ProFootballTalk.com -- The Best Pro Football Scoop on the Internet

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 ultimate blame for any divorce gets put on the team.

And, if this ends in an ugly fashion, we think that's precisely where the blame should be placed. If the Packers don't want Favre, they shouldn't separate in cowardly fashion by frustrating him to the point that he walks. The team should simply end it and move on. (Or move out.)

Hey, maybe they can sign Todd Pinkston.

HAS FAVRE ALREADY ASKED FOR A TRADE?

We've received several e-mails over the past week or so suggesting that message board postings from an administrator named "DavidPHX" on Brett Favre's official web site indicate that Favre has asked for a trade. "DavidPHX" has been characterized to us by multiple readers as a long-time Favre friend.

In response to a rumor that Favre has asked to be traded in the wake of the Randy Moss mess, DavidPHX posted on May 5, "Sorry Folks but I can't deny this rumor."

Later in the day, DavidPHX elaborated: "Hypothetically let's say it was true, it is more a personal issue between someone and [Ted Thompson]. Honesty, integrity is very important to some. It is not an issue of a player demanding a certain person on the team. That person would never do this. It could be a issue that a certain person told him you give an answer [about playing in 2007] before the [Super Bowl] and I will get you help? Then that person leading him to believe that he was serious about Randy?"

Then, DavidPHX added this: "Many of the reporters in Green Bay have heard this rumor also. Problem is they fear someone to[o] much to write about it. They want a certain person to confirm and that person is way to[o] loyal and not that type of a football player to let personal issues become part of the game?"

Apparently, "that person" recently has decided to blow off some steam on this one, and it might not be long before word comes out that Favre has asked to be moved.

But where would Favre land if he is traded? Miami? Oakland? Cleveland? Kansas City? There simply aren't many cities where a starting quarterback is needed.

The Saints would have been a great fit in 2006, and we have a feeling Favre now regrets not trying to make it happen. But the Saints weren't considered a year ago to be a potential contender in 2006, and there's no clear-cut contender in 2007 that needs a starting quarterback.

Or is there? If the Falcons were to decide to dump or trade Michael Vick, Favre could go back to the place where he started, and try to lead the team to heights that Vick never will.

Such a move would also help keep the Georgia Dome full while the franchise tries to refocus on winning games and not on making money via the Michael Vick machine.

And what about the Cowboys? Sure, Tony Romo is the future. But could Jerry Jones resist the chance to bring in Brett Favre for a season or two? It would help Romo's development, and it would provide a short-term upgrade.

Finally, the Bears would be more likely to win a Super Bowl with Favre instead of Rex Grossman, but we can't imagine Brett even entertaining the possibility of playing for the Packers' arch-rivals.

POSTED 9:53 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 11:34 a.m. EDT, May 12, 2007

PACMAN'S CADILLAC GOES FAST

On May 7, Pacman Jones had his latest brush with the law. This time around it was only a speeding ticket, along with a citation for not having his license in the car.

Jones reportedly was traveling 79 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone.

Ironically, Jones was driving the Cadillac XLR with the "Pac-man" embroidery that was seized in a drug bust involving an acquaintance of his, and then purchased by Jones via an online public auction.

The bigger issue with the speeding ticket, as ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported on Friday, is that Jones was pulled over at 12:45 a.m. When Jones met with Commissioner Roger Goodell in April, Jones said that he was imposing a midnight curfew on himself.

Mort also reports that Jones has already missed one of the counseling sessions that he is required to attend as part of his suspension. This could hurt his chances of getting reinstated after 10 games.

We still believe that Jones will never play in the NFL again. We have seen nothing in the past month to indicate a genuine desire to change his life, or to suggest any real remorse or regret for the situation in which he now finds himself.

MINICAMP REPORTS

Here's the first look at the minicamps that opened on Friday. More updates will come over the weekend as camps open in Buffalo, Dallas, Jacksonville, Kansas City, New England, New Orleans, New York (both teams), Philly, and St. Louis.

Atlanta: DT Grady Jackson (knee) is not participating in practices, but is in attendance. . . . Jackson's agent claims that Grady's knee is fine, but that the team wants to keep Jackson, who has sued the franchise, away from the media. . . . Rookies Jamaal Anderon, Chris Houston, and Justin Blalock caught the eye of coach Bobby Petrino. . . . Petrino says that Anderson cramped up near the end of practice. . . . Fourth-round TE Martrez Milner was overwhelmed. . . . Jimmy Williams is moving from cornerback to free safety. . . . S Chris Crocker (knee) was held out of Friday's second practice as a precaution. . . . Folks in Atlanta are getting fed up with Mike Vick. . . . DT Jonathan Babineaux won't talk about felony animal cruelty charges that are pending against him. . . . If Babineaux isn't in jail by September, he'll be replacing Rod Coleman in the starting lineup. . . . WR Joe Horn says that "the whole team" supports QB Michael Vick (and if Horn says it enough maybe he'll eventually believe it) . . . . CB DeAngelo Hall says he will make a donation to Virginia Tech based on his or the team's on-field performance in 2007. . . . Hall also met recently with school and city leaders to discuss ways that his foundation could assist with the "healing process."

Pittsburgh: The evidence against former LB Richard Seigler includes a Craigslist posting from Seigler offering "all natural sexy girls" . . . . First-round LB Lawrence Timmons suffered a minor groin injury and will likely miss the rest of the minicamp . . . . Ditto for second-round DE LaMarr Woodley, who suffered a minor hamstring injury. . . . Coach Mike Tomlin called the injuries "short-term misery" (that would be a great name for a rock band, or a prostate exam) . . . . RB Kevan Barlow's niche could be third-down back, given his pass-catching and pass-blocking abilities. . . . S Troy Polamalu hopes to remain with the Steelers beyond 2007, the final year of his rookie deal. . . . Santurdio injured his shoulder in the first practice of the day, but participated in the second session (he'd better quit doing stuff like that or he'll lose his nickname). . . . LB Clark Haggans missed a recent voluntary minicamp because his infant daughter is critically ill . . . . The Steelers have re-issued Joey Porter's number to LaMarr Woodley. . . . Someone paid $550 for Coach Chin's crystal spittoon.

SATURDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

The Big Show says that RB Shaun Alexander's foot won't be examined (but his head might need to be).

Though Sean Locklear supposedly is entrenched at right tackle, the Big Show would like to see some competition there.

The league is sponsoring a Father's Day promotion, featuring the Hasselbecks. (Why not Tom Brady?)

QB Kerry Collins talked to the Cowboys before re-signing with the Titans.

Former Cards DT Eric Swann, out of football since 2000, is attempting a comeback; he says he has called the Cardinals but has not heard back from them. (We hope he's not holding his breath. Or any other bodily function.)

Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt is starting voluntary workouts immediately after the mandatory minicamp in the hopes of getting as many players as possible to stick around.

Rookie Tony Ugoh worked at right guard and tackle last weekend, but could eventually replace Tarik Glenn at left tackle.

The Bengals signed LB Ed Hartwell to a one-year, $1.5 million deal.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden and G.M. Bruce Allen are overlooking character in an effort to remain employed.

POSTED 9:36 a.m. EDT, May 12, 2007

STEELERS OFFERED FANECA $19 MILLION OVER FIRST THREE YEARS

A source tells us that the Pittsburgh Steelers extended an opening offer to guard Alan Faneca for a contract extension that would have paid him $19 million over the first three years of the deal.

Per the source, Faneca wants $24 million over the first three seasons, and isn't budging.

As we explained on Friday, Faneca's anger regarding the gap between his demand and the team's offer is misplaced. The team has no obligation to pay him more money than the team believes that the 30-year-old offensive lineman deserves. And by publicly crying about the situation, Faneca is no different than Pacman Jones or Chris Henry or T.O. or any other selfish asshole who puts his own interests above a system that has made many men with few if any other marketable skills rich beyond their wildest dreams.

But, hey, at least Faneca showed up for a mandatory minicamp.

"[H]e's a professional. He's here. It's not like he didn't show up," said receiver Hines Ward.

Hines, he showed up because, under the new CBA, he could have lost 25 percent of the prorated bonus amount for 2007, the final year of his current contract. The potential price tag would have been $400,000.

And how can Faneca be described as "a professional" in light of his Friday rant? Panthers receiver Steve Smith wanted a new contract for more than a year, and never said a word about it publicly. Sure, there were rumors that he was milking a hamstring injury last year in quiet protest to the lack of a new deal. But Smith never ran his mouth.

The irony here is that, in identical situations, the receiver acted like an offensive lineman usually does, and the offensive lineman is acting like a receiver usually behaves.

So, in our view, there's nothing professional about what Faneca is doing. And it could be that Faneca and Ward and anyone of their mindset will have to go before new Steelers coach Mike Tomlin can communicate his message to the guys who still get it.

POSTED 7:48 a.m. EDT, May 12, 2007

ANOTHER BOMBSHELL: BUCHANAN SAYS VICK FIGHTS DOGS

In a Friday afternoon interview with our buddy Steve Duemig of 620 WDAE in Tampa, Chris Landry of Fox Sports Radio said that former Atlanta Falcons defensive back Ray Buchanan told Landry on the weekend of the NFL draft that Vick is directly involved in dog fighting.

Said Landry of his discussion with Buchanan: "He tells me that Michael has been into this dog fighting for so long that . . . .he not only knew about, he is behind all of it, he's paying for all of it. . . . Apparently, he's into it big time."

Landry also said that Vick was actively recruiting teammates to become involved in the "sport." The audio of the Landry interview can be heard right here.

