Author Topic: Official NFL Thread (Read 457298 times)

claymore · « **Reply #1180 on:** July 27, 2009, 09:40:51 PM »

Michael Vick is reinstated. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gWe8dveynj7JlPJZTKY46zmygiRAD99N00F81

RatBastich · « **Reply #1181 on:** July 28, 2009, 06:37:57 PM »

Lawyer: Decision to testify imminent

ESPN.com news services

The attorney for Plaxico Burress said Monday night that he and the former New York Giants receiver, who shot himself in the thigh at a nightclub last year, have been discussing whether Burress will testify before the grand jury.

Benjamin Brafman told ESPN's Sal Paolantonio that he expects the two to reach a decision by Tuesday.

"If he testifies, it will be Wednesday morning," Brafman said.

Earlier Monday, Manhattan's district attorney said he wants Burress to serve time in prison, the New York Post reported.

Robert Morgenthau told the newspaper that Burress, who shot himself with an unlicensed gun early on the morning of Nov. 29, was willing to agree to spend a year in jail, but prosecutors insisted on two, the Post reported.

"We've always taken the position that he's going to have to go to jail, whether by trial or by plea," Morgenthau told the Post.

Burress is charged with criminal possession of a weapon and faces up to 3½ years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty and is free on $100,000 bail. The Giants released Burress in April.

Brafman said earlier Monday that he was "disappointed and surprised" that Morgenthau spoke publicly while a grand jury decision on indicting Burress is pending.

"My concern is that the comments by the district attorney's office may have irreparably prejudiced those proceedings," Brafman said Monday. "I am now considering the legal options available to respond."

Brafman had previously said he no longer thought the matter would be resolved through a plea agreement and that prosecutors would take the case to a grand jury. He also said Burress would plead not guilty if the case went to trial.

"The comments by DA Morgenthau are completely out of character and show a lapse in judgment," Brafman said.

Burress, who caught the winning touchdown in the final minute for the Giants in the 2008 Super Bowl, also could face disciplinary action by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell under the league's personal conduct policy.

Burress has yet to sign with another team and Goodell's office announced in June that the league already had started its examination of the incident.

THUNDERDUCK · « **Reply #1182 on:** July 29, 2009, 03:41:16 AM »

Dallas needs to sign Vick!

RatBastich · « **Reply #1183 on:** July 29, 2009, 04:01:11 AM »

Favre opts to remain retired

By Ed Werder
ESPN.com

After nearly three months of what he described as intense and often emotional soul-searching, Brett Favre decided to remain retired from the NFL rather than become the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback.

Favre told ESPN's Ed Werder that the decision not to play for the Vikings was incredibly difficult, and in the process he indicated that he is unlikely to ever considering playing again in the NFL.

"It was the hardest decision I've ever made," Favre said. "I didn't feel like physically I could play at a level that was acceptable. I would like to thank everyone, including the Packers, Jets and Vikings -- but, most importantly, the fans."

Favre, who had shoulder surgery in May, experienced soreness in both ankles and his left knee during his private workouts in Mississippi. The pain would not subside and worsened as he continued to prepare for a potential 19th NFL season, which Favre considered proof that his health was too precarious to be trusted for a 16-game season.

Former NFL coach Steve Mariucci told NFL Network, however, that Favre said to him on Tuesday that he does plan to continue to work out and throw.

thatonezombie · « **Reply #1184 on:** July 29, 2009, 06:36:24 AM »

I really hope this is the last we hear of this garbage. I really like Farve, but this retired then un-retired talk from last year into this year is just ridiculous. But there is something there that says this isnt over.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1185 on:** July 29, 2009, 05:12:05 PM »

Vikings QBs ready to compete

ESPN.com news services

Now that Brett Favre is out of the picture, the focus in Minnesota Vikings camp turns to the quarterbacks the team had hoped Favre would supplant as the starter. But Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson are saying they understood the situation all along -- and are ready to compete for the starting job.

According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Rosenfels recounted that in one of the Vikings' last organized team activity sessions, coach Brad Childress told his quarterbacks they should prepare as if Favre would not be joining the team.

