2008 NFL Preseason Power Rankings

Rick Serritella unveils his NFL Power Rankings, preseason edition.

THE CONTENDERS

1. San Diego Chargers
The most complete all-around team, Tomlinson runs for greatness.

2. New York Giants
The defending Super Bowl Champs, period.

3. New England Patriots
Subpar offensive line, swiss cheese secondary big problems to overcome.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars
This is the year they overtake the…

5. Indianapolis Colts
Lingering injuries to vets Manning, Harrison, Freeney etc., cause for concern.

6. Dallas Cowboys
Enough firepower to take NFC crown.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers
Veteran team with few weaknesses.

CINDERELLA HOPEFULS

8. Cleveland Browns
Knocking down the door on AFC elites.

9. Minnesota Vikings
Production from quarterback position could make them Super Bowl bound.

10. Philadelphis Eagles
Creeky on the offensive side but defensive secondary amongst league’s finest.

11. New Orleans Saints
If backfield holds up, offense will be hard to stop.

12. Buffalo Bills
Call me a Trent Edwards believer; this is an underrated defense.

MIDDLE OF THE PACK

13. Houston Texans
Will be sitting on playoff doorstep in tough division.

14. Washington Redskins
Team will only go as far as quarterback can carry them.

15. Green Bay Packers
With Favre as starter, ranking jumps up ten spots.

16. New York Jets
Have all the pieces except a capable quarterback who can move the offense.

17. Arizona Cardinals
Unpredictable team who can slide up or slide down five spots in the pecking order.

18. Seattle Seahawks
Holmgrem/Hasselbeck duo run out of gas on likely last run together.

19. Tennessee Titans
Fisher always make most with limited talent.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gruden-led team has chance to sneak into playoffs if everything clicks.

21. Detroit Lions
New offense scheme doesn’t suit team’s talent, defense still a work in progress.

22. Denver Broncos
Shanahan era looking stale.

23. Cincinnati Bengals
Overhaul much needed here.

BOTTOM OF THE BARRELL

24. St. Louis Rams
Still a year away from turning it around in the right direction.

25. Carolina Panthers
Huge question marks at quarterback and running back perfect recipe for disappointment.

26. Miami Dolphins
New regime has enough tricks up its sleeve to win more games than you think.

27. Kansas City Chiefs
Rebuilding phase heading in right direction but quarterback play reason to worry.

28. San Francisco 49ers
Team takes on new identity every year but still can’t get it right.

29. Oakland Raiders
D-Mac enough of difference maker for a few wins.

30. Chicago Bears
Disaster season will be Lovie’s last.

31. Atlanta Falcons
Will show flashes of potential but not enough talent to win yet.

32. Baltimore Ravens
Team headed in the wrong direction in all areas.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS RADIO: BIG XII PREVIEW

* A look back at the 2007 season.
* North Preview: Can Missouri repeat? Are the Jayhawks for real? Who could be this * year's sleeper?
* George Hypolite talks about his senior season, being a Buffalo and his off-field good works.
* Brian Vornsberg gives you the freshman to watch for.
* Eric Morris of Texas Tech tells us what's it like playing for Coach Leach and the hometown Red Raiders.
* South Preview: Does Tech join the elite of the Big 12 South? Will the Cowboys defense allow OSU to contend?
* Jake Trotter of the Oklahoman breaks down the Sooners and their Title chances.
Conference Predictions & More.

CALL IN LIVE WITH YOUR QUESTIONS: (345) 945-6275

Programming Note: In case you miss it live, all shows are archived on our Blog Talk Radio Homepage fifteen minutes after the conclusion of each show.

ON AIR NOW: IN THE BLEACHERS (NEW SHOW)

The All Access Football Radio Network is proud to announce the addition of the In The Bleachers to its Blog Talk Radio lineup. Hosted by Brian Sakowski, In The Bleachers is the longest running college football podcast in the land, now entering its fourth season. Just one of many shows to be on the lookout for during the 2008 football season.

AIRING NOW: IN THE BLEACHERS - SEASON IV.EPISODE I - THE TOP NON-CONFERENCE GAMES FOR 2008
Tune-in right now to hear the first episode of In The Bleachers On Blog Talk Radio!
LISTEN NOW

ALL ACCESS DAILY DOSE

Hot Topics From Around The League.

ROGERS FLASHES CANNON
Packers QB Aaron Rogers is doing a pretty good job in making people forget about retired QB Brett Favre. Rogers is already drawing comparisons to his predecessor with respect to arm strength and his deep ball ability. "He has a cannon," WR Greg Jennings said. "He throws it like a Jugs machine every time.... He can make every throw on the football field, and his deep ball is one of the prettiest. Brett had a great deep ball, but Aaron has a beautiful one." HC Mike McCarthy agreed and also marveled at Rogers' progress since he was drafted in 2005. "He's very fundamentally strong. He's clearly one of the better guys I've had the opportunity to work with."

CULPEPPER TURNED DOWN PACK GIG
Free agent Daunte Culpepper reportedly turned down a one-year, $1 million proposal from the Packers earlier this offseason.

BRADSHAW JAILED
Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw has been in a Virgina jail cell since June 15 after violating the terms of his probation. Bradshaw was sentenced to two years of probation for misdemeanor petty larceny in 2006 while a student at Marshall University. Details of his most recent arrest are currently unavailable. Bradshaw's lawyer had this statement Thursday: "Ahmad Bradshaw is currently serving a 30-day jail sentence in Abingdon Regional Jail in Virginia on a probation violation charged out of the Tazewell County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court," the statement reads. "The underlying charge in this matter stems from an offense that occurred while Mr. Bradshaw was a juvenile. Mr. Bradshaw has not been charged with any offense since being drafted by the New York Giants and is eager to put this matter behind him and be in training for the next season."

KEVIN JONES RUNS SHUTTLE
Free agent Kevin Jones made cuts on his surgically reconstructed knee Thursday and ran a short shuttle in 4.3 seconds.

BUCS WIDE OUT COMPETITION HEATS UP
Buccaneers WR Antonio Bryant has been making his mark this offseason, potentially cracking the top two or three receivers on the depth chart. "I'll tell you, Antonio Bryant has really been impressive," HC Jon Gruden said. "We really like the things Antonio Bryant has done here, so we'll see how it works out." Bryant is competing with Michael Clayton, Maurice Stovall and Ike Hilliard as well as lesser known players like Dexter Jackson, Paris Warren, Cortez Hankton and Chad Lucas. "We may not be as bad at that position as a lot of people thought," Bucs pro personnel executive Doug Williams said.

AUSTIN LIGHTER, LOOKS FOR LARGER ROLE
Tim MacMahon, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys WR Miles Austin has lost 12 pounds since running a pre-draft 4.47 40-yard dash. Austin has a lot of confidence in himself that he will contribute this season and provide speed opposite of WR Terrell Owens. The Cowboys are reportedly "banking on" one of Sam Hurd or Miles Austin to emerge as a big part of their offense this season.