Buchanan was a member of the Falcons for the first three years of Vick's career.

It'll be interesting to see what Buchanan has to say when someone calls him up in response to this item.

POSTED 7:29 a.m. EDT, May 12, 2007

POINDEXTER PROTECTING VICK?

One of the most powerful positions in law enforcement, arguably even more powerful than judge, is that of prosecutor. It's the prosecutor who has broad discretion to decide who gets charged with crimes, and who doesn't.

And because most state-level prosecutors are elected officials, they often have their sights set on higher political offices. At a minimum, they hope to keep the office they currently hold. So their discretion is necessarily influenced (consciously or not) by whether and to what extent the exercise of said discretion will help or hurt the cause.

So one of the basic questions regarding the possibility that Falcons quarterback Michael Vick will face charges for dog fighting is whether Surry County prosecutor Gerald Poindexter believes that pursuing Vick will help Poindexter's broader political goals. Or hurt them.

And while there's a sense that public opinion is turning sharply against Vick in other parts of the country, Vick is a Virginia native. If folks in Virginia still love him, then the decision becomes more delicate for Poindexter.

The signs, for now, are that Poindexter is leaning against pursuing Vick. Speaking exclusively to WAVY-TV, Poindexter denied reports that investigators have "compiled substantial evidence" of dog fighting and have turned it over to the prosecutor's office.

Poindexter reportedly was at the property on the day that police recovered nearly 70 dogs, and WAVY-TV saw dogs with clear scarring on their faces. But Poindexter now denies seeing any scarred dogs.

"This is not a witch hunt, okay? I won't be driven by people who hate Vick or people who love dogs," Poindexter said.

That's fine, Poindexter. And it's fair. You should be driven by the facts and the law. And just as you shouldn't be driven by people who love dogs or hate Vick, you also shouldn't be driven by concerns that going after a local hero might keep you from keeping the position you currently hold, or acquiring a higher elected office.

And, frankly, after observing Poindexter's attire and demeanor during his on-camera interview with WAVY, we're convinced that he is planning to give Vick a pass.

Then again, the fact that the feds are reportedly on the case could make Poindexter's ultimate position pointless. Federal prosecutors are appointed not elected, and are far more likely to take on a high-profile target, since a conviction in such circumstances sends a valuable message to the rest of us that no one is above the law.

POSTED 4:42 p.m. EDT, May 11, 2007

FANECA WANTS OUT

Steelers guard Alan Faneca said on Friday that 2007 will be his final season in Pittsburgh. As of March 2008, Faneca will become an unrestricted free agent. And he intends to leave the team at that time.

In this regard, Faneca is overlooking the franchise tag, which would allow the team to limit his movement in free agency via the extension of an offer equivalent to either the average of the five highest-paid players at the position or to 120 percent of his 2007 cap number, whichever is greater.

It's possible that the Steelers will apply the tag to Faneca and then trade him. It's also possible that the Steelers will trade him before the 2007 trading deadline. Already, there are rumblings in league circles of a possible deal that would send Faneca to Arizona.

It's an obvious potential destination. The Cardinals need help on the offensive line. Former Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm already work there.

But whoever gets Faneca had better be ready to cough up at least a seven-year, $49 million deal, with $18 million or so of it guaranteed. That's the current high water mark, and amounts like that have been paid to lesser players.

And, clearly, Faneca's dissatisfaction is solely about the money. Or, specifically, the lack thereof that the Steelers are offering. Consider these quotes that he gave to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

"You go somewhere, you've been here for nine years; to do what I've done to help this team out. The things I've done for this team . . . and the offer I get is pretty much a non-offer. What am I to think? What are the guys in this room to think? If they can do it to me and everybody else and let Joey [Porter] go and do things like that, what does that say to the rest of the guys?

"I've been asking since February, to trade me, to let me go. I've done my piece, I've done my time, I've done everything I can for this organization.

"I lived and breathed Steelers football for nine years and gave them everything I had, helped them win a Super Bowl. In my mind, I've earned the right to be treated fairly. To make me go out there this year, play football with no security . . . for what I've done for this organization, in my mind is not right."

The bottom line, then, is that Faneca wants protection against suffering a serious injury in 2007, which would then limit his market value in 2008. So he wants his big payday now, not after his contract expires.

But it's the Steelers' prerogative, in our view, to decide to simply finish out the contract and go from there. They're not required to sign him to a new deal. They're not obligated to pay him as much money as other players are getting elsewhere.

Should he be surprised by the fact that the Steelers aren't inclined to put too much cap space into one player? They've never done it.

And if Faneca wants sympathy for the fact that he has no security beyond 2007, he'll find none here. That's the system. You finish your contract, and then you become a free agent. The team has no obligation to safeguard him or any other player against the possibility of his future value being diminished by an injury suffered in the final year of his deal. Every year, players risk getting hurt in the season before they hit the market; the fact that Faneca is a Pro Bowler and owns a Super Bowl ring does not exempt him from that. Heck, even Peyton Manning had to complete his contract with the Colts in one piece before getting a new one.

So Faneca will participate in the mandatory minicamp, leave town, and return for training camp. And he likely will pout and sulk and act like a baby. If he does, shame on him. Plenty of better players have been in the same boat, and not a peep has ever been heard from any of them.

POSTED 2:31 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 3:51 p.m. EDT, May 11, 2007

VICK'S HOUSE IS SOLD

Though it might have cost a bit more than Jo(h)n Voight's LeBaron (hat tip to MDS for whipping out that one on Thursday), Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has sold the property in Virginia at which police recently found nearly 70 malnourished and/or injured dogs.

Vick was asking only $350,000 for the house and land, less than half its appraised value of $747,000.

It was sold on Wednesday, the same day it hit the market.

We don't know whether Vick's fire sale of the property that included an apparent dog-fighting compound is relevant to what he knew and when he knew it, but the dumping of the property is hardly consistent with the conclusion that nothing illegal was happening on the property. So someone, we predict, is going to be prosecuted for dog fighting. The biggest question is whether the guy who owned the land on which the operation was housed will be among those who are charged.

And don't be surprised if Vick is among the eventual defendants. As Bob Papa of Sirius NFL Radio surmised during an interview on Friday morning with Steve Wyche of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a concession from owner Arthur Blank that the available evidence is "not a pretty picture" could be aimed at putting the Falcons fans on notice that this story is going to get worse before it gets any better.

Meanwhile, Vick faced a throng of media at the opening of a Friday minicamp and declared: "Don't plan on talking about me anymore unless it's about football."

Hey, Mike -- some folks with badges are going to be talking to you soon. Not about football.

SPRINT GETS NEW TREO

Coming later this month is the latest Treo device, available exclusively to Sprint customers.

The Palm Treo 755p will be available in mid-May. Danny Bowman, Sprint's V.P. of Customer Equipment, says that the leader in wireless service hopes that the 755p will be as popular with customers as its predecessor, the 700p.

Like the 700p, the 755p features Mobile Voice Control, which goes far beyond recognition for phone numbers. It also includes the ability to make calendar entries, to dictate e-mail messages, and to obtain information regarding subjects such as sports scores and the weather and stock quotes.

Sprint and Nextel are the official telecommunications sponsors of ProFootballTalk.com. So if you like the free content that you receive from PFT on a daily basis, show your appreciation by picking up a Treo 755p or one (or more) of the other products that can be viewed by clicking any of the Sprint ads on this page.

VICK'S TO BLAME FOR VICK'S PROBLEMS by Michael David Smith

Whenever Falcons quarterback Michael Vick gets into trouble, there seems to be a common theme to the reporting about it: We hear that Vick's biggest problem is that he surrounds himself with the wrong people.

The excellent piece Don Banks wrote for SI.com contained a telling paragraph:

Vick is not a "bad guy,'' the sources say, but he refuses to take direction from anyone, often fails to recognize good advice when it's offered, and is unwilling to separate himself from bad influences, who are largely friends and members of his ever-present "posse.''

Those bad influences, friends, and members of the "posse" may all be negatively influencing Vick, but at some point we need to stop hearing so much about the problems with the people around Vick and start asking whether Vick himself is the real problem.

Vick is a grown man. He's heading into his seventh year in the league. He's been around long enough to know how to conduct himself and who to surround himself with. If Vick is hanging around a "posse" that gets into trouble, that's Vick's fault.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Redskins coach Joe Gibbs says he's had "no contact whatsoever" with S Sean Taylor.

Lovie Smith, Rex Grossman and Jesse Jackson have all visited Bears DT Tank Johnson in jail, but his fiancee hasn't.

The Giants might still be looking to make a trade for Browns OT Kevin Shaffer.

Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated says he'll vote no when Patriots WR Randy Moss comes up on the Hall of Fame ballot.

The Falcons have cut ties with CB Jason Webster.

POSTED 2:08 p.m. EDT, May 11, 2007

FAREWELL, RICKY

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that Dolphins running back Ricky Williams failed a marijuana test in April, and as a result will not be reinstated following a one-year suspension.

So, technically, his banishment from the sport will continue, and he will be eligible to make another run at coming back to the sport in September.

As a practical matter, we think that Ricky should just give it up.

The fact that he failed the test in April tells us that one of two things is happening. Either Ricky managed to stay clean for eleven months of repeated, unannounced tests and stubbed his toe in the home stretch or Ricky had been beating the tests with the assistance of modern technology (which might or might not have involved a rubber ding-dong) and finally got caught.

Our guess is that it's the latter. We now believe that Ricky Williams likes smoking pot more than he likes playing in the NFL.

