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[Ravens] Ravens LB Terrell Suggs Says He's Close To A New Deal

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:37:02 GMT

Terrell Suggs has until July 15 to come to terms with a long-term contract with Baltimore, or the team's franchise-tagged linebacker will need to settle for taking his tendered one-year deal worth about $8.3 million for 2009. If the Ravens tag Suggs for the third straight year next year, they're looking at paying him the average of the top five salaried players in the league, regardless of position, which could be up to $20 million. Suggs, however, thinks something will get done to his liking very soon, making him optimistic he will be a happy camper when the Ravens resume training. "I feel like we're getting close," Suggs said via the team's official website. "Negotiations are going on with the Ravens."

Source: SportingNews.com

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[Dolphins] Dolphins DE Jason Taylor Ready To 'Run Through Brick Wall'

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:34:26 GMT

Except for concerns about the wear and tear on his body that begins at training camp, Jason Taylor sounds happy to be back with the Miami Dolphins. And he's quick to point out why things are so different a year after his departure to the Washington Redskins. "[Bill] Parcells and [GM Jeff] Ireland and their front office is a big step up from what was here in the past," Taylor told the Miami Herald. "I know I haven't played a game for them yet, but I'm ready to run through a brick wall for them."

Source: SportingNews.com

[Cardinals] Deadline Looms Between Cardinals, LB Karlos Dansby

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:32:36 GMT

The clock is ticking for the Arizona Cardinals, who face a July 15 deadline in contract negotiations with linebacker Karlos Dansby. If Cardinals brass can't come to an accord with Dansby and his handlers by that date, Dansby will play under a one-year contract -- in what likely will be his final season with the team. Dansby carries the team's franchise tag for the second consecutive year and without a new deal, he would likely become a free agent next summer because the team couldn't afford to franchise him again.

Source: SportingNews.com

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[NFL] NFL Predicts A Swift End To Vikings Suspension Case

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:22:32 GMT

Minnesota defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams will remain eligible to play in regular-season games for as long as their legal battle with the NFL lasts after Hennepin County District Judge Gary Larson's decision to extend an injunction that temporarily lifts both players' four-game suspensions. The NFL responded to the decision: "Today's decision, which effectively exempts two players from the NFL-NFLPA collectively bargained program, further illustrates the critical importance of a uniform policy for all teams in the league and why this matter should be governed exclusively by federal law. The Court's interim decision regarding the suspensions has no immediate practical impact since the suspensions will not take effect until the beginning of the regular season in September. In the meantime, our appeal to the United States Court of Appeals, which argues that the players' state claims are barred by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, should be resolved before the start of the season."

Source: ESPN.com

[Raiders] Coaches High On Raiders QB Jeff Garcia, RB Michael Bush?

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:18:50 GMT

Matt Bowen of the National Football Post writes that he is hearing the Raiders coaching staff is very high on quarterback Jeff Garcia and running back Michael Bush -- two players penciled in as backups but who might find their way onto the field. It's something for the starters to think about because competition is an aspect the Raiders need every day in practice.

Source: National Football Post

[Seahawks] Seahawks Rookie Max Unger Could Be Starting Week One?

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:16:17 GMT

The consensus among sources is that Seahawks second-round OL Max Unger's talent is simply too good to not be a starter this season but where the versatile Unger figures in the starting mix � left guard, right guard or perhaps center, his primary position at Oregon � remains unclear heading into training camp. Up to now, he has spent most of his time at left guard, with incumbent Mike Wahle still on the mend from shoulder surgery, but he has also put in time at center. In any event, daily team observers believe Unger, who reminds them a lot of former Seahawks jack-of-all-trades OL Chris Gray, will be on the field a great deal. �They�re really high on Unger,� one source said. �He�s very sound technically and real scrappy. I like him more every time I talk to him. He is definitely not intimidated. You can tell that he just gets it. He played in a similar spread offense at Oregon, and (Seahawks O-line coach Mike) Solari loves linemen who can play multiple positions.�

Source: Pro Football Weekly

[Cardinals] Cards Expect To Sign RB Chris Wells, LB Cody Brown Before Camp

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:05:19 GMT

Rookie safety Rashad Johnson�s deal today means only the Cardinals� top two selections � running back Beanie Wells and linebacker Cody Brown � are unsigned with players reporting to training camp July 29. General manager Rod Graves has expressed optimism the Cards will be able to get both Brown and Wells under contract prior to the start of camp.

