Ray Lewis to take a stab at Ultimate Fighting?

Mar/07/08 06:39 PM Filed in: Ray Lewis

February 29, 2008. First Floyd Mayweather signs with the WWE, now MediaTakeOut.com is hearing whispers that NFL's Ray Lewis is close to signing on to the Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed martial arts league.

According to a person who works at U.F.C., the Baltimore Ravens star linebacker and the league have been negotiating for months and are close to closing the deal. The insider told MediaTakeOut.com, "Ray Lewis was an All-American wrestler in high school, and he's just an all around bad a**. He'll fit in perfectly here."

And the insider claims that the deal wouldn't interfere with Ray's NFL career. He explained to MediaTakeOut.con, "We're not looking to sign him on full-time, just a match or two a year - and he can handpick the opponent ... He has such a big name that it will do wonders for the sport."

(mediatakeout.com)

Huff 'pretty good' in 1st spring game

Mar/07/08 06:38 PM Filed in: Aubrey Huff

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - It lasted only three pitches, but Aubrey Huff described it as the most nerve-racking spring training at-bat of his career. "It was surprising," Huff said. "My timing felt pretty good. I actually saw the ball well and everything just felt nice and relaxed and comfortable after the first pitch. It felt good just getting back out there." Huff, who had surgery to repair a sports hernia in January, made his spring debut in the Orioles' 2-1 loss to the Florida Marlins yesterday at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. As the team's designated hitter, he went 0-for-2, flying out to center field in the second inning and lining out to right field in the fourth. Click here to continue reading...

Saints Sign Ex-Panther LB Morgan - Morgan expected to move to weak linebacker, compete with Shanle

Mar/07/08 02:42 AM Filed in: Dan Morgan

The Saints have loaded up at linebacker this offseason by plucking two former Miami Hurricane linebackers from east-coast teams. First, the Saints traded for Jets LB Jonathan Vilma to start at middle linebacker.

Nearly one week into free agency, the Saints have signed long-time Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan, according to the Gaston Gazette.

Morgan, 29, 6'2, 245, is an instinctive and imposing linebacker with the neck of a tree trunk and a history of outstanding play. The former collegiate fullback also played weakside linebacker at Miami, where is he expected to play in New Orleans. The Saints have two-year starter Scott Shanle under contract, and Morgan is expected to compete for the starting job. In Carolina, Morgan has started at all three linebacker positions. Click here to continue reading...

He departs in Favre's shadow, but Sapp deserves a spotlight

Mar/06/08 10:07 PM Filed in: Warrren Sapp

Warren Sapp certainly could have benefited from better timing. When the Oakland Raiders defensive tackle finalized his retirement on the same day that Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre was calling it quits, you knew whom the spotlight would favor.

Sapp's departure from the NFL generated little if any buzz. Favre's decision to walk out the door, on the other hand, created so many tremors around the league that you would have thought God had packed it in earlier this week.

The reality here is that Sapp's 13-year career is also worth putting into perspective. It's even more critical now because in a few years we'll be arguing about whether he belongs in the Hall of Fame. Sure, he was a dominant defensive lineman. But sensational talent and prolific productivity don't make you a lock for the Hall of Fame. If they did, then perennial Pro Bowlers such as Derrick Thomas and Cris Carter certainly would be enshrined by now. Click here to continue reading...

Kellen Winslow: Biting The Hand That Feeds Him

Mar/06/08 10:04 PM Filed in: Kellen Winslow

The Cleveland Browns now have two perennial Pro Bowl players who are looking for a new contract. Those two players are receiver Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow. With the Browns signing Shaun Rogers to a big contract extension, this will definitely light the fire under these two players to speak even louder. In this article we will highlight Kellen Winslow and his desire to get a new contract and if he even deserves one.

