SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT UPDATE

Yesterday’s announcement that star Maryland junior OT Jared Gaither would be entering next month’s supplemental draft overshadowed the on-campus workout of Morgan State DT Robert Armstrong, another supp draft candidate who worked out in Baltimore.

It also didn’t help Armstrong, a 320-pounder who had been working out in cool Northern California, that yesterday’s workout was conducted in 90-degree plus heat and humidity. According to press reports, Armstrong’s workout was attended by scouts from 8 NFL teams. And while he didn’t wow the NFL personnel people in attendance, Armstrong reportedly had an okay workout that could result in some late-round interest at the supplemental draft on July 12th. Armstrong reportedly measured in at 6-4 and 320 pounds, ran the 40 in around 5 seconds - respectable enough for someone that size, looked okay in the other drills, and did around 25 reps pressing 225 pounds after having several of his first lifts nullified.

Overall, the consensus, including from Armstrong himself was that he still needs to improve his conditioning. Armstrong played at Morgan State last fall where he did a good job as a run-stuffing DT after transferring from Maryland in 2005. Armstrong has never stated why he left Maryland but had been academically ineligible after the 2005 season; he had played for the Terps in 2003 and 2004, but missed the 2005 season because of a back injury.

Source: GBN Report

RE: NFL EUROPE R.I.P.

In response to one of the comments posted about the now defunct NFL Europe:

Be on a lookout for the All-American Football League. We are helping them launch the league and we've been swept under the carpet with all the talk about Mark Cuban's team. The AAFL will run during the spring and will give players like Tim Couch, Akili Smith, Eric Crouch etc., an opportunity to showcase themselves heading into mini-camp. I believe the NFL will be on board to help the league flourish as teams will be based out of college football cities. You can learn more about the league here:

http://www.allamericanfootballleague.com

RIC

D-HALL NOT INTERESTED IN EXTENSION

Jason Cole, of Yahoo! Sports, reports Atlanta Falcons CB DeAngelo Hall said he would rather play out the remainder of his contract and become a free agent in 2008 than sign an extension with the Falcons. "Yeah, I could think about an extension, but I think I want to wait and see what the market is going to be like. I'm in a good situation where I can wait," said Hall.

NFL MEET CHINA

The Associated Press reports representatives from the NFL and some members of the New England Patriots have gone to China for a promotional tour to try and build popularity for football in the country.

ROOKIE CALLS OUT VETS

Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders DE Jay Richardson said during an interview with a newspaper some of the veterans complained about working too hard during minicamp. "Some of the veterans reported that we were working too hard. With me coming from Ohio State, we always worked really hard there so I was kind of used to it. But the veterans complained that they 'don't always have to do all of this crap.' It was good for me because I got to see the game speed a little bit," said Richardson.

TANK'S AUNT CLAIMS HE LIED

Mike Hutton, for the Chicago Sun-Times, reports the aunt of unrestricted free-agent DT Tank Johnson (Bears), Chris Johnson, said he has lied and exaggerated stories about his childhood, especially about how his father was always in and out of prison when he was younger. Terry Johnson Sr., Tank Johnson's father, said he has never been to jail.

TRENT EDWARDS UPDATE

Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports Buffalo Bills QB Trent Edwards could earn the team's backup quarterback job behind QB J.P. Losman. Edwards will compete for the spot along with QB Craig Nall. "Trent is a rookie and unproven while Craig hasn't played much football on Sunday in the National Football League," head coach Dick Jauron said. "I don't know if he'll push Craig for the two. I wouldn't be surprised if he does. They're both very smart guys, they're both very competitive with good arms. It's a good situation for us."

PEP HEARING POSTPONED

Craig Barnes, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports Miami Dolphins QB Daunte Culpepper's grievance hearing scheduled for Friday, June 29, was postponed and has been tentatively rescheduled for July 3. The hearing was postponed because arbitrator John Feerick's flight from New York was delayed due to weather.

IT'S OFFICIAL: NFL EUROPE IS DEAD

FRANKFURT, Germany (June 29, 2007) -- The NFL folded its development league in Europe, calling the decision a sound business move that will allow for a stronger international focus on regular-season games outside the United States.

The announcement came less than a week after the Hamburg Sea Devils beat the Frankfurt Galaxy 37-28 in the World Bowl title game in Frankfurt before a crowd of 48,125. Five of the NFL Europa's six teams are based in Germany, with the other in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A statement on the German-language edition of the NFL's Web site said the NFL decided to concentrate its "strategies and resources" on regular-season games outside the United States in an effort to reach as many people as possible.

"We thank our fans for the great support in the past years," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was quoted as saying.

Goodell said it was time to develop a new international strategy, terming the move to fold NFL Europa the "best business decision." The league reportedly was losing about $30 million a season.

"From now on we will focus on regular-season games and use new technologies to make NFL more popular worldwide," he said.

NFL team owners decided in October to play up to two regular-season games outside the United States. The first such game will be Oct. 28 in London between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants.

The league began in 1991 as the World League of American Football, with 10 teams from the United States and Europe. After closing for two seasons in 1993 and 1994, the league returned with six European teams and retained the same format until the end.

The league was used by NFL teams to test young talent and produced players such as quarterback Kurt Warner, who led the St. Louis Rams to the Super Bowl XXXIV title and won two NFL Most Valuable Player awards; Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme; and star Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri.

NFL Europa managing director Uwe Bergheim said the league had succeeded in establishing a fan base for football in important European markets.

"Despite the great support of fans, business partners and the cities where we were active, we decided that it was time to change the strategy," Bergheim said.

CHRIS SIMMS UPDATE

QB Chris Simms is asked if he would've signed a two-year, $5-million extension with the Bucs last December had he known all that would transpire during this turbulent offseason? "I don't know. I would've definitely re-evaluated the situation, " Simms said. ""That's an honest answer." Instead, Simms is regaining the throwing mechanics he lost after developing some "bad habits" while unconsciously trying to protect his abdomen. And the 26-year-old lefty has an uphill battle to reclaim his job from 37-year-old Eagles free agent Jeff Garcia, who has been declared the leader in the clubhouse by coach Jon Gruden. "But the bottom line is when it came time to re-sign and do that, (Garcia) wasn't here and I know I've loved it here up to this point and just can't see being anywhere else, " Simms said. "That's the whole reason my wife and I decided we wanted to stay here."

RANDY MOSS UPDATE

The question of how Randy Moss will mesh with the Patriots is sure to remain a compelling one until the games actually begin. According to a pro scout who has watched Moss extensively throughout his career, one of his greatest attributes also ranks among his least publicized - his ability to read defenses. “It’s kind of interesting, because I hear people say he doesn’t know how to run routes and all this other stuff,” said the scout, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “But he’s one of the few guys I know of in this league who when defenses line up, he knows what coverage it is.” ... If Moss is as advanced in that area as the scout believes, he should fit right into a Patriots offense that requires its receivers to read and react in sync with quarterback Tom Brady. “Watch out,” the scout said. “If the guy sitting next to him in the locker room is the guy I think it is, then Randy’s probably going to get a lot of opportunities and things will be good.”

Source: Ben Maller

PETERSON WEIGHS IN ON EUROPE

Some National Football League owners want to close the NFL's six-team European developmental league because it's losing too much money, said Kansas City Chiefs President Carl Peterson. NFL Europa, which began operating in its current format in 1995, plays its season from April to June and offers teams an opportunity for young players to gain experience. Peterson said that outweighs the losses, which he said averaged $500,000 for each of the NFL's 32 clubs. ``We're not in a place, very frankly, where we're breaking even,'' Peterson said in an interview. He said NFL teams will be studying financial reports before making any decisions.

Source: Ben Maller

BUCS UPDATE

With the departure of LB Shelton Quarles, LB Barrett Ruud is expected to take over the role in the middle to start the 2007 season. Ruud started five games last season, four for an injured Quarles and one at OLB for Ryan Nece. He finished with 59 total tackles. "I think Barrett has been a great understudy. He's stayed ready, and he's had a great camp. He's really going to be a fine middle linebacker,? HC Jon Gruden said.

Source: Buccaneers.com

POSITION SWITCH IN THE MIX?

With the Chicago Bears depth concerns at defensive tackle, there is a possibility that DE Alex Brown may see time playing inside on passing downs, depending on how some of the inside players perform in training camp and the preseason.

Source: Larry Mayer, ChicagoBears.com

WALKER TO PLAY LARGER ROLE

The San Francisco 49ers invested a 6th round pick in TE/FB Delanie Walker in 2006, and now they want to see what return they get. Walker sustained a right shoulder separation in the final preseason game last season, limiting him to only 23 snaps for the season. However, he is expected to be fully recovered from offseason surgery and the former Central Missouri product will have a chance to duplicate a great 2006 preseason and team up with Vernon Davis to give San Francisco versatility at the TE position. His role is expected to be increased as he regains his form in training camp.