HARRIS DOES CAKE-WALK
Bears agreed to terms with DT Tommie Harris on a four-year extension through 2012. Profootballtalk.com reports the deal is worth $40 million. He'll receive $27 million in the first three years, putting the deal in the Randy Moss range and making Harris the NFL's richest DT. Harris, 25, will hit free agency again at the age of 29.

DRE MOORE UPDATE
Tampa Bay rookie DE Dre Moore got some words of warning from HC Jon Gruden, after reporting out of shape, one month after doing so at rookie camp. "He still has a long way to go to master playing pro football in this area of the country," Gruden said. "He's going to have stamina issues until he gets himself into great shape. "And I think every defensive lineman, every 320-pound guy, will tell you that. But he's working at it. It means something to him and he's in good hands with strength and conditioning coaches Curtis Schultz and Mike Morris."

TANK LEADS
After missing the first half of the season last year due to an 8-game suspension for off-the-field issues, Cowboys DT Tank Johnson is looking forward to an expanded role this year, his first full season with the team. "Tank came in as an unknown certainly," Head Coach Wade Phillips said. "Finishing the season was good. ... Just his perseverance and his hard work and working hard in the offseason, he is a leader, which we didn't know about him."

WOMAN LINKED TO PACMAN KILLED
Sadia Morrison, the woman who was with Adam "Pacman" Jones during a 2007 melee at the Minxx strip club, has turned up dead in the Bronx. Her friends and family think she was thrown off an apartment building. New York City police are investigating Morrison's death but are not providing many details."We're looking at any and all possibilities," New York City Police Department spokesman Martin Brown said Wednesday.

DETAILS EMERGE FROM WALKER INCIDENT

Hot Topics From Around The League.

BEARS QB UPDATE
Bears coach Lovie Smith labeled the competition between Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman a "tie" heading to training camp. Coordinator Ron Turner called the battle "highly competitive."

FLACCO ONLY OBSTACLE FOR SMITH
According to SI.com's Don Banks, only rookie Joe Flacco could stand in the way of Troy Smith being the Ravens' Week 1 starter.

FLYNN TO STICK
Lori Nickel, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reports Green Bay Packers QB Matt Flynn is receiving praise from the coaches during the last two weeks of the team's offseason workouts. "I think Matt has really done a very good job here the last two weeks, and he's starting to play with some rhythm. He's made some nice throws, another big-time throw today that he made. Matt's really made a step. With that, we have a ton of work left," head coach Mike McCarthy said.

DETAILS EMERGE FROM WALKER INCIDENT
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported that, according to police, robbers put Javon Walker in a car and beat him up. The Vegas newspaper also addresses the issue of champagne showers. "It's just lighting the fuse," one club operator told the Review-Journal. "Things can flare up quick." Said a representative from another club: "We consider it the same as throwing your drink on someone. When it happens at our club, they are escorted out immediately." Raiders coach Lane Kiffin expects Javon Walker to be "fine" and says Walker's status for "training camp won't even be an issue."

TERRY GLENN UPDATE
Updating a previous report, Ed Werder, of ESPN.com, reports Dallas Cowboys WR Terry Glenn said during a telephone conversation with ESPN Tuesday, June 17, that he wants to remain a Cowboy. "I want Jerry to understand that I know he has the ultimate power in everything that goes on with the Cowboys, and I'm not trying to challenge him in any way, shape or form," Glenn said. "He can -- and will -- determine the outcome of this because it's ultimately his decision. But what I want is to remain a Cowboy. I've been here for five years and I've made Dallas my home, and I would love nothing more than to be a Dallas Cowboy."

JUREVICIUS ASKS FOR DEMOTION
Despite coming off a 50-catch season, Jurevicius asked GM Phil Savage for a demotion. "I don't want it to sound like that was a negative thing," Jurevicius told the Akron Beacon Journal. "I've shown throughout my career that I'm comfortable being a No. 3 or a No. 2 or being able to back up a 1 or a 2. I did it for the simple fact that I think it helps this football team. Donte Stallworth is a guy who's going to help this football team win. I'll be able to go and do what I'm comfortable doing."

BENNETT STRUGGLES WITH TRANSITION
Tim MacMahon, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys TE Martellus Bennett said he is having a hard time making the mental adjustment from college ball to the pro level. "College football is a whole lot easier," Bennett said. "Less thinking, less knowledge of the game - you just really just go out there and play every weekend. Now, you've got to go out there and read everything. Man, this is like college times 20."

LITTLE FINDS NEW LIFE
Rams LE Leonard Little has reportedly made a "strong recovery" from toe surgery and looked like his old self at OTAs.

WALKER RELEASES STATEMENT

Raiders' Javon Walker releases statement on robbery.

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker says he is quickly recovering from a concussion and facial injuries after a Las Vegas robbery.

Walker was released from a hospital, but did not say where his recovery was continuing.

His agent released a statement Wednesday in which the 29-year-old Walker said he's in a private environment and that he wants to thank those who have offered prayers and support.

Walker was found unconscious early Monday on a street near the Las Vegas Strip after a night of partying during which he was photographed spraying a nightclub crowd with champagne.

Las Vegas police say he was robbed of a large amount of cash and some jewelry.

courtesy: APNewsNow

FORMER AFL LB KILLED IN COLLISION

Former 49ers, AFL linebacker Mike Dukes killed in collision.

BEAUMONT, Texas (AP) -- Mike Dukes, who played linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers and two AFL teams from 1959 to 1965, was killed in a traffic accident earlier this week. He was 72.

The longtime Beaumont resident was killed when an eastbound pickup crossed the median on Interstate 10 on Monday afternoon, striking his truck head-on, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The trooper's report said the driver of the other vehicle was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Dukes was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dukes grew up in Kentucky and Georgia, and went on to play football for Clemson.
He began his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers in 1959, then moved to the American Football League's Houston Oilers from 1960 to 1963 and the AFL's Boston Patriots in 1964-65.

He moved to the Beaumont area in the early 1980s and became a businessman.

AP-ES-06-18-08 1048EDT

FUTURE WATCH: BRANDON GREEN

By Brian Vornberg, College Football Insiders

The impact freshmen are having in college football is being felt more now than ever before. Percy Harvin was a great example a couple of years ago, as was Tim Tebow. Both were valuable contributors in the Florida Gators National Championship run in 2007. Last year, safety Chad Jones earned a lot of playing time for the LSU Tigers and made a similar impact on the defensive side of the ball.

In this, the first of a ten-part series, I will look at ten incoming freshman who could pay immediate dividends for their respective teams this upcoming college football season. First up in this series is Brandon Green. The Chicago-native headlines one of the strongest recruiting classes Minnesota has ever seen. The speedy WR brings optimism to the Golden Gophers and their fight to return to the national spotlight.

