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POSTED 10:01 p.m. EDT, May 15, 2007

NO DEAL YET FOR NEW RAIDERS PERSONNEL GUY

On Monday, we heard that the Raiders have selected the successor to former senior personnel executive Mike Lombardi.

Since then, however, the Raiders and the still-unknown candidate have been working out the terms of employment. As of the last update we received from a source with knowledge of the situation, a deal had not yet been ironed out.

The unknown candidate could be 49ers pro personnel director Tom Gamble, believes one source. But there's uncertainty as to whether Gamble would have the same job in Oakland, or whether he'd be the next Lombardi.

Regardless, and as the source said emphatically to us, owner Al Davis is the G.M. of the team.

WARREN TALK RAISES EYEBROWS

A league source tells us that, at the personnel big-wig meetings being held in Dallas, Vikings general counsel Kevin Warren gave a presentation regarding the procedures for screening potential front-office employees. The talk featured discussion regarding interview procedures, background checks, and related techniques for making good hiring decisions.

The irony? Warren's team hired Fran Foley to be the V.P. of player personnel in 2006, and only a few months later misstatements contained in his biography brought him down.

"People were cracking up," said the source.

POSTED 8:26 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 9:13 p.m. EDT, May 15, 2007

TAYLOR NOT PUSHING FOR NEW CONTRACT, YET

A league source tells us that the decision of Redskins safety Sean Taylor to skip the first week of offseason practices (known as Organized Team Activities) and to show up for the second week of workouts is unrelated to his contract, or any lack of satisfaction therewith.

Though Taylor was unhappy with his contract not long after it was signed nearly three years ago, he is confident (we're told) that the deal will be renegotiated at the appropriate time.

There is some thought that a new deal could come after the 2007 season.

Taylor was the fifth overall pick in the 2004 draft. In the past, he has spent most of the offseason in Miami. The team was under the impression that he would show up for the first week of OTA's, and some players reportedly concluded that his absence was related to unhappiness with his contract.

WOLFE CONTRACT NUMBERS

Adam Schefter reports that Bears rookie running back Garrett Wolfe signed a four-year deal worth $2 million.

The contract also includes a $623,000 signing bonus.

By signing a four-year contract, Wolfe gives up his shot at restricted free agency. In past years, however, the Bears would have insisted on a five-year contract, which would have also delayed by one season Wolfe's entry into free agency. As part of the 2006 amendment to the CBA, contracts after round one were capped at four years in duration.

WILL JAIL TERM REDUCE TANK'S PUNISHMENT?

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the powers-that-be currently are attempting to decide whether the 60-day prison sentence served by Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson should reduce the penalty to be imposed after Johnson meets with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday.

Per Schefter, there's a thought that Johnson's penalty should reflect the fact that he has paid his debt to society.

Baloney, we say. The Personal Conduct Policy is aimed at penalizing players who engage in conduct detrimental to the interests of, or public confidence in, the game of professional football. So what does the fact that one of the starters from a Super Bowl team was in jail for 60 days and nights do to the interests of, or public confidence in, the game of football?

Does it advance said interests? Hell no.

Punishment under the Personal Conduct Policy isn't a supplement to sanctions imposed by the justice system. As we see it, the longer the incarceration, the greater the damage to the interests of, and/or public confidence in, the game of football.

But this doesn't mean that players who don't go to jail should not be punished. The league needs to make its own decisions in each case, irrespective of the outcome of any prosecution.

And, as we see it, the league needs to make its own decisions independent of whether there even is a prosecution. The case of Michael Vick highlights one of the biggest flaws in a policy premised on the filing or the outcome of criminal charges. If a corrupt or inept or lazy prosecutor chooses to sit on his hands, thumbs pointing north, the league likewise will take no action.

It shouldn't be that way. The league can and should take its own view of each situation, and impose a fine or a suspension based on the extent to which the league believes that the behavior is detrimental to the interests of, or public confidence in, the game of pro football.

PACK TO PASS ON KEYSHAWN?

Despite a belief in some league circles that the Packers will pursue receiver Keyshawn Johnson to help get the knot out of Lord Favre's panties, Adam Schefter of NFL Network says that a deal is unlikely.

Per Schefter, the Packers are "no more than lukewarm" about signing Johnson. Which makes sense, since the current corps of receivers is sooooo much better than the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 draft.

Schefter says that the more likely possible destinations for Johnson are Oakland and Tennessee.

POSTED 5:54 p.m. EDT, May 15, 2007

BEARS SIGN WOLFE

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Bears are the first team to sign a member of the 2007 draft class.

The Bears have agreed to terms with third-rounder Garrett Wolfe, a running back from Northern Illinois. He was the 93rd overall selection in the 2007 draft.

Wolfe will compete with veteran Adrian Peterson for reps behind starter Cedric Benson. The backfield got a little more crowded on Monday with the news that Devin Hester will move to offense, where he will play receiver and, at times, running back.

Financial terms are not yet available. By rule, the maximum duration of a third-round contract is four years. Usually, a rookie contract in round three involves a signing bonus based on a reasonable increase in the amount paid to the player taken in the same spot the prior year, and minimum base salaries. Some contracts include a performance-based escalator that pushes the value of the fourth-year salary to one of the restricted free agency tender amounts, or a trigger that voids the fourth season, making the player potentially eligible for restricted free agency.

Last year's 93rd overall selection, Rams tight end Dominique Byrd, signed a three-year deal with a $466,000 signing bonus and minimum base salaries.

POSTED 5:14 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 5:35 p.m. EDT, May 15, 2007

WILL DUKES GET HIS WISH?

On Monday, Jamie Dukes said on NFLN's Total Access that he won't believe that Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is involved with dog fighting until he sees a cell-phone photograph of Vick at a dog fight.

As it turns out, Dukes might get his wish. And then some.

Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reports that there may be videotaped evidence of Vick at such matches. Per Cole, the Animal Control coordinator for the City of Chesapeake in Virginia said Monday that she has received a tip from a "reliable source" that such tapes exist.

"We don't know where [the tapes] are or if they do indeed exist, but I have been told that they are out there," said Kathy Strouse. "Without knowing where they are, there's no possibility of getting a search warrant at this point."

Strouse also has spoken to individuals who can put Vick "on the property" during matches, but those individuals are to date reluctant to testify.

More importantly, Strouse is placing public pressure on Surry County prosecutor Gerald Poindexter to take action. "He was at the home and saw the equipment that we seized," Strouse said of Poindexter. "When we were there, he said he had enough right there to issue an indictment. He didn't say who he would indict, but he said he had enough."

However, Poindexter's recent words and actions are more consistent with a man who is prepared to stick his fingers in his ears and sing, "La-la-la-la-I'm-not-listening."

Says Strouse of these developments: "[W]ith what he has said, it makes you think, 'What in the world is going on in Surry County?' This certainly doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy about the Surry County attorney."

Note to Jason Cole: Thank you for getting involved in this one. Too many reporters, including pretty much everyone at ESPN, are turning a blind eye to this one. It's refreshing to know that there are still some "real" journalists in the "real" media.

BUCHANAN REALLY IS AN IDIOT

There's another nugget in Jason Cole's story on Yahoo! Sports regarding the Mike Vick dog-fighting fiasco that literally caused us to urinate in our Underoos.

As if it wasn't already clear (in our opinion) that former Falcons defensive back Ray Buchanan is lying his ass off regarding his lame-o denial of statements attributed to him by Chris Landry of FOX Sports Radio, Buchanan gave Cole a quote that further underscores the former Falcon's credibility.

Said Buchanan: "I don't know anything about Michael being involved in any of that and I would not snitch on a player if I did. I'm a player's mouthpiece."

We rest. Our case.

POSTED 4:02 p.m. EDT, May 15, 2007

TAYLOR SHOWS UP FOR OTA'S

After skipping the first week of offseason Organized Training Activities, Redskins safety Sean Taylor has reported for the voluntary practice sessions.