Source: AZCardinals.com

[Seahawks] Seahawks OT Walter Jones Back To Running During Minicamp

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:02:25 GMT

Seahawks veteran offensive tackle Walter Jones is progressing in his recovery from microfracture surgery and has been running on the side during minicamp. His conditioning his going well, but is yet to engage in contact drills. He was an elite left tackle prior to suffering the injury, and this is encouraging news for the Seahawks' offensive line.

Source: RotoTimes.com

[Dolphins] Dolphins Have Only Had Preliminary Talks With CB Vontae Davis

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:00:16 GMT

Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said there had been just "preliminary discussions" with first-rounder Vontae Davis and agent Todd France to this point. Ireland said he expected to get the team's five remaining unsigned draft picks under contract before training camp opens Aug. 1, but added no further deals were close to being announced. "We expect to get it done, for sure," Ireland said. "That's obviously our goal. When we're going to get it done, we don't know that. It's always a crunch."

Source: Sun-Sentinel

[Buccaneers] Buccaneers WR Brian Clark Favored To Win No. 3 Role?

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:57:22 GMT

Wide receivers coach Richard Mann has indicated that Brian Clark is leading the race for the No. 3 role at receiver with the Buccaneers. Clark has appeared in 20 career regular-season games, 10 of them with the Buccaneers. He has spent time on Tampa Bay's practice squad in each of the last two years but finished each of those campaigns on the active roster.

Source: Buccaneers.com

[Raiders] Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell Keeps Promise To Workout With WR's

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:54:43 GMT

Despite skipping the final day of organized team activities, Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell has made good on his promise to work with his receivers for an extra week outside of team practices. Russell reportedly paid to fly the receivers to Alabama to work with him for this week. Russell has come under fire from everyone for his lack of work ethic, but he is showing a certain sense of maturity here and while the quarterback job is still his to lose, and acts like this can do nothing but help him out.

Source: RotoTimes.com

[Bills] Bills RB Fred Jackson To Get More Touches?

CP26 — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:08:11 GMT

Proving he deserved a spot on the team with an impressive first three seasons, Bills RB Fred Jackson will have the chance to prove he deserves more playing time this year. The Bills� coaching staff has spent a lot of time this offseason coming up with ways to make him a larger part of the offense. More specifically, Jackson and the Bills' staff have been making an effort to expand his role in the passing game heading into training camp.

Source: Buffalo Bills.com

[NFL] Free Agent CB Patrick Surtain Wants To Play A Few More Years

CP26 — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:04:03 GMT

Free agent Patrick Surtain is 33. He still has a residence down here, and he says he's healthy after a difficult 2008 with Kansas City. The Chiefs have a new coaching staff, and they let him go. "I'm just waiting on a call," Surtain said.

Source: Sun-Sentinel

[Jets] Jets CB's Dwight Lowery And Lito Sheppard To Compete To Start

CP26 — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:58:31 GMT

The Jets front office has to be thrilled with the maturation of the second-year surprise and fifth rated prospect in the organization, cornerback Dwight Lowery. That fall in the draft was the Jets� gain as they received a gifted playmaker that�s expected to compete with former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard for the starting job opposite Revis this season. As a rookie, Lowery played in all 16 games, starting 10 and played outstanding defense finishing with 64 tackles and an interception

Source: Scout.com

[NFL] NFL Says They Won't Allow In-Game Tweeting

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:51:55 GMT

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that the NFL will not allow in-game tweets by players. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello sent an email to Florio where he states the NFL's stance: "We already have a rule that prohibits the use of cell phones or other handheld devices in the bench area during games," Aiello wrote. Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocino announced earlier in the week that he will be tweeting updates to his account during NFL games this year.