If that's the case, that's fine. But he can't have it both ways. He should go smoke all the pot he can inhale, and he should leave the NFL alone.

Besides, it's not as if he'll have a choice. In the post-Pacman NFL, where it's now clear that the Commissioner isn't going to tolerate turds or the teams that harbor them, Williams might as well be coated in plutonium. No one, we predict, will give this guy a serious look-see if/when he ever gets back in.

Except maybe the Broncos.

One last note -- we think it's a bit ironic that Mort is the conduit of this supposedly confidential information regarding the application of the league's substance abuse policies only a couple of weeks after he was crowing about how horrible it was that the admission of marijuana use by three incoming rookies was leaked to the press.

We love ya, Mort. But you can't have it both ways, either.

POSTED 6:00 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 6:35 a.m. EDT, May 11, 2007

VICK'S VIRGINIA HOUSE IS FOR SALE

Two weeks ago, authorities found nearly 70 emaciated and injured dogs at Michael Vick's property in Surry County, Virginia.

And now the house has been put up for sale by Vick.

According to WAVY-TV, those "Beware of Dog" signs have been replaced by a placard that reads "For Sale by Owner."

Sources told WAVY that the property is priced to sell quickly.

The move makes sense to us. With the dog-fighting operation shut down, there's no reason for Vick to keep the place, right?

LEN THROWS A BONE TO VICK, SEGAL

In a video from one of the umpteen ESPN networks that is currently available on ESPN.com, Len Pasquarelli throws a bone to Michael Vick by saying that Len is "not very sure at all" that Vick was aware of the dog-fighting operation discovered two weeks ago at Vick's house in Virginia.

"If I was sure of it I would have probably written the story instead of having SI.com write it," Len said. "I've lived here [in Atlanta] during Michael Vick's entire career with the Falcons. I've followed Michael Vick. I can't tell you the name of a single member of Michael Vick's so-called posse that I could call right now and get on the record or even off the record commenting on Michael Vick's alleged involvement in that dog-fighting ring."

Sure you can, Len. You know the ringleader of Vick's posse of enablers. You know him well.

His name is Joel Segal. And he's Vick's agent.

But Segal is one of the primary guys who spoon feeds information to Len, so that Len doesn't have to engage in the kind of journalism that would require him to find out the names of the people who hang around with Vick, or to then try to get them to talk.

Do we think Segal would come clean on this one to Len? No. But we think that Len's relationship with Segal is clouding Len's approach in this specific case, resulting in a subtle dissing of Don Banks of SI.com via the suggestion that, if the all-knowing Len Pasquarelli isn't aware of the names of any of Vick's friends despite living in Atlanta for all of Vick's career, Banks doesn't either, and therefore must be making up those quotes from unnamed Vick friends who are convinced that he knew about the dog-fighting operation.

Segal also represents receiver Todd Pinkston, the man whose "Stinkston" nickname was the catalyst for Len's radio "move on or move out" meltdown. In the days before the 2007 draft, Len was again pimping Pinkston, who completely fell off of the NFL's radar screen in 2006.

POSTED 11:07 p.m. EDT, May 10, 2007

STEELERS CUT ALLEGED PIMP

The Steelers on Thursday cut linebacker Richard Seigler. The move came after the team caught wind that there was a warrant out for Seigler's arrest.

On charges that he is a pimp.

Seriously.

Per CBS 8 in Las Vegas, Seigler faces three felony counts, including pandering and living off of the earnings of a prostitute.

Judging by the flood of e-mails we have received urging us to remove the Steelers' three points in Turd Watch as a result of the recent decision by authorities to drop assault charges that had been filed against cornerback Deshea Townsend, we're likely to get even more once we apply 18 more points to the franchise for Seigler's alleged transgressions.

Steelers fans will argue that, because the team cut Seigler before he was actually arrested, the points shouldn't count. But it appears that he was dropped only after the team learned that a warrant had been issued, and that it was simply a matter of timing that he was released before he was taken into custody.

So it's 18 points to the Steelers. Final decision.

And thanks to JJ Cooper of AOL's FanHouse for tipping us off to this one.

POSTED 10:55 p.m. EDT, May 10, 2007

UNION CONSENT KEY TO 17TH GAME

Lost in the discussion regarding whether the NFL will add a seventeenth regular season game is the question of whether the union that represents the league's on-field employees will agree to subject the rank-and-file to another week of practice and preparation for, and participation in, an extra regular-season game.

Folks like ESPN's John Clayton, who says that the union will want 59 percent of the revenue generated by an extra game that counts, are ignoring the fact that the players already would get 59 percent of the revenue from an extra game, because that revenue would automatically fall within the scope of the total football revenue formula in the CBA.

The better question, as we see it, is whether the union will want to bump the formula higher in exchange for expanding the regular season -- or whether the union will want some other concessions.

Collective bargaining is an active give-and-take process. If management wants something, then management needs to be prepared to give something up. If the union wants more than what the owners will give, there won't be an extra regular-season game.

If the NFL and the union can work out a deal, we think that it's a great idea. And, as we mentioned when the Commissioner first broached the possibility of adding another game in the days before the draft, we believe that the 16 extra regular-season games created by the addition of a seventeenth week should be used not only as a tool for exporting the sport to other countries but also as a way to fill the void in Los Angeles without having to move a team there. Even if as many as eight games are played on foreign soil, eight games could be played in L.A., creating the same number of dates that a "home" team would play there.

Obvious candidates for a regular trek to Los Angeles would be the Rams, Raiders, Chargers, 49ers, Cowboys, Seahawks, Cardinals, and Broncos.

But before we begin scheduling the games, the league needs to make sure that the union is on board. And the union should use the league's desire to add another game as a way to extract a few terms from the NFL.

For starters, how about that independent arbitrator to hear appeals of suspensions under the Personal Conduct Policy?

POSTED 9:37 p.m. EDT, May 10, 2007

PACMAN PLOTTING A LAWSUIT?

We previously hadn't eyeballed a copy of the letter that was sent by one of Pacman Jones' lawyers to the NFL regarding the appeal of Jones' season-long suspension because, as we've previously explained, he doesn't stand a meatball's chance in Mike Golic's mouth at prevailing.

But we took a look-see at the paperwork on Thursday, and the thing that struck our attention is the sole footnote to the letter, in which the lawyer says that Jones "does not concede that the Commissioner's resolution of the appeal will constitute full, final and complete disposition of the dispute," and that Jones expressly does not waive any and all other legal remedies which may be available to him.

It's code for "Pacman is gonna sue someone's ass."

But would he have a case? Because the discipline is imposed as part of a Collective Bargaining Agreement, Jones' remedies against the NFL are limited.

He could sue the union for breach of the duty of fair representation, but such claims are tough to prove. Jones would have to show that the union was more than negligent, and that it was also irrational in its handling of the negotiations culminating in the procedure that allows the NFL Commissioner exclusively to impose discipline for conduct detrimental to the league.

In this specific case, however, Jones might have a good argument. For reasons still unclear to us (or anyone else), the NFL Players Association agreed to allow the appeals of decisions rendered by the Commissioner under the Personal Conduct Policy to be handled by . . . the Commissioner. There's no independent review, no outside oversight. Instead, every player subject to discipline under the policy is at the mercy of the Commissioner, with no other recourse.

And the union missed a great opportunity to reel in the Commissioner's power in 2006, when a "term sheet" was presented to the owners as part of the negotiations of the CBA extension. Because the league was focused exclusively on the funding of the salary cap and the creation of a broader revenue sharing plan, the owners adopted all of the noneconomic provisions of the term sheet before realizing what they were adopting.

Even if Jones files suit and loses, the litigation would put the union in a delicate position, forcing it to explain why it has given so much power to the Commissioner on this critical point of player discipline.

Though we don't think it's enough to get the Commissioner to change his mind about the suspension that was imposed on Jones, there's a chance that NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw will give Roger Goodell a call, and ask him to do the union a big favor.

POSTED 8:54 p.m. EDT, May 10, 2007

FANECA WILL SHOW FOR MINICAMP

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Steelers Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca will be reporting for this weekend's mandatory minicamp. He previously had been mulling over whether to boycott the three-day camp.

Though Faneca wanted Russ Grimm to be the successor to former coach Bill Cowher, the focal point of his discontent is a contract that pays him well below the going rate for guards with far lesser accomplishments and abilities. He'll make a total of $4.75 million in 2007, the final year of his deal; guys like Derrick Dockery (who?) are making an average of $7 million per year.

The Steelers, per Schefter, have offered Faneca a new deal, but the terms are far below his potential market value. Before he can make it to free agency, Faneca must make it through 2007 without suffering a serious injury. If he doesn't, the possibility of bagging a deal with $20 million in guaranteed money will disappear faster than a package of hot dogs in Kris Jenkins' fridge.

POSTED 7:49 p.m. EDT, May 10, 2007

RICKY RULING COMING

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to announce within the next week whether Dolphins running back Ricky Williams will be reinstated after a one-year suspension.

If Williams is reinstated, his days with the Dolphins could still be over. As Schefter points out, the Fins have spent a third-round pick on running back Lorenzo Booker -- and have also given Williams' locker to him.

New Miami coach Cam Cameron has had little to say about Williams, who still owes the team more than $8.3 million as a result of his abrupt retirement in 2004. And Cameron has not had any communications with the player for whom the franchise gave up two first-round draft picks.

The more important figure with the Fins in this regard could be G.M. Randy Mueller, who was in the same position with the Saints in 2001 when the team selected a sliding Deuce McAllister to replace Williams, a mere two years after Mike Ditka made one of the worst trades this side of Herschel Walker in order to get Ricky in the 1999 draft. If Mueller wasn't sold on Williams six years ago, there is even less of a reason for Mueller to embrace him now.