Without a doubt, no one can deny the pure athletic ability that Winslow has and he definitely will have a bright future in the NFL. However in May of 2005, Winslow who read the rules of the contract (we hope) before he signed it, showed how young he truly is when he got into a motorcycle accident that tore his ACL and brought an end to his 2005 season. Winslow who signed a six-year, $40 million dollar contract in 2004, was in jeopardy of losing a huge majority of that due to breaching a hazardous activities clause in his contract.

To be honest, the Cleveland Browns had every single right to take back the $6 million dollar signing bonus and the $4.4 million dollar option bonus that he was paid in March of 2005 just two months prior to the accident. This would be Winslow’s second season that he would miss, with Winslow breaking his leg in game 2 of the 2004 season. Click here to continue reading...

Warren Sapp Explains Low-Key Retirement, Says He’ll Give Brett Favre the Spotlight

Mar/06/08 10:02 PM Filed in: Warrren Sapp

Former Raiders and Buccaneers defensive lineman Warren Sapp made his retirement official on the same day that Packers quarterback Brett Favre did, and although Sapp didn’t hold a tearful press conference, he did appear on Pardon the Interruption:

Asked whether it bothers him that Favre gets all the attention, Sapp said, “I like this nice quiet exit.”

Of Favre, Sapp said, “When you have the beacon of the NFL for so many years retiring, he deserves everything that he got.” He then referred to the 2013 Hall of Fame voting, when they’ll both be eligible for the first time, and said, “In five years, hopefully when they mention his name they might think of me, too.”

As for leaving the Raiders, Sapp doesn’t sound like he’ll miss them. He said that when the team got its first win of the 2007 season, instead of being congratulated, the players were reminded, “It’s been 322 days since we won a game.”

He also said that in Oakland, “Nobody knows who’s running the show,” which is a pretty good sign that head coach Lane Kiffin doesn’t have control.

And as for his feelings about playing in 2008, Sapp said, “It would be a job, and I said when it becomes a job for me, that’s when I get out.”

(footballgab.com)

Giants ink Jeff Feagles through 2009

Mar/06/08 10:00 PM Filed in: Jeff Feagles

Punter Jeff Feagles re-signed Tuesday with the New York Giants for two more seasons.

Financial terms were not disclosed. Jeff Feagles re-signed Tuesday with the New York Giants through 2009.
(David Duprey/Associated Press)

Feagles, who represents himself in negotiations, earned $1 million US last season, and helped the Giants win Super Bowl XLII.

At 41, he is the oldest player to compete in the Super Bowl, won 17-14 over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots.

“I’m just very, very happy to have a chance to come back and play for the defending world champions,” Feagles said. “It feels great.” Click here to continue reading...

Tickets to Michael Irvin Speaking Event Become Available

Mar/06/08 09:59 PM Filed in: Michael Irvin

El Paso, Texas - United Blood Services, the selected non-profit organization for the Annual WinStar Derby Gala, is selling tickets to the public for the annual WinStar Sertby Gala.The event scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2008, is traditionally sold out, but due to the event landing the week of Spring Break, some annual table sponsors did not renew their commitments this year. Approximately 100 tickets are available to the public, $125 each. The event, which takes place in the Signature Showroom at Sunland Park Racetrack, includes butler service with champagne and hors d'oeuvres, dinner, a silent and live auction, and the opportunity to listen to former Dallas Cowboy wide receiver, Michael Irvin. Click here to continue reading...

Is He a Hall of Famer? NFL Edition

Mar/06/08 09:57 PM Filed in: Warrren Sapp

Warren Sapp
6'2", 300 lbs, Defensive Tackle College: Miami (FL) 1st round draft pick (12th overall) of the 1995 Draft (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Stats -7 time Pro-Bowler (1997-2003 consecutively)
-6 time All-Pro (1997-2002 consecutively) -1999 Defensive Player of the Year -Super Bowl Champion (XXXVII) -5th on active career sacks list with 96.5, (28th overall) -88th on career games started list (188) -19 career forced fumbles
Argument Against: While Sapp's sack total is impressive, he never led the NFL in sacks in a single season. Sapp can be a negative influence (fined for referee confrontation in 2007) when things aren't going well. He can get heavy at times and lose some of his explosiveness. He was dominant for 7 years consecutively and that was it (except for 10 sacks in 2006 with Oakland). He took 3 of his 4 seasons off in Oakland while playing for a bad team but collecting $33 million (only averaged 32 tackles a season).