Source: Santa Rosa Press-Democrat

ELI STRUGGLES

New York Giants QB Eli Manning had a difficult three-day minicamp as he, new OC Kevin Gilbride and QB coach Chris Palmer try to iron out the kinks of previous season. But the team feels there are many reasons not to panic. Manning is overloaded with information from the altered system and he's also trying to master new mechanics designed to help his accuracy and consistency.

Source: Ralph Vacchiano, New York Daily News, Sporting News

AUBURN TO PLAY CLEMSON

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- Auburn and Clemson will meet in a home-and-home series in 2010 and 2011.

Clemson will visit Jordan-Hare Stadium on Sept. 18, 2010 and Auburn will make a return trip on Sept. 17, 2011, Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs said Thursday.

The two teams have met 45 times but haven't played in the regular season since 1971. Auburn beat Clemson 21-17 in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 1, 1998 and holds a 32-11-2 series advantage.

"Clemson has an outstanding program, and it will be exciting to renew a rivalry that dates back over 100 years," Jacobs said. "This is a continuation of our commitment to schedule quality nonconference opponents.

"The SEC-ACC matchup is one that all Auburn and Clemson fans can look forward to. The home-and-home series will also be beneficial to both schools' fans with both campuses being so close in proximity."

DC UPDATE

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports Miami Dolphins QB Daunte Culpepper will have his grievance hearing Friday, June 29. Culpepper will be represented by NFL Players Association general counsel Richard Bertelstein, but it is not known who will represent the Dolphins at the hearing. Presiding over the hearing will be arbitrator John Feerick, who ruled in favor Baltimore Ravens QB Steve McNair in a similar grievance against the Tennessee Titans last summer. A final ruling on the grievance is expected two weeks after the hearing.

EVANS CUT AFTER ARREST

The Dolphins waived troubled defensive lineman Fred Evans on Thursday as the organization carried out coach Cam Cameron's vow that the situation would "be dealt with seriously."

Evans' release comes after his arrest early Saturday morning on Miami Beach, where he was charged with battery on a police officer, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and trespassing.

A seventh-round draft choice in 2006, Evans was already serving a year's probation in Texas for possession of marijuana at the time of Saturday's arrest. The Texas case was resolved June 6.

Considering Cameron's promise to bring players of "high character" to the Dolphins and the recent disciplinary penalties imposed on Adam "Pacman" Jones and Tank Johnson by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Evans could have faced problems with the NFL as well as the law.

The Dolphins had no comment on the release. Evans' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, didn't return a phone call.

Evans, who had been playing well, was competing with Kevin Vickerson and rookie Paul Soliai for playing time on the defensive line.

DOLPHINS ADD WIDE OUT

Wide receiver Marvin Allen, who caught 21 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown for the Rhein Fire this past spring, was assigned to the Dolphins as their international practice squad player. Allen, 24, can't be signed to the 53-man active roster during the season.

FIND OUT WHO JARED GAITHER IS...

Maryland tackle Jared Gaither will enter the NFL supplemental draft, leaving the Terrapins after two tumultuous seasons. Gaither made the decision to enter the July 12 draft less than a week after he was ruled academically ineligible for the upcoming season.

"It's a decision he's put a lot of thought into," Maryland Coach Ralph Friedgen said in a statement. "He's expressed desire to get his degree, but I think the opportunity to make a living and the chance to be successful at the next level was a deciding factor."

At 6 feet 9 and 350 pounds, Jared Gaither, center, emerged as perhaps the Terps' most talented lineman despite his troubles. (Robert A. Reeder - The Post)
Maryland Terrapins.

At 6 feet 9 and 350 pounds, Gaither emerged as perhaps the Terrapins' most talented lineman though he had been derailed by a preseason suspension, injuries and academic troubles in his second season in College Park.

Gaither, from White Plains, played just one season of organized football at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. He moved on to Hargrove Military Academy for one year before he joined the Terrapins in 2005.

Gaither started eight games as a freshman in place of injured left tackle Stephon Heyer. He showed his athleticism and potential that season, not allowing a sack. When Heyer returned last season, Gaither moved to right tackle, where he started nine games.

Gaither played in 23 of 24 games in his career at Maryland, including 17 starts.

But he was suspended for a portion of fall camp last season for an undisclosed violation of team rules and his performance was limited near the end of the regular season as he battled nagging injuries. He was excused from spring practice this year to focus on academics.

"This was a decision I came to after sitting down with my family and reviewing my academic situation," Gaither said in a statement.

Gaither could have attempted to regain eligibility for the 2008 season by staying in school. He said he is interested in returning to complete work on a degree. A school spokesman said that Gaither is in the process of selecting an agent.

Gaither became the second starting offensive lineman to leave Maryland early. Guard Donnie Woods announced last December his decision to forgo his senior season to join the military.

Source: Washington Post

CHARGES ADD EUROPE WR

The Chargers signed Rich Musinski to a one year deal, according to team's official web site. Musinski caught 21 passes for 292 yards and two scores playing for the Berlin Thunder this season; he led the Thunder with 23 catches for 277 yards and four scores last year.

BROWNS SIGN EUROPE FB

The Browns signed fullback J.R. Niklos, who has spent the past three seasons with the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europa. Niklos entered the league in 2002 as an undrafted rookie free agent and has spent time in training camp with the Chiefs, Raiders, and Seahawks.

BILLS HOST FA

The Bills hosted free agent safety Donovin Darius on Tuesday, according to the team's official website.

'BAMA QB TRANSFERRING TO WEBER STATE

OGDEN, Utah (AP) -- Alabama quarterback Jimmy Barnes is transferring to Weber State.

"Jimmy was a big-time player on the high-school level," Weber State coach Ron McBride said Thursday. "All the major schools in the country were after him. ... I have full confidence he will learn our system quickly and be ready to compete in fall camp."

The Los Alamitos, Calif., native was a backup at Alabama. In 2004, his senior year of high school, Barnes threw for 2,615 yards and 37 touchdowns.

TENNESSEE WALK-ON DISMISSED

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee dismissed walk-on Justin Jackson on Thursday after an arrest on a felony charge of possessing and selling crack cocaine.

Knoxville police arrested the 21-year-old Wednesday night, police spokesman Darrell DeBusk said.

An officer saw Jackson's car stopped shortly before 8:30 p.m. and was investigating a possible seat belt violation, DeBusk said, when the officer saw what appeared to be crack in the vehicle.

After searching Jackson and the car, a bag of marijuana, a bag believed to contain crack cocaine and $632 in cash were found, DeBusk said.

Also arrested was Guy Jenkins, 25, who was standing next to the car. He was charged with one count of selling or possessing drugs after police found 37 bags believed to contain crack cocaine, DeBusk said.

Jackson was charged with two counts of felony sale or possession of a controlled substance.

The case is still under investigation. Jail officials didn't immediately return calls seeking information about whether Jackson was still in custody.

"By even being near this type of behavior, Justin has embarrassed himself and his team," coach Phillip Fulmer said in a statement. "We expect all our players - scholarship or walk-on - to be good citizens."

Jackson transferred to Tennessee from Maryville College.

In 2005, eight Tennessee players were arrested or cited for crimes ranging from assault to underage drinking. In 2006, seven Tennessee players were arrested on a similar range of charges.

FALCONS SIGN FA RB

AtlantaFalcons.com reports the Atlanta Falcons have signed street free-agent RB Sha-Ron Edwards.

SHELTON QUARLES UPDATE

Katherine Smith, of the Tampa Tribune, reports unrestricted free-agent LB Shelton Quarles (Buccaneers) said he has received some inquiries from other teams but he feels they are too far away from his home. Quarles will decide in a few weeks if he wants to retire.

REDSKINS UPDATE

Redskins released DE Joe Sykes, WR Cedric Bonner, LB Zach Latimer, and DB Brandon Register, and signed WR Burl Toler and LB Matt Sinclair.

DAN KLECKO UPDATE

John Oehser, of Colts.com, reports Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy believes DT Dan Klecko can make a larger impact on defense this season because of the experience he is receiving during offseason workouts. "I think he is going to have a chance to make that jump we always talk about from first- and second-year players. This is really like his second year in this system," said Dungy.

AFL PREVIEW

Tony Graziani and the Philadelphia Soul play host to the Orlando Predators Friday, June 29, 7 :30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

By Gregg Hayim

The Philadelphia Soul walked into the Wachovia Center Thursday night with their playoff ticket having already been punched. Brilliant early season play and a 4-0 start can be credited for that. However, a five-game mid-season skid and the inability to regain that once stellar form almost cost them the chance to open the post-season at home. Almost, being the operative word.