Brandon Green (Freshman WR, Minnesota)

- Standing 6’ 0” and weighing 167-pounds, nobody will mistake Brandon Green for the biggest wide receiver in the country. However, he may eventually become one of the best. Back in October of 2007, the dual-sport star (football and basketball) prospect out of Robeson High in Chicago committed to the Gophers over offers from almost every other Big Ten school, including Iowa, Illinois, Michigan State, and Northwestern. Green also brought his high school quarterback, Johnny Johnson, to help the Gophers in their rise back to national prominence.

His superb speed and all-around playmaking abilities will give Green an advantage from the moment he steps foot in Minnesota. He first set the stage for his recruitment in his junior year of high school when he finished the season with 62 catches for 1,875 yards and 21 TD’s. Coming off a great senior year, Rivals.com ranked him as the 39th best receiver in the nation. While speed and home-run-hitting ability are his strengths, he does have a couple of weaknesses. First, his size will not allow him to separate from receivers as easily as a bigger receiver, and he needs to work on running crisper routes. This is where Tim Brewster and his staff will need to earn their coaching stripes.

Green knew from the moment that he committed to the Gophers that he would be calling Minnesota home for the next four to five years. Speaking about how he might fit into coach Brewster’s offensive plans, Green said: “I feel that from the football side I’m a good fit in their offense and I could earn some early playing time.” Turning a Division I program around wasn’t the only major sticking point for Brandon in picking the Gophers. He knew that Minnesota was not only a great athletic institution, but a great academic one as well. “I’ll also get a great education at Minnesota and that was also really important,” Green said in an interview with GopherIllustrated.com in October.

And so it looks like year two of the spread offense in Minnesota will be a much better one thanks to the arrival of players such as Green and his teammate Johnson. Green should immediately become the team’s go-to deep threat in Brewster’s offense and should earn quite a bit of playing time in his first year on campus. After all, the Golden Gophers resurgence could depend on it.

QB SITUATION STILL FOGGY IN SF

Niners still cramming offense with no QB starter.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- After Shaun Hill wraps up the San Francisco 49ers' final offseason workouts this week, he'll still be wondering whether he's finally going to be a starting NFL quarterback this season.

Alex Smith also will still be wondering whether he'll get to keep his job.

The former No. 1 draft pick is still in competition with career third-stringer Hill for the top role in Mike Martz's offense, and nearly three weeks of minicamp haven't done much to produce a favorite, at least according to Martz and coach Mike Nolan.

"The pleasing thing about it is I do believe we have three guys that could win a game for us, and that's good," Nolan said Tuesday, including well-traveled newcomer J.T. O'Sullivan in the mix despite noticeably fewer turns in workouts. "I like our situation more now than any time I've been in here."

The competition probably will have to be resolved early in training camp, but Nolan and Martz don't feel any need to declare a starting quarterback early on. The 49ers have bigger concerns and heavier work to do in replacing the NFL's worst offense last season with Martz's inventive, tested schemes.

The installation appears to be proceeding on schedule, with the players and coaches motoring through a two-minute drill in Tuesday's workout with few obvious mental slip-ups. But after the 49ers break camp on Thursday, Hill still plans to spend part of every day back home in Osage Beach, Mo., deep in playbook study, and another part throwing to a local high school quarterback who painted his house last year.

"I feel like it's definitely a fair competition," Hill said. "I've got nothing to make me think otherwise. ... It's going to be an exciting offense, for sure, and we definitely have the players for it. Everybody is excited to get in the offense and see where it takes us. We're a lot further along now than we were a year ago at this time."

Smith, who's already entering his fourth NFL season, has much the same study-and-workout plans for his five-week break at home in California.

"There's a lot new for me," Smith said. "A quarterback is asked to do a lot, to have a lot of different tools out there. ... A lot of this offense is built on timing, and that comes down to trust that when I let the ball go, that guy is going to be there. Anticipation comes with the confidence of knowing what is going on, and then trusting it."

One immediate change noticed by both Smith and Hill is Martz's attitude toward defensive pressure. When the 49ers' quarterbacks noticed a blitz developing before a snap last season, they directed blocking protection toward it. This season, Smith or Hill will be more likely to make a hot read for a quick throw into the part of the defense vacated by the blitzer.

That's elementary stuff for the NFL's competent offenses, but it's a new way of thinking for Smith and Hill. The entire San Francisco offense's inflexibility under coordinator Jim Hostler repeatedly showed last season.

"Watching this offense, it looks like there's a gunslinger back there, but it's very much the opposite of, 'Just go out there and fling,'" Smith said. "Everything is done for a reason. It's very structured."

Martz still is exploring new ways to use the 49ers' offensive talent. While Frank Gore will have several roles to utilize his superb pass-catching skills in addition to his rushing, tight end Vernon Davis finds himself in multiple offensive roles, sometimes in the same play.

"My role has really changed in finding different holes to sit in so the ball can get to me," said Davis, the 49ers' second-leading receiver last year despite being underused in several games. "I'm running vertical a lot more, using my speed to get down the field.

"People say the system is hard, but if you put time into it, you can make it as easy as possible. Martz, he'll get the most out of you. He'll work you, but he'll make you understand how to do certain things."

AP-ES-06-18-08 0545EDT

GLENN TO 'BOYS: RELEASE ME

Hot Topics From Around The League.

GLENN: RELEASE ME
Terry Glenn told ESPN that he'd rather be released than sign the Cowboys' proposed injury waiver. “I was told that I would be released if I didn't sign [the split salary agreement]," Glenn said. "So I said that I wasn't signing, I think we should get on with it, I don't see what the problem is. If I can't participate in team activities, then what's the use? I'm frustrated as hell. I thought it was unfair in the first place."

JJ ON THE MEND
Cincinnati Bengals FB Jeremi Johnson is due to carry a $1.25 million cap number this season. He was made the highest-paid FB in the league in April 2006, signing through 2011. Johnson has ballooned from 260 pounds to 300-plus and Ludwig speculates that he is "nowhere near getting on the field." Ludwig speculates that backup FB Daniel Coats is a better player, and his cap number is about 25% of Johnson's, which could make Johnson expendable.

JOHNSON TO UNDERGOE KNIFE
NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that Chad Johnson will undergo surgery to remove bone chips in his ankle but is expected to be ready for training camp.

BREASTON AHEAD OF DOUCET
Steve Breaston is reportedly the slight favorite to be Arizona's third receiver heading into minicamps.

FORMER 2ND ROUNDER RELEASED
The Atlanta Falcons released S Jimmy Williams Tuesday, parting with their top pick of the 2006 NFL Draft. "It's a football decision," HC Mike Smith said. "It's a decision we made. We've been evaluating." Williams reported to offseason workouts weighing more than 230 pounds. Williams steadily fell to the back of the depth chart. "I knew it could get to this point, but I wasn't sure it would," Williams said in his hometown of Hampton, Va. "They've been upset with my weight, but I didn't think the weight thing was a big issue. I thought they were hiding behind that. Other than that, there weren't any real disputes between me and the Falcons."

