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POSTED 9:17 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:53 p.m. EDT, May 7, 2007

JAGS CUT CARROLL

The Jacksonville Jaguars have cut cornerback Ahmad Carroll, only two days after he was arrested on multiple charges in Atlanta.

Carroll was a first-round draft pick of the Packers in 2004. Green Bay cut him last season due to poor performance, and the Jags signed him after he cleared waivers.

Though most readers from whom we've heard believe that the Jags should be applauded for the move, the reality is that they could end up facing a grievance. Under the CBA, only the Commissioner is permitted to mete out discipline for off-field conduct. The most that a team can do is suspend a player for up to four games without pay for conduct detrimental to the team.

The more prudent course for the Jags would have been to keep Carroll around until training camp, and then to include him in the first wave of cuts. By dumping him two days after his offseason arrest, it's obvious that the move was disciplinary.

By the way, we've yet to assign Turd Watch points to the Jaguars, because we have yet to ascertain the specific felony-or-misdemeanor status of each charge. We hope to get the answer on Tuesday.

EVEN MORE MINICAMP REPORTS

Finally, here are the last of the minicamp reports for the first weekend of post-draft sessions. You've liked them so much that we need to keep doing them.

And now we're trying to figure out how in the heck we'll manage to do regular team-by-team training camp reports in July and August.

Tampa Bay: Coach Jon Gruden, on his rookies: "They better quit watching the NFL Network all day and they better quit playing their video games and get off the cell phones and the Blackberries and all that stuff and get outside here on the nice, green grass. Find a place to run and run. And then run again and run again." (Wow. He said "run" in that passage about as offen as he ordinarily says the "F" word.) . . . Rookie Tanard Jackson played cornerback in college, but will primarily be a safety with the Bucs. . . . The Bucs have three key offensive linemen who are 23 or younger, and another one who is 24. . . . Former Nebraska QB Zac Taylor is one of six signal-callers on the roster. . . . Coach Jon Gruden sees leadership qualities in first-round DE Gaines Adams. . . . Sabby Piscitelli's first name is "Sabatino." (There's nothing like having a good Irish boy on the roster.)

Washington: DL Justin Hickman, an undrafted rookie, has a chance to make the team, given that the 'Skins drafted no others at this key area of need. . . . LB Dallas Sartz and LB H.B. Blades were roommates at the scouting combine, and are now hoping to be the eventual replacements for Marcus Washington and London Fletcher. . . . QB Mark Brunell won't throw in team drills until training camp, due to offseason shoulder surgery. . . . Offensive coordinator Al Saunders isn't sure when RB Clinton Portis (shoulder surgery) will be cleared to fully participate in practice. . . . Meet LaRon Landry. . . . Landry will be the strong safety and Sean Taylor will be the free safety. . . . Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is distancing himself from the Cover 2/Tampa 2 schemes of the past two years. . . . Undrafted CB Byron Westbrook is the brother of Eagles RB Brian Westbrook. . . . The Redskins brought in 64 undrafted free agents for tryouts.

POSTED 8:13 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 9:18 a.m. EDT, May 7, 2007

FOX SEES CAROLINA CAREER FLASH BEFORE HIS EYES

The Panthers got a huge scare on Sunday when receiver Steve Smith went down with a knee injury in the waning minutes of a minicamp.

Smith got tangled up with a defense back, per the Charlotte Observer, and remained on the field for a few minutes while trainers checked out his left knee.

But Smith, who suffered a broken leg in the first game of the 2004 season and missed the final 15 games, was fine.

"Any time a player goes down, it's scary, especially when it's that guy, 2004 was flashing in front of my eyes,'' coach John Fox said.

It would be more accurate to say that Fox saw his entire career in Carolina flash before his eyes. The sixth-year coach is widely believed to be on the hot seat, and without Smith it would be even harder for Fox to keep his job beyond 2007.

We also wonder whether Smith lingered on the field a few moments longer than necessary, as a reminder to the team that his value to the franchise is not properly reflected in his current contract. Last year, some league insiders opined/speculated that Smith might have been milking a hamstring injury a little longer than necessary as a subtle strategy for making it known that he wants more money.

MAYWEATHER-DE LA HOYA AND NFL NETWORK by Michael David Smith

Floyd Mayweather defeated Oscar De La Hoya Saturday night in the biggest fight in years. [Editor's note: Zzzzzzzz.] But even the biggest fight in years was viewed by only a few million people -- nothing compared to the size of the audience the NFL draws.

The reason, of course, is that Mayweather-De La Hoya was broadcast on pay-per-view, just like every big fight. Boxing has suffered a huge decline in popularity and become a niche sport because when fans have to pay extra to watch a sport, many of them find something else to do.

And that brings us to the NFL's decision to begin showing games on NFL Network, which tens of millions of cable subscribers still don't have. The business dynamics of the NFL putting its games on its own cable channel and boxing putting its fights on pay-per-view aren't the same, but they're similar: A sport has decided to make more money and have more control by putting its product on a platform that fewer fans will see.

Will the NFL decline in popularity because of NFL Network? Not any time soon. The package of games is limited to eight Thursday and Saturday nights, and the NFL wisely shows games on broadcast television in the markets of the two teams playing. If anything, the overall existence of NFL Network has helped the league's popularity.

But the current slate of eight games is as far as the league should take it. The NFL needs to resist the temptation of trading a smaller audience for more money, unless it wants to see its popularity go in the direction of boxing's.

MORE MINICAMP CONTACT

Several years ago, the biggest source of offseason eye rolling was the notion that voluntary camps were truly voluntary. Though some players still from time to time exercise their prerogative to not attend, it's a luxury available only to those whose spot on the depth chart is secure. For players trying to win a job or keep a tenuous hold on a position at which a first-day draft pick was used, failing to volunteer to attend is the equivalent of volunteering for a spot on the bench, or on the waiver wire.

But now that coaches are being more careful regarding the making of public comments regarding the non-voluntary nature of these voluntary camps, the new source of offseason amusement is the photographic evidence of the amount of contact that occurs in offseason camps that are supposed to be contact-free.

Every year, readers send us photos of contact. Here are the latest pics we've received, from this weekend's round of camps:

Says the CBA: "The intensity and tempo of drills should be at a level conducive to learning, with player safety as the highest priority, and not at a level where one player is in physical contest with another player."

Um. Yeah.

In March, we heard that players intended to complain more loudly and more frequently about the level of contact in offseason camps, due in part to their desire to extend their careers, so that they can continue to consume a slice of the ever-growing salary cap. To date, however, the players have been silent.

And so has their union.

EVEN MORE MINICAMP REPORTS

We're blown away by the reaction we've gotten to our seat-of-the-pants idea to compile minicamp reports, which basically are a collection of one-liners focused on the teams who recently convened post-draft workouts.

So here are a couple more reports for the teams that went to camp over the May 4-6 weekend:

San Diego: S Marlon McCree worked out on Friday, but his knee "swelled up like a cantaloupe." He might not be able to practice until training camp. . . . Of the 27 undrafted free agents taking part in the camp, maybe four or five have a chance to make it. . . . Fifth-round WR Legedu Naanee worked out with the tight ends on Saturday but lined up in various positions during team drills. . . . Special-teams ace Kassim Osgood might get a chance to contribute as a receiver. . . . FB Andrew Pinnock is slimming down in the hopes of replacing Michael Turner in 2008. . . . RB/KR Darren Sproles bobbled a couple of punts, opening the door for first-round WR Craig Davis to give it a try. . . . RB LaDainian Tomlinson says that he will try to replicate last season's record performance (he also might want to try climbing the Empire State Building with golf shoes and some used masking tape).

Seattle: The Big Show is happy with his rookies. . . . Chris Gray took C Chris Spencer's place, and Ray Willis filled in at Gray's spot at guard. . . . CB Pete Hunter and WR Chris Jones wrestled on the ground for 30 seconds with a ball they both caught at the same time (not that there's anything wrong with that). . . . CB Marcus Trufant has moved from the right side to the left side. . . . DT Craig Terrill gave QB Matt Hasselbeck a blonde wig on Sunday, so that he would look more like rookie QB Derek Devine. . . . Clare Farnsworth of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer looks at the performance of each rookie draft pick over the weekend. . . . WR D.J. Hackett has taken Darrell Jackson's spot at starting split end, for now. . . . QB Matt Hasselbeck was able to participate in the camp despite offseason surgery on his non-throwing shoulder. . . . Said Hasselbeck regarding former Seahawks TE Jerramy Stevens: "All of his problems stem from one thing, and that was alcohol. If you take alcohol out of the equation, he's a perfect teammate and a great kid." . . . DB Jordan Babineaux has signed his RFA tender, but did not practice due to offseason shoulder surgery.

Tennessee: Third-round WR Paul Williams got the better of first-round S Michael Griffin on a few plays during rookie practice. . . . As of Friday, the Titans were evaluating whether or not to pursue WR Keyshawn Johnson. . . . The Tennessean and the Nashville City Paper apparently gave their beat writers the weekend off.

The last two -- Tampa and Washington -- are coming later today.

MONDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Miami QB Daunte Culpepper's adoptive mother has died at 92.

The Packers' season ticket waiting list has nearly 74,000 people on it.

The NFL bars rookies like JaMarcus Russell from more than one minicamp before school is out -- even though Russell isn't enrolled in any classes at LSU.

Former Bills K Steve Christie is weighing his options between playing in the CFL and retiring.

The Redskins have signed RB Derrick Blaylock and offered a contract to free agent TE Zach Hilton.

The Dolphins have contacted the Jets about trading for G Pete Kendall; Kendall is scheduled to make $1.7 million this year and thinks he deserves more, given the meteoric rise in salaries at the position.

Although Browns G.M. Phil Savage said for months that Brady Quinn was one of the top five players on his draft board, he now won't say where Quinn ranked.

Now that they've added a tackle in Joe Thomas, the Browns think Ryan Tucker could move to guard.

Seahawks C Chris Spencer, who is expected to be the starter this year, had surgery on both shoulders after the season and is having lingering soreness that is requiring him to go back to Dr. James Andrews.

When the Bengals selected Oregon DL Matt Toeaina, it marked the third consecutive year they had taken a player hailing from Pago Pago (gesundheit), American Samoa.

POSTED 6:21 a.m. EDT, May 7, 2007

DEL RIO COVERING HIS DEL REAR?

An industry source tells us that the prevailing theory regarding the recent comments of Jags coach Jack Del Rio hinting at a desire to draft quarterback Brady Quinn is that Del Rio realizes he's stuck with Byron Leftwich at quarterback for 2007, and that Del Rio is laying the foundation for his future job interviews -- if the team doesn't perform well enough in 2007 for Del Rio to keep his position.

"He'll tell future employers that he had no chance because [V.P. of player personnel] Shack Harris, who views Leftwich as his clone, forced him to keep Leftwich," said the source.

The source said that Del Rio possibly will take Harris down with him. Owner Wayne Weaver still isn't fond of Del Rio following his flirtations with LSU after Nick Saban left, and Weaver (we're told) likes Harris. If Leftwich flops in 2007, Harris will have to explain why he didn't support the possible selection of Quinn.

A league source with knowledge of the dynamics confirms the existence of the in-house acrimony over Leftwich: "Del Rio and Harris have been having major tantrums with each other over the whole quarterback thing. It's a total mess. Something, or someone, has to give. Harris is like Leftwich's father, Del Rio is like his mother-in-law."

With all that said, the thinking in league and industry circles is that Leftwich will indeed flop, and that the new coach in 2008 will have to find another quarterback.

There's also some confusion as to why the Jags didn't pounce on Quinn from a business standpoint. The kid would have generated interest, and sold tickets at a stadium where selling tickets on a consistent basis is a huge problem.

As we see it, the only positive that comes out of this for the franchise is that, if (when) Del Rio gets fired, the new coach will get to find his own quarterback from day one, avoiding the problem that often arises when a new coach is forced to work with an incumbent starter.

POSTED 8:38 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 10:23 p.m. EDT, May 6, 2007

MORE MINICAMP REPORTS

We got a great response to our initial wave of minicamp reports. So we guess that means we should do some more.

