The Crystal Ball Pre Camp Special

Welcome one and all to the first, and hopefully annual, The Crystal Ball Pre Camp Special. Yes, I know, camps have already started. But due to a few unfortunate technical and physical glitches, we are coming to you during the opening weeks of training camp as opposed to the weekend before as originally planned. For those clamoring for camp information, or just the usual nonsense from around here, you will have to wait for the former until our camp special debuts sometime after the Hall of Fame weekend. I want to have one game to watch before I say anything football related. As for the latter, please continue reading.

The reason for a pre camp special is I figured that much like a few teams, I could use the practice. And, like all teams, it would make a great opportunity to fine tune the game plan for the season and install a few new wrinkles. But those will be coming in the true camp special. And with camps starting and the march to the season underway, I also figured this would be a great time and opportunity to put a few items from the off season behind us. But at least one will linger like the smell of dead fish, and you already know what that item will be. Mind you, this is not everything that has occurred since the draft. If it were, this could be as long as a book. Just some of the most notable, notorious and weird happenings in the world we call professional football. So let us recap yet another fascinating, interesting and strange off season of the NFL.

To start, and as a disclaimer, I have no real mini-camp news. There may be one or two things that relate to mini camps, but no real information. I am a nut, but even I have my limitations. Plus, are not mini camps nothing more than a bunch of guys working out, with some studying on occasion? There, 32 mini camps have been summarized. You happy now?

But before we get to the real nonsense, I need to take a moment to mark the passing of Bill Walsh after a long battle with leukemia. Often dubbed “the Genius”, Walsh changed the fortunes of a team and a city, and changed the landscape of the NFL forever. His offensive innovations are still being used to this day, and the reverberations of them still shake through the league. Walsh was one of the first coaches to truly understand the importance of the left tackle position, a position that today we see high prized recruits coveted by each team. His offense was mislabeled as the west coast offense, but this was merely a misunderstanding. The west coast offense was created by Sid Gillman, Don Coryell and Ernie Zampese and was more of a vertical passing attack. Walsh studied that offense and its effectiveness and learned from Gillman, and studied many others with his computer like mind and created his own offense. He created an offense that was much more than a vertical passing attack; his was a precision based juggernaut that when deployed by the right personnel and controlled by its master Walsh was virtually unstoppable. He called it the Cincinnati offense at first, but what it should have been called is the Walsh offense, to forever keep his name attached to one of the most effective creations ever unleashed. His precision teams of the 49ers executed at such a high level of excellence that many thought of them as merely a machine with no personality. I prefer to think of them as single minded in one purpose, to be the best, and that they were. One thing I was always glad about was the short sightedness of the Bengals, since they had one of the first cracks at hiring Walsh as head coach. If they had, the AFC Central would have been very different. I was always a fan of Bill Walsh, because he helped change perceptions of the sport. Football takes a high degree of intelligence to play and coach, and can be a thinking man’s game. Walsh always looked upon the game intellectually, and showed others the subtleties and nuances that make football such an intellectual challenge. His approach and view to the game helped change many others views as well, and helped push away some of the misconceptions that football was nothing more than a bunch of stupid guys pounding into each other. Walsh was an innovator, a teacher and a winner and his passing will be felt by all who love the game. We will miss you Bill.

Ok, now let us get started. Bill would not want us sitting on our duffs with work to be done.

First, a few things I missed from the last off season column.

Tom Brady created quite the hubbub by being photographed in a New York Yankee cap. To people of the New England area, this is tantamount to treason. Personally, I do not care since I typically cannot stand either team, especially the Red Sox. But it does bring up a good question. Who is more annoying, ultra cocky Yankee fans or ultra whiny Red Sox fans? I say push.

The Bears traded Thomas Jones to the Jets, ending their backfield by committee and helping the Jets compete in the AFC East. I do not know if this is such a great move for the Bears, as Jones really added to their offense. Perhaps this is just one of the first pieces of evidence in building the case for the potential Super Bowl jinx.


Now, let us move on to a few bits of League news.