Source: ProFootballTalk.com

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[Giants] Giants RB Brandon Jacobs Says Tony Romo Isn't That Good

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:47:13 GMT

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs took some shots at Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo on Thursday in a radio interview on ESPN 1050 in New York. "I don't think he's that good a passer, to be honest with you," Jacobs said. "I'm not a fan of Tony Romo, no. Keep him in the pocket, he's not that good. His luck will be gone sooner or later. If you were to keep Tony Romo in the pocket he's not that effective."

Source: Dallas Morning News

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[Lions] Lions Rookie TE Brandon Pettigrew To Start Immediately?

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:43:50 GMT

Tom Kowalski from MLive.com says that barring any unforeseen circumstances, Lions rookie tight end Brandon Pettigrew will step into the starting position for the Lions and while he'll make some rookie mistakes early, he should grow into the job quickly. While he's soft spoken off the field, Pettigrew is emotionally charged on it. Highly competitive and focused, Pettigrew was very animated after catching the touchdown in the goal-line drill because he had defenders hanging all over him.

Source: MLive.com

[Cowboys] Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware Discusses Greg Ellis' Comments

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:41:11 GMT

Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware did not shed much light during a radio interview on Oakland Raiders DE Greg Ellis' comments about Ware staying off the field so Ellis could get more playing time. "I think that everybody at the end of the day got ample amount of time and I went back and looked at a lot of the things, and I, what, played in like 95 percent of the plays? And, you know, maybe sometimes guys rush better against certain guys, so I don't know. I don't know what the deal is, but at the end of the day, I did what I can do to help the team out last year," Ware said.

Source: ESPN.com

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[NFL] Thousands Gather To Remember Steve McNair

wide right — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:33:13 GMT

Steve McNair's family, friends, former teammates and coaches gathered Thursday night along with thousands of fans to remember the slain ex-NFL quarterback's accomplishments on and off the field. Titans owner Bud Adams, Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and more than 30 of McNair's former teammates attended. Eddie George, who helped McNair take the Titans to their lone Super Bowl in 2000, was among the pallbearers along with four of the quarterback's former offensive linemen.

Source: Associated Press

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[Cowboys] Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware Wants To Be A Cowboy For Life

CP26 — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:57:15 GMT

Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware didn't want to discuss his contract negotiations with the Cowboys during his appearance on 1310 The Ticket this morning. "I'm getting ready for the season," Ware said when host Norm Hitzges broached the subject. "I picture myself a lifetime Cowboy," Ware said "Yes, I do."

Source: The Dallas Morning News

[Lions] Lions Release LB Alex Lewis

CP26 — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:50:53 GMT

The Detroit Lions have pared down their linebacker corps, releasing Alex Lewis after five seasons. The move, confirmed by team spokesman Bill Keenist today, narrows the number of linebackers on the roster to 10. Lewis, a fifth-round pick from Wisconsin in 2004, started four games last season on the strong side but eventually lost his spot to Ryan Nece.

Source: Detroit Free Press

[Dolphins] Dolphins CB Sean Smith Could Start Week 1?

CP26 — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:46:07 GMT

Talks with Dolphins second-round pick Sean Smith, the cornerback out of Utah, were expected to start this week, according to agent David Canter, but Ireland said there had been just "preliminary discussions" with first-rounder Vontae Davis and agent Todd France to this point. "Hi, how are you doing?" Ireland said, mimicking the tenor of the talks. "We'd like to get this done."

Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

[Patriots] Patriots WR Wes Welker Changes Agents

SoDev — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:54:16 GMT

Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker changed agents in March, leaving Vann McElroy for David Dunn of Athletes First, according to the NFL Players Association. It's worth noting that Dunn is also the agent for former Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel. Welker and Cassel are close friends, and Cassel attended Welker's football camp in Oklahoma last month.

Source: Boston Globe

[Vikings] Judge Blocks NFL Suspension Of Two Vikings

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:52:09 GMT

A judge on Thursday blocked the NFL's plan to suspend Minnesota Vikings linemen Kevin Williams and Pat Williams for violating the league's anti-doping policy, a move their attorney said should let them start the season. Hennepin County District Judge Gary Larson granted the players' request for a temporary restraining order that keeps the NFL from suspending them until their case is decided and the order also prohibits the league from subjecting them to extra drug testing. The Williamses "would suffer a significant loss of playing time" without the restraining order, the judge wrote, and they have shown "some likelihood" of winning their lawsuit.

Source: Associated Press

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[Falcons] Police Investigate Rape At Home Of Falcons WR Harry Douglas

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:50:20 GMT

Gwinnett police said they are investigating a rape allegation during a party at the home of Atlanta Falcon's wide receiver Harry Douglas the fourth but officers said Douglas is not a suspect. Investigators said Douglas was hosting a party at his house Wednesday night and was present in the house during the time of the alleged rape. Police are searching for a man who was with the victim at the time of the alleged rape. "Apparently there was a party at the location. There was some drinking. The female had then fallen asleep. When she awoke, it was apparent that there was some sort of sexual intercourse with her. She immediately left the house (and) went to another location. She called police and we responded," said Gwinnett County Police Cpl. David Schiralli.

Source: MyFoxAtlanta.com

[NFL] Ex-Bills DE Bruce Smith Convicted Of DUI

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:48:29 GMT

Former NFL star Bruce Smith was convicted of drunken driving Thursday by a judge who rejected his claim that old football injuries, not alcohol, were responsible for his poor performance on field sobriety tests. Smith declined to answer reporters' questions after his trial in Virginia Beach General District Court. He promptly appealed the verdict to Virginia Beach Circuit Court, which set a hearing in the case for Aug. 27. "We just hope for a better result in appealing," Smith's lawyer, Larry Cardon, told reporters.

Source: Associated Press

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[Colts] Colts DT Raheem Brock Dealing With Child Support Issues

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:45:29 GMT

Colts defensive tackle Raheem Brock is behind on child support by more than $7,500, ex-wife Deziree Williams said. Their daughter was born in July 2003 after the couple had separated. A child-support payment plan signed in a Philadelphia court in April 2007 holds that Brock, who made $3,120,480 with the Colts last year, is to pay $3,500 per month for child support.

Source: Philadelphia Daily News

[Titans] Titans QB Kerry Collins Working To Keep Starting Job

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:43:51 GMT

Tennessee -- Kerry Collins vs. Vince Young -- Collins resurrected his career last season after Young was forced to the sideline with physical and mental issues. Collins, 36, guided the Titans to a 10-6 record and a spot in the playoffs, and he deserves to keep his job. But if Collins stumbles and Young appears to have regained his footing, it could get interesting.

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

[NFL] Warren Moon Heard Steve McNair Was Having Trouble With Retirement

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:42:20 GMT

Warren Moon was interviewed by ESPN Radio in Seattle and he commented on Steve McNair dealing with retirement: "Some guys have a problem that they don't have that structure anymore in their lives. Some people were telling me that Steve was having some problems with his retirement. Even though it's only been a year, you're talking about a guy that's really been used to having that structure. All of a sudden if you don't have things to do now, all of a sudden your mind starts to wander and maybe you start doing some things that you shouldn't be doing because you have time on your hands."

Source: SportsRadioInterviews.com

[Saints] Saints Released LS Kevin Houser Over Bad Investments?