Here we go.

Cincinnati: As a result of free-agency losses, the Bengals are trying to rebuild their punt coverage and return teams. . . . Former Bengals RB James Brooks spoke to the attendees of the rookie camp. . . . Brooks is part of the Auburn tailback mill that has delivered multiple prospects at the position to the Queen City. . . . LB Earl Everett says he fell from a projected second-rounder to undrafted rookie signee of the Bengals due to a pulled hamstring in his 40-yard dash. . . . Former Miami (Ohio) C Steve Kosky missed his commencement ceremony to try out for the Bengals. . . . LB Ed Hartwell has not yet signed with the Bengals, but claims that he will start on the weak side this year for the team. . . . WR Chad Johnson left a trading card and a note in rookie CB Leon Hall's locker that said "This is the only way you gonna touch me."

Detroit: Offensive coordinator Mike Martz is changing everything about QB Drew Stanton (except for his dreamy hairdo). . . . Stanton is the fourth quarterback drafted by the Lions in seven years. . . . Rookie DE Ikaika Alama-Francis is learning how to sand the floor and paint the fence. . . . Gerald Alexander was preparing to do laundry when he found out he was being drafted by a team that has a long history of getting hung out to dry. . . . WR Calvin Johnson says he doesn't talk trash. . . . Sixty-eight players participated in the three-day camp. . . . One of the guys trying out at receiver is the guy who used to throw bad passes to Calvin Johnson at Goergia Tech.

Green Bay: There are questions about whether the Packers reached for WR James Jones in round three. . . . Rookie S Aaron Rouse thinks that his height will work to his advantage. . . . Did sixth-round K Mason Crosby benefit from kicking in the mile high club? . . . Joe Werner wants to be the next converted hoopster to play tight end. . . . Seventh-round RB DeShawn Wynn pulled a calf muscle. . . . First-round DT Justin Harrell wants to prove that G.M. Ted Thomson was right for picking him. . . . Second-round RB Brandon Jackson is what the Packers thought he would be, so far. . . . DT Justin Harrell says that his two injuries in college are "[u]nfortunate incidents that I can't explain." (That sentiment also applies to the Packers' drafts under Ted Thompson.) . . . . Outgoing CEO Bob Harlan appears to regret giving both the coach and G.M. titles to Mike Sherman. . . . The depth chart at running back is populated with no-names. . . . Eight players were at the 32-man rookie camp on a trial basis. . . . The Packers have some interest in WR Keyshawn Johnson.

Indianapolis: Coach Tony Dungy recalls Chuck Noll's approach to the first practice of the year -- "After the first practice, don't cut anybody and don't put anybody in the Hall of Fame." . . . Peyton Manning's foundation has given $500,000 to 70 youth-related agencies in Indiana. . . . Now that the Colts have finally managed to win the big one, they're loading up on guys who couldn't.

Miami: Owner Wayne Huizenga addressed the team and basically told them to stay out of trouble. . . . CB Andre' Goodman reinjured his shoulder on Saturday. . . . QB Cleo Lemon is making lemoñadé out of his opportunities. . . . Meet John Beck. . . . The Fins have re-assigned the locker of RB Ricky Williams and the locker and number of DT Dan Wilkinson. . . . G.M. Randy Mueller took a slap at the Nicktator with this one: "We need to shake it up. It wasn't working. We're going to continue to look to improve this team. If it can be done, some way, somehow, we'll do it." . . . Vernon Carey is switching from right tackle to left tackle, and L.J. Shelton is moving from left guard to right tackle. . . . LB Zach Thomas on the state of the team: "The grass has been brown around here for a while. Hopefully it gets a little greener.'' . . . Coach Cam Cameron wants to get the most out of WR Chris Chambers and TE David Martin. . . . RB Ronnie Brown has been eating too many hash browns. And Twinkies. . . . L.J. Shelton has lost 20 pounds and hopes to drop 10 more. . . . Chris Liwienski and Dan Stevenson are the starting guards for now. . . . Ted Ginn rode a stationary bike in the only offseason work in which he's allowed to participate until Ohio State's graduation ceremonies in June. . . . WR Kelly Campell suffered an injury to his lower leg. . . . QB Daunte Culpepper expects to participate in next month's minicamp. . . . Fins WR Marty Booker, on reports that he is on the trading block: "I ain't got nothing to say." (Well, if football doesn't work out, he can always teach English.)

Minnesota: RB Adrian Peterson has not reinjured his collarbone. Yet. . . . Vikings owner Zygi Wilf is willing to contribute $250 million toward the construction of a new stadium. . . . A total of 28 players attended the rookie camp on a tryout basis, but the team refused to name them. . . . Meet Brian Robison. . . . And Sidney Rice.

More will be added on Sunday night.

POSTED 1:28 p.m. EDT, May 6, 2007

SOUP NAZI HAD NO JUICE ON DRAFT DAY

A league source tells us that Giants coach Tom Coughlin had no juice within the organization during the 2007 NFL draft.

This development suggests that Coughlin has zero influence over the shaping of the roster, and it lends credence to rumors that the Giants decided to keep Coughlin for one more year so that they won't be in the early stages of a new coach's tenure when guys like, say, Bill Belihick or Bill Cowher are available.

Belichick's status with the Patriots is the topic of much confusion, since the Pats (unlike most teams) refuse to make public details about the terms of its head coach's contract. He might be on the open market in 2007, or he might not.

Cowher presumably is free to coach again in 2007 without compensation to the Steelers, since his contract had only one year remaining on it. But the Steelers could take the position that they hold his rights for one year of NFL coaching, and that if someone else tries to hire him, the Steelers are owed compensation.

Of course, Cowher could show up in Pittsburgh next January and declare that he's ready to resume his gig with the Steelers. If they don't re-hire him, any further obligations to the Steelers would arguably disappear.

As a practical matter, the solid relationship between the Maras (who own the Giants) and the Rooneys (who own the Steelers) could make the folks in New York unlikely to do anything that would prompt a battle with Cowher's former team. If the Giants were to be interested in Cowher, we think that all details regarding his availability would be worked out behind the scenes, well before the Giants would begin to pursue him.

PFT ON FOX SPORTS RADIO

Check us out today at 4:30 p.m. EDT on FOX Sports Radio.

All of our upcoming radio spots for a given week can be seen right here.

That is all.

POSTED 12:59 p.m. EDT, May 6, 2007

PFT MINICAMP REPORT

The draft is over but the offseason won't be slowing down just yet. Minicamps will be popping up throughout the league, and here's a look at what's going on in each of the cities where folks are playing football in helmets, T-shirts, and shorts.

San Francisco: A league source tells us that WR Ashley Lelie, a new free agent, is already injured, and that players are questioning his toughness. . . . Ditto for OT Jonas Jennings, who won't practice at all during this minicamp. . . . Other players out due to injury are TE Delanie Walker, WR Darrell Jackson, C Eric Heitmann, and CB Shawntae Spencer. . . . QB Trent Dilfer slammed his helmet to the ground after CB Nate Clements intercepted a Dilfer pass and returned it for a score. (You'd think Dilfer would be used to getting picked off by now.) . . . . Fourth-round rookie LB Jay Moore drops into pass coverage like a man who weighs far less than 275 pounds. . . . LB Manny Lawson thought that he was being held by TE Vernon Davis, so Lawson tore off his shirt and threw it down and said multiple times, "If you want it, you can have it!" Said Davis in response: "He just got mad because I beat him."

Oakland: WR Mike Williams is hobbled by a hamstring injury; he left practice on Saturday after initially injuring the muscle on Friday. "However you want to phrase it, he's blown a chance," said coach Lane Kiffin, regarding Williams' failed stint in Detroit. . . . Seventh-round WR Johnathan Holland is out with a separated right shoulder. . . . Second-year player Darnell Bing has been moved from linebacker back to strong safety, where he played at USC. . . . Robert Gallery and Barry Sims are alternating between left tackle and right tackle. . . . DT Warren Sapp has lost 49 pounds. . . . Said WR Jerry Porter regarding rookie QB JaMarcus Russell: "Looks like someone hired a JUGS machine and put a jersey on it."

Carolina: LB Dan Morgan is back after his latest concussion ended his 2006 season in September. . . . WR Dwayne Jarrett made an acrobatic catch on Saturday. . . . Jarrett is wearing No. 80. . . . Fourth-round rookie Ryne Robinson is the top punt returner, with Chris Horn as the backup. . . . Six players were held out of practice on Saturday due to injury. . . . WR Steve Smith likes the new offense: "If you want to compare it, it's like sitting in coach and moving up to first class."

Baltimore: The Ravens conducted a two-day rookie minicamp, where first-rounder Ben Grubbs made his debut. "I think it went well," he said. . . . Former Lions and Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson, who previously worked for the Ravens, stopped by for a visit, but head coach Brian Billick says that there are no plans to hire him. . . . G.M. Ozzie Newsome says that the team is negotiating with LB Terrell Suggs, whose rookie contract expires after 2007.

Chicago: Third-round rookie LB Michael Okwo could fill the void eventually created by LB Lance Briggs. To do so, Okwo will have to beat out 2006 fourth-rounder Jamar Williams. . . . Undrafted UNLV S Jay Staggs was relentless in his efforts to get a shot at the NFL. . . . Rookie TE Fontel Mines is at the team's rookie camp on a tryout basis, and might win a contract due to some nice downfield catches on Saturday. . . . WR David Ball and QB Chris Leak, both undrafted rookies, have been impressive. . . . Rookie RB Garrett Wolfe, on his lack of height: "People say I'm 5-7 . . . well, I'm not trying to dunk a basketball out here. So I'm not sure where 5-7 matters."

More to come.

POSTED 8:15 p.m. May 5, 2007

BENGALS SOUTH RESET THE ARREST CLOCK

Well, they made it past ten, and all the way to 16.

But just as we thought the "days without an arrest" counter would make it to 20, it's time to put it back to zero.

If only we can remember how to do it.

Per First Coast News in Jacksonville, Jaguars cornerback Ahmad Carroll was busted on Saturday morning in Atlanta.

Carroll is charged with carrying a concealed weapon, carrying a pistol without a permit, and possession of ecstasy.

POSTED 8:08 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 9:32 a.m. EDT, May 5, 2007

BURGESS SAYS HE WASN'T HOLDING OUT

Raiders defensive end Derrick Burgess showed up for this weekend's mandatory minicamp. And he says that, while his agent is trying to improve his current contract, Burgess didn't skip the last minicamp to protest his pay.

"The reason I didn't show up?" Burgess said. "Because it was voluntary."

Sure, it was voluntary. But guys who are fully on board with the program volunteer to show up. The reality is that a player's only leverage is to withhold services, and Burgess was able to do it without consequence in conjunction with the non-mandatory camp.

SHARPARO LIKES DOGS, TOO

One of the realities of the Mike Vick dog-fighting investigation is that authorities will now be more skeptical of any pro athlete who shows an affinity for aggressive breeds of dog.

In poking around the Intergoogle for evidence connecting Mike Vick and aggressive dogs, our own Taco Bill found last week the web site for Sanders Kennels. Right next to a picture of Mike Vick cradling a dog is former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe, with a Presa Canario on a leash. (A Friday night USA Today item mentions Sanders Kennels and the Vick photo, but says nothing of Sharpe's presence in the next frame.)

As our latest addition Michael David Smith wrote on Friday, the Humane Society has alerted NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to its belief that there is a "subculture within the NFL of dog fighting and other forms of violence against animals."

Though we're not saying that any current or former pro athlete who has one of these canines is involved in dog fighting, it will definitely raise suspicions moving forward.

And guys like Titans first-rounder Michael Griffin, who recently said that he raises pit bulls, might want to be darn sure that none of their friends or family members are using those dogs for anything other than fetching the paper and fertilizing the petunias.

SATURDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

Tom Brady's dad says that the Pats quarterback is "jacked up" about his new weapons on offense.

The elder Brady, on his son's recent choice of Yankee headwear: "I said, 'Things must be pretty slow in Boston if they're making a big deal on the hats you're wearing.' It's fun to get things stirred up a little bit."