The Soul’s luck headed southbound when franchise quarterback Tony Graziani went down with a shoulder injury during the second quarter of a Week 7 Monday night game in Dallas. Graziani was placed on the IR and wouldn’t return to action for a month. The Soul would lose the game-and the subsequent four in his absence.

In his return to duty, Graziani lead the team to it’s first victory since early April, a 78-34 decision over the New Orleans VooDoo. Since the injury, the Soul have gradually regained their early-season form and Graziani’s new found rhythm with his receiving corps could not have come at a better time. Philadelphia closed the season on the heels of 4-2 stretch; including last Thursdays dramatic 63-49 comeback win over the Orlando Predators.

Philadelphia began the game in auspicious fashion; subsequent first quarter possessions resulting in a turnover on downs followed by a Graziani interception that went for six the other way put the Soul in an early 14-0 hole. Not exactly the start Head Coach Brett Munsey had in mind. Graziani- and the Soul- would recover; chipping away at the Predators lead and tying the game at 35 heading into the intermission. Despite an Orlando third quarter opening drive touchdown, the Soul remained resilient and Graziani, well, he remained brilliant. A dazzling second half aerial display, the results of which earned him AFL Offensive Player of the Week Honors and should serve as a warning sign to the rest of the league as to what Graziani and Co. are capable of when healthy and in-tune.

Graziani, a former seventh round pick of the Atlanta Falcons, was magnificent as he rallied his troops, throwing for three touchdown passes and accounting for a fourth with his legs: a two-yard run touchdown run that iced the game and ultimately kept the teams travel gear in storage- at least for another week. A thrilling Soul victory and an equally bitter Predators defeat.

Luckily-for the Predators-if they want redemption they won’t have to wait long. The two teams will play again this weekend in the opening round of the AFL playoffs as Friday’s Wild Card match-up marks the first time since 2001 that two teams will play each other in Week 17 and then during the first-round of the playoffs. However, the Orlando Predators should be careful with what they wish for as a Tony Graziani lead Philadelphia offense is things nightmares, not dreams, are made of…

VIRGINIA RB SUSPENDED

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Virginia running back Keith Payne has been suspended from the team for failure to meet academic responsibilities.

"Keith is not holding up his end of the deal despite significant direction and effort from many people around the University," coach Al Groh said in a statement Wednesday. "We hope he will respond positively to this challenge, do what is expected of him and return to positive status."

Groh did not say how long Payne, a 243-pound redshirt freshman who was expected to compete for the starting job, would be suspended.

Payne ran for 29 yards on eight carries in Virginia's spring game. His departure, at least temporarily, leaves Cedric Peerman and Raynard Horne as the leading candidates to take over the starting tailback's job.

ASANTE SAMUEL UPDATE

While New England Patriots CB Asante Samuel continues to draw the line in the sand regarding a contract extension, asking for 49ers CB Nate Clements kind of money, the Bears signed CB Nathan Vasher to a five-year, $28 million extension which could hurt Samuel's value. Vasher has the same number of interceptions as Samuel but has one less year of experience and Vasher has been selected to a pro-bowl while Samuel has not. Samuel has yet to sign his one-year $7.79 million franchise tender.

When pressed for specifics on what it would take for New England to get Samuel's imprimatur on a long-term deal, Shavers wouldn't do the numbers dance.
"The Patriots know what we're asking for," said Shavers. "It's not a secret."

Source: Christopher L. Gasper, Boston Globe

HALL TO BE MORE INVOLVED

The Titans are seeking ways to get FB Ahmard Hall more involved in the offense. Already a solid blocker, Hall also has good hands and could contribute more out of the backfield as an outlet receiver.

ADRIAN PETERSON UPDATE

NFL Network's Rich Eisen interviewed Minnesota rookie RB Adrian Peterson at the rookie symposium and asked him if his draft day slide was going to be motivation for him.

Eisen: "Is that going to be a chip? Is that going to be a chip on your shoulder with you running the football?"
Peterson: (smiling) "Yeah. It's going to be a little chip. I'm excited. I couldn't have landed in a better place than the Vikings. I'm excited. I'm just getting things ready to go with the Vikings."

Source: Rich Eisen, NFL Network

COLLEGE FOOTBALL UPDATE

There is concern among Big 12 North Division schools that South Division schools will guide -- and eventually determine -- the hiring of the next league commissioner to protect the television revenue distribution plan. Under the current system, 50 percent is split among all 12 schools and 50 percent is paid according to number of TV appearances (see: Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M). The Big 12 must hire a commissioner who has the whole of the league -- not a few teams -- as his priority. A suggestion: SEC associate commissioner Mark Womack, who has served/learned under college football's most proactive and trend-setting commissioners (Roy Kramer, Mike Slive) . . . .

South Florida took a big step toward legitimizing its status with the Big Three in Florida by landing a five-year contract with Miami--and three of the games will be in Tampa. USF still can't get Florida or Florida State to agree to a home-and-home series, but the Miami contract shows how far the program has come since its inception just 10 years ago. . . .

UCLA already has 18 oral commitments for 2008 (only Texas has more), but two key battles against recruiting king and bitter rival Southern California--for RB Darrell Scott and OL Max Tuioti-Mariner--will indicate how far the Bruins have come. Many believe Scott--also being recruited by Texas, Michigan, Florida and Florida State--could eventually become the No.1 prospect in the country.

CFL SEASON PREVIEW

To help NFL fans wile away the final month before training camps open next month, the CFL kicks off its regular season Thursday night. Defending Grey Cup champion British Columbia will be at Toronto, while Winnipeg will be at Edmonton out west. The CFL regular season wraps up November 25th with the 95th Grey Cup scheduled for Toronto.

CFL rosters are considerably smaller than NFL rosters. Canadian league teams may dress 39 players each game, three of which will be QBs. As well, each Canadian league team’s roster consists in effect of 20 American players (including the three QBs) and 19 Canadians.

In fact, the CFL is a veritable who’s who of QBs who didn’t quite make it in the NFL including former Cincinnati QB Akili Smith, the 3rd player selected overall at the 1999 draft. Smith is currently with Calgary. Other QBs in the CFL include former Lion and Eagle Mike McMahon (Toronto), as well as former Hawaii QB Timmy Chang, the NCAA’s all-time passing leader, who is now with Hamilton, and former Iowa QB Brad Banks, runner-up to Carson Palmer in the 2002 Hesiman Trophy voting, who is with Montreal. For the record, though, none of these QBs will open the season as their respective teams starting QB.

The CFL is also home to a couple of other former NFL first rounders in RBs Robert Edwards of Montreal and Toronto’s John Avery. Ironically, both were selected in the 1998 draft by New England and Miami respectively. Avery, though, is Toronto’s only remaining former NFL first rounder after the Argos had four on the roster last season.

Other players of note across the CFL include Toronto OT Mike Pearson, the 40th player selected overall at the 2002 draft by Jacksonville, Hamilton LB Zeke Moreno, a 5th round pick by San Diego in 2001, and Calgary LB Brandon Browner, the one-time heralded former Oregon State DB who left school early in 2005, but ultimately wasn’t drafted at all. Meanwhile, former Nebraska QB Eric Crouch, the 2001 Heisman Trophy winner, and RB Jarrett Payton, the son of Walter Payton, are on the injured lists of Toronto and Montreal respectively.

AFL PLAYOFF PREVIEW

By Ray Bentley -- Excitement is in the air as the Arena Football League begins its quest to crown the 21st champion in its history. That’s right, its time for the Playoffs! Cue Jim Mora!

“Playoffs?!!!” Yes, Playoffs.

Last year, the Chicago Rush was a dark horse favorite, at best, as they qualified with a less than impressive 7-9 record. They had to win their last two games just to get in the tournament and faced the daunting task of playing on the road all the way to the ArenaBowl. Yet I picked them to win it all. My arm is officially tired from patting myself on the back over that one so it is time to move on and consult the bones for another back slapping prediction.

American Conference
The past four champions have all come out of the American Conference. The last National squad to win it all was Tampa Bay back in 2003. This conference boasts the defending champion, Chicago Rush who look primed to make another run.

Chicago tuned up for the playoffs last Saturday by pounding Kansas City to win the Central Division crown and earn a bye in the first round. In last year’s run, Rush coach Mike Hohensee handed out an itinerary to his team before the playoffs began that took them right up through the ArenaBowl. This presumptuous motivational gesture turned prophetic as Chicago stuck to the plan and beat Orlando in Las Vegas for all the marbles.

I’m not sure what kind of schedule coach Ho passed out this year but you can bet he will come up with something to motivate his team. The only stumbling block out there for Chicago is their arch playoff rival, the San Jose SaberCats. In 2004, when San Jose won it all, they beat Chicago in the semi-finals. Last year the Rush returned the favor, knocking off San Jose in the Conference finals on their way to the title. Both of those games were in San Jose and it says here the rubber match will occur in San Jose in a couple of weeks.