In June, the NFL held a symposium of doctors, trainers and officials to have a summit on the issue of concussions. The league seems serious in taking real steps and a hard look at a major, long standing problem. And I for one am glad to hear this. Some of the stories of players suffering post career with the effects of concussions are chilling and troublesome, and the NFL should do whatever it takes to protect those who put the fans in the seats. Some of the steps the league has put in place to help stem the tide of horrific injuries include mandatory baseline neuropsychological testing, education for the players and families on what concussions are and their affects, a whistle-blower system to help ease pressure for injured players to return and leaving post-concussion decisions of returning to play to medical professionals, and not to the players or coaches. Here is hoping we see some real results from some of these changes, and further changes down the road. No one wants to see someone end a career early like Troy Aikman, or go through post football life like Mike Webster.

In even better news for former players, there has been much more talk regarding benefits for retired players as well as much more public talk regarding health benefits and long term care for older players permanently disabled from years on the grid iron. While nothing has been resolved, at least talk is going on, and getting much louder. Plus, Gene Upshaw is looking worse each day for his don’t give a crap attitude toward former players, especially since he used to play with many of them. Perhaps in an effort to clean up his egg smeared face, he’ll actually do something, but I am not holding my breath, and neither are the former players. The whole situation got much more heated and interesting with former players taking their case to Congress in June. I never think the government should be involved in the sporting world, unless it spills out into the real world. But this time, I’m siding with the players trying to get the proper care they need. The NFL and Players association insist they provide a lot for former players, but more and more it looks like what they are doing for those who built the league is not nearly enough. And since the league recently announced plans to help more former players with joint replacement surgery and additional benefits, it would seem even they do not believe their own spin. While this is a good start, is should be considered just that, a start. The NFL is a billion dollar industry. I think it can afford to help those on whose backs the league was built. Everyone, keep talking about this issue, the bigger it gets, the faster the NFL will do something about it. The last thing they ever want is bad press.

Moving on to the actual games, there have been some floaters sent out around the league to consider a 17 game season, with one less game in the preseason. Hmmm, more football, would I be able to handle one extra week of goodness? Only one way to find out! Schedule that bad boy!

The second scheduled overseas game is going over like gangbusters. To be played in Wembley Stadium, the first batch of 40,000 tickets made available for the game was sold out in less than 90 minutes. It should be a wing ding of a time in swinging London. The league is also looking to expand their scope of overseas regular season games, with a potential next stop being Germany. The league would also like to get each team an overseas game at some point. I wonder where the Steelers will play. I think it will take all season to figure out where and why it will work. Stay tuned, we may have a new feature.

In sad overseas news, the league closed the doors on NFL Europa. It is a shame, because the overseas audience was growing and it was a good developmental league. However, it was not growing at a sustainable rate and became just too expensive to maintain. Perhaps one day true European expansion will take place. I hope so as I would love to see a game in Germany or England.

There was also talk of potentially moving the first half of the first round of the draft to Friday night to show the draft in prime time. Yeah, as if the draft wasn’t nutty enough, that is exactly what we need, prime time draft. I say that now, but if they did it, I’d find myself sitting at home, on a Friday night in late April…..


Let us now shift from the league, to some player and team news, starting with…


The Running Backs:

New York Jet running back Curtis Martin retired. A good player and teammate, Martin had a phenomenal career with the Jets and Patriots and will retire with the 4th most rushing yards of all time. But unfortunately, no running back lasts forever. The Jets knew this, and began preparing for this day. But it still is sad to see a potential hall of famer retire. So raise your glass to Mr. Martin, enjoy the sunset.

In returning running backs, Priest Holmes has reported to Chiefs training camp and will look for clearance to return to the field. With their QB situation and Johnson’s holdout, this could be the kind of help the Chiefs need. I like Holmes, and know he has put much work into this return, I only hope he is truly well. A neck injury is very serious, and I would hate him to sacrifice his future for one more moment of present day glory. We wish Holmes much luck.

In hopefully returning running backs, Ricky Williams tested positive, again, for weed in April. He will not be eligible to apply for reinstatement until September. Bet he doesn’t pass then either. Come on, who wants to lay a five spot on this one with me?

New Oakland Raider running back Dominic Rhodes tested positive for something, the NFL won’t say, but they suspended him for the first four games of the season. Nice. So far that move to the Raiders is REALLY paying off, is it not Dominic?