(armchairgm.com)

Burrell Talks Phils Baseball

Mar/06/08 09:56 PM Filed in: Pat Burrell

“Of all the years I’ve been here, I think this about the best attitude we’ve had - Are we thrilled at a chance to play in the postseason? Of course! Across the board, guys are even more excited about the possibility of taking it to the next level…I think with the group we have coming back and one more year of experience, guys are looking to not only get into the postseason but take it to the next level, and I think we’re starting off on the right path…” - Pat Burrell talks about how the Phillies won't take last year's success for granted.

(mlbonxm.blogspot.com)

VILMA SPEAKS ON JETS MATTERS

Mar/05/08 05:49 PM Filed in: Jonathan Vilma

While appearing on WFAN earlier today, former Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma talked with Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts.

Are you a little bitter that Mangini came in here and played to the strength of what you guys do best as opposed to trying to enforce his system on you?

No, considering that 1, it was an experience, now I can say that I’ve played in a 3-4, so I understand that defense. 2, looking at Eric Mangini’s side, you have a coach who’s been in a defense that not only won one super bowl, but won multiple super bowls and he was a part of that and experienced that first hand, so you expect him to come in and incorporate what he knows, what he knows as a proven winner and use that as a defense. So, you can always say that some of the guys he had as far as personnel didn’t fit, but I know they’re trying to get those guys now and trying to get better on the defensive side and improve it.

You said earlier that it’s best for the New York Jets and it’s best for you that you are now with the New Orleans Saints, that it works out for both parties. Why in your mind is it best that you’re not a New York Jet anymore?

No, it’s not best that I’m not a Jet anymore, it’s best that we parted ways on good terms, meaning we didn’t have any friction. I know a lot of the media was trying to say that I wanted out. I didn’t want out, I was being proactive in the trade process, they said that they we’re looking to trade me, which is why I actually shopped around to see which teams would want me. It’s not that I necessarily didn’t want to be a Jet, because I’d love to be a Jet. Click here to continue reading...

New York Giants: Shockey Must Go!

Mar/05/08 05:47 PM Filed in: Jeremy Shockey

For weeks now, the New York Giants have been saying they're still going to keep Jeremy Shockey, aka Locker Room Cancer, because of his talent.

As I've written before, it's certainly odd that the Giants played their best football with Shockey out of the lineup.

There's no question that Shockey is one of the best tight ends in the league, but in a game where sheer stats don't tell the entire story, teams are better off without players that scream for the ball every time.

The G-Men have Kevin Boss, who was a rookie this year, to fill Shockey's shoes. Boss filled in nicely and while he didn't post great numbers, he scored touchdowns in the last two games of the season. But most importantly, he played within the team concept.

Plus, by trading Shockey, the Super Bowl champs could get a lot in return...draft picks, salary cap room, etc.

(bleacherreport.com)

Kenny Phillips Update

Mar/05/08 05:46 PM Filed in: Kenny Phillips

NFL Draft Bible.Com' On College Football has Kenny Phillips drafted in the first round to the Arizona Cardinals with the 16th pick.

Calais Campbell Update

Mar/05/08 05:43 PM Filed in: Calais Campbell

NFL Draft Bible.Com' On College Football has Calais Campbell drafted in the second round to the Cincinnati Bengals with the 47th pick.

Tavares Gooden Update

Mar/05/08 05:42 PM Filed in: Tavares Gooden

NFL Draft Bible.Com' On College Football has Tavares Gooden drafted in the second round to the Carolina Panthers with the 44th pick.