JAGS WAIVE FIVE
The Jacksonville Jaguars waived defensive end Brian Smith on Monday, severing ties with a former fourth-round draft pick who never played a down because of injuries.
The Jaguars also waived offensive tackle Ryan Gibbons, long-snapper Brett Goode, tight end Isaac Smolko and receiver Craphonso Thorpe. The moves opened up five roster spots for the team’s five unsigned draft picks.
Smith was the 113th player selected in 2007, but the former Missouri standout missed all his rookie season while recovering from a hip injury sustained during his senior season. Smith also missed all of Jacksonville’s organized team activities, including mini-camp, because of a leg injury.

SIMS TO 49ERS?
The San Francisco 49ers remain in the running to sign veteran offensive tackle Barry Sims, who visited four teams last week. The Raiders released Sims in a salary-cap move earlier this offseason. The 49ers are in need of a veteran who can play tackle. Joe Staley and Jonas Jennings are slated to start at left and right tackle, respectively. But the 49ers have little - or no - proven depth behind the presumptive starters. The 49ers moved rookie Chilo Rachal to right tackle at the beginning of the organized team activities (OTAs). But Rachal would probably move back to guard if they acquired Sims.

ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL RADIO UPDATE

Be Sure To Check Out Our All Access Football Radio Network On Blog Talk Radio For Exclusive Analysis On Everything Football.

FANTASY FOOTBALL INSIDERS RADIO: EPISODE #1
NFL Insiders Rick Serritella, Ross Mandel & Ralph Mancini Preview The Quarterbacks.
LISTEN NOW: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/All-Access-Football/2008/06/17/2008-FANTASY-FOOTBALL-INSIDERS-RADIO-EPISODE-1

THE LEGAL LINE: EPISODE #2
Legal Line Co-Founder Scott Daniels discusses violence in sports and looks back at some historical events and qustionable tactics.
TOMMORROW - 8:30 PM ET: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/All-Access-Football/2008/06/19/THE-LEGAL-LINE-EPISODE-2

ALL ACCESS
Our 2008 Canadian Football League Preview Show! Guests and Details TBA.
FRIDAY - 6:00 PM ET: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/All-Access-Football/2008/06/20/ALL-ACCESS-FOOTBALL-FRIDAY-SHOW-LIVE-6PM-ET

COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS: PREMIERE SHOW - ACC PREVIEW
College Football Insiders Co-Founder Daniel Mogollon hosts the first installment of CFI Radio.
MONDAY, JUNE 23RD: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/All-Access-Football/2008/06/23/PREMIERE-SHOW-COLLEGE-FOOTBALL-INSIDERS-EPISODE-1

To bookmark our radio channel, click here.

TATUPU PLEADS NOT GUILTY

Seahawks' Tatupu enters not guilty plea to DUI charge.

KIRKLAND, Wash. (AP) -- Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu entered a plea of not guilty Tuesday to charges of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Tatupu appeared before Kirkland Municipal Court Judge Michael J. Lambo, but did not speak. His attorney, Jon Fox, told the judge his client would plead not guilty. After the hearing, Fox told reporters that Tatupu would not make a statement or answer questions.

Lambo set a tentative court date for July 7. The Seahawks' training camp opens July 25.

Tatupu was stopped in this Seattle suburb, the home of the Seahawks' headquarters and practice facility, at 2 a.m. on May 10 for traveling more than 15 mph above the posted 35-mph limit. The officer said Tatupu was driving erratically before finally stopping at a fast-food parking lot.

An arrest report said that at the Kirkland police station two hours later, Tatupu registered 0.155 and 0.158 in breath test readings, nearly twice the state intoxication threshold of 0.08.

The only public comment Tatupu has made was a May 13 statement issued through the team.

"I want to apologize to my family, teammates, the Seahawks ownership and organization, and the fans for making a poor decision and putting myself in a bad situation," his statement read. "I take seriously my role as a leader on this team, and in the community, and because of that I'm disappointed and embarrassed by the level of poor judgment I used last weekend.

Thankfully, nobody was hurt. This will never happen again, and I hope through hard work on and off the field to begin earning your respect and trust again."

On March 25, the Seahawks had signed the third-year, 25-year-old Tatupu to a $42 million, six-year contract extension.

AP-ES-06-17-08 1437EDT

UPDATE ON JAVON WALKER

Police: Cash taken from Javon Walker in robbery.

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker could be released from the hospital Tuesday, a day after he was beaten, robbed and left unconscious on a Las Vegas street after a night of partying, police said.

A large amount of cash and some jewelry were taken from Walker, who suffered "significant injuries," police said.

Police Lt. Clinton Nichols said detectives are retracing Walker's activities in the hours before he was found injured Monday morning on a street off the Las Vegas Strip.

"That's one of the first things we do, backtrack what he did and where he stayed," Nichols said, adding that the investigation was still in the early stages. "We knew there was a large amount of cash taken, and some jewelry."

Nichols said he believed Walker would be released after a 24-hour stay at the hospital. A hospital spokesman said he had no immediate information about Walker's condition.

A Raiders spokesman said the team was in the process of gathering information and had no further comment.

On Monday, police Officer Bill Cassell said in a statement that Walker was taken to a hospital with "significant injuries" and was in fair condition at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center.

Walker, 29, signed a six-year, $55 million deal with the Raiders after being released by the Denver Broncos in February.

Walker injured his right knee for the second time in his career last season and was limited to eight games and 26 catches in 2007.

Walker was a first-round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2001 and had a breakout season in 2004 with 89 catches for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns.

He tore a ligament in his right knee the next season and played only one game.

He was traded to Denver in 2006 and bounced back with 69 catches for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns.

AP-ES-06-17-08 1126EDT

T.O. A NO-SHOW

TO missing as Cowboys start mandatory three-day minicamp.

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens wasn't on the field for the start of the team's mandatory offseason minicamp.

Team officials say Owens missed the first of two workouts Tuesday for personal reasons. It wasn't clear what those were or if he would be on the field for any part of the three-day minicamp.

The flamboyant receiver participated in optional workouts the past four weeks. Heading into the final year of his contract, he recently signed a three-year extension worth around $27 million.

AP-ES-06-17-08 1221EDT

SMALL SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT: VOL XVIII

Over the next few weeks I will highlight some small school players to watch for next season that scouts have already taken notice of. In each installment I will highlight some names who will be on the NFL radar this coming season.

ILB LEE ROBINSON, ALCORN STATE, 6021, 246, 4.65E
Robinson somehow went unnoticed by the SWAC coaches and didn’t earn All-SWAC honors after piling up 82 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He can run, hit, and appears to be in better shape this year. The coaches are moving him from OLB to ILB and letting him roam sideline to sideline more. He does need to play with more pad level due to being so big but if he can polish his technique he has the potential to move up boards. He is rated as a late rounder by many NFL insiders at this point.