Lions WR Calvin Johnson is already drawing praise after only one workout.

G-reg's brother, C-hristian, was throwing passes to him in rookie camp.

The Redskins are working out RB Derrick Blaylock.

The Redskins are $5.1 million under the salary cap.

Have the Bucs found their next Sapp?

Sprinter Justin Gatlin is trying out in Tampa this weekend.

The Chiefs were selling Trent Green jerseys at discount prices -- until someone asked them why they were doing so.

Coach Chin is auctioning off some Steelers items, including a crystal ice bucket bearing the team logo.

Ice bucket or spittoon?

Panthers QB Jake Delhomme says that the team "didn't have fun" in 2006. (What is this, little league?)

Nate Salley is currently starting at safety for the Panthers, but the team might still try to upgrade through free agency. (Paul Krause is available, guys.)

There's a new No. 19 in Carolina.

Panthers DT Kris Jenkins isn't holding a grudge about the team's efforts to trade him.

Pat Bowlen isn't worried about any of the potential problem children that the Broncos drafted last week. (Should we expect anything else from the team that drafted Maurice Clarett?)

POSTED 7:40 a.m. EDT, May 5, 2007

BRADY THROWS SOME "WOUNDED DUCKS"

Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that quarterback Brady Quinn's first practice with the Browns featured some of the accuracy problems that kept him on the board for 21 picks last Saturday.

Writes Grossi: "It did not go unnoticed by the inflated media throng on hand that Quinn threw consecutive balls into a brisk wind that could be described charitably as wounded ducks. Each ball looked to hit a brick wall in midair and plummet, one far short of the intended and uncovered receiver."

Per Grossi, Quinn compensated for the wind on the next try . . . by overthrowing the receiver.

QUINN APOLOGIZES (BUT SHOULDN'T HAVE)

We were talking with one of our friends in the "real" media this week about the possibility that Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is afflicted with the same "everyone must like me" complex from which George Costanza suffers.

It looks like there's another NFL quarterback who also is obsessed with being loved but everyone, and disliked by none.

Why else would Quinn even address that goofy criticism from ESPN's Joe Theismann, who was demoted to the minor leagues earlier this year and is too greedy to quit? Joey Sunshine took issue with Quinn's appearance after languishing on the draft board, saying that Brady's hair and tie and chewing gum at the draft were a window to his overall abilities.

"I apologize, obviously, to anybody who's a Notre Dame alum or to those fans who thought I wasn't being very businesslike," Quinn said, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I think I was there for a while and at that moment when you're finally picked after waiting for 4½ hours, I guess the last thought in my head was 'spit out your gum, fix your hair or make sure your shirt looks good.' I was just trying to get out on that stage as soon as possible and get that Browns jersey in my hand and that hat in my hand."

Quinn said that he took Theismann's words to heart (Brady is officially the first person ever to do so), and said, "I'm a big fan of his. He must not be a big fan of me."

Most people ignored Theismann's comments as the rant of a wounded ego desperate to regain relevance. By addressing Theismann's remarks, Quinn gave Little Mr. Sunshine some much-needed credibility.

Though we had no concerns about Quinn's appearance, we now believe that he is an insecure little boy who pumps all those weights to compensate for his inner fears that he's otherwise not good enough. (Yeah, we watched Dr. Phil once.)

And if Quinn can get rattled by Theismann griping about stupid things like hair and neckties, what will happen when Steelers fans show up for games with posters featuring this picture on it?

POSTED 9:46 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2007

FROSTEE COPS A PLEA

Bengals defensive end Frostee Rucker pleaded guilty on Thursday to two charges arising from allegations made by an ex-girlfriend.

Rucker pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of vandalism and false imprisonment. In exchange, a charge of spousal battery was dropped.

He'll get no jail time, if he adheres to the terms of the plea bargain. Rucker will be on probation for 36 months. He must undergo one year of domestic violence counseling, and perform 750 hours of community service.

Next up for Rucker could be a trip to the Commissioner's office, where he would face punishment under the Personal Conduct Policy. However, because the conduct occurred before he joined the NFL, Rucker probably is exempt from punishment. We're in the process of confirming this.

POSTED 8:47 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2007

OCHO CHEAPO STRIKES AGAIN?

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Bengals receiver Chad Johnson has been sued for failing to honor a promise to give away a Lexus he had received from a Florida dealer, and that he didn't come through on promises to provide trips to two different people.

Specifically, Johnson has been added to an existing lawsuit against the Funny Bone Comedy Club (where the motto is, "Anytime you used the word 'bone,' it's automatically funny") arising from the failure to deliver on the promised prizes. Johnson was the host last season of a Tuesday night comedy showcase, and the crowds allegedly grew based on the giveaways from the Bengals star.

Last year, Johnson finagled tickets to his team's game in New Orleans from Saints coach Sean Payton, whom Johnson did not previously know. Johnson stiffed Payton for a couple of weeks, prompting our twist on his self-given "Ocho Cinco" moniker -- and spawning one of Taco Bill's better Pics of the Day.

POSTED 8:25 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2007

GREEN SAYS HE'S MIAMI BOUND

Alex Marvez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Chiefs quarterback Trent Green has no plans of playing again for the Chiefs, and intends to soon be a member of the Miami Dolphins.

Green told ESPN Radio in Kansas City that trade talks between the two teams have resumed, at the urging of Green and his agent, Jim Steiner.

"We told [G.M.] Carl [Peterson], 'Is there any way to get this going again because this isn't going to happen here in Kansas City and where it's going to happen is Miami for me,'" Green said.

"When they made their decision that they wanted to go younger at quarterback, we said, 'Fine. We're going to find a team and we'll get something done. But just so you know, we're not coming back,'" Green added. "I don't want to go into training camp or into a season where I feel like I'm insurance, that if something does happens, 'Oh, well here's Trent. We'll lean on him.'

"If not, all of a sudden, you get to August and then they give you that call in training camp: 'Hey, come on in. I want to talk to you a minute. We're going to need you to take a pay cut in order to keep you.' And then all of a sudden, you're released. Then you're stuck and you have no place to play."

On Sunday, Peterson told ESPN's Trey Wingo (whom Peterson twice called "Zach") that Green would be the Chiefs' starter if the season were to start tomorrow, and that the Chiefs had every intention of keeping him. But Wingo never asked, so Peterson never told, whether this meant that the Chiefs were ready to pay to Green his full $7.2 million salary.

Surely, they aren't.

The problem is that, after demanding a second-round pick for weeks, the Chiefs now want a fourth-round pick and the Fins are stuck on a six. We believe that a fourth-round pick is fair, given that the Titans got a fourth-rounder last year from the Ravens for Steve McNair.

Also, given that the Fins have given up a second-rounder for guys like Daunte Culpepper and A.J. Feeley and a fifth-rounder for Joey Harrington, a fourth-rounder seems fair.

So get it done, guys.

POSTED 7:17 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2007

QUINN SAYS HE'S NOT FIRING CONDON

Browns quarterback Brady Quinn told an assembled throng of Cleveland media on Friday that he will not be parting ways with agent Tom Condon, despite a draft-day plunge all the way down to No. 22.

"No, not even thinking about it," Quinn said, according to an industry source. "I've got the best guy as far as I'm concerned and I'm sticking with him until the end."

There has been much speculation and rumor in recent days that Quinn might dump Condon.

Meanwhile, Quinn has gotten a haircut. He now looks a lot more like the guy who is in the those troubling photos that are making the rounds on the Intergoogle.

POSTED 6:16 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2007

DRAFT EXPANDING TO THREE-DAY AFFAIR?

Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the NFL is considering moving round one of the draft to Friday night, and conducting the remaining rounds on Saturday and Sunday.

The move would ensnare more viewers, with the prime picks being made in prime time. It also would give teams a chance to refine their draft boards after the first 32 names are gone.

But time would be a huge issue. On Saturday, round one consumed more than six hours. Unless teams are willing to reduce their clock allowances from 15 minutes, the festivities could extend deep into the evening for folks east of the Mississippi.

Here's an idea -- call out the first 16 picks on Friday night, and kick the thing off at 8:30 p.m. EDT. It'd be finished by midnight in the Eastern time zone. Then, at noon on Saturday, the process would resume with the balance of round one, and all of rounds two and three.

Splitting round one in half would add a "to be continued" feel to the Friday night edition, and the fact that 16 first-round picks would still be made the next day would keep the second session from feeling stale.

POSTED 4:26 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2007

VICK STORY TO GET "EVEN BIGGER"

In a Friday morning interview on 790 The Zone in Atlanta, reporter Mary Kay Mallonee of WAVY-TV said that investigators looking into the dog-fighting operation on Mike Vick's property in Virginia have privately said that the story is going to get "even bigger" as it continues to unfold.

Mallonee explained that a regional drug task force investigating Vick's cousin last week heard "all these dogs barking" while executing a search warrant. The investigators investigated (duh) and saw roughly 70 dogs, blood-soaked carpeting, and training equipment at an apparent "dog-fighting compound" behind the house. It was, as Mallonee described, a "huge operation."

At one point, she described it as a "major operation that needs lots of money to be supported." Given that the persons living in the house (as she noted) are not employed, where was the cash coming from, if not from Vick?

Also, Vick's claim that he never goes to the property seems to be getting shakier and shakier.

Neighbors told Mallonee that Vick is in town "all the time," and clerks at a nearby store said that Vick comes in to buy "lots of supplies" for the dogs, including syringes.

"I think they're gathering more and more evidence that he was very well aware [of the dog fighting]," Mallonee said, adding that she believes that the police have evidence more concrete than word of mouth from witnesses who say that they have seem him.

And Vick's potential culpability goes beyond knowledge and financial support of the operation. Mallonee said that the investigators are following leads which could show that Vick was actually present for some of the fights.

Vick has not yet been interviewed by investigators. Mallonee said that police are focused on getting all their ducks in a row before talking to Vick.

Memo to Mike: The next time you're at that store where you (allegedly) bought those syringes, it might be a good idea to by some soap. On a rope.

POSTED 3:57 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2007

HUMANE SOCIETY CALLS FOR COMMISH TO ACT by Michael David Smith

Now that the "real" media has picked up on the story of an apparent dog-fighting operation being run at a property owned by Michael Vick, it's clear that this issue isn't going away.

And now the Humane Society of the United States has turned its attention to Commissioner Roger Goodell, publicly urging him to kick players involved in dog fighting out of the league. Yes, that's "players", as in more than one.

According to the Humane Society, Vick isn't the only NFL player who has been involved in dog fighting.

"We believe that the current situation involving Michael Vick is indicative of a larger subculture within the NFL of dog fighting and other forms of violence against animals," Humane Society President and CEO Wayne Pacelle wrote in a letter to Goodell.

Among other incidents, the Humane Society notes that former NFL player LeShon Johnson has been accused of being involved in dog fighting, and Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux has been accused of killing his girlfriend's dog.

The Humane Society isn't the type of organization to go away quietly, and Goodell isn't the type of sports commissioner to ignore a story like this. If there really is a larger subculture within the NFL of dog fighting and violence against animals, we expect (not as in "we want him to" but as in "we think he will") Goodell to deal harshly with the players involved.

POSTED 3:07 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2007

PACMAN'S APPEAL WILL BE HEARD ON MAY 11

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the appeal of the one-year suspension imposed on Titans cornerback Pacman Jones will be heard on May 11.

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and the union, Commissioner Roger Goodell has broad authority to discipline players -- and the CBA states that any appeal will also be heard by the Commissioner.

Thus, because the appeal is going to be considered by the same guy who made the decision to boot Jones out of the league for a full season less than a month ago, Jones shouldn't get his hopes up.

Many league insiders are continuing to scratch their scalps regarding the union's agreement to such a procedure. The thinking is that the union should have insisted on an appeal to an outside party, such as an arbitrator.

As we've previously explained, it would have been wiser for Jones to accept the punishment, since there's a chance that his suspension will be lifted after only 10 games. We believe that Jones told Goodell at the pre-discipline hearing that Jones planned to accept whatever punishment might be imposed, in the hopes of catching a break.

