RUMOR MILL ARCHIVES

By Profootballtalk Editor Mike Florio

POSTED 9:00 a.m. EDT, UPDATED 9:40 a.m. EDT, June 30, 2003

FAVRE WAS "DEAD SET" ON '02 RETIREMENT

Packers quarterback Brett Favre recently said that, at this time last year, he was "dead set" on retiring after the 2002 season.

According to the Biloxi (Miss.) Sun-Herald, Favre says that he changed his mind at the conclusion of the season, which ended with a stunning home playoff loss to the Falcons.

"In some ways, I have thought about retirement," he said. "I know I can play three more years, but I don't now if that's what I want.

"My wife, Deanna, and I talk about retirement and she tells me to walk away when I am ready.  I think retirement will be a lot like the off-season for me.  In the off-season, I don't like to travel:  I would rather stay home in Hattiesburg and cut my grass."

Favre says that he wouldn't mind getting into coaching after his playing days end.  "After so long, we are all has-beens.  Coaching and helping kids would be nice when I've become a has-been."

COWBOYS SAFETY INJURED IN SHOOTOUT

Dallas Cowboys safety Keith Davis, 24, was injured in a shootout outside a Dallas-area topless bar.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Davis was struck in the right hip and left hand.  The injuries, however, weren't serious, and Davis was treated and released.

A worker at the club also was shot twice in the incident.

Davis's availability for training camp is unclear, as is the penalty that will be visited upon him by coach Bill Parcells, who has told players to stay out of trouble -- and away from strip clubs.

Davis bounced back and forth between the practice squad and the active roster in 2002.  Our guess is that the Tuna will bounce his ass right out of Texas within the next month.

MONDAY ONE-LINERS

Jags QB Byron Leftwich sounds like a guy who plans to get on the field sooner rather than later.

Rams QB Kurt Warner blames the team's 0-5 start in 2002 on high expectations resulting from the team's loss to the Pats in Super Bowl XXXVI.

From the ever-popular "no sh-t, Sherlock" file, Bucs DT Anthony Booger McFarland admits that the dueling efforts of himself and Warren Sapp to land long-term contract extensions "could be awkward."

Giants TE Jeremy Shockey says he was motivated in 2002 by fear of failure (and we thought he was only afraid of soap-dropping shower partners).

POSTED 9:35 a.m. EDT, June 28, 2003

INTEREST IN HOLLINGS UNCERTAIN

A league source tells us that it's presently unclear as to whether any NFL team will be burning a 2004 draft pick early, by selecting Georgia Tech running back Tony Hollings in the July 10 supplemental draft.

Per the source, Hollings generally is regarded as a very good athlete who may or may not have the instincts to play running back in the NFL.  He played the position at Tech for only four games before tearing up his knee. 

Sure, he was leading the nation in rushing average at the time, but two of those games came against early-season cannon fodder like UConn and Vanderbilt.

There are other potential problems.  Because Hollings declared himself eligible for the supplemental draft only recently, teams won't have the same kind of opportunity to poke and prod his knee as they would've had if Hollings were part of the "normal" draft pool.  As it stands, any team who wants to take a look at Hollings must send a delegation to Atlanta.

Also, word is that Hollings isn't ready to run the 40, which has prompted some folks within league circles to question whether Hollings has been sufficiently diligent in his rehab efforts and/or in his workout habits.

Finally, the fact that Hollings managed to flunk out of a cash-driven collegiate educational system that found a way to churn out the likes of Dexter Manley suggests that, when it comes to the books, Hollings is even more worthless than the typical athlete-student.

These facts likely indicate that teams won't be inclined to take a flyer on Hollings.  Every April a fresh crop of running back prospects hits the market, and NFL teams always have a full and fair chance to investigate the potential draft picks before pulling the trigger.

Still, we wonder whether a team with a clear need in 2003 for an extra tailback might throw a seventh-rounder at Hollings.  The Bucs, for example, are facing the loss of Michael Pittman to the Mean Machine -- and they're likely to get a supplemental pick or two in 2004 based on the departure of Dexter Jackson and Al Singleton.

So why not use the current seventh rounder on Hollings?

The problem, of course, is that if the Bucs send a couple of guys to Atlanta to check out Hollings, someone else might become interested in drafting him.  And as the buzz grows, more and more teams might think about burning a low-round pick on Hollings.

We expect, then, to hear nothing at all about a team being specifically interested in Hollings.  And, in the end, we peg his chance at being taken after round five at 50-50, at best.

KORDELL "LOOKS LOST"

One of our Chicago moles has confirmed for us that folks high within the Bears' organization are beginning to recognize that the acquisition of quarterback Kordell Stewart was a mistake.

Very recently, a senior member of the front office was overheard conceding that Kordell "looks lost" on the practice field.

In contrast, rookie Rex Grossman quietly is impressing the coaching staff and the front office.  Word is that, next to Kordell, Rex looks like a seasoned vet.

The thinking is that Grossman could end up giving Kordell a run for the starting job in 2003.

POSTED 4:12 p.m. EDT, June 27, 2003

EVANS RESPONDS TO INDEFINITE SUSPENSION

In response to his "lifetime" ban for multiple violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy, Jets defensive tackle Josh Evans has issued the following statement, which the folks at Impact Sports have sent to us.

"I cannot believe I am in this situation again my appeal has failed even though I passed a lie detector test confirming that I never smoked or used marijuana," Evans said.  "I have embraced the NFL Program for Substances of Abuse, followed its guidelines precisely and have become a better person for it.

"I would never jeopardize my family and compromise the integrity of the Jets organization, my teammates and its fans by violating the Program.  Everybody will ultimately believe what they want, but to accept punishment for something I did not do is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to endure."

Though his agents can't comment on the specifics of the positive result, all signs point to a failure to submit to a test, not an actual positive test.  Alas, a failure to test is given the same treatment under the substance abuse policy as a positive. 

As a result, Evans has been suspended indefinitely by the league.  He already has missed a full year, while he was with the Titans.

POSTED 8:12 a.m. EDT, June 27, 2003

BULGER'S BOOTY:  $375,000

Rams quarterback Marc Bulger finally has received his financial reward for helping the Rams rebound from a pitiful 0-5 start in 2003.

And for his unexpectedly stellar efforts, Bulger will get a whopping $375,000 salary for the entire 2003 season.

Though Bulger hired agent Tom Condon several months back in anticipation of a larger payday, Marc was caught in one of the cruel realities of the collective bargaining agreement -- his options as an exclusive rights free agent were to accept $375,000, or to not play at all.

Bulger will be a restricted free agent after the 2003 season.  But unless he hits the field again this year, interest in Bulger could be faded by 2004.

Then again, it's not out of the question that Bulger will play.  Rams coach Mike Martz at one point threw the quarterback job up for grabs entering 2003, but he later backed off of that statement, handing the job back to two-time MVP Kurt Warner.  Warner looked like a shell of his former self in 2002, and unless he steps it up dramatically this season, Bulger could be the guy.

GUERRERO HIRE DRAWS CRITICISM

We've been pondering for the past couple of days the wisdom of ABC's decision to hire Lisa Guerrero as Monday Night Football's new sideline reporter. 

At first, we shrugged our shoulders at the move.  After all, it wasn't the first time that the boys at MNF have added to the sideline mix a member of the fairer sex who wasn't "KKK" (i.e., Kremer, Kolber, Kohn) ugly.  (We know it's "Cohn," but "KKC" didn't sound as good.)

But when we saw MNF producer Fred Gaudelli's explanation for the decision to hire Guerrero in Thursday's USA Today, our opinion changed.  Dramatically.

Said Gaudelli, "[S]ince 40% of our Monday Night Football audience is women, our preference was to select a woman."

Apart from the fact that Gaudelli's admission gives the man who got rejected for the gig all he would need for a viable claim of reverse gender discrimination, Gaudelli's straight-faced suggestion that the Guerrero hire wasn't for the 60 percent of the audience who'd be ogling her makes the whole thing, in our view, a joke.

Of course Guerrero was hired because Gaudelli and others believe that the men will like to look at her.  And the fact that Gaudelli feels compelled to justify the move by saying that it was for the women who watch the show suggests to us that, deep down, Gaudelli recognizes that the decision to go with Guerrero cheapens and demeans ABC's broadcasts of the greatest game in the world.

We're not alone in our views.  Per the New York Times, MSNBC's Keith Olbermann suggested that Al Michaels and John Madden "resign in protest" over the Guerrero hire.

Gaudelli's response:  "Keith Olbermann's history speaks for itself.  Any opinion rendered by him is the opinion of a troubled man."

C'mon, Fred.  Everyone knows that Keith is a childish malcontent.  But stupid and unskilled he isn't, and Olbermann is hitting the nail squarely on the head here.  The sideline reporting job should be reserved for a real journalist, not for an aspiring actress who didn't make it so she searched for any way she could to get herself on camera.

FRIDAY ONE-LINERS

Contract discussions between the Rams and WR Torry Holt have gone nowhere since May.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher has received a six-year contract extension, less than a year after being dissed by owner Bud Adams following a 1-4 start.

Raiders owner Al Davis has taken the stand in the team's trial du jour -- this time, they're suing Oakland for alleged false promises of sellouts.

The Falcons are giving Georgia Tech RB Tony Hollings a physical on Friday, and the tailback-heavy Dirty Birds have promised to share the information on Hollings surgically-repaired ACL with other teams.  (Hmmm.)

Former Steelers LB John Fiala opted for retirement over a contract with the Texans; Fiala spent only six seasons in the NFL.

Lions backup QB Mike McMahon still hopes to be a starting quarterback, win a Super Bowl, and make the Pro Bowl.

Chargers scout Mike McCarthy will run with the bulls next month in Pamplona, Spain.

POSTED 1:12 a.m. EDT, June 26, 2003

KORDELL CAPTION CONTEST WINNERS

We know, we know.  It's been nearly a week since the Kordell-Jauron caption contest ended.  But with nearly 300 entries to sift through, it's taken time to whittle the field down to a list of finalists.

The top ten are listed below.  Honorable mention goes out to the many entries suggesting that Jauron is attempting to perform the Vulcan nerve pinch on Kordell.

We likewise received many entries based on coach Jauron's first name.  Some were funny as hell, but we're trying hard to keep our PG-13 rating.

No. 10:  "If I would have seen this hand growing out of his back, I may have thought twice about signing him."

No. 10 (tie):  "Kordell, I'm just so excited about you coming to Chicago, but what is the deal with the giant neck bumps?"

No. 9:  "I dub thee the Sleestack King of Chicago."

No. 8:  "We can rebuild him. We can make him bigger, stronger, and faster.  Unfortunately, he's still dumb as a brick."

No. 7:  Kordell sprouts a third hand to battle fumblitis.

No. 6:  "I know my coach is behind me.  I'd like to get the whole team behind me too."

No. 5:  "Ever been to a Turkish prison, Kordell?"

No. 4:  "I would've sworn Brian Griese was white."

No. 3:  "I sure hope this is only dandruff."

No. 2:  "Gentlemen, please welcome Mr. Charlie Batch."

AND THE WINNER:  "Doug Flutie waves to the crowd after being named the Bears starting quarterback."

POSTED 9:30 a.m. EDT, UPDATED 9:55 a.m. EDT, June 25, 2003

STEELERS EXTEND SMITH

In yet another development that likely was met by the regular readers of this here site with a "ho" and a "hum," the Steelers officially have signed offensive tackle Marvel Smith to a five-year, $25.5 million contract extension, including a $6 million signing bonus.

The fact that the Steelers were working on an extension for Smith was first reported in this space on June 13.  At that time, the Steelers had offered Smith $22 million over five years, with $5 million up front.  Smith wanted $32 million, with $8 million to $10 million paid now.

As the final numbers indicate, both sides moved toward the middle.  Even though the final number was closer to the Steelers' initial position than to Marvel's, the fact that Smith never has played left tackle in the NFL likely helped the team squeezed Smith south of the midpoint.

The package doesn't differ significantly from the five-year, $30 million deal that former left tackle Wayne Gandy signed in New Orleans.  Sure, Smith is younger.  But he's nevertheless unproven at the position -- and he has a history of flirtations with a Mexican girl named Mary Jane.

O'DONNELL PULLED A GADSDEN

Folks around the league are questioning Neil O'Donnell's decision to wait around for the Titans to re-sign him, given that he'll now receive only $1.51 million in salary over the next two seasons in Tennessee (plus a $90,000 bonus).

O'Donnell had a lot more cash on the table shortly after the Titans dumped him in February in order to avoiding paying him a $250,000 roster bonus.  The Vikings pursued him aggressively, and the Dolphins and Saints also joined the pursuit before O'Donnell decided to wait for the Titans to create enough cap room to bring him back.

As one league insider told us, "O'Donnell has never been known to be a risk taker, and that's one of the reasons why, in reality, he always has been a backup caliber player, even when he played in Pittsburgh."

In our view, O'Donnell should've gotten the best possible deal while there was a market for his services.  In the end, he had no leverage when he negotiated his new deal with the Titans.

And the final numbers prove it.

Heck, he would've been better off waiting for the inevitable injury bug to take someone out during training camp and/or the preseason. 

And please don't give us that post hoc spin baloney about O'Donnell always wanting to stay with the Titans program.  For anyone who is still earning an NFL paycheck at age 37, the best move is to get the most money possible -- 'cause it won't be long before Neil is 9-to-5-ing like the rest of us.

McCASKEYS LOOKING TO CASH OUT?

One of our Chitown moles tells us folks within the Bears' organization believe that the 12-year, $30 million sponsorship agreement with a Financial Institution for Which We'll Do No Free Advertising is part of the McCaskey family's overall plan to reap as much money as possible from the franchise before selling the team in approximately three years.

As we reported on April 9 in the wake of the passing of Ed McCaskey, the next generation of George Halas's progeny aren't inclined to keep the team that Papa Bear founded all those years ago.

Word is that the coming sale of the team is making G.M. Jerry Angelo even more determined to get rid of coach Dick Jauron ASAFP, so that Angelo then will have at least two seasons with a coach of his choosing to show that he truly is capable of running an NFL team into something other than the cold, hard ground.  Though we're told that Angelo doesn't expect to be a part of the post-McCaskey Bears, he'll need to land somewhere, and he'll be hoping that his new job won't be a step back.