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:40:09 GMT

Only Saints head coach Sean Payton and General Manager Mickey Loomis know if long snapper Kevin Houser's unceremonious release last week was related to Tax Credit-gate but the evidence points overwhelmingly to Houser being kicked out of the house for his unwitting role as point man in Wayne Read's film tax-credit scheme at Louisiana Film Studios. Houser was scheduled to earn $745,000 this season while his replacement, Jason Kyle, will earn at least $845,000, the minimum the Saints can pay him as a 14-year veteran. It couldn't have been for performance since in nine seasons, Houser never botched a bad snap.

Source: The Times-Picayune

[Cardinals] Cardinals Signed 3rd-Round Pick S Rashad Johnson To A 3-Year Deal

SoDev — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:50:06 GMT

The Cardinals signed third-round draft pick Rashad Johnson to a three-year contract Thursday. Johnson, a 5-11, 203-pound safety from Alabama, was a unanimous All-SEC first-team selection and a second-team All-American. He started all 14 games for Alabama at free safety and ranked second on the team with 89 tackles (60 solo) to go along with five interceptions, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Source: azcentral.com

[Redskins] Albert Haynesworth Pleads No Contest To Reckless Driving

SoDev — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:10:34 GMT

Washington Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth pled no contest this morning to reckless driving, a Class B misdemeanor, and was given a three-month suspended sentence, according to Terry Wood, assistant district attorney of the 21st judicial district in Tennessee. Haynesworth will be under three months supervised probation, will make a $5,000 donation to a charity and must also complete 25 hours of community service and an eight-hour defensive driving class. The charges stem from a December accident in which another passenger was seriously injured. He was also charged with driving on an expired registration, but that charge was dropped.

Source: The Washington Post

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[Jaguars] Jaguars LT Eugene Monroe Expected To Be Opening-Day Starter

SoDev — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:23:54 GMT

When asked who would start at LT for the Jags, Vic Ketchman of jaguars.com said: He�s [Monroe] good and he�s a top 10 pick who�s likely to get a big contract. I think the only way Eugene Monroe is not this team�s starting left tackle is if signing him becomes a problem and he misses a lot of training camp.

Source: jaguars.com

[NFL] Former NFL Star Bruce Smith Faces DUI Trial Today

SoDev — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:58:02 GMT

Smith is set to appear at the Virginia Beach General District Court this morning on a drunken driving charge. The former Virginia Tech standout was charged with DUI last month after a Virginia Beach police officer stopped him for speeding on Interstate 264. He’s also charged with refusing to take a breathalyzer test.

Source: Associated Press

[Vikings] Key Ruling Expected Today In Vikings Starcaps Case

MediaGuy — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:25:25 GMT

A Hennepin County judge is expected to rule today on whether Vikings linemen Kevin and Pat Williams can play while their federal case involving use of a banned substance works it way through appeals. The star defensive linemen want to be able to continue to play football, but the NFL wants them to serve out their suspensions. The Vikings open training camp on July 30 in Mankato.

Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

[Vikings] Vikings Customize Their Playbook For Brett Favre?

wide right — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:19:13 GMT

The St. Paul Pioneer Press is reporting that the Vikings have allegedly customized 40% of their playbook for the pending signing of quarterback Brett Favre.

Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press

[Jaguars] Jaguars Sign 4th-Round Draft Pick WR Mike Thomas

MediaGuy — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:16:48 GMT

Wide receiver Mike Thomas became the Jaguars' second draft pick to come to terms Thursday when he agreed to a four-year deal with a $507,450 signing bonus. Thomas also will receive the minimum salaries of $310,000, $385,000, $480,000 and $565,000. Thomas was drafted in the fourth round by the Jaguars.

Source: Florida Times Union

[Dolphins] Dolphins, TE Anthony Fasano Yet To Discuss An Extension

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 05:35:40 GMT

Mike Berardino of the Sun-Sentinel reports that while Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano, 25, enters the final year of a contract that will pay him $535,000 this season, no talks regarding an extension have taken place. Apparently, both sides are content with seeing how this year works out despite it being a calculated risk by both sides since there is a chance that 2010 will be an uncapped year. From the Dolphins' perspective, should a new labor agreement be forged in time to keep the salary cap in place for 2010, Fasano could get really expensive should he build on his breakthrough year.