Chicago beat San Jose in Chicago during week two of the regular season. The Rush took control of the game early as they held San Jose to a season low 45 points in a 48-45 win. Despite losing head to head vs. the Rush, San Jose, by virtue of a 13-3 regular season mark has the home-field advantage. This will be huge for the ‘Cats as they went 8-0 in front of the home crowd this year and are extremely tough to beat on their home turf. This match-up is what I call a “coin flipper.” You might as well flip a coin to pick a winner, which I did. San Jose won the coin toss.

Some enthusiasts my try to make a case for another American Conference team to make a run at the favorites but I don’t see it. This one will come down to Chicago and San Jose.

National Conference
The National Conference is where the power has been during the regular season. The favorites, Dallas and Georgia have had two of the best regular seasons in the history of the league with only three combined losses and an astounding 29 wins. The only loss Dallas suffered was in Georgia while Columbus and Los Angeles knocked off the Force during the regular season.

There is a worthy dark horse in this bracket of the tournament as the Tampa Bay Storm has been playing extremely well during the second half of the year. The Storm started the year 0-5 and where 1-6 at one point. But Coach Tim Marcum knows it ain’t how you start but rather how you finish that matters. His team has rallied around rookie QB Brett Dietz who is 8-1 as a starter. However, even though the Storm won eight of their last nine, the lone loss came at the hands of Georgia. So I can’t buy into it.

Just like it has been building up to this all year, the National Conference will be a showdown between Dallas and Georgia. Georgia beat Dallas in Georgia during the regular season with their over powering offense. If they are to make it past the Desperados again, they will need the same kind of dominating performance.

Dallas has made an amazing run through the field this year and has won several close games through amazing comebacks. Just recently have they begun to blow teams away as they did to New York and Colorado to close out the regular season. They are peaking at the right time. Due to the way things have played out for the Desperados, I consider them a team of destiny. I know it is easy to jump on their bandwagon and they are the consensus pick to win it all, but I just don’t see them losing.

So when the smoke all clears in New Orleans on July 29, Dallas head coach Will McClay will get a ride on his players shoulders and Dallas QB Clint Dolezel will hoist the Foster Trophy high over his head for the second time in his amazing career. The Desperados will ride into the sunset as Champions of Arena Bowl XXI.

NEWS & NOTES

*Browns general manager Phil Savage says Quinn will have a chance to be the team's starter if he shows up in camp on time, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

*According to SacBee.com, 49ers’ running back Frank Gore wants to lose five pounds before the season starts so that he can finish out his runs into the end zone more often.

*According to reports, WR Mike Furrey said that the Lions should have no problems reaching double-digit wins in 2007.

PANTHERS SIGN ROOKIE

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports the Carolina Panthers have signed fourth-round draft choice WR Ryne Robinson to a four-year contract. The deal is worth $2.103 million and includes a signing bonus of $438,305. He will earn base salaries of $285,000 (2007), $370,000 (2008), $460,000 (2009) and $550,000 (2010). An escalator is included where Robinson can increase his 2010 salary if he reaches certain playing time and performance thresholds.

AND ANOTHER

Former William and Mary record-breaking wide receiver Rich Musinski has signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Chargers.

The 5-foot-11, 210-pound Musinski played for the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europa in 2007, catching 21 passes for 292 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He had his best game of the season in Week 3 against Amsterdam, catching five passes for 137 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown.

Musinski also played for the Thunder in 2006, leading the team with 23 catches for 277 yards and four touchdowns. In 2005, Musinski spent time with the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football League, catching five passes for 64 yards.

Musinski was a four-year starter for W&M. Upon his graduation after the 2003 season, Musinski left campus as the school's all-time leader in receiving yards (4,168), receiving touchdowns (31) and receptions (223).

NFL EUROPE STANDOUT INKS WITH CINCY

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday signed tight end Bobby Blizzard to a one-year deal.

A free agent who played for the Cologne Centurions of NFL Europe this year, Blizzard led the Centurions with 38 receptions for 494 yards and six touchdowns.

Blizzard’s most recently played in the NFL with Baltimore where he spent the last three games of the 2005 season on the Ravens practice squad. He was on Arizona’s practice squad in 2004.

Blizzard originally signed with Pittsburgh as a free agent out of North Carolina in 2004.

G-MEN SEASON PREVIEW

AROUND THE FIELD IN NEW YORK

Quarterback: Eli Manning can meet the lofty expectations that envelop him only by limiting his mistakes while gaining a consistency that's been lacking. It's not as if he's never put up big numbers — he has. But new quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer, who transformed the Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo from a no-name to a Pro Bowler, must help him do that Sunday after Sunday.

Running back: The impact of Tiki Barber's retirement — and the gaping hole it creates — cannot be emphasized enough. There were countless times when he simply took over the offense and all but willed the Giants to key victories. Two men —Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns— are not nearly enough to replace him.

Wide receiver: Manning's second-half woes coincided with a season-ending injury to Amani Toomer, who missed the final eight games of the regular season with a torn knee ligament. The quarterback had developed a trust in the 11-year veteran to make something happen when no one else was open. Second-year man Sinorice Moss and rookie Steve Smith bring speed and energy to a group that has the potential to be dynamic. Plaxico Burress remains the primary option.

Tight end: Although Jeremy Shockey has caught at least one pass in 69 consecutive games and gone to the Pro Bowl four times in his five-year career, there is the feeling that he can be an even greater factor. His tendency to say the wrong thing at the wrong time doesn't help.

Offensive line: Replacing left tackle Luke Petitgout, who was released, is a huge issue. David Diehl, who played guard, looks to be the leading candidate. Second-year tackle Guy Whimper is another possibility. The club added depth by signing guard Zach Piller and drafting Adam Koets in the sixth round.

Defensive line: This unit will be a source of strength, assuming Michael Strahan makes it all the way back from a Lisfranc sprain that held him to nine games. Strahan is poised to move past Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor for the franchise lead in sacks (they are tied at 132½). He remains very much a force, as is fellow defensive end Osi Umenyiora. Defensive tackle Fred Robbins looks to build on his best season.

Linebacker: The Giants need the experiment of moving Mathias Kiwanuka from defensive end to linebacker to be a success. His athleticism and work ethic should make that possible. Middle linebacker Antonio Pierce comes off his first Pro Bowl appearance after leading the team in tackles. Zak DeOssie may prove to be a fourth-round find.

Secondary: New York was hurting at both corners last season. Sam Madison doesn't appear to have much left, while Corey Webster has been largely a disappointment. The Giants think they did well to select Texas' Aaron Ross 20th overall. It will be surprising if he does not emerge quickly as a starter.

Special teams: The Giants have an oldie-but-goodie in punter Jeff Feagles, the league's all-time leader in punting yardage (62,928 yards) and in punts inside the 20-yard line (483). His directional punting constitutes a tremendous weapon in the battle for field position. Lawrence Tynes will vie for the vacant place-kicking job. The return game is unsettled, though a healthy Moss and Ross could give it a shot in the arm.

Coaching staff: The embattled Tom Coughlin shuffled his staff of necessity and will enter the season with new offensive (Kevin Gilbride) and defensive (Steve Spagnuolo) coordinators. The key, though, may be how successfully Palmer develops Manning.

Outlook: This is a team with much to prove. Coughlin's position is tenuous at best. Manning faces as much heat off the field as he does on it. The team's inability to help itself through free agency raises questions about Jerry Reese's abilities as GM. With Barber gone, the Giants may be going nowhere fast.

Source: USA Today

HS ALL-AMERICAN GAME UPDATE

Joe Montana, Emmitt Smith and John Elway all jubilantly said they were going to Disney World after winning the Super Bowl. This January, the nation's best high school football players will head there too for the first ESPNU High School All-American Game.

Tom Lee/Foley High School Athletics
Says No. 1 prospect Julio Jones about his senior season, "There is no such thing as the perfect game, but I am striving to have one."

The game will air nationally on Jan. 5 on ABC at 2 p.m. ET. The nation's top two prospects, Foley High School (Ala.) wide receiver Julio Jones and St. Peter's Prep (N.J.) versatile quarterback Will Hill, are among the players who have agreed to play in the game so far.

"It is both exciting and overwhelming," said Jones, who last year caught 75 passes for 1,306 yards and 16 touchdowns.

"It's fun -- it lets people around the country get a feel for who I am as a player," said Hill, who last year led his team to the N.J. state championship. "I won't pay too much attention to the cameras though."