BOOGER HOPES TO PICK A NEW DEAL

While Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp has chosen to voice his displeasure with the lack of a new contract privately, linemate Anthony "Booger" McFarland is taking his own quest for the coin public.

According to the Tampa Tribune, McFarland wants to have a contract extension in place before reporting to training camp next month.

"I'd like to get this behind me before we go to Orlando,'' McFarland said Tuesday.  "I think we can work things out in the next few weeks."

The sound bite from Booger's agent, Karl Bernard, was more ominous.  "We have to determine if the contract offered by the Bucs is enough . . . for Anthony to forego potential free agency.  For Anthony, it's important to get this done before camp.  Having this uncertainty loom over your head as you begin practicing to defend a championship is something Anthony would like to avoid.''

The Bucs likely can't afford to keep both Sapp and McFarland, and speculation throughout the league is that the Bucs ultimately will not retain Sapp -- unless he drops his contract demands significantly.

POSTED 9:10 a.m. EDT, June 24, 2003

NFL EUROPE TO GO ON PERMANENT VACATION

A league source tells us that NFL owners are virtually certain to scuttle NFL Europe at their next round of meetings in September.

The European version of the game was launched in 1991 as the "World League of American Football," with teams on both sides of the Atlantic.  The initial television broadcasts included gimmicks such as the "helmet cam."

In time, the league was pared down to a handful of Europe-only teams, and it primarily became a tool for increasing interest in the game of pro football in an area where a different kind of football has been, and likely always will be, the dominant sport.

More recently, NFL owners have begun to question the wisdom of a developmental league with inherently high operating costs -- and stagnant-to-shrinking revenues.  

Several months back, we proposed a true developmental league, which would operate in a manner similar to the baseball farm system, placing franchises in cities with no NFL or major college presence and playing games during the traditional football months.

With more NFL owners picking up Arena League teams, however, we suspect that there would be some opposition to an NFL farm system, since that would render the AFL even more irrelevant.  Regardless, NFL coaches are always looking for ways to put younger players into game situations, in order to speed their adaptation to the pro game.

And the best way to do it is through a minor league system that gives players who otherwise would be parked on the practice squad live reps on a 100-yard field without badminton nets at the back of each end zone.

TEAMS STALLING NEGOTIATIONS?

There's mounting dissatisfaction among players and agents regarding the perception that teams are waiting longer and longer each year to sign their draft picks.  

As one league source told us, "Whether it's a negotiating tactic or  just plain laziness, it's getting more and more frustrating trying to get some of these deals done."

In the later rounds of the draft, players are slotted based on the prior year's position.  "Most of these deals can be done by a guy with a lobotomy," one source said.

So why the delay?  One possibility is that the rookie doesn't count against the team's roster limit until he is signed.  Thus, whenever a rookie inks a deal, the team has to cut loose someone else.  By pushing back the date on which the rookie is signed, the team gets to have more warm bodies during offseason workouts.

Still, the players want to get their signing bonuses, especially since most (if not all) of them already are essentially at work, learning the schemes and participating in practice without pads.

Though the NFLPA generally has done nothing while the word "voluntary" has evaporated from the new practice of subjecting players to 10-plus weeks of offseason drills, the union probably should take a look at the question of whether some teams are unfairly slowing down the rookie signing process in order to keep more guys around for these March-to-June practice sessions.  

WHY L.A.?

One of our readers raised an excellent question on Monday.

"Why does the NFL want to return to L.A.?"

On the surface, the answer seems easy.  The networks are taking a bath on the current TV deal (which was negotiated while companies actually had money to spend on advertising), and the NFL has declined to give the networks any relief.  Thus, in order to keep/preserve the billions that the league is receiving when the contracts expire after the 2005 season, the NFL needs to have at least one team in the nation's No. 2 market.

But here's the catch -- if there's a local team, SoCal butts have to be in all of the seats before the home games will make it to the local airwaves.

The L.A. Times recently reported that NFL games in 2002 drew a 9.5 rating in Los Angeles -- higher than the combined ratings generated by the Lakers (6.0), the Dodgers (3.3), and the Kings (1.1).  Heck, the NFL ratings in L.A. were higher even than the NFL ratings in New York (9.3).

Apparently, the NFL is banking on its ability to place in Los Angeles a team and a stadium that will draw consistent sellouts -- and on the fact that the presence of a local team to root for will make the current 9.5 ratings go even higher.

As we see it, however, it's by no means a sure thing.  The 9.5 rating likely is due to the fact that the local Fox and CBS affiliates are putting the best games on the air.  If the home team sucks, the interest likely won't be there.

POSTED 8:57 a.m. EDT, LAST UPDATED 5:20 p.m. EDT, June 23, 2003

SHANNY ON THIN ICE?

A league source tells us that a somewhat unexpected name should be added to this year's version of the NFL hot seat dance card.

Per the source, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen could part ways with coach Mike Shanahan after this season if the team doesn't advance deep into the playoffs.  Shanahan is entering the sixth season of a seven-year deal that was signed prior to the 1998 season.

The Broncos generally have underachieved since winning back-to-back Super Bowls in 1998 and 1999.  Still, Shanahan's job security never had been seriously questioned.

But now the word is that lots of pressure rests on Shanny to get the team back to a position of prominence in the AFC.

To make it there, Shanahan will need a solid performance from new quarterback Jake Plummer.  General scuttlebutt around the league, however, is that Plummer hasn't looked like the star that Shanny needs to be in the Broncos' offseason minicamps.  And as we reported not long after Plummer signed, there are real concerns regarding Plummer's ability to fit within Shanahan's highly structured scheme, since Jake has enjoyed most of his success in college and in the NFL when he freelances.

SAPP PISSED AT BRAD DEAL

A league source tells us that Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp is pissed at the team for its decision to extend the contract of quarterback Brad Johnson before addressing Sapp's deal, which expires after the coming season.

Though an argument could be made that Johnson's extension, which creates some cap room for other signings, had to happen before Sapp could get re-signed, Warren doesn't see it that way.  Instead, word is that he feels further disrespected by the team, which has ignored his contract status throughout the offseason, while at the same time dishing out big-dollar deals to Johnson and Simeon Rice.

As we see it, the Bucs need to do something about Sapp before training camp.  He still has loads of influence in the locker room, and if he's disgruntled, his attitude likely will infect other players.

So if we were the Bucs, we'd trade him -- having no Sapp on the team is much better than having an angry one.

NFL SQUEEZING INDY ABOUT IRSAY?

Word around the league is that the NFL might be using the Colts' continued presence in Indianapolis as leverage to secure favorable treatment of owner Jim Irsay, who is mired in an ongoing prescription drug controversy.

If it's occurring, it's not surprising.  The N.F.L. is known to have a touch of the O.C.D. when it comes to the league's image, and any owner would expect the league to help shield him/her from public embarrassment and/or criminal sanction, if there was a way to pull it off.

And, in the Colts, the league has the ultimate leverage.

The logic is simple.  The league needs to put a team in L.A. in order to keep its network cash cow nestled snug in the barn.  The Colts are one of the candidates to mollify the folks at Fox, CBS, and ABC.  If the locals provide sufficient funding for an appropriate new venue for the team -- and if they look the other way regarding any potential violations of the law that Irsay might have committed -- the Colts would stay put.

The problem, of course, is that the feds have been involved in the investigation, and they're probably less likely to exercise their discretion in a manner that benefits Irsay in order to likewise benefit Indianapolis.

Still, Indy might be able to keep the Colts via a lower financial investment.  If keeping Irsay out of hot water really is important to the NFL (and we're convinced that it is), then the NFL and the Colts should be willing to stick around for a lower cash investment by the locals than otherwise would have been required.  

MONDAY ONE-LINERS

The Patriots have signed RB Mike Cloud to a one-year deal.

The Steelers have signed former Cardinals/Texans DT Jabari Issa, who just finished a season in NFL Europe.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden has scored more than $1 million in business deals since the team won Super Bowl XXXVII.

Could it be irritable bowel syndrome?  Packers RB Najeh "Dookie" Davenport recently spent a week in L.A. working on his first feature film, Blood Money.

The Falcons spent Monday morning with 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 work in the red zone 

QUOTE OF THE DAY

From former Bears and new Bucs QB Jim Miller:  "I loved Chicago and [coach] Dick Jauron, but the organization didn't think I could come back from this [arm injury] in time.  Obviously, they have the right to do that, but now I have the opportunity to stick it up their [expletive]."

POSTED 7:15 p.m. EDT, June 22, 2003

WEEKEND ONE-LINERS

The sale of the Dodgers to Malcolm Glazer could be derailed as baseball owners are getting "a little leery" about the Glazer family's lack of baseball credentials (hey, Steinbrenner -- Glazer's got no football credentials either, but that didn't stop the Bucs from winning the Big Prize).

Saints G.M. Mickey Loomis says he has no regrets about his bush-league (but fun to read) response to OT Kyle Turley in a recent SI.com article; Howard Balzer made a good point in the current USA Today Sportsweekly -- if the 'Aints think Kyle is such a Tur[d]ley, why'd they at one point offer him an $8 million bonus to sign an extension?

Rams partial season-ticket packages go on sale Monday via the Internet.

Former Titans LB Randall Godfrey visits the Seahawks on Monday.

For the first time in 26 years, the Pats won't be holding training camp at Bryant College in Smithfield, Rhode Island.

From the "very troubling images" file, Bills G.M. Tom Donahoe says that the AFC East teams are so closely matched that you can "throw a blanket" over all four of them.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden sidestepped questions regarding whether the team will be released RB Michael Pittman, explaining that "[w]e are still gathering facts."  (Hey, Jon-Boy, how many "facts" are there to gather?  The guy played rock-scissors-paper with the car carrying his 2-year-old.  Dump his worthless ass.)

The Colts have released two undrafted free agents:  RB Montrell Lowe and C Rodney Michael.

Former Broncos DB Mike Harden is heading back to jail after violating the rules of a halfway house.

Falcons QB Mike Vick is poised to sign a new contract with Nike worth "tens of millions."

Former Buccaneers WR Reidel Anthony is back in Tampa (but not with the Bucs) after a stint with the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos went south.

Packers DE Joe Johnson has pleaded not guilty to marijuana possession charges; a pretrial hearing is set for July 17.

Got an extra $60,000 in disposable income?  If so, you can be the proud owner of "The Receiver," a statue marking Green Bay as the birthplace of the forward pass in the NFL.

Bucs RB Thomas Jones is sticking with his story that he broke his hand last year while answering the phone.

The Saints bogarted AFL RB Will Pettis from the Cowboys pursuant to a 10-day recallable waiver rule, which prevents NFL teams that own Arena franchises from cherry-picking the best players on the JV squad.

Georgia Tech RB Tony Hollings is trying to gain entry to the NFL supplemental draft, which by the way is now conducted by e-mail.

Only three players remain on the Falcons roster from the 1998 NFC championship team.

Jacksonville has come up with a novel approach for recruiting more than 8,000 volunteers to work at hotels, cruise ships, and other events in connection with hosting of the 2005 Super Bowl; they're charging potential volunteers $49.95 for the opportunity to be considered.

The Packers have signed NFL Europe RB Adam Tate.

POSTED 10:55 a.m. EDT, June 20, 2003

NFLPA CAUTIONS AGAINST FOUR-YEAR DEALS

A league source tells us that the NFL Players Association has issued a memo to agents regarding the potential problems that arise if players selected after the second round agree to four-year deals, instead of the standard three-year contract.

As we previously have reported, teams are hoping to use four-year contracts for mid-to-low-round picks in order to avoid what we'll call the "Laveraneus Coles Conundrum."

After the three-year deal expires, the player becomes a restricted free agent.  To retain the right to match any offers and the right to compensation if he leaves, the team must make a tender offer. 

The challenge for most teams is the level of the tender.  The "low" tender (which was $605,000 in 2003) guarantees only a pick in the round in which the player originally was selected.  The "medium" tender (approximately $1.3 million) guarantees a first-round selection as compensation.  The "high" tender (roughly $1.8 million) results in a first-rounder and a third-rounder.

Earlier this year, the Jets tendered Coles at the first-round level.  The Redskins swiped him with a $35-million contract.  Redskins owner Dan Snyderbrenner has said that, if the Jets had given Coles the highest tender, the Redskins would not have tried to sign him.

So now teams want to avoid the potential embarrassment altogether, by locking the player up through his fourth year of league service.

But the NFLPA has warned agents that a player who signs a contract with a fourth-year salary equal to the $460,000 minimum could lose more than $300,000, since the estimated 2006 low tender is $762,126.

The challenge for the agent is to obtain sufficient additional compensation for the player (via, for example, the signing bonus) in order to account for the potential difference between the tender offer and the fourth year salary.  The problem, in our view, is that most rookies could be bought off with an additional signing bonus that doesn't properly reflect the value of the opportunity that they are sacrificing.

If, for example, Laveraneus Coles had taken an extra $80,000 three years back in exchange for adding a fourth-year to his rookie deal, he wouldn't have cashed a $13 million bonus check from the Redskins in March.

With that said, most of the deals reported to date have a length of only three years.  The only exception of note is Broncos receiver Adrian Madise, a fifth-rounder who signed a five-year deal.

GADSDEN GETS ANOTHER CHANCE

The Miami Herald reports that Dolphins receiver Oronde Gadsden likely will sign a one-year contract with the team on Friday.

The Herald reports that the Fins were "about to pull" their offer.  As we reported on Thursday, the offer was in fact pulled -- and we suspect that Gadsden's agent, Michael Todd, asked the Fins to re-characterize their actions as an "almost" in order to allow Oronde to save a little face.

Gadsden rejects a long-term offer in September that would have paid him $750,000 to sign.  He likewise walked from a three-year package in Minnesota worth nearly $3 million.

Instead, he wanted a three-year, $4.5 million deal, with $1.7 million to sign.

Now, Gadsden is instead getting peanuts -- and he has only himself (and his agent) to blame.

FRIDAY ONE-LINERS

The Jags were impressed with former Titans LB Randall Godfrey, who'll visit the Packers and Seahawks next week.

The Redskins will spend more than $86 million on salaries and bonuses in 2003.

Bucs RB Michael Pittman was arraigned Thursday on two counts of aggravated assault.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden is the new pitchman for the Florida citrus industry (which makes sense, given his perpetual lemon-sucking scowl).

Wanna be the next Ben "He's Giving Him the Business" Dreith? The NFL is holding an officials clinic in Pittsburgh.

