NFL Commissioner to Review Quaterbacks Actions

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has had his hands full with quarterbacks this off season.  He has already suspended one, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.  But, after actions surrounding Vince Young and Michael Vick, could there be more discipline?

Vince Young Strip Club Fight

I don't know what it is with NFL players and strip clubs. But we always here about the trouble they get into why there. Why can't they just go and enjoy the sights? Instead there seems to be something stupid that starts a fight.

Tennessee Titan quaterback, Vince Young, was the latest player to participate in one of these strip club fights. The thing is that it didn't happen at the bar, but a backroom. Apparently a member of the staff showed an upside-down Hook'em Horns sign to Young, which is also apparently an insult to a Texas graduate. Vince Young once again showed his immaturity and went after the guy swinging. I understand having pride in your university, but throwing blows because of someone throwing a sign is just silly - especially at Young's age and income level. One punch from him equals a law suite!

Roger Goodell said yesterday that he doesn't expect any disciplinary action for Young.

Michael Vick and a Club Shooting

A former co-defendant in Michael Vick's dog fighting case was shot early Friday morning at club in Virginia Beach. Quanis Phillips was shot outside the club Guadalajara. Vick had hosted his 30th Birthday party at the club. According to his attorneys and the police, Vick was not at the club when the shooting took place.

Goodell said he is monitoring the situation and waiting for the full report. Part of the conditions of Vick's probation is that he not to have any contact with people from his dog fighting days. It is yet not known if Vick knew or invited Phillips to the party. It is hard to believe it is coincidence, but how could Vick be so stupid. He has millions of reasons to distance himself from his former mates, not to mention more prison time for breaking conditions of his probation. But then again, if Vick thought in the first place, he would never had been in jail the first time.

Shooting in Club After Michael Vick's Party

Michael Vick held at party at the club Guadalajara in Virginia Beach Thursday night. According to reports, Quanis Phillips was shot just after 2:00 Friday Morning.

Michael Vick's Childhood Friend Shot

Quanis Phillips is a childhood friend of Michael Vick and was sentenced to 21 months for dog fighting. Phillips was caught in the same ring as Vick. According to reports, part of Vick's parole is not to associate with anyone from his dog fighting days. It is unclear whether Phillips was there for Vick's party or if he had any contact with Vick.

Micheal Vick's Involvement

According to one of Vick's attorneys, Larry Woodward, Vick was not involved in the shooting. Vick was celebrating his 30th Birthday with a party. He was also holding a football camp at Hampton University where a reporter asked him about the situation. Vick answered and told the kids in attendance, "Watch what you do. Pick and choose your friends carefully. You just can't put yourself in vulnerable situations."

The local police said that they are not interested in Vick in anyway. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello they are looking into the facts about the shooting.

New York Giant's Rookie Injured in Car Crash

The New York Giants have some questions this year pertaining to their defense.  Some people are looking at the competition between defensive ends Mathias Kiwanuka and Osi Umenyiora. After Friday morning the defensive future was also pulled into question.

Rookie Safety Chad Jones Crash

Chad Jones was drafted in the third round by the New York Giants. The hard hitting safety from LSU was involved in a single motor vehicle accident around 6:00 AM Friday morning. There is no word what caused the crash.

According to witnesses unhurt but in the Jones' SUV, Jones was in the far left lane and quickly swerved once he was on the the street car rails. He ended up smashing into a telephone pull and had to extracted from the vehicle.

Chad Jones Condition

After breaking his left leg in the crash, Chad Jones emerged from surgery where the doctors stated that it was a success. However, he will need months of rehab. Apparently there was issue with blood flow in the ankle. Some reports state that the doctors were able to address that problem. But other reports have Jones listed in critical condition and say there is still a possibility he could lose his foot.

Is Brett Favre Returning?

The NFL season is a few months a way.  In a few short weeks, every team will be starting their camps and then preseason games.  So it is that time again to ask, if Brett Favre coming back - again?