Taylor was present at the team facility on Tuesday morning working out with the team and attending meetings. He was expected to participate in the Tuesday afternoon workout.

The fourth-year safety has skipped voluntary offseason practices in the past, opting instead to work out in Miami. The team expected him to arrive last week, when the sessions began. Some players believed that he stayed away because of displeasure with his rookie contract.

POSTED 2:00 p.m. EDT, May 15, 2007

A DEVASTATING LOOK AT NFL CONCUSSIONS by Michael David Smith

Last year, Bryant Gumbel made some comments on HBO's Real Sports that embarrassed the NFL. He insulted the head of the NFLPA, Gene Upshaw, suggesting that he was nothing more than a puppet for the league. That was particularly noteworthy because Gumbel had recently been hired as the play-by-play announcer on NFL Network.

That controversy has long since blown over, but a Real Sports segment that first aired Monday night (a brief clip of which can be viewed here) has the potential to be a much bigger problem for the league.

The segment began with a discussion of former Philadelphia Eagles safety Andre Waters, who committed suicide last year. Waters' family donated his brain to be studied, and the doctors who examined it believe the concussions he suffered in the NFL directly contributed to the depression that led to his suicide.

Dr. Ira Casson, a neurologist and the head of the NFL's committee on concussions, insisted, "There's no clear evidence" connecting player concussions to depression, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or any other health problem. Of course, the tobacco industry was able to find doctors, who would say there were no long-term health risks associated with smoking cigarettes for decades -- even after everyone knew that was nonsense.

I'm not saying Casson is anything like the doctors who inhabited the back pockets of the tobacco companies, but a doctor who gets a paycheck from the NFL has an obvious conflict, and according to the Real Sports report, independent doctors who aren't conflicted say people who suffer concussions in their 20s and 30s end up with serious problems later in life.

Every time a former NFL player shows up on television with clear signs of brain damage, everyone watching has to wonder why no one stepped in to put a stop to this problem.

And that led to the question from Gumbel at the end of the segment, a question every viewer had to know was coming: "Where's the NFLPA in all this? Where's the union that's supposed to be protecting these guys?"

While Gumbel might have an axe to grind with the union, it doesn't mean that his question is not a good one.

TIME FOR VICK'S MEDIA PALS TO GET REAL by Michael David Smith

As the guy who signs the checks here previously noted, a panel discussion on NFL Network Monday night that featured three ex-NFL players (Ray Buchanan, Jamie Dukes, and Terrell Davis) turned into a Sgt. Schultz convention, with all three of them proclaiming that they know nothing about Michael Vick being involved in dog fights.

We're starting to see a split emerge in the reporting and commentary on the Vick story: Journalists are beginning to treat the story with the seriousness it deserves, while ex-athletes seem to value loyalty to Vick above disseminating accurate information.

Take David Archer, a former Falcons quarterback who is now a local broadcaster. An Associated Press account of Vick's media availability last week had this to say: "He took eight questions in just under 3 1/2 minutes, two of which appeared to be planted by the Falcons public relations department. Team broadcaster David Archer jumped in to ask Vick about the upcoming season and how excited he was to be calling audibles in new coach Bobby Petrino's system."

If Archer is asking questions that sound like they're planted by the P.R. department, he has no business at a press conference. The team broadcaster can get a quote from Vick about calling audibles any time he wants. It's insulting to the reporters who are there to do a job to have someone like Archer stepping on their toes.

Ex-athletes who take jobs in broadcasting (and the media companies that hire them) need to understand that they are there to provide information to their viewers, not to curry favor with the players. If Buchanan, Dukes, Davis, and Archer don't realize that the Vick dog fighting story is worthy of tough questions and serious discussions, they need to find another profession that pays them to sit around and talk about football.

Oh, wait. There isn't one.

FORMER COACHES UNLOAD ON MOSS by Michael David Smith

If Randy Moss still has the ability to play in New England like the dominant offensive weapon he was in Minnesota, it's news to the men who coached him in Oakland.

In interviews with Ron Borges of the Boston Globe, former Raiders head coach Art Shell and offensive coordinator Tom Walsh expressed skepticism that Moss will ever have either the athleticism or the attitude necessary to make positive contributions to the Patriots.

"Randy Moss is a player whose skills are diminishing, and he's in denial of those eroding skills," Walsh told Borges. "Randy was a great receiver but he lacked the work ethic and the desire to cultivate any skills that would compensate for what he was losing physically later in his career."

Shell had similar thoughts: "This is a guy who couldn't practice last year but he's going to jump up and run a 40 for somebody?" Shell said. "I never had a problem with him, but he's one of those guys where it's always everybody else's fault but his."

It would be easy to laugh off Shell and Walsh because they ran such an incompetent offense in Oakland last year, but they know better than anyone what kind of player Moss is on the practice field. On the other hand, some observers think all Moss needs is motivation. "I don't think he's lost a step," said Bill Kuharich, the Kansas City Chiefs vice president of player personnel. "The last two years in Oakland, he looked like he didn't want to play. He didn't compete for the ball. He didn't run backside routes."

If that's the problem, Moss might just need a coach to give him a kick in the butt. And the coach in New England will have more credibility when he does that than the coaches in Oakland did.

[Editor's note: MDS is on his own on this one. There's no way that confirmed Pats hater Borges was going to say anything remotely positive about the acquisition of Moss, especially in Borges' first Sunday article after his two-month suspension for plagiarism. And who better to ask for some sound bites than a couple of his Raiders connections? Walsh was worse than pathetic as the team's offensive coordinator in 2006, and Shell was previously out of coaching for a reason. I think Moss can still bring it. If/when he wants to.]

POSTED 10:05 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 10:55 a.m. EDT, May 15, 2007

FAVRE, THOMPSON DON'T LIKE EACH OTHER

The root of the recent turmoil in Green Bay between the front office and quarterback Brett Favre boils down to one reality.

Favre doesn't like G.M. Ted Thompson, and Thompson doesn't like Favre. Neither man will ever say it, but we're told that it's true.

A year ago, we had heard from reliable sources that Favre's wishy-washy routine about his return in 2006 was intended in part to twist Thompson's tail.

This time around, it appears that there is a major trust issue between Favre and Thompson, especially in light of the now-deleted posts on Favre's web site from his friend/pilot "DavidPHX" regarding the apparent arrangement that, if Favre announced his plans to return before the Super Bowl, Thompson would try to upgrade the talent. With no apparent upgrade, Favre feels that Thompson didn't keep his end of the bargain.

Although Favre's fury has been calmed for now, it remains to be seen whether he continues to play nice. A source with knowledge of the situation says that the team will pursue receiver Keyshawn Johnson in an effort to placate Favre.

But, as we see it, Keyshawn doesn't add enough to the passing game to make up for the lack of an established tailback; the presence of Randy Moss might have.

The sore point in all of this continues to be the failure of the team to land Moss. As we hear it, part of Favre's frustration is that the team waited too long to make a move, in the hopes that the price tag for the trade would drop. The problem is that, by the time the price dropped, the Patriots were on the radar screen.

So by dilly-dallying, Thompson missed out on a chance to make Favre feel better about the quality of the roster heading into what could be his final NFL season. And that only has made Favre feel worse about Thompson.

The players, we're told, generally support Favre on this one. Not because it was right for him to speak out (arguably, it wasn't), but because he's the leader of the team and his teammates love him.

And they don't want to have to play with the alternative to Favre: Aaron Rodgers.

COLTS LOSE ROUND ONE OF SIMON FIGHT

The Indianapolis Star reports that the Colts have failed in their efforts to recover an $8 million option bonus from defensive tackle Corey Simon.

The outcome of the Simon case was controlled by the ruling generated by the efforts of the Broncos to attack the option bonus of Ashley Lelie after his 2006 holdout. Under the new CBA, only signing bonuses are subject to reimbursement in the event of a breach. Option bonuses have been determined not to be signing bonuses.