Source: Sun-Sentinel

[Bengals] NFL Could Fine Chad Ochocinco For In-Game Tweets?

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 05:00:05 GMT

Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco said last week in an interview with Houston radio station KGOW that he would use the social media site Twitter.com during games to connect with fans. Any in-game Tweets from Ocho Cinco might draw disciplinary action. NFL rules prohibit the use of mobile phones or other hand-held devices in the bench area during games. �If you break a rule, you can get fined,� league spokesman Greg Aiello said in a telephone interview. �There's nothing that addresses that use of that type of communication before and after the game � it's similar to other interaction with the media. We would just look at it and clarify it with the clubs before the start of the season.�

Source: Charlotte Observer

[Bengals] Bengals To Sign 3rd Rd. Pick TE Chase Coffman Soon?

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:54:25 GMT

The Cincinnati Bengals have pretty much ignored their tight ends in recent years, but that part of the offense could be revived if third-round draft choice Chase Coffman has anything to say about it. With players due to report to Georgetown, (Ky.) Thursday, July 30, Coffman is very optimistic that he will be signed before camp opens. �There is no way I am not going to be signed before we go into training camp,� Coffman said during a recent phone interview. �I�m making it there the very first day if not a couple of days early. I�m getting in there and getting as much work as I can. That�s one thing that can really set a rookie back is not making it into training camp on time. I�m letting my agents handle that part of the business and I will continue to focus on what I need to focus on.� Coffman says he is almost 100% healthy after dealing with a broken foot he suffered in his final Bowl Game.

Source: Dayton Daily News

[Vikings] Vikings Trainer Visited Brett Favre Again

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:59:11 GMT

Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune is reporting that Vikings head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman traveled to Hattiesburg, Miss., on Wednesday to check on Brett Favre�s surgically repaired right arm for a second time. Sugarman met with Favre about two weeks after he had surgery to go over some stretching exercises that will help his recovery. Sid talked to a Vikings source who said Favre is seven weeks removed from surgery and that it was a complete success, which serves as more evidence that his signing seems imminent.

Source: Star Tribune

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[49ers] S.F. Mayor Doesn't Want 49ers To Use City As Leverage

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:33:40 GMT

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom appeared on CSN Bay Area's "Chronicle Live" last night said he wanted to "avoid being used as leverage" by the 49ers in the team's negotiations with Santa Clara about building a new stadium. "At the end of the day, San Francisco is facing, as Santa Clara and the state is facing, historic budget deficits and shortfalls. We expect to see those for the next few years. I don't want to be used as a pawn, so to speak, to up a subsidy that could be going to anti-poverty programs, go to health care programs or go to economic revitalization -- particularly in the area around Candlestick -- in order to play some game in terms of a competition between Santa Clara and San Francisco." He noted the city has "done everything they've asked us, but clearly their priority is not to stay in San Francisco, it's Santa Clara. They continue to find reasons why our stadium proposal doesn't work. Today, it's transportation, last month it was other things." Newsom said the 49ers "want to go to Santa Clara and have a fresh start." Newsom: "We're just trying to get in a position to be a 'back-up site,' which I think we are. ... I cannot look at finding this a priority to take general fund money from the city and county and the citizens of San Francisco to subsidize something when we actually put together a financing strategy to make it work and got voter approval and Board of Supervisor approval."

Source: SportsBusinessDaily.com

[NFL] Shaun Alexander Hasn't Ruled Out A Return To The NFL

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:30:19 GMT

Former Seahawks and Redskins running back Shaun Alexander hasn't ruled out a return to the NFL. Alexander, in Mobile for several speaking engagements this week, told the Press-Register that he's had preliminary talks with a few NFL teams, although he did not name them. Alexander is not currently on an NFL roster, and he said he likely wouldn't sign until just before the season begins in September.