William Joseph Update

Mar/05/08 05:40 PM Filed in: William Joseph

Former first round pick (DT) William Joseph, who’s contract was automatically voided by the Giants shortly after the Super Bowl, is being looked at by the Cleveland Browns. Joseph will be in Cleveland today taking a physical.

(giantsbits.com)

Draft profile: Miami DE Calais Campbell

Mar/05/08 07:23 AM Filed in: Calais Campbell

Today, meet Miami's Calais Campbell. A prospect who was as highly regarded as Gholston and Long entering his junior season, but who now projects to be a late first-round pick.

Campbell had a disappointing senior season, registering just six sacks after posting 10.5 as a sophomore. He wasn't great in combine workouts either, running a 5.1 40-yard dash and bench pressing 225 pounds 16 times.

Sidenote: In fairness to Campbell, strength/speed guru Tom Shaw explained to me a couple months ago that players with long arms will always have a difficult time with the combine's bench press test. Click here to keep reading...

Vernon Carey Update

Mar/05/08 01:55 AM Filed in: Vernon Carey

The Dolphins haven't told Vernon Carey whether he will play right or left tackle, and might not decide until minicamp.

(miamiherald.com)

Has Calais Campbell Fallen Too Far?

Mar/04/08 06:14 PM Filed in: Calais Campbell

In my Seahawks Mock Draft, I have Seattle taking Best Available Talent with their first pick. I'm starting to wonder if that's not a phenomenal place to grab a longterm replacement for Patrick Kerney. Depending on the progress of Baraka Atkins, Seattle is either thin or very thin at defensive end. On a team that schemes around pass rush, that would be a disastrous deficiency. Still, you don't want to reach. You want to take a top value, perhaps one that can learn on the sidelines, or work in a rotation while Kerney remains effective.

That got me thinking about Calais Campbell. Campbell's stock dropped after a disappointing junior season, and has now dropped further after a disappointing Combine. One need only watch the guy to see the talent is there. He's a true 6'8", and wears his 290 like an Italian suite. He's lithe and agile and quick in open space. Had he stayed in school and posted a 10+ sack season, he'd be a confirmed top ten pick. But thanks to a sucky junior season coinciding with an even crappier campaign for his school, Miami, Campbell is in danger of falling out of the first round. You know who else had a sucky junior year, Chris Long. Long recorded only 4.5 sacks in 2006. In fact, since we're above using stats out of context to evaluate a player, right?, let's take a look at the three preeminent ends on the board in a slightly more refined way. Campbell and Vernon Gholston are both two year starters. Long started his sophomore season, but we'll cut him a break (2 sacks) and include only his past two (best) seasons. So instead of unduly focusing on their most recent season, let's look at their past two seasons and adjust for opponent pass attempts faced. That way, instead of getting a static number, we're left with a ratio: Sacks per pass attempt. (Just for the sake of clarity, I then projected their sack totals over 500 pass attempts.) Click here to continue reading...

Dolphins T Vernon Carey Participates In FCAT Rally

Mar/04/08 06:14 PM Filed in: Vernon Carey

Vernon Carey and his wife, Latavia, took part in a school-wide FCAT pep rally at Brownsville Middle School on Thursday, February 21. The couple encouraged the students to study hard, emphasized the importance of the test and wished them well. The school selected ten girls and ten boys to participate in the Vernon Carey Mentorship Program for the 2007-08 school year. As part of the program, these students previously participated in the Miami Dolphins Holiday Toy Event, the Breast Cancer Awareness Dolphins home game and bowling at Lucky Strike.

(miamidolphins.com)

Dan Morgan to Visit Lions and Saints

Mar/04/08 06:11 PM Filed in: Dan Morgan

Former Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan visited Detroit. He's also met with New Orleans in an attempt to continue his career.

(heraldonline.com)

DT Warren Sapp ends 13-year career

Mar/04/08 06:11 PM Filed in: Warrren Sapp

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Warren Sapp's 13-year NFL career officially ended when his retirement was posted on the Oakland Raiders' Web site.