Under Article XI, Section 1(c) of the CBA, the Commissioner's decision on appeal will constitute "full, final and complete disposition of the dispute." There is no specific deadline for a ruling; the CBA requires only that it be issued "as soon as practicable."

POSTED 1:04 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 1:26 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2007

HERALD HINTS AT MOSS TAMPERING

John Tomase of the Boston Herald has penned a couple of compelling pieces regarding the Patriots' latest acquisition, receiver Randy Moss.

In one item, Tomase talks about the high school incident that might have directly contributed to the cautious, mistrusting demeanor that Moss has projected for more than a decade.

In the other, Tomase suggests that the Patriots might have tampered with Moss while he was a Raider.

Tomase mentions the "T" word in connection with a report from ESPN that Pats coach Bill Belichick worked Moss out during the offseason and came away convinced that Moss still has it. But if the workout occurred after Moss received permission from the Raiders to seek a trade partner, it's not tampering.

The potentially stronger evidence of tampering is the revelation in Tomase's article that Moss reached out to Belichick through an intermediary during the 2006 season. If the Raiders had not given Moss permission to shop himself at the time, and if the New England response was anything more than "by rule, we cannot speak with you or anyone on your behalf," then that could constitute tampering.

But none of it matters. The NFL won't do anything about it, even if the Raiders were to complain. The anti-tampering provision does not stop tampering, because violations of it are never penalized; we're starting to think that the rule remains on the books simply to keep the tampering from being more blatant.

RAIDERS MADE RUN AT MAYOCK A YEAR AGO

As a follow-up to the report from Jerry McDonald of InsideBayArea.com regarding the possibility that the Raiders will hire NFLN draft guru Mike Mayock as a personnel executive, sources tell us that the Raiders considered hiring Mayock a year ago.

Mayock, we're told, didn't get an offer at the time. It could be that owner Al Davis was thinking about dumping Mike Lombardi, but in the end decided not to do so.

Lombardi is widely expected to leave the organization, either voluntarily or otherwise. Several league sources told us that the veteran personnel guy was frozen out of the team's draft preparation, which is essentially the kiss of death.

A reader has suggested that the Raiders stand pat. Reasoned the reader, "He's the only thing named Lombardi that the Raiders will come close to acquiring for the foreseeable future."

POSTED 12:34 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 3:14 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2007

WALTER THOMAS APOLOGIZES FOR MYSPACE PAGE

On Wednesday, we posted a link to the MySpace page of Saints defensive tackle Walter Thomas, an undrafted rookie who weighs 370 pounds, and who can do a backflip. He also faces felony charges of conspiracy to commit armed robbery in Mississippi. It was that arrest that got him booted from a junior college team for which he was playing after flunking out of Oklahoma State.

The page included various photos of Thomas with profane (and somewhat amusing) captions. In one picture that we copied and posted on Thursday, Thomas is shown chasing former Ohio State receiver Ted Ginn. The caption from Thomas was "that n--a to[o] f--king fast."

Also, the messages on the page contained a posting from someone who reminisced about "getting high" and eating cheeseburgers with Thomas on Wednesdays.

Big Walter's first reaction was to restrict access to the page to "friends." But now the page is again unrestricted, and the following message appears:

To whom it may concern:
I would like to apologize for any false respresentations [sic] that may have occured [sic] due to the content of my MySpace profile. The comments on my profile were previously unrestricted, I have since adjusted the settings so that I may regulate the material that is being posted. I would also like to apologize directly to the organizations which I represent. Most importantly, I would like to apologize to the fans of the New Orleans Saints. I vow to represent this prestigous [sic] team in an eloquent manner both on and off the field of play. I am 100% hard work and dedication. My true integrity shall be represented from this point on. Thank you, to everyone who has supported me on my journey to the NFL. I will not let you down. I look foward [sic] to a proficient 2007 season.
Sincerly [sic],
Walter Thomas

P.S. Doh.

UPDATE: Thomas apparently has a separate MySpace page. This one features a rap song from "Walt-T" and "Flea" containing various "f" bombs and "n" bombs. We figure that this one will be dismantled before too long as well.

POSTED 9:15 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 12:05 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2007

"REAL" MEDIA FINALLY WAKES UP TO VICK STORY, SORT OF

A week ago, Falcons quarterback Mike Vick denied any knowledge of a dog-fighting operation on property he owns in Virginia, blaming the whole thing on his family members who reside there.

That same day, we posted a link to Vick's dog-breeding web site, which had been found on the Intergoogle by our own Taco Bill.

Six days later, the "real" media has done the same.

On Thursday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution published an item about the Vick's K-9 Kennels web site.

The Associated Press then grabbed the baton from the AJC, which means that the item will land in pretty much every paper in the nation.

But there's something weird about both of these stories. They ignore the reports from WVEC and WAVY in Virginia, which directly rebut Vick's proclamation that he never goes to the site where the dog-fighting evidence was found. The prosecutor in Surry County, Virginia has called Vick's contention "totally bogus," and a worker who helped build the house said that Vick routinely was present during construction, and that the workers saw 40 dogs and evidence of dog fighting equipment.

Also, the AJC item describes the web site as being "associated with a Michael Vick company," overlooking the reality that, on at least one of the pages, the name "Mike Vick" appears in multiple places.

Of course, it's now impossible to confirm any of this, since the VicksK9Kennels.com site is down. Imagine that.

So while it's good that the folks who get paid for a living to cover this kind of stuff have finally begun to realize that this thing could end up being a pretty big deal, the effort still seems a bit halfhearted to us.

With that said, kudos to Seth Wickersham of ESPN: The Large Awkwardly-Sized Booklet, who addressed the issue in a recent blog entry on ESPN.com -- and who gave the matter far more consideration than any national media figure has afforded it.

PFT GOES OLD SCHOOL

Apparently, the hamster in the wheel that powers the local Time Warner high-speed service has died. As a result, PFT headquarters is without Internet access.

But fear not. We've dusted off the modem and are using dial-up for the first time since . . . since . . . hell, we can't remember the last time we used dial up.

Bear with us.

DON'T THANK US, THANK SPRINT

We've gotten a flood of e-mails over the past several days thanking us for our comprehensive coverage of the 2007 NFL Draft.

But, as the title to this item reads, don't thank us -- thank Sprint.

Because of Sprint's sponsorship of the site, we were able to devote more time and effort than ever to the draft. And so we hope that all of you will show your appreciation by choosing Sprint or Nextel for all of your wireless needs.

Sprint specifically sponsored the team-by-team draft needs analyses, the seven mock drafts we posted, and the two-day Live Blog that pushed us to a one-day record of 1.1 million page views last Saturday. Sprint generally is the official telecommunications sponsor of the site, and we therefore hope that all true members of PFT Planet are proudly carrying their Sprint and/or Nextel phones.

LIVE BLOG HIGHLIGHTS

As the 2007 NFL draft fades farther into the rear-view mirror, we wanted to take this time to review some of our favorite moments from the Live Blog of the draft. Most come from reader comments far funnier than anything we could have come up with.

Here they are, in chronological order:

Many readers think that Steve Young has had some plastic surgery. He's definitely had an ear-lengthening.

Michael Vick has just denied being at the draft.

Word is that Jaws called Suzy Kolber last night to make sure they weren't wearing the same suit today.

The Raiders have offered the No. 1 pick and 66 cans of Alpo for Mike Vick.

Steve Young just said, "Live long and prosper."

NEW ALERT: Sean Salisbury has lost his radio gig in Chicago. (Apparently, he said "happy headed nose" on the air.)

I hope Brady Quinn isn't paying his "girlfriend" by the hour. It's gonna be a long day.

Quinn looked like he just got the news that his sister is pregnant with a conehead.

Adrian Peterson falls out of the top five, and re-injures his collarbone in the process.

Rachel Nichols looks like someone knocked out a couple of her teeth. I didn't know she was dating Pacman.

Brady's girlfriend is watching her future alimony payments drop with each selection.

We missed it, but apparently Steve Young made an American Idol reference. (He'd better be careful with that or people will think he is gay.)

Brady's girlfriend is trying to find John Beck's phone number.

We're getting plenty of e-mails suggesting that Steve Young wants to pluck Brady's eyebrows. In a bathtub.

I think the Botox in Steve Young's forehead is seeping into his brain.

What will the Bengals do? All of the pot smokers have been picked.

If Brady Quinn falls much farther, he'll be the next Bachelor.

Tom Condon is calculating his fee -- it's three-percent of "you're fired."

I see that Brady Quinn is still at the draft, but where did his date Edgar Winter go?

Did Jerry Jones borrow one of Michael Vick's rape stands to get that trade done with the Browns?

When did John Mark Karr become the Browns' G.M.?

Good pick by the Pats. Rodney Harrison can chop 'em at the knees, and Brandon Meriweather can stomp 'em when they're down. It'll be like a WWE tag team.

Sean Salisbury apparently said regarding Meriweather's troubles that it was a "one-time incident in both cases." (And, after all, it's not like Meriweather has done something truly despicable like taking pictures of his penis with a cell phone and showing it to co-workers.)

An Eagles-Cowboys trade? What's next? The PFT 'days without an arrest' counter hits 10?

Eagles and Cowboys trade is like Rosie asking the Donald to pass the tub of gravy at the dinner table.

Before . . . . After.

Keyshawn Johnson says he ran in the 4.4s? Yeah -- in the 30-yard dash.

Greg Olsen won't be seeing many passes from Rex Grossman in Chicago because defenses won't triple-cover him.

The Colts are taking the kid from the SNL United Way commercial. Peyton making him wait in the port-a-let was just a pre-draft smokescreen.

I just saw some footage that had newly-reunited Alan Branch and Gabe Watson lounging around lazily in a lake. Then I realized I was on Discovery Channel and watching a documentary about hippos. Oops.

Jamie Dukes is back on. We actually kind of like the guy. But there's enough material in that suit jacket he's wearing to clothe all of Somalia.

Is it just us, or has Marv Levy become one of those guys in the balcony from The Muppet Show?

Did the Pats trade down in the hopes of getting Diet Pepsi machine?

Larry David repotedly has some sort of a pipeline to the Jets' front office. Our guess? He has recommended that they switch to cotton uniforms.

Sabby Piscitelli? I had that last night at The Olive Garden.

Reche Caldwell is so surprised about the Randy Moss trade that his eyes are about to pop out of his head. Oh, wait. Caldwell doesn't know about the trade yet.

So much for Favre being '100% certain' that Randy Moss was going to end up in Green Bay. Must be that new math all the kids are talking about.

We love how the Ball Coach says "click-clack" in the UnderArmour with a tone projecting "it's a good thing they're paying me so much damn money to do this -- now where are my golf clubs?"

Cam Cameron is on NFLN. He is using his kid as a human shield from Dolphins fans.

I'm off to watch my lawn grow, visit my mother-in-law, and watch the latest Jeremy Irons movie. . . . All less boring that the 5th round of the draft.

That's all folks. End of round five. We're packing it in. We can no longer be a party to this two-network cure for insomnia. We'd rather watch the Raiders and Seahawks on a rainy Monday night. At least someone got kicked in the nuts.

POSTED 6:59 a.m. EDT, May 4, 2007

COACH CHIN NOT HAPPY WITH BIG BEN

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recently said that his relationship with coach Bill Cowher "wasn't great."

Cowher's reaction to the comment "wasn't great," either.

Talk in league circles is that Cowher is very unhappy with Roethlisberger's comment. Cowher supported and nurtured the young quarterback during their three years together, and Cowher never spoke out negatively about Roethlisberger after he nearly died as a result of a motorcycle accident in June 2006.

Said Roethlisberger last month: "It's going to be definitely different, because coach Cowher was, obviously, here before I got here, so our relationship wasn't great just for the fact that he was here so long before I got here, and I was just a young kid, a rookie, when he got here. Coach Tomlin and I are both, in a sense, rookies together. So, I think we might have a little bit better relationship."

The fact that the statement from Roethlisberger was plastered onto the team's official web site not long after the comments were made also is a slap, we believe, at the former coach, whose wishy-washiness in 2006 regarding his future with the team chafed some within the organization.