WR QUINTEN LAWRENCE, MCNEESE STATE, 5115, 179, 4.35
Looking for this year’s version of Dexter Jackson? This could be the one. Lawrence is bigger and slightly faster than Dexter and he brings more versatility. He will play all three ways this year as the coaching staff is expected to try him out at CB. He had 31 catches for 645 yards and 6 touchdowns last year to earn Second team All-Southland honors due to his speed and versatility. He could rise up draft boards like teammate Bryan Smith did last year and top out in the 2nd-4th round range but is considered a 5th-6th round value heading into the season.

K JARED KEATING, MESA STATE, 5094, 192, 4.85E
Keating finished last year as a First team All-American and RMAC Special Teams POY after hitting 22 of 33 FGs and a long of 53 yards. Most of his missed kicks are blocks due to poor protection but he is money from the 44 and in and has the leg strength to hit past 50. He has hit from 60 in practice before as well. He is a great kid and hard worker. He has the potential to earn a late round grade and is the top small school kicker heading into the season.

OG DAKARAI GRIMSLEY, MORGAN STATE, 6040, 363, 5.70
Grimsley has started the last two years at LT but is moving to LG in ’08. he brings good size and strength for the guard spot and is more suited for the position. He is a good run blocker and tough kid. He is overweight and needs to get down in the 340-350 range. He has natural strength and some feel that when the light bulb turns on he will surely make leaps up the draft board. He is a 6th-7th rounder at this point who will either move quickly up the board or fall down purely on how hard he works, according to insiders in the NFL.

WALKER FOUND UNCONSCIOUS

WALKER FOUND UNCONSCIOUS
KVVU Las Vegas, a Fox5 News channel, is reporting that Oakland Raiders WR Javon Walker was apparently a victim of a robbery and was found unconscious at about 7:19 a.m. Monday near the intersection of Koval Lane and Winnick Avenue, officers said. Walker, who police say sustained an orbital fracture, was taken to Sunrise Medical Center's Trauma unit and is listed in fair condition, according to hospital officials. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Walker was seen Saturday night at Tryst at the Wynn spraying the crowd with some of the 15 bottles of Dom Perignon Rose champagne he ordered. The RJ also said Walker was at Body English at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino until 6:30 a.m. Monday and that his first round of champagne cost him $15,000.

BRANDON MARSHALL UPDATE
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall is ahead of schedule on his conditioning workouts. He even caught a few soft tosses with both hands this week, a sign of progress. Physically and mentally, Marshall said he is set to return from a severe right arm injury in which he lacerated an artery, vein, nerve, two tendons and three muscles. His three-month recovery time will be up June 22nd, when he can start catching live passes and working out to get ready for training camp, which starts July 25th.

TEXANS INK COLVIN
Free-agent linebacker Rosevelt Colvin has agreed to terms with the Houston Texans. Colvin, who played for the New England Patriots for five seasons in which he won two Super Bowls, visited the Texans earlier this month and passed a physical. He was hampered last season with a foot injury, playing 11 games with four sacks, before his release.

LIONS MOVE CAMPBELL TO LINEBACKER
There are a couple of reasons why the Detroit Lions switched Caleb Campbell, a seventh-round pick out of Army, from safety to outside linebacker. The first is that Campbell has the size (6-2 and 230 pounds) to be an effective linebacker and the second is that the Lions currently have a logjam at safety and Campbell has a better shot of making the 53-man roster at linebacker. Campbell is probably a better fit at linebacker at this level because he has experience moving up to support the run.

ROLLE MAKES SMOOTH TRANSITION
Dennis Dillon, of SportingNews.com, reports Arizona Cardinals CB Antrel Rolle appears to be making a smooth transition from cornerback to free safety during the team's offseason workouts. Rolle has been practicing with the first-team defense and coaches have praised his work ethic.

LEFTWICH NOT A FIT
Bucky Brooks, of SI.com, reports free-agent QB Byron Leftwich's (Falcons) questionable mechanics and injury history have overshadowed any contributions he has made as a quarterback and could explain why he has not been signed by a National Football League team, according to a league scout. "It's a quick game and his mechanics are all screwed up," said an AFC scout. "His long windup limits his ability to function in a quick, rhythm offense and his lack of mobility make him a sitting duck in the pocket. It would be hard for him to fit into most offenses."

LEAGUE FORMS GM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The NFL announced on Monday the formation of a new General Managers Advisory Committee. The stated goals of the committee will be to protect and support the integrity of the game, expand the use of technology, focus on player development and scouting opportunities, and develop innovative ideas to improve the Pro Bowl, Scouting Combine, NFL Draft, and preseason. The committee will be Co-Chaired by NFL Executive V.P. of Football Operations Ray Anderson and former Giants G.M. Ernie Accorsi.

MARCUS VICK RELEASED FROM JAIL

Former Hokies QB Marcus Vick free on bond.

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- Former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick's first court appearance to face a charge of driving under the influence has been rescheduled.

The 24-year-old brother of former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was to appear Monday in General District Court, but a clerk said his appearance was rescheduled for Sept. 10. He posted a $1,000 bond Friday.

Marcus Vick was arrested early Friday after police said a uniformed bicycle patrol officer saw Vick and a woman involved in a dispute.

When the officer attempted to intervene, police said Vick sped away, but was stopped minutes later.

In addition to driving under the influence, Vick was charged with misdemeanor counts of eluding police, reckless driving and driving on a suspended license.

Twenty-four-year-old Delicia Lenora Cordon of Miami was charged with being drunk in public.

AP-ES-06-16-08 1223EDT

TO CALLS ON A-LIST

T.O. calls in favors for A-list counselors.

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Like many NFL players, Terrell Owens is running a football camp for kids this summer.

Others, however, don't have the caliber of counselors Owens is bringing in.

Want to run faster? Former 100-meter world record-holder Maurice Greene will teach that.

Need life skills? Michael Irvin is expected to offer advice on how to avoid the mistakes he made; perhaps Adam "Pacman" Jones, too.

How about some tips on scoring touchdowns and celebrating them? T.O. will gladly handle those topics himself.

"It's going to be a fun time," Owens said. "And an educational time for them, as well."

This will be the third year Owens runs a camp in the Dallas area, but the first time he's tapped into his address book for celebrity sizzle.

Considering he just signed a $34 million contract extension with the Cowboys, Owens certainly isn't doing it for the money -- $195 per child age 7 to 17, for the two-day event, July 9-10.

Owens said he's simply doing it to become more active in the community.

"It's just something that goes hand-in-hand with my solidifying where I'll be the next four years," Owens said recently in an interview with The Associated Press. "It's really just me giving back, part of what I'm supposed to do. ... I just feel like it's part of my duty. It goes with the Scripture -- to whom much is given, much is required."