"He said: 'I'm not sure what's going to happen. But prepare as if he's not coming,'" Rosenfels said, according to the report. "I would have done that, either way."

Tuesday, Favre, who had been courted by Vikings coaches and players alike, informed the team that after months of soul-searching, he had decided to stay retired.

If Favre had come to Minnesota, "It would have been a tough pill to swallow," Rosenfels said, according to the report. "But I understood what was going on."

Rosenfels, whom the Vikings acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans before the Favre-to-Minnesota frenzy began, said his coaches and teammates don't owe him any explanations.

"I don't think it's necessary because I understand the situation," Rosenfels said, according to the report. "I've been around the league long enough. ... I feel no animosity toward players or coaches."

Jackson began last season as the Vikings' starter, was benched for Gus Frerotte and then returned to lead the Vikings to the NFC North title and the first round of the playoffs.

Jackson wasn't available for comment Tuesday, the Pioneer Press reported. But his agent, Joel Segal, told reporters that Jackson is ready to compete for the starting job and has no issues with the team's courting of Favre.

"Tarvaris is very even-tempered," the agent said. "He's got a very calm demeanor. No matter what he's always ready to compete."

Rosenfels said the constant speculation about Favre was a source of frustration, but did not affect his offseason preparation, according to the Pioneer Press. He said he would let his play in practices and games do the talking for him.

"Players will see how I react to this," he said, according to the report. "But we're back to where we were. I'm preparing to battle with Tarvaris. The whole story was a non-issue."

RatBastich · « **Reply #1186 on:** July 30, 2009, 02:29:56 AM »

Brady ready for start of camp

Associated Press

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Tom Brady's comeback is entering its next phase.

The New England Patriots open training camp Thursday on the practice fields next to Gillette Stadium, where Brady's 2008 season ended in the first quarter of the first game.

Now, after surgery, optional team activities and minicamp, the quarterback takes his next steps on a surgically repaired left knee, looking toward this year's opener in less than seven weeks against the Buffalo Bills.

In late May, Brady said he's not limited in what he can do on the field. But shaking off the rust is another matter.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1187 on:** July 30, 2009, 06:11:38 PM »

Pierce testifies before grand jury

ESPN.com news services

NEW YORK -- New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce is testifying before the grand jury investigating a gun charge against Plaxico Burress.

Pierce arrived Thursday at a lower Manhattan courthouse, a day after the grand jury heard testimony from Burress, a former Giants wide receiver.

Burress has pleaded not guilty to illegal possession of a weapon. He shot himself in the thigh at a Manhattan nightclub in November.

Burress was with Pierce, who still could be charged. Giants President John Mara has defended Pierce's actions, which included taking Burress to a hospital under an assumed name.

Burress testified for nearly three hours Wednesday in front of a grand jury that is investigating weapons charges against him and told reporters outside that he was sorry for his actions.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1188 on:** July 31, 2009, 01:58:48 AM »

Smith signs with Rams

Associated Press

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams on Thursday signed offensive tackle Jason Smith, the second overall pick of the draft, a day before opening training camp.

The 6-foot-5, 306-pound Smith is expected to be an immediate starter for the Rams, 2-14 last season and with only five wins over the last two seasons. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

All the team's draft picks are under contract heading into the first full-squad workout under new coach Steve Spagnuolo on Friday.

Smith began his career at Baylor as a tight end and started 31 games, 24 at left tackle and seven at right tackle, after growing out of that position. In 1,147 plays at left tackle his last two seasons, the Rams said Smith allowed only 4½ sacks.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1189 on:** July 31, 2009, 08:09:52 PM »

Moreno, Ayers miss camp opener

Associated Press

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Knowshon is a no-show.

The Denver Broncos' two first-round draft picks, Knowshon Moreno and Robert Ayers, remain unsigned early Friday and missed the official start of training camp.

They're the first rookie holdouts in Denver since running back Tatum Bell showed up late in 2004.

Moreno, a running back from Georgia, was the 12th overall pick in the draft, and Ayers, a pass-rusher from Tennessee, was the 18th selection.