Wants to Beat the Saints

Brett Favre sat down with a reporter recently and spoke a little about last year and his chances of coming back - well very little. What he did say was that he would love to have a chance to beat the Saints. Well he would have his chance the first game of the season. The Saints are hosting the Minnesota Viking for the Thursday Night Kickoff to launch the 2010 season. Favre is coming off one of his best season every, and he said he believes he can still play at a competitive level. So I think it is safe to say he will join the team after camp concludes.

Brett Favre Ankle Surgery

Brett Favre had ankle surgery a few months back. It was mainly to remove bone spurs from previous surgeries. But he had to have this surgery during the off-season if he planned to play. He has said that the ankle is fine and the surgery went well. It looks as though Favre is following the same plan as last year - have off-season surgery and not publicly admit that he is coming back until he steps on the field.

Is that fair to the Vikings? I guess it doesn't matter since they don't seem to care.

Haynesworth to attend camp

Yesterday, Albert Haynesworth is said he would attend mini camp when it begins next month.  Haynesworth has been sitting out all organized team activities.  He contends that he has been working out on his own and will come to camp in shape. 

Contract Dispute

Haynesworth signed a 100 million dollar contract only a year ago. But now that Mike Shanahan is the coach and changing the defense to a 3-4, Haynesworth is unhappy because he apparently was told when he signed that they wouldn't go that route.

The Redskins gave him a chance to find another team until he accepting a $21 million bonus on April 1. He now says he will be in camp and will honor his contract.

Off Field Issues

There are other reasons for Haynesworth to honor his contract besides having a contract. He has multiple off field issues costing him millions.

First it seems that Haynesworth has been a deadbeat. His ex-wife is suing him for unpaid health insurance and child bills. A Tennessee bank is suing Haynesworth for defaulting on a $2.38 million loan, which is nothing compared to the $21 million bonus he received.

There are two other people after Haynesworth as well. Corey Edmonson is suing Haynesworth for $7.5 million from a auto accident that caused him to get a hip replacement and is currently being cared for by his parents. Finally there is a stripper name Silva Mena that says Haynesworth got her pregnant.

Haynesworth has millions of reason why he must honor his contract. The problem is that doing the right thing and not being a baby isn't the reason he is doing so.

Lawrence Taylor Charged With Sex Crimes

NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor was charged with multiple sex crimes in New York yesterday.  This is stemming from his arrest in May for paying a pimp to bring a prostitute to his hotel room. 

Sex Crime Charges

The New York District Attorney charged Taylor with multiple crimes. The charges include 3rd degree rape and patronizing a prostitute. But it is the charges of endangering the welfare of a minor, sexual abuse and sexual act in the 3rd degree that could force Taylor to register as a sex offender.

The prostitute was a 16 year old girl. Taylor says he did not know she was only a child. He states that he asked a pimp to bring a girl to the room and assumed the girl would be legal age.

Lawrence Taylor Defense

Taylor's defense attorney didn't introduce any evidence to the grand jury and Taylor didn't testify either. However, Taylor's attorney says the defense is more than Taylor's account of the incident including a woman that says he spoke to the 16 year old girl who said that she didn't have sex with Taylor.

Albert Haynesworth Trade Request

Albert Haynesworth has been a hold-out since Mike Shanahan was announced as the new coach.  Shortly after the announcement, Haynesworth requested a trade - a trade that will be hard to make with his behemothic $100 million contract and his minute performance and work ethic. Apparently the only this big or bigger than his contract is his selfishness.

No 3-4 Defense

Apparently the root to Haynesworth's dissatisfaction with the Redskins is Coach Shanahan's decision to switch to the the 3-4 defense, which moved Haynesworth inside. Haynesworth isn't interested in taking blocks and double teams to free up a teammate that will get the sacks. It has been reported that he was promised prior to signing last year that they wouldn't transform into a 3-4 defense. Albert should know better that everything in the NFL is subject to change...especially with a new coach. Besides, with his lackluster performance last year, how can anyone expect him to play well in a 4-3?

Redskins Players Frustrations

The Redskins' players haven't been very quite in expressing their opinions, at least London Fletcher hasn't. Fletcher went off the other day saying that Haynesworth is being selfish with his antics. Fletcher went on to say that if that is the case, they don't need him.

Other players around the league have also weighed in on Tweeter and through other outlets. Most are saying if you pay them $100 million that they will do anything you ask. Yeah probably, until they receive the check.