The Jaguars released S Ainsley Battles and four others on Thursday.

Pats offensive coordinator Charlie Weis is interested in the head-coaching job at the University of Washington.

The Lions expect WR Az Hakim (dislocated hip) to be ready for contact by training camp.

41-year-old K Kevin Butler, out of the NFL for six years, is trying to make a comeback.

The Bears promised LB Brian Urlacher that his brother, Casey, would get an "extended look" with the team -- and he got one; after two weeks at a level where he didn't belong, the Bears said "see ya" to C.U.

The legal mess between current Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and former Broncos owner Edgar Kaiser is heading toward a trial.

The Jags have signed veteran OL Sammy Williams to a one-year, minimum-salary deal.

The Bears signed RB Brock Forsey, a sixth-round draft choice, to a three-year deal.

The Seahawks have signed Nebraska K Josh Brown, a seventh-rounder.

The Chargers signed FB Andrew Pinnock, a seventh-rounder from South Carolina.

The Bills signed OL Ben Sobieski, a fifth-round pick.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

From Redskins coach Steve Spurrier, on the propensity of football coaches to see the the Gatorade jug as half-full:  "Every coach thinks they have a better team at this time of the year.  No one says, 'We think we're worse.'" 

POSTED 9:55 a.m. EDT, June 19, 2003

BEARS FEAR KORDELL IMPLOSION

Apparently in response to a growing torrent of reports regarding the physical and mental struggles of quarterback Kordell Stewart, coach Dick Jauron is making like a certain former President when it comes to describing Stewart's progress, in order to prevent him from lapsing into a funk from which he might never emerge.

("It depends on what the meaning of the word 'sucks' is . . . .")

Jauron, presumably with a straight face, told the team's official web site that Kordell "understands our offense.  He's got a good grasp of it.  He's really in tune with what we're trying to do."

And if the term "really in tune" means "has no freaking clue," we agree.

Jauron's comments conflict sharply with reports that we've been running for the past month or so regarding Stewart's inability to grasp the complex offense created by John Shoop -- and the Bears' failure to dumb it down to Crayola-and-Play-Doh proportions.

Even Len Pastabelli, who apparently was in a ziti-induced stupor over the past several weeks as to this specific story, recently has reported on Kordell's confusion.

So why the bearing of false witness from Jauron? 

Per a league source, the Bears don't want to look stoopid for signing Kordell (too late for that) and they're concerned that all the negative talk will prevent Stewart from playing well when the season starts.

In our view, the bigger concern should be the fans.  Because once Kordell sends a comatose duck over the head of Marty Booker, and into the hands of Darren Sharper, the Superfans will be hurling plenty of boos (and Kielbasa) in Stewart's direction.

GADSDEN OFFER PULLED

A league source tells us that the Miami Dolphins have yanked their one-year, $530,000 contract offer to receiver Oronde Gadsden

The move leaves the veteran receiver with (um, let's see) zero prospects for 2003.

Gadsden previously flirted with the Vikings and the Patriots as he waited for someone/anyone to offer him something/anything close to the multi-year package he rejected from Miami in September, which included a $750,000 signing bonus.

As we've previously reported, Gadsden was embarrassed by his failure to cash in when he had the chance, and he desperately was hoping for something more.

We wouldn't be surprised to see Gadsden's name resurface in Minnesota.  The Vikes recently were spurned by Matthew Hatchette, and they have a clear need at the receiver position.  Former Viking Cris Carter endorsed Gadsden a few months back, but talks broke down when Gadsden and his agent, Michael Todd, continued to hold out for the one that got away.

Now, with no leverage at all, Gadsden likely will take a one-year deal in a situation that gives him the best chance to get in line for a bigger contract next season.

And what better way to do it than by drawing single coverage across from Randy Moss?

POSTED 7:45 a.m. EDT, June 18, 2003

WEDNESDAY ONE-LINERS

The probation violation hearing for Bucs RB Michael Pittman has been moved from today to July 2.

Texans exec Steve Patterson, who was the Houston Rockets G.M. for five years, will become the new president of the Portland Bail Razers.

Texans CB Aaron Glenn made it back to practice Tuesday afternoon following treatment for a spider bite.

Even if WR Oronde Gadsden re-signs with the Dolphins, he might have trouble making the team.

The Falcons have been running plays with RB Warrick Dunn and RB T.J. Duckett in the backfield at the same time.

Jags DE Tony Brackens had surgery to remove his appendix.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher called out OT Brad Hopkins for his spotty attendance in the team's offseason workouts; Fisher previously has made similar remarks regarding RB Eddie George, CB Samari Rolle, and DE Jevon Kearse.

Jags QB David Garrard and CB Fernando Bryant returned to practice after missing last week's passing camp with injuries.

Former S Henry Jones is working with the Falcons as an assistant to DB coach Emmitt Thomas.

WR Matthew Hatchette will sign with the Jaguars instead of the Vikings.

Titans LB Randall Godfrey still could be released, in order to give the team some much-needed cap room.

The Eagles signed NFL Europe CB Daryon Brutley to a two-year contract.

It's looking more likely that the NFL will be back in L.A. within four years.

POSTED 9:48 p.m. EDT, June 17, 2003

DICK LIKES KORDELL (AND VICE-VERSA)

Okay, folks.  We couldn't resist this one.  We copied the AP photo of Bears quarterback Kordell Stewart and coach Dick Jauron from ESPN.com's NFL page, and we invite you to supply the caption.  The entry that we deem to be the best gets a free copy of Quarterback of the Future (and second prize is two of them).

So e-mail your ideas to us.  Contest ends Friday.

TUESDAY EVENING ONE-LINERS

Titans DE Jevon Kearse ran outside for the first time since getting a bone graft in his foot in February.

The Packers waived QB Zak Kustok, getting them down to only (only?) five signal-callers on the roster.

The 49ers signed CB Antuan Simmons and waived DE Kai Ellis and C Ty Wise.

NFL.com has the training camp schedules for every team.

The Bucs have re-signed P Tom Tupa and WR Reggie Barlow.

More than 80 Hall of Famers will be in Canton for induction festivities this year, the 40th Anniversary of the HOF.

The Jets have waived OL David Viger.

POSTED 8:56 a.m. EDT, June 17, 2003

NEUHEISEL HAS NO SHOT IN SEATTLE

We're always up for a juicy rumor involving a reduction and/or an elimination of Mike Holmgren's authority in Seattle.  However, we're informed that the latest potential Holmgren replacement rumor that's making the rounds in some NFL circles has absolutely no merit.

With University of Washington coach Rick Neuheisel soon to be out, there's scattered speculation that he could replace Holmgren as Seahawks coach, if the 'Hawks don't take it to the next level in 2003.  Our sources tell us, however, that Neuheisel never would be seriously considered for the gig, if it for some reason comes open.

Word is that Neuheisel is fishing for anything he can get at this point, but that Neuheisel has zero respect among NFL and NCAA decision-makers.

Neuheisel's only shot would be to latch on as a position coach in the NFL, and to work his way up.  As the Seattle Post-Intelligencer recently reported, however, Neuheisel presently lacks the contacts or the reputation to nail down such a position. 

Neuheisel didn't help himself with his interview-that-didn't-happen in San Fran earlier this year.  Per the P-I, the 'Niners knew after only five minutes that Neuheisel doesn't understand the NFL game.

CLARIFYING KEIM'S ROLE

The recent announcement that the Cardinals' scouting staff has been reorganized threw some water on our recent story that scout Steve Keim has been given the reins of the department.

The team announced late last week a pyramid structure, with George Boone serving as nationwide scouting supervisor.  On the next level down, Keim will be responsible for the East and Jim Carmody will oversee the West.  Keim and Carmody, in turn, will oversee five scouts who are assigned to specific regions of the country.

Word is, however, that Keim wasn't promoted all the way to the top of the department because G.M. Rod Graves felt compelled to defer to Boone, who is more senior to Keim.  Still, we're hearing that Keim is "the guy" in the Arizona scouting department, notwithstanding the Cardinals' recent announcement that he's technically one rung from the top of the ladder.

MORE ON WASHINGTON

We mentioned at the bottom of Monday's story regarding our e-mail exchange with (we think) Ted Washington's mother that we also have heard (we think) from Ted's agent, Angelo Wright.

Though we asked for (but haven't received) further information from Wright, the agent (if it's him) agrees with Ted's mom (if it's her) that Ted did not meet last week with the Bears to request his release.

"If Mr. Washington did want out," the person whom we think is Wright said, "[y]ou and everyone else would know."

The person whom we think is Wright also said that Washington would be pursued by the Falcons, Chargers, Bengals, Titans, Jets, Seahawks, Ravens, and Cowboys, if Ted eventually is dumped by the Bears.

As we reported on Saturday, the Bears are reluctant to cut Washington loose unless/until it's clear that the Vikings and/or the Packers have no spot for him.

TAYLOR SHOULD SHUT UP

Browns linebacker Ben Taylor recently said that this year's scrape-and-paste version of the team's linebacking corps actually could be better than the former group of Dwayne Rudd, Earl Holmes, and Darren Hambrick.

One NFL player suggests that Taylor "should keep his mouth shut until he gets playing time as something more than a slap d-ck mop-up guy."

TUESDAY ONE-LINERS

WR J.J. Stokes signed a one-year deal with the Jags; he'll get $150,000 to sign, $665,000 in salary, and up to $300,000 in incentives.

Before signing Stokes, the Jags canceled the planned workout of WR Oronde Gadsden, and they told Antonio Freeman they weren't interested.

K Owen Pochman is now a Pack-man; Green Bay claimed him off of waivers from the Giants, and he could serve as the team's kickoff specialist.

The only sure thing on the Texans' offensive line is proven veteran Steve McKinney at center.

The NFL reportedly knew about Colts owner Jim Irsay's issues with prescription medications as early as 1995.

The Broncos have signed WR Adrian Madise, a fifth-round pick, to a rare five-year deal, which could be worth as much as $2.655 million.

The new NFL network on DirecTV is scheduled to launch in late October or early November.

San Diego City Council will meet on Tuesday to discuss possible offers for the Chargers on a new stadium.

Texans CB Aaron Glenn was held out of minicamp practices due to swelling in his leg caused by a spider bite.

The Texans have signed free-agent LB Antonio Rodriguez, who played most recently for Barcelona of NFL Europe.

The Jags are now $3.5 million under the salary cap, but they plan to make no additional free-agent acquisitions.

Titans G.M. Floyd Reese hopes to re-sign very soon three free agents -- QB Neil O'Donnell, C Gennaro DiNapoli, and P Craig Hentrich.

Seahawks strength coach Bill Gillespie once could bench press 500 pounds -- 37 times.

The Ravens won't open contract negotiations with their draft picks until after the Fourth of July holiday.

Falcons WR LaTarence Dunbar, a sixth-round pick, signed a three-year deal worth about $950,000.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

From former Tennessee-Chattanooga football coach Donnie Kirkpatrick, who once revoked the scholarship of Chargers' second-round draft pick, CB Drayton Florence, based on charges of aggravated assault and consorting with underage girls:  "He never killed anybody or anything like that."  (Kirkpatrick should get that one trademarked -- it'd be a great line for the tombstones of many former pro athletes.)

POSTED 7:55 a.m. EDT, June 16, 2003

SAINTS WERE STUPID TO RESPOND TO TURLEY

Reaction has been pouring in from various league insiders regarding the decision of Saints G.M. Mickey Loomis and coach Jim Haslett to engage former tackle Kyle Turley in a tit-for-tat insult exchange, which resulted in a feature article on SI.com that was quoted extensively in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

One league source opined that the decision of Loomis and Haslett to respond to Turley via e-mails sent to SI.com writer Michael Silver "makes them look like a couple of amateurs."

(By the way, Mike, nice glasses.  We wouldn't recommend wearing those around Garrison Hearst or Jeremy Shockey.)

Another insider was more pointed in his criticism -- "They'd better get their quotes in now, because if the Saints choke like they did the past two years Loomis and Haslett will be out after this season."

The decision of disgruntled players to call out their former team is nothing new.  But other coaches, such as Dave Wannstedt and Bill Cowher, typically bite their tongues when faced with such attacks.  Loomis and Haslett, in our opinion, should have done the same thing.

Then again, the Turley story made for interesting reading -- maybe we like it when coaches and G.M.'s decide to rumble verbally with former players.

Here's a sample of the exchange.

Said Turley, regarding Loomis:  "Two guys, [former G.M.] Randy Mueller and [coach] Jim Haslett, were coming up on the end of their contracts, and Mr. Benson wasn't going to pay both of them, because that's not how he works.  So he fired Randy Mueller, and he had a very, very valuable in-house candidate to replace him in Charles Bailey, who knows football. With all the racial things going on right now, and the push to hire minorities, which I agree with, how could this guy get passed over in favor of a guy like [Mickey] Loomis?"

Responded Loomis:  "To be honest with you, I don't really give a damn about Kyle Turley.  He's the Rams' problem now."

Said Turley:  Loomis "knows nothing about football.  The guy spent 14 years in a back room, and now all of a sudden he's a GM?  He has no clue about a 40-yard dash, a pass set, a tackle or a throw."

Responded Loomis:  "Kyle believes he can coach and manage the team better than the head coach and GM, but in reality he has trouble managing himself," Loomis added, via electronic mail to Silver. "We determined that he was a cancer on our team and we simply got rid of him. It was a unanimous decision of our coaches, personnel department and administration."

Said Turley, regarding Haslett:  "A lot of players stood up for Jim Haslett when he was negotiating his contract.  We told management, 'We're not gonna sign here until he gets taken care of, because we want him to be the coach.'  But when it came time for him to stand up for the players who had his back, he stayed out of it.  His answer was, 'I don't get involved with contract negotiations.'  But that's weak. 

Responded Haslett:  "They tell me that 10 percent of the population is miserable and unhappy all the time and Kyle definitely falls in that 10 percent.  Following last season, and after meeting with the entire team one-on-one, the vast majority of our players wanted to see him gone."

WASHINGTON RESPONDS (WE THINK)

Speaking of e-mail exchanges, we received several messages on Sunday from a person who claims to be close to Bears defensive tackle Ted Washington.  Based on the AOL screen name of the sender of the messages, our guess is that the writer is Washington's mother.  (And if our guess on this point is wrong, we invite Ted, his agent, or his mom to set us straight.)