The Simon case involves an even clearer application of the CBA because the option bonus was paid after the new CBA was negotiated. In Lelie's case, the new limits on forfeiture of money already paid to players were applied retroactively.

Still pending are grievances relating to the team's decision to place Simon on the non-football injury/illness list during the 2006 season. Hanging in the balance is $1.9 million in base salary that Simon believes he should have been paid.

Under the CBA, teams are allowed to stop paying players who are unavailable due to health conditions unrelated to football. In Simon's case, he contends that his inability to play in 2006 was the result of a football injury; the team disagrees.

Simon is still on the team's roster, and is signed through 2009. He is due to earn $3.955 million in 2007 base salary. Cutting him after June 1 (or cutting him now and making the move a post-June 1 designation) would result in a net cap gain of $955,000 in 2007, and a cap charge of $6 million in 2008. Factoring in his 2008 salary of $5 million, the net cap hit would be only $1 million next year.

"Whether Corey comes back and plays or whether some other resolution takes place, the fact is that it has cost us a lot of money for not a lot of production," team president Bill Polian told the Star.

Bill, we won't cry for you on this one. First of all, you just won the Super Bowl. Second, when you give big money to a guy who has never played on your team before, there's always a risk that you won't get value in return. Third, the fact that he had puffed up like a Thanksgiving parade balloon between the end of the 2005 season and his arrival in Indy might have been a clue that the investment was a risky one.

TUESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

Lord Favre won't be mingling with the commoners at this weekend's mandatory minicamp.

Fins CB Andre' Goodman is out indefinitely after surgery to repair a shoulder injury suffered during a recent minicamp.

The hearing on Miami LB Joey Porter's battery charge resulting from a fight with Bengals LT Levi Jones has been moved to May 30.

A recent court decision could take NFLN out of more than 5.5 million homes.

The major pro sports leagues (and the NHL) could be teaming up to share information regarding performance-enhancing drugs.

Jags RB Fred Tayor, Eagles CB Lito Sheppard, and Ravens CB Samari Rolle had a scare in the air in Africa.

Former Jags special teams coach Pete Rodriguez, 66, isn't ruling out a return to the NFL in 2008.

Jags TE Marcedes Lewis missed Monday's practice with a hamstring injury.

CB Rashod Moulton, who came to Jacksonville on a tryout basis, received a free-agent contract.

Cardinals offensive line coach Russ Grimm claims that there was no contact in minicamp.

The Cardinals have no interest in bringing back DT Eric Swann, who has been out of football since 2000.

POSTED 8:53 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:29 a.m. EDT, May 15, 2007

OUR TAKE: BUCHANAN IS LYING

We got a chance to watch Ray Buchanan on NFL Network last night as he tried to distance himself from comments attributed to him by Chris Landry of FOX Sports Radio regarding Mike Vick's involvement in dog fighting.

Our opinion? Buchanan is lying.

First of all, Buchanan expressed no outrage in his words or demeanor during the several minutes that he was on the air with Rich Eisen, Terrell Davis, and Jamie Dukes. At one point, he even referred to Landry as "my man." Sorry, Ray, but if Landry went on the radio and attributed to us a bunch of inflammatory statements we didn't make, we wouldn't be referring to him with terms of endearment. Instead, the guy with the finger on the dump button would end up with instantaneous carpal tunnel syndrome.

Second, Buchanan made a telling slip when he prefaced his remarks by saying, "A lot of things that come out of my mouth is true."

Huh? Truth-telling isn't a "most of the time is good enough" proposition, Ray. One big lie is enough to bring down a guy who otherwise tells the truth all the time.

As anyone with common sense knows, people who lie don't do it only once. It's a pattern, a way of life.

Third, and as one industry source opined to us on Monday, "Who are you going to believe on this? Landry, or a guy who was arrested for writing bad checks?" That's right -- Buchanan was busted during Super Bowl week on three counts of writing checks without sufficient funds to cover them. In some states, a conviction on such charges is admissible evidence for the impeachment of the credibility of a witness. The argument in such cases is that, "If the witness has committed a crime based on making false statements, the jury should take that into account in deciding whether to believe the person now."

In this case, we think it's a fair consideration in the court of public opinion.

So we think that Ray said what Landry said that Ray said, and that Buchanan didn't think Landry would repeat it publicly. Thus, Ray's only choice is to deny it.

Is that far fetched? How many of us have had someone tell us something that they shouldn't have told us, and then heard the person say, "If this gets tied back to me, I'll deny it?"

How many of us have said that ourselves?

And while many of us have made that vow, it's rare that we ever have to act on it. Buchanan probably didn't say to Landry, "I'll deny ever saying this," but it's hardly a stretch to conclude that Buchanan consciously chose that nothing good comes out of snitching on Michael Vick.

Maybe that's why Buchanan said near the end the NFLN spot that he wants this to go away, and closed with: "I got your back, Mike."

LANDRY DOESN'T WAVER

In an updated story on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution web site regarding the Landry-Buchanan pissing match, Chris Landry of FOX Sports Radio refused to budge from his Friday comments, which were made on WDAE radio in Tampa.

"I'm going to stand by the comments I made on the show," Landry said.

"I went on a radio station there and said what I had to say. I'm not looking to make news with this thing."

And we agree with Landry on this point. We've listened to the segment. He didn't go on the Steve Duemig show with an agenda to tattle on Buchanan. Instead, Duemig (whose nickname ironically is "The Big Dog") brought up the issue of the Michael Vick dog-fighting ring several minutes into the segment and Landry shared what he had heard from Buchanan.

It's clear that someone is lying. Landry has no apparent reason to do so. Buchanan, a former teammate of Vick's who professed "I got your back, Mike" on Monday, seems to be looking to cover his tracks.

And FOX Sports Radio now has a dilemma; do they pick a side and act accordingly, or do they let it all blow over? In the interim, the brand is getting plenty of free publicity.

DUKES IS A DOLT

On one hand, we're reluctant to speak our mind on this specific issue. We've been on NFL Network with Jamie Dukes once. And by sharing the following opinion we might never be on there again.

But, then again, we are what we are. And we got to this point not by biting our tongue.

During the aforementioned segment on Monday's Total Access involving Ray Buchanan's denial regarding statements he allegedly made about Michael Vick and dog fighting, Jamie Dukes chimed in with one of the most ridiculous statements we've ever heard.

Dukes said that he won't believe any of it until he sees a cell phone picture of Michael Vick at a dog fight.

What? Is the guy serious? Dog fighting is a clandestine operation conducted away from prying eyes by persons who want to be able to continue to fight dogs without getting, you know, put in jail. Anyone who would be stupid enough to take a picture of Mike in the front row with his beer and his blunt would have never gotten inside the building in the first place.

The only person who would even be inclined to gather photographic evidence of Vick at a dog fight would be an informant. Even then, the whole act of opening the phone, pointing it at Vick, and snapping the picture might risk blowing the guy's cover.

Jamie, every day men and women are convicted of crimes without snapshots of the conduct in question. Evidence comes in many forms, both direct and circumstantial. If a picture of the defendant committing the crime were required to support a verdict of guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, there wouldn't be a single overcrowded jail in the nation.

Still, Dukes' attitude isn't uncommon; the Vick apologists refuse to acknowledge the possibility that he might be involved in dog fighting, despite the evidence that investigators in Virginia are collecting.

Dukes isn't the only one who was spouting off uninformed opinions on Monday. Terrell Davis threw out some support for the notion that, just because Vick owns the house where the evidence of dog-fighting was found, it doesn't mean that Vick knew about it. Davis explained that he once bought a house for his brother, and that Davis never visited the property in the two years that his brother lived there.

That's fine, Terrell. But there is evidence in this case that Vick was a frequent visitor at the property he abruptly sold last week. Granted, there are no cell phone pictures of Ron Mexico sitting out on the front porch and sipping lemoñadé. With that said, multiple persons have told television stations in the area that they have seen Vick with their own eyes.

Given that Vick's only public statement was a flat denial that he ever goes to the property, that's enough to raise legitimate suspicions as to whether Vick realizes that, if he admits that he goes to the property, there's no way of denying that he knew what was happening there.

POSTED 8:52 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:53 p.m. EDT, May 14, 2007

T.O. DISSES TUNA, AGAIN

A year ago, Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens went on and on with then-ESPN employee Michael Irvin about how excited T.O. was to be working with Bill Parcells.

But now (surprise, surprise), Owens is singing a different tune.

Owens said on Monday that he got "[n]othing, really" out of his only year under the tutelage of the Tuna. After Parcells quit, Owens compared the veteran coach to his grandma.

"I don't think you have to be a disciplinarian to get your point across," Owens said. "I think having a new head coach is good for everybody."

It's definitely good for Owens, because if Parcells had decided to stick around the chances are that he would have tried his damnedest to get owner Jerry Jones to dump T.O. for 2007.

Indeed, Parcells admitted over the weekend that it "was not [his] decision" to sign Owens. "I had to do the best I could with him, which is what I tried to do," Parcells said.

Chirped Owens in response: "It's funny, people can say a lot of things when they're gone. It's really not surprising, but why would he say it now?"

Well, Terrell, he was trying to coach a football team toward a championship without having you blow up the team from the inside out, as you did in Philly. And, besides, Parcells didn't have to say that which the rest of us could sense in the marrow of our metatarsals.

And Owens also should consider how his quip could be turned against him. Why didn't he speak out against Parcells when Parcells was there? Maybe Owens knew that Parcells didn't like him, and Owens feared that Parcells might try to get rid of Owens if Parcells had opted to return for another season.

EVEN MORE MINICAMP REPORTS

Here are the minicamp reports for the last four teams that we haven't addressed. In case you noticed.

Buffalo: QB Trent Edwards is saying all the right things. . . . The Bills didn't expect Edwards to be available in round three. . . . S Jon Corto, a native of Orchard Park, has spent plenty of time in the stands and on the field at Ralph Wilson Stadium. . . . A total of 15 players were invited to the rookie camp on a tryout basis. . . . RB Marshawn Lynch and RB Dwayne Wright missed Monday's practices due to college graduation rules. . . . Undrafted rookie WR Jemalle Cornelius was impressive over the weekend. . . . Former Syracuse QB Perry Patterson, in camp on a tryout basis, threw a couple of interceptions in 7-on-7 drills. . . . Sunday's sessions were largely uneventful. . . . LB Paul Posluszny spent plenty of time in the middle, but coach Dick Jauron isn't committing to keeping him there. . . . Here is a close look at the Saturday sessions.

Jacksonville: G Chris Naeole showed up for the mandatory minicamp. . . . Coach Jack Del Rio tried to convince the rookies that there is an opportunity to make the team. . . . RB Fred Taylor needs 487 rushing yards to surpass 10,000 for his career; he won't identify the game in which he thinks he'll break the record. . . . Taylor recently spent 30 minutes with O.J. Simpson (and is actually willing to admit it). . . . CB Rashean Mathis (quadriceps), S Donovin Darius (leg), DT Marcus Stroud (ankle), TE George Wrighster (shoulder), DE Reggie Hayward (Achilles' tendon), and CB Dee Webb (shoulder) missed Saturday's practices. . . . All but Webb missed Sunday's sessions. . . . WR Matt Jones is slowed by a quadriceps injury. . . . S Reggie Nelson is picking up the nuances of the team's defense . . . . LB Justin Durant thinks that his first NFL practice was easier than he expected it to be. . . . 1,024 fans were present for the Sunday morning session, and 816 attended the Sunday afternoon practice. (Yeah, that'll keep the team from moving to L.A.)

Kansas City: DT Turk McBride and DT Tank Tyler have made coach Herm Edwards' "All-Shorts Team" . . . . Said Edwards regarding Tyler, whose off-field conduct might have hurt his draft stock, "He's got a mean streak. Be careful when you ask him certain questions" . . . . 50 players participated in the rookie camp, including 21 players on a tryout basis.

St. Louis: First-rounder Adam Carriker played nose tackle and "three technique" during the rookie minicamp. . . . Rookie free agent Drew Tate was the only quarterback at the camp, so he got in plenty of passes. . . . Quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier helped Tate out on Sunday by making some of the throws. . . . Fifth-round DT Clifton Ryan missed both sessions on Saturday with a calf injury. . . . From the "Stuff that Makes Us Feel Frickin' Ancient" file, the son of former NFL TE Keith Jackson is a rookie defensive tackle with the Rams.

POSTED 7:11 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 8:33 p.m. EDT, May 14, 2007

POINDEXTER IS DRAGGING HIS FEET ON VICK

A showdown is looming in Surry County, Virginia, where investigators believe that they have strong evidence to support the notion that Falcons quarterback Mike Vick has been actively involved in dog fighting, but prosecutor Gerald Poindexter is refusing to review the evidence.

According to WVEC-TV, investigators are frustrated by Poindexter's lack of action.

WVEC also cites two law enforcement sources in reporting that Vick "not only knew about the dog fighting at a house he owned, but that he was an active participant at the fights that allegedly took place behind the house."

Investigators who searched the Vick property in Virginia last month also found, per WVEC, documents that "[a]bsolutely link Vick to the dog-fighting operation."

So why is Poindexter dragging his feet? In a bizarre exchange with Patrick Terpstra of WVEC, Poindexter refused to be interviewed on camera but spoke into the WVEC microphones. The sense after listening to the segment is that Poindexter has every intention of giving Vick a pass, and it's hard not to suspect that Poindexter is being motivated by something other than the facts and the law.

Poindexter has held the position of Commonwealth Attorney in Surry County since 1972. He was re-elected in 2003 without opposition, and his term is up as of December 31, 2007. We presume that he is running again, but it's unclear whether he will face an opponent.

Our own Taco Bill has learned via Internet sleuthing that, several years ago, Poindexter requested the release of 33 malnourished pit bulls to Benjamin Donald Butts, who had been charged with dog fighting. Poindexter called the dogs "people-friendly" and expressed hope that they would be adopted. Days after granting Poindexter's request, a judge changed his mind.

There's something very fishy about all of this, in our opinion, and we hope that the same forces that bumped Mike Nifong off of the Duke lacrosse case will park Poindexter on the sidelines so that justice may be done.

WHERE ARE THE FEDS?

Early in the investigation regarding the Mike Vick situation, it was reported that the feds were on the case. But it now appears that they have yet to get involved.

And it's unclear whether they ever will.

Dog fighting is a federal crime, but only recently were the penalties pumped up -- days after Vick's Virginia property was raised.

But there are other laws that could apply. Tax laws come into play if gambling winnings weren't reported as income, and the RICO law (aimed in the 1970s at bringing down the mafia) could apply.

Before, however, questions can be answered as to which federal laws might apply, the feds have to show an inclination to get involved. To date, they have not.

And if the county officials refuse to proceed, it could be that Vick doesn't get charged by default.

WHERE IS GOODELL?

Even if Gerald Poindexter gives Vick a pass and if the feds decide not to investigate, the NFL has the authority to take action.

There is no requirement that a player be convicted of or even charged with a crime before he is disciplined under the Personal Conduct Policy. Article XI of the Collective Bargaining Agreement authorizes the Commissioner to impose a fine or suspension for any "conduct detrimental to the integrity of, or public confidence in, the game of professional football."

So it's possible that the only real investigation into this mess will be conducted by the NFL, which can then make its own finding as to whether Vick's conduct justifies a sanction.

Though the CBA permits such an outcome, the NFL would be taking a significant risk if it pursues such a course of action. The pro-Vick crowd (that is, what's left of them) will claim that Vick was exonerated by the authorities, even though it's possible that prosecutors are simply choosing to look the other way. There's a chance that the superficial appeal of such an argument will gain traction among the general public, making it harder for the Commissioner to wield his broad power in the future with credibility.

In the end, however, we remain convinced that Roger Goodell "gets it," and that he and his staff have the desire at all times to do what is in the greater interests of the sport. With an alarming amount of evidence linking Vick to dog fighting, Goodell won't, we believe, choose to coddle a misguided superstar.

POSTED 3:27 p.m. EDT, May 14, 2007

CINCY SAYS "SEE YA" TO SAM

The Cincinnati Bengals have announced that defensive tackle Sam Adams has been released.

Adams was signed 13 months ago to beef up the middle of a defensive line that has been susceptible to the run. But the defense generally took a step backward in 2006.

The move saves only $700,000 or so in 2007 cap space. The motivation is believed to be a desire to go younger at the position. On Monday, the Bengals signed defensive tackle Kenderick Allen, and they drafted defensive tackle Matt Toeaina in the sixth round of last month's draft.

Domata Peko will likely replace Adams in the starting lineup.

"Releasing Sam is a very difficult decision," coach Marvin Lewis said. "But the timing is such that it provides Sam the opportunity to obtain a roster spot with another team. Sam has had an outstanding NFL career, and we wish him and his family the very best."

Adams started every game in 2006, his only season with the Bengals. He made 10 tackles, a career low. He also had two sacks. He has played for the Seahawks, Raiders, Ravens, and Bills. His NFL career started in 1994, in Seattle.

POSTED 2:56 p.m. EDT, May 14, 2007

BEARS MOVING HESTER TO OFFENSE

The Chicago Bears have announced that, as of this weekend's full-squad minicamp, Pro Bowl kick returner Devin Hester will be moved from defense to offense.

Hester will work with the receivers during the minicamp, but he is also expected to be utilized in the backfield, in a manner similar to Reggie Bush of the Saints.

"I think Devin Hester is one of the most exciting players in the NFL with his hands on the football," coach Lovie Smith said. "I think he would be an excellent defensive back also. We just feel that this is in the best interest of us and him for him to achieve his full potential as a football player."

"Right now we're not going to put any limits on it," Smith said. "We have a new piece to the puzzle. We're anxious to see what we can do with him and the role that he'll develop into.

"There are a lot of different ways we can go. You can make a case for him being a slot receiver. You can make a case for him being a single receiver when we go to our two-tight end, two-running back packages. You can make a case for him from the running back position.

"He's an offensive weapon right now. That's the only limit we put on him."

Said offensive coordinator Ron Turner: "I've been recruiting him for about 13 months and I finally got him."

"He's an elite player when he gets the ball in his hands and I'm excited about the opportunity to help him get the ball in his hands, not just returning punts and kickoffs, which is a few times a game. Hopefully we can get it in his hands 5-6-7 times different ways -- use him out of the backfield, as a receiver, in the slot."

In our view, the move is a no-brainer. In the Bears' Tampa 2 defense, his athletic skills would be wasted -- and his health would be unnecessarily jeopardized -- if he were to play cornerback. In that specific defense, corners cover short zones and make tackles in the running game.

But it remains to be seen whether this D.H.'s stellar performances on special teams will translate into success on offense. Two other D.H.'s have teased us in the past: Desmond Howard and Dante Hall. Neither could do much at the receiver position despite dazzling performances in the return game.

For the Bears, the hope is that they've found another G.S.

POSTED 1:53 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 2:15 p.m. EDT, May 14, 2007

RAIDERS PICK A NEW PERSONNEL GUY

A league source tells us that the Oakland Raiders have selected a new personnel executive to replace Mike Lombardi.

We don't have the name just yet, but we're told that it is a guy who currently is employed by another NFL team.

And this would mean that it won't be Mike Mayock, Fran Foley, or Pat Kirwan.

A league source guesses that the job is going to Titans director of player personnel Rich Snead. But for now it's just a guess.

POSTED 12:29 p.m. EDT, May 14, 2007

FAVRE SAYS HE DOESN'T WANT TO BE TRADED

In a statement issued by the Green Bay Packers, quarterback Brett Favre says that he does not want to leave the team.

"I was frustrated a couple weeks back when Randy Moss was traded to New England," Favre says. "I never wanted to be traded and I don't want to be traded. I want to be in Green Bay. I want to finish my career as a Packer. Sometimes when I get frustrated I let my emotions get the better of me."

Here's an image of the full statement, which was sent to us by a member of the "real" media:

Favre apparently let his emotions get the better of him over the weekend, when he suggested that the team's failure to close the deal on Moss and/or otherwise improve the team might be a message that the team doesn't want him there.

And, curiously, Favre's statement does not address whether Jay Glazer's report that agent Bus Cook demanded a trade on Favre's behalf is accurate.

Our guess is that Favre was pissed, he made his point, and now he's not pissed.

And he'll remain not pissed until the next time he gets pissed. At which time he'll say something else that he'll later say he didn't mean.

Until he says something that he means. But, by then, no one will be listening anyway.

POSTED 12:17 p.m. EDT, May 14, 2007

BUCHANAN DENIES VICK DOG-FIGHTING REMARKS

Former Falcons cornerback Ray Buchanan has denied making comments to Chris Landry of FOX Sports Radio regarding Mike Vick's alleged interest and involvement in dog fighting, according to Steve Wyche of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

And the denial is setting the stage for a throw-down between Landry and Buchanan, who also works for FOX Sports Radio.

Landry said on Monday morning that he stands by his comments. But Buchanan says that Landry was out of line "and was using [Buchanan] to legitimize rumors and innuendo."

"That stuff he said I said is stuff he was saying to me, that 'he heard this and he heard that,'" Buchanan said. "I told him that I didn't have common knowledge about that. I told him that I knew Mike loves dogs. Everybody knows that Mike loves his dogs. But I never heard anything about Mike and dog fighting. I never heard Mike in the locker room recruiting players to get involved in dog fighting or spending money on dog fighting.

"I did make a joke about Mike making $130 million and why would he need to be involved in dog fighting making that kind of money. Maybe he took something out of that to try and legitimize some of the things he came at me with. I guess he was trying to get something out of me."

Buchanan says he didn't know about the comments until reading about them in the Monday edition of the AJC. He has called his bosses at FOX Sports Radio, but was unable to get in touch with anyone.

"Chris might want to retract some of the things he said," Buchanan said.

POSTED 12:00 p.m. EDT, May 14, 2007

ANOTHER BENGAL ARREST COMING?

A source in Cincy has tipped us off to a situation that, if not soon rectified, could result in the arrest of yet another member of the local football team/home for wayward men.

Per the source, a player rented a car in late March for one week. He has yet to bring it back. He hasn't called to extend the rental.

The bill is currently over $3,000, and eventually the car will be reported as stolen.

Stay tuned.

POSTED 9:52 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 11:46 a.m. EDT, May 14, 2007

FANECA FACING REALITY?

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, whose delicate situation as the replacement for Coach Chin became even more precarious when Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca declared on Friday that he plans to leave the team after the 2007 season, might already be justifying ownership's decision to take a chance on a 34-year-old career assistant with no ties to Pittsburgh and only one year of experience as a defensive coordinator.

Tomlin made enough progress during the weekend minicamp with Faneca that Tomlin is now encouraged Faneca might show up for some of the team's 14 voluntary offseason practices.

"I don't know what that's going to buy me, but I'm hopeful," Tomlin said, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

In hindsight, it might have been better for Tomlin to keep his optimism to himself, since there's a chance that Faneca won't be back until training camp, which would then make Tomlin look like he didn't read the situation correctly.

But, hey, the guy's still getting his feet wet in some very murky waters, so we'll cut him some slack.

Still, if Faneca has softened his stance, it might be the smartest thing the perennial All-Pro has done since . . . since . . . well, ever. Though Faneca wants (as we've heard) $24 million over the first three years of a new contract, that's the kind of money that a player gets only when he is on the open market in March. Why would the Steelers treat him (or anyone) in May of the final season of his contract like he's an unrestricted free agent in March of the following year?

It simply doesn't work that way. If Faneca wants to extend his deal now, he needs to take less than what he thinks he'd get if he makes it through the 2007 season unscathed. If he wants to shoot for $24 million over three years, then he bears the risk of getting hurt before getting there -- and thus losing out on the premier payday.

So maybe Faneca has figured that out. Maybe he now realizes that the only way he'll get a high-end package in March 2008 is if he continues to play hard and effectively in 2007.

And maybe he has come to the realization that running his mouth irrationally about his current team will not make other teams more eager to give him that $24 million over three come March of next year. Really, who would want to give this guy huge money when there's a chance that the team is also buying the possibility that Faneca will start popping off whenever something happens that he doesn't like?

We can understand Faneca's frustration at the possibility of never getting the kind of money that lesser players received in free agency two months ago. And we knew as the dollars were flying that it would cause rancor among proven veterans who think they are worth much more to their current teams than the members of the latest class of multi-millionaires.

But to land that kind of money, Faneca needs to stay in line and continue to do all of the things that have made him the player who he is. Complaining about the realities of the system won't get him any closer to the day he gets paid. If anything, it might only keep the prize from being as big as it could be.

MORE MINICAMP REPORTS

For your perusal (thanks, Tiki), we offer up some more minicamp reports from cities in which the weekend was spent playing football instead of pampering mom.

Dallas: The Cowboys want sixth-round rookie K Nick Folk to push the Hamburglar. . . . OL Leonard Davis missed practice on Sunday because his wife was having surgery. . . . G Marco Rivera has not participated due to offseason back surgery. . . . QB Brad Johnson doesn't like being called a "mentor" (but, Brad, it's a lot better than being called a "washed-up old guy who throws too many passes to players on the other team"). . . . LB Akin Ayodele changed his number from 50 to 51, DT Montavious Stanley changed from 60 to 92, and WR Miles Austin changed from 14 to 19. . . . DE Greg Ellis didn't practice on Sunday due to injury. . . . RB Julius Jones says he was running "like a robot" under coach Bill Parcells. . . . Jones ignored trade rumors. . . . QB Tony Romo won't be holding for extra points and field goals. . . . QB Brad Johnson, P Mat McBriar, and WR Jerheme Urban are candidates to take over the holding duties. . . . CB Anthony Henry doesn't think he'll be moving to safety. . . . S Roy Williams was briefly moved to linebacker on Sunday. . . . T.O. surprised everyone by practicing on Saturday.

New York Giants: First-round CB Aaron Ross has struggled at the rookie minicamp. . . . Ross was burned a couple of times by undrafted rookie WR Brandon Myles of West Virginia. . . . Jay Alford and Zak DeOssie shared long-snapping duties on Saturday. . . . The listed height of 5-11 is a stretch for rookie WR Steve Smith. . . . Smith was the star of the show on Saturday. . . . The Soup Nazi likes the sound made when Smith catches the ball: "I want to hear that nice, soft 'poof.'" (Hey, Tom, if that's what you're looking for, why don't you just feed the guys more beans and bananas?) . . . . Seventh-round RB Ahmad Bradshaw and CB Aaron Ross took turns returning punts. . . . Bradshaw is on a short leash due to past arrests. . . . Rookie TE Kevin Boss is nothing like the guy he'll be backing up. . . . Among the players who are getting a look-see is DE Charrod Taylor, a 27-year-old rookie from a Division I-AA school who was on the U.S.S. Cole when it was attacked in 2000.

New York Jets: Four draft picks, 14 undrafted free agents, 30 tryout-basis players, and three members of the practice squad in 2006 are participating in the rookie minicamp. . . . CB Darrelle Revis need to learn to let other people describe him as a good guy. . . . Undrafted rookie QB Brett Ratliff pleaded guilty in November 2006 to public intoxication and disorderly conduct for repeatedly groping a woman and making obscene gestures with his tongue. . . . Rookie S Leonard Peters has Polamalu hair. . . . But that might be the only similarity; Peters was punked in the one-on-one tackling drills. . . . Peters is a fire-knife dancer. . . . On Sunday, CB Darrelle Revis lined up on the left side; he has been expected to start on the right side. . . . Revis worked only as a ball carrier in one-on-one open-field tackling drills. . . . He is likely to return punts. . . . FB Jesse Allen passed on graduation ceremonies at Virginia Tech to attend the camp; Allen's girlfriend was late for a class in which several people were shot last month. . . . Coach Eric Mangini's mom will graduate from a Connecticut community college this month. . . . OL Pete Kendall has stopped attending voluntary workouts.

POSTED 8:43 a.m. EDT, May 14, 2007

PACKERS BLAME BUS FOR FAVRE FIASCO

A league source with knowledge of the Green Bay Packers front office tells us that the powers-that-be are not happy with agent Bus Cook, who by all appearances is attempting to force an irreparable rift between his client, Brett Favre, and the team.

The Packers blame Cook for sharing with Favre details of the failed efforts to work out a trade for receiver Randy Moss, and for leaking the news that Cook requested on Favre's behalf a trade out of town.

As to the first point, how would Favre know about the ins and outs of the Moss trade efforts if someone involved in the process wasn't telling Brett about it? Cook has long been connected to the representation of Randy Moss on a semi-formal basis, since Cook is a West Virginia native and Randy's West Virginia-based agents, Tim DiPiero and the decertified (and incarcerated) Dante DiTrapano, had no experience in the business before being hired by Moss.

Per the source, the Packers sniffed out during trade talks that Moss preferred the Patriots over the Packers, and that the Packers' interest (driven by Favre) was being used as leverage against the Patriots. As we've previously mentioned (at least twice), DiPiero made it clear on the official Randy Moss web site that the Pats were the first choice.

And why wouldn't they be? Moss is trying to rehabilitate his image in an effort to get in position for a huge payday in 2008. No one was going to give him the $21 million he was due to earn in Oakland over the next two years, including the Raiders. With the free-agent market paying out $20 million or more in guaranteed money to so-so veterans and washed-up stars, Moss knows that one big season in which he plays deep into January (and perhaps February) will vault him to the top of the free-agent market at the receiver position next March, putting him in line for one more big contract before he calls it quits.

But, somehow, Favre was fed the idea that Moss was serious about playing for the Packers. The potential culprits? Moss himself, or Cook. Or both.

Our take? Brett got snowed by his agent on this one, and the agent has been running for cover by blaming the team. The Packers have opted (by all appearances) to take the high road, and as a result the attack on them by Favre (as instigated by Cook) has not been, and will not be, rebutted publicly.

Remember those reports that Moss ended up in New England because the Packers would only give up a fifth-round pick for him, and not because Moss refused to re-do his deal in Green Bay? Though we initially suspected that the team was putting out this information in order to defuse the notion that the Pack got mooned by Moss, we now believe, based on all of the available facts and circumstances, that this was an effort by Cook to put out the word that the Packers could have had Moss if they wanted him -- primarily to reinforce to Favre through a seemingly objective source that the Packers weren't doing what they could to improve the team for their veteran quarterback's swan song.

In fact, an industry source tells us that the Raiders would have taken a fifth-round pick from the Packers in lieu of a fourth-rounder from the Patriots, because Oakland did not want to send him to another AFC team. So the deal was stalled by Moss, who chose a $3 million salary with no guaranteed money in New England over a $3 million salary with no guaranteed money in Green Bay.

Moving forward, the question is whether Favre's nose is back in joint, and if so whether Cook will continue to try to get him riled up. One league insider believes that Cook is merely trying to get Brett out of Green Bay because Cook thinks it's time for Brett to bolt.

But Cook's financial interests would suggest otherwise. With Favre due to make $11 million in salary from the Packers this year, we can't imagine another team paying that kind of money for one season of football.