When Owens moved to Dallas in 2006, many fans still despised him for anti-Cowboys antics while playing for San Francisco and Philadelphia. Although he was productive that first season, his stats were overshadowed by an accidental overdose and squabbles with the coaching staff, leaving some folks still leery about him going into 2007.

Owens responded with a record-setting season filled with praise for his positive approach. Team owner Jerry Jones reciprocated with the new contract, tying Owens to the team, and the area, through 2011.

"I just feel like I'm in a place where I can devote my time and give more myself," Owens said.

When players host camps, they often invite teammates and other friends. There's usually a trade-off -- you come to my camp, I'll come to yours. Owens has extended that open invitation to lots of people, which is why his guest list won't be settled until that first morning at Duncanville High School.

Greene, meanwhile, said he's definitely coming.

"For him? Yeah, of course," Greene said. "I'm happy to help."

The pair got to know each other through mutual friends. Now that Greene has given up on trying to make it to a third straight Olympics, he's breaking into coaching. He said he already holds a speed camp for high school football players on weekends in California.

"All sports are turning to one thing -- speed," Greene said. "Running fast is all about the technique of how to do it. I have to look at the kids, see what they're doing wrong."

Irvin knows about doing wrong, too, using his own life as a lesson in "do as I say, not as I did." Hearing the same message from Pacman would be interesting, considering he's still trying to prove that he has straightened out his life and can keep it that way.

"I'm sure those two can be very enlightening to kids who've had a troubled upbringing," Owens said. "(Their stories) show you that you can be successful, even though you make mistakes. It's more powerful when you can hear it from a guy like Michael Irvin."

AP-ES-06-16-08 1220EDT

JOSH BUCHANAN 2009 NFL DRAFT SMALL SCHHOL WATCH

TE BRIAN MANDEVILLE, NORTHEASTERN, 6060, 248, 4.78
Mandeville is a former DE who had two tackles as a freshman in 2004 and then redshirted in ’05. He then moved to TE for his sophomore season and showed promise despite missing 2 games with an injury. His breakout season came last year with 30 catches, 411 yards, and five touchdowns to earn Second team All-CAA honors. His size, frame, and potential have scouts drooling. He enters the season with mid round grades from scouts but has 2nd-3rd round potential with a good year.

WR JULIUS PRUITT, OUACHITA BAPTIST, 6014, 225, 4.57
Pruitt displays great athletic ability, size, and huge hands that NFL scouts are looking for. He has developed a better work habit over his career and improved as a junior with 52 catches for 736 yards, and seven touchdowns to earn 2nd team All-GSC honors. He has the potential to run in the 4.4 range after training and possesses great leg strength with a 600 pound squat. His character is great and he is very smart as well. He is considered a potential mid to late round pick by many scouts due to his physical tools and upside.

C CECIL NEWTON, TENNESSEE STATE, 6014, 292, 5.15E
Newton is fairly athletic and shows good quickness. He also has a great work ethic and athletic bloodlines. He also brings the ability to long snap and started the last two seasons. Scouts like his game more than most realize as they have given him late round draft grades.

DT JOHN FALETOESE, UC DAVIS, 6014, 295, 5.05E
His production and accolades are among the most impressive of any linemen in this year’s small school crop as a three-time 1st team All-Great West selection who has 10 career sacks from inside. He missed a few games with a high ankle sprain in ’07 but has starting potential. He is very quick and tough to block inside. He also shows good instincts but will need to stay healthy. Faletoese enters the season with late round grades but has the potential to move into the 4th round area with a good season.

RUTGERS EXPANDS STADIUM

NJ gov starts raising money for Rutgers stadium expansion.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) -- Gov. Jon S. Corzine has started raising money for a Rutgers football stadium expansion after months of delay due to ethics concerns.

Conflict-of-interest concerns were raised over the multimillionaire governor raising money. So Corzine's chief counsel looked into the matter.

Corzine has agreed to solicit from donors that don't do business with the state or likely won't in the near future.

The university wants to expand its 43,000-seat stadium to 56,000 seats. Corzine and state Sen. Ray Lesniak said in December that they would help raise $30 million after pulling state support for the project.

Football coach Greg Schiano and Rutgers Athletic Director Robert Mulcahy sent a letter this week to 24 potential donors.

ALL ACCESS: MENDENHALL CONSIDERED QUITTING

CHIEFS QB UPDATE
Kent Babb, of the Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herman Edwards said QB Brodie Croyle will enter training camp as the team's No. 1 quarterback.

UNDRAFTED FA MAKES NOISE
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has gone out of his way to express satisfaction with the work of undrafted rookie James Johnson at running back, noting JJ as one of the team's best players at the recent minicamp sessions, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

JONATHAN STEWART UPDATE
Coach John Fox is anxious to have rookie running back Jonathan Stewart back at practice. Stewart isn't allowed around the facility until the University of Oregon finishes its final exams. Oregon is one of the few schools around the country that works on the quarter grading system. "He's a sharp guy and I like this demeanor and his football character," Fox said of the team's first-round draft pick. "I like what I saw from his college tape. He just has to get healthy." Fox said he expects Stewart will be ready to go in training camp. "He's out of his boot and he's one schedule. He's been doing rehab with our medical people and they are telling me he will be ready for July 25 (the start of training camp)."

MENDENHALL CONSIDERED QUIITING
Days before the start of the 2007 season, running back Rashard Mendenhall said he considered quitting the Illinois football team. "I sat down and I was like, 'If this is what football is, I don't know if I want to do that anymore,' " Mendenhall said. "I'm not soft at all. I'm not scared of adversity. I don't care if somebody's yelling at me. That's not what it was about at all. "To tell you the truth, as long as Ron Zook is there it will be hard for me to support the University of Illinois football team," Mendenhall said. "I want to be happy in my life. I know I can walk away from this. I know I can finish school, get a job."

WIDE OUT HEADED FOR SURGERY?
Chad Johnson participated with the first-string offense in 11-on-11 drills on Saturday. He caught a few short passes but generally didn't look great. "He worked hard; he was rusty," offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski explains to the team's official web site. "He's got that ankle issue at the end of the season. They were trying to get it taken care of, it hadn't been taken care of, he needed to get it taken care of. He's going against guys that have been out here 14, 16 practices. You're going to look that way when you have none. He worked hard." The Bengals want Johnson to undergo ankle surgery prior to training camp on July 27.

JOEY PORTER ADDS BULK
Barry Jackson, of the Miami Herald, reports Miami Dolphins LB Joey Porter has bulked up slightly to 260 pounds this offseason and he's "a little bit more explosive," according to head coach Tony Sparano. Sparano added, "Physically, I've seen him come an awful long way [this offseason]. He wasn't afraid to say, `Coach me and tell me how to get better.' I like where he is."