Sapp said immediately after last season that he was through playing, but did not file the paper work. The posting on the team's site was the first official word that the star defensive tackle was done.

In January, the 35-year-old Sapp posted a two-word message on his Web site: "I'M DONE!" He had told teammates and coaches his plans after the season finale against San Diego.

Considered the quintessential "three technique" defensive tackle - lining up between the offensive guard and tackle - Sapp made seven Pro Bowls, won the 1999 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year award, and led Tampa Bay's dominant defense that won the Super Bowl after the 2002 season.

Sapp spent nine seasons in Tampa before joining the Raiders in 2004 as a free agent. He mostly struggled with the Raiders, except for a strong 2006 in which he had 10 sacks, and had become more of a situational player in his final season. Click Here to continue reading...

There's no doubt, Kosar is the star

Mar/04/08 08:11 AM Filed in: Bernie Kosar

"You guys don't have a Sharpie, do you?" Bernie Kosar asked the surrounding media in the concourse before the Gladiators, the team for which he'll serve as president, CEO, minority owner and head headcase, played their first Arena Football League game Monday at Quicken Loans Arena.

As Browns fans got accustomed to during the former quarterback's career, the tall and lanky one came through.

He got the Sharpie, making the day of a young girl who was waiting for Kosar to sign the back of her No. 20 University of Miami jersey. The girl's father, wearing a Kosar 19 jersey in the familiar brown and orange, could only smile.

The face of the Gladiators - one of Cleveland's most beloved sports figures - sure can draw a crowd. There were 17,391 fans at The Q for Cleveland's first AFL game since the Thunderbolts left town in 1994.

Suns missing forward Jones

Mar/04/08 08:10 AM Filed in: James Jones

Portland is 23-13 in games James Jones has played this season and 8-16 when he has been out with a knee problem.

But who has missed Jones more this season - Phoenix or Portland?

The Suns don't miss the prolonged slumps or offensive limitations off the dribble, but they do miss having an extra shooter off the bench - the sentiment that has led them to today's expected signing of Gordan Giricek. They miss having an active 6-foot-8 defender, a hole that is aggravated by the loss of top defenders Shawn Marion and Kurt Thomas from last year's team.

60 seconds with Red Sox infielder Alex Cora

Mar/04/08 08:08 AM Filed in: Alex Cora

Tom D'Angelo spoke to Red Sox infielder Alex Cora, who has the longest at-bat on record in the majors and played in the two longest nine-inning games.

The 18-pitch at bat against Matt Clement in 2004 when you were with the Dodgers, did you ever think, when is this going to end?

I was so locked into that at-bat I wasn't really thinking about anything else. Nothing really mattered.

You fouled off 14 straight; what kind of pitches were you seeing?

Everybody gives me the credit but for Matty to throw so many strikes in a row he had to be doing something right, too. It was just a battle between two guys trying to get a result.

And that result was you hitting a home run. How satisfying was that?

It was a special for a lot of people but I was just happy to do something for my team. It was a 2-1 game at that point and Wilson Alvarez was throwing a great game and Matty, too.

Ryan Braun adjusting to new home in LF, popularity after NL ROY award

Mar/04/08 01:55 AM Filed in: Ryan Braun

PHOENIX (AP) -Ryan Braun plopped down at a clubhouse table next to some minor leaguers for a breakfast feast. It was the glazed doughnut that grabbed his teammates' attention and led to a little harassment about his figure.

"Hey, I'm cool with it,'' Braun said coyly.

Suddenly, Braun is getting attention for everything he does.
In one short year, he's gone from a touted, raw power prospect to one of the Brewers' most potent offensive threats and the reigning NL Rookie of the Year.

Lions 'went full-bore after Vilma,' Barry says

Mar/03/08 06:36 PM Filed in: Jonathan Vilma

ALLEN PARK -- Defensive coordinator Joe Barry has come to the defensive of the Detroit Lions over the franchise's failed attempt to work out a trade that would have added former New York Jets middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

Vilma, who played four seasons with the Jets, was given permission by the team to seek a trade and visited the Lions last week. Vilma wound up being traded to New Orleans for a conditional draft pick -- a fourth-round pick that could be as high as the third round based on playing time.