By way of background, we reported on Saturday that Washington requested to be released from the Bears in a meeting that occurred last Wednesday.  We also reported that the Bears are reluctant to let him go right now, because management is concerned that the Vikings or the Packers would sign him promptly.

Here's the first message we received:

the story by mike flori[o] is a complete lie about a meeting that never took place.  i hope a retraction is coming or there will be a lawsuit.  you should let the bears do there own dirty work instead of joining their smear campaign. ask the bears how they almost caused ted washington t[o] loose [sic] his foot.

In response, we asked the writer to let us know who he/she is and why he/she knows that our story is incorrect.  The reply, in part:

who i am is someone very close to ted.  i prefer to remain in the background.  i don't know that you can respect that, regardless i know the meeting never took place, i know ted never made those statements, i know i am one of the people closest to him encouraging him to request a retraction or sue.  i don't read reports on any support for him from the bears, i only see where the bears are doing everything in their power to minimize his impact.  if lies are what you choose to print i can't stop you, but this time ted's camp is going to fight back.

It's the first time we've ever been accused (and likely the last) of being shills for the Bears.  But even if the boys in Chitown had somehow planted the "Ted Wants Out" story on our site, we're having a real hard time figuring out how Washington would have any legal recourse.

If the e-mails we received threatening litigation are indeed from a source close to Washington, it's clear that the former Pro Bowler does want of Chitown.  So even if his communication of that sentiment to the Bears didn't occur in the format of a traditional sit-down, the import of the story is true -- Ted and his family are angry with the Bears, and they know (or at least sense) that he'll be released in the short term.

The story might not be over.  On Monday morning, we found in our inbox an e-mail message, which apparently is from his agent, Angelo Wright.  Stay tuned.

MONDAY ONE-LINERS

WR Oronde Gadsden is visiting the Jaguars on Monday.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Bob Smizik thinks TE Mark Bruener should take the proposed pay cut from $2,050,000 to $750,000 (and we agree).

The newly-renovated Soldier Field is drawing boos -- and, again, we agree.  (The photo below is from the New York Times.) 

WR Matthew Hatchette, who might have reignited his career with a stint in NFL Europe, says that seven teams are interested in him (and we assume that at least one of them is a member of the NFL).

QB Brian Griese will get his first taste of the Dolphins offense in a minicamp that opens on Monday.

POSTED 7:48 a.m. EDT, June 15, 2003

ANGELO TRIES TO CLEAR AIR ON GRIESE

Faced with mounting speculation that quarterback Kordell Stewart is flummoxed by offensive coordinator John Shoop's protractor-and-compass offense, Bears G.M. Jerry Angelo apparently is attempting to clarify his recent flirtation with quarterback Brian Griese.

Per Don Pierson of the Chicago Tribune, Angelo says he merely "listened" to Griese's agent, Ralph Cindrich, when Cindrich was looking for leverage in his discussions with the Dolphins. 

Pierson accepts Angelo's version without scrutiny of any kind, explaining that Griese would have provided a "younger version of Chris Chandler" as the veteran backup.

Sorry, guys, but we know better. 

The Bears actually were interested in prying Griese from the Broncos in early March, but the Broncos wouldn't take the pre-June 1 cap hit unless they could snare real value in return for their deposed starter (they wanted a second-rounder).  And when talks with Kordell stalled, the Bears considered waiting for Griese to become available after June 1.

This tells us that Angelo considers Griese and Kordell to have roughly equivalent talent, which means that Griese most likely would have been competing with Stewart, if he'd signed.

Also, we hear that Angelo did more than "listen" to Cindrich.  When Angelo learned that Griese could be had for $1 million to sign, $530,000 in year one, and a big number in year two, the Bears actually made an offer to Cindrich.

The other interesting point about Pierson's non-critical piece on the Griese affair is that the Tribune largely (if not completely) has ignored the connection between the interest in Griese and the status of Stewart.  Just about a year ago, we called out the Philadelphia Inquirer for its all-too-cozy relationship with the Eagles; we now suspect that someone at the Trib is playing pin-the-nose-on-the-butt with the Bears.

SUNDAY ONE-LINERS

The Packers' income was up last year by more than $21 million.

The Bucs got their Super Bowl rings at a black-tie event on Saturday night, which was attended even by former Bucs Dexter Jackson (Cardinals) and Al Singleton (Cowboys), and soon-to-be former Buc Michael Pittman (if he takes a ride in his Hummer -- up the river).

QB Drew Bledsoe has big expectations for the 2003 Bills:  "We’ve got the players to be a playoff team and that’s what we expect. Anything less than a good, solid playoff berth would be a great disappointment."

The Browns are trying to restructure the contract of DE Courtney Brown, who has a $7.9 million cap number for 2003.

Approximately 45,000 fans showed up for Tampa Bay's annual Fan-Fest, which included visits with players, a peek at the Lombardi, and interactive games (no word as to whether fans got to play "Bash the Bitch's Benz").

Vikings LB Chris Claiborne is happy to be in Minnesota, and he's motivated to make plays.

Pats CB Tyrone Poole sacrificed $125,000 for the ability to work out at home this offseason, and he's confident that coach Bill Belichick will be pleased with the results.

Bears LB Brian Urlacher's new contract includes the use of a luxury suite by his family for all of his nine coming years with the team (we wonder whether Urlacher's agent took into account the potential tax consequences).

Steelers backup QB Charlie Batch plans on playing at some point in 2003, and he'd prefer that it occur as the No. 1 man on the depth chart.

POSTED 9:05 a.m. EDT, UPDATED 10:20 a.m. EDT, June 14, 2003

WASHINGTON WANTS OUT

We reported not long ago that the Chicago Bears are leaning toward keeping defensive tackle Keith Traylor (for now) and releasing his partner, Ted Washington.

It appears that Ted is trying to force the issue.

Word is that Washington met with team management on Wednesday to request his release.  However, the Bears are reluctant to let him go, because the Bears believe that the Vikings and/or the Packers are waiting to scoop him up.

Washington joined the Bears prior to the 2001 season, after stints with the 49ers and Bills.  He was dominant in his first year in Chitown, but injury knocked him out of nearly all of the 2002 season. 

CANDID THOUGHTS ON AKILI

As quarterback Akili Smith heads to Green Bay (per the Great Gazoo), not everyone around the league is convinced that he was a bust based solely upon the fact that he cut his teeth in football purgatory.

In a recent piece authored by our good, close friend Len Pasquarelli (whom we discuss in more detail below), Akili is quoted as saying, "If there is one thing the [Cincinnati] experience taught me, it's that this is a process."

In direct response, one league insider said, "If there is one thing that the Cincinnati experience taught the team, it's that he sucks."

CARDS GET VALUE FOR JONES

Faced with the looming possibility of releasing running back Thomas Jones, the seventh overall pick in the 2000 draft, the Arizona Cardinals pulled off the blind-squirrel-and-acorn routine, thanks to the gross misconduct of former Cards running back Michael Pittman.

The Cardinals snared second-year receiver Marquise Walker from Tampa in exchange for Jones. 

Walker was a third-round pick from Michigan in 2002, and he didn't play at all as a rookie.

Predictably, the Bucs downplay the loss of Walker.  "Marquise was caught in a situation where playing time would have been limited," said G.M. Rich McKay.  "Therefore, this trade will give him a chance to go and compete for more playing time."

But Walker, the first draft choice of the Gruden era, represents something that the Bucs don't have at the receiver position -- youth.

Keyshawn Johnson will be 31 when the season opens.  At any given moment, Meshawn is a wild hair away from retirement, especially since he's gotten his long-coveted Ring. 

Likewise, Keenan McCardell is 33, Karl Williams is 32, and Joe Jurevicius is 28.

Maybe the Bucs saw something in Walker they didn't like.  Or maybe they assume that they'll find other young receivers on the open market.  Regardless, giving up Walker was a fairly stiff price to pay for a grossly underachieving running back (who couldn't beat out Pittman when both were in 'Zona), and it tells us that the Bucs definitely are planning for life without Pittman in 2003.

Jones will cost the Bucs $535,000 in salary, and the Cards took a $1.43 million cap charge for the final year of Jones' prorated signing bonus.  Walker, who will earn $300,000 this season in salary, will cost the Bucs roughly $150,000 this year and $150,000 against the cap, based on the signing bonus of approximately $450,000 that he received when he signed a three-year deal in 2002.

HIPAA IMPACT STILL UNCLEAR

Nearly two months after new regulations took effect under the federal law called "HIPAA," the NFL still hasn't implemented a specific plan for dealing with broad restrictions on the dissemination of information regarding the health of players.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, an Atlanta sports hernia specialist has declined comment regarding the condition of Falcons DL Travis Hall and LB Sam Rogers, citing the HIPAA law.   Falcons trainer Ron Medlin likewise refused to talk about the health of either player.

Under the law, the players can talk freely about their own health conditions.  Team officials and doctors, however, are restricted.

With that said, we haven't previously noticed any reduction in the normal flow of information regarding the injuries suffered by players during offseason workouts in May and June.

And this raises interesting issues.  How did word get out that Panthers receiver Kevin Dyson tore his Achilles' tendon?  Or what about Giants receiver Ron Dixon recently had arthroscopic surgery? 

Interesting stuff, to be sure.  But until the Falcons clammed up on Hall and Rogers, the entire news media (yours truly included) had been ignoring the manner in which the NFL has (or, as the case may be, hasn't) been respecting the new privacy requirements.

TIP SHEET DOUBLE-STANDARD

Okay, apart from the fact that P. Belly blew it with his report that Akili Smith would sign with the Saints (Len's erroneous commentary on Smith's destination conveniently has been vacuumed off of the current Tip Sheet), we've got multiple bones to pick this week with a guy who knows a thing or two about cleaning meat off of them.

First, the guy has a habit of ripping this here site in a way that only close followers would notice.  (He'd never, of course, mention us by name, since that would require acknowledging our existence.) 

In his current tip sheet, Len takes issue with our recent reports regarding possible candidates to replace Charlotte player personnel guru Jack Bushofsky, who's retiring son.

"Geez," write Pastabelli, "it's been at least two weeks since the rumor mill churned out a name -- former San Francisco and Cleveland personnel chief Dwight Clark and current Packers pro personnel director Reggie McKenzie were the two most popular ones -- alleged to be taking over as the Carolina Panthers' new personnel director.  That might be, unless several folks in the Carolina front office are fibbing to ESPN.com, because there never were any plans to replace Jack Bushofsky, the longtime personnel man who is retiring at the end of this month."

This direct shot at us is as incomplete as it is naive.  We also added Dan Rooney, Jr. to the mix for the Carolina gig in a recent follow-up to our original story (and, truth be told, Sportsline.com narrowly beat us to the punch in linking Dwight Clark to the job). 

Moreover, why in the world does Pastabelli think that the folks he's talking to in the Carolina front office actually know the intentions of owner Jerry Richardson, or that Richardson has actually made any decisions?  The story is far from over, even if the fat man has stopped singing.

Second, if Len is going to take shots at our content, can't play dumb about the rest of our stuff.  As usual, his current tip sheet contains multiple items that already have appeared in this space (e.g., World League, Brian Griese/Kordell Stewart, Mike Brown).  But if, as his attack on our Carolina story suggests, he clicks on our links, he's on notice of our original content, and he should give us attribution -- as we always do when we're discussing a story that someone else broke.

Finally, we noticed that Len's nose is right back in the rectal crevice of Redskins owner Dan Snyderbrenner after a rare diss in last week's piece regarding the departure of Joe Mendes.  Len has two separate booty-smoochers this time around, so we figure that he's working his way back onto the "preferred" list when it comes to the doling out of inside info in D.C.

SATURDAY ONE-LINERS

QB Akili Smith chose the Pack over the Saints in part because the Packers were willing to give him only a one-year deal; the Saints wanted two.

Raiders CB Charles Woodson is entering the final year of his contract, and he'd like to have a new deal in place before the season starts.

Neuheisel to the NFL?  The Seattle Post-Intelligencer says that the former Washington coach lacks the contacts or the reputation to land a gig in the premier pro version of the sport.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch picks up bits and pieces of an interesting piece on SI.com, in which OT Kyle Turley rips the Saints -- and the Saints rip back.

Raiders training camp will last only 23 days this year; in past seasons, camp stretched 28 days or more.

The 49ers signed CB Fred Weary and DE Dwight Johnson to one-year deals.

Raiders DT Dana Stubblefield was impressed by owner Al Davis's eye for detail -- during a conversation with Davis, the owner mentioned Stubblefield's habit of lining up with his left hand on the ground.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

From Steelers P Josh Miller, who addresses rumors that he had a "pretty good blow up" last season with coach Bill Cowher:  "It wasn't a pretty good blow up.  It was a really good blow up.  That rumor sold me short a little bit.  It was huge. . . .  I'm lucky to be here."

POSTED 8:12 a.m. EDT, UPDATED 10:15 a.m. EDT, June 13, 2003

BROWN TALKS BREAK DOWN

On the same day that published reports indicated a new agreement between the Bears and safety Mike Brown was close, one of our Chicago moles tells us that negotiations broke down on Thursday night.

The sticking point is the signing bonus and the length of the deal.  The Bears are offering a six-year deal with a $5 million bonus, and Brown wants a five-year deal with $7 million up front.

As a result, a contract likely won't be finalized soon.  In fact, it's possible that the Bears will open training camp without a new deal for the man who became their top contract priority after linebacker Brian Urlacher got paid.

STEELERS TRYING TO EXTEND MARVEL

A league source tells us that the Pittsburgh Steelers quietly are working on a long-term contract extension for left tackle Marvel Smith, who's taking over this year for Wayne Gandy.

Per the source, the Steelers have offered Smith a five-year package with $5 million to sign, as part of a total package worth $22 million.

Smith has rejected this figure, however, demanding instead a signing bonus in the range of $8 million to $10 million and a total deal of $32 million over five years.

Of course, for that kind of coin the Steelers could've kept Gandy.  The Saints signed Gandy in March for $30 million over six years, with a $5 million bonus.

Sure, Smith is seven years younger than Gandy.  But it's a big investment to make in a guy who was busted a year ago on marijuana charges, and who tested positive for the substance while in college.

NO TEARS SHED FOR TOMMY

There's a surprising lack of compassion among the players in Pittsburgh regarding the current contract situation of starting quarterback Tommy Maddox.