Seahawks running back Shawn Alexander may still have crack in his foot. What will that mean for Alexander and the Seahawks? Will he regain the form from their Super Bowl season? Will he provide an adequate threat to allow Hasselbeck to pass effectively? A development worth watching in the Pacific Northwest.

Continuing on our trend of discussing running backs, there are rumors coming out of New England that Laurence Maroney has a bum shoulder. If he can’t go, the much vaunted Pats offense suddenly becomes very one dimensional, no one will respect their running game, and they will become a 9-7 team. Especially if their run defense looks like it did in the AFC championship game last year. Sure, Thomas will help their D, but will he help that much? He is a phenomenal player, but he cannot fill 5 holes at once and he is fast approaching 30.

The Steelers signed Kevan Barlow, formerly of the Jets. Barlow had a few great years in San Francisco, but then tailed off. Now he has a good chance to revive himself, and the Steelers have a good opportunity to get an excellent 1-2 punch in the running game with him and Parker. However, I do have a fear for the running game as the season approaches. Losing Jeff Hartings to retirement is tough, and as things look now this will be Faneca’s last season. Plus, the right side of the line is in a bit of flux with free agent Sean Mahan and rookie Willie Colon fighting to crack the starting lineup. A stable line is what makes an offense successful. Without a stable line, you are nothing more than the Cardinals. When the season ends and Faneca leaves, this will be another loss from the Super Bowl team. I know that is how the business of the NFL is run, but it is really beginning to grate on me.


Moving on to The Quarterbacks:

Peyton Manning attended a white tie state dinner at the White House in May with Queen Elizabeth II. Before that he had a fantastic turn as host of Saturday Night Live and shot and aired about a million new commercials. It must not suck to be Peyton Manning this year. Well, until the season starts and he no longer has left tackle stalwart Tarik Glenn, who may be retiring according to reports coming out of Indianapolis. Without Glenn it might be easier to get to Manning and rattle him this season

Brady now will no longer speak with reporters regarding his personal life. With all of his baby mama drama going on, and now the team has head case numero uno in Randy Moss in the fold, does anyone else get the feeling the Patriot machine might suddenly seize up at the worst possible time? Me too.

Trent Green was finally traded to Miami, happy for the change in scenery. I still have to wonder what Miami is thinking going with a 37 year old quarterback as their starter. They are not built to win right now, which is what a move for Green means. This looks bad, both short term and long term, for Dolphin fans.

Daunte Culpepper, for his part, created as much strife in Miami as possible before they finally released him. You know, for a man who never produced for a team who took a chance on him, he sure seemed ungrateful. After he finally got his release, and kept complaining. Since no one has shown that much interest thus far, perhaps he is overrating himself. Apparently, though, the best place for him turned out to be Oakland. Yes, Oakland, who just drafted a quarterback number one overall. Oakland, where Culpepper will be nothing more than a one year stop-gap measure while they prepare Russell to be the starter. The Oakland Raiders, truly the black hole of NFL careers.

Jeff Garcia was installed as the starter in Tampa Bay. Of course, he will have to fight off Grabowski and Simms. I bet he does not have the same success as he did with the Eagles.

Brad Johnson is gone from Minnesota and now the backup QB in Big D. What is with Dallas and old quarterbacks? They get rid of Vinnie, and bring in Bledsoe. Now Bledsoe retires, so they bring in Johnson. Coincidence or crafty plan?

Marc Bulger signed a fat new contract with the Rams. Let us see if that pays some offensive dividends this season.

I was shocked to learn that Brett Favre wanted Randy Moss badly to come to Green Bay. It seems so odd that Brett would want such a malcontent on the team, even though the team is not overflowing with talented receivers. I know Brett wants to win, and Moss has a boatload of talent, but it does not jive in my head. Plus, did Brett really think Moss would pick him over Brady and the ready to win now Patriots?

