American Football: NFL Rumors (July 04)

Peterson, agents to blame for holdout
Contra Costa Times

Times columnist Neil Hayes doesn't think that the 49ers should be blamed for linebacker Julian Peterson's holdout. Hayes writes that Peterson and his "notorious" agents have kept a deal from getting done.

Vikings could deal Bennett
St. Paul Pioneer Press

Pioneer Press columnist Charley Walters writes that the Vikings could start shopping running back Michael Bennett if backup Onterrio Smith continues to impress.

Ogunleye talks have stalled
Palm Beach Post

The Post's Joe Schad reports that the Dolphins have not made any progress in their negotiations with free agent Adewale Ogunleye. Lets hope GM Rick Spielman has better luck when he talks with the agents for rookies Will Poole and Tony Bua next week.

Times columnist Neil Hayes doesn't think that the 49ers should be blamed for linebacker Julian Peterson's holdout. Hayes writes that Peterson and his "notorious" agents have kept a deal from getting done.

Damn, that's it. I'm looking for a sharp knife so I can open my veins.

Steelers' Ward could hold out
Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Will Hines Ward join holdout Plaxico Burress on the sidelines? Although Ward has said that he plans to attend the Steelers' training camp, Tribune Review columnist Mike Prisuta writes that the disgruntled receiver has "left himself plenty of room to maneuver".



Dolphins hoping all will be forgiven
Miami Herald

Herald columnist Dan Le Batard thinks that Dolphins fans have short memories. Even though the Dolphins have been having the "worst offseason in a classy franchise's history", Le Batard believes that their fans will forgive them if they have a successful year on the field.

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Originally posted by TRD

Dolphins hoping all will be forgiven
Miami Herald

Herald columnist Dan Le Batard thinks that Dolphins fans have short memories. Even though the Dolphins have been having the "worst offseason in a classy franchise's history", Le Batard believes that their fans will forgive them if they have a successful year on the field.

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Of course they'll forgive them if they have a good year on the field. The off-season means nothign, just look at Washington lately - did I really type that?

No progress in Ogunleye talks
Palm Beach Post

"Agent Drew Rosenhaus reported no progress on contract talks for restricted free agent Adewale Ogunleye and rookies Will Poole and Tony Bua."

Don't lay this one on the 49ers
Contra Costa Times

"Negotiations between Julian Peterson and the 49ers long ago reached a stalemate. At this point it would take a miracle for Peterson to report to training camp with his teammates on July 29. I can read your mind. The 49ers are cheap."

Hines, 'Plex' have a lot in common
Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Plaxico Burress' contractual dissatisfaction is well documented. His refusal to report for a mandatory minicamp and the voluntary coaching sessions that followed have drawn the wrath of the organization and Steelers fans everywhere, or so it seems. Now comes word that Hines Ward, who in the eyes of Steeler Nation plays the role of consummate pro and committed teammate to Burress' self-centered malcontent and underachiever, will also be an unhappy camper without a new deal."

Originally posted by TRD
Hines, 'Plex' have a lot in common
Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Plaxico Burress' contractual dissatisfaction is well documented. His refusal to report for a mandatory minicamp and the voluntary coaching sessions that followed have drawn the wrath of the organization and Steelers fans everywhere, or so it seems. Now comes word that Hines Ward, who in the eyes of Steeler Nation plays the role of consummate pro and committed teammate to Burress' self-centered malcontent and underachiever, will also be an unhappy camper without a new deal."

I'm loving this, living in Steelerland. I hope they have an awful season, just so 'd I can giv emy buds a hard time

Thanks GB, you just gave me an idea.

Originally posted by truenorth
Thanks GB, you just gave me an idea.

which is?

Give me a minute. Have to search to see if I'm about to duplicate something.

Now i'm intrigued!

Damn, it's already covered. 5 most hated teams. Wow, a lot of people hate the Niners. I didn't see the Leafs though. I thought a lot of people hated them.

Ah, bring that thread back up, I forgot about it!

Redskins' Top Pick Taylor Close to Hiring an Agent
Washington Post

"Sean Taylor, the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft, is expected to sign with an agent this weekend, clearing the last hurdle before he can begin contract negotiations with the Washington Redskins."

Chambers not pushing for contract
Miami Herald

"The Dolphins have had preliminary talks with receiver Chris Chambers about a contract extension, but Chambers says he has ''no preference'' whether he gets a deal now or becomes an unrestricted free agent next spring."

Patriots have big decisions to make
Boston Globe

"In addition to the Big Four (potential unrestricted free agents Adam Vinatieri, Larry Izzo, Joe Andruzzi, and Matt Light), the Patriots are looking at big decisions next offseason regarding three important restricted free agents: Tom Ashworth, Givens, and Jarvis Green."