CAA WINS FIRST PFT AGENT RANKINGS

ESPN.com usually posts not long after the draft an "agent derby," which ranks the agencies based on the number of drafted players represented by each shop.

We've prepared a ranking system of our own, with a scoring system that better reflects the differences between the top of a round and the bottom of a round.

Under our point system, which gives the agency representing the No. 1 pick 255 points and the agency representing the No. 255 pick one point, the agency with the most points is CAA.

CAA won the thing by more than 800 points -- more than enough to give them the title even if quarterback Brady Quinn would dump them.

Second place goes to SportsStars, third place to All Pro Sports & Entertainment, fourth place to Priority Sports, and fifth place to Lock, Metz, and Malinovic.

A deeper list, with point totals, is available right here.

POSTED 10:13 p.m. EDT, May 3, 2007

MAYOCK TO RAIDERS?

Jerry McDonald of InsideBayArea.com reports that NFL Network's Mike Mayock is a "serious candidate" to become a personnel executive with the Oakland Raiders.

Mayock would replace Mike Lombardi, who is expected to be fired (or forced to quit) in the near future.

On NFL Network, Mayock is the in-house draft guru -- a Mel Kiper type who throws out all sort of shop talk jargon that is likely intended to make most of the viewers feel hopelessly inadequate and uninformed.

But a narrow segment of the audience, in the Bay Area, apparently thinks Mayock knows what he's talking about.

Then again, maybe Al Davis and company were impressed by Mayock's effort to verbally smack around Adam Schefter when Schefter was talking on Sunday about the trade that sent Randy Moss to New England. Schefter is identified with the Broncos because of his days with the Denver Post, and the Raiders called him out in December for reporting that then-coach Art Shell would soon be fired. (By the way, Schefter was right.)

If Mayock is offered the job, NFLN would then have to hire a new draft guru. Mel, are you paying attention?

McDonald reports that another possibility for the job is former Jets executive Pat Kirwan.

POSTED 9:09 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:42 p.m. EDT, May 3, 2007

REDDING DIGGING IN

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Lions defensive tackle Cory Redding, a free agent who currently is limited by the franchise tag, does not plan to attend any drills until he has a long-term contract.

And, technically, Redding can't participate in any offseason or preseason practices until he signs the one-year tender offer worth $6.7 million. The payment becomes fully guaranteed once Redding signs the tender; but he likewise is then required to attend all mandatory offseason minicamps, training camp, and preseason games and practices.

In the past, several franchise players have stayed away from his team until the eve of the regular season, at which time they signed the tender -- and got the full amount of their guaranteed salary.

The only risk for the player is that, until the franchise tender is signed, it can be withdrawn.

WILL SMITH NOT HAPPY

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Saints defensive end Will Smith is unhappy with his contract.

The development comes not long after the team's other starting defensive end, Charles Grant, received a seven-year, $63 million deal while limited by the franchise tag.

The difference? Grant played out his rookie contract before getting paid. Smith has two years remaining on his rookie deal, and he's due to make $695,000 in 2007 and $850,000 in 2008.

But he also has received bonus money intended to represent advance compensation for his services over the life of the deal.

With that said, this is one of the consequences of the explosion of the salary cap, and the resulting rise in player salaries. The question for the Saints is whether they will insist that Smith honor his deal, with the understanding that he'll be paid once his current contract expires.

POSTED 4:52 p.m. EDT, May 3, 2007

HANSON SIGNS WITH SAINTS

Not long after getting dumped by the team for which he took an axe in the leg, punter Chris Hanson has agreed to terms with the Saints.

Per a league source, the contract is a one-year deal, worth $630,000.

The other punter on the Saints roster is Steve Weatherford, who handled the job in 2006. He had a gross average of 43.8 yards and a net of 37.5.

Hanson, an eight-year veteran, spent six seasons with the Jaguars. In 2006, he averaged 40.6 yards per punt, with a net of 33.4 yards. He was cut this week after the Jaguars actually burned a draft pick on the position.

A couple of years ago, coach Jack Del Rio put a tree stump and an axe in the locker room, inviting players to periodically take a few cuts at the lumber as part of the team's "keep chopping wood" motto. Hanson swung the thing right into his leg.

POSTED 3:59 p.m. EDT, May 3, 2007

FOLEY PLEADS GUILTY TO DUI

Former Chargers linebacker Steve Foley has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drunken driving charge arising from the incident that resulted in an off-duty police officer putting multiple bullets into Foley's leg.

Foley was placed on five years probation and fined $1,756.

A blood test revealed that Foley's blood alcohol concentration was 0.16 percent. The legal limit in California is 0.08 percent.

Last week, Foley's agent said that Foley will never play football again. Foley is suing the officer who shot him, and the City of Coronado.

Also, the woman who was with Foley during the arrest was convicted last week on charges of assault with a deadly weapon for driving a car at the officer.

POSTED 3:47 p.m. EDT, May 3, 2007

EAGLES SIGN SCOTT

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to terms with former Bears defensive tackle Ian Scott.

Scott, per Schefter, will receive a one-year, $1 million contract.

The four-year veteran started in seven regular-season games in 2006 for the NFC champions and in all postseason contests, including the Super Bowl.

The Bears have also lost defensive tackle Alphonso Boone to free agency. It's suddenly a position of need for the Bears; Tommie Harris missed much of the season with a leg injury, and Tank Johnson currently is in the clink.

POSTED 3:39 p.m. EDT May 3, 2007

MARCUS HEADING TO CFL?

With the only NFL team that ever showed any interest in him cutting him loose, there is talk north of the border that Marcus Vick could give Canadian football a shot.

Per a CFL source, the talk north of the border is that Vick will try to become a slash-type player in Canada, where he could play as a quarterback and a receiver.

Vick showed potential as a quarterback at Virginia Tech, arguably demonstrating a greater ability and willingness to stay in the pocket than his big brother, Mike. With the Fins, Marcus was switched to receiver.

POSTED 3:34 p.m. EDT, May 3, 2007

THOMAS MYSPACE PROFILE GOES PRIVATE

Earlier today, we posted a link to the MySpace profile of new Saints defensive tackle Walter Thomas.

During the seven hours or so since we ran the link, the profile has been switched to private. Thus, only MySpace users added as a "friend" may see it.

A reader tells us that, before the profile was changed, a series of pictures (with colorful captions) was removed from the page. Here's one of them, which shows Thomas in futile pursuit of former Ohio State receiver Ted Ginn. We blocked out some of the letters of the caption that Thomas had inserted.

So take heart, Fins fans. Walter Thomas apparently thinks that your team made a great choice at No. 9 in the draft.

POSTED 11:32 a.m. EDT, May 3, 2007

PENNINGTON WANTED MOSS

Jets quarterback Chad Pennington says that he lobbied the powers-that-be to make a play for receiver Randy Moss.

Pennington says that he "talked to [G.M.] Mike [Tannenbaum] about some of the positive attributes about Randy."

"I've always been a fan of Randy," Pennington said. "I always felt like, in the right situation, he's going to excel and help your team win. He's just a phenomenal player."

Pennington and Moss played together at Marshall, and Moss has in the past expressed a desire to reunite with Pennington.

"With [Moss] being the type of player he is, knowing his attributes . . . any time you can get a player like that, you're pretty excited," Pennington said. "I had a great experience with him at Marshall, so I'm biased. It's one of those things; it's part of the business. Sometimes those things work out, sometimes they don't."

Instead, Pennington and his Jets will now be competing with Moss and his Patriots in the same division.

Pennington described his reaction after hearing the news: "I was like, 'We'd better find out some ways to stop him.' Knowing Randy, he's going to be ready to play. I'm sure he looks at this as not only a great opportunity, but a challenge to prove people wrong."

MOSS IS A MAN WITHOUT A NUMBER

Meanwhile (and for all 15 of you who care about stuff like this), it has not yet been decided which jersey number Moss will wear in New England. He wore 84 in Minnesota and 18 in Oakland. But both of those numbers are already claimed, by Ben Watson and Donte' Stallworth, respectively. Moss wore 88 while at Marshall, but that number has been assigned to Kyle Brady.

We're told that Moss has been offered 82. Other currently available numbers for his position are 11, 14, and 89.

Number 80 is also available, but that likely is being reserved for Troy Brown.

POSTED 8:55 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 9:42 a.m. EDT, May 3, 2007

RUMORS FLY OF QUINN, CONDON SPLIT

There was a hot rumor (and for now it's a rumor only) making the rounds on Wednesday that quarterback Brady Quinn, who fell all the way to No. 22 in the 2007 NFL draft, was parting ways with agent Tom Condon.

The rumor made it to our ears from several different league insiders, but efforts to confirm it have been unsuccessful. We're told that Condon and the agency for which he works -- CAA -- is affirmatively denying talk of a split.

It could be that Quinn is merely in the process of terminating the relationship, and that Condon and CAA are doing their best to try to save it. For example, we first caught wind of Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart dumping CAA for marketing purposes several weeks before the separation was officially reported; in the interim, CAA surely did everything it could to try to get him to change his mind.

If that's what's happening here, we don't see Quinn (or his family) reversing course. During one of Quinn's Saturday interviews from the super-secret Commissioner green room, Quinn said that his family was taking the slide a lot harder than he was. Now that the dust has settled, the blame game surely has begun. It's the American way for every sports family; when things don't go Junior's way, it's always because of someone other than Junior.

In this case, the only other someone to blame is Condon.

The fact that there were talks with the Raiders for the No. 1 overall selection in the draft surely doesn't help Condon's cause. As we've previously explained, it was not in Condon's best interests to do a lowball deal at the top spot, since it would have created a P.R. nightmare for him within the agent business. But it was in Quinn's best interests to get a deal done at No. 1, especially after the Browns told Quinn and/or Condon on Friday that Brady wasn't their guy at No. 3.

Though it might have been challenging for Condon to extract a similar commitment from the Fins at No. 9, Condon should have at least tried. And if he had gotten word that the Fins weren't going to pick Quinn at No. 9, then Condon should have done a fire sale deal with the Raiders to get his guy signed before the draft started.

If the Quinns have connected these dots, it could be trouble for Condon. And given that Quinn's sister, Laura, is married to a guy who is represented by a rival agent, we've got a feeling that the entire dynamic has been thoroughly explained to them.

COULD THE RAIDERS HAVE GOTTEN THE TWO-FER?

The Cleveland Browns have been praised over much of the past week for passing on Brady Quinn with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, and then trading back into round one to get him.

A reader has raised a great point. If the Raiders had any inkling that Quinn was poised to slide, would they have drafted receiver Calvin Johnson at No. 1, and then attempted to spring back into the first round to nab Quinn?

If Johnson had been the No. 1 overall selection, the top of the draft board wouldn't have been all that different. The Lions would have taken Gaines Adams or, more likely, Joe Thomas. The Browns would have been all over JaMarcus Russell. The Bucs would have taken Adams or Thomas.

So the same four players would have been selected in the first four picks.

And with Russell on the Browns, it would have been the Raiders looking to get back into the first round. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones drove a hard bargain with Cleveland, getting next year's first round pick. We think Jones would have sought even more from the Raiders, since the next team up was their AFC West rivals in Kansas City.

So there's no guarantee that the Raiders would have landed both guys. But they still could have had Kevin Kolb or John Beck at the top of the second round, and for a team with multiple holes we think that would have been the better approach.

One last point: If the Cowboys hadn't traded out of round one, they wouldn't have been in position to trade back into round one with the Eagles. And this would have potentially required the Eagles to use their pick at the bottom of the round. And if they'd used a first-round pick on quarterback Kevin Kolb, we believe that Donovan McNabb's head would have exploded.

WALTER THOMAS TREADS TOWARD TURD TERRITORY

Much has been written over the past week or so about Walter Thomas, a 370-pound defensive tackle who can run the 40 in 4.9 seconds and do a backflip. (But not while running the 40 in 4.9 seasons.)

But much has also been ignored (or, more accurately, glossed over), especially in the post-Pacman era.