I used to like Brett. I loved the swagger and the attitude. I loved the gunslinger mentality and image he invoked while on the field. And part of me still does. But the past few years have been too much. Every move he makes has been reported on and talked about ad nausea. While he does not have any control over that, he does over his own actions, which have been equally annoying. He issues communiqués and statements from his home in Mississippi about his status, health, future in football and his feelings and thoughts on the direction of the team. I am surprised at this point someone has not instituted a 24/7 Brett watch, you know, in case he takes a dump and we miss it. Plus, with saying he will not attend mandatory mini camp, what kind of team leadership is that? Brett is wearing thin on me lately, as is the constant babble about every move he makes. Seriously Brett, you want to yak, yak to your teammates about winning. Barring that, hang them up and get a commentator job. Otherwise, shut up and play.


And now, The Receivers:

Chad Johnson raced a horse for charity and won. Isn’t he great? It is fantastic he did it for charity, but it is how he did it, in such a fun and self effacing way. You just gotta love 85. Sure wish he was in Black and Gold instead of Black and Orange.

Terrell Owens stated he is looking forward to the 2007 season, and since no one had been yapping about him, decided to throw out his typical verbal hand grenade and stated he got nothing out of last year being coached by Bill Parcells. Hmmm, still petulant and missing the point. Seems at least TO’s mouth is ready for the season.

The Bears are thinking of using Devin Hester at wide receiver. Oooooh, now that is an exciting premise. I know that move does not always work, but when it does it could be thrilling. I caught the opening of Super Bowl XLI the other day and watched his kickoff return again. What a talent he is, and he is so exciting to watch on every play. I’m gonna watch a few extra Bears games this season, just to see him work his magic.

The Panthers signed Steve Smith to contract extension through 2012. Hopefully one of those young receivers they picked up can help take some pressure off of Smith to produce so he can last until the end of the extension. Otherwise, he will burn out being the only viable target.

In other Panther receiver news, recently cut receiver Keyshawn Johnson, not wanting to be a rent-a-receiver, decided to just call it a career and retired. Keyshawn’s wish to be given a multi-year contract by interested teams was met with a rather lukewarm response. Instead of going back on his word of not wanting to be merely a stop-gap measure or quick fix, he opted instead to be a commentator with ESPN. Not a bad choice, but Keyshawn, would being a quick fix for a potential contender really have been all that bad? I think not.

Joe Horn, cut from the Saints, signed with the Falcons. Good thing too, as the Falcons will need as many good hands at receiver as possible. Especially since Joey Harrington will need all the help he can get.


The always fun, Contract News:

Asante Samuel is threatening an extended hold out for a new contract. Boy I hope this happens. Anything to take the luster and shine off of the Patriots band wagon. Will they actually pay Samuel, or just ship him out like they did with Deion Branch last year? Your move, Belichick.

KC running back Larry Johnson is planning to hold out, hoping to get a new contract. He has stated he has been saving money in case this should come to pass. Apparently, 1.7 million is not enough for him to take the field this season. He can void out his current contract after this season due to incentives met, but he would rather beat the rush and try to do it now and get paid. His agent says they are looking for a fair market contract extension for his services. Hey, Larry, from what I have seen from your sullen self, 1.7 million is pretty fair, especially since you do not have to do the sort of the soul crushing, demeaning things all those people who cheer you on every week have to do each and every day just to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Sure, you can look at that as bad decisions on their part, or not being blessed with physical talent and thus unable to take advantage of what our culture and society is willing to reward financially. But I call it life, as do millions of others. And when I see someone of privilege such as yourself, who is lucky to be in the position you are, demanding even more, I call that greed. His agent also says that they understand it is a sensitive situation because those who live in KC do not make that much money. Oh yeah? How noble of you to think of the unwashed masses who scrape together enough money maybe once a year to attend a Chiefs game and their feelings on the subject of Larry wanting a raise. You want to know how those masses really feel and what they really think? I will clue you in, since neither you nor Larry seems to have one. Shut up, suck it up, cash your already big paycheck and for a change win some damn football games you over privileged baby.

I can never understand the point of signing a contract if a player will not honor what it says. If you or I tried this stunt, we could use all that time sitting out waiting for more money to find a new job, because we would find ourselves out of the one we have. This is the most ridiculous statement ever. Hey, KC, you want to not pay Larry this season? Sounds good to me. I would be happy to take his place for a quarter of what he makes. Sure, I am older and much, much slower, and probably would not make it to week 4 without a serious injury. But I would never bitch about being “underpaid” and come to work each week with a smile on my face knowing how much I would be making, instead of complaining about what I was not making.