The Lions recruited Vilma aggressively, and their proposal did not fail because of lack of effort, Barry said Monday. Vilma called him after agreeing to the trade to New Orleans and complimented the Lions on how they made their presentation, Barry said Monday.

Franks Near Deal

Mar/03/08 07:48 AM Filed in: Bubba Franks

Recently released tight end Bubba Franks will have a new home before the week is out, according to his agent, Eugene Mato.

The Packers released Franks on Feb. 20 and he has drawn considerable interest since then, Mato said. Though he wouldn't say which teams were interested or where Franks would land, Mato said he expected a deal to be done this week.

(jsonline.com)

Jones is key piece of Blazers' puzzle

Mar/03/08 07:47 AM Filed in: James Jones

TUALATIN, Ore. — James Jones was surprisingly blunt with his confidence, stepping outside his normal soft-spoken manner to send a direct message.
Was it fair, he was asked, for people to believe that his return on Friday will change the Blazers’ sagging fortunes?
Jones did not hesitate.

“I hope people do have those expectations, and the players themselves, as well,” he said, “that once we get to full strength and healthy that things will change and we will be able to compete and win games like we know we should.”

Kosar back (inside) home again

Mar/03/08 07:43 AM Filed in: Bernie Kosar

Two decades after drawing up plays in the dirt while 78,000 fans at Cleveland Stadium screamed and pleaded for him to pull off another miracle as quarterback of the Browns, Bernie Kosar has that itch again.

Truth be told, the itch never went away. But now as president and minority owner of the Cleveland Gladiators in the Arena Football League, Kosar has a chance to scratch it.

Before he sat down for a 15-minute interview one day last week at the Gladiators' practice facility in Warrensville Heights, Kosar was in the locker room with his players, breaking down game film just as he did when he played for the Browns from 1985-93. He was as excited as he was during the days he wore No. 19 and strapped on an orange helmet.

Everett's will to battle back won our hearts

Mar/03/08 07:42 AM Filed in: Kevin Everett

This excerpt from "Standing Tall: The Kevin Everett Story," written by The Inquirer's Sam Carchidi, is printed with permission from Triumph Books/ www.triumphbooks.com.

From the Introduction

As Kevin Everett lay in a Buffalo hospital bed, hooked to tubes and machines that were helping him breathe, the world was told the grim news: He may not live, and he almost certainly will never walk again.

The minute the doctor gave us that startling update, Kevin Everett, a third-year tight end with the Buffalo Bills, became America's Player.

America loves underdogs.

America loves following the progress of injured, ill or handicapped athletes who are fighting nearly insurmountable odds.

Vilma Update

Mar/03/08 07:42 AM Filed in: Jonathan Vilma

LB Jonathan Vilma should be happier in New Orleans if he can stay healthy. The Jets traded Vilma to the Saints largely because he is a linebacker who prefers the 4-3 and never performed as well in Eric Mangini's 3-4 system. Vilma missed most of last season with a knee injury, but the Saints desperately need to upgrade their defense.

(sportingnews.com)

Devin Hester To Become #1 Receiver for Bears

Mar/03/08 07:41 AM Filed in: Devin Hester

The Bears will now turn to Pro Bowl returner Devin Hester as their leading wide receiver for 2008 and likely will be seeking to bring in another player through free agency.

(rotoworld.com)

Huff almost ready

Mar/03/08 07:40 AM Filed in: Aubrey Huff

Aubrey Huff hit against live pitching again today and should get into a game later this week. "I hope it's soon," he said, smiling. "I'm getting bored." Huff, recovering from sports hernia surgery, also ran the bases today, but he still hasn't slid. "He's probably got a couple more things he's got to do," Trembley said. "But Richie told me that we're very close."

(baltimoresun.com)