Originally posted by TRD
Redskins' Top Pick Taylor Close to Hiring an Agent
Washington Post

"Sean Taylor, the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft, is expected to sign with an agent this weekend, clearing the last hurdle before he can begin contract negotiations with the Washington Redskins."

That's really disappointing, that he hasn't even hired an agent yet. Hopefully the negotiations will go smoothly.

Bad back to force Gardener to retire
Washington Times

"Defensive tackle Daryl Gardener, who revived his career with the Washington Redskins just 1½ years ago, is almost certain to retire in coming months because of the degenerative condition in his back, a source familiar with the situation said yesterday."

Williams must repay to play again
Los Angeles Daily News

"The NCAA continues to await the necessary paperwork from USC receiver Mike Williams to determine how much money he received from a sports agent. In order to be declared eligible and regain his amateur status, Williams must repay any money he received from agent Mike Azzarelli, and submit documentation to the NCAA detailing each expense."

Gold ready to prove his worth
St. Petersburg Times

"Now the surgically repaired, fifth-year pro finds himself in new surroundings, on a new team, learning a new defense, but faced with a familiar situation: Gold has to prove himself again. He'll get that chance with Tampa Bay, which signed Gold on April 28 to compete for the strongside linebacker job."

Bettis vows to abide by rules
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis said yesterday he has a stake in the company that is proposing to build a horse racing track, slot machine casino and residential development in Hays, but added he would do what it takes to avoid conflicts with National Football League rules that bar players from promoting gambling or gambling-related activities."

McNair case still unsettled
Nashville Tennessean

"A criminal court judge heard motions in Steve McNair's DUI case yesterday, but a resolution to the charges stemming from a May 22, 2003 arrest still appears to be a long way off."

McFarland's past has Bucs' confidence up
St. Petersburg Times

"He has been here before. Making a bold professional move. Replacing a legend. Falling smack in the center of public scrutiny. But if history means anything - and to Bucs defensive tackle Anthony McFarland it does - the transition should be challenging but smooth."

Tight end Goodwin retires
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

" The retirement of Falcons tight end Hunter Goodwin became official Tuesday, and with it came a degree of uncertainty as the Falcons head to training camp in three weeks."

Bucs add a CB from Europe to their roster
St. Petersburg Times

"Jon Gruden will have a new player to coach when he returns from vacation. The team signed Will Hunter, who earned one of two cornerback spots on the 2004 All-NFL Europe League team."

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Patriots release Smith
Boston Herald

"The Patriots released cornerback Otis Smith yesterday, less than three months after re-signing the 14-year veteran."

Rams sign ex-Illini Schau
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Rams have signed former University of Illinois guard Ryan Schau to a one-year contract."

Bay Area's worst? Probably York, not Davis
San Francisco Chronicle

"Al Davis won the official unpopularity contest, but we know better. Let's politely but firmly dismiss Sports Illustrated's recent poll of Northern California fans listing Davis as our No. 1 most-hated sports icon."

OK, I want to see Davis go toe to toe with Steinbrenner. I'm taking Al in the 3rd.

Colts get Packers defender in trade
Indianapolis Star

"The Indianapolis Colts finally took a step to reinforce the defense with veteran talent, finalizing a trade with Green Bay on Thursday for defensive end Jamal Reynolds."

Arrington, Redskins Going to Arbitration
Washington Post

"The Washington Redskins and linebacker LaVar Arrington have failed to resolve a $6.5 million contract dispute, forcing the matter to an arbitration hearing early next month, according to two sources with knowledge of the proceedings."

Jets sign former Lions tight end
Detroit Free Press

"Tight end Mikhael Ricks signed with the New York Jets, his fourth team in a seven-year NFL career."

Ex-Panther Beuerlein Finished Playing, 'Probably'
Charlotte Observer

"Has Steve Beuerlein retired from football? Put it this way. He has taken off his helmet. He is reaching toward a hook, ready to hang it up for good. And yet ... Beuerlein won't quite say he's done."

Elway, Reeves connect on eve of induction
Denver Post

"John Elway won't just be joining the game's immortals when he enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame next month. The ceremony has provided him an opportunity to officially end his long-running feud with former Broncos coach Dan Reeves."

Freeman An Option At WR
PewterReport.com

"PewterReport.com has learned that the Bucs recently inquired about the possibility of signing Green Bay Packers free agent WR Antonio Freeman."

Dolphins' Zach Thomas tears knee cartilage
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas is expected to miss about three weeks of training camp after he suffered a tear of the lateral meniscus in his left knee during an individual workout."

Ex-Rockledge standout battles past knee injury
Florida Today

"Mel Mitchell knows there will be some people who will see him on the streets of Rockledge in the next few weeks and wonder what he's doing here. After all, the New Orleans Saints start training camp in less than a month, and Mitchell will have to show coaches his surgically repaired left knee has fully healed before he can even think about challenging Jay Bellamy for the starting strong safety job that once belonged to him."