And speaking of bitching about making money, Alan Faneca said this is his last year as a Steeler. Faneca is unhappy at management for stalled contract talks. Both sides need some perspective on this situation. Luckily, I am happy to provide such.

Faneca feels that for all he has done and accomplished for the team he is not being respected; and what they have done in terms of offering him a fair contract is not right. He also feels if they do not want him, they should just trade him or let him go, let him find another team that will treat him fairly, which of course translates as pays him an absurd amount of money.

Seriously Faneca, what have they done? Tortured you? Kept food from you? Forced your family onto the streets? Get a grip. Mind you, I love Faneca. I have a huge soft spot for offensive linemen and guards in particular. But I hate it when professional athletes take this stance of victim when they do not get the massive contract they want. There are people in this country with real problems out there who would be overjoyed to do their job for what you make now. Wake up and grow up.

Faneca has gone on to say that while he will report to camp on time, and he has, and will not make this a distraction to the team during camp or the season, this will be his last year in Pittsburgh. At least he will be a professional. But once again, what have they really done to you that is so horrible?

On the other side, management, make him an offer, and do not be insulting about it. I am almost positive I know the team will be looking to go in a different direction, but at least show Faneca you do appreciate all he has done by tendering a contract that is at least somewhat commiserate with a player of his skill level. He has gone to more Pro Bowls than any other guard in team history. He is a stalwart on one of the most stable lines in the NFL and makes things happen. If it were not for his block, Willie Parker would not have the longest run in Super Bowl History. He is the epitome of what it means to be a Steeler. Let him know his contributions have been appreciated, even if it means sending him away.

But I doubt they will be able to offer Faneca any contract now that would make them happy, as they have several players entering their last contract years that need to be resigned and especially since the team inked a new contract with Troy Polamalu. With a contract for 5 years and worth 30.19 million, Polamalu is now the highest paid Steeler on the team, and the highest paid Steeler of all time. Well, until they hammer out a new deal for Roethlisberger next year. The team and Big Ben’s agent had some preliminary talks this summer, but the real work will begin next off season. I bet that is a big contract.

The team also inked their first round draft pick Lawrence Timmons to a 5 year 12 million deal. I hope he proves worth it.

Steelers cut punter Chris Gardocki, although the shock of this was taken away when they drafted Sepulveda in April. Here is hoping the rookie is as good as advertised. How will Steelers Nation react if he has a punt blocked? We have not had to deal with that for quite some time now, and have become more than a bit spoiled.

The Bears might have a better chance on defense this season, as they finally pulled Lance Briggs back into the fold. While Briggs felt insulted by being franchise tagged, and wanted either a long term contract or traded, he relented and signed on for a season in Chicago. I guess the thought of 7+ million for one year of work did not seem too bad after all.


Team and media news:

The San Diego Chargers changed uniforms again, for no apparent reason. I guess they just wanted people to forget how much they botched the coaching situation.

Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt has stated his Cardinals will focus on running the ball. Wow, what a shocking revelation. I never would have seen that coming.

The Steelers are going to erect a statue of Fred Rogers in the south end of the stadium on an observation deck. The famed area native will now be in attendance for every game. I am not sure if Mr. Rogers was a big Steelers fan, or of football in general, but no matter. I just hope they get the cardigan correct.

Keith Olbermann will return to the world of sports as a new addition to NBC’s Football Night In America. I like this move. I find Olbermann entertaining and irreverent, with a sharp wit and keen sports mind. Plus, perhaps he can compete with Collinsworth for title of dorkiest tall white guy on the show.



Look out, its The Strange world of the NFL:

I found this snippet courtesy of the Arizona Republic and story writers Judi Villa and Michael Kiefer.

“Robert Comer never flinched Tuesday morning as he was injected with a lethal cocktail of drugs that put him to death. Comer took a picture of his daughter into the death chamber with him and seemed defiant as he smiled and maintained eye contact with his witnesses as drugs coursed through his body.His last words were "Go Raiders!" “

It says it all, if you ask me.