That won't be an easy task. Besides the game itself on ABC, ESPNU will televise the week's practices and ESPN2 will air a special skills competition on Jan. 4. Players will hone their skills against the nation's best, and fans will get a glimpse of the college and NFL stars of tomorrow.

"It's very important to find out just what your talent level is when facing the best players available," said Hill. "It lets me know what I need to do to get better."

Hill family/St. Peter's Prep
Will Hill will choose between Florida, Florida State, USC, Maryland, Michigan, Miami, Rutgers and Virginia.
"It is very important to compare myself against the best players at each position and I really want to prove myself against the top cornerbacks," said Jones, who last year had 137 yards and two touchdowns in a matchup against LSU signee Phelon Jones.

ESPN Scouts Inc. will select the 75-80 players who will participate in the game.

"Both Jones and Hill are as good as we've seen," raved ESPN.com and Scouts Inc. national recruiting director Tom Luginbill.

"Julio Jones is a freak at wide receiver. Over the last three classes, there hasn't been an offensive player as physically dominant as he is at wide receiver. And Will Hill is fun to watch -- simply a big play waiting to happen."

Green family
Wide receiver A.J. Green helped Summerville High School (S.C.) to a 12-1 record last season.

Forty players have already been selected, including other star prospects like Van High School (Texas) running back Jermie Calhoun, an Oklahoma commit, and Summerville High School (S.C.) wide receiver A.J. Green, a Georgia commit. The remaining players will be nominated during the upcoming high school football season, giving players who have big senior seasons a chance to participate.

"We look forward to growing this all-star game into one of the country's premier sporting events for amateur athletics, while also giving even more prep athletes an opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage," said Burke Magnus, vice president and general manager, ESPNU.

While they gain unprecedented national exposure, the players also stay at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex, take a trip to Disney World, enjoy a New Year's Eve celebration in Orlando, view the BCS Championship Game together and participate in an awards banquet.

BROWNS CLAIM WR

The Browns claimed WR Efrem Hill, who was on waivers from the Buccaneers, on Tuesday.

POSITION BATTLES: DALLAS K

Martin Gramatica is expected to have the edge over rookie kicker Nick Folk to be the Cowboys' starter heading to training camp.

EVANS ON PROBATION

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports Miami Dolphins DL Fred Evans was already on probation for marijuana possession in Texas prior to his arrest Saturday, June 23. Authorities in Colorado County, Texas confirmed that Evans was sentenced June 6 to one year in a diversionary program after pleading no contest to a Feb. 10 arrest for misdemeanor marijuana possession. Officials in Texas will review details from the incident, in which Evans was charged with battery on a police officer, resisting arrest with violence, trespassing and disorderly conduct after an alleged altercation with a taxi driver, to determine if he violated the conditions of his probation.

NFL EUROPE TO GO BYE-BYE

Jason Cole, of Yahoo! Sports, reports the NFL is expected to cease operations of NFL Europa after 17 years because of increasing costs associated with running the league, according to two league sources. Commissioner Roger Goodell flew to Germany to meet with NFL Europa officials only days after the league's championship game. It is expected the league will take a $32 million loss for this season.

TRAINING CAMP DATES

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills
Site: St. Fisher College. Rochester, NY.
First practice: July 26

Miami Dolphins
Site: Team practice facility. Davie, Fla.
First practice: July 28

New England Patriots
Site: Gillette Stadium. Foxborough, Mass.
First practice: July 27

New York Jets
Site: Hofstra University. Hempstead, NY.
First practice: July 28

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens
Site: McDaniel College. Westminster, Md.
First practice: July 30

Cincinnati Bengals
Site: Georgetown College. Georgetown, Ky.
First practice: July 27

Cleveland Browns
Site: Team training facility. Berea, Ohio
First practice: July 27

Pittsburgh Steelers
Site: Saint Vincent College. Latrobe, Pa.
First practice: July 24

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans
Site: Team practice facility. Houston, Texas
First practice: July 27

Indianapolis Colts
Site: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Terre Haute, Ind.
First practice: July 30

Jacksonville Jaguars
Site: Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Jacksonville, Fla.
First practice: July 28

Tennessee Titans
Site: Baptist Sports Park. Nashville, Tenn.
First practice: July 27

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos
Site: Dove Valley. Englewood, Colo.
First practice: July 29

Kansas City Chiefs
Site: University of Wisconsin-Rivers Fall. Rivers Fall, Wis.
First practice: July 27

Oakland Raiders
Site: Napa Valley training complex. Napa, Calif.
First practice: July 27

San Diego Chargers
Site: Chargers Park. San Diego, Calif.
First practice: July 28

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys
Site: Alamodome. San Antonio, Texas.
First practice: July 25

New York Giants
Site: University of Albany. Albany, NY.
First practice: July 28

Philadelphia Eagles
Site: Lehigh University. Bethlehem, Pa.
First practice: July 28

Washington Redskins
Site: Redskins Park, Ashburn, Va.
First practice: July 28

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears
Site: Olivet Nazarene University. Bourbonnais, Ill.
First practice: July 27

Detroit Lions
Site: Team practice facility. Allen Park, Mich.
First practice: July 26

Green Bay Packers
Site: Don Hutson Center. Green Bay, Wis.
First practice: July 28

Minnesota Vikings
Site: Minnesota State University. Mankato, Minn.
First practice: July 27

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons
Site: Team headquarters. Flowery Branch, Ga.
First practice: July 26

Carolina Panthers
Site: Wofford College. Spartanburg, S.C.
First practice: July 28

New Orleans Saints
Site: Millsaps College. Jackson, Miss.
First practice: July 26

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Site: Disney Wide World of Sports Complex. Kissimmee, Fla.
First practice: July 27

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals
Site: Northern Arizona University. Flagstaff, Ariz.
First practice: July 29

St. Louis Rams
Site: Team practice facility. St. Louis, Mo.
First practice: July 27

San Francisco 49ers
Site: Team practice facility. Santa Clara, Calif.
First practice: July 29

Seattle Seahawks
Site: Team practice facility. Kirkland, Wash.
First practice: July 29

Q&A WITH THOMAS JONES

Q: It seems like this offense spreads the ball to more people than in Chicago . . .
Jones: Here we have so many good players on offense - so many good receivers and very good running backs. There are a lot of weapons on offense, so they have a lot of different ways to get guys the ball.

Q: What are your impressions of Chad Pennington so far?
Jones: He is a smart guy who comes to work every day. He has a presence in the huddle. I have watched his career because we came out in the same year of the draft. I'm just fortunate to be able to play with him.

Q: What are your thoughts on some people questioning your receiving skills?
Jones: I don't really pay attention to how people look at my skills. I do what the coaches ask me to do. If they throw me the ball, I feel pretty good about catching it.

Q: You are considered a workout warrior. What is your mindset during off-season workouts?
Jones: I try my best to rest as much as I can in the beginning of the offseason. Once I get into the middle of it, I try to go really, really hard. I don't really stop during the break before training camp. I continue to work hard up until camp. That mentally prepares me for training camp and two-a-days and how hard it is.

Q: Can you describe your workout schedule?
Jones: Usually, I work out Monday through Thursday and then I have a personal trainer for Friday. Sunday is the day that I take off. My workouts are broken up, where I can get enough rest during the week.
I enjoy working out. Even if I didn't play football, I would be one of those guys working out at the gym.

Q: Did you get a chance to talk to fellow Virginia grad Tiki Barber about playing in New York?
Jones: I talked to him about it last year. New York is a great place to play football. It's one of those things that if you do really well, you can have a lot of fun and be real successful. I'm fortunate to be here in New York. I'm from Virginia, so I'm much closer to home. All my family can come see me more now. I'm just happy to be here.

CHIEFS LB MAY MOVE TO FB

Last year the Kansas City Chiefs used linebacker Boomer Grigsby as an emergency fullback during practices. He looked so natural in the position that HC Herm Edwards approached Grigsby at the end of the season to suggest he make the switch to FB this year. The Chiefs have been quietly impressed during offseason practices with Grigsby's aptitude for his new position and are hopeful he could wind up as the lead blocker in short-yardage and goal-line situations - and perhaps even more. Grigsby has already shown the Chiefs some skill as a runner and pass receiver.

"Now that I'm doing this, I wish it was something I'd been doing my whole life," Grigsby said. "I can't be mad because linebacker is what got me here. That's what's most important. But I'm really enjoying this.

"At linebacker, I turned into just another guy. I had kind of assumed that backup role and I didn't know if that would ever change. This is something totally different. I think I have a chance now."

Source: Adam Teicher, Kansas City Star

'FINS EXTEND MUELLER

Randy Mueller's contract as general manager of the Miami Dolphins has been extended and his salary will be revised, according to a source.

The extension is expected to carry Mueller through at least the 2010 season. Details of the salary adjustment were not available.