The Broncos, under new coach Josh McDaniels, kicked off training camp Friday. Players were required to report Thursday for physicals and conditioning tests, and had meetings and a workout on the field.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1190 on:** August 01, 2009, 04:51:20 AM »

Jets' Sanchez tops Clemens after Day 1

Associated Press

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- Score Round 1 to the rookie.

Mark Sanchez received the slight edge from coach Rex Ryan on Friday in the first practice of what could be a summer-long competition with Kellen Clemens to be the New York Jets' starting quarterback.

"It probably wasn't the best day in throwing completions, but I thought Sanchez had a really good day," Ryan said after the morning practice. "When you look at it, he threw a couple of balls that could've been picked, but other than that ... I thought he threw the comeback and deep out exceptionally well today."

Added Sanchez: "It was a great day. I took care of the ball well. I think I got off to a good start."

Still, Sanchez, the fifth overall pick out of Southern California, and Clemens, a veteran heading into his fourth season in Brian Schottenheimer's offense, had their share of struggles in a steady rain at SUNY Cortland.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1191 on:** August 01, 2009, 07:35:04 PM »

Jackson limps off field after tripping

ESPN.com news services

MANKATO, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings got a scare Saturday when quarterback Tarvaris Jackson left Saturday morning's scrimmage with an apparent leg injury.

The exact nature of the injury is uncertain. He limped off the field and into the trainers' tent after tripping over defensive lineman LeTroy Guion.

Jackson crumbled to the field in pain as trainers rushed to his side. After a few minutes, he was able to get up and walk off under his own power.

Jackson is in a battle with Sage Rosenfels for the starting quarterback position after Brett Favre decided not to come out of retirement and join the Vikings.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1192 on:** August 02, 2009, 03:20:49 AM »

Roethlisberger apologizes to Steelers

Associated Press

LATROBE, Pa. -- Ben Roethlisberger quickly moved to make sure his problems don't become those of the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Roethlisberger apologized to his teammates for causing a possible distraction, then answered questions Saturday for the first time since being named as the defendant in a Nevada civil lawsuit that accuses him of sexual assault.

He declined to discuss his legal problems, or even acknowledge them, saying, "I'm playing football."

Then Roethlisberger said it again, as if to emphasize there will be no questions answered during training camp about any issue other than the Steelers.

"This is what I do, it's football," Roethlisberger said after being asked if he could stay focused. "I don't know what you're talking about. It's football."

RatBastich · « **Reply #1193 on:** August 02, 2009, 10:28:47 PM »

Lemon expected to join Patriots

By John Clayton
ESPN.com

The New England Patriots, in the market for a backup quarterback, have worked out NFL veteran Cleo Lemon and are expected to sign him.

Lemon was the quarterback who had a mid-afternoon workout Friday. There had been reports the Patriots worked out Michael Vick, but Lemon was the quarterback who was on the field throwing with front office people watching. Vick was in Virginia at a bankruptcy court hearing.

The Patriots were in contract talks with Lemon on Saturday afternoon.

A Lemon signing could mean the Patriots won't bring in Vick. Coach Bill Belichick didn't rule out interest in Vick, but he also wouldn't say they were interested on Friday.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft had this to say regarding signing Vick on Sirius Radio Saturday: "For us that's an academic problem because we've got the No. 1 player at that position [quarterback] in the world as far as I'm concerned. Why would ever want to do anything that would take him off the field for one play?"

Lemon is a 29-year-old veteran who has played for the Ravens, Chargers, Dolphins and Jaguars.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1194 on:** August 03, 2009, 09:37:55 PM »

Report: Torn ACL could sideline Bradley

ESPN.com news services

Philadelphia Eagles middle linebacker Stewart Bradley will likely miss the season with a torn ACL, ESPN 950 in Philadelphia reported Monday.

Bradley suffered the injury in the Eagles' Sunday night practice, a source told the radio station, but was able to walk off the field after tackling another player.

Bradley, a third-round pick in 2007, had 151 tackles in his first full season as a starter last year. He's the primary signal caller on a defense that already lost veteran safety Brian Dawkins in free agency.