With all that said, we wouldn't be surprised at all if the Fins trade him. Ricky's contract carries a very reasonable salary for 2007, and the Green Bay Packers have a clear need at the tailback position. Maybe in the end the Packers, Chiefs, and Fins will work out a . . . we're not sure how to pronounce it, but we think it's "menage-a-trade," in which Ricky heads to Green Bay, the Pack sends a fourth-round pick to the Chiefs, and quarterback Trent Green lands in Miami.

POSTED 6:19 p.m. EDT, May 10, 2007

TANK ROLLING TO NEW YORK

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson, who'll be released from jail this weekend after serving 60 days, will head next week to NFL headquarters in New York for a sit-down with Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The meeting will occur on Wednesday, May 16. Schefter predicts a suspension, and "possibly a lengthy one."

Johnson has had multiple scrapes with the law since entering the league, and was sentenced to 120 days for violation of a prior probation. The jail time was preceded by a period of house arrest, and Johnson had to get special permission to go to Miami for the Super Bowl. He was released after 60 days due to an Illinois law that shaved his sentence by one day for each day of good behavior.

Here's some free advice to Tank: Don't take any of your guns to New York.

POSTED 5:52 p.m. EDT, May 10, 2007

FOLEY A CANDIDATE FOR THE RAIDERS?

[Editor's note: We had a glitch earlier today when we posted stuff from our newest addition, Michael David Smith. So we had to re-type the two stories that we inadvertently covered up with the new version of the page.]

An industry source tells us that one of the candidates to replace Mike Lombardi in Oakland could be former member of the Minnesota Vikings clusterfudge of authority, Fran Foley.

Foley was the top personnel guy in Minnesota for several months in 2006. He was fired not long after the draft after inaccuracies in his biography were uncovered. He repaired some, but others remained. We openly called for his termination. Despite our position, it happened.

It was assumed by many league insiders that Foley would never get another job in the NFL. But who better to fill a job no one else wants than a guy whom no one else desires?

A league source told us that he'd be "shocked" if Foley gets the gig. But the reality is that, if the Raiders have already interviewed (as we've heard) eight candidates, most of the candidates are likely not already working for NFL teams. So it could be that a guy who has been out of the league, like Foley, gets serious consideration for the job. "No one would let anyone affiliated with a team interview before the draft," said the source.

The source also says that a name to watch is Pat Kirwan. The former Jets executive is a close friend of USC coach Pete Carroll, who has strong ties to Raiders coach Lane Kiffin and director of football operations Mark Jackson. As we see it, however, the possibility that Carroll will end up back in the NFL before too long might keep Kirwan from accepting employment with the Raiders, if it is offered. Kirwan is widely believed to be one of the first guys whom Carroll will call if he comes back to the pro game; if Kirwan is under contract with the Raiders, it's unlikely that there would be a reunion.

BARLOW TO THE 'BURGH A DONE DEAL

A league source told us on Thursday morning that veteran running back Kevan Barlow and the Steelers have agreed to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum, with a $40,000 signing bonus. The contract falls within the league rule making such one-year arrangements subject to a cap number (and actual cost) of $430,000, even though the actual pay is higher based on total years of service.

By rule, Barlow cannot extend his deal with the Steelers until the opening of 2008 free agency.

Barlow spent five years with the 49ers before being traded to the Jets in 2006. After a lackluster season in New York, there was little demand for Barlow's services.

So he'll retreat to the city where he played college football and compete with Najeh "Dookie" Davenport to serve as the backup to starter Willie Parker.

The competition begins on Friday, when the Steelers convene the first mandatory minicamp of the Mike Tomlin era.

POSTED 12:00 p.m. EDT, May 10, 2007

RAIDERS TAKING IT SLOW WITH JAMARCUS by Michael David Smith

NFL Network's Adam Schefter has reported that the Raiders have quarterback Josh McCown taking most of the snaps with the first-team offense, and that they're hoping to give first overall draft pick JaMarcus Russell a "redshirt" season to learn on the sidelines (and let McCown be the one to get pounded behind the Oakland offensive line).

"I would be surprised if it came out any other way," Schefter says.

That seems like the right approach. Some quarterbacks are ready to go as rookies, but throwing Russell to the wolves at the start of his career would probably hinder his development more than a little extra experience would help it. The Bengals made first overall pick Carson Palmer learn by watching Jon Kitna in Palmer's rookie year, then handed Palmer the starting job the following season. That worked for Palmer, and a similar approach can work for Russell.

The problem, though, will arise when the Raiders struggle offensively. Part of the reason the Bengals were able to be so patient with Palmer is that Kitna played well in Cincinnati. It's hard to imagine the Raiders having an offensive resurgence with McCown at the helm. The more the Raiders struggle, the louder will become the chorus calling for Russell to take the field.

That's why owner Al Davis needs to make it clear to coach Lane Kiffin that he has time to develop Russell as he sees fit, even if it means struggling through a long year with McCown. The Raiders might finally have the young quarterback and the young coach to get them back to respectability. They need to have patience with both of them.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

On top of everything else, Michael Vick has been accused of being a bad tipper.

TE Jeremy Shockey and WR Plaxico Burress, who usually avoid the Giants' practice facility in the spring, are both expected to be in New Jersey next week to catch balls from QB Eli Manning.

DT Manny Wright, picked up on waivers from the Dolphins, lasted six days with the Bills.

Jim Mora Jr. says he's glad to be back in the Northwest (as we all learned that he would be . . . while he was still coaching in Atlanta).

Former Notre Dame RB Darius Walker, who left school early and went undrafted, has signed with the Texans.

LB Gilbert Gardner is the latest player to leave the Colts and join the Titans.

QB Tim Rattay will hold the clipboard in Tennessee (or run the offense, if there's anything to the Madden Curse).

QB John Beck is having trouble adjusting to the climate change from Provo, Utah to Miami, Florida. (That whole Mormon thing will get tested in South Beach, too. . . . Except for the potential for polygamy.)

The Jets are eyeing G Joe Andruzzi, which could give them leverage in contract negotiations with Pete Kendall.

NFL director of football operations Gene Washington was Condoleezza Rice's guest at the state dinner for Queen Elizabeth II.

Big Ben's GMC Denali is for sale. (And probably more expensive than Jo(h)n Voight's LeBaron.)

CB Andre' Goodman says practice in Miami is "a whole lot more fun" now that the Nicktator is gone.

Doug Flutie likes both of the quarterbacks in New York.

It's beginning to look like the grievance the Lions filed against Charles Rogers is never going to be heard.

RB Edgerrin James has been excused from the first day of Cardinals minicamp to attend a funeral in Florida. (Last season, he attended the funeral for his career. On a weekly basis.)

POSTED 10:28 a.m. EDT, May 10, 2007

BANKS BLOWS UP VICK STORY

Don Banks of SI.com has put together a compelling article regarding Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, and it might just be the tipping point piece that gets the "real" media to realize the serious nature of the legal problems that Vick currently is facing in Virginia.

Why do we think this? The Banks story already is being mentioned on the front page of ESPN.com, which in the past has been sssssslow on the trigger when it comes to stories that reflect negatively on Vick.

Banks reports that sources who have "known Vick well for years" are "convinced" that the Falcons quarterback has been involved with the illegal dog-fighting operation found at Vick's property in Virginia two weeks ago.

"He knows what's going on in that house in Virginia,'' one source told Banks. "There's not a doubt in my mind he's involved with it.'' Another source said that Vick has long had an "affinity'' for the dog-fighting subculture, and is certain that Vick knew about the activities at the house he owns in his home state.

These two paragraphs from Banks' story summarize the situation perfectly, in our view:

"The portrait of Vick that sources painted was of a 'rock star' athlete who believes the rules don't apply to him and who seems to have little awareness of how his actions and lack of judgment reflect so poorly on the franchise that has made him its public face and paid him millions of dollars in the process.

"Vick is not a 'bad guy,' the sources say, but he refuses to take direction from anyone, often fails to recognize good advice when it's offered, and is unwilling to separate himself from bad influences, who are largely friends and members of his ever-present 'posse.'"

One source accused Falcons owner Arthur Blank of being part of the machine that feeds the monster. "Blank is in complete denial, in part because he spent $130 million on the guy," the source told Banks. "Vick is his investment. When Vick does something wrong, he has Blank to run to. Blank and his wife, Stephanie, really coddle the guy. They baby him. I think they've enabled the situation to the highest degree. They've not held Vick accountable for his actions.''

Reached by Banks on vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Blank responded by doing anything but babying his troubled superstar.

"There's no coddling going on here,'' Blank said. "Whatever is 180 degrees from that, that's the reality. The [financial] investment we've made in him has nothing to do with the way we treat him. When Michael has done something wrong that has been documented, we've had very direct conversations with him. We don't have all the facts of the [dog fighting] investigation, but obviously the story's not developing well. Which is one of the reasons why I asked the commissioner to speak to Michael about the situation and to be as stern as he felt he needed to be.''

Wait a minute. Rewind that one. The owner of the Atlanta Falcons concedes on the record that "the story's not developing well."

"I would say Michael understands, and I told him he is in essence on a short leash [Editor's note: Um, that's an unfortunate choice of words],'' Blank told Banks. "His behavior cannot go on this way. His actions need to be different; his decisions need to be different. He can't just talk about changing things, he has to change his life. He says he understands, and I'm hoping he's being truthful with us and wants to deal with it. I hope he has the personal strength. I think it's very appropriate to say he's at a crossroads.''