This was too odd of a story to pass up, courtesy of Moustafa Ayad of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“Former Steelers linebacker Richard Seigler -- who was out on bail yesterday -- controlled two prostitutes in Las Vegas last year while he was a member of the team, according to a Nevada police affidavit.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department vice squad's investigation of Seigler's cousin, Billy Cooks, a known pimp, uncovered Seigler's actions. Through several phone calls placed by Cooks from a Las Vegas jail, police determined that Seigler had at least two women working for him as prostitutes.
The Steelers released Seigler, 26, shortly before he was arrested around 6 p.m. on a fugitive warrant from Nevada. He was charged with pandering, pandering by furnishing transportation and living from the earnings of a prostitute. If convicted, Seigler faces one to 10 years in prison.

You cannot make this stuff up.

I guess Pittsburgh was lacking in weird news lately, since there was also this little nugget that came out. New offensive line coach Larry Zierlein forwarded an email, and inadvertently forwarded it to league officials including the commissioner. So what, we all do that from time to time. However, most of us do not make this mistake with emails that have pornographic material attached to them. Dan Rooney of course is unhappy. Zierlein has not lost his job, but I am sure there was some vigorous debate about his continued employment. While this was not quite as good as the Detroit coach going through the drive thru naked from the waist down last year, it comes close in terms of stupidity. What is going on in Pittsburgh lately? Porno, pimps, I am afraid to find out what’s next?



And finally, From the Files of the NFL Security office
(or why exactly did NFL force ESPN to cancel Playmakers):


The league denied Bungle Odell Thurman’s petition for reinstatement and extended his suspension for another season. The league really is getting tougher.

In more Bungle news, Chris Henry has quite a few legal troubles brewing in Florida. I guess it was lucky he got that suspension; he now has time to clean up his life.

Adding to the din of nonsense coming from Cincinnati, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported this nugget on May 29th 2007.

“On an ESPN radio show, (coach Marvin) Lewis accused the Cincinnati police of profiling his players after troubled wide receiver Chris Henry was pulled over in his vehicle for not signaling a turn. "I think there's profiling, no question," Lewis said.

At the time, it sounded very much like Lewis was playing the race card, but he vehemently denied that later, saying his remarks were in the context of his players being public figures. He also apologized in a statement released by the team and in a private telephone call with the Cincinnati police chief, saying his "comments did not illustrate the high regard I have for the Cincinnati Police Department."”

This is such a stupid explanation for his remarks, since celebrities and famous athletes always get the benefit of the doubt and at least a dozen free passes for their indiscretions BECAUSE they are public figures. It is only when they go so far beyond the limit does their behavior ever catch up with them. I doubt Lewis was playing the race card. Most likely he is just trying to make excuses for A) the anticipated poor performance from his team in the upcoming season without bad apple stars like Thurman and Henry B) the poor performance from his team last season or C) justifying the behavior of his players as misunderstood and thereby justifying his actions of selecting troubled players to save face and keep his job. I’m going with C.

NFLPA was backing Pacman Jones and his appeal of his suspension, saying the punishment is excessive. A lot has happened since this moment, so it is for the most part irrelevant news. But something about it stuck with me. Now, I know the NFLPA has to support the players; it is in their interest to keep all players on the field. But should they not go by the axiom that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few? Are they not disrespecting and ignoring the needs of the hundreds of players that do not get embroiled in investigations and arrests by throwing their weight and clout behind a defense of Pacman, whose behavior is one of a gifted athlete who uses his station unwisely? Should they not be thinking of what is best for all of their charges, not just one?

Pacman, though, did have a moment of responsibility, followed by increasing his speed on his downward spiral. He recanted his appeal, saying what was important now is to get his life back on track. For almost an entire nanosecond, I felt good for him, and perhaps even liked him. People who get to a point of change, recognize it and grab hold of it appeal to me. I know we all find moments in our lives when it seems things are spiraling out of control, and we have no way to stop it. It takes a strong and intelligent person to be able to say, no, I can and will change things. And it takes an even stronger one to stick to those declarations. I respect that kind of dedication and courage.