Mueller's initial contract was three years for $2.1 million and ran through June 2008. After the hiring of Cam Cameron as coach, the Dolphins didn't immediately extend Mueller's contract. They are pleased with his working relationship with Cameron as well as his personnel moves in free agency and the draft. He declined to interview for a similar job with Tennessee in January.

Source: Craig Barnes. Sun-Sentinel.com

DONAVIN DARIUS UPDATE

The Buffalo Bills hosted free agent safety Donovin Darius Tuesday. One of the selling points of the Bills for Darius is that there are some familiar faces on the Buffalo coaching staff. His rookie season Darius worked under then Jacksonville DC Dick Jauron. Current Bills DC Perry Fewell was also Darius' position coach the first five seasons of his career in Jacksonville.

Source: Chris Brown, BuffaloBills.com

LANCE BRIGGS UPDATE

Even though the Chicago Bears have recently signed cornerback Nathan Vasher to a 5-year, $28 million contract extension and it is believed they have offered a similar deal to CB Charles Tillman, there has been no change in the teams negotiating stance with disgruntled linebacker Lance Briggs. Chicago has not budged from a one-year qualifying offer for their franchise linebacker, a tender that carries a price tag of $7.206 million. A much more pressing priority for the Bears is a long-term extension for defensive tackle Tommie Harris, who has 2 years remaining on his rookie deal signed in 2004.

Source: Len Pasquarelli, ESPN

KENNEDY ON ESPN

Lincoln Kennedy’s Tampa Bay Storm play host to the Columbus Destroyers on Saturday June 30th, 12:00PM ET.ON ESPN

By Gregg Hayim, NFL Draft Bible Sr. Writer

In 1993, 6 foot 7, 350-pound Lincoln Kennedy- a man who makes at least three of the seven continents seem petite in comparison- stepped onto the field as a first-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons with a goal in mind; to play 12 seasons of professional football. Eleven years later, he walked off the field an Oakland Raider, one shy of completing the mission.

After three seasons of work in the broadcast booth, off-the field but not yet completely removed from the game, Kennedy began to regret his decision. To a man as passionate as Lincoln Kennedy, the playing-bug is not easily remedied. Kennedy decided to hit the weight-room, get back into shape and give the game one last go-around. As luck would have it- for Arena Football fans that is- that final season would be played as a member of the Tampa Bay Storm.

Truth be told, Lincoln Kennedy didn’t think much of the Arena Football League. After all, what can a former top-10 draft pick, a two-time all-pro and one-time almost Super Bowl Champion (2002 Oakland Raiders) learn about the game of football that hasn’t already been taught. For starters, how about to never underestimate the talent that resides on the fast-tracked AFL field. “After being in this league and seeing the talent level, it makes me appreciate what these guys do, and I have the utmost respect for them” Kennedy was quoted as saying to Gary Bond of Pro Football Weekly.

When Kennedy first put on his AFL helmet, he expected the hard hits and ferocious play that inherently accompanies a battle in the trenches- wherever those trenches may be. What he didn’t expect was the element that all who have witnessed the exhilarating game of Arena Football swear by, the pace. “The biggest shock for me was the speed of the game” remarked Kennedy. “And because it’s played on a shorter field and everything is cut down, you can’t hide a player like you can in the NFL.” Indeed, you cannot. The 50-yard field provides the ideal canvas for the high-octane arena artists to display their world-class talents; and in this world, speed serves as the perfect primer.

When Lincoln Kennedy steps onto the field Saturday afternoon- playing in his first post-season game in over five years- he will have already achieved his goal of playing 12 seasons of professional football. Lincoln Kennedy now sets his sights on a new goal, a ticket to New Orleans and a chance to play for an ArenaBowl Championship- his first as a pro.

BEARS DT UPDATE

The Bears realize cutting Tank Johnson turns a potential team strength at defensive tackle into a potential weakness if untested replacements Dusty Dvoracek and Antonio Garay, with zero NFL starts between them, break down or roll over. Newcomer Anthony Adams offers hope, but expecting one defensive tackle to compensate for the loss of three—Johnson, Ian Scott and Alfonso Boone—is unrealistic. The approach has changed from waiting for Tank to playing by committee.

VASHER EXTENDED

On the same day that the Bears chopped defensive tackle Tank Johnson from the roster, the team signed cornerback Nathan Vasher to a five-year, $28 million extension, with $14 million in guaranteed money, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.

ROOKIE IMPRESSES

According to SportingNews.com, Falcons’ rookie WR Laurent Robinson had an impressive showing in both the team’s OTA’s and minicamp.

ROBERT MEACHEM UPDATE

Larry Holder, of the Biloxi Sun Herald, reports New Orleans Saints WR Robert Meachem (knee) will likely wait to see what Kansas City Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe signs for before he signs with the Saints. Meachem's injury may be a sticking point in negotiations because Meachem's agent, Jeff Griffin, will want his client to be paid like a healthy player, but the Saints may be reluctant to pay due to the injury.

BEARS CUT TANK

The Bears stood by and supported Tank Johnson throughout a series of transgressions, but violating the club’s no-tolerance policy cost him his job.

The Bears on Monday waived the troubled defensive tackle, who was pulled over and arrested by police in Arizona at 3:30 a.m. Friday.

“We are upset and embarrassed by Tank’s actions last week,” said general manager Jerry Angelo. “He compromised the credibility of our organization. We made it clear to him that he had no room for error. Our goal was to help someone through a difficult period in his life, but the effort needs to come from both sides. It didn’t, and we have decided to move on.”

Johnson was released from Cook County Jail May 13 after serving 60 days for a probation violation stemming from a gun charge. On June 3, he was suspended by the NFL without pay for the first eight games of the regular season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

While Johnson was in jail, he was visited by several members of the Bears organization including Angelo, coach Lovie Smith, chairman of the board Michael McCaskey and several teammates.

“A lot of people within our organization gave extra time and energy to support Tank: players, coaches and our front office,” Smith said. “We did our best to establish an environment for him to move forward. Ultimately, Tank needed to live up to his side of the deal.”

CFL UPDATE: VETS AXED

Some big-name CFL veterans are looking for jobs after teams made their final cuts this weekend.

The Montreal Alouettes released 14 players, including veteran offensive lineman Uzooma Okeke. The move wasn't surprising as the prevailing talk throughout the Als' camp was that the six-foot-two, 310-pound Okeke was on thin ice as head coach Jim Popp pondered going with an all-Canadian offensive line.

Okeke, 36, spent 14 seasons in the CFL and was entering his 11th campaign with Montreal.

For the second time in three years, veteran receiver Derrell (Mookie) Mitchell finds himself looking for another job.

Mitchell, a 10-year CFL veteran, was released by the Edmonton Eskimos prior to Saturday's deadline. He joined the Eskimos in 2004 after being cut by the Toronto Argonauts, where Mitchell had spent the first seven years of his Canadian football career.

But Mitchell, who turns 36 in September, wasn't the only big-name player released by Edmonton. Former Ticat running back Josh Ranek, a former 1,000-yard rusher with the Ottawa Renegades, was also cut by the Eskimos.

Toronto put quarterback Eric Crouch on the nine-week injured list, meaning the Argos will open the season with CFL veterans Damon Allen and Michael Bishop as well as former NFL starter Mike McMahon as their three quarterbacks. Toronto will kick off the 2007 season Thursday night at Rogers Centre against the B.C. Lions.

JUSTIN HARRELL UPDATE

Tom Pelissero, of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, reports Green Bay Packers DT Justin Harrell (biceps) might not be at full strength when training camp opens July 28. There is also a chance he will not be at full strength at any point during the 2007 season. The muscle recovery is gradual. "(It takes) a year to even a year-and-a-half before muscles will feel fully recovered, and (sustained strength) is one of the last things to come back. Even when someone is in the weight room and says, 'This feels 100 percent,' they'll notice it fatigues faster," said Dr. Randall Mohler, a surgeon who specializes in sports medicine at the California Orthopaedic Institute.

JOE THOMAS UPDATE

Mary Kay Cabot, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage said the team is prepared if OT Joe Thomas holds out at the start of training camp." It's not a pretty picture in terms of trying to negotiate an offensive lineman versus a quarterback and two top-echelon receivers who were thought by many to be the top players in their draft. As much of a great advantage it was to win the coin toss, we were also well aware of the contract situation at that spot," Savage said. Savage has had preliminary conversations with Thomas' agent, Peter Schaffer. Schaffer said his goal is to get a deal done with the Browns.

PATS UPDATE

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports the New England Patriots will be responsible for unamortized portion of deseased DL Marquise Hill's signing bonus which would be $460,000. The Patriots are also responsible for the per diem Hill would have made during offseason workouts. The total per diem would have been $6,720. Hill would have a $466,720 salary cap charge in 2007, but the Patriots may be able to spread the payment over two years. The Patriots and the NFL have not made a decision on the matter yet.