QUINCY CARTER SIGHTING
After nearly four years of personal disappointments and drug-related arrests, something positive has finally happened for Quincy Carter. He started, and completed, a game in the Arena Football League — his Kansas City Brigade losing 73-34.

ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL UPDATE: JUNE 13, 2008

It may be the football off-season but the weather is not the only thing heating up. Check out the latest happenings at All Access Football:

* Former Florida Gator and current Jacksonville Jaguar Jeremy Mincey has drawn rave reviews thus far in training camp and there is talk that his improved performance could thrust him into a starting role this season. Check out Daniel Mogollon's one-on-one interview with the emerging defensive end in a Mini-Camp Edition of our Player Spotlight Show.

* Now Airing on All Access: Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning was on hand at Club 21 last week to announce the launch of the National Football Foundation's Club of New York. You can watch the exclusive video here.

* In case you missed it, the All Access Football panel of experts debated the Top 10 Greatest NFL Quarterbacks of All-Time. Tune-in to our All Access Football Radio Channel on Blog Talk Radio to hear who made the cut.

* The debut of The Legal Line Show was a great success. Legal Line Co-Founder Scott Daniels was joined by Fantasy Sports Trade Association President and Sports Buff CEO Jeffrey Thomas as they analyzed the impact of the recent fantasy sports industry victory over MLB in Supreme Court.

* The 2009 NFL Draft Watch has already begun. Log-on to the NFL Draft Bible for Josh Buchanan's latest installment of our Small School Spotlight.

* Want to be brought up to date on the latest breaking news? Our new All Access Football Blog is up and running. Still want more? Other blogs that are being constantly updated include College Football Insiders and the rebirth of Fantasy Football Insiders, which will also debut a premiere radio show on Saturday. Updates to be posted here.

* Coming Soon: The All Access Football Network will be expanding its coverage into the world of Arena Football and the Canadian Football League. Stay tuned for more details...

MARCUS VICK ARRESTED IN VIRGINIA

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- Former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick has been charged with driving under the influence and eluding police.

Police said a uniformed bicycle patrol officer observed Vick and a female involved in an altercation in the car early Friday. When the officer asked for a driver's license, police say Vick sped away but was stopped minutes later.

Vick failed a field sobriety test and was charged with DUI, misdemeanor eluding police, reckless driving and driving on a suspended license. The passenger, Delicia Cordon of
Miami, Fla., was charged with being drunk in public.

Vick was released by the Miami Dolphins in 2007. He is the brother of former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.

AP-ES-06-13-08 1047EDT

DUKE RECRUITS TENNESSEE FANS

Duke football coach sells season tickets in Tennessee.

DURHAM, N.C. -- Don't laugh. First-year Duke football coach David Cutcliffe is signing up football season-ticket holders in Knoxville, Tenn.

Cutcliffe recruited 22 fans to buy season tickets during a May 22 visit to his old hometown.

Was the former Tennessee assistant trying to turn orange Volunteers fans into Blue Devils? "Absolutely," a confident Cutcliffe said. "Is that awesome? Isn't that great? We're going to set a record for season ticket sales. If you don't get on this year, you're really going to be out of luck next year."

Cutcliffe has crisscrossed the region on a Duke athletics tour to sell Duke football to jaded Duke boosters and curious non-Duke fans eager to meet the coach who shaped Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning in college. Duke last had a winning season in 1994.

Cutcliffe pitched the four-ticket family pack -- seven Duke home games for $199 -- as "cheaper than going to the movies." It's going over big. Sales picked up after each speech. Duke also sold 52 more season tickets to event-goers in Charlotte, 58 in Atlanta, 44 in Greensboro, N.C. and 65 in Wilmington, N.C.

courtesy: The News & Observer of Raleigh, N.C.

PACKERS WAIT ON HUMPHREY REHAB

Packers stick with TE Humphrey through injury.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Packers tight end Tory Humphrey had a hard time recovering from a broken leg on the first day of training camp last year. It was his second major injury in less than a year, and one that might have cost him a chance to start.
However, after nearly trading in his football pads for a pair of brown shorts after the Packers cut him three years ago, Humphrey has learned a thing or two about perseverance.

Plus, the Packers still think he has what it takes.

"He can definitely be a No. 1 tight end in this league," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "No doubt about it."

Humphrey signed with Indianapolis as an undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan in 2005, then was waived and signed with Green Bay. But the Packers cut him near the end of training camp, and he found himself back home in Michigan with nothing to do. "We were in Lansing, my wife was at Michigan State finishing her degree," Humphrey said. "Actually, I was about to get a job at UPS before they called me back."

Green Bay added Humphrey to its practice squad in November 2005. He came back to make the team the following season, playing mostly special teams until he sustained a season-ending hamstring injury in a game at Minnesota on Nov. 12.

Humphrey rehabilitated the injury, and came into training camp last year hoping to break into the rotation with the No. 1 offense -- a chance to prove he belonged on the field once the regular season rolled around.

Instead, he got another bad break: He broke his leg on the first day of camp.

"It crossed my mind when I first got hurt," Humphrey said. "It was like, 'Here we go again.' I mean, I knew at some point I would be back, but it was like, 'I can't believe it happened again.' Because the first year, I did my hamstring, the first day of camp, and then I break my leg. So it was like, 'Here we go again.'"

Humphrey has thought about what he might do if he can't play football, a plan that might include going back to school to finish his degree in entrepreneurship and working in advertising.

All that will have to wait because the Packers are sticking with Humphrey.

"Coach McAdoo told me they still like me, they still believe in me," Humphrey said, referring to Packers tight ends coach Ben McAdoo. "They just want me to stay healthy and get me on the field."

With Humphrey out of the picture and veteran Bubba Franks being used mainly as a blocker last year, Donald Lee had a breakout season with 48 catches for 575 yards and six touchdowns in the regular season -- and another touchdown in the Packers' NFC championship game loss to the New York Giants.

Now, Lee enters camp as the presumptive starter, Franks is gone, and Humphrey hopes to compete with third-round draft pick Jermichael Finley, an athletic tight end out of Texas, for repetitions in practice.

The Packers also have three undrafted rookie free agent tight ends on the roster: Maryland's Joey Haynos, Stanford's Evan Moore and Northwest Missouri State's Mike Peterson.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said that while Humphrey is still "feeling his way around some things," he has the potential to fit in well with the offense.

"They are all very similar," McCarthy said of Lee, Humphrey and Finley. "I think their strength is their athletic ability, the ability to play in space. When you have the 250-pound man as athletic as those three, it gives you the ability to do things from the backfield, out in space. It also carries over to special teams."

Rodgers said Humphrey has improved every day he's been on the field since he was cleared to participate in voluntary Organized Team Activity (OTA) workouts last week.

"The vitals are there: He's very athletic, he's got good hands," Rodgers said. "But he's getting his feel back. I don't think it comes back right away playing out there, reading linebackers, leverage, getting off the press, guys right on him. So he's doing a nice job. He's caught just about everything I've thrown to him, and he's going to continue to improve."