However, my honeymoon with Pacman lasted only a partial nanosecond, as not long afterwards, he was being sought by authorities for questioning regarding members of his posse who were involved in a shooting. Pacman, part of changing your life is to separate yourself from those who hold a bad influence over you. Yes, they are your friends. Yes, they were there for you when you were nothing. But now, they are doing nothing but dragging you down to being nothing again. If they give a damn about you, they would not do things that jeopardize your position as a player in the NFL. As it seems, they do not treat you like a friend, but merely a meal ticket and an all access pass to a lifestyle they are unwilling or unable to obtain on their own merit and talents, merely on yours. I do believe that Pacman should cut ties to those gentlemen, as cold as it may seem, but writer LZ Granderson had a very interesting and personal take on athletes and who they surround themselves with. I highly recommend the article, as I found it a fascinating look at the situation from a perspective I will never have. And while I was enlightened by his story, and it gave me much food for thought, one question arose from his words. How can athletes and others who achieve fame and fortune help pull others from destructive lives if those they try to save only sabotage their life?

But it may all be moot now, since charges have been filed in Las Vegas against Jones in the strip club shooting that occurred on February 19th. It would seem even if Jones does have someone in his life that could talk with him and set him straight, it might be too late. I suppose how he handles these issues he’s created, and how he conducts himself in the future will be the only tells as to how much he wants to be a better man and player. But with commissioner Goodell’s strict conduct policy and with teams now responsible as well for their employees’ actions, who would even take a chance on him if he does successfully reform himself? My best hope for him at this point is that he is able to pull his life together, not to remain in the NFL, but merely to become the man he can be.

Tank Johnson met with Goodell, who suspended Johnson for 8 games. With all the nonsense Tank has created, including being a distraction during the Super Bowl with his legal woes, I am kind of surprised this one is only 8 games. However, he could not even keep himself out of trouble after that, since not long after he got pulled over by the cops in Arizona. But the Bears had enough and cut him before camp even started. Tank finally wore out his welcome in Chitown. Think the Raiders will make a run?

And finally, the worst of the lot, the one that will stink like old garbage, the ongoing Michael Vick/dog fighting saga.

With reports that Vick is a heavyweight in the fighting, and investigations are getting deeper, the story looked bad. But then it got much worse and became the item that affects the entire Falcons season, possibly colors the entire NFL season and potentially derails Vick’s career.

Vick was indicted by a Federal grand jury in the investigation. Four witnesses listed in indictment are testifying against Vick and three others mentioned in the document. As of now, one of those co-defendants copped a plea and will now testify against Vick and the remaining two. And there is a possibility one or both of those remaining co-defendants could turn against Vick. The allegations in the document are horrible, including execution of dogs by horrific means such as electrocution, drowning and slamming dogs onto the pavement as well as gambling on dog fighting and conspiring with known gamblers. From the reports circulating, this is not something that occurred on the property outside of Vick’s knowledge or sphere of influence, as he has stated before. This looks to be an operation that Vick personally helped build from the ground up, including finding and procuring the land, having the house built, having all the implements built or purchased for dog fighting and even being present during executions of dogs that would not fight. If even a quarter of these things are true, I hope they lock him up for a very long time. The trial could potentially start in as little as 4-6 months.

While Vick has been ordered for the time being to stay away from training camp, the NFL is playing it close to the vest, waiting on the results of their own investigation until they act. I can follow their reasoning too. Part of it comes from the fact that Vick is a marquee player; part of it is that he is not a repeat offender and part of it is they do not want an incident like the situation with the Duke Lacrosse team. But this is very different from other first time offenses. This is not a drunken driving offense, or smoking some weed, this is killing and training dogs to kill. Goodell should step up and back up his tough talk about off the field behavior and personal conduct and suspend Vick, at least for the first half of the season.