Per a league source, many of the Steelers players think that Maddox sealed his own fate when signing a long-term deal while still a backup.  "It's not the team's fault [Maddox] signed a four-year contract," said one player.  "He chose to do it.  He needs to prove himself another year."

Around the league, the reaction is similar.  Several front-office types question why Maddox's agent, Vann McElroy, didn't insist on a contract that would have been voided based on playing-time, or that included significant playing-time incentives.

McElroy said earlier this week that it was his understanding that Maddox would be paid like a starter if he became the starter.  But if that concept isn't built into the contract via voidable years or appropriate incentives, there's no way to force the team to change the deal -- unless and until the team chooses to do so.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that backup Charlie Batch is still gunning for the starting gig.  "Right now," Batch said Thursday, "[Maddox is] the guy, and I have to actually try to get him out of there.

"You can't rotate the quarterback position; you're either the guy or you're not.  I'm hungry because I want to be in there.  He's hungry because he hasn't been there for a long time over the course of his career.  We're both trying to get into that situation."

Through it all, coach Bill Cowher calls the Maddox contract a "dead issue."  Okay, Bill -- keep saying that.  Someone, somewhere eventually might believe it.

KORDELL KONFUSION KONFIRMED

One of our Chitown readers forwarded to us on Thursday a link from the Chicago Daily Herald, which confirms our recent reports that quarterback Kordell Stewart doesn't understand the Bears offense, that the Bears have yet to dumb it down for their new signal-caller, and that the recent pursuit of Brian Griese was a direct result of Kordell's struggles.

John Shoop's "Dump-and-Chase" offense is giving Kordell fits, according to Barry Rozner of the Daily Herald, and the team is looking for ways to get Kordell out of the closet.

(Did we say "closet"?  We meant to say "pocket.")

"That's why the Griese thing happened," a Bears source told Rozner.  "They're worried.  I wouldn't be surprised if Chris Chandler wins the job."

Per the Herald, former Bears quarterback Jim Miller said earlier this week that Shoop's offense is one of the most wordy and confusing schemes in the league, and that Shoop is stubborn when it comes to changing it.

We've confirmed this sentiment through our Chicago sources -- the Shoop offense is verbose, and the team has yet to adapt the system to Kordell's unique strengths and limitations.

PITTMAN FACES TWO CHANCES AT JAIL

On Thursday, Bucs running back Michael Pittman was indicted by a grand jury on two felony charges resulting from his Hummer hoe-down with his wife's Mercedes nearly three weeks ago.

For Pittman, this development means that he's facing two separate chances at prison time.

Next week, a judge in Arizona will decide whether Pittman's probation should be revoked due to his recent conduct.  This specific legal proceeding will occur without a jury -- and without the common standard of "proof beyond a reasonable doubt."  Instead, the judge merely needs to find by a "preponderance of the evidence" (i.e., 51-49) that Pittman engaged in unlawful conduct while on probation.

The next day, Pittman will be arraigned on the new charges, which would lead to a jury trial, barring a plea deal.

The indictment means that there's enough evidence to proceed with the recent assault charges, even though Pittman's wife, Melissa, recently opted to drop the matter after, in our opinion, she realized that there's a causal link between her husband's potential incarceration and her ability to continue to make the payments on her Benz.

In his defense, Pittman released a statement saying that he "looks forward to being able to tell my side of the story."

So do we, Mike.  So do we.

FRIDAY ONE-LINERS

QB Akili Smith has offers from the Jets, Packers, and Saints, and he plans to make a decision by Monday.

The Packers have signed two draft picks:  OT Brennan Curtin, a sixth-rounder from Notre Dame, and WR/KR DeAndre Rubin, a seventh-rounder from South Florida.

The Steelers have asked TE Mark Bruener to take a big pay cut in order to stay with the team.

The Steelers have made little progress in contract talks with first-round draft pick Troy Polamalu.

We don't understand why Steelers LB John Fiala was shocked when he was released by the Steelers; when your team keeps guys like Clark Haggans, signs guys like Clint Kriewaldt, and drafts guys like Alonzo Jackson, most 29-year-old reserve linebackers would see the writing on the wall.

Seahawks TE Jerramy Stevens got five days in jail for probation violation; he could get even more time later this month when he's sentenced on a reckless driving charge.

Giants WR Ron Dixon had arthroscopic surgery on his knee, due to an injury suffered during offseason workouts.

The Browns' salary-cap status could prevent them from signing WR Dennis Northcutt to a contract extension.

The Eagles got a chance on Thursday to set foot on their new field.

The Bucs are talking to the Cards about a trade for RB Thomas Jones, but no deal is imminent.

The Colts are believed to be less than $500,000 under the salary cap, which means that they need to create some space in order to sign their draft picks.

The Colts are "talking" to QB Peyton Manning's agent about an extension.

Eagles president Joe Banner says that RB Duce Staley and CB Bobby Taylor will report for training camp.

Titans S Lance Shulters has identified the guy who carjacked him on Monday.

Here's the next step in the evolution of pro football into a 52-week-per-year job -- Cards QB Jeff Blake is organizing "players only" workouts for the weeks between official offseason practice and training camp.

The Giants have signed two draft picks -- WR David Tyree and G David Diehl.

16-year veteran LB Hardy Nickerson is retiring; one of his dreams is to become an attorney (FYI to Hardy -- when you make a good point in court, it's not yet acceptable to strike the "crab" pose).

The Ravens want DE Terrell Suggs to lose at least 7 pounds before training camp opens.

Miami's NBC affiliate runs a weekly feature on the Dolphins; the only catch is that the Fins have the right to review and edit each installment (hey, NBC guys -- we never went to journalism school . . . and apparently you didn't, either).

POSTED 7:50 a.m. EDT, June 12, 2003

STEELERS WON'T GIVE MADDOX A RAISE

A day after we reported that the agent for Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox plans to press for a new contract if the team gets off to a strong start in 2003, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Steelers will not re-do his contract until after the upcoming season.

On Wednesday, a "disappointed" Maddox described his status as "unusual."  Maddox will earn $650,000 in salary in 2003, while his understudy, Charlie Batch, will make a cool million.

"I don't know if it's ever happened before in the NFL," Maddox said on Wednesday.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has a more expansive quote from Maddox on this issue:  "I guarantee you it's probably the first time in NFL history that it's happened . . . I would be lying if I said it's not disappointing.  It's a hard situation."

Maddox says that team president Dan Rooney promised a new contract in 2004, and Maddox is trying hard to view his bank account as half-full.

"I just keep saying that all that I've been through and all the things I've had to go through, I'm still -- over everything -- excited about the opportunity to be the starting quarterback of the Steelers," Maddox said, according to the Post-Gazette. "So, I try real hard not to let any of that interfere with it, and just realize that I'm in a fortunate situation and go out there and try to capitalize on it."

Still, Maddox can't ignore the offseason contract given to the guy he ran out of town, Kordell Stewart.  "Sometimes it bothers you to see guys that you've outplayed in the past year signing deals with other teams and getting rewarded for that," Maddox said.

Maddox's agent, Vann McElroy, was more blunt.  "He did this deal with an appreciation in mind, knowing that it was a backup deal," McElroy said. "It was understood it was a backup deal, and if he became the guy they would come in and take care of it.  That was reiterated at the end of the season to both Tommy and myself."

Despite the talk, Maddox won't take any action.  Per the Tribune-Review, Maddox said, "Everything under the sun has been brought up, from holding out, to not being at minicamp, from not going to camp, from walking out after camp.  But that's just not me.

"I've worked way too hard to get back to this point to walk out now.  I've been away from the game for three years and knew how much I missed it.  I'd drive myself and my family crazy if I tried to do something like that and I don't want to do that."

With the average salary for NFL starting quarterbacks in excess of $5 million, Maddox's situation suggests to us that the Steelers still aren't convinced that he's the long-term answer at the quarterback position.  Alternatively, the Steelers could still be feeling the sting of giving Stewart a huge contract before he was a proven performer.

Indeed, the Post-Gazette reports that the Steelers want to see Maddox play one more season before giving him a "big contract."

Ironically, the Steelers took the same position last year with Stewart.  At the time, Kordell was openly politicking for an extension, but the team wanted to see if he could parlay his 2001 Pro Bowl season into another strong performance in 2002.  When Kordell got benched in favor of Maddox during game three, Stewart's tenure was officially over.

Now, Maddox could be in the same position.  If he stumbles in 2003, look for Batch to get a chance to actually earn his million bucks -- and then next year Batch could be occupying the "wait-and-see" seat.

THURSDAY ONE-LINERS

Bears S Mike Brown says that a new contract with the Bears is "close."

The Miami Herald reports that WR Oronde Gadsen will re-sign soon with the Dolphins.

Though the quarterback competition in Baltimore is wide open, Chris Redman will be taking the snaps with the first unit when training camp opens on July 27.

The Packers tried out WR J.J. Stokes and WR Willie Jackson on Wednesday.

WR J.J. Stokes will visit the Jags on Thursday.

Redskins DE Bruce Smith will have a chance to compete with newcomer Regan Upshaw for a starting job.

The Jags have determined that CB Fernando Bryant does not have a hernia.

Seahawks defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes expects aging veteran John Randle to get more than 40 snaps per game.

The Eagles wrap up two straight weeks of workouts on Thursday, and there was no appearance by RB Duce Staley or CB Bobby Taylor.

The Tampa Tribune makes a good point regarding the decision of Melissa Pittman not to press charges -- the couple's babysitter also was in the car that got rammed by Michael Pittman, and her name also appears on the criminal complaint.

Rookie Derrick Dockery could start at guard for the Redskins this season.

The Bengals claimed S Rogers Beckett off of waivers from the Chargers.

Jags coach Jack Del Rio says that DE Hugh Douglas will be an every-down player, despite injury problems that plagued him late in the 2002 season.

The Packers have not yet made a contract offer to QB Akili Smith, but they still are talking with his agent.

Jonathan Ogden's brother, Marques, is trying to win a spot on the offensive line with the Jaguars as a sixth-round draft choice.

Steelers G Kendall Simmons had a "loose body" removed from his elbow on Wednesday.

The Jags were pursuing C Jerry Fontenot, who reportedly has agreed to stay with the Saints.

Falcons QB Mike Vick claims he's "relieved" to be focusing on football instead of the slew of big money TV commercials he was filming while his teammates were toiling in the weight room.

The Steelers new playing surface, which sounds a lot like Dante's hair weave, is nearing completion.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Packers coach Mike Sherman, regarding the shape of 340-pound DT Gilbert Brown:  "I don't think he's doing any Speedo commercials."  (Brown, a free agent, apparently will get another chance to make the team in Green Bay.)

POSTED 8:13 a.m. EDT, June 11, 2003

AKILI ARRIVAL BAD NEWS FOR VINNY

A league source tells us that, despite the public pronouncements by the New York Jets regarding the fact that the addition of quarterback Akili Smith will not affect the status of Vinny Testaverde, the arrival of Akili is the beginning of the end for Vinny in New York.

Ironically, Testaverde's agent suggested toward the end of the 2002 season that Vinny wanted out, given that he lost his starting job to Chad Pennington.  But the Jets made it clear that Vinny would be sticking around.

But with Smith on the roster (if he chooses the Jets over the Packers, Seahawks, and Saints), the source says that Testaverde's tenure in New York will be over, as early as the final 2003 preseason roster cuts.

Smith, who visited the Jets on Monday and Tuesday, will work out for the Packers on Wednesday.

MADDOX STILL MIFFED

Though Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox is saying nothing publicly about a contract that will pay him a paltry $650,000 this season as the team's starter, a league source tells us that Maddox privately remains disappointed in the team's decision not to upgrade his salary -- especially after backup Charlie Batch's annual salary got bumped to $1 million.

Word is that, if the Steelers start strong this year, Maddox's agent will begin to campaign for a raise via selected media leaks.

In our view, Maddox should be more concerned about his job security than his salary.  Batch already has said that he plans to challenge Tommy for the starting gig, and the disparity in their respective paychecks gives Batch extra respect in the locker room, which could go a long way toward enabling Batch to make the leap to No. 1 in his second year with the team -- just like Maddox did in 2002.

CERRATO SEIZES CONTROL

Word around the league is that the Redskins' decision not to sign a director of college scouting flows directly from the fact that new V.P. of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato is firmly in charge of the team (with, of course, the occasional -- i.e., daily -- input from Dan Snyderbrenner).

Per a league source, the objective is to limit any outside influence over Cerrato's ability to run the show in D.C.

And all should be peaceful and harmonious at Redskins Park -- unless and until the team doesn't make the playoffs in 2003, which could get the revolving door to the front office moving again.

LOW-ROUND ROOKIE DEALS NOT UP BY MUCH

Though a flurry of low-round draft picks already have signed contracts, a league source tells us that the signing bonus amounts are relatively flat, in comparison to the signing bonuses paid in 2002.

To date, the deals signed by 2003 draft picks in rounds six and seven contain signing bonuses that are only 0.5 percent to 3 percent higher than the bonuses paid to players taken in the same spots in 2002.

PITTMAN'S WIFE WON'T PRESS CHARGES

The wife of Bucs running back Michael Pittman has decided not to press charges against her hubby for the May 24 bumper car incident near their Phoenix home, according to the St. Petersburg Times.

"Melissa has made the determination that she does not want to proceed with the criminal charges, at all," said her lawyer, Ed Brennan.  "She hopes the state will drop the charges so that she and Michael can move on."

Translation -- if the charges stick, Melissa Pittman's NFL gravy train slams into the wall with even more force than Mike's Hummer crashed into her Benz. 

Of course, Mrs. Pittman might not be able to make the problems go away merely by standing by her man (and his money).  Pittman already was on probation, and he faces a probation revocation hearing on June 18 -- and the decision to send Pittman to jail would be made not by a jury based on "proof beyond a reasonable doubt," but by a Judge based on the much lower standard of "preponderance of the evidence."

According to the Tampa Tribune, if the Bucs cut Pittman, they'll take a $700,000 cap hit in 2003, and a $700,000 cap hit in 2004.  Thus, if he's behind bars come training camp, the decision to punt on Pittman becomes a no-brainer.

In our view, Pittman's only chance of getting out of this one would be to tell the judge that he mistook his wife for Joumana Kidd.

WEDNESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

Steelers G Kendall Simmons will miss up to six weeks due to surgery on his left elbow.

