)
Thursday, August 9 Indianapolis at Dallas FOX (8:00 PM)
Friday, August 10 Buffalo at New Orleans CBS (8:00 PM)
Saturday, August 11 Washington at Tennessee NFLN (8:00 PM)
Sunday, August 12 Seattle at San Diego NBC (8:00 PM)
Monday, August 13 Denver at San Francisco ESPN (8:00 PM)
Preseason Week 2 (August 16-20)
Thursday, August 16 Miami at Kansas City ESPN (8:00 PM)
Friday, August 17 Minnesota at New York Jets FOX (8:00 PM)
Saturday, August 18 San Diego at St. Louis CBS (8:00 PM)
Sunday, August 19 New York Giants at Baltimore NBC (8:00 PM)
Monday, August 20 Chicago at Indianapolis ESPN (8:00 PM)
Preseason Week 3 (August 23-27)
Thursday, August 23 Jacksonville at Green Bay FOX (8:00 PM)
Friday, August 24 New England at Carolina CBS (8:00 PM)
Sunday, August 26 Philadelphia at Pittsburgh NBC (8:00 PM)
Monday, August 27 Cincinnati at Atlanta ESPN (8:00 PM)
2007 PRESEASON WEEK-BY-WEEK SCHEDULE
HALL OF FAME GAME – AUGUST 5
New Orleans vs. Pittsburgh (NFLN)
WEEK 1 – AUGUST 9-13
Indianapolis at Dallas (FOX, 8/9)
Buffalo at New Orleans (CBS, 8/10)
Washington at Tennessee (NFLN, 8/11)
Seattle at San Diego (NBC, 8/12)
Denver at San Francisco (ESPN, 8/13)
Arizona at Oakland
Atlanta at New York Jets
Carolina at New York Giants
Chicago at Houston
Cincinnati at Detroit
Green Bay at Pittsburgh
Jacksonville at Miami
Kansas City at Cleveland
New England at Tampa Bay
Philadelphia at Baltimore
St. Louis at Minnesota
WEEK 2 – AUGUST 16-20
Miami at Kansas City (ESPN, 8/16)
Minnesota at New York Jets (FOX, 8/17)
San Diego at St. Louis (CBS, 8/18)
New York Giants at Baltimore (NBC, 8/19)
Chicago at Indianapolis (ESPN, 8/20)
Atlanta at Buffalo
Carolina at Philadelphia
Denver at Dallas
Detroit at Cleveland
Houston at Arizona
New Orleans at Cincinnati
Oakland at San Francisco
Pittsburgh at Washington
Seattle at Green Bay
Tampa Bay at Jacksonville
Tennessee at New England
WEEK 3 – AUGUST 23-27
Jacksonville at Green Bay (FOX, 8/23)
New England at Carolina (CBS, 8/24)
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (NBC, 8/26)
Cincinnati at Atlanta (ESPN, 8/27)
Baltimore at Washington
Cleveland at Denver
Dallas at Houston
Detroit at Indianapolis
Minnesota at Seattle
New Orleans at Kansas City
New York Jets at New York Giants
St. Louis at Oakland
San Francisco at Chicago
San Diego at Arizona
Tennessee at Buffalo
Tampa Bay at Miami
WEEK 4 – AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 2
Arizona at Denver
Baltimore at Atlanta
Buffalo at Detroit
Cleveland at Chicago
Dallas at Minnesota
Green Bay at Tennessee
Houston at Tampa Bay
Indianapolis at Cincinnati
Pittsburgh at Carolina
Kansas City at St. Louis
Miami at New Orleans
New York Giants at New England
New York Jets at Philadelphia
Oakland at Seattle
San Francisco at San Diego
Washington at Jacksonville
2007 PRESEASON TEAM-BY-TEAM SCHEDULE
AFC
Buffalo Miami New England New York Jets
at New Orleans (CBS) Jacksonville at Tampa Bay Atlanta
Atlanta at Kansas City (ESPN) Tennessee Minnesota (FOX)
Tennessee Tampa Bay at Carolina (CBS) at NY Giants
at Detroit at New Orleans NY Giants at Philadelphia
Baltimore Cincinnati Cleveland Pittsburgh
Philadelphia at Detroit Kansas City vs. New Orleans* (NFLN)
NY Giants (NBC) New Orleans Detroit Green Bay
at Washington at Atlanta (ESPN) at Denver at Washington
at Atlanta Indianapolis at Chicago Philadelphia (NBC)
at Carolina
Houston Indianapolis Jacksonville Tennessee
Chicago at Dallas (FOX) at Miami Washington (NFLN)
at Arizona Chicago (ESPN) Tampa Bay at New England
Dallas Detroit at Green Bay (FOX) at Buffalo
At Tampa Bay at Cincinnati Washington Green Bay
Denver Kansas City Oakland San Diego
at San Francisco (ESPN) at Cleveland Arizona Seattle (NBC)
at Dallas Miami (ESPN) at San Francisco at St. Louis (CBS)
Cleveland New Orleans St. Louis at Arizona
Arizona at St. Louis at Seattle San Francisco
NFC
Dallas New York Giants Philadelphia Washington
Indianapolis (FOX) Carolina at Baltimore at Tennessee (NFLN)
Denver at Baltimore (NBC) Carolina Pittsburgh
at Houston NY Jets at Pittsburgh (NBC) Baltimore
at Minnesota at New England NY Jets at Jacksonville
Chicago Detroit Green Bay Minnesota
at Houston Cincinnati at Pittsburgh St. Louis
at Indianapolis (ESPN) at Cleveland Seattle at NY Jets (FOX)
San Francisco at Indianapolis Jacksonville (FOX) at Seattle
Cleveland Buffalo at Tennessee Dallas
Atlanta Carolina New Orleans Tampa Bay
at NY Jets at NY Giants vs. Pittsburgh* (NFLN) New England
at Buffalo at Philadelphia Buffalo (CBS) at Jacksonville
Cincinnati (ESPN) New England (CBS) at Cincinnati at Miami
Baltimore Pittsburgh at Kansas City Houston
Miami
Arizona St. Louis San Francisco Seattle
at Oakland at Minnesota Denver (ESPN) at San Diego (NBC)
Houston San Diego (CBS) Oakland at Green Bay
San Diego at Oakland at Chicago Minnesota
at Denver Kansas City at San Diego Oakland
*Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio
