Monday, March 03, 2008
Bill Parcells Building Dolphins for 4-3 Not 3-4 - RealFootball.com
Personally, I prefer a hybrib combination defense, but regardless, Dolphins Guru of Rebuilding Bill Parcells is gathering talent suitable for a 4-3 defense and not a 3-4. Let's see if it's enough to help their leaky run defense of last year.
Randy Moss Back With Patriots For 3 years, $27 Million, with $12 Million Signing Bonus
From "Sox And Dawgs" - New England Patriots free agent wide receiver Randy Moss has agreed to terms to return to the Patriots. The contract is 3 years for $27 million, with a $12 million signing bonus. It is not known at this time how much guaranteed money was added in the value of the contract.
Moss came to New England in 2007 on a draft day trade with Oakland for a fourth round draft pick. He played for $3 million plus incentives under a restructured contract in which saw him catch almost 100 balls and set a NFL record with 23 TD catches.
In addition to two seasons in Oakland the five-time Pro-Bowler was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings out of Marshall University in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft.
Moss came to New England in 2007 on a draft day trade with Oakland for a fourth round draft pick. He played for $3 million plus incentives under a restructured contract in which saw him catch almost 100 balls and set a NFL record with 23 TD catches.
In addition to two seasons in Oakland the five-time Pro-Bowler was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings out of Marshall University in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
DE Justin Smith Signs With 49ers
Justin Smith has decided to travel west to San Francisco for the opportunity of greener pastures and a completely fresh start with a rising organization.
The green will be overflowing in abundance for the fourth-pick in the 2001 draft after he agreed to a six-year, $45 million plus contract during the second day of free agency. Smith has been assured $20 million in guaranteed money.
At 6-4 and 275 pounds, Smith will be a valuable addition to a defense that ranked
25th last season en route to a 5-11 record.
The green will be overflowing in abundance for the fourth-pick in the 2001 draft after he agreed to a six-year, $45 million plus contract during the second day of free agency. Smith has been assured $20 million in guaranteed money.
At 6-4 and 275 pounds, Smith will be a valuable addition to a defense that ranked
25th last season en route to a 5-11 record.
Fresh Free Agent Signings Around The League
A plethora of impactful players switched zip codes Friday after agreeing to terms with their new teams.
Safety Gibril Wilson, who was instrumental in the Giants first Super Bowl Victory since 1990, signed a six-year, $39 million deal.
Veteran Issac Bruce, who amassed 14,109 yards and 84 touchdowns in his 14 prolific seasons in the gateway city, secured a two-year, $6 million contract with rival San Francisco. Kick return specialist Allen Rossum signed with the 49ers as well.
Todd Collins, who guided the Redskins to an improbable playoff run last season, re-signed with Washington, agreeing to a three-year, $9 million deal.
Bill Parcells remained highly active in free agency,signing wide receiver Ernest Wilford, trading for the Cowboys nose tackle Jason Ferguson and adding former Raiders quarterback Josh McCown.
Due to the departure of Quinn Gray, the Jaguars signed Dolphins quarterback Cleo Lemon to be their backup. Lemon led Miami to their lone victory last season.
Tampa Bay signed center Jeff Faine after electing to not re-sign John Wade.
Tommy Kelly resigned with the Oakland Raiders earlier this week to a seven-year contract worth more than $50 million. The productive defensive lineman has been assured more than $18 million in guaranteed money.
Safety Gibril Wilson, who was instrumental in the Giants first Super Bowl Victory since 1990, signed a six-year, $39 million deal.
Veteran Issac Bruce, who amassed 14,109 yards and 84 touchdowns in his 14 prolific seasons in the gateway city, secured a two-year, $6 million contract with rival San Francisco. Kick return specialist Allen Rossum signed with the 49ers as well.
Todd Collins, who guided the Redskins to an improbable playoff run last season, re-signed with Washington, agreeing to a three-year, $9 million deal.
Bill Parcells remained highly active in free agency,signing wide receiver Ernest Wilford, trading for the Cowboys nose tackle Jason Ferguson and adding former Raiders quarterback Josh McCown.
Due to the departure of Quinn Gray, the Jaguars signed Dolphins quarterback Cleo Lemon to be their backup. Lemon led Miami to their lone victory last season.
Tampa Bay signed center Jeff Faine after electing to not re-sign John Wade.
Tommy Kelly resigned with the Oakland Raiders earlier this week to a seven-year contract worth more than $50 million. The productive defensive lineman has been assured more than $18 million in guaranteed money.
Rams Jeff Wilkins Retires, Kicker Josh Brown Signs
The same day after 14-year veteran and all-time leading scorer Jeff Wilkins announced his retirement, Josh Brown bolted from the division rival Seahawks to sign with the St.Louis Rams.
Brown agreed to a five-year, $14.2 million contract that includes a $4 signing bonus. Brown's new contract will propel him to the status of highest paid kicker in the league.
During his five seasons in the Northwest, Brown connected on 80% of field goals and 99.6% of extra points. The former Cornhusker has a knack for timely kicks, accumulating four game -winning field goals in 2006, two of which were against his new team.
Undrafted out of Youngstown State in 1994, Wilkins firmly established a name for himself as one of the premier place kickers in NFL history. Since joining the Rams in 1997, Wilkins played in very game except for five in the year 2000. Consistency evolved as the benchmark of Wilkins's career,as he connected on 307 of 375 field goals and 26 that were from 50 yards or greater.
“Throughout my 11 years with the Rams, everybody in the organization has been fantastic - from top to bottom,” Wilkins said. “But retirement is the best for me, my family and the Rams.”
Brown agreed to a five-year, $14.2 million contract that includes a $4 signing bonus. Brown's new contract will propel him to the status of highest paid kicker in the league.
During his five seasons in the Northwest, Brown connected on 80% of field goals and 99.6% of extra points. The former Cornhusker has a knack for timely kicks, accumulating four game -winning field goals in 2006, two of which were against his new team.
Undrafted out of Youngstown State in 1994, Wilkins firmly established a name for himself as one of the premier place kickers in NFL history. Since joining the Rams in 1997, Wilkins played in very game except for five in the year 2000. Consistency evolved as the benchmark of Wilkins's career,as he connected on 307 of 375 field goals and 26 that were from 50 yards or greater.
“Throughout my 11 years with the Rams, everybody in the organization has been fantastic - from top to bottom,” Wilkins said. “But retirement is the best for me, my family and the Rams.”
Friday, February 29, 2008
Derek Anderson Remains With Cleveland Browns
The clock struck 12:01 A.M. Friday morning and Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Anderson was officially a restricted free agent. After weeks of tireless work by Browns executives to keep their primary signal caller, a deal was unable to be accomplished.
Five hours later representatives for Anderson and general manager Phil Savage agreed to a three-year, $24 million contact with $13 million in guaranteed money.
After throwing for a career high 29 touchdowns and 3,787 yards in 16 games for the 10-6 Browns, it was necessary that a deal was consummated as quickly as possible. If Anderson bolted for another team, Cleveland would have received a first and third-round draft pick.
Five hours later representatives for Anderson and general manager Phil Savage agreed to a three-year, $24 million contact with $13 million in guaranteed money.
After throwing for a career high 29 touchdowns and 3,787 yards in 16 games for the 10-6 Browns, it was necessary that a deal was consummated as quickly as possible. If Anderson bolted for another team, Cleveland would have received a first and third-round draft pick.
Porter, Williamson Headed To Jacksonville
In order to provide speed,agility and security for rising quarterback David Garrard, the Jaguars delved into the free agency market by signing Oakland Raiders disgruntled wideout Jerry Porter and acquiring despondent wide receiver Troy Williamson from the Minnesota Vikings.
After spending the first seven years of his career in the Bay Area, Porter was eager for a fresh new start with an established club. In signing a six-year,$30 million contract, Porter is expected to emerge as the Jaguars number one option at wide receiver.
Playing in 16 games last season with an anemic offense, Porter managed to reel in 76 receptions for 942 yards and five touchdowns.
Drafted seventh overall in 2005, Troy Williamson has been a significant disappoint for the Vikings, finding the endzone three times in three seasons.
“We’re giving Troy a chance, an opportunity for him to come down here and rejuvenate himself, have fun, don’t worry about the high expectations that were associated with his selection and his place there,” Del Rio said.
If Williamson is focused and determined to succeed, the Jaguars have an ability to propel to the top of the AFC South.
After spending the first seven years of his career in the Bay Area, Porter was eager for a fresh new start with an established club. In signing a six-year,$30 million contract, Porter is expected to emerge as the Jaguars number one option at wide receiver.
Playing in 16 games last season with an anemic offense, Porter managed to reel in 76 receptions for 942 yards and five touchdowns.
Drafted seventh overall in 2005, Troy Williamson has been a significant disappoint for the Vikings, finding the endzone three times in three seasons.
“We’re giving Troy a chance, an opportunity for him to come down here and rejuvenate himself, have fun, don’t worry about the high expectations that were associated with his selection and his place there,” Del Rio said.
If Williamson is focused and determined to succeed, the Jaguars have an ability to propel to the top of the AFC South.
Free Agent Frenzy Around The NFL
Kris Jenkins, Jonathan Vilma, Shaun Rodgers, Kawika Mitchell, Asante Samuel. These five defensive stalwarts highlight the list of players who took full advantage of the beginning of free agency this morning and will be dawning new uniforms next season.
Jenkins, a three time All-Pro and seven-year veteran, was dealt by the Carolina Panthers to the New York Jets in exchange for draft picks. He promptly signed a new five-year, $35 million contract that is worth $20 million in guaranteed money.
While heralded as the foundation of the Jets 3-4 defense, Jonathan Vilma was unable to acclimate to coach Eric Mangini's system. The totality of the situation was too much for the Jets rising star to adjust to and a shift to the crescent city will do the two-time defensive captain very well. In return for Vilma, New Orleans sends a fourth-round draft pick to New York.
At 340 pounds, overbearing defensive tackle Shaun Rodgers is a force to be reckon with when not inspired. To imagine the impact Rodgers can cement on Cincinnati's porous defense when motivated is very intriguing to Bengals fans now that he's been acquired for a third and fifth-round pick. In 16 games last season, Rodgers compiled 39 tackles, seven sacks and four forced fumbles.
Super Bowl champion linebacker Kawika Mitchell capitalized off of the Giants playoff push by signing a five-year deal worth $17.5 million.
The city of brotherly love will be feeling a lot more joyous this fall when shut down cornerback Asante Samuel takes the field at Lincoln Financial. With two Super Bowl victories to his credit, Samuel has compiled 22 interceptions and 238 tackles in five short seasons. Considered the premier free agent in this year's market, Samuel agreed to a six-year, $54 million contract on the first day of free agency.
Jenkins, a three time All-Pro and seven-year veteran, was dealt by the Carolina Panthers to the New York Jets in exchange for draft picks. He promptly signed a new five-year, $35 million contract that is worth $20 million in guaranteed money.
While heralded as the foundation of the Jets 3-4 defense, Jonathan Vilma was unable to acclimate to coach Eric Mangini's system. The totality of the situation was too much for the Jets rising star to adjust to and a shift to the crescent city will do the two-time defensive captain very well. In return for Vilma, New Orleans sends a fourth-round draft pick to New York.
At 340 pounds, overbearing defensive tackle Shaun Rodgers is a force to be reckon with when not inspired. To imagine the impact Rodgers can cement on Cincinnati's porous defense when motivated is very intriguing to Bengals fans now that he's been acquired for a third and fifth-round pick. In 16 games last season, Rodgers compiled 39 tackles, seven sacks and four forced fumbles.
Super Bowl champion linebacker Kawika Mitchell capitalized off of the Giants playoff push by signing a five-year deal worth $17.5 million.
The city of brotherly love will be feeling a lot more joyous this fall when shut down cornerback Asante Samuel takes the field at Lincoln Financial. With two Super Bowl victories to his credit, Samuel has compiled 22 interceptions and 238 tackles in five short seasons. Considered the premier free agent in this year's market, Samuel agreed to a six-year, $54 million contract on the first day of free agency.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Steelers’ former radio announcer Myron Cope dies at 79
A true pioneer of the sports broadcasting industry and inventor of the famous Terrible Towel, Cope leaves a tremendous legacy and foundation throughout Pittsburgh and the United States.
By ALAN ROBINSON, AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP)—Myron Cope spoke in a language and with a voice never before heard in a broadcast booth, yet a loving Pittsburgh understood him perfectly during an unprecedented 35 years as a Steelers announcer.
The screechy-voiced Cope, a writer by trade and an announcer by accident whose colorful catch phrases and twirling Terrible Towel became nationally known symbols of the Steelers, died Wednesday at age 79.
Cope died at a nursing home in Mount Lebanon, a Pittsburgh suburb, Joe Gordon, a former Steelers executive and a longtime friend of Cope’s, said. Cope had been treated for respiratory problems and heart failure in recent months.
Cope’s tenure from 1970-2004 as the color analyst on the Steelers’ radio network is the longest in NFL history for a broadcaster with a single team and led to his induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2005.
“His memorable voice and unique broadcasting style became synonymous with Steelers football,” team president Art Rooney II said Wednesday. “They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and no Pittsburgh broadcaster was impersonated more than Myron.”
One of Pittsburgh’s most colorful and recognizable personalities, Cope was best known beyond the city’s three rivers for the yellow cloth twirled by fans as a good luck charm at Steelers games since the mid-1970s.
The Terrible Towel is arguably the best-known fan symbol of any major pro sports team, has raised millions of dollars for charity and is displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Upon Cope’s retirement in 2005, team chairman Dan Rooney said, “You were really part of it. You were part of the team. The Terrible Towel many times got us over the goal line.”
Even after retiring, Cope—a sports talk show host for 23 years—continued to appear in numerous radio, TV and print ads, emblematic of a local popularity that sometimes surpassed that of the stars he covered.
Team officials marveled how Cope received more attention than the players or coaches when the Steelers checked into hotels, accompanied by crowds of fans so large that security guards were needed in every city.
“It is a very sad day, but Myron lived every day to make people happy, to use his great sense of humor to dissect the various issues of the sporting world. … He’s a legend,” former Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker Andy Russell said.
Cope didn’t become a football announcer until age 40, spending the first half of his professional career as a sports writer. He was hired by the Steelers in 1970, several years after he began doing TV sports commentary on the whim of WTAE-TV program director Don Shafer, mostly to help increase attention and attendance as the Steelers moved into Three Rivers Stadium.
Coincidentally, a pair of rookies—Cope and a quarterback named Terry Bradshaw—made their Steelers debuts during the team’s first regular season game at Three Rivers on Sept. 20, 1970.
Neither Steelers owner Art Rooney nor Cope had any idea how much impact he would have on the franchise. Within two years of his hiring, Pittsburgh would begin a string of home sellouts that continues to this day, a stretch that includes five Super Bowl titles.
Cope became so popular that the Steelers didn’t try to replace his unique perspective and top-of-the-lungs vocal histrionics when he retired, instead downsizing from a three-man announcing team to a two-man booth.
Just as Pirates fans once did with longtime broadcaster Bob Prince, Steelers fans began tuning in to hear what wacky stunt or colorful phrase Cope would come up with next. With a voice beyond imitation—a falsetto so shrill it could pierce even the din of a touchdown celebration—Cope was a man of many words, some not in any dictionary.
To Cope, an exceptional play rated a “Yoi!” A coach’s doublespeak was “garganzola.” The despised rival to the north was always the Cleve Brownies, never the Cleveland Browns.
Cope gave four-time Super Bowl champion coach Chuck Noll the only nickname that ever stuck, the Emperor Chaz. For years, Cope laughed off the downriver and often downtrodden Cincinnati Bengals as the Bungles, though never with a malice or nastiness that would create longstanding anger.
Among those longtime listeners was a Pittsburgh high school star turned NFL player turned Steelers coach—Bill Cowher.
“My dad would listen to his talk show and I would think, `Why would you listen to that?”’ Cowher said. “Then I found myself listening to that. I (did) my show with him, and he makes ME feel young.”
Cope, who was born Myron Kopelman, was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred, in 1994. He is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth, and a son, Daniel, who is autistic and lives at Allegheny Valley School, which received all rights to the Terrible Towel in 1996. Another daughter, Martha Ann, died shortly after birth.
By ALAN ROBINSON, AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP)—Myron Cope spoke in a language and with a voice never before heard in a broadcast booth, yet a loving Pittsburgh understood him perfectly during an unprecedented 35 years as a Steelers announcer.
The screechy-voiced Cope, a writer by trade and an announcer by accident whose colorful catch phrases and twirling Terrible Towel became nationally known symbols of the Steelers, died Wednesday at age 79.
Cope died at a nursing home in Mount Lebanon, a Pittsburgh suburb, Joe Gordon, a former Steelers executive and a longtime friend of Cope’s, said. Cope had been treated for respiratory problems and heart failure in recent months.
Cope’s tenure from 1970-2004 as the color analyst on the Steelers’ radio network is the longest in NFL history for a broadcaster with a single team and led to his induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2005.
“His memorable voice and unique broadcasting style became synonymous with Steelers football,” team president Art Rooney II said Wednesday. “They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and no Pittsburgh broadcaster was impersonated more than Myron.”
One of Pittsburgh’s most colorful and recognizable personalities, Cope was best known beyond the city’s three rivers for the yellow cloth twirled by fans as a good luck charm at Steelers games since the mid-1970s.
The Terrible Towel is arguably the best-known fan symbol of any major pro sports team, has raised millions of dollars for charity and is displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Upon Cope’s retirement in 2005, team chairman Dan Rooney said, “You were really part of it. You were part of the team. The Terrible Towel many times got us over the goal line.”
Even after retiring, Cope—a sports talk show host for 23 years—continued to appear in numerous radio, TV and print ads, emblematic of a local popularity that sometimes surpassed that of the stars he covered.
Team officials marveled how Cope received more attention than the players or coaches when the Steelers checked into hotels, accompanied by crowds of fans so large that security guards were needed in every city.
“It is a very sad day, but Myron lived every day to make people happy, to use his great sense of humor to dissect the various issues of the sporting world. … He’s a legend,” former Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker Andy Russell said.
Cope didn’t become a football announcer until age 40, spending the first half of his professional career as a sports writer. He was hired by the Steelers in 1970, several years after he began doing TV sports commentary on the whim of WTAE-TV program director Don Shafer, mostly to help increase attention and attendance as the Steelers moved into Three Rivers Stadium.
Coincidentally, a pair of rookies—Cope and a quarterback named Terry Bradshaw—made their Steelers debuts during the team’s first regular season game at Three Rivers on Sept. 20, 1970.
Neither Steelers owner Art Rooney nor Cope had any idea how much impact he would have on the franchise. Within two years of his hiring, Pittsburgh would begin a string of home sellouts that continues to this day, a stretch that includes five Super Bowl titles.
Cope became so popular that the Steelers didn’t try to replace his unique perspective and top-of-the-lungs vocal histrionics when he retired, instead downsizing from a three-man announcing team to a two-man booth.
Just as Pirates fans once did with longtime broadcaster Bob Prince, Steelers fans began tuning in to hear what wacky stunt or colorful phrase Cope would come up with next. With a voice beyond imitation—a falsetto so shrill it could pierce even the din of a touchdown celebration—Cope was a man of many words, some not in any dictionary.
To Cope, an exceptional play rated a “Yoi!” A coach’s doublespeak was “garganzola.” The despised rival to the north was always the Cleve Brownies, never the Cleveland Browns.
Cope gave four-time Super Bowl champion coach Chuck Noll the only nickname that ever stuck, the Emperor Chaz. For years, Cope laughed off the downriver and often downtrodden Cincinnati Bengals as the Bungles, though never with a malice or nastiness that would create longstanding anger.
Among those longtime listeners was a Pittsburgh high school star turned NFL player turned Steelers coach—Bill Cowher.
“My dad would listen to his talk show and I would think, `Why would you listen to that?”’ Cowher said. “Then I found myself listening to that. I (did) my show with him, and he makes ME feel young.”
Cope, who was born Myron Kopelman, was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred, in 1994. He is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth, and a son, Daniel, who is autistic and lives at Allegheny Valley School, which received all rights to the Terrible Towel in 1996. Another daughter, Martha Ann, died shortly after birth.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
The New England Patriots Spygate Problem Gets Worse - ESPN
Arlen Spectre's all over this NFL problem and if Commissioner Goodell does not handle it properly it could blow up in the collective face of the league. There are some serious problems with how the Pats conducted their activities under Head Coach Bill Belichek, and it seems that there's more to this than meets the eye and it unfolds more each day.
Specter irked by uncooperative Pats, league in Spygate probe
By Mike Fish
ESPN.com
Frustrated at the obstacles confronting his investigation of "Spygate," Sen. Arlen Specter accused the New England Patriots of "stonewalling" on Friday and suggested the NFL might never get around to questioning key witness Matt Walsh, a former Patriots video assistant.
Specter's comments are in stark contrast to remarks on Wednesday from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who told reporters that the NFL was moving toward an agreement that would allow Walsh to tell what he knows about the Patriots' spying practices without fear of being sued.
Sen. Arlen Specter says he would like to be present if the NFL ever questions Matt Walsh, a former Patriots video assistant.
"My suspicion is that they're going to put enough conditions on it so that he won't talk," Specter, a Republican from Pennsylvania, told ESPN.com. "If they had wanted Walsh to talk, it would have been done a long time ago. They are not helped by keeping him on ice, unless they intend to [permanently] keep him on ice."
If the league gains Walsh's cooperation, Specter said he wants to be present when Walsh is questioned "because a witness' testimony can be shaded or molded by who questions him first.''
Walsh, employed by the Patriots from 1996 to 2003, has suggested that he has information, perhaps even materials, about the Patriots' video practices that could be potentially damaging.
His attorney, Michael Levy, forwarded a proposal to the NFL's outside counsel seeking full indemnification for Walsh on Feb. 14. Levy, as well as Specter, maintained that the league's initial proposal failed to protect Walsh against the possibility of being sued, and said it also required that he turn over any materials or evidence.
"They haven't taken the steps to get Walsh to come forward," Specter said. "They have the key."
Late Friday afternoon, NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello said the league respectfully disagrees with Specter.
"We have offered Mr. Walsh's attorney assurances that are fully responsive to his concerns," Aiello said. "And we have not heard back from him. ... We very much want to speak to [Walsh]."
As of Friday night, however, the league and Walsh's attorney had not reached an agreement.
An attorney for the Patriots told ESPN.com that Walsh did not have a confidentiality agreement with the franchise or anything else that might prevent his cooperation.
Specter painted a much starker, more contentious picture than the one presented by the league and the Patriots. He said both the Patriots and New York Jets have refused to cooperate with his investigation.
That it is somewhere between absurd to insulting that they won't let us talk to the witnesses.
-- Sen. Arlen Specter,
on the Patriots' responses
to his investigators
Specter told ESPN.com that his staff has been rebuffed in its efforts to interview Patriots personnel about the team's videotaping practices. The Republican leader on the Senate Judiciary Committee refused to say who, specifically, he wanted to talk to, but the list presumably includes head coach Bill Belichick, his longtime assistant Ernie Adams and members of the team's video department.
"My staff has been stonewalled on that," Specter said.
After his staff made phone contact with some individuals connected to the team, Specter said they were referred to the Patriots' outside legal counsel, who rejected a request for cooperation. Daniel L. Goldberg, who represents the Patriots and also the Boston Red Sox, said that in all cases, the individuals had been previously interviewed at least once -- and in some instances twice -- by the league.
Goldberg refused to identify those individuals.
"Sen. Specter's office had called me as counsel to the Patriots to ask to interview several Patriots employees," said Goldberg, attorney with the Boston firm of Bingham and McCutchen. "I was told that the inquiry was with respect to signal-taping. And as I explained to the Senator's office, we regard this as a league matter. As such, we have fully cooperated with the league's investigation."
Asked to respond to Specter's accusation that the Patriots have stonewalled his requests for information, Goldberg said, "You look at it from our perspective. Who is the right forum for an inquiry into a matter like this? We regard this as a league matter. It deals with league rules, league enforcement."
But Specter, a one-time district attorney in Philadelphia, didn't react favorably to the Patriots' responses to his investigators.
"Well, I think that it is somewhere between absurd to insulting that they won't let us talk to the witnesses," Specter said. "Whoever heard of not being able to talk to someone because it is hearsay back from somebody else who talked to them. You have to question hearsay and reliability. I'm not prepared to accept what somebody else says these key witnesses say. What kind of an inquiry would it be if we accepted what somebody else tells us what was said?"
Our clients have not spoken to the senator or his staff and at this time have no plans to do so.
-- Jets outside legal counsel
Scott Michel
Specter's investigators also have been rebuffed in their efforts to seek access to members of the Jets' coaching staff. During the season-opening game last September at New York, the Patriots were caught taping defensive signals being sent in from the Jets' sideline. The Jets' staff is of key interest in the Spygate affair because several members, including Jets head coach Eric Mangini, worked under Belichick in New England.
"Our firm was engaged to represent certain employees of the New York Jets in connection with a request for information from Sen. Specter," Jets outside legal counsel Scott Michel said in an e-mail to ESPN.com on Friday night. "Our clients have not spoken to the senator or his staff and at this time have no plans to do so."
Specter said Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Damon Huard, a one-time backup to Tom Brady with the Patriots, refused to speak with him, too, during a personal phone call the Senator placed to Huard last Friday.
"I talked to him, and he wouldn't talk," Specter said. "I didn't go through a secretary, and he doubted that it was Arlen Specter. Maybe that is why he wouldn't talk. I don't sound much like Arlen Specter."
Specter said it is only because of outside pressure that the NFL has offered up additional information related to the Patriots' taping history. Specter explained: "To get a concession from the commissioner that it goes back to the year 2000. To get a concession that they had notes. Originally, we were only told about videos, and they only went back a half-dozen games in '06. Originally, we weren't told that the notes included the [Pittsburgh] Steelers."
Specter said he is aware of what appears to be a united league-wide front supporting Goodell's handling of the taping controversy. That support was echoed Thursday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis by members of the league's powerful Competition Committee, who told reporters they believe the issue should be put to rest.
"Well, I don't want to pick a fight with everybody in the world, like all the owners," Specter said. "But they are functioning from talking points -- 'We're satisfied with the investigation.' 'Oh yes, the penalty was sufficient.' 'Oh, let's put this behind us.' 'Let's move on.'
"You have heard everyone say the same thing."
Mike Fish is an investigative reporter for ESPN.com. He can be reached at michaeljfish@gmail.com.
Specter irked by uncooperative Pats, league in Spygate probe
By Mike Fish
ESPN.com
Frustrated at the obstacles confronting his investigation of "Spygate," Sen. Arlen Specter accused the New England Patriots of "stonewalling" on Friday and suggested the NFL might never get around to questioning key witness Matt Walsh, a former Patriots video assistant.
Specter's comments are in stark contrast to remarks on Wednesday from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who told reporters that the NFL was moving toward an agreement that would allow Walsh to tell what he knows about the Patriots' spying practices without fear of being sued.
Sen. Arlen Specter says he would like to be present if the NFL ever questions Matt Walsh, a former Patriots video assistant.
"My suspicion is that they're going to put enough conditions on it so that he won't talk," Specter, a Republican from Pennsylvania, told ESPN.com. "If they had wanted Walsh to talk, it would have been done a long time ago. They are not helped by keeping him on ice, unless they intend to [permanently] keep him on ice."
If the league gains Walsh's cooperation, Specter said he wants to be present when Walsh is questioned "because a witness' testimony can be shaded or molded by who questions him first.''
Walsh, employed by the Patriots from 1996 to 2003, has suggested that he has information, perhaps even materials, about the Patriots' video practices that could be potentially damaging.
His attorney, Michael Levy, forwarded a proposal to the NFL's outside counsel seeking full indemnification for Walsh on Feb. 14. Levy, as well as Specter, maintained that the league's initial proposal failed to protect Walsh against the possibility of being sued, and said it also required that he turn over any materials or evidence.
"They haven't taken the steps to get Walsh to come forward," Specter said. "They have the key."
Late Friday afternoon, NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello said the league respectfully disagrees with Specter.
"We have offered Mr. Walsh's attorney assurances that are fully responsive to his concerns," Aiello said. "And we have not heard back from him. ... We very much want to speak to [Walsh]."
As of Friday night, however, the league and Walsh's attorney had not reached an agreement.
An attorney for the Patriots told ESPN.com that Walsh did not have a confidentiality agreement with the franchise or anything else that might prevent his cooperation.
Specter painted a much starker, more contentious picture than the one presented by the league and the Patriots. He said both the Patriots and New York Jets have refused to cooperate with his investigation.
That it is somewhere between absurd to insulting that they won't let us talk to the witnesses.
-- Sen. Arlen Specter,
on the Patriots' responses
to his investigators
Specter told ESPN.com that his staff has been rebuffed in its efforts to interview Patriots personnel about the team's videotaping practices. The Republican leader on the Senate Judiciary Committee refused to say who, specifically, he wanted to talk to, but the list presumably includes head coach Bill Belichick, his longtime assistant Ernie Adams and members of the team's video department.
"My staff has been stonewalled on that," Specter said.
After his staff made phone contact with some individuals connected to the team, Specter said they were referred to the Patriots' outside legal counsel, who rejected a request for cooperation. Daniel L. Goldberg, who represents the Patriots and also the Boston Red Sox, said that in all cases, the individuals had been previously interviewed at least once -- and in some instances twice -- by the league.
Goldberg refused to identify those individuals.
"Sen. Specter's office had called me as counsel to the Patriots to ask to interview several Patriots employees," said Goldberg, attorney with the Boston firm of Bingham and McCutchen. "I was told that the inquiry was with respect to signal-taping. And as I explained to the Senator's office, we regard this as a league matter. As such, we have fully cooperated with the league's investigation."
Asked to respond to Specter's accusation that the Patriots have stonewalled his requests for information, Goldberg said, "You look at it from our perspective. Who is the right forum for an inquiry into a matter like this? We regard this as a league matter. It deals with league rules, league enforcement."
But Specter, a one-time district attorney in Philadelphia, didn't react favorably to the Patriots' responses to his investigators.
"Well, I think that it is somewhere between absurd to insulting that they won't let us talk to the witnesses," Specter said. "Whoever heard of not being able to talk to someone because it is hearsay back from somebody else who talked to them. You have to question hearsay and reliability. I'm not prepared to accept what somebody else says these key witnesses say. What kind of an inquiry would it be if we accepted what somebody else tells us what was said?"
Our clients have not spoken to the senator or his staff and at this time have no plans to do so.
-- Jets outside legal counsel
Scott Michel
Specter's investigators also have been rebuffed in their efforts to seek access to members of the Jets' coaching staff. During the season-opening game last September at New York, the Patriots were caught taping defensive signals being sent in from the Jets' sideline. The Jets' staff is of key interest in the Spygate affair because several members, including Jets head coach Eric Mangini, worked under Belichick in New England.
"Our firm was engaged to represent certain employees of the New York Jets in connection with a request for information from Sen. Specter," Jets outside legal counsel Scott Michel said in an e-mail to ESPN.com on Friday night. "Our clients have not spoken to the senator or his staff and at this time have no plans to do so."
Specter said Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Damon Huard, a one-time backup to Tom Brady with the Patriots, refused to speak with him, too, during a personal phone call the Senator placed to Huard last Friday.
"I talked to him, and he wouldn't talk," Specter said. "I didn't go through a secretary, and he doubted that it was Arlen Specter. Maybe that is why he wouldn't talk. I don't sound much like Arlen Specter."
Specter said it is only because of outside pressure that the NFL has offered up additional information related to the Patriots' taping history. Specter explained: "To get a concession from the commissioner that it goes back to the year 2000. To get a concession that they had notes. Originally, we were only told about videos, and they only went back a half-dozen games in '06. Originally, we weren't told that the notes included the [Pittsburgh] Steelers."