BROWNS QB UPDATE

Mary Kay Cabot, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage says the team's quarterback competition should be a two-man race by the end of the first preseason game. "It should be whittled down by then through holdout, injury or performance," Savage said. "We have enough reps to get two quarterbacks ready, but not three or four."

PACKERS FRONT OFFICE UPDATE

John McDonough to the Packers? That is one of the hottest rumors circulating around northern Wisconsin these days. The Cubs president could become a free agent at the end of this season when the team is sold and his contract expires. McDonough's proven marketing and people skills could become an asset to virtually any professional sports organization if he isn't retained after Tribune Co. sells the club. Current Packers President/COO Bob Harlan, 71, was asked recently to end his brief retirement and resume his role for an undetermined time period after 55-year-old John Jones took an unexpected and open-ended leave of absence. Harlan has been the corporate and community face of the Packers for 18 years. The Packers, according to sources, have not made any formal overture to McDonough, nor has he made one to Green Bay. When asked of the rumor Saturday evening, McDonough replied: "I am extremely flattered that there is speculation my name would be included. But my commitment and wish is to stay with the Cubs."

JAMAL ANDERSON UPDATE

Two months of offseason workouts are over, but for Falcons rookie defensive end Jamaal Anderson the real work begins now.

"He's got all the physical tools that you want," Falcons defensive line coach Kevin Wolthausen said. "We knew we were getting a guy with all the physical tools, but he has only played the position for three years, so there's a lot of things, as you look, that more experienced players can feel and see. Some things are still new to him, which is normal.

"From now through training camp will be huge for him."

Huge in more ways than just preparing to be thrust into a key role on a defense that will enter training camp July 26 full of uncertainty. Without practicing in pads, it's been hard to get a gauge on Anderson's ability to fill the position occupied for years by leader and tough guy Patrick Kerney, who left to Seattle via free agency. The defense has also been without tackle Rod Coleman (thigh surgery), linebacker Demorrio Williams (chest surgery) and tackle Grady Jackson (not practicing during a lawsuit against the team).

Within the next few weeks, Anderson, the eighth overall pick in this year's NFL draft out of Arkansas, should sign a contract that will make him one of the highestpaid players on the team — a salary that will generate high expectations and scrutiny.

Buffalo Bills safety Donte Whitner, last season's No. 8 pick, signed a five-year, $29 million contract with nearly $14 million guaranteed. Anderson figures to get paid more than that, but not quite as much as the six-year, $39 million ($19.5 guaranteed) that made Kerney too expensive for the Falcons.

Anderson said contract negotiations will fall in place in due time, so he's not worried about that aspect of his transition. That's because he's occupied with trying to learn his role on the field and with his teammates.

"I'm just another rookie out there," said the 6-foot-6, 277-pound Anderson. "I'm getting the same treatment as all of them, and that's expected. I'm just trying to earn a spot."

Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution

COWER TO DC?

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Is Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder really talking to Bill Cowher over succeeding coach Joe Gibbs? The Redskins say no, but past performance says ... maybe.

Snyder and Co. are known for bending the truth. My favorite response came in 1999 after writing the team wouldn’t return to Frostburg for training camp in 2000 despite another five years on the contract. One prominent Redskins official en route to a press conference confirmed the story, but said they had to deny it “for political purposes.” Nothing personal, he said. Just business. Sure enough, the Redskins denied the story, politicians denounced me and seven months later a press release declared training camp would move to Redskins Park.

The Redskins are the second most popular sport in town following politics and both share double talk as a common language. For instance, the Redskins recently made a rare public comment on a blogger’s report of a supposed meeting between “Coach Chin” and Snyder by saying the two hadn’t met nor did anyone in the Redskins organization talk to Cowher. But ... and this is where the big-money consultants get paid ... did Snyder have someone outside the team’s payroll take Cowher’s temperature?

That’s how it works — a little on the gray side. Sports officials everywhere sometimes flat-out lie and admit later they were trying to protect their team. Sure, people with weak character always blame breaking a commandment on the benefit of others.

How about Nick Saban saying he wasn’t going to Alabama while the moving van was outside his Miami home? Marty Schottenheimer swearing he’d never work for Snyder only to accept the job weeks later. And you have to love Sammy Sosa pretending to be Chico Escuela when telling Congress he couldn’t speak English well enough to comment on his past steroid use.

So are we to accept the Redskins statement that they haven’t talked to Cowher? Sorry, I’m not drinking that Kool-Aid just yet.

REDSKINS UPDATE

After a rookie season in which he didn't beat out veteran Warrick Holdman for a starting spot at weak-side linebacker and was considered a disappointment, Rocky McIntosh could be on the verge of breaking through for the Redskins. The 2006 second-round selection from the University of Miami was lauded by assistant head coach Gregg Williams for having a "phenomenal" minicamp last week, and with Holdman now in Denver, McIntosh is in position to start ahead of six-year veteran Lemar Marshall if he continues on his current path. The Redskins have high hopes for McIntosh after trading up to select him last year in a deal that ultimately gave the New York Jets ammunition (a 2007 second-round draft choice) to acquire running back Thomas Jones in an offseason trade.

Source: Boston Globe

PACKERS UPDATE

The Green Bay Packers have an important off-field decision to make in the coming months, as the team recently aborted plans to elevate John Jones to president and CEO. The Packers are likely to explore internal candidates, putting Andrew Brandt in the mix. The 46-year-old Brandt, who currently serves as vice president of player finance/general counsel, was a highly regarded sports agent at Boston-based Bob Woolf Associates in the 1990s before making the switch to the team side of the business. Former Packers CEO Bob Harlan said the team could have a new CEO in place by the early weeks of the regular season.

Source: Boston Globe

LARRY JOHNSON UPDATE

Some of the first rumblings were heard last week from Chiefs running back Larry Johnson regarding a potential training camp holdout. Technically, Johnson has three years left on his contract, but the final two years could be voided after the 2007 season, and he told the Kansas City Star that a holdout is an option if he doesn't sign an extension over the next month. Johnson, who is scheduled to make just shy of $2 million next season, ranked second in the NFL with 1,789 rushing yards last season. Playing a position that takes more hits than any other -- and after totaling a league-high 416 carries last season and 752 over the last two years -- Johnson is smart to push the envelope in hopes of consummating a deal while his health is good and his value is high.

NEWS & NOTES

Four nuggets not to forget from last week, by the Boston Globe:

1. The league held a concussion summit in Rosemont, Ill., officially implementing a "whistle-blower" system in which players and other team personnel will have their identity protected should they report situations they feel put players who have sustained concussions at risk;

2. His Titans teammates did not throw their support behind cornerback Pacman Jones, who is serving a one-year suspension, after Jones was allegedly involved in another brush with the law at an Atlanta strip club. "We love him a whole lot, but we feel like he don't care about us right now," quarterback Vince Young said;

3. The Raiders, under first-year coach Lane Kiffin, lost a week of their offseason program when the Players Association lodged a complaint that the team was violating rules regarding contact at offseason practices;

4. Free agent running back Chris Brown, who had drawn interest from the Patriots and other clubs, signed a one-year deal with the Titans and will compete with second-year player LenDale White and rookie Chris Henry for the starting job.

GALAXY WIN WORLD BOWL

The Hamburg Sea Devils defeated the Frankfurt Galaxy 37-28 in what is expected to be the final World Bowl in NFL Europa.

JOHN MURPHY'S SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT PREVIEW

By John Murphy of Yahoo! Sports/NFL Draft Bible

Each year, the NFL's supplemental draft includes a variety of interesting prospects who generally have a less-than-exciting impact on the rosters they join.

Among this year's candidates are Georgia cornerback Paul Oliver, Nebraska offensive tackle Chris Patrick, Morgan State defensive tackle Robert Armstrong, Texas State defensive end/linebacker Mark Washington and Connecticut safety Donta Moore. Another interesting name to keep an eye on over the next few weeks is Maryland offensive tackle Jared Gaither, who has had both off-field and academic issues, and could file the necessary paper work to be considered for the supplemental draft on July 13.

Here's a brief breakdown on some of the prospects who have already declared.

PAUL OLIVER
Oliver held his own Pro Day on Wednesday, which was attended by numerous league scouts and talent evaluators. The All-SEC defender displayed very good footwork, quickness and ball skills, but failed to overwhelm evaluators with his 40-yard times (4.50 range) and vertical jump (33.5 vertical). However, he did shut down wide receiver Calvin Johnson, taken No. 2 overall by the Detroit Lions during the NFL draft in April, during the Bulldogs' win over Georgia Tech last season.