The Eagles had invited fans to attend the practice Sunday, known as "Flight Night," at Lincoln Financial Field.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1195 on:** August 04, 2009, 06:24:12 PM »

Ex-Raider Walter joins Patriots

ESPN.com news services

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots have signed quarterback Andrew Walter and released quarterback Matt Gutierrez.

The 6-foot-6, 230-pound Walter has spent the last four seasons with Oakland after being selected by the Raiders in the third round of the 2005 draft out of Arizona State. He has played in 15 games, starting nine, and completed 174 of 333 passes for 1,919 yards and three touchdowns.

He was waived by the Raiders on Thursday.

Gutierrez joined the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of Idaho State in 2007. He played in five games as a rookie, completing one pass for 15 yards. He began last season on the practice squad before being signed to the 53-man roster on Sept. 13 following a season-ending knee injury to Tom Brady.

The Patriots had brought in quarterback Cleo Lemon for a workout on Saturday and were reported to be considering signing him. Lemon is a 29-year-old veteran who has played for the Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1196 on:** August 05, 2009, 04:51:56 AM »

Reeves, Myers sidelined by injuries

Associated Press

HOUSTON -- Houston Texans starting cornerback Jacques Reeves and starting center Chris Myers were injured in practice on Tuesday morning.

Reeves fractured his left leg in a collision with receiver Andre Davis when both were going for a pass in the end zone. Reeves, who signed as a free agent in 2008, is expected to be out 6 to 8 weeks.

Myers sustained a high ankle sprain and will be out indefinitely. Both players attended practice wearing walking boots in the afternoon.

Myers, who started all 16 games last season after being traded by Denver, was injured early in a practice coach Gary Kubiak called "sloppy." He was taken off the field on a cart.

"We're checking the severity of that," Kubiak said of Myers' injury. "But obviously he's going to miss some time."

Kubiak was unhappy with all aspects of the practice.

"It [Myers' injury] happened on a sloppy play," Kubiak said. "We were sloppy as a team. I didn't like much of anything I saw this morning."

RatBastich · « **Reply #1197 on:** August 05, 2009, 07:18:02 PM »

Source: Eli, Giants agree on extension

ESPN.com news services

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Eli Manning has agreed to a new six-year, $97 million contract extension with the New York Giants that will make him among the highest-paid players in the NFL with an average salary of roughly $15.3 million, a source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

A person close to the talks who asked not to be identified says Manning is guaranteed $35 million under the deal that will keep him with the Giants through the 2015 season, The Associated Press reported. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not signed and had not been announced.

There is a chance the deal could be signed Wednesday, but both sides wanted to review the contract, the person said.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1198 on:** August 06, 2009, 07:25:42 PM »

Teams institute messaging restrictions

Associated Press

DAVIE, Fla. -- The only tweets during the Miami Dolphins scrimmage Saturday will come from the officials' whistles.

The Dolphins are at the forefront of an NFL clampdown on Twitter and other social media, with new restrictions imposed on players, reporters and even spectators.

Miami's secretive Bill Parcells regime prohibits fans and media at training-camp practices from tweeting, blogging or texting. At least six other teams have also imposed such restrictions on reporters, even though the workouts are open to the public.

Twitter intolerance is no surprise in a league where paranoia is part of the playbook. Like many Americans, coaches are anxious and a little confused about the rapid pace of change in communication.

"I don't really have a Twitter policy," Denver coach Josh McDaniels said. "I don't know what it means; I don't know what it is. I don't know MyFace, Spacebook, Facebook stuff. I don't know what that is either."

daigong · « **Reply #1199 on:** August 10, 2009, 08:35:21 PM »

PRESEASON FUCKERS!!

Finally, my balls have been itching for this day ...even if its Bills and Titans in throwbacks.

TO was pretty SICK for a 35 year old eh?

NONE BALLERINA THAN THIS SHIT!! OMGASS!!

Tennesee Titans rookie punter A.J. Trapasso fakes a punt and scores TD!

Punter no doubt! Jeff Fisher you asshole!

Remember your Fantasy Teams, we draft when Ping gets back.