Specter said he is aware of what appears to be a united league-wide front supporting Goodell's handling of the taping controversy. That support was echoed Thursday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis by members of the league's powerful Competition Committee, who told reporters they believe the issue should be put to rest.
"Well, I don't want to pick a fight with everybody in the world, like all the owners," Specter said. "But they are functioning from talking points -- 'We're satisfied with the investigation.' 'Oh yes, the penalty was sufficient.' 'Oh, let's put this behind us.' 'Let's move on.'
"You have heard everyone say the same thing."
Mike Fish is an investigative reporter for ESPN.com. He can be reached at michaeljfish@gmail.com.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Chad Johnson to Remain A Cincinnati Bengals Receiver - ESPN
Assuring that Chad Johnson will line up and roam free to catch passes at the enemy Cleveland Browns stadium built by Kofi Bonner , Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis has said that he has a great relationship with Johnson and he will stay in Cincinnati. Here's the rest from ESPN..
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is standing firm: Chad Johnson is staying in Cincinnati.
Lewis said Wednesday that the team will not trade the disgruntled wide receiver and has never discussed it, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer and the team's Web site.
"They can stop the presses, quit killing trees and move on to other things," Lewis said, defending Johnson despite the wide receiver's critical comments about the team. "There is, at no point, anyone in the Bengals organization who has ever uttered anything about trading Chad Johnson. Nor will he be traded."
On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that acquiring Johnson is the Washington Redskins' top offseason priority, as team owner Daniel Snyder wants an elite receiver.
The Post reported that according to two league sources, Johnson wants to land a big payday in Washington, and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has been quietly working behind the scenes to broker a deal.
But Lewis said that's simply not going to happen.
"There is no such thing as behind-the-door dealings in the NFL. That does not occur because the team in question [the Bengals] is not willing to trade their player, nor have they thought about trading their player or discussed trading their player, nor will they discuss trading their player. So I think that's pretty clear. Things can move on," he said.
In television and radio interviews over the past month, Johnson has criticized the Bengals and hinted that he would welcome a change of scenery.
Lewis said Wednesday that he has not spoken to Johnson since the team's final regular season game.
"People [in the building] talk to him," Lewis said, according to reports. "It's unfortunate for Chad that he is being cast in this light because it's not fair. So once again I will go on record in defense of him."
"We've had a great relationship," Lewis said of the Bengals and Johnson. "All I want to see is Chad continue to be a very, very productive NFL player and help us win a lot of football games. And that's not going to change."
The latest figures from the NFL Players Association show Johnson was the fourth-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL last season with total compensation of $7,165,379 million, according to the reports. Were the Bengals to trade or release him before June 1, they would take a salary cap hit of $8.03 million.
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is standing firm: Chad Johnson is staying in Cincinnati.
Lewis said Wednesday that the team will not trade the disgruntled wide receiver and has never discussed it, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer and the team's Web site.
"They can stop the presses, quit killing trees and move on to other things," Lewis said, defending Johnson despite the wide receiver's critical comments about the team. "There is, at no point, anyone in the Bengals organization who has ever uttered anything about trading Chad Johnson. Nor will he be traded."
On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that acquiring Johnson is the Washington Redskins' top offseason priority, as team owner Daniel Snyder wants an elite receiver.
The Post reported that according to two league sources, Johnson wants to land a big payday in Washington, and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has been quietly working behind the scenes to broker a deal.
But Lewis said that's simply not going to happen.
"There is no such thing as behind-the-door dealings in the NFL. That does not occur because the team in question [the Bengals] is not willing to trade their player, nor have they thought about trading their player or discussed trading their player, nor will they discuss trading their player. So I think that's pretty clear. Things can move on," he said.
In television and radio interviews over the past month, Johnson has criticized the Bengals and hinted that he would welcome a change of scenery.
Lewis said Wednesday that he has not spoken to Johnson since the team's final regular season game.
"People [in the building] talk to him," Lewis said, according to reports. "It's unfortunate for Chad that he is being cast in this light because it's not fair. So once again I will go on record in defense of him."
"We've had a great relationship," Lewis said of the Bengals and Johnson. "All I want to see is Chad continue to be a very, very productive NFL player and help us win a lot of football games. And that's not going to change."
The latest figures from the NFL Players Association show Johnson was the fourth-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL last season with total compensation of $7,165,379 million, according to the reports. Were the Bengals to trade or release him before June 1, they would take a salary cap hit of $8.03 million.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Randy Moss in College; 90-Yard Screen Pass To TD Video
For those who wondered what talent Randy Moss showed at Marshall that caused him to go in the first round of the NFL Draft, here's a good look. This video should be the measure of all wide receivers coming out of college to the NFL. If you can find a senior receiver who made a play like this, put him or her on your list. Check this out!