With all that said, the thinking among those who know Vick is that he will ultimately escape any legal liability for the dog-fighting operation. "Vick is the meal ticket," one of the sources told Banks. "If he takes the fall, all the money goes away. They're not going to let that happen.'' In other words, someone else will stand up and claim that Mike "didn't know nothing" about the situation, and that someone will do the time for the crime -- with a likely financial reward on the back end. (Maybe something like, say, $10,000.)

But will it be enough? Vick has already cooked his own goose, we believe, by declaring publicly that he never goes to the property. Based on reports from WAVY-TV and WVEC-TV in Virginia, investigators apparently will be able to blow that contention out of the (secret compartment in the) water (bottle).

And even if Vick avoids a conviction or jail time, we have a feeling that he won't escape the wrath of Commissioner Roger Goodell, despite Vick's superstardom. Banks writes that Goodell recently said the following to Boomer Esiason during an interview on MSG's television network: "I was very clear with Michael. In my mind, that is your responsibility. People living in your house and people on your property is your responsibility. That is not an excuse from my standpoint, and I made that clear to Michael Vick.''

So the mere fact that Vick owned the land has gotten him on the wrong side of the Commish on this one. Once the league gets a look at the evidence that Michael knew darn well what was happening there, we believe that Goodell will give Vick the Pacman treatment.

There's no other way to send a message to the entire league that no one is above the rules.

POSTED 9:32 a.m. EDT, May 10, 2007

RAIDERS ALREADY HAVE INTERVIEWED EIGHT

A league source tells us that the Oakland Raiders discreetly have interviewed eight candidates to replace former personnel executive Mike Lombardi, who left the organization on Wednesday.

Per the source, another four or five will be interviewed in the coming days.

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle identifies NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock as a potential candidate, along with newly-hired Raiders director of football operations Mark Jackson.

But it's our understanding that Mayock was considered for a job with the team a year ago, and that the interview didn't go particularly well. Though it could be that Mayock is back on the radar screen, it's also possible that the recent report of Mayock's candidacy related to last year's flirtation.

POSTED 8:32 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:17 a.m. EDT, May 10, 2007

McNAIR BUSTED IN TENNESSEE

Ravens quarterback Steve McNair has been arrested in Tennessee, according to our friends at WBAL in Baltimore. (Shameless plug alert: You can catch the Poobah every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. EDT -- or thereabouts -- with Steve Davis on WBAL radio.)

McNair is charged under Tennessee's "DUI owner" law, which makes the owner of the car responsible if someone is driving the thing drunk.

McNair's brother-in-law, Jamie Cartwright ("Cartwright!") was driving the car, and was arrested for DUI. He refused to take a breathalyzer test.

The former long-time Titans quarterback was booked and released. He did not comment to reporters.

Now, for the important business. The charge is a misdemeanor, so it gives the Ravens three points in Turd Watch. Baltimore previously was scoreless.

It is not McNair's first brush with the law. In 2003, he was arrested for DUI and possession of a handgun. More than a year later, a judge found that the arresting officer did not have "reasonable suspicion" to pull McNair over, and thus suppressed evidence of the failed breathalyzer test and the gun found in the glove compartment.

In other words, McNair was factually guilty, but not legally guilty.

The irony this time around is that McNair faces scrutiny not for something he did, but merely because another person was driving his car while allegedly drunk. However, in such a situation (see Odell Thurman), it's reasonable to infer that Cartwright ("Cartwright!") was less drunk than McNair.

TURD WATCH SCORING UPDATE

There are now only 11 teams who have not "earned" Turd Watch points since the launch of the "game" on the Monday after the Super Bowl. The NFC East is spotless, with all four teams sporting the proverbial goose egg. In the AFC East, the Dolphins have three points, but the rest of the division is spotless.

In contrast, the AFC South and NFC South are truly dirty and dirty. Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Indy have combined for 83 points. In the other conference, Atlanta, Tampa, New Orleans, and Carolina have notched 62 points.

Jacksonville currently leads with 38 points. The Titans and Bucs are knotted at 30. The Saints and Bengals are tied for fourth place with 16, and the Colts have 15.

ROOKIE POOL NUMBERS ARE OUT

We've gotten our mitts on the pool of 2007 cap dollars available for the signing of the incoming class of rookies. The entire group of entering players will be eligible to participate in a total of more than $136 million in cap money.

The rookie pool is the portion of the team's total salary cap space that may be devoted to its draft picks. The number is based on the total number of picks that each team has, and the spot in each round in which the picks were used.

In recent years, the rookie pool has presented a challenge to teams due to three key factors. First, the years over which signing bonus money can be prorated have been shrunken, forcing the first year of the deal to take up more cap space. This year, the number goes back to six years, which will make it easier for teams to use signing bonuses for first-round draft picks. (Over the past couple of years, many of the high-end picks received no signing bonus money.)

Second, the Collective Bargaining Agreement caps the growth of the rookie pool at five percent per season. But the total salary cap has been increasing at a greater rate. In 2007, the cap is up 6.86 percent over the total spending limit in 2006.

Third, the salary cannot increase annually by more than 25 percent of the salary paid in the first year of the deal. So the money that the player can receive in future years is directly tied to the amount of money he receives in the first year, and as the salary cap continues to grow at rates of more than five percent, it will be increasingly harder for the first-round deals to continue to grow.

Of course, that might be a good thing. We've long argued that a handful of players who have never taken a snap in the NFL should not receive gargantuan contracts at the expense of veteran players who necessarily will get less under a salary system based on a finite pie being divided among all of the players on a given team. If the cap continues to expand at rates in the range of seven percent, the disparity necessarily will shrink. Though the first-round rookies will still get paid well, the other players on the team will catch up with them, albeit slowly.

The full list of the 2007 rookie pool numbers can be seen right here.

POSTED 11:50 p.m. EDT, May 9, 2007

PETRINO SAYS HE NEEDS TO BELIEVE VICK

New Falcons coach Bobby Petrino has a problem. His star quarterback, Mike Vick, is facing a mountain of evidence that a major dog-fighting operation was housed on his property in Virginia and that Vick's "I don't know nothing" defense holds less water than a sponge made out of metal.

But Petrino has to show support for Vick in the event that Vick is exonerated and holds a grudge against those who didn't support him.

So Petrino's choice of words regarding the situation is dead-on accurate, on multiple levels.

"I need to believe in Michael," Petrino said. "Since I've been here, a couple of situations have come up and we've talked about them. His track record with me is that he's told me the truth. I'm going to believe what Michael tells me."

Um. Let's see. The "couple of situations" involve the currently unfolding dog-fighting drama and an unfortunate situation involving a water bottle with a secret compartment.

The available evidence regarding the dog-fighting situation suggests that Vick isn't telling the truth when he says "I never go there," which in turn suggests that he indeed knows what has been going on at the property he owns.

As to the water bottle, the objective, the reported evidence indicated that the compartment had a pungent smelled and contained a dark particle. A month after the incident, Vick said that he keeps jewelry in the secret compartment, and he essentially explained that he didn't say so any earlier because he didn't think anyone would believe him.

How right he was.

Bottom line -- Petrino is saying what he has to say. Whether he truly doesn't believe Vick is irrelevant, and no purpose would be served if Petrino said so.

Curiously, two of Vick's teammates did not express blind loyalty to Vick. "It's still up to the individual to make their choices," safety Lawyer Milloy said. "They reap the benefits when they make good choices. They suffer the consequences when they make bad choices. That's all I'm going to say about that."

Said running back Warrick Dunn: "Right now, everybody is just concentrating on football and not really talking about anything that's been dealt to our quarterback. Obviously, those are his issues. He has to deal with them."

Oh, and the team has a minicamp this weekend. There might be a few media types there. They might ask a few more questions about the situation. And we might write something about the answers.

POSTED 9:42 p.m. EDT, May 9, 2007

NFL CHANGES INJURY REPORTING

The revised NFL media policy, mentioned below, also contains significant changes to the procedure for reporting injuries.

The league will now require teams to include in their Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday disclosures identification of whether the player did not participate in practice, had limited participation in practice, or fully participated in practice.

This disclosure will be in addition to the categories of "out," "doubtful," "questionable," and "probable."

And because "probable" means that there is a virtual certainty that the player will be available for normal duty, the failure of a player who is listed as probable to play on Sunday will be regarded as a violation of the revised policy.

Though we generally agree with any effort to force the teams to be more forthcoming regarding injuries, the league still needs (we believe) to add a category that falls somewhere between 50-50 and "virtual certainty." Or they need to change the term "probable" so that the casual fan will realize that it really means "virtual certainty" or, under the new policy, "actual certainty unless the team wants to get a knee to the groin from the league office."

And that's really the message here. Any player listed as "probable" is actually "certain." So every player with any type of nick or ding or bruise or boo-boo should be listed.

POSTED 8:55 p.m. EDT, May 9, 2007

NFL FORCES ACCESS TO ASSISTANT COACHES

An industry source has forwarded to us the 2007 revisions to the NFL media policy, which contains several interesting developments.

Most significantly, head coaches who prefer the single-voice approach are going to have to learn ventriloquism, since teams now "must provide regular and reasonable access to assistant coaches for media interviews that serve the best interests of the club and league." In other words, "[c]lubs may not put assistant coaches off limits to the media and may not unreasonably withhold permission for primary position coaches or coordinators to speak to the media."