Steelers WR/RB/QB/KR/PR Antwaan Randle El wants to do even more in his sophomore season.

With QB David Garrard still out of practice with a hamstring injury, rookie Byron Leftwich is picking up his reps.

Steelers WR Plaxico Burress says that WR Lee Mays is the most improved player on the team, and that Mays will be the No. 4 receiver.

Lions WR Charles Rogers was bothered by a hamstring injury during the final days of Lions voluntary workouts.

The efforts of Bucs owner Malcom Glazer to buy the Dodgers has hit a major snag; the financing arrangement necessary to satisfy MLB regs doesn't satisfy the NFL, and vice-versa.

Jags DT Reggie McGrew, a former first-round pick in San Fran, has been a bystander during much of the team's workouts, but he's not injured.

Eagles WR Todd Pinkston can void his contract and become a free agent in 2004, if he catches 55 passes in 2003.

The Chiefs released P Noel Prefontaine on Tuesday, narrowing the competition to Jason Baker and Leo Araguz.

With the Broncos moving training camp to their headquarters, players will be permitted to sleep at home -- as long as they're in every day by 6:30 a.m.; "You only get one chance to make a mistake," coach Mike Shanahan said. "If you are late, then you're staying in the hotel full time."

There's yet another candidate for the kick return duties in Green Bay -- former Arena Leaguer Antonio Chatman.

Eagles rookie DE Jerome McDougle wants to be NFL defensive player of the year (not eventually, but this year).

RB Ahman Green and WR Javon Walker picked up minor injuries at Packers minicamp practices on Tuesday.

Seahawks TE Jerramy Stevens pleaded guilty to reckless driving on Tuesday, which nevertheless could cost him up to $300,000 under his contract -- and which could result in jail time.

Looking to scare off crows, rodents, and other random critters?  If so, post this handsome shot of Packers DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila in your front window.

[Green Bay Press-Gazette photo]

Broncos CB Willie Middlebrooks has missed two practices after pulling a hamstring on Friday.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Titans S Lance Shulters, on his key-drop-and-sprint when faced with a carjacking on Monday:  ''He just pulled the gun out and cocked it back, that's what made me run.  If you're going to rob somebody, you're going to stick them up.  But you cock it back, nah, you're trying to shoot somebody then."

POSTED 10:00 p.m. EDT, June 10, 2003

TUESDAY EVENING ONE-LINERS

Broncos DT Daryl Gardener returned to practice Tuesday after having fluid drained from his knee.

The Bills have signed WR Sam Aiken, a fourth-round draft pick from North Carolina.

S Chad Cota has retired in lieu of signing with the Bills.

With S Kwamie Lassiter in the fold, 2000 second-round draft choice Rogers Beckett got the axe in San Diego.

Contract discussions between the Bears and S Mike Brown are on hold for now.

The Browns have signed TE Aaron Shea to a three-year deal, and OL Shaun O'Hara to a one-year contract.

The 49ers worked out CB Fred Weary on Monday, and they took a look at S James Boyd and TE Syii Tucker on Tuesday.

The Bears have cut CB Travis Coleman and DT Curry Dawson.

The Cowboys have signed RB Will Pettis, who starred for the AFL's Dallas Desperadoes -- a team that is also owned by Jerry Jones.

Tempers flared at Ravens practice on Tuesday, prompting LB Ray Lewis to tell his teammates after practice to "[s]ave that crap for our opponents."

Vikings WR Nick Davis will miss up to three months after suffering a tear in his shoulder.

Former Vikings and Lions WR Anthony Carter was arrested for hitting his wife in the face, throwing her to the ground repeatedly, and pointing a gun at her head.

Titans S Lance Shulters was carjacked at gunpoint recently.

Eric Green and E.J. Junior will work as intern coaches at Vikings training camp.

Bears G.M. Jerry Angelo says that the Bears might try to sign some of their low-round draft choices to four-year deals; as we've previously reported, teams are considering this approach as a method for avoiding the restricted free agent tender conundrum.

The Falcons are thin at fullback, so TEs Alge Crumpler and Brian Kozlowski have been getting work at H-back/fullback.

Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper is donating $500,000 over the next decade to a group that promotes adoption of African-American children; it sounds like a lot of coin, but it's less than one-half of one percent of the money he'll earn during that same period -- and it's probably tax-deductible.

POSTED 7:53 a.m. EDT, June 10, 2003

PITTMAN KEEPING A LOW PROFILE

A league source tells us that Bucs RB Michael Pittman has become quiet and withdrawn during his time with the team following his arrest on felony charges for playing bumper cars with his wife.

The isolating thing is a change for Pittman, who used to be fairly outgoing and involved with his teammates.

The source says that Pittman now leaves the facility as soon as his work is done.

BETTIS STILL NO SURE THING

Though running back Jerome Bettis survived the June 1 cuts in Pittsburgh, there's still no guarantee that he'll be on the roster when the season opens in September.

Per a league source, there's still no consensus with the coaching staff and the front office regarding Bettis's fate.

As we've previously reported, the team is taking a wait-and-see approach with Bettis, and the final decision likely won't be made until they get a chance to study his performance in training camp and/or the preseason.

If the Steelers decide not to keep Bettis, there will be other options.  As we reported last week, the Bucs are interested in the Bus. 

IRVIN MOVING TO FULLBACK?

For Lions halfback Sedrick Irvin has gotten new life in Miami -- and he also might get a new position.

According to a league source, the Dolphins might be moving Irvin to fullback, where he'd serve as a backup to Rob Konrad.

The Dolphins apparently are disappointed with the progress of current No. 2 fullback Deon Dyer. 

TUESDAY ONE-LINERS

The Jaguars have contacted three free-agent receivers -- J.J. Stokes, Antonio Freeman, and Oronde Gadsden.

The Steelers are committed to keeping LB Kendrell Bell on the field for every defensive snap, in every package they use.

Jags RB Fred Taylor has recovered a significant chunk of the $5 million with which imprisoned agent Tank Black absconded.

Jags WR Donald Hayes practiced on Monday after missing more than a month with a knee injury.

Steelers coach Bill Cowher remains noncommittal regarding the fate of TE Mark Bruener.

Jags QB David Garrard will miss the rest of the team's current passing camp due to a hamstring injury suffered last week.

Redskins WR Justin Skaggs will have surgery to correct a knee injured in NFL Europe.

RB Duce Staley and CB Bobby Taylor still haven't reported for ongoing voluntary workouts in Philly, which are now into their second week; Taylor's agent, Jason Medlock, says he hasn't heard from Eagles prez Joe Banner since the two spoke "briefly and acrimoniously" on June 2.

Adalius Thomas and Marques Douglas are competing for the right defensive end spot in Baltimore, which previously was held by Michael McCrary.

QB Akili Smith continues his visit with the Jets on Tuesday, before heading to Green Bay.

Packers seventh-round CB Chris Johnson is the candidate du jour to return kicks in John "Mini-Me" Bonamego's return unit.

WR J.J. Stokes is leery about joining the Broncos, since he'd likely be No. 4 on the depth chart, behind Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey, and Ashley Lelie.

Steelers first-rounder Troy Polamalu has been sidelined for two weeks with a hamstring injury.

From the "get used to it" file:  Broncos DT Daryl Gardener missed practice Monday with a knee injury.

Seahawks WR Koren Robinson missed practice on Monday with a knuckle fracture that he suffered last Thursday.

The Redskins will not hire a director of college scouting (hey, when you have only 2-3 draft picks per year, who needs one?)

Colts DB Rich Coady has shed the red jersey, which was protecting his injured shoulder from contact in offseason workouts.

From the "no sh-t, Sherlock" file:  Jason Cole of the Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins won't pursue QB Akili Smith after signing QB Brian Griese.

The Bears signed sixth-round draft pick, LB Joe Odom, to a three-year contract.

WR Darrell Jackson and DT John Randle currently are absent from the Seahawks' voluntary drills.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

As the Patriots prepare to host their annual charity golf tournament, left tackle Matt Light contributes to the marketing effort by saying, "Golf is for girls." 

POSTED 10:21 p.m. EDT, June 9, 2003

MONDAY EVENING ONE-LINERS

The Chargers have signed S Kwamie Lassiter to a three-year deal.

Brian Griese has made it official -- he's following in his dad's footsteps as a quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.

Weather permitting, the Bills are opening their final OTA session of the offseason to the public on Friday.

The Dolphins have signed LB Corey Jenkins, a sixth-round draft pick from South Carolina; Jenkins was a first-round draft choice of the Red Sox after high school.

The Browns open a three-day, six-practice minicamp on Tuesday, before adjourning until the opening of training camp.

The Ravens have signed LS Mike Solwold, formerly of the Bucs.

Colts.com has a photo of RB Edgerrin James sporting his old college jersey number 5 at minicamp.

The Texans wrap up voluntary workouts this week, before a final mandatory minicamp next week.

The Chiefs begin their final week of offseason work on Tuesday.

Falcons.com has a flock of Monday practice notes from "throwing camp."

POSTED 6:35 a.m. EDT, June 9, 2003

JETS MEETING WITH AKILI

The New York Daily News reports that free-agent quarterback Akili Smith will meet with the Jets on Monday.

The Jets' interest in Smith is curious at best, given the presence of Chad Pennington and Vinny Testaverde on the roster.

Even though 2003 could be Testaverde's last season in New York, it's hard to imagine Smith accepting another year at the bottom of the depth chart.

Though the Daily News mentions only that the Packers are also interested in Smith, published reports from last week indicated that the Seahawks and Saints also are interested in Smith.

MONDAY ONE-LINERS

The Steelers are installing new nickel and dime defenses, which specifically include Kendrell Bell, James Farrior, and Casey Hampton.

Texans DB Patrick Dennis has been charged with assault, based on allegations that he choked a woman on Saturday night.

POSTED 10:12 a.m. EDT, June 8, 2003

BEARS REALLY WERE INTERESTED IN GRIESE

Okay, we know that we reported in this space on Saturday that the Bears and the Packers weren't genuinely interested in quarterback Brian Griese, and that the whole thing was a ruse intended to put some pressure on the Dolphins, who ultimately signed the former Broncos quarterback to a two-year deal.

But we're never afraid to embrace the possibility that we could've been wr-wr-wr-wr-wrong.   

In response to our Saturday report, a league source told us that the Bears had a real interest in Griese, which arose when they realized that he could be signed for $1 million up front and play-time incentives.

But why, you might ask, would the Bears want Griese, when they already have Kordell Stewart, Chris Chandler, and 2003 first-rounder Rex Grossman?

Per the source, Stewart is turning out to be unable to grasp (surprise, surprise) the Bears offense.

So, apparently, when the Bears didn't get Griese, they privately spread the word that they really weren't interested, in order to keep under wraps their serious concerns regarding Kordell.

Really, why would the Bears have risked doing even more damage to Kordell's fragile psyche by phonying-up interest in Griese, merely as a favor to agent Ralph Cindrich?  Kordell's already miffed at the team's decision to draft Grossman; the addition of Griese likely would have prompted Kordell to have a full-blown hissy fit.

So, now, the best way for the Bears to deal with the whole issue is to act like signing Griese never was a serious consideration.

But, as it turns out, it was.

SUNDAY ONE-LINERS

Packers WR Robert Ferguson could be taking the early lead in the race to start opposite Donald Driver.

Bucs owner Malcolm "Monty Burns with a Bad Beard" Glazer is finalizing his agreement to buy the Dodgers; to avoid running afoul of  NFL cross-ownership rules, one of Glazer's apple-fell-in-the-next-orchard sons (or a parakeet) will be the technical owner of the Dodgers.

Veteran CB Tyrone Poole says that the task of figuring out Pats coach Bill Belichick's defensive playbook makes it "almost like being a rookie all over again."

Saints director of player personnel Rick Mueller has been working for five weeks without a new contract.

With no real free-agent options available to replace RB Michael Pittman (if they decide to dump him), it looks like the Bucs would rely on FB Mike Alstott to carry the ball.

The Bengals open up a mandatory minicamp on Monday; though rookie CG Dennis Weathersby has been cleared to work out following an April 20 shooting, he won't participate in drills.

It's the 40th anniversary of George Plimpton's training camp experience with the Lions, and the Detroit News talks to former MLB Mike Lucci regarding the players' role in the filming of the 1968 movie based on Plimpton's book, "Paper Lion." 

From the "get the f--k out of here" file, Super Bowl XVII MVP John Riggins has a new gig, as an actor on the CBS soap opera, "Guiding Light."

The Bills passed on 49ers WR J.J. Stokes, because they determined he wouldn't be an upgrade to the position.

For some good insight into what makes Cowboys coach Bill Parcells tick, check out this piece from the Dallas Morning News.

POSTED 9:15 a.m. EDT, June 7, 2003

NO ONE ELSE WANTED GRIESE

A league source tells us that the supposed interest of the Packers and Bears in quarterback Brian Griese was merely a ploy by Griese's agent, Ralph Cindrich, to squeeze a little more money out of the Dolphins.

Though both teams actually showed interest in Griese, the source says that there never was a legitimate desire by either of them to outbid the Fins for Griese's services.

As we hear it, the Bears even called Kordell Stewart's agent, Leigh Steinberg, to ensure that Stewart wouldn't get his nose out of joint once word broke that Griese could be coming to Chicago.

The source tells us that Cinrich also approached the Vikings about Griese, but the Vikes opted not to place any pressure on $100 million starter Daunte Culpepper.

In the end, Griese got a two-year deal that will either be extended or terminated after 2003.  So why didn't they sign a one-year deal only?  With a two-year contract, Griese's $1 million bonus gets spread over two seasons, counting for $500,000 against the 2003 cap and $500,000 against 2004.

BANNER RESPONDS TO REID STORY

Eagles president Joe Banner has gone on the record to dispute our Thursday report regarding speculation around the league that Banner could be looking to nudge coach/G.M. Andy Reid out of the organization, if the team underachieves in 2003.

Calling the rumors "far fetched," Banner told us on Friday that "Andy Reid and I have the best relationship of any two people in our respective positions in the entire NFL.  Anybody who has worked with us knows that and anybody who is friends with us around the league knows that."

We don't have any reason to question Banner's word on this, but it doesn't change the fact that folks in league circles are watching the Banner/Reid relationship very carefully as the 2003 season approaches.   

HAS LEN'S D.C. WELL RUN DRY?