Oliver could have conceivably entered his senior campaign with a first-round grade. However, his early entry into the NFL because of his failure to keep up with his academics means that he'll likely be targeted by teams holding an extra third- or fourth-round pick in 2008 or franchises which were unable to secure a top-rated cornerback in the regular draft.

He had 57 tackles, three interceptions and showed ideal size (5-11, 195 pounds), while also being able to run stride for stride with most of the top SEC pass catchers. Oliver has long arms and shows the ability to time his leaps to keep taller receivers from gaining an advantage on him while the ball is in the air.

His game film would seem to show that he has better game speed than 40 times, which offers him the chance to help out in nickel and dime packages for the team that decides to add him through the draft. There are a number of teams that have private workouts set up with Oliver, including the Atlanta Falcons and the San Diego Chargers, according to his agent Jason Chayut.

CHRIS PATRICK
Patrick is an interesting prospect that began to show signs of becoming another in the long line of talented Cornhuskers' blockers last season. He recorded times in the 5.20-5.30 range, although a few watches showed times just under 5.20. His 31 bench reps of 225 pounds show that he has the weight room strength to be a worthwhile long-range prospect, although there was a split between whether he should remain at tackle or move inside to guard.

At 6-4 5/8, 303 pounds, he ran 4.50 in the short shuttle, and recorded a 7.60 3-cone and 27" vertical. He moved well for a player of his size, but was a little stiff in certain drills. But according to his agent Joe Linta, who represents a number of offensive linemen in the NFL, most teams attending his workout (12 overall) said they had a sixth- to seventh-round grade on him.

ROBERT ARMSTRONG
Armstrong, a former Maryland transfer and potential sleeper of this group, has the necessary size (6-4, 318) and has flashed both quickness off the ball and pass rush skills for an interior lineman. He had three sacks in a contest against Norfolk State. One stumbling block though is an old back injury which will be reviewed by team officials.

He will work out on campus at Morgan State on June 28. Since his paper work was approved earlier this week, 10 NFL teams have inquired about game film and his workout date, according to his representative Angelo Wright.

DONTA MOORE
Moore, though a much better defender in the box than when asked to drop into deep coverage, played out of position at outside linebacker as he is built ideally for strong safety. He has been timed in the 4.50 range and showed great tenacity last season as he played the final eight games of the year with a broken arm. If he can flash the type of workout numbers (37" vertical, 10' 4" broad jump) to go along with the fact that he had 16 tackles against West Virginia and 12 tackles, including 6½ tackles for loss versus Wake Forest, it could get him a solid free agent look. Keep an eye on the Green Bay Packers since their scouting director, John Dorsey, is a former Hall of Fame member of the Huskies football team.

MARK WASHINGTON
Washington is an interesting athlete who, at roughly 6-3, 245, has been timed in the 4.55-4.60 range and transferred to Texas State from Arizona State. He was miscast in the role of being a very under-sized defensive tackle, but also failed to reach certain academic and team standards in the offseason.

Other prospects could be ruled eligible for the supplemental draft, but most would be deemed long shots. For the most part, teams are reluctant to surrender an '08 draft pick. In addition, any prospect taken must fit into this year's rookie salary cap pool. As a result, I expect to see Oliver taken between rounds three or four and Patrick possibly taken with a late choice by someone like the Houston Texans, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs or Oakland Raiders – each of whom could use a young tackle/guard at an inexpensive price tag.

CHRIS PATRICK UPDATE

No official results were announced from the on-campus workout earlier this of Nebraska OT Chris Patrick, who is one of several players who have applied for admission to next month’s NFL’s supplemental draft. As a result, there have been some divergent numbers reported from the workout. Patrick’s 40-time for example, has been reported as being anywhere from 5.1 to 5.3 which is a pretty significant difference. The overall consensus of Patrick’s workout, though, appears to have been reasonably positive. Patrick, who was the Huskers starting LT last fall measured in at 6-4, 296; he did 31 reps bench-pressing 225 pounds, and turned in a 27-inch vertical leap. While Patrick played OT at Nebraska, he likely projects to OG in the NFL because of his size. And those numbers would have put in the top half of the OGs at this year’s combine. For example, even if Patrick’s 40 time was in the low 5.3 range, that still would have been 6th out of 13 OGs who ran in Indianapolis. At least 11 teams reportedly attended Patrick’s workout including Baltimore, Kansas City, Atlanta Philadelphia, the Giants, New England, Minnesota, Oakland, Green Bay, Tampa Bay and New Orleans. The supplemental draft is tentatively scheduled for July 13th.

Source: GBN Report

ANOTHER NFL ARREST

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports Miami Dolphins DT Fred Evans was arrested Saturday, June 23, after an alleged argument with a Miami Beach taxi driver. Tasers were used to subdue him, and a spokesperson for the Miami Beach police department confirmed the arrest. Evans is charged with battery on a police officer, resisting arrest with violence, trespassing and disorderly conduct. Head coach Cam Cameron said, "We are aware that Fred Evans was arrested this morning. We will not condone this type of behavior. I assure everyone it will be dealt with seriously."

JOE HORN UPDATE

Steve Wyche, of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino said WR Joe Horn has brought a new energy to the wide receiving core. "Joe has added a lot with his energy and his excitement, the way he takes the field every day. His competitiveness is unbelievable. Every drill he does, he wants to be the best, beat whoever he's going against. That rubs off. We're very unproven, but they left OTAs with a great deal of confidence and feel they're a lot better," Petrino said.

ORLANDO TO ATLANTA

With hopes of bolstering depth at outside linebacker and special teams, the Falcons signed Orlando Huff, who started 13 games at weakside linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals last season.

Huff (6-3, 236), a six-year veteran who played with Seattle before joining the Cardinals, has 48 career starts and 289 tackles.

The move is not a sign that projected weakside starter Demorrio Williams is healing slowly from offseason surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle. Coach Bobby Petrino said Thursday that Williams actually is ahead of schedule.

Petrino has projected that Williams would be back for the season opener. Rookie Stephen Nicholas is also working at weakside linebacker.

The Falcons also signed former Georgia Tech tight end George Cooper Friday. Cooper, who was released by Detroit after being signed this spring as an undrafted rookie free agent, becomes the fourth tight end on the roster.

Cooper was not with the team during its recent three-day rookie mini-camp.

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

CHAD JACKSON UPDATE

Chad Jackson's rehabilitation from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in the Patriots' AFC Championship game loss to the Indianapolis Colts is going well enough that he could be ready for the start of the season.

Jackson, who injured his knee playing special teams late in New England's 38-34 loss, could still be ticketed for the physically-unable-to-perform list when training camp opens July 27. However, his agents, David Canter and Christina Phillips, said it would be a mistake to write off the second-year receiver and assume he is headed to injured reserve.

"I don't expect Chad to be 100 percent in one month, out there running routes at full speed or to be practicing at full speed," said Canter. "But if it's, 'Could he be ready to do that by the start of the season?' then sure."

Jackson, who had surgery in January, is already sprinting.

"He's progressed extremely well physically," said Phillips. "He wants to be 100 percent and the Patriots' doctors will know when that is. His rehab has gone extremely well."

Source: Boston Herald

A STICKY SITUATION

Pete Kendall is in a very ticklish situation these days ... and no, we're not talking about the fact he's unhappy with his contract and has asked to be traded or released.

It's over the issue of whether the Jets have violated the collective bargaining agreement by allowing too much contact during offseason workouts and/or minicamps.

So why would Kendall, the Jets' disgruntled guard, be any more conflicted about this situation than his teammates? Well, Kendall is the Jets' player representative, and as such, he's responsible for reporting to the NFL Players Association if there's too much hitting in practice. The question now is whether he's willing to blow the whistle on a team that is not budging on his request to add $1 million to his 2007 salary of $1.7 million.

The Jets were seen during minicamp practice to be engaged in some fairly significant physical contact during some drills - the defensive linemen were rushing pretty hard and being blocked by the offensive linemen, even though the Jets were dressed in just helmets, jerseys and shorts, with no shoulder pads. Technically, this is a no-no when it comes to the offseason rules regarding contact.

"When we get information like this, we call the player rep and talk to him about what's been going on," said NFLPA spokesman Carl Francis. "If he feels like that's a violation, we launch an investigation."

Source: New York Newsday

TURLEY ON THE COMEBACK?

Despite rumors that he might retire for good following his unceremonious release by the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this spring, veteran offensive tackle Kyle Turley is ready to give football another try.

Turley, who missed the entire 2004 and 2005 seasons because of a herniated disc and related back woes, but then signed with Kansas City and actually opened the 2006 campaign as the starting left tackle, quietly worked out for Chiefs officials this week, ESPN.com has learned.

And he is ready to audition for other teams, too, if they are interested.