Thomas has a pending charge of conspiracy to commit robbery. In Mississippi, that's a felony. Per the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the indictment is still on file but no court date has been set.

The incident, which a league source tells us involved ski masks in the parking lot of a Sonic restaurant, got him kicked off of a junior college team for which he was playing because he had flunked out of Oklahoma State.

By the way, flunking out of Oklahoma State is pretty hard to do, given that Dexter Manley maintained academic eligibility there -- and couldn't read.

Then there's the apparent Walter Thomas MySpace page, which is troubling to the point of amusing. As a couple of readers have pointed out to us, one of the messages posted on the page reads as follows: "I heard you entered the draft. Is that right? Well its a good thing I got you to sign a whole bunch of sh-t so I can say 'yea, I used to get high with him and eat 5 cheeseburgers every wednesday!'"

So what the hell are the Saints thinking?

"It's a look-see," Saints coach Sean Payton told the T-P. "Normally, a player who's only played in two junior college football games would never come close to having an opportunity. To say he's got an uphill battle would be correct. Because of some of those characteristics, though, you take a look at him in a rookie camp and see where he's at."

As to the pending criminal charges, G.M. Mickey Loomis said: "We're aware of the incident and talked to a lot of people about it. What we understand is that it's going to get resolved. We're just going to give him a look and see for ourselves."

The message, then, is that character only counts when a team doesn't want a guy, and when the team is looking for a reason not to take him. If the team is intrigued, the team is more inclined to look the other way.

And that's the attitude that most teams seem to be applying. If the organization decides that they like the guy as a player, the team will talk its way around the character issues. If the organization decides that it doesn't like the guy as a player, then it's easy to point to the character issues as one of the reasons for taking a pass.

We predict that NFL franchises will continue to approach character issues in this manner until the Commish smacks one of them hard for harboring a guy whom they should have known had the potential to cause embarrassment to the team and the league by getting busted. Only then will teams attempt to make real assessments about whether a guy is going to be a problem, and not come up with lame-ass excuses like Sean Salisbury's explanation of safety Brandon Meriweather's history of head stomping and gun shooting. On Saturday, Salisbury called the Meriweather events "both one-time incidents."

Finally, the fact that the Saints signed Thomas while a felony charge was pending against him earns the franchise six points in the Turd Watch game.

POSTED 11:00 p.m. EDT, May 2, 2007

THE TRADE THAT CHANGED THE DRAFT?

As the Miami Dolphins try their darnedest to get the media (and, thus, the fans) to forgive the franchise for its failure to draft Brady Quinn, one of the more common themes is the notion that taking Ted Ginn at No. 9 was not a reach, notwithstanding his still-busted wheel.

In support of this claim, the Fins claim that, if they had not taken Ginn at No. 9, the Texans would have pounced on him at No. 10. Adam Schefter of NFL Network says the same thing.

If that's true, we wonder what would have happened if the Texans had not moved from No. 8 to No. 10 as part of the trade for quarterback Matt Schaub.

If the Texans had stayed put, maybe they would have taken Ginn. If so, who would the Fins have selected at No. 9? Apparently, not Quinn. But they also likely would not have drafted defensive end Jamaal Anderson, which means that the Falcons still would have gotten the same guy at No. 10 that they got at No. 8.

So, as far as round one goes, the Schaub trade helped the Fins nail Ginn, kept the Texans from getting him, and left the Falcons will the same player they would have taken anyway -- but they will now pay him more money at the higher slot.

Unless the Fins would have taken defensive tackle Amobi Okoye in round one, Okoye would have been the biggest loser if the trade hadn't happened, since he would have been picked at a spot lower than No. 10, where he was selected by the Texans.

And the fact that the Falcons passed on Okoye is ironic. First, it turns out that they could use Okoye, given the "boating accident" in which starter Rod Coleman was recently involved and the fractured relationship between the Falcons and Grady Jackson, who sued the team earlier this year for invasion of privacy and defamation. Then there's Coleman's likely replacement, Jonathan Babineaux. In the story regarding Babineaux's likely elevation on the depth chart, Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com fails to mention that Babineaux is facing felony animal abuse charges.

Second, Okoye played for new Falcons coach Bobby Petrino at Louisville. The fact that Atlanta passed on Okoye is telling, in our view. Petrino knows Okoye better than any other NFL coach, and Petrino didn't take him.

PART TWO OF THE TEN-PACK IS UP

Posted for your perusal is the second half of our ten takes regarding the NFL draft. We look at how the so-called "Pacman Effect" affected the draft (or, as the case may be, didn't) and other items of possible interest.

The whole thing can be accessed right here.

Enjoy.

POSTED 7:40 p.m. EDT, May 2, 2007

TAYLOR PLEADS GUILTY

Former Vikings receiver Travis Taylor pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of disorderly conduct resulting from a New Year's Day arrest. Taylor was Tasered as part of the incident.

Taylor was sentenced to 90 days in jail, but won't have to serve any of them if he stays on the right side of the law for the next year.

Two other misdemeanor charges were dismissed, and Taylor paid a $1,000 fine. He also must perform 48 hours of community service.

The seven-year NFL player, a first-round pick of the Ravens in 2000, is an unrestricted free agent. He led the Vikings in receiving last season with 57.

Under the league's Personal Conduct Policy, Taylor is subject to discipline. He likely will be fined, if he ever is signed by another team

Because Taylor is currently unaffiliated, there will be no Turd Watch points.

POSTED 5:24 p.m. EDT, May 2, 2007

TURNER SEES GLASS AS $2.35 MILLION FULL

After efforts to trade him went nowhere, Chargers running back Michael Turner will play for the team in 2007, and will hit the free-agent market in 2008.

Though this means that he won't get an eight-figure bonus as part of a new deal as the starter with a new team, Turner is okay with it.

"Who can complain about making seven figures?" Turner said, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

On Monday, tough-guy G.M. A.J. Smith declared that trade talks for Turner had ended, and that L.T.'s backup will be with the team in 2007. "That's it,” Smith said. "It's over . . . I didn't want to be fooling around with this until October."

Yeah, it's a real burden, A.J. On par with shaking up a bottle of Snapple.

But he apparently means it. "Even if you have a guy blow out a knee in training camp, don't call," Smith said.

Oooooooo.

If that's the case -- if Smith wouldn't consider giving up Turner under any set of circumstances -- will he really be able to let Turner walk away next March and get nothing in return?

When Drew Brees' rookie contract expired, Smith suggested that the team would slap the franchise tag on him simply because they couldn't justify getting nothing in return for his rights. And this makes us wonder whether Smith might be plotting an eventual franchising of Turner, if for no reason other than to get a draft pick or two for him next year.

Technically, teams aren't allowed to use the franchise tag simply as a way to facilitate a trade. And using the tag would require the Chargers to offer Turner a one-year salary in excess of $7 million. And if Turner signs the tender the salary becomes fully guaranteed.

But if the Chargers are serious about not trading Turner in 2007, we wouldn't be surprised to see the team try to find a way to trade him in 2008 in lieu of letting him walk away.

POSTED 4:37 p.m. EDT, May 2, 2007

GOODELL MAKES CONCUSSION MEETING MANDATORY by Michael David Smith

Last week we noted that concussions have become a major issue facing the NFL, and that retired players suffering from drain bamage [Editor's note: MDS is probably getting pissed that we keep doing that] have the potential to seriously harm the public perception of the league.

So we should note that Commissioner Roger Goodell has taken a positive step: NFL spokesman Joe Browne said Tuesday that Goodell has ordered all 32 teams to send its doctors and trainers to a June 19 meeting in Chicago for the first league-wide concussion summit.

As Peter Keating noted in ESPN the Magazine, the league seems genuinely interested in a detailed look at concussions. It has invited both the league's own committee on concussions and some medical experts who have harshly criticized that committee, and will present opposing points of view.

"The reason for it is for teams to hear from the committee and outside experts and directly review the work of the committee, ask questions and consider new initiatives as we move toward the 2007 season," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

Goodell also announced a new policy making it mandatory for every player in the league to undergo a neuropsychological test before the 2007 season begins. Having that baseline information on file will assist team doctors in determining the extent to which concussions have damaged players' brains.

"At no time should competitive issues override medical issues," Goodell said last week. "Safety comes first."

Realistically, competitive issues will always override medical issues in professional football: Many NFL players are more than happy to ignore doctors' orders and risk their own health to get back on the field. But it sounds like Goodell is moving in the right direction on this serious issue.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

The Giants will consider offering WR Keyshawn Johnson a free-agent contract.

A month before the draft, Denver offered Detroit two first-round picks, a second-rounder, two third-rounders, and Al Wilson for the No. 2 overall pick. (The Lions can still get Al Wilson for a 2008 sixth-rounder.)

The Lions say they had Drew Stanton graded very close to Brady Quinn.

Former Heisman winner and Rams draft pick Eric Crouch has his sights set on winning the starting quarterback job for the Toronto Argonauts.

Maybe Green Bay is talking to the Argonauts about trading for Crouch: How else can Packers GM Ted Thompson say he talked to 50 different teams about trades?

ESPN's coverage of the NFL draft had more than twice as many viewers as MSNBC's coverage of the Democratic presidential debate.

The Saints signed an undrafted free agent who weighs 375 pounds and can run a 4.9-second 40-yard dash.

Cris Collinsworth won two Emmys, one for his studio work on NBC and HBO, and the other for putting up with Bryant Gumbel's belching on NFL Network.

The Jets have signed 11 undrafted free agents, with Hawaii S Leonard Peters looking to be the most likely to make the team.

A preliminary autopsy shows that former NFL linebacker Kevin Mitchell died of a massive heart attack.

POSTED 9:07 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 11:26 a.m. EDT, May 2, 2007

McNABB, REID GET TOGETHER

Sal Paolantonio of ESPN reported on Tuesday night that Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb and coach Andy Reid had an extended "heart-to-heart" discussion on Tuesday regarding the team's decision to select quarterback Kevin Kolb in the second round of the 2007 draft, and what the move means.

It was the first time they had talked since Reid left McNabb a voice message on Saturday telling the veteran quarterback "not to worry."

Apparently, McNabb wasn't worried -- he was pissed off.

Paolantonio says that the specific content of the discussion is unknown, but that it was described as "frank and open" by someone who was not in the room for the meeting.

Reid is expected to speak to the media on May 12. McNabb could talk to reporters then, or he might choose to wait until training camp.

Now, for our take on this whole ordeal.

Can someone tell us when Donovan McNabb became the coach, G.M., president, or owner of this team? Because we missed the news release.

Why does McNabb have this organization clutched by the short and curlies? The mere fact that the organization feels compelled to walk on eggshells around him makes us think that the time has come for a change.

And why should McNabb get a double-extra helping of deference from the team, the media, or anyone? Because of the Super Bowls he has won? Because of the MVP awards on his mantle?

In our view, McNabb is a good quarterback with periodic flashes of greatnesses but who has yet to deliver when it counts the most, and whose body gives out on him too frequently for him to be the long-term solution for a team that is securing its young talent well into the next decade.

The fans simply want a winning team, and an NFL championship would be nice. McNabb is becoming too much of a distraction, both due to his quiet-but-obvious selfishness and his proneness to injury.

Think about the comments that periodically come from his parents. Surely, McNabb has the ability to get them to put a sock in it, if he so chooses. By not telling them to mind their business, McNabb is creating the impression that they are his messengers as to subjects on which he's not ready to get his hands dirty.

The mere fact that the team drafted Kolb tells us that the organization has at least had the internal conversation as to whether McNabb is the long-term solution. The manner in which McNabb reacts to this latest development could go a long way toward helping the powers-that-be make their decision.

JOEY SUNSHINE DOESN'T LIKE BRADY

There has been a Joe Theismann sighting.

After a weekend marathon of draft coverage that did not involve in any way the presence on the air of the fallen MNF analyst, the ESPN employee-without-an-assignment offered up his opinions regarding quarterback Brady Quinn, who plunged to pick No. 22 in the draft.