The mere fact that he is wrapped up in actions as deplorable as these, whether directly or indirectly, is a massive black eye on the league, especially since Vick is one of their marquee players. And if he has been consorting with gamblers that alone makes the situation far worse. If Goodell really wants to show the players and owners who is in charge and what behavior will and will not be tolerated, he needs to put Vick on the shelf. Show everyone that no one is above the game, no matter who they are. If Vick turns out to be innocent, then perhaps welcome him back after the fact. However, if you ask me there is absolutely no way that he can be by the mere fact that he allowed such travesties to take place on his property. But until then, bench him and show him there will be consequences for his actions, no matter how indirect they might be. Of course, the federal government may take care of that for the NFL when all is said and done. The longer Goodell stalls, the worse he looks and the less serious other players, lawyers and the NFLPA will take his future disciplinarian actions. Plus, the worse the league looks in the eyes of the fans and public in general. Already the NFL and companies that Vick has advertised for have been picketed and protested. Vick was vigorously booed when he arrived for his arraignment. Goodell needs to act quickly, decisively and strong. The sooner the better too, since other players do not seem to get the gravity of the situation as this snippet from the Associated Press will show.

“NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- Washington Redskins players Clinton Portis and Chris Samuels defended Michael Vick on Monday by ridiculing the notion that dog fighting is considered a crime.
In an interview with WAVY-TV, Portis said that if the Atlanta Falcons quarterback is charged and convicted of being involved in a dog fighting operation, then authorities would be "putting him behind bars for no reason."
Portis, a native of Laurel, Mississippi, added: "I know a lot of back roads that got a dog fight if you want to go see it. But they're not bothering those people because those people are not big names. I'm sure there's some police got some dogs that are fighting them, some judges got dogs and everything else."”

Not only is this the wrong thing to say, it is an even worse thing to mean. To me, basically, Portis is telling the world that he is a stupid man with too much money and no concern for any other living creature on this earth except for their entertainment value to him. I know what he does for a living is to entertain us, but at the moment, I am wondering why I partake in his particular brand of entertainment. I know there is a fine line between the controlled chaos of football and dog fighting. They are both in crude terms creatures physically attacking each other for supremacy. But men have a choice in the matter, are well compensated for their work and the goal of each one is to leave the field in one piece. These dogs have no choice, are not compensated or even treated decently in their lives and their goal is to kill any other dog put in front of them. Plus, no one starves a football player to make him angry and play harder.

Later in the same day he issued this statement through the Redskins.

"In the recent interview I gave concerning dog fighting, I want to make it clear I do not take part in dog fighting or condone dog fighting in any manner,".

I am willing to bet my next two paychecks he did not write that, nor felt a particular need to say that. He was probably prompted to issue the statement by a friendly team of lawyers on retainer by the Redskins.

What is worse is he is not the only player to make statements basically minimizing the horror that is dog fighting. The Jets Jonathan Vilma and former Cowboy Emmitt Smith have both made comments basically stating similar thoughts as Portis. It boggles my mind that these men seem to have no issue with sending dogs against each other in mortal combat. To not find any issue with people training dogs to kill other dogs for the purposes of gambling? You honestly do not think that is not a huge problem? I know people grow up in different circumstances and with different lifestyles, but just your own conscience and built in sense of right and wrong should tell, no scream, to you that this is wrong. I know we have an attachment to dogs in this country that is not found everywhere in the world, but that should matter not. They are defenseless creatures against the will of man, and it is our place on earth to make sure we bring no harm to them. Killing them for money and sport goes directly against this, and if you find no issue with this, then I prefer to not only not know you, but not associate with you and will walk the other way if I see you coming in my direction. Commissioner, it seems as the problem is far wider than previously anticipated, and you may need to give courses to some players on how to be a human being as well as how to be a football player.

Although it is difficult to think of such things, looking at the Falcons from a pure football standpoint, the team is looking pretty dumb right now. Not just for supporting Vick and sacrificing several coaches in preference to him, but also for shipping away Matt Schaub. That could back to haunt them, especially if potential starter Joey Harrington cannot deliver. I wonder if Jim Mora Jr. is sitting in Seattle, quietly chuckling at the inept organization that tossed him in favor of their “star” quarterback. To make matters worse, running back Warrick Dunn had to have back surgery and will be out 3-4 weeks. It does not look good for Falcons fans this year, if there are any left. Who wants to have a Vick jersey trash can party?

We have come to the end of the off season nonsense for the moment. Stay tuned for the upcoming camp special, where we will test out some ideas for the season, and hopefully be able to concentrate on football and not legal maneuvers and contract stupidity. See you soon.