NCAA Conference Landscape

During the last few weeks, we thought the landscape of college sports, especially NCAA football, was changing bigger than ever before right before our eyes.  But all the speculation of super-conferences is over now - for now. 

The Big 12

The Big 12 lost two universities in the last few week when Colorado jumped ship to the Pac 10 and Nebraska defected to the Big 10. The only thing that held the Big 12 together was the University of Texas. There decision to stay convinced the other teams being recruited (Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Texas A&M) to stay as well.

Conference Names

So, as of now, the Big 12 has 10 teams and the Big 10 has twelve teams. Its a little confusing, but the Big 10 has been playing with 11 teams since Penn State joined in what seems like ages ago.

The Pac 10 currently has 11 teams, but is looking to add Utah as the 12th team. It is hard to believe that Utah will turn the invitation down since they have been snubbed by the BCS quite a few times this past decade. Moving to a BCS conference will only give more creditability to one of the most powerful and successful non-BCS teams since the BCS was formed.

University of Texas Football

The Entire Big 12 hinged on its decision.  What ever the University of Texas decided the other four teams that were being recruited by the Pac 10 would follow.  The University of Texas made its decision and the Big 12 will survive the siege from two other conferences. 

Texas Stays in the Big 12

The University of Texas made its decision after discussing options with the Big 12 commissioner. The Big 12 is promising all teams revenue from a Big 12 television network. To top it off, the University of Texas will be able to earn more from a network of its own. This is something that the Pac 10 could not offer.

Big 12 Championship

Now that the conference only has 10 teams, NCAA rules does not allow for a conference championship game. If you talk to the coaches of the remaining schools, they don't care. In fact they are happy that the championship game is gone. They all look at the game as a way to be excluded from the BCS Championship Game. If either team is ranked number one or two in the BCS rankings and lose, their shot for a National Championship is also lost, which is loss revenue for the team and university.

The Big 12 to Stay?

The past week has been crazy in the college conference landscape.  Colorado jumped from the Big 12 to the Pac 10 and Nebraska defected to the Big 10.  There were reports that another five universities from the Big 12 were ready to move, but that might not be true.

Texas Rescues the Big 12

Reports today are that the University of Texas is willing to sit down with the remaining 9 universities currently in the Big 12 and discuss the future. The Big 12 is offering a television deal that the Pac 10 isn't and would allow Texas to have their own network bringing in millions to the university. According to sources close to the other schools, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech are going where ever Texas goes.

Texas A&M

The other wild horse in the Big 12 is Texas A&M. When reports came out that they were invited to join the Pac 10, A&M said they were considering a move to the SEC. Time will tell if this will change if the Big 12 doesn't dissolve.

USC NCAA Investigation

The four year investigation into improper actions by several USC sports teams concluded and the sanctions were announced yesterday.  The football team, basketball team and women's tennis team were all found guilty of violating NCAA rules.  All three teams had to vacate wins because of the wins, but it was the USC football team that was hit hardest of all.

USC NCAA Sanctions

The USC Trojans saw incredible success while Pete Carroll was head coach. But Carroll jumped ship and headed to the NFL.

Did he know something? Probably, but that doesn't matter. Yesterday, the NCAA announced its findings and sanctions for the USC football team. They have a two year ban on post-season play, must forfeit games from 2004 when the NCAA deemed Reggie Bush ineligible. They have also received a reduction of 20 scholarships starting in 2011.

The basketball and tennis teams started self imposed sanctions last year. The NCAA left them alone and didn't sanction them any further.

Reggie Bush NCAA Violations

The USC football sanctions stem from the investigation of Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush. According to the NCAA, Bush and he family received gifts and favors from a sports agent prior to his jump to the NFL. Bush denies any wrong doing and said he will cooperate with USC if they decide to appeal the sanctions.

Reggie Bush and the USC Trojans won the BCS National Championship in January 2005. The BCS has yet to announce if they will revoke their championship. If they do, there will be no National Champion for the 2004-2005 Season.