In a Tuesday appearance on ESPN Radio's Man-Girl & Meatball in the Morning, Theismann said that Quinn came off as unprofessional at the draft, based on his intentionally unkempt hair, his askew tie, and his chewing gum.

Theismann thinks that, when a player is in a leadership position, everything should be evaluated.

To a certain extent, we agree. But his hair? His tie? After four hours in which he saw millions of dollars disappear before his eyes?

How about the fact that Quinn handled himself with grace and dignity even when the special green room provided to him by the Commish (drawing high praise from ESPN) was invaded by ESPN's Suzy Kolber, who asked him asinine questions like "What's your game plan?"

Brady should have said, "Um, if I score in here, I might go for two."

Back to Theismann, we get the impression that he has tried to temper his reputation of always being blindly positive by periodically going negative on someone -- without regard to whether he is being consistent with his criticism.

A year ago, for example, Theismann mercilessly ripped Ricky Williams after he was booted out of the league for a year for multiple violations of the substance abuse policy. In August, however, Theismann had his nose in Koren Robinson's rear end only a day or so before a lubricated K-Rob led the C-ops on a three-digit car chase through rural Minnesota roads.

After Robinson got his own one-year pass, Joey said nothing.

All of this further confirms our belief that the guy simply spouts off aimlessly based on how he feels at a given moment, with no regard to his core beliefs (if he has any) and no memory of the things he has said before.

So we're not surprised that ESPN is phasing him out. The only thing that confuses us is why it took them so long to realize that need for it.

UPDATE: Brady Quinn apparently would be wise to take his pointers regarding hair care from a young Joey Sunshine, who at the same time he changed the pronunciation of his last name to rhyme with "Heisman" should have changed the pronunciation of his first name to rhyme with "Elvis."

NFL, NCAA SHOULD HELP PROSPECTS MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS by Michael David Smith

For players like JaMarcus Russell and Calvin Johnson, the decision to leave college early and enter the NFL draft is easy: Russell and Johnson didn't know for sure at the time they declared that they'd be the first two players off the board, but they knew they would be drafted high enough that their first signing bonus would make them financially secure for life.

But it's not such a lucrative decision for every player who enters the draft early. In fact, eleven of the early entries weren't drafted at all. Take Notre Dame running back Darius Walker, for example. If you thought Brady Quinn felt bad on Saturday, imagine how his former teammate Walker felt on Sunday: He left Notre Dame early to enter the draft, and his name was never called.

Walker and the other 10 undrafted juniors grossly overestimated their attractiveness to NFL scouts. To stop players from making the wrong decisions, the NFL has a draft advisory board of personnel people who will tell juniors considering turning pro where they're likely to go in the draft. The existence of that board is a good thing, but both the NFL and the NCAA could help players make better decisions with a simple step: Let eligible juniors (or third-year sophomores) attend the scouting combine before their decision to leave college for the NFL is final. After the combine, the league should tell the players where they're likely to be drafted, and if the players don't like what they hear, the NCAA should let them play another year of college football, as long as they haven't hired an agent.

That would make the process more like basketball, where prospects have more freedom to change their minds if they realize that declaring for the draft was a mistake. College football coaches are reluctant to go that route, though, because they want a firm decision from their players in January so they'll know how many scholarships they will have available for the following season.

Such a policy might not have helped Walker. When he left Notre Dame, Walker said, "The Lord just really helped get me to this decision that it's time for me to make that next step, and it's time for me to do it now.'' If Walker thought God was telling him to turn pro, a G.M. telling him it was a bad idea probably wouldn't have changed his mind.

No disrespect intended to the Lord, but He's probably not as good of a guide as to whether a player should turn pro as the NFL's draft advisory board is. And that board would give players better advice after the combine.

THE KEVIN SHAFFER MISTAKE by Michael David Smith

We noted yesterday that left tackle Kevin Shaffer wants out of Cleveland, even though it was just last year that he signed a seven-year, $36 million contract with $12 million in signing and option bonuses. By drafting Joe Thomas with the third overall pick, the Browns basically conceded that signing Shaffer last year was a mistake.

But we should also note that every team in the league could learn a valuable lesson from the Browns' mistake in signing Shaffer. That lesson, which all 32 teams probably know but sometimes forget, is that just because a guy plays well on another team doesn't mean he's a good fit on your team.

When the Browns gave Shaffer that big contract, he was coming off a very good 2005 season in Atlanta. He started all 16 games for the Falcons and was one of the major reasons that Atlanta led the league in rushing. (Yes, Warrick Dunn and Michael Vick were big reasons for that, too.)

That's what made him so attractive to the Browns' front office, but they apparently never considered just how different their own offensive approach was from the Falcons'. Shaffer thrived in 2005 because the Atlanta offensive line was using the zone blocking schemes coached by Alex Gibbs. In that system, linemen need to be quick, but they don't need to be particularly strong -- and that meant Shaffer was a good fit. Unfortunately, the Browns' offense didn't use Gibbs' blocking scheme, and Shaffer was a bad fit, which is why the Browns drafted his replacement.

Asking Shaffer to move seamlessly from the Falcons' offense to the Browns' would be like asking Vick to join the Colts and run their offense the same way Peyton Manning does. But that's what the Browns did, and a year later they are regretting it.

WEDNESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

The lead, front-page story in the Chicago Sun-Times on Tuesday was about the lewd rap lyrics of Bears first-round pick Greg Olsen. (It's a good thing there's not a war going on, or newspapers might have to devote their front pages to more important things.)

Johnny Perkins, who spent seven years playing for the Giants, has died at the age of 54.

Jon Gruden is cautiously optimistic that David Boston will contribute to the Bucs' offense in 2007. (Does carrying out the water for time outs count?)

Safeties chosen in the first round make the Pro Bowl more frequently than first-round picks at any other position.

Raider fans are posting nasty messages to Randy Moss's MySpace page.

Peyton Manning has landed yet another endorsement deal.

Matt Millen says he never got a trade offer from Tampa Bay for the second pick in the draft, and he talked to Rich McKay of the Falcons but McKay never called him back.

Former Ravens defensive end Michael McCrary is living a life of pain at the age of 36 thanks to football injuries.

Marshawn Lynch's mom says people shouldn't judge her son by his appearance: "When you see this black guy with dreadlocks and gold in his mouth, don't put him down as some thug."

Ryan Sims, the No. 6 overall pick of the Chiefs in the 2002 draft, has been traded to the Bucs for an undisclosed future draft choice -- in Carl Peterson's fantasy league.

POSTED 9:20 p.m. EDT, May 1, 2007

PROSECUTOR TAKES SWIPE AT VICK

Though the national media has moved on (and moved out) to other stories, certain true journalists in the Commonwealth of Virginia are giving one of the biggest potential examples of pro athlete wrongdoing proper attention and treatment.

On Tuesday, WVEC-TV advanced the ball on the Michael Vick dog-fighting fiasco, reporting that the feds are now on the case, and that neighbors of Vick's Surry County, Virginia property dispute his contention that he never visits the house.

WAVY-TV possibly has taken the ball and slammed it through the hoop; Surry County prosecutor Gerald Poindexter told the station that Vick's claim is "totally bogus."

"There's no question Michael Vick comes here," Poindexter said.

As to the notion that Vick knows nothing of the dog-related activities at the property, Poindexter observed, "The man is a registered breeder of pit bulls. Obviously he's in the dog business."

WAVY also reports that neighbors complained of suspicious dog-related activity as early as 2003. In file footage taken when the house was being built, the buildings that housed the dogs can be seen, along with what appears to be dog-training equipment and signs warning of the presence of dogs.

Here's the kicker. One of the men who helped build the house told WAVY that, during construction of the 4,700-square-foot residence, Vick routinely was at the property. The workers saw at least 40 dogs and equipment commonly used to train fighting dogs.

Several readers have asked why we keep writing about this story. First, there continue to be new developments, which call into question Vick's apparent "I don't know nothing" defense. Second, we're talking about the possibility that one of the biggest stars in the NFL has been financing and operating a side business that is premised upon the gruesome mutilation and death of animals for amusement. Third, dog fighting isn't just a spectator sport for the sick and twisted; it's a conduit for gambling. In the event that Vick is hooked on wagering related to dog fighting, what other illegal gambling activities might he be engaged in?

And yet the national media continues to ignore these reports. Three weeks ago, we beat a 60-something-year-old man to death for calling a bunch of women's basketball players an off-color name. Where are all of the voices who crammed coverage of the Imus imbroglio down our throats?

If Vick is ever indicted, this will become a much bigger story. But Don Imus got a nationwide blanket party and he didn't come remotely close to breaking a law. How is it that one of the primary faces of professional sports is getting a pass from the press, especially when the evidence already indicates that the man is lying about what he knew and when he knew it?

POSTED 6:54 p.m. EDT, May 1, 2007

NEIGHBORS SAY VICK IS AT VIRGINIA HOME "ONCE EVERY FEW MONTHS"

Patrick Terpstra of WVEC-TV reports that neighbors of Michael Vick's Surry County, Virginia home where evidence of dog fighting was found last week claim that the Falcons quarterback is at the property "once every few months."

Last week, Vick (the undisputed owner of the property) said that he never goes there, and he blamed family members for the apparent dog-fighting operation.

Terpstra also has discovered the web site for Vick's K-9 Kennels, to which we linked on Friday night. (Scroll down.) The listed address of the site is Moonlight Road in Suffolk, Virginia. But Terpstra explains that there is no Moonlight Road in Suffolk. There is, however, a Moonlight Road in Smithfield -- and Vick's property is on it.

Terpstra also reports that complaints of dog fighting at the property were made as early as 2005. It remains to be seen whether the complaints were investigated, or whether the situation was brushed under the rug because of the fame and celebrity of the owner of the land.

The WVEC news video can be seen on this page.

POSTED 6:26 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 6:37 p.m. EDT, May 1, 2007

FINS FLUSH MARCUS, MANNY

The Dolphins have released defensive tackle Manny Wright and receiver Marcus Vick, pulling the plug on two of former coach Nick Saban's pet projects.

Wright, obtained in the 2005 supplemental draft, missed all of the 2006 season with depression. He is best known for crying on the practice field while being berated by the Nicktator.

Vick is the younger brother of Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. Marcus was undrafted in 2006, and eventually signed with the Fins to play receiver after participating in a tryout-style camp.

In light of Marcus Vick's history of off-field incidents, his brother's current dog-fighting fiasco, and the league's effort to clamp down on misconduct, we doubt that anyone will be interested in giving Marcus another shot.

Except perhaps the Broncos, a team which continues to be the NFL's Island of Misfit Toys.

MESHAWN DID NOT RECEIVE A $3 MILLION BONUS

We've been trying to figure out why the Panthers would release receiver Keyshawn Johnson only a month after paying him a $3 million roster bonus. We finally know the reason.

They never paid it to him.

Pat Yasinskas of the Charlotte Observer reports that the Panthers did not -- contrary to a report from ABC 12 and possibly -- pay Johnson a $3 millon roster bonus on April 1.

As to the reason for the move, Yasinskas writes: "Some very important people in the organization weren't happy when Johnson failed to stand up and take blame from quarterback Jake Delhomme after some critical passes intended for Johnson were intercepted. At least one very important person in the organization urged Johnson to do that and he didn't."

Yasinskas also says that the decision was made a couple of weeks ago, and that the team waited until after the draft to make the move.

POSTED 4:00 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 4:30 p.m. EDT, May 1, 2007

BAD NEWS FOR VICK: FEDS ARE ON THE CASE

It's one thing for local hero Mike Vick to be the subject of a county-level investigation in the state where he first rose to superstardom. In such locales, the sheriff and the prosecuting attorney (both of whom typically are elected) have extremely broad discretion to prosecute (or not to prosecute) potential crimes.

So it was with some alarm that we read on Monday that authorities said they are not expected to charge Vick in connection with an apparent dog-fighting operation housed on property he owns.

As we see it, it's way too early to make a decision either way. All we know at this point is that Vick claims he never goes to the property, and the objective evidence already available suggests that this might not be accurate. Common sense suggests that, if Vick isn't being truthful about his visits to the property, he also isn't being truthful about his insistence that he knows nothing about what apparently has been going on there.