Maybe we're wrong. Maybe there's a team out there that would be happy to make the investment in order to be in the thick of Favre's final assault on the record books. Some Dolphins fans already are becoming infatuated with the notion of Favre breaking Dan Marino's records in the same uniform in which Marino set those marks. And such a move would go a long way toward placating folks in South Florida who are still miffed that the team chose Ted Ginn over Brady Quinn in round one.

There are other intriguing possibilities (Atlanta, Dallas), and the speculation will continue until Favre declares that he intends to stay put with the Packers. With every passing hour of silence from Favre, the notion that he wants to finish up his career elsewhere gets stronger and stronger.

And the likelihood of Brett wearing green and gold come September gets smaller and smaller.

POSTED 9:52 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 10:31 p.m. EDT, May 13, 2007

RICKY SAYS HE'S CLEAN

In a statement released through agent Leigh Steinberg, Dolphins running back Ricky Williams asserts that he is "clean" and ready to return to the NFL.

"Due to the recent reports about me failing a drug test, I feel it is appropriate for me to issue this statement," Williams said. "Last month, following a psychological evaluation requested by the NFL, we -- the psychiatrist and I -- came to the realization that there were a few things I needed to iron out about myself in order to make my return to the NFL as successful as possible."

Yeah, the psychiatrist and Ricky came to the realization that Ricky needs to quit smoking so much pot.

Ricky neither admitted nor denied failing the test. Greg Bedard of the Palm Beach Post reports that a source close to Williams has confirmed the initial report from ESPN's Chris Mortensen that Ricky had failed a marijuana test in April.

Bottom line -- Ricky won't be back at the earliest until September. And then he needs to find a team that is willing in this post-Pacman era to take a chance on him.

MORE MINICAMP REPORTS

Here are some more reports from this weekend's minicamps. Enjoy.

Pittsburgh: G Alan Faneca skipped the first mincamp practice on Saturday after getting his nose even farther out of joint by something that management said; coach Mike Tomlin convinced him to return for the second practice of the day. . . . Chris Kemoeatu replaced Faneca during the Saturday morning session. . . . Kendall Simmons says that the offensive line is fine without Faneca. . . . QB Ben Roethlisberger denies that he's dating Jamie-Lynn Sigler of The Sopranos. . . . LB Arnold Harrison fully participated in practice, six months to the day after surgery to repair a torn ACL. . . . First-round LB Lawrence Timmons and second-round DE LaMarr Woodley sat out Saturday and Sunday practices after suffering injuries on Friday. . . . RB Kevan Barlow is already hurt; he suffered a sprained ankle on Saturday morning. . . . Santurdio has a minor hamstring injury.

New England: The team's 14 coaches showed 19 new and prospective players the NFL ropes. . . . There weren't enough players on Saturday for team drills. . . . S Brandon Meriweather drives a 1992 Toyota Camry with 270,000 miles on it. . . . Sixth-round OL Corey Hilliard lost his cookies during practice on Saturday; he made it through the entire session on Sunday. . . . WR Randy Moss has a locker right next to QB Tom Brady. . . . LB Junior Seau, WR Troy Brown, and QB Vinny Testaverde each still have lockers. . . . Seau is expected to sign a one-year deal soon. . . . Ron Borges is back from suspension, and instead of writing a notes-style Sunday item like the one that got him placed on ice for two months, he takes an in-depth look at WR Randy Moss. . . . Lonie Paxton hung a "no rookies" sign on his mini-fridge. . . . RB Quinton Smith missed practice on Saturday to attend graduation ceremonies at Rice, but he was on the field on Sunday.

POSTED 4:21 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 5:45 p.m. EDT, May 13, 2007

PACKERS SCRAMBLE TO DOUSE FLAMING FANS

At a time when wildfires have been raging in several corners of the nation, there's a conflagration that currently is consuming Packer nation.

And the front office knows it.

Why else would the team put out an "all is well" press release on Mother's Day?

"We are optimistic about the 2007 season," Thompson said in the team-issued Sunday statement. "We feel like we've had a great offseason program -- our guys are getting bigger and stronger -- and we'll improve from within. We're also excited about the players we've added through the draft and what those players will bring to our team."

Thompson also addressed the recent comments of quarterback Brett Favre, who expressed dissatisfaction about the team's failure to land Randy Moss.

"I think it's natural for a player to be frustrated from time to time -- that's simply being human," said Thompson. "Everyone knows that Brett Favre is all about winning. As an organization, we share that commitment. And we want to win now."

And Thompson provided a carefully-crafted non-answer to the question of whether, as Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reported earlier in the day, Favre has asked for a trade.

"We never comment on the talks we have with our players or with their agents, in line with the long-standing policy of our organization. We try to encourage open and honest dialogue with players and their agents. But if those talks later are shared with third parties, the willingness of players to be open in future conversations may be compromised."

Possible translation: "Yes, but because Brett currently has a literal and figurative hold on the nutsack of the front office, we don't want to take any chances that he might decide to squeeze even harder than he already has."

In our view, this Mother's Day missive is a desperate act from an organization that is facing a revolt from its fan base. And we're even more convinced that either Favre or Thompson will be not with the team come September. Given that the franchise is publicly owned, we wouldn't be surprised if someone were to file a shareholder's action aimed at forcing the team to have the same kind of accountability that would exist if there was a real owner calling the shots.

For his part, Favre is trying to help put out the fire. The post on his official site regarding rumors of Favre wanting a trade, which were confirmed by board administrator "DavidPHX," has been deleted. And DavidPHX has posted the following message: "Brett has asked that we all tone down the articles and any dislikes for management. He does not want his site to fuel rumors. Ted Thompson is his boss and we need to tone everything down. I believe the situation is over with. Brett said what he wanted and I believe management has heard. Brett loves the Green Bay Packers and has always felt we have the best fans in the WORLD. I expect Brett to return as the starting QB for the Green Bay Packers on September 9. Go Packers!"

Still, Favre is the one who started this mess, both by privately asking to be traded and by publicly making his displeasure known. It's a storm of unprecedented proportion for the Packers, and we don't think the situation is going to get better any time soon. The only person to benefit from this brouhaha might be receiver Keyshawn Johnson, who could end up getting a lucrative offer to join the team in light of the fact that he's the only potential impact player who is on the market right now.

EAGLES MINICAMP REPORT

Our time has been limited on this Mother's Day holiday to update the site, but we wanted to post a Minicamp Report for the Eagles, since we'll be joining Sandy Penner of WIP in Philly at 7:30 p.m. EDT, presumably to talk at least a little bit about the local team.

Penner, by the way, was one of the hosts for Len Pasquarelli's "move on or move out" rant, which was sparked by a reference to former Eagles receiver Todd Pinkston.

Philadelphia: LB Takeo Spikes, who previously played in Cincinnati and Buffalo, was amazed by the media presence for a minicamp practice. . . . Coach Andy Reid sensed the excitement from the players for the upcoming season. . . . RB Brian Westbrook said that details are still being worked out in connection with the repayment of that $3 million bonus he shouldn't have received. . . . Westbrook wants to see more running plays in 2007. . . . WR Reggie Brown injured his knee on Saturday in a collision with CB William James. . . . QB Donovan McNabb, OT William Thomas, DT Montae Reagor, and WR Bethel Johnson missed practice on Saturday due to injuries. . . . TE L.J. Smith didn't practice due to illness. . . . S Brian Dawkins was excused from the minicamp for personal reasons. . . . In Sunday's first practice, DE Trent Cole practiced with the first team; Darren Howard was scheduled to do so in the afternoon practice. . . . Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said that guys will be moving up and down on the defensive depth chart. . . . DE Victor Abiamiri is being eyeballed for the left side. . . . The Eagles wanted to get bigger at strongside linebacker. . . . The starting job on the strong side if Chris Gocong's to lose. . . . DE Jevon Kearse participated in the morning practice on Sunday; he needs to gain some weight. . . . DT Brodrick Bunkley is improving. . . . So far, so good for QB Kevin Kolb. . . . OG Shawn Andrews lost weight, with some nudging from the team. . . . Special teams coordinator Rory Segrest says that Jeremy Bloom, who spent all of 2006 on IR, has come a long way.