Two of the most stringent "I'm the only one who can talk" coaches, Bill Parcells and Nick Saban, left the NFL this year. But Pats coach Bill Belichick applies the same approach, and he'll now have to change his ways.

POSTED 8:40 p.m. EDT, May 9, 2007

LOMBARDI FINALLY OUT IN OAKLAND

Jerry McDonald of InsideBayArea.com reports that Raiders personnel executive Mike Lombardi is no longer with the team.

The move is hardly a surprise. There had been rampant rumors of Lombardi's looming departure. Not long before the draft, we heard that he had been frozen out. At that point, it was obvious that Lombardi was done.

McDonald explains that the point of no return was reached in early 2006, when Lombardi pushed Bobby Petrino for the head-coaching job, and Petrino turned it down. Owner Al Davis then turned to Art Shell, and Lombardi was firmly against the move.

Now, both Shell and Lombardi are gone.

It remains to be seen where Lombardi lands. He is respected by some league insiders, distrusted by others. We'd heard that he was angling for the G.M. job in Tennessee after Floyd Reese was fired, but Lombardi never emerged as a candidate.

POSTED 2:42 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 3:54 EDT, May 9, 2007

IS 2007 McNABB'S MAKE-OR-BREAK YEAR?

ESPN's Sal Paolantonio, a former Philadelphia Inquirer reporter who understands the ins and outs of the city's pro football team as well as or better than anyone, writes that 2007 is an "evaluation year" for quarterback Donovan McNabb, and that the team might very well move on (or move out) at the position if McNabb doesn't stay healthy and perform effectively.

Paolantonio reports that many players are wondering whether McNabb is embarking on his lame-duck season. "It's Super Bowl or bust for Donovan this year," a veteran defensive player told Paolantonio. "And everybody knows it."

And that's why, as Paolantonio reasons, McNabb has vowed to be back on the field by the middle of August, despite the fact that he is still rehabbing a torn ACL. McNabb knows that he can't dilly-dally. The team functioned well in 2006 with Jeff Garcia, who had failed miserably in stints with the Lions and the Browns; Garcia might not even be the starter in Tampa Bay this year. Who's to say that the Eagles wouldn't operate just as smoothly with A.J. Feeley or Kelly Holcomb for now, and then rookie Kevin Kolb later?

Four years ago, as the Eagles were going younger, McNabb had this to say: "You try to sit back and learn from it, because you never know. In a couple of years, it could be you."

Paolantonio, and many others, think that it is indeed McNabb's turn to get caught up in a youth movement. It's been the team's standard operating procedure under coach Andy Reid. When a guy gets on the wrong side of 30, it's time to start thinking about replacing him.

The article also points out several of the dynamics that we mentioned earlier on Wednesday regarding McNabb's unexpected media blitz, orchestrated by a guy whom the Eagles recently fired. There's a hidden battle going on between McNabb and the team, and the skirmishes for now are confined to where and when McNabb will do his talking. If Paolantonio is on the mark (and we think he is), the squabbles will become more frequent -- and the outcome will become more clear.

Some day, Donovan McNabb will not be a member of the Eagles. That day could come sooner than anyone outside the organization realizes.

JAGS TAKE TURD WATCH LEAD

Well, we've finally tracked down the information as to whether the charges recently filed against former Jaguars cornerback Ahmad Carroll are felonies or misdemeanors.

The charge of carrying a concealed weapon is a misdemeanor. The charge of carrying a firearm without a license is a misdemeanor. The charge of possession of ecstasy is a felony. And the charge of carrying a firearm in the commission of a felony is a (duh) felony.

That's 18 points for the Jaguars. And it pushes their total to 38, which puts them in first place ahead of the Titans (30) and the Buccaneers (30).

POSTED 1:22 p.m. EDT, May 9, 2007

TAYLOR DOESN'T SHOW FOR WORKOUTS

The Redskins thought that safety Sean Taylor would attend the team's voluntary offseason workouts, which started this week. But the so-called OTAs have commenced, and there is no sign of Taylor.

Howard Bryant of the Washington Post reports that "numerous players" expected Taylor not to show up, apparently due to lingering displeasure with his contract. Team officials, per Bryant, hope that Taylor is merely taking some additional personal time before coming to town.

The coaching staff has encouraged players to attend the voluntary workouts, especially since coach Joe Gibbs permitted the players to do offseason conditioning on their own.

Taylor, the fifth overall pick in the 2004 draft, has been unhappy with his contract since not long after he signed it. He abruptly fired the agents who negotiated the deal and re-hired Drew Rosenhaus, apparently because Taylor's contract didn't compare favorably to the package received by Taylor's former Miami teammate, Browns tight end Kellen Winslow.

In hindsight, though, Taylor has done much better financially than Winslow, because his on-field and off-field injuries have prevented him from unlocking a lot of the big money in the deal -- and because his misadventures with a motorcycle ultimately prompted him to give up some bonus money.

Taylor is signed through 2008. He is scheduled to earn $1.125 million in base salary this year, and $865,000 in base salary next season.

Given the recent increases in the salary cap and ongoing rise in salaries for players taken at the top of the draft, Taylor's rookie deal will likely be trumped significantly by the contract eventually signed by safety LaRon Landry, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2007 draft.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS

The autopsy on former Broncos RB Damien Nash could not determine a cause of death.

Recently retired LB Don Davis has joined the Pats as an assistant strength and conditioning coach.

The Pats have signed several undrafted free agents.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo needs to spend less time golfing and more time catching snaps for placekicks.

New England CB Ellis Hobbs could be the guy to replace Asante Samuel -- if Hobbs can stay healthy.

Giants LB Mathias Kiwanuka went to Uganda for nearly a month.

The Giants are 1-for-2 in persuading high profile pass-catchers to work out with the team and not in Miami.

CB Shawn Springs didn't show for D.C. OTAs.

Redskins WR Steven Harris tore an ACL on Friday, and was placed on injured reserve.

The Colts have signed TE Mike Seidman.

To get Mossed means to be burned deep (or to be squirted with a water bottle, berated on a bus, kicked repeatedly in the hallway of a school, and/or knocked over by a car containing a marijuana cigarette belonging to someone other than the driver).

In declaring himself to be the best defensive end in the NFL, Osi Umenyiora of the Giants said (from a prepared statement): "To prove this fact, I will have one of the best seasons ever for a defensive end. If not, I will jump off the George Washington Bridge. I do not want to jump off the George Washington Bridge because it will be detrimental to my health."

The Packers have passed on former Wisconsin QB John Stocco.

Falcons DT Grady Jackson, who recently has sued the team, plans to attend a mandatory minicamp.

In a notice of removal shifting the Jackson suit from state court to federal court, lawyers for the Falcons call DT Grady Jackson's lawsuit "frivolous." (It's a term used by pretty much anyone who is ever sued.)

The Falcons have signed OT Leander Jordan.

Woody Paige thinks that the Broncos should sign WR Keyshawn Johnson. (Paige's apparent goal is to drop down to the position of second biggest asshole in Denver.)

Fat Albert hopes to be the Jags quarterback beyond 2007, but he won't ask for a contract extension and doesn't expect the team to offer one.

G Chris Naole, DE Bobby McCray, RB Fred Taylor, and S Donovin Darius didn't show for the Jaguars' first voluntary practices. (McCray is not under contract.)

The Seahawks might pursue WR Keyshawn Johnson.

Seattle C Chris Spencer does not need another shoulder surgery.

Said Panthers WR Steve Smith after inking his new deal: "It's been a wild roller coaster, but God’s blessed me to do things. I'm living out my dream. You know, a knucklehead from L.A."

The Vikings now employ 23 assistant coaches. (Former head coach Mike Tice wishes he'd had that many. Not to make the team better, but because each guy can buy two Super Bowl tickets.)

The Vikings have signed DT Howard Green to a two-year deal; he last played in the NFL in 2004.

Minnesota RB Adrian Peterson's brother apparently has been jailed on two felony charges.

POSTED 9:58 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 11:34 a.m. EDT, May 9, 2007

JENKINS TIPS THE SCALES AT 384

Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp has lost 49 pounds in the 2007 offseason.

We now know who found it.

A league source tells us that Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins weighed in at last weekend's minicamp at a jaw-dropping (and raising . . . and dropping . . . and raising) 384 pounds.

Jenkins is listed at 335 pounds. So that would put him at 49 pounds over his playing weight.

Before the draft, the veteran run stuffer (and toilet clogger) was on the trading block. And it apparently broke.

The irony here is that Jenkins hates Sapp. As Jenkins once said of Sapp, "He talks too much, he doesn't make sense, he's fat, he's sloppy, he acts like he's the best thing since sliced bread. He's ugly, he stinks, his mouth stinks, his breath stinks, and basically his soul stinks, too."

Who's fat and sloppy now, Kris? Sapp at 285? Or Jenkins at 384 -- a full 99 pounds heavier than No. 99?

BROWNS MINICAMP REPORT

We posted reports from each of the teams that had minicamps over the weekend, and it was pointed out to us that we overlooked a certain team from a certain city that has drafted a certain quarterback who is certain to get a certain amount of attention this year.

Here we go.

Cleveland: LT Joe Thomas apologized to former Browns OT Doug Dieken for taking his No. 73. Said Dieken, "There's still a lot of good hits in it. But I used up all the holding penalties." . . . No Browns left tackle since 1999 has held the job for two straight seasons . . . Coach Romeo Crennel told LT Kevin Shaffer that his job hasn't been given away (to the guy whom they drafted to take it from him) . . . Shaffer could be moved to right tackle or right guard . . . Crennel's "we don't give jobs away" creedo apparently doesn't apply to Joe Andruzzi . . . Nine undrafted free agents and 34 guys on tryouts attended the weekend camp . . . Former "U" RB Tyrone Moss -- No. 9 on the school's all-time rushing list but went undrafted -- will compete for a roster spot behind Jamal Lewis. (UPDATE: Moss has already been cut. Doh.)