We were surprised that news of Joe Mendes' departure from the Redskins front office wasn't broken by ESPN.com's Len Pastabelli, given that Len has been getting plenty of D.C. stories of late while (not coincidentally) Len had been showering praise on team owner Dan Snyder whenever and wherever he could.

But P-belly has suddenly turned critical of Snyder.  "From the outset," Len writes in his current Tip Sheet, "the second tenure of Mendes and Cerrato with the Redskins seemed doomed, and probably an ill-advised combination set in place by ownership."

So if his source has been Snyder and/or Vinny Cerrato, we figure that they won't be saying much to Lenny. 

Then again, it's possible that Len's source was Mendes himself.

Either way, don't look for Len to be breaking much Redskin front-office news in the near future.

SATURDAY ONE-LINERS

The Redskins formally have announced that they will move training camp to the team's facilities at Redskins Park.

Packers TE Tyrone Davis is overweight (again), but coach Mike Sherman isn't ready to give up on him.

The Texans have signed seventh-rounder Charles Pearce, a long-snapper from Texas A&M, to a three-year deal.

Pats coach Bill Belichick talked last week with S Victor Green about a possible return.

Remember the name Tony Romo; in a crowded Dallas pool of crappy quarterbacks, don't be surprised if the former Division I-AA standout floats to the top.

Pats CB Ty Law bristled at questions regarding the possibility that he'll be asked to take a pay cut.

The Packers are trying out experimental footballs with laces made out of football leather; the goal is to improve the quarterback's grip.

The Cardinals are close to signing fifth-rounder Kenny King, a defensive tackle from Alabama.

The Dolphins are close to signing LB Korey Jenkins, a fifth-round draft choice from South Carolina.

The Cardinals don't like the offers they're getting for RB Thomas Jones, but even they aren't stupid enough to cut him loose when they could get something in return for him (or are they?).

POSTED 8:35 a.m. EDT, UPDATED 9:28 a.m. EDT, June 6, 2003

RAMS THINK WILKINS TURNED THEM IN

Publicly, the St. Louis Rams are taking the position that the loss of their final week of offseason voluntary workouts was not the result of an anonymous player complaint to the league.

"No player turned us in," said offensive tackle Kyle Turley.  "I've talked to [NFLPA executive director] Gene Upshaw.  It was not a player."

Privately, word is that the Rams suspect receiver Terrence Wilkins of blowing the whistle.  Per a league source, Wilkins has not been participating much in the offseason program, and the veteran pass-catcher generally is behaving like a guy who wants to get cut.

Wilkins probably hasn't been released yet due to the status of Torry Holt.  If Wilkins is gone, Holt suddenly would have more leverage in the efforts to score a big-money deal.  Though Wilkins has not yet threatened a holdout, the Rams need to have Wilkins available for training camp in the event that the Holt situation deteriorates.

Still, odds are that Wilkins eventually will be cut loose.  He was a major disappointment in 2002, primarily because he couldn't figure out the Rams' complex playbook. 

Regarding Turley's statement that the penalty wasn't the result of a player tip, it's important to remember that the information came from NFLPA chief Gene Upshaw.  Upshaw's group relies on future players being willing to come forward with reports of rules violations and other team misconduct; Upshaw gains nothing for his group by blowing the cover of the guys who already have blown the whistle.  

Also, a league source has confirmed for us that the Rams are unfazed by the loss of a week's worth of offseason practice time. The team didn't plan to use that week for on-field activities, anyway.  The Post-Dispatch reports that the net loss to the Rams is that the veterans won't be able to spend the week in the team's weight room.

ANGELO, TERRELL FEUD CONTINUES

Bears G.M. Jerry Angelo has ongoing squabbles not only with his head coach, Dick Jauron, but also with receiver David Terrell.

Per one of our Chicago moles, Angelo and Terrell have had some tense exchanges of late, ever since Angelo suggested that rookie receiver Justin Gage of Missouri could press Terrell for playing time at the No. 3 spot.

Terrell responded brusquely after the draft, saying that if Angelo isn't "happy with Dave Terrell and what I bring to the organization, he knows what to do.''

Angelo apparently does know what to do.  Word is that he plans to lobby for more reps for Gage into training camp.

According to our source, Angelo believes that Terrell is all talk, and little results.

Stay tuned.

FRIDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

The Packers are interested in QB Brian Griese.

Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said that the team has contacted QB Akili Smith, even though the team reportedly has increased its offer to Griese.

WR Terrell Owens' agents says that, despite recent to ESPN's Jim "I Compensating For My Annoying Voice By Talking Even Louder" Rome that T.O. thinks he's underpaid, Owens doesn't have any beef with his contract. 

Redskins MLB Jeremiah Trotter is back at practice after popping the wishbone in his knee on Thanksgiving Day.

Vikings DT Chris Hovan has a Brett Favre jersey hanging in his locker to provide motivation for the season opener at Lambeau.

Broncos WR Ed McCaffrey is only at 75 percent after hernia surgery.

Jags reserve QB David Garrard likely will miss the start of a four-day passing camp next week after injuring his leg at practice on Wednesday.

The wife of Bucs RB Michael Pittman has hired a divorce lawyer.

Lions RB Luke Staley has missed practice since Monday with a hamstring injury.

The Broncos got a scare when Pro Bowl DE Trevor Pryce fell to the ground screaming; as it turns out, Pryce merely got popped in the meatballs.

The Bengals have signed rookie DT Langston Moore to a three-year deal.

The Redskins fired director of college scouting John Nay, and V.P. of player personnel will begin interviewing candidates for the gig next week.

Browns coach Butch Davis hints that Tim Couch has the inside track to keeping the starting quarterback job.

Patriots first-rounder Ty Warren, a defensive tackle, lined up at defensive end with the second unit at practice on Thursday.

RB Mike Cloud is participating in Patriots camp on a tryout basis, but he'll be forced to sit out four games if he signs, due to a violation of the league's substance-abuse policy.

Even without a home team to follow, TV ratings in L.A. are higher for the NFL than for any other sport.

Deion Sanders visited with Cowboys coach Bill Parcells after practice; we expect Sanders eventually to cherry-pick a Super Bowl contender in November or December, now that he's an unrestricted free agent.

FINAL THOUGHTS

For what it's worth, we read Thursday's USA Today feature on Jason Kidd's wife, Joumana, and we've concluded that Bob Ryan should've gotten a promotion, not a suspension.

POSTED 11:15 p.m. EDT, June 5, 2003

THURSDAY EVENING ONE-LINERS

As first reported in this space, the Bears are taking a chance on FB Casey Urlacher, brother of MLB Brian.

As also first reported in this space, Bears G.M. Jerry Angelo has acknowledged that S Mike Brown is the next target for an extension. 

The Bills have signed veteran S Chad Cota, who spent 2002 with the Rams.

Former San Fran WR J.J. Stokes will meet with the Broncos on Friday.

Ravens DE Terrell Suggs missed his second straight day of practice with back spasms.

The Colts have dumped QB Jim Druckenmiller, in favor of Arena League product Jim Kubiak.

The Rams have lost a week of offseason workouts, due to a violation of the rules relating to the amount of time that players can spend at the team facility.

The Chargers have added former Cowboys OL Solomon Page.

The Cowboys released three on Thursday, including LG Ross Tucker, who started the final seven games of 2002.

Panthers coach John Fox says no visits are scheduled with receivers to replace Kevin Dyson, who tore an Achilles' on Wednesday.

The Texans have signed seventh-round S Curry Burns, of Louisville, to a three-year deal.

Redskins DE Bruce Smith was acquitted of DUI on Wednesday.

Bucs RB Michael Pittman has been charged with two felonies in the wake of last weekend's bumper-car incident near his Phoenix home.

The Jets have signed Arena League K Clay Rush.

POSTED 8:55 a.m. EDT, June 5, 2003

BANNER LOOKING TO BOOT REID?

There's mounting speculation in league circles that Eagles president Joe Banner could try to pull a Modrak on coach/G.M. Andy Reid if the Birds don't soar past the NFC title game in 2003.

Though we've heard nothing directly from Philly to substantiate this possibility, league insiders carefully are watching the relationship between Banner and Reid as training camp approaches.

Some are attaching much significance to the fact that Banner has remained conspicuously quiet in connection with the string of adversities that the Eagles have faced this offseason, pointing most recently to the contract-fueled absences from voluntary workouts of running back Duce Staley and cornerback Bobby Taylor.

It's a common theme that we've noticed over the past couple of years.  When all goes well, the cap-and-contracts guys thump their chests.  When the toilet bowl starts to rumble, however, the guys who don't make the football decisions crawl under the closest sheet of Teflon and wait for the dust to settle.

In the end, the Joe Banners of the NFL world typically will still have a gig.  The Andy Reids won't.

And the past experiences of Tom Modrak and Ray Rhodes make the present situation in Philly even more intriguing.  Banner is close enough to the owner to know when traces of dissatisfaction start to emerge -- and Banner likewise is smart enough to run for cover at the first hint that heads could be rollin'.

Of course, it's hardly a one-way street.  We've previously heard that Donovan McNabb's candid remarks regarding free-agent departures occurred at Reid's behest, presumably in an effort to focus attention on the fact that Banner had a fairly significant role in the fact that several Eagles flew the coop since March 1.

So brace yourself for a possible explosion in Philly, if the Eagles sputter this year.  Though Banner has been able to survive past purges, we expect Reid to fight hard for his turf.

TRAYLOR IN, TED OUT IN CHITOWN?

Though it once appeared that defensive tackle Keith Traylor would be released by the Bears, we're now hearing that Ted Washington could be the one who draws the short, fat straw.

Per one of our Chicago moles, word is that G.M. Jerry Angelo is disappointed by Washington's weight and health.  In contrast, coach Dick Jauron remains high on Traylor.

It nevertheless is possible that both Traylor and Washington will go.  Traylor's fate ultimately could be tied to the status of Bryan Robinson.  If/when Robinson's expected four-game suspension expires, Robinson could be moved inside -- and Traylor could be out like Richard Chamberlain (or insert the name of any football player who comes to mind . . . not that there's anything wrong with that).

FINS LOOKING ELSEWHERE?

As contract discussions with quarterback Brian Griese turn nasty, don't be surprised to see the Dolphins look elsewhere for a No. 2 guy.

At the top of a very short list of quarterback prospects is former Bengal Akili Smith, who is drawing interest from the Packers and the Saints.  We're hearing that the Dolphins also might jump into the pursuit for the 1999 top-five bust.

In the end, we still expect Griese to land in Miami.  His agent, Ralph Cindrich, is having trouble getting more money out of the Fins because everyone knows that Griese wants to be in Miami, and that Griese has no other options south of Toronto.

Sure, other teams might be interested in taking a flyer on Griese, but no one is going to give him the deal that Miami is offering:  An incentive-laden package with a high second-year salary, which virtually ensures that Griese will get a chance to hit the market in 2004 -- before June 1, when most of the spots already are filled.

Griese also could opt to wait for the virtually inevitable snap, crackle, and/or pop of an ACL during training camp, which could create for Brian an opportunity that, as of now, doesn't exist.

We still think that Griese eventually will tell Cindrich to get the deal done in Miami.  Ralph already made a nice fee off of Brian when he signed a big-money deal in Denver, so at some point the agent should just let the client decide where he wants to play, and to determine what he's willing to get paid.

POSTED 9:45 p.m. EDT, June 4, 2003

WEDNESDAY EVENING ONE-LINERS

Though the Great Gazoo report that Bears LB Brian Urlacher will receive a $13 million bonus, ChicagoBears.com says the bonus is about $16 million (Fred and Barney's pal also reports that the total value of the deal is as much as $58 million, which based on our info is about $15 million light).

Panthers WR Kevin Dyson is the first victim of 2003 offseason workouts -- he has a torn Achilles' and likely will miss the season (Michael Todd might get paid after all).

Browns RB James Jackson has signed a one-year extension, which will keep him in Cleveland.

The Packers have signed Oregon State DT James Lee, the team's fifth-round pick in April.

The Raiders have signed veteran CB Paul Miranda.

POSTED 2:47 p.m. EDT, June 4, 2003

BRIAN'S SONG:  NINE YEARS, $72 MILLION-PLUS

On April 23, we reported that the Bears were working on a contract extension with Brian Urlacher.

Little more than a month later, the deal is done.

Per sources close to the action, Urlacher's new nine-year deal averages $8 million to $10 million per season.

As part of the deal, the Bears have agreed to give Brian's brother, Casey, an "extended look."  Casey Urlacher is a former Division III fullback who was not drafted in April.

And for the "you heard it here first" file -- next up on the Bears' contract extension "to do" list is safety Mike Brown.  Word is, however, that they expect the negotiations to be more challenging.

POSTED 8:50 a.m. EDT, UPDATED 9:35 a.m. EDT, June 4, 2003

KEIM ON THE RISE IN PHOENIX

Word around the league is that Steve Keim could be on the fast track to front-office success in Arizona, or elsewhere.

Keim, a mere pup at 30, recently was named director of college scouting with the Cardinals.  He's considered to be a rising star in the NFL ranks, and the Cards gave him the promotion after other teams showed interest in whisking him out of the desert.

So keep an eye on Keim.  He'll be around for a while -- and in time he'll likely be running a team somewhere.

EVANS LIKELY FAILED TO SUBMIT TO A TEST

After talking with some of our league insiders regarding the coming indefinite suspension of Jets defensive tackle Josh Evans, the consensus is that Evans likely failed to submit to an unannounced test.

As a repeat offender (Evans most recently had been suspended for a full year), Evans was subject to 2-3 random tests per week.  Though the NFL has somewhat softened its rules in this regard, it's still a rigorous program, and there is little margin for error on the player's part.

And under the NFL's drug-testing policies, a failure to test is equivalent to a positive.

This scenario makes even more sense in light of Evans' unequivocal denial that he has resorted to his suck-and-inhale-and-hold-it-in ways.  Sure, he hasn't smoked marijuana recently.  But if you don't show up at the appointed time for target practice into a plastic cup, it's the same outcome.

Another telling factor here is that Evans' agent has not come out strongly in support of his client.  Typically, the agent will raise a ruckus when the client is clean.  Taking a stand, in contrast, when the client is at fault serves only to damage the agent's credibility.

Finally, our discussions with league insiders have served only to strengthen our belief that the Jets knew of the coming suspension before striking a trade with the Bears for the No. 4 pick in the draft.