NFL Retirements

While OTAs are the beginning of newly drafted rookies' careers and providing the first taste of NFL life, this is also the time when retirements are announced.  Most of us expect Brett Favre to waffle on a yearly basis, there are others great, well known and appreciated players hanging up their cleats with no expectation of coming back to play for a old rival. 

Isaac Bruce

Isaac Bruce was traded back to the St. Louis Rams so he can retire as a Ram, the team that drafted him in 1994.  After 16 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl Ring, Bruce announced his retirement Wednesday.  He set virtually every receiving record for the St. Louis franchise and ranks at the top of all-time receivers: 2nd in receiving yards (15,208), tied 2nd in yards per catch (14.9), 5th in catches (1,024) and 9th in receiving touchdowns (91). 

Isaac Bruce was part of "The Greatest Show on Turf" and caught the game winning touchdown pass down the sideling from Kurt Warner in Super Bowl XXXIV.  The Rams plan to retire his number 80 jersey during the October 31 game against the Carolina Panthers. 

Next stop, Canton and the Hall of Fame.

Muhsin Muhammad

Another receiver announced his retirement today.  After 14 seasons, all with Carolina except for the three with the Chicago Bears, Muhsin Muhammad is also hanging up this cleats.  Drafted in 1996 in the second round, Muhammad was voted to the Pro Bowl in 1999.  After Steve Smith was drafted, the two complemented each other were paramount with the Panthers reaching the Super Bowl in 2003.  Though his career is short of a Hall of Fame career, no one will ever slight his performance and importance on the Carolina Panthers. 

Big 12 Conference Dissolving

There is has been much talk in recent months about conference expansion and how it will affect the college conference landscape.  The first casualty of expansion seems to be the Big 12.  As of today, they have lost two teams, and it is expected more will follow. 

Nebraska Cornhuskers

It was reported yesterday that the University of Nebraska will be moving to the Big 10, which would make them the 12th team in that conference. An unnamed coach in the Big 12 stated that this will mark the beginning of the end of the Big 12 and it will dissolve when Nebraska leaves. Official word of the defection is expected at a new conference Friday.

University of Colorado

The Big 12 is getting picked from the left and the right. It was reported this morning that the University of Colorado has accepted an invitation from the Pac-10 to join their conference as the 11th team. Official word is expected tomorrow at a press conference, but it could come as early as today. The Pac-10 is expected to try to grow to a super conference add 5 more Big 12 teams such as Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State.

College Football Playoff

Well before the inception of the BCS, the talk about a playoff system in the NCAA Football has run rampant. Those screaming in the past have only raised the volume since the BCS started and teams that have had perfect seasons in non-BCS conferences such as Utah and Boise State have been passed over to play for the National Title. But we might be seeing the beginning of the end of the unscrupulous college football championship game. If a couple of senators could have their way, it would be in a form of a playoff system. But money is the real culprit of the lack of a playoff system, and it seems that is driving college football into a new era.

College Football Playoffs

There is an bipartisan march against the BCS in the Senate these days. Senators Max Baucus (D-Montana) and Orin Hatch (R-Utah) have been leading a crusade against the BSC and sent a letter to BCS Executive Directory Bill Hancock in March expressing their concerns with the BCS system.

Hancock replied that it is none of their concern and that "decisions about college football should be made by university presidents, athletic directors, coaches and conference commissioners rather than by members of Congress."

Baucus and Hatch were not satisfied with the rhetoric contained in the reply and fired back. Congress might not be the appropriate place to decide the playoff system, but not answering questions and metaphorically flipping the bird to Senators will rarely appease them to stop pursuing their agenda.

Mega Conferences

The Pac 10 has given Commissioner Larry Scott approval to pursue expansion. Reports are that he is looking at six teams from the Big 12. Reports also state that the Big 10 is looking at two teams from the Big 12.

Expansion is mainly due to money and television networks. The Big 10 has their own network and illustrated the profitability of it. Now other conferences want in. Money is the only motivator for college football conferences. This greed could lead to the formation of mega BCS conferences by dissolving and swallowing up lesser conference. Though I would have expected non-BSC conferences to have been the first to be swallowed up, it seems the Big 12 will be instead.

Mega conferences could be a second plan to appease everyone bu making all of the teams part of BSC conferences. Though it isn't a playoff system, it will be a less bias system and level the playing field a little bit.