POSTED 9:28 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 9:47 a.m. EDT, May 9, 2007

SMITH'S DEAL: SIX YEARS, $43.85 MILLION

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the contract signed by receiver Steve Smith with the Carolina Panthers includes $32.3 million in new money, pushing the total value of his six-year contract to $43.85 million.

It works out to an average of $7.3 million per year, and it puts him behind only Colts receiver Marvin Harrison on the list of wideout wages.

Per Schefter, $11.8 million of the new money will be paid over the next three seasons, which translates to a haul of $23.45 million. Many league insiders look to the value of the first three years of a contract because, in most situations, the cap hit resulting from cutting a player less than three seasons into the deal is too high. (The primary exception arises where the deal has a large option bonus in year two, which means that the team must choose to continue the relationship after the first year before the money in years two and three become relevant.)

The final three years of the contract will pay $20.5 million to Smith.

In 2007, Smith will receive a signing bonus of $9.3 million and a salary of $1 million. He previously was scheduled to earn $3.15 million in base salary.

In 2008, he is due to receive a $6 million roster bonus and $1.75 million in base salary. The roster bonus is fully guaranteed against injury, but not for skill. He previously was scheduled to earn $4.1 million in base salary.

In 2009, Smith is due to earn a $2.0 million roster bonus and a base salary of $3.4 million. He previously was scheduled to receive a base salary of $4.3 million.

PANTHERS ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK, BUT . . . .

A league source tells us that, in his view, the Panthers are doing the right thing by trying to lock up an elite receiver, a solid tackle, and a premier pass rusher to long-term deals. Those positions are regarded as very important to the long-term success and competitiveness of a franchise.

But they still have a gaping hole on the roster.

"The only other major position is quarterback, which they do not have," said the source. "If the Panthers had a quarterback, they would be as good as an AFC team and more than likely would have won at least one Super Bowl by now."

The current starter in Carolina is Jake Delhomme. His backup is David Carr, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft. There is a belief in league circles that Delhomme will be on a short leash in 2007, since coach John Fox is feeling the heat to deliver a significant outcome in 2007.

POSTED 9:05 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:19 a.m. EDT, May 9, 2007

STORM BREWING BETWEEN McNABB, EAGLES

Though all concerned parties will say all the right things when the microphones are on, it's becoming increasingly clear to the trained ear that the Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Donovan McNabb are on a path that could result in a parting of the ways.

There are multiple reports in the Philly papers that McNabb's unexpected media tour was arranged by Rich Burg, a former member of the Eagles' P.R. staff who was fired by the team earlier this year, to the chagrin of McNabb.

An industry source tells us that the Burg termination is even more of a sore point between the team and McNabb than advertised, because the catalyst for the firing was Burg's effort to schedule an end-of-season press conference for McNabb, at which time McNabb was expected to air one or more express or implied grievances against the organization.

As part of Tuesday's media sessions with McNabb, we're told that Burg specifically refused an interview request from Philly ABC affiliate WPVI because it has a contractual relationship with the Eagles, and operates as the team's official television station.

And McNabb's series of interviews were not expected or approved by the team. Per the source, the Eagles wanted McNabb to issue a statement after the draft to calm the storm over the selection of quarterback Kevin Kolb. McNabb wanted to do a press conference. The team declined.

As a result, McNabb -- with the help of a disgruntled former Eagles employee -- took matters into his own hands.

Looking at this more broadly, a guy whom the Eagles fired from its P.R. staff is now doing personal P.R. for the team's star quarterback.

Per Ashley Fox of the Philadelphia Inquirer, McNabb described the situation as follows: "You hate to see somebody you've trusted and has worked wonders for you go. That's why I'm working with him now, and we're hoping to change some of the things around that have happened. I trust Rich, and he has done wonderful things for me, and we will continue to work well together."

But the guy was fired by the Eagles. How in the hell can that be a good thing for anyone? It isn't, and it won't be. We think that both sides are now in the initial phases of a dance to win the hearts and minds of the Philly faithful.

And at any moment the whole thing could explode.

POSTED 10:19 p.m. EDT, May 8, 2007

McNABB "SHOCKED" BY SELECTION OF KOLB

On Tuesday afternoon, Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb told Howard Eskin of WIP radio in Philly that McNabb was "shocked" by the decision of the team to select quarterback Kevin Kolb with the team's first pick in the 2007 draft.

McNabb also explained that coach Andy Reid left him a voice message after the selection was made, and that McNabb didn't return the call because Reid's message didn't ask that he do so.

The veteran quarterback has not met the rookie, and McNabb plans to get acquainted with him this weekend.

McNabb also denied thinking that he's closer to the end of his career than he is to the beginning of it, which would mean that the 30-year-old, eight-year veteran plans to play at least until he is pushing 40. But McNabb seemed to acknowledge that the drafting of young players is part of the process.

The closest thing to discontent that McNabb displayed were his comments about the fact that his meeting with Reid was leaked to the media within a half hour or so after the discussion occurred, and McNabb declined to comment on the substance of the discussions. He flashed for a moment or so similar consternation regarding the fact that failed efforts to get McNabb a new deal were disclosed.

"Whatever happens happens," McNabb said as to the question of whether he gets a new deal.

The full interview can be heard right here.

POSTED 9:33 p.m. EDT, May 8, 2007

PACMAN STILL DOESN'T GET IT

We haven't previously said anything about the appeal documents filed on behalf of Titans cornerback Pacman Jones in advance of his May 11 hearing because we think the chances of Jones' effort to get NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to soften his earlier decision are roughly equivalent to the chances of the Titans signing us to replace Pacman in 2007.

But to the extent that the lawyers are claiming that Pacman's punishment is unprecedented in light of the consequences faced by a string of players who have been arrested over the years, we've got two points to make.

First, Pacman's most egregious violation -- the failure to report two separate arrests to his team in February and March 2006 -- is unprecedented. As we've previously explained, the entire integrity of the Personal Conduct Policy is undermined if players don't come clean immediately after getting busted. Indeed, not long after it became obvious that Jones had not told the Titans about the arrests, we suggested that this breach of the policy would justify throwing the book at him.

Second, it's a new era in off-field punishment. Though the revised Personal Conduct Policy didn't apply to the sanctions levied against Jones and former WVU teammate Chris Henry, the Commish's new approach to the problem did. So while no one got hammered in the past by Paul Tagliabue, Goodell has made it clear that he is going to wield his wide swath of discretion differently.

It's no surprise to us. We've been hearing for months that the deals player agents used to be able to negotiate under the substance abuse policy are no longer available, due to Goodell's desire to hold players to a higher standard. The same approach apparently will apply under the Personal Conduct Policy.

So, for those two reasons, Jones got a one-year suspension. And the Commissioner isn't about to change his mind.

And Jones would have been wise to take his medicine and change his life.

POSTED 8:14 p.m. EDT, May 8, 2007

SMITH GETS $27 MILLION IN NEW MONEY

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the new contract signed by Panthers receiver Steve Smith carries roughly $27 million in new money.

In addition to the $10.95 million that Smith was scheduled to make over the next three years, his total deal is worth $37.95 million over six seasons.

It's still unknown how much of the money is guaranteed, and how much of it he'll get over the first three years.

POSTED 8:09 p.m. EDT, May 8, 2007

PANTHERS TO PURSUE GROSS, PEPPERS

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Carolina Panthers plan to attempt to sign tackle Jordan Gross and defensive end Julius Peppers to long-term deals, now that receiver Steve Smith is locked up through 2012.

Gross has one year remaining on his rookie contract. Peppers, despite being drafted a year before Gross, has two.

Schefter says that most expect Gross to be signed before Peppers, who if he hits the open market in 2009 could reel in the biggest contract in league history. As a result, we've still got a feeling that the team won't be able to keep all three.

POSTED 7:56 p.m. EDT, May 8, 2007

STEELERS NABBING BARLOW

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers will soon be signing running back Kevan Barlow to a one-year deal.

He will arrive in Pittsburgh on Thursday and participate in this weekend's mandatory minicamp.

Barlow played college football at Pitt, which shares a stadium and a practice facility with the Steelers. He'll join a backfield that includes starter Willie Parker and Najeh "Dookie" Davenport.

POSTED 3:12 p.m. EDT, May 8, 2007

SMITH SIGNS FRANCHISE TENDER

Bengals defensive end Justin Smith has signed his one-year franchise tender, the team announced on Tuesday. As a result, Smith will earn a guaranteed salary of $8.6 million for the 2007 season.

"I'm fired up and ready," Smith said, in a press release. "I'm glad we got this done. It's time to get back with my teammates, get in some good offseason work, and make this a great season for the Bengals."

Translation: "I signed the tender because I was afraid they were going to yank it."

Here's why we believe that. The franchise tender becomes guaranteed only if the player signs the tender. The team can rescind the franchise tender before the player signs it. If the franchise tender is rescinded, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent.

So, in Smith's case, $8.6 million would have instantly evaporated if the team had rescinded the tender. He could have earned it back as part of a free-agent deal, but the big money is gone and his best bet would have been to sign a one-year deal and hit the market in 2008.

And that's what he did by signing his tender with the Bengals.