It now appears that there will not be a quick exoneration of Vick. Patrick Terpstra of WVEC-TV reports that federal investigators have joined in the effort. And if this thing has caught the attention of the feds, it means that (at a minimum) Vick will be required to answer tough questions from men and women who have been BSed enough to know when they're being BSed.

As we've seen through the prosecutions of Martha Stewart and Scooter Libby, the feds like to send messages to the rest of us by nailing folks with name recognition. And Vick would be wise to realize that both Stewart and Libby were convicted not for the underlying matters that were being investigated, but for not telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth when the feds tried to sort it all out.

Here's some free legal advice for Mr. Vick: Get your butt into the office of a lawyer who can speak to you candidly and bluntly. Listen carefully. Heed the instructions you are given.

Including, most importantly, tell the truth -- because "I don't know nothing" ain't gonna get you nowhere on this one.

KEYSHAWN'S SEVERANCE PACKAGE? $3 MILLION

As it turns out, the decision of the Carolina Panthers to cut receiver Keyshawn Johnson came roughly a month after the team paid to the veteran receiver a $3 million roster bonus.

So what happened between the day the money came due and now?

It's possible that nothing at all happened, and that the money was paid as part of a smokescreen aimed at duping other teams into thinking that the Panthers would not use a first-day pick on a pass-catcher. If that's the case, however, that's a pretty elaborate (and expensive) draft ruse.

So we have a feeling there's more to this story. With G.M. Marty Hurney already on thin ice, it's hard to fathom Hurney doing an about-face on Keyshawn just a few weeks after giving him $3 million of owner Jerry Richardson's money that, unlike the $3 million accidentally paid by the Eagles to running back Brian Westbrook, can't be recovered.

Speaking of the Eagles, a member of PFT Planet points out that Philly could be one of the possible destinations for Johnson. During Saturday's coverage of the draft on ESPN, Eagles coach Andy Reid began to say something about Johnson playing for the Eagles, before Reid realized that he was on the brink of committing one of the most blatant tampering violations in league history.

POSTED 3:20 p.m. EDT, May 1, 2007

PANTHERS PUNT KEYSHAWN

On Saturday, Panthers receiver Keyshawn Johnson had a verbal makeout session on national television with receiver Dwayne Jarrett moments after the Panthers made Jarrett, who like Johnson attended USC, the team's second-round draft pick.

Johnson was pleased with the move. "This guy is gonna be great, he's just like me," Johnson said.

Apparently, "Wayne" (as Gene Washington called him when announcing the pick) is already just like Keyshawn. So much like Keyshawn that Keyshawn's services are no longer required.

The Panthers on Tuesday cut Keyshawn Johnson.

For a change, we actually ended up looking like we know what we're talking about. Our immediate reaction after Jarrett was picked, as documented in the Part Three of the Live Blog: "That's three former USC receivers on the Panthers' roster. Soon to be two. (We're talking about you, Key.)"

And this: "Keyshawn is talking about the selection of Jarrett as if Keyshawn will still be on the team."

He's not. Jarrett is. Them's the breaks.

Johnson was signed through 2009, at salaries of $1 million, $2 million, and $2 million in each of the next three seasons. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 draft, and he has played for the Jets, Bucs, Cowboys, and Panthers.

He'll contemplate retirement, we predict, before flirting with the Giants. Or maybe the Raiders will come calling. He might even try to join the wideout merry-go-round in New England, since it could give him a chance to retire with another ring.

Our advice? Call up the networks, Key. You were very good on Saturday.

Except for the part where you were talking as if you'd still have a job in Charlotte.

POSTED 11:33 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 11:50 a.m. EDT, May 1, 2007

CHIEFS CHOP HICKS

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that defensive end Eric Hicks has been released after nearly a decade with the team. He has spent his entire NFL career in Kansas City.

"Eric has been an excellent football player for the Kansas City Chiefs and a superb representative of this organization in the community these past nine years," team president Carl Peterson said in a release. "Eric is one of the best college free agents that we have signed since ’89. We congratulate he and wife, Erica, for undertaking so many charity endeavors in Kansas City . We will always consider them a part of the Chiefs family."

Translation -- we love ya, and we always will. Now get the hell out of here.

Hicks was under contract through 2009 at salaries over the next three years of $2.9 million, $2.5 million, and $2.5 million. He appeared in 16 games last season, but started none. He has 44 career sacks; zero in 2006.

TEAMS SHOULDN'T HESITATE TO TRADE WITH DIVISION RIVALS by Michael David Smith

When the Philadelphia Eagles traded their first-round pick to the Cowboys Saturday, most Eagles fans were unhappy. The thought among the Philly faithful was that the Eagles had just helped a division rival. As one PFT reader said during the live blog, "Eagles and Cowboys trade is like Rosie asking the Donald to pass the tub of gravy at the dinner table."

Similarly, Peter King of SI.com reported that, when Browns general manager Phil Savage was looking for trading partners to get back into the first round and draft Brady Quinn, he didn't even bother trying to talk to the Bengals, who owned the eighteenth overall pick. "'You think they'd ever trade with us?' he said, chuckling. 'I don't think so.'''

There's a widespread perception -- among fans and, as Savage revealed, among General Managers -- that trading with division partners is a mistake. But if a G.M. thinks he's getting the better end of the trade, why not do it? If the Browns propose a trade to the Bengals, and the Bengals think they would benefit from that trade, why shouldn't they pull the trigger?

Of the 26 trades during draft weekend, two involved division rivals. One was the Cowboys-Eagles trade, and the other was the Seahawks shipping Darrell Jackson to the 49ers for a fourth-round pick. Two-for-26 creates the impression that such trades are rare, but keep in mind that when you're looking to trade, you've got 31 potential partners and only three are in your division.

In both of those intra-division trades, the front offices involved surely asked themselves the question, "Are we giving this team a player who could beat us twice a year?" But, in both situations, the teams wisely concluded that helping their own teams was more important than depriving a divisional opponent.

Bottom line: If a G.M. thinks a trade will make his team better, he should make the trade.

[Editor's note: I might have to cobble together a rebuttal to this one. But I won't be calling MDS an ignorant slut.]

TUESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Jerry Jones says if the Cowboys and Browns hadn't worked out the trade that let Cleveland nab Brady Quinn, the Cowboys were going to take Purdue defensive end Anthony Spencer, whom they ended up getting anyway. (What the hell else would he say?)

Jimmy Johnson got out of jury duty by saying he was going fishing with Bill Parcells.

The Bengals' 2005 draft looked promising at the time but now looks cursed.

Mr. Irrelevant, Ramzee Robinson, used to be a rapper.

Rams coach Scott Linehan says the much-discussed trade for Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins was "a non-issue."

The Bears signed Florida's Chris Leak and Notre Dame's Darius Walker as undrafted free agents.

Boise State's Fiesta Bowl hero, quarterback Jared Zabransky, signed with the Texans.

Boise State actually had more players drafted than Oklahoma. (No, we're not saying that this means Boise State had more talent overall than Oklahoma. The final score of the Fiesta Bowl took care of that issue.)

POSTED 8:38 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 9:35 a.m. EDT, May 1, 2007

VIKES WON'T OPERATE ON PETERSON

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Minnesota Vikings have decided that running back Adrian Peterson, the No. 7 overall pick in the draft, will not need surgery on the fractured collarbone that he re-injured during the Fiesta Bowl.

Per Schefter, the situation will be monitored and re-evaluated soon.

Last week, agent Ben Dogra said that the decision as to whether surgery will be needed would be made by the team that picks Peterson.

It's still unclear whether Peterson will be available for offseason workouts without surgery.

Meanwhile, a reader has pointed out to us that the Vikings' official web site lists seventh-round quarterback Tyler Thigpen of Coastal Carolina as a wide receiver. If the team moves him to wideout, it means that four of the Vikings' eight draft picks were used to address this position.

Given that Peterson spent much of his Pro Day workout catching passes from a receiver position in the slot and split wide, the Vikes have picked up five players in the draft who could help address the most glaring weakness on a team that not all that long ago had the best pass-catching tandem in the league.

MOSS PAY CUT NO SACRIFICE

Our own Taco Bill pointed out an item from ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli regarding the acquisition of Randy Moss by the Patriots. Len characterizes the decision of Moss to give up his two remaining years of salary at a total $21 million as a "sacrifice." Under his new contract, Moss will be paid (as we've finally confirmed) a $3 million salary and incentives worth up to $2 million more.

But this was no sacrifice. Instead, it was the latest example of the operation of the NFL marketplace.

To say that Moss gave up anywhere from $16 million to $18 million is to presume that the Raiders would have otherwise paid him another penny. It wasn't going to happen. Oakland was ready to move on. (Or move out.) If a trade didn't occur, Moss would have been cut. Probably sooner rather than later.

If he'd been released, the $21 million would have disappeared and Moss would have been forced to troll the NFL waters for a new team.

And, as suggested by the statement contained on Randy's official web site, Moss and his agent, Tim DiPiero, dropped their lines "[s]everal weeks ago," after receiving permission from the Raiders to shop for a trade.

So the real question isn't whether Moss gave up $21 million in Oakland to make up to $5 million in New England; it's whether another team was willing to give him a better deal than the one he signed with the Pats. If so, then the difference between the offer that was rejected elsewhere and his new deal is the real basis for determining the financial sacrifice, if any, that he took to play for the Pats.

Also, don't forget the real prize here. If Moss can "rip up" the NFL in 2007, as he did back in 1998, the money will come in 2008. Especially if Moss caps the season with 10 catches for 165 yards and a couple of touchdowns in the Super Bowl.

If that happens, someone will give him $21 million (or more) with the single stroke of a pen.

BRADY RESTRUCTURED DEAL

Although the contract that Randy Moss has signed with the Patriots will cost a maximum of $5 million in 2007 (which is less than five percent of the team's total cap space), a potential hiccup in the transaction was the requirement that the Pats be able to absorb Randy's $9.75 million cap figure after the trade and before the signing of the new deal.

To make the Moss cap number fit, quarterback Tom Brady restructured his contract.

"Tom does what he can to win," agent Don Yee told Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe.

Before we give Brady yet another "Swell Guy of the Year" plaque, it's important to remember that a restructuring doesn't necessarily mean a pay cut. It could simply be that Brady took a big chunk of his current year's base salary or roster bonus as a signing bonus, which in turn would reduce the current year's cap number and push cap money into future seasons.

For example, taking $5 million in base salary as a signing bonus on a contract with five more seasons on it clears $4 million in current cap space -- and increases the cap number by $1 million in the subsequent four years of the deal.

So, while we don't doubt Yee's proclamation that Tom does what he can to win, Brady's only sacrifice in this case might have been to take more money from the Krafts sooner than he otherwise would have.

It's a burden we'd all love to have.

SHAFFER WANTS OUT OF CLEVELAND

Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Browns left tackle Kevin Shaffer has sought permission to seek a trade in the wake of the team's acquisition of Joe Thomas with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft.

An effort on Sunday to trade Shaffer to the Giants fell through, according to Grossi. And it doesn't sound like the Browns plan to resume attempts to move Shaffer at any point in the near future.

"At this time, we are going to maintain our depth at the position," Browns G.M. Phil "Sling Blade" Savage said.

Little more than a year ago, Shaffer signed a seven-year, $36 million contract with the Browns as an unrestricted free agent from Atlanta. The deal included $12 million in signing and option bonuses. Grossi explains that trading Shaffer would result in a cap hit of roughly $8 million.

Under the new CBA, however, a trade after June 1 would defer the bulk of the cap charge into 2008. For 2007, the Browns would still carry the allocation for signing and option bonuses that would show up on the books if Shaffer remains with the team.

His contract pays out base salaries of $815,000 in 2007, $2.9 million in 2008, $2.65 million in 2009, $2.9 million in 2010, $3.4 million in 2011, and $3.4 million in 2012.

Lost in all of this talk is the reality that Shaffer was a bust of a free-agent signing. If, after all, he was worth all of that money, the Browns wouldn't have taken Thomas at No. 3.

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