Washington Redskin News

The Washington Redskins have been making noise this offseason.  The Redskins have been working on their offensive backfield and signed free agent Willie Parker, who was with the Steelers since 2004. They also made waves after they traded with the Philadelphia Eagles for Donovan McNabb. Last week Coach Mike Shanahan said they offered Brian Westbrook a contract.

Running Backs

Some people are curious in what Coach Shanahan has in mind. It seems he is going for the record of oldest running back corp. According to the younger Shanahan, Kyle Shanahan, "Clinton has been the back here, and he's definitely the starting back going into training camp." But Portis hasn't been able to stay healthy the last couple years. Portis' health issues is a reason to stock up on running backs, but neither Parker or Westbrook have been healthy much recently either. Parker is the youngest, being the only one under 30. But some feel that he will be the odd man out if Westbrook signs. To me that sounds ridiculous since Parker has at least played more and doesn't have the concussion history that Westrook does.

OTA Holdouts

The biggest named and paid holdout has been Albert Haynesworth. After an uninspired season last year, the guy that the Redskins signed for $100 million is holding out for a trade. Best of Luck bro!

With a disappointing season and a huge contract, who would want Haynesworth. I have an idea - how about going out and play for $100 million instead of trying to take your ball and going to another team. Haynesworth could be the defensive equivalent to Terrell Owens - talented, but a diva and cancer to the team.

Cornerback DeAngelo Hall, safety LaRon Landry, punter Josh Bidwell and linebacker Rocky McIntosh are other holdouts from OTAs. Bidwell is the only player that was told not to come to practice.

Coach Shanahan doesn't sound too worried with the holdouts.

"All I can say is that when you're at 94-95 percent [attendance], you feel pretty good about your football team and the direction you're heading...," Shanahan said. "Obviously, in the end, if they're not here, it's not good for their future."

Pac 10 Expansion

There has been reports over the last few months about a couple college conferences expanding in the next couple years.  It seems that the NCAA conference landscape could change rather significantly.  Though most people would like to see a playoff system in collegiate football, having six or seven conferences of 16 teams would negate the disenfranchised feeling the non-BCS conference have in competing for the National Title.  It might not be the best plan, but it is definitely Plan B. 

PAC 10 Conference Expansion

The Pac 10 commissioner Larry Scott was granted full power to pursue expansion of the conference. It is believed that the Pac 10 is looking to add 6 teams. Reports have suggested that Colorado, Texas, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State and the University of Oklahoma will all be invited to join.

Big 10

The Big 10 hasn't had 10 teams since Penn State joined the conference to make it 11. The last couple of months have been filled with reports of the Big 10 looking to expanding and inviting Nebraska, Missouri, Rutgers and Notre Dame. The Big 12 has given Nebraska and Missouri until Friday, June 11 to tell them there intentions of leaving the conference.

The Big 10 has not officially announce whether they are expanding or what schools they are pursuing yet. They might not have made their official statement, but it sure seems official enough for the Big 12.

Cinciannati Team Report

The Cincinnati Bengals are coming into the 2010 NFL season as the reigning AFC North Champions.  They left the playoffs with a disappointing early exit.  The 2010 team should look a little different than the team that won the AFC North last season, and in a good way.

Offensive Report

The Bengals were busy retooling their offense in the offseason.  Larry Johnson jumping ship to the Redskins was really nothing with Cedrick Benson playing like a fulltime starter.  Benson averaged only 3.5 yards last season, but that was behind a crippled offensive line.

The main difference to the Bengal's offense is the overhaul of the wide receiving corp.  They still have front man and performer Chad Ochocinco but added Laveranues Coles.  This should increase the deep balls that Carson Palmer will be throwing this year.  Just wonder how happy Ochocinco will be while he loses touches. 

Defensive Report

Cincinnati is expected to blitz more this year.  Rey Maualuga is in his second year and Tank Johnson will add more power to the defensive line.  They are hoping that attention will be taken away from other defensive lineman Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom by safety Roy Williams. 

Cincinnati needs the blitz more.  There defense recorded only 17 sacks all season last year, which ranked 30th.