Source: The Press Register

[Cowboys] DeMarcus Ware Pulled Himself So Greg Ellis Could Play?

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:29:14 GMT

Greg Ellis went on Michael Irvin's ESPN 103.3 radio show today and claimed that Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware would take himself out of games to force the coaches to put Ellis on the field. "It's a disgrace when DeMarcus Ware comes off the field just so I can get in the game and when the coaches tell him to come on the field, he tries to hide so I can play," Ellis said. "And you're telling me we're trying to win the Super Bowl?" Irvin asked Ellis for clarification: "You said DeMarcus Ware was trying to come off the field so you can get you on the field?" Ellis: "Yeah." Irvin: "On his own?" Ellis: "On his own. He would say, 'G, come on.' And I would tell him, 'No, DeMarcus, go ahead, man. You're coming up on your contract year. Don't mess that stuff up. Go ahead and do you, and we're just going to do what the coaches, or whoever the powers that be, what they want to do.'"

Source: Dallas Morning News

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[NFL] ESPN To Broadcast The Steve McNair Memorial

wide right — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:09:05 GMT

With "thousands expected" to attend Steve McNair's Memorial Service Thursday, ESPN will carry the service live. Representatives of Steve and Mechelle McNair's home church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, met with the media Wednesday to outline the events of Thursday. A public viewing will take place at 3:45pm and the service will begin at 7:00pm.

Source: Titansradio.com

[Falcons] Falcons DE John Abraham Seeking A New Deal?

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:07:14 GMT

Steve Wyche reported on NFL Network's "NFL Total Access" that there are rumors Falcons defensive end John Abraham might be seeking a new deal. Abraham had his best year as a pro in 2008, collecting 16.5 sacks which ranked him third in the NFL. Abraham might be seeking a deal similar to the one that Jared Allen got from the Vikings last offseason (6 years, $72 million) but that number might be hard to get for a player on the wrong side of 30 with a history of injury problems.

Source: CatScratchReader.com

[NFL] Steve McNair Was Unhappy With Girlfriend During DUI Stop

wide right — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:03:15 GMT

A police officer tells Steve McNair's girlfriend the ex-NFL star is "not happy" during a DUI stop captured on video two days before the couple died in a murder-suicide. In the video, Kazemi repeatedly asks an officer to have McNair come to the window of the police cruiser where she's sitting. McNair, who wasn't charged, leaves in a cab without coming to talk to her.

Source: Associated Press

[Texans] Texans, CB Dunta Robinson Remain Far Apart In Talks

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:58:04 GMT

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reports that the Texans and cornerback Dunta Robinson remain far apart in contract talks. Robinson was slapped with the franchise tag this offseason and will likely have to settle for his one year tender offer that is worth over $9 million this year. Robinson has skipped all mandatory camps and might be a camp holdout if he doesn't get the long-term deal he covets.

Source: Red Battle Blog

[NFL] Police Release 911 Tapes In Steve McNair Case

wide right — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:43:40 GMT

The 911 tape made after Steve McNair and Sahel Kazemi were found dead was just released by the Metro Nashville Police Department. Steve's friend -- Robert Gaddy -- made the call and was hysterical as the dispatcher desperately tried to get information from him. Steve's roommate Wayne Neely initially discovered the bodies and then notified Gaddy to call 911.

Source: TMZ

[Raiders] Source Confirms Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell Skipped Last OTA

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:28:29 GMT

Back in June Michael Lombardi of the National Football Post reported that Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell skipped the last day of OTA's and a source confirmed Russell was not at the last workout to Paul Gutierrez of the Sacramento Bee. But while Russell's work ethic has been questioned and Jeff Garcia will be biting at his ankles to get snaps, the unquestioned No. 1 QB can answer all questions with his performance in camp.

Source: Sacramento Bee