The best proof, in our view, that Smith feared that the offer would be rescinded is that he did not extract from the team a promise that the franchise tag will not be applied to him again in 2008. Two years ago, the Seahawks provided such a term to running back Shaun Alexander. Last year, cornerback Nate Clements received a similar promise.

If Smith hadn't signed the tender, he would have been able to miss offseason camps, training camp, and all of the preseason at no financial consequence. But the team could have pulled the tender at any time.

And the Bengals apparently would have.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS

It will be hard for the Jags to argue that the termination of CB Ahmad Carroll was performance-related, given that they extended a one-year, $850,000 tender offer to him earlier this year, which he signed last month.

The Bears have cut WR Airese Currie, a fifth-round pick in 2005 who dressed for one game in two seasons.

WR Drisan James, an undrafted free agent from Boise State, caught the eye of Bears coach Lovie Smith during a weekend camp.

QB J.T. O'Sullivan is playing well in NFL Europa.

Assault charges against Steelers CB Deshea Townsend have been dropped.

Browns G.M. Phil Savage says that the team has no plans to add a veteran quarterback.

Sprinters and the NFL don't usually mix.

The Jags get started with OTAs on Tuesday.

Titans DT Rien Long was at one point in danger of losing his right foot due to a staph infection.

Meet Kevin Kolb.

Meet DeShawn Wynn.

The Pats plan to convert DE Justin Rogers into an outside linebacker.

Pats LB Rosevelt Colvin has been taking care of four kids while his wife recovers from foot surgery.

Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander has lost some weight.

Seattle FB Leonard Weaver is ready to roll after missing all of the 2006 season.

A voluntary veteran camp for the Seahawks had perfect attendance on Monday.

The Seahawks signed four players who tried out over the weekend: QB Derek Devine, K Tyler Jones, RB Joe Rubin, and LB Marcus Rucker.

The Seahawks aren't letting assistant coach Jim Mora talk.

Seattle DE Pat Kerney would be a great (eye roll) role model for young fans: "I don't want to sound like the biggest dork ever, but I like to read."

Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck (left shoulder surgery) threw in 7-on-7 drills.

The Bears signed six undrafted free agents.

The Falcons have released TE Eric Beverly.

The 49ers are feeling pretty good about their prospects.

Ryan Cook apparently will enter camp as the Vikings' starting right tackle.

Here's further proof of our belief that, if a team likes a guy as a player, character issues are overlooked; if the team doesn't like the guy as a player, character issues are a factor in not signing him.

The Bengals signed S Blue Adams.

POSTED 11:24 a.m. EDT, May 8, 2007

SMITH SOARS INTO TOP FIVE

Panthers receiver Steve Smith is one of the five best receivers in the NFL. Now, he's getting paid that way.

Agent Derrick Fox tells us that Smith's new contract will make him one of the five highest-paid wideouts in the league, based on average payout per year. The others are Colts receiver Marvin Harrison, Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens, Broncos receiver Javon Walker, and Seahawks receiver Deion Branch.

The foundation for the new deal was laid in 2005, when Smith led the NFL in receiving yardage (1,563), and tied for the league lead in receptions (103) and touchdown grabs (12). His prior contract was the result of his 2003 breakthrough season, but in 2005 he took his game to a new level. And owner Jerry Richardson and G.M. Marty Hurney recognized it.

"All the credit goes to Mr. Richardson and Marty," Fox said. "They stepped up after Steve won the Triple Crown."

Though it took more than a year to get the deal done, Smith never complained. With that said, there were whispers about that 2006 hamstring injury, and the disclosure that talks hadn't culminated in a new contract by the start of the season will make some folks even more suspicious about a possible link. But given that other receivers would have been doing shirtless sit-ups on the sidewalk in protest of their pay, Smith's discretion is surprising.

The specific numbers still aren't available, and Fox declined to share any of the financial figures for two reasons. First, the contract is still not officially signed. Second, the deal contains a confidentiality provision, which Fox says is becoming more common.

Still, someone eventually will blab. For now, though, all we could get out of Fox is that Smith will be paid like the elite receiver that he is.

POSTED 11:09 a.m. EDT, May 8, 2007

FROSTEE FACES DISCIPLINE AFTER PLEA

Bengals defensive end Frostee Rucker faces discipline under the league's Personal Conduct Policy as a result of his recent guilty pleas to misdemeanor chargers of vandalism and false imprisonment, even though the underlying conduct occurred while Rucker was still in college at USC.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello recently told us by e-mail that, because the charges were filed after Rucker entered the National Football League as a draft pick of the Bengals, Rucker's case is subject to review.

And the review will be made, Aiello said, under the new policy -- not under the prior policy that resulted in the imposition of discipline last month on Bengals receiver Chris Henry and Titans cornerback Pacman Jones.

In a court of law, such an approach would be vulnerable to a challenge, since Rucker is essentially being held to a standard of conduct that was established months after the conduct occurred. But because the NFLPA already has handed to Commissioner Roger Goodell the ultimate authority to discipline players for conduct detrimental to the league, the argument might not hold water in the NFL's legal process.

Although the league apparently has the ability to review incidents occurring when the old policy was in place under the terms of the new policy, we think the more prudent course of action would be to apply the new policy only to incidents occurring after the new policy was issued. Winning in the court of the Commish and prevailing in the court of public opinion are two different issues.

POSTED 10:13 a.m. EDT, May 8, 2007

SMITH FINALLY GETS HIS NEW DEAL

The Associated Press reports that Panthers receiver Steve Smith has signed a three-year contract extension, which puts him under contract with the team through 2012.

Smith, a third-round draft pick of the Panthers in 2001, was previously signed through 2009. He was due to earn salaries of $3.15 million, $3.6 million, and $4.2 million over the next three seasons, respectively.

There have been rumblings for nearly a year that Smith was unhappy with his deal, which was signed before he had an MVP-caliber campaign in 2005 -- and before the salary cap experienced unprecedented increases after the renegotiation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2006. Smith has never complained publicly, but some believed that his recovery from a hamstring injury last season was delayed by his dissatisfaction with his compensation.

Financial terms are not yet available, but we presume there was a huge increase. (Then again, if his agent, Derrick Fox, doesn't leak the numbers within a day or so, league insiders will presume that there was nothing much for Fox to crow about.)

Several weeks ago, we suggested that the Panthers might not be able to keep Smith and defensive end Julius Peppers and tackle Jordan Gross over the long haul, given the market for offensive linemen and defensive ends. With Smith now under contract for the next six seasons, either Gross or Peppers will likely be the odd man out.

Smith's career has been a roller-coaster ride. He scored a touchdown the first time he touched the ball in the NFL, returning the opening kickoff of the 2001 season opener for a score. The next season, he punched a teammate in the film room. In 2003, he had a breakout season as a receiver. In 2004, he broke his leg in the first game and was lost for the year.

In 2005, he became one of the best and most explosive receivers in the game, helping the team to the NFC title game. Last year, his numbers were down from 2005, but were comparable to his performance in 2003.

POSTED 8:50 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:28 a.m. EDT, May 8, 2007

ALEXANDER CRAVING ATTENTION?

More than a year removed from being named league MVP and after a string of names like Reggie Bush and LaDainian Tomlinson and Adrian Peterson have potentially eclipsed his in the NFL universe, Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander might be looking for some attention.

Per the AP, Alexander suggested on Monday that his foot might still have a broken bone in it.

"I don't even want to get another X-ray [on the foot] until after this camp," Alexander said, smiling. "If the X-ray shows it's still cracked, it's like, 'OK. What does that mean?'"

Clare Farnsworth (that guy has a great butler name) of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer writes that the report sparked a frenzy among Seahawks fans, and that the team dismissed the report and declined to comment on it -- with the exception of noting that only one reporter ran with Alexander's "lighthearted" comments about his foot.

Unfortunately, it was the reporter from a news organization that is in a position to push the story onto computer screens and fish wrap all over the world.

But the AP report did not, in our view, attempt to sensationalize the situation. So the team's reaction to it doesn't seem to be warranted. Alexander said what he said, and the AP reporter wrote it down.

Farnsworth's rebuttal consists of pointing out the fact that Alexander participated in the team's mandatory minicamp over the weekend. But we see the question of whether there's still a break in the bone as unrelated to Alexander's ability to run around in T-shirt and shorts, especially since he rushed for 709 yards in seven games after returning from the injury in 2006.

It could be that the crack is still there, and that it hasn't gotten any better or any worse.

So while our reaction to the news initially was to shrug our shoulders and conclude that Shaun was just being Shaun, Farnsworth's item makes us wonder whether the team is secretly concerned about the situation.

SHAUN GETS SOME UNWANTED ATTENTION

When the aforementioned Mr. Alexander purchased the former YMCA building in his hometown of Florence, Kentucky, he vowed to make it into a community center for local children.

It has since become an eyesore. NKY.com reports that, eight months after Alexander said that he plans to sell the property, the grass is uncut, graffiti is on the walls, a homeless man appears to be residing on the property, and windows are broken. Local officials cited the property on Monday for the high grass. Other citations were issued last year.

There is also a bunch of crap in the swimming pool.

And it can all be yours for the low, low price of $2.5 million. For Alexander, that amount would represent a $700,000 increase over what he paid for it in 2005. Alexander advised the mayor in October that Alexander will use any profits "as a first step to what I see as a long-term financial covenant to support worthwhile projects in my hometown."

Um. Wasn't the first step supposed to be the community center? Wasn't that the covenant with your hometown?

If we were residents of Florence (and everyone who is should be glad we aren't), we'd tell Shaun that we're not interested in any more of his brand of support.

Quick Team Pages