The initial notification of a positive test comes from the league office, and it is sent by letter to the team's G.M. and to the player only.  The player then has 30 days to file an appeal.

And during that 30 days, the likelihood of a leak is very, very small, since all parties are bound by a stringent requirement of confidentiality.  With only a handful of people aware of the issue, it'd be easy for the league to identify the person responsible for yapping. 

But after the appeal is filed, the circle of knowledge expands.  And our guess is that the appeal was filed at some point in mid-May, which means that the Jets found out about the test at some point in mid-April.

Of course, none of this would be an issue if these guys would treat their bodies like the cash-creating machines that they are.

WEDNESDAY ONE-LINERS

As reported first in this space, the delay in the signing of Brian Griese by the Dolphins comes down to the agent's quest for coin.

If DT Josh Evans loses his appeal, he loses the $3 million bonus he picked up on March 1.

The Packers are interested in QB Akili Smith, and the interest is mutual.

The Giants released K Owen Pochman, leaving Matt Bryant and Mike Hollis as the current candidates for the kicking chores.

Vikings owner Red McCombs says that he's not presently focused on selling the team (which is a good thing since no one is presently focused on buying it).

The Redskins will pay Joe Mendes the balance of his contract, which would have run through 2003.

The Chiefs saved $3 million in cap room by dumping CB Ray Crockett.

The Jags have confirmed their interest in WR J.J. Stokes.

WR Matthew Hatchette likely will rejoin the Vikings in an effort to resurrect a career that essentially died when he left the team.

The Bucs are supporting beleaguered RB Michael Pittman (translation -- they got no other options).

CB Champ Bailey isn't looking to make a proposal to extend his contract, which expires after the season, but he'd listen to the Redskins, if they want to talk.

Vikings DL Willie Howard won't be able to return from a serious leg injury he suffered in December 2001.

Jags TE Kyle Brady hopes that his participation in voluntary workouts will earn him a reprieve from fines imposed when he missed the mandatory camp.

The Eagles signed seventh-round pick Norman LeJeune, a safety from LSU, to a three-year deal with a $30,000 bonus.

Former Cowboys G.M. Tex Schramm will become the 12th member of the Ring of Honor on October 12.

POSTED 9:03 p.m. EDT, UPDATED 9:33 p.m. EDT, June 3, 2003

MENDES OUT, VINNY UP IN D.C.

The Washington Post reports that Redskins V.P. of football operations Joe Mendes is leaving the team (again), by mutual agreement.

Director of player personnel Vinny Cerrato will assume Mendes' title.

Mendes generally was viewed as the conservative voice in the Snyderbrenner brain trust, with Cerrato falling more in line with Snyder's free-spending, cap-busting ways.

Though the move is far from a shocker, Mendes and owner Dan Snyder met not long ago to discuss his status, and they emerged with an understanding that Mendes would finish the 2003 season with the team before moving on.

We wonder whether the move was influenced by the recent death of Daniel Snyder's father, Gerald.  As we've previously reported, Snyder's father (and mother) were big supporters of Cerrato, and we suspect that the younger Snyder's decision to accelerate the move was influenced in some way by his father's passing.

It also makes us wonder whether Snyder will be even more impulsive moving forward -- especially without Mendes there to talk him back from the ledge.

TUESDAY EVENING ONE-LINERS

The Browns have signed RB Jamel White to a four-year deal.

The next Oronde?  The Fins have signed Arena League veteran WR Chris Jackson, 28, to a two-year deal.

The Bucs have signed well-traveled RB Terry Kirby to a one-year deal.

The Bills have signed former Raiders WR James Jett.

The Broncos have added QB Danny Kanell.  (Who's next, Todd Marinovich?)

The Chargers have named Fran Foley director of pro scouting.

The Packers have signed OT Marcus Spriggs.

POSTED 8:58 a.m. EDT, June 3, 2003

ROONEY TO TOBACCO ROW?

A league source tells us that the coming player personnel vacancy in Carolina ultimately could be filled by a member of the family that has been synonymous with Pittsburgh football for the past 70 years.

Per the source, Dan Rooney, Jr. quietly is being mentioned as a candidate for the position.  Others who have been linked to the position include Dwight Clark and Reggie McKenzie.

Dan Rooney, Jr. is the son of current team president Dan and the grandson of team founder Art Rooney.  Dan, Jr. already lives in Carolina, where he works for the family bidness as a college scout.

If Rooney makes the move, it wouldn't be a prodigal son thing.  He'd merely be honing his skills and building his own legacy  as he prepares to work with his brother Art, II when their time comes to take over the operation in Pittsburgh.

GIBBS PULLING THE STRINGS IN ATLANTA?

We're hearing that, if the Falcons underachieve in 2003, former Redskins coach and current Atlanta consultant Joe Gibbs will have a very high degree of influence over the hiring of a coach and a G.M.

The new coach likely would be Dennis Green.  Gibbs has been a long-time fan of Green, who coached Gibbs' son at Stanford in the early 1990s.  With Green's former agent, Ray Anderson, serving as a top exec in the Atlanta front office, all signs will be pointing to Denny.

But Green likely won't be both coach and G.M.  On the personnel side, look for Gibbs to test the waters with Texans G.M. Charley Casserly (who'll most likely decline).  In the end, Gibbs might go with Bears director of pro personnel Bobby DePaul, who was an assistant coach with Gibbs in D.C. from 1989 to 1992. 

CINDRICH SLOWING DOWN GRIESE SIGNING?

With the Dolphins and quarterback Brian Griese ready and willing to get together, why hasn't anything happened?

A league source tells us that Griese's agent, Ralph Cindrich, is moving deliberately, in the hopes of getting a better financial package from the Fins -- or in the hopes of churning up some/any interest for Griese elsewhere.

The problem, as we hear it, is that the Fins aren't desperate to sign Griese.  As a result, delay and/or competition won't prompt them to spew money out of their blowholes.

Likewise, it's clear that Griese wants to go to Miami, so in our view it's just a matter of time before Griese tells Cindrich to get the deal done.

POSTED 9:42 p.m. EDT, June 2, 2003

BUCS INTERESTED IN THE BUS?

In the wake of running back Michael Pittman's arrest for playing "Pin the Benz with the Hummer," we're hearing that the Bucs are desperately searching for tailbacks -- and that they're interested in Jerome Bettis, among others.

Steelers coach Bill Cowher has been non-committal regarding Bettis's future in the 'Burgh, suggesting that he'll make the 2003 roster, but stopping short of guaranteeing Bettis the starting spot in the Opening Day lineup.

At one point, the thinking was that Bettis could get dumped after June 1.  Now, it's not out of the question for the Steelers to dangle the Bus for a possible trade, especially if the Bucs are looking to park Pittman.

Really, the Bucs have no alternative to Pittman.  They made a lowball offer to Emmitt Smith, and they never had a chance to draft Willis McGahee.  With only Thomas Jones and Ron Dayne potentially available, we wouldn't be shocked to see the Bucs send a mid-rounder to Pittsburgh.

One issue to keep in mind here -- Bettis has asthma and he traditionally struggles in the Florida heat.  This could make things difficult for Bettis in those September games at Ray Jay.

REID PISSED AT TAYLOR NO-SHOW

A league source tells us that Eagles veteran cornerback Bobby Taylor skipped the opening sessions of a voluntary passing camp, which left coach Andy Reid fuming (despite his efforts to publicly ho-hum Taylor's decision to stay away.

Per the source, Taylor is skipping the camp at the behest of his newly-hired agents, Jason Medlock and Vincent Taylor, who are committed to scoring a deal for Taylor that places him among the highest-paid defensive backs.

Taylor currently ranks ninth among corners, with a 2003 base salary of $3.75 million.  His contract will expire after the coming season, and it's been widely speculated that the Eagles will not keep both Taylor and teammate Troy Vincent.

It's a risky move, to be sure.  With second-year man Lito Sheppard having an opportunity in Taylor's absence to show that he can step into the starting lineup, the Eagles could decide to dump Taylor now, avoiding his 2003 salary with no extra cap hit.

On the open market, Taylor likely would be hard pressed to get $3.75 million in pay for 2003.

In our view, Taylor should invest his 2003 salary well, and he should hope that someone will be ready to pay him half of that in 2004, when he'll be 30.

POSTED 10:12 a.m. EDT, June 3, 2003

TUESDAY ONE-LINERS

No. 3 overall pick Andre Johnson has fired agent Jeff Moorad; our guess is that the former 'Cane will be hiring Drew Rosenhaus (but for now it's just a guess).

Giants RB Ron Dayne reported for a three-day voluntary minicamp, but coach Jim Fassel nevertheless called him out for missing prior voluntary sessions.

Cowboys coach Bill Parcells says that he's not interested in QB Brian Griese.

S Lee Flowers has signed a one-year deal with the Broncos, thanks to the cap room created by the release of Brian Griese.

Giants C Dusty Ziegler failed a physical on Monday, and was released.

Bucs RB Michael Pittman reported for voluntary workouts in Tampa, despite his recent felony charges.

The Steelers apparently are taking a wait-and-see approach with TE Mark Bruener, whose release would create more than $2 million in 2003 cap room.

Here's a shocker -- Packers DE Joe Johnson claims that the marijuana he recently was charged with possessing wasn't his.

The Packers are close to signing OT Marcus Spriggs.

The Steelers have signed veteran O-lineman Calvin Collins.

Despite staying away from prior offseason work, TE Kyle Brady reported for a four-day voluntary camp in Jacksonville, uncertain as to whether he'll be given a "pay-cut-or-else" ultimatum.

The Jags won't have to account for WR R. Jay Soward under the 2003 cap, since he's still on the "reserve/suspended" list.

Lions WR Scotty Anderson, who was rumored to be the "devout coward" about whom CEO Matt Millen complained last season on Mike Ditka's radio show, is back at practice after getting stabbed in the shoulder on May 26.

Ravens DB Gary Baxter looked good in his first practice at safety; Corey Fuller will get reps there soon with an eye toward one of them making the move for the 2003 season.

POSTED 9:00 a.m. EDT, UPDATED 9:10 a.m. EDT, June 2, 2003

DID JETS KNOW ABOUT EVANS?

With the revelation that Jets defensive tackle Josh "Smokey-Smokey" Evans could get the Dale Carter treatment from the NFL in the very near future, an obvious queston arises -- did the Jets know this was coming when they moved up to the four hole to nab Kentucky lineman Dewayne Robertson?

Though some within the New York media generally have dismissed the possibility that the Jets had knowledge of the positive pee test prior to the April 26 draft, the selection of Robertson with the fourth overall pick makes much more sense in hindsight, given the likelihood that Evans will be gone, permanently.

The Jets used their own pick in the first round plus the 13th overall selection from D.C. to swing a deal with the Bears, allowing the Jets to climb all the way up to No. 4.  At the time, the thinking was that the Jets were hoping to get in position to land an elite receiver, but the consensus was that both of them (Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson) would be gone in the top three.

When they signed Evans a year ago, we shouted from the rooftops the fact that the J-E-T-S were overpaying for yet another T-U-R-D.  Even with Robertson in their back pocket, the impending suspension of Evans represents the most recent fumble in a horrendous offseason in Gotham, which prompted one league insider to ask us, "When do they start playing, 'Send in the Clowns'?"

At this point, no one knows when the positive test occurred, or when the Jets specifically found out the results.  It's obvious the Jets didn't know when they exercised a $3 million option bonus on March 1.  Our guess is that, at some point between March 1 and April 25, the Jets got the news.

NHLPA NOT INTERESTED IN SALARY CAP

With their labor contract set to expire after the 2003-04 season, we're hearing from our NHL media contacts (yours truly represented Ivan Hlinka in his legal do-si-do with the Pens last year) that the NHL players association isn't interested in a NFL-style salary cap.

NHLPA executive director Bob Goodenow apparently believes that the NFL's system hurts the players, because their contracts are not guaranteed.

In the NHL, players under the age of 26 get 33 percent of their remaining contract value if released, and players over 26 get 67 percent.

Still, NHL players aren't eligible for unrestricted free agency until age 31.  With most players breaking in at age 18-20, it's a long, long time to wait in order to get a shot at the open market. 

In our view, the NHLPA shouldn't write off the NFL's approach merely because the base salaries aren't guaranteed.  At a minimum, the NHLPA should explore a hybrid system that, for example, allows a contract to be bought out under the current formula without a cap hit.

And did we mention that the NFL currently has the best thing going in pro sports, and that the NHL's television ratings are hovering somewhere between Sesame Street and Sanford and Son?  Maybe the NHL needs some more competitive balance (i.e., someone other than the Devils and/or Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals) and maybe the best way to get there is to create the same anyone-can-win-it-all feeling that permeates the new NFL.

The best way to do it is through a hard salary cap.

PITTMAN GOING UP THE RIVER?

The Tampa newspapers report that Bucs back Michael Pittman faces six felony charges after ramming with his Hummer the Mercedes carrying his wife and his two-year-old son.

Pittman and his wife had been arguing about whether Pittman could take the boy to a three-day optional camp this week.

The incident occurred on Saturday, near Pittman's home in Phoenix.  His wife, their son, and their babysitter, who all were in the car, were not injured.

It's not Pittman's first brush with the law.  In 2001, he served five days after fighting with current Browns safety Earl Little, who was with Pittman's wife at a time when the couple was estranged.  Pittman also received a one-game suspension for the incident.  Pittman also was arrested twice on domestic violence charges in 1997.

Pittman, whose wife recently gave birth to the couple's second child ("Little Joe Horn" Pittman?), faces another suspension for this incident, and it could prompt the Bucs to cut him loose altogether.  With guys like Thomas Jones and Ron Dayne available for a low-round pick, don't be surprised if the Bucs make a move.

MONDAY ONE-LINERS

The Bengals will release QB Akili Smith on Monday, who sums up his time in Cincy as "hell."

QB Brian Griese will get his walking papers on Monday, and he'll walk straight to Miami (unless he falls down over his dog, his own feet, and/or a parade of  pink elephants).

QB Eric Crouch likely will need to be able to show that he can also return kicks, if he wants a roster spot in Green Bay.

The Packers recently have tried out several forgotten veterans, including OT Solomon Page, OL Marcus Spriggs, TE Pete Mitchell, and RB Lamar Smith.

Want to rub our face in our poopie?  Want to give us props?  Drop us a line.