POSTED 1:41 p.m. EDT, May 13, 2007

GLAZER REPORTS THAT FAVRE ASKED TO BE TRADED

At a time when all NFL eyes were watching the drama that was unfolding between the Eagles and quarterback Donovan McNabb, a full-blown crisis was quietly playing out in another NFC town.

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reports that Packers quarterback Brett Favre asked to be traded in the days after the 2007 draft.

Per Glazer, agent Bus Cook called G.M. Ted Thompson two or three days after the draft and said that Favre is fed up with the organization and wants out. Coach Mike McCarthy immediately began trying to reach Favre by phone, but Favre ignored his calls for a week.

When the two men finally spoke, McCarthy apparently calmed Favre's fury to the point that Favre admitted he didn't want to play elsewhere. But given Favre's recent comments to the Biloxi Sun Herald, about which we wrote earlier on Sunday, it appears that Brett still has a bug buried in his butt.

This latest development meshes with rumors floated on Favre's official web site by a message board administrator. (Scroll down for more.) It also seems to confirm what many league insiders have long believed -- that Favre doesn't care much for G.M. Ted Thompson, who has done little if anything to upgrade the veteran talent on the team over the past three years.

Glazer says that the Packers have no plans to trade Favre, whose contract (per NFLPA records) runs through 2010 and pays him a base salary of $11 million this year. But why would they want him if he doesn't want to be there? And if they won't trade him, maybe he'll just call it quits and let them try to win with (gulp) Aaron Rodgers.

In our view, this one is far from over. And we have a feeling that either Favre or Thompson won't be with the team when the 2007 season begins.

POSTED 10:47 a.m. EDT, May 13, 2007

MINICAMP REPORTS

Minicamps are open in multiple cities. And you, the PFT reader, has made it clear to us that you like to know what's going on. In easily digestible blurbs. Including smartass comments.

So here we go. With the caveat that the Mother's Day holiday might make the updates a little sporadic today. We prefer that to the alternative of spending the next 4-6 weeks typing with broken fingers.

Arizona: Rookie OT Levi Brown said after his first NFL session, "I feel like we had two practices already." . . . Brown has been moved from left tackle to right tackle, where he'll protect the blind side of left-handed QB Matt Leinart. . . . The temperature went above 100 degrees for the Saturday morning 90-minute workout . . . . Said coach Ken Whisenhunt of his 25 rookies: "It's very early on Christmas morning so we're just starting to play with them. We got to figure out which toys we like and which ones are running good." . . . The minicamp hopefully will show off progress made in the offseason conditioning program, of which DT Kendrick Clancy said, "Ain't nobody been slacking." . . . WR Anquan Boldin, a 2003 second-pick made good from Florida State, had advice for Seminole LB Buster Davis, a third-round pick of the Cardinals in 2007: "My advice is to come in and prove everybody wrong. People can draft you at a certain position, but that doesn't mean you have to play to those expectations. If you feel like you are a first-round talent, come in and bust your butt and show everybody that you are." . . . RB Edgerrin James is expected to practice on Sunday after missing Saturday's practices due to a funeral. . . . Seventh-round TE Ben Patrick didn't practice on Saturday due to a sore knee.

New Orleans: There is talk that DT Walter Thomas, the 370-pound free agent who can do a backflip, left the practice field after only 15 minutes and cleaned out his locker. . . . As of Sunday morning, Thomas is still listed on the team's online roster despite reports that he has been cut. . . . Former Colts CB Jason David says that his skills are better suited to the Saints' defense than to the Tampa 2 used in Indy. . . . Saturday's practice was closed to the media, and coaches and players were not available for comment. . . . WR Robert Meachem might be able to catch passes like Joe Horn, but Meachem won't be talking like him.

Atlanta: The Falcons will use a bunch of dummy hand signals and audibles this year in order to confuse defenses (and presumably without confusing QB Michael Vick). . . . QB Chris Redman, a former pupil of coach Bobby Petrino, is realizing that the offense has evolved significantly since Redman last ran it. . . . "The running game is going to be open, the wide receivers are going to be open," boasted RB Jerious Norwood. . . . "We're going to be explosive," said WR Michael Jenkins. . . . Quarterbacks are being encouraged to stay in the pocket more (good luck with that one). . . . The offensive linemen are noticeably bigger, which is a product of the switch from zone blocking.

POSTED 6:55 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 7:18 a.m. EDT, May 13, 2007

LORD FAVRE IS DISPLEASED

Packers quarterback Brett Favre was widely believed to be pushing for the addition of receiver Randy Moss to the team. We had heard on numerous occasions that Favre was convinced that Moss would be a Packer in 2007.

But it didn't happen. Two weeks after the fact, Favre is sounding off about it.

"It was a done deal and the stories of how we lost him because he didn't want to restructure his contract were not true," Favre told the Biloxi Sun Herald.

"He was going to wipe his contract clean and sign for $3 million guaranteed, plus a fourth-round draft pick. That would have been a steal. But we were not willing to guarantee part of that $3 million. I even had [agent] Bus [Cook] call up there and tell them I would give up part of my salary to guarantee that part of the money. Apparently that wasn't enough either."

But Moss is getting no guaranteed money in New England either, so if the Packers were willing to pay $3 million with no guaranteed money and give up a fourth-round draft pick, Moss chose the same deal in New England over Green Bay. Indeed, agent Tim DiPiero said on the official Randy Moss web site that the Pats were the first team that they called once Moss got permission to shop himself.

So if what Favre is saying is accurate, Moss wanted a better deal from the Packers than the Patriots were willing to give him.

But, as far as Favre goes, the only thing that matters is what Favre thinks. And he thinks that the team could have had Moss, and that the team is trying to send Favre a subtle message.

"I just want to win; maybe I see things the wrong way," Favre said. "I don't want to ruffle any feathers and I want people to respect me. Sometimes I think it's hard for them to let Brett go. They might think that we pay him a lot of money, but he still gives us the best chance to win. I've never been told that, but there are times when I wonder if I'm the odd man out here and they just don't know how to tell me." (Emphasis added.)

We think he's right. We believe that G.M. Ted Thompson has been playing the passive-aggressive routine over the past two offseasons, saying all the right things about Favre but doing nothing to make him happy. Last April, during the infamous press conference about nothing, Favre said that he wanted to see the team bring in a Reggie White-style free agent. In 13 months since then, the closest Thompson has gotten to it is Charles Woodson, an underachieving defensive back who has been okay at best.

Moss was their best chance to get a true game-changer, and it was well known that Favre wanted him. How could Favre view the decision not to close the deal as anything other than a message to him that his opinion doesn't matter anymore?

"I told [receiver] Donald [Driver] to imagine a one-back set with a three-man rotation," Favre said. "Who would they cover? If they double Randy, Donald would be in single coverage. Last year, he caught 92 balls in double and triple coverage and made the Pro Bowl.

"Our offense struggled last season. If it were not for our defense, we would not have won eight games. Right now, it's hard to be optimistic. I'm not getting any younger and I think everyone knows that. I don't have five years to rebuild. No one in Green Bay is saying rebuild but it's hard to look at where we are going and say, 'How can they not be rebuilding?'

"I don't know if I've lost faith, and I think everyone in the organization wants to win. I just don't know if it includes me. If it's going to be five years from now, I'm not going to be here. This is 17 years for me and I want to win."

So why is Favre saying all of this? We think he's trying to get the Cheeseheads ready for what could come next -- a request for a trade or an abrupt retirement. And, like Donovan McNabb in Philly, Favre wants to be sure that the ultimat

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