Humphrey sees himself as another downfield threat who can complement Lee, and expects to have an opportunity to get on the field.

"There's always opportunity for anybody if they go out there and make plays and are consistent," Humphrey said. "Everybody has a chance."

Finley sat out Thursday's OTAs after bruising his knee in practice last week, allowing Humphrey a few more reps in practice. Humphrey made it count, catching a touchdown pass from Rodgers in a team drill.

"You never want to see anybody hurt, but I'm not complaining about the extra work," Humphrey said.

And he's not taking another chance with the Packers for granted.

"When I'm walking in the building sometimes, I get taken aback that I'm here, after all I've been through," Humphrey said.


By CHRIS JENKINS
AP Sports Writer
AP-ES-06-13-08 0508EDT

ALL ACCESS: LONG CAN DO IT ALL

Hot Topics From Around The League.

RONNIE BROWN UPDATE
Less than eight months after sustaining a season-ending knee injury, Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown took part in 11-on-11 team drills for the first time this week, a sign that points to a full return by next month's training camp. "It's a big step,'' said Brown after Thursday's practice, the final organized team activity session until the start of training camp in late July. "A step closer to getting ready for the season and getting ready for training camp.

CEDRIC BENSON UPDATE
The rest of the NFL confirmed Thursday what the Bears finally acknowledged Monday: Cedric Benson, their highest draft pick in 28 years, also ranks as the biggest bust in team history. Benson cleared waivers, three days after the Bears released him because of two alcohol-related arrests in five weeks. The No. 4 overall selection in 2005 is now a free agent and can sign with any team.

FOSTER SERVES AS INSURANCE
Running back DeShaun Foster is impressing San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "He's got soft hands," said Nolan "I think he adds to the passing game as much as the running game. His main role would be to take the No. 1 job if the unmentionable happens. He gives us another starter if something happens to Frank Gore."

STEELERS SEARCH FOR FANECA REPLACEMENT
With Alan Faneca gone, the Steelers are in need of leadership and, at the very least, quality production from the left guard position, one of the most important in the NFL. The Steelers believe former sixth-round draft pick Chris Kemoeatu is the man for the job, according to the Beaver County Times.

CHIRS LONG UPDATE
Pro Football Weekly writes a glowing article regarding St. Louis Rams first round draft pick Chris Long . “He can do a lot of different things for you,” Rams defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said. “He’s a better fit for teams like us, Baltimore, Pittsburgh. Teams that do a lot of different things than just a straight 4-3 where you’re going to sit there and rush him all day." Haslett still runs a lot of 3-4 fronts in passing situations, which should be a natural for Long who garnered 14 sacks playing in the 3-4 at Virginia. Haslett went on to boast of Long's additional attributes. “I think he’s very good in run defense. He does a great job in hand placement and getting off blocks. He looks like his father from that standpoint. You can tell his dad coached him when he was young because he’s got the Howie moves.” Long also dropped into coverage occasionally at Virginia and may do so for the Rams.

ODOM HITS WEIGHT ROOM
Defensive end Antwan Odom has improved his upper-body strength, and now he's concentrating on weight gain so he can become a more physical pass rusher and run stopper at the point of attack. Odom is a sleek, slender end with the reputation of being a speed rusher, but he wants to enhance his image by being more rugged. He currently weighs 253, but promises to be at least 265 when he arrives for the Cincinnati Bengals training camp, according to the Sporting News.

KIWANUKA TO BE MOVED AROUND
The New York Giants will utilize linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka at defensive end on obvious pass rush downs, according to the New York Post. "We're going to have to evaluate all of those things," coach Tom Coughlin said. "We know what we want to do on obvious pass rush downs [Kiwanuka moves in as a defensive end], but on first down we're still, at least I am, in a position that Mathias is a linebacker until we or I decide otherwise."

BILLS SUBPOENAED
The Associated Press reports Buffalo Bills WR James Hardy, WR Steve Johnson and OL Christian Gaddis was subpoenaed Thursday, June 12, to testify before a grand jury looking into a hit-and-run accident involving RB Marshawn Lynch's SUV, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation. Investigators believe the three players have information regarding the case. The grand jury is scheduled to convene June 20.

GIANTS DEAL WITH SUPER DISTRACTIONS
If Osi Umenyiora, Chris Snee and Brandon Jacobs want new contracts, they will have to get in line with Plaxico Burress. But if it is any consolation to general manager Jerry Reese, Burress's announcement yesterday that he was not on the field for "business reasons" moved him ahead of Jeremy Shockey in the growing line of distractions for the Super Bowl champions. From the moment Tom Coughlin mounted the stand to address a double-the-normal-sized media turnout for a first day of mandatory mini-camp, a more immediate preoccupation than Shockey was something the Giants clearly could use.

TRIO OF PLAYERS SUSPENDED
Multiple media outlets are reporting that the NFL today handed down one-year suspensions to three players. According to the reports, former Tennessee Titans linebacker Rob Reynolds, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Lionel Gates and former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Chris Terry were all suspended for a year. All were free agents not under contract to any team.

CURRY LEAVES BOOTH FOR SIDELINES

Curry accepts new challenge as Georgia State coach.

ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia State has its first football coach and, at 65, Bill Curry has a new job.

Curry, the former coach at Georgia Tech, Alabama and Kentucky who spent the last decade as a football commentator for ESPN, said Thursday he's ready for a new challenge after receiving a 5-year contract.

Curry was introduced as the first coach for Georgia State's new football program, which begins play in 2010. The Panthers will compete in the Colonial Athletic Association and will play their home games at the Georgia Dome.

Curry played at Georgia Tech from 1960 to 1964. He coached the Yellow Jackets for seven years in the 1980s before guiding Alabama to the 1989 Southeastern Conference championship.

COURTS TO DROP JETS FANS CASE

Court poised to drop fraud suit by Jets fan against Patriots.

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- The clock is running down on a lawsuit by a New York Jets season-ticket holder that seeks millions from the New England Patriots and coach Bill Belichick for "deceiving customers" by videotaping opponents' signals.

Carl J. Mayer filed the lawsuit in September that maintained that the Patriots' secret videotaping violated the contractual "expectations and rights" of Jets ticket holders "to observe an honest match played in compliance with all laws and regulations."
But Mayer, a lawyer in Princeton known for filing legal actions against New Jersey politicians, has done virtually nothing since to advance the litigation, which sought class-action status.

Records at U.S. District Court in Newark indicate Mayer's last action was a failed effort to serve the defendants with a copy of the complaint in October.

As a result, the court clerk advised Mayer last week that the lawsuit would be dismissed June 30 unless he gives a federal judge a reason it should continue. The clerk's notice cited a court rule allowing dismissal if no proceeding had occurred for 120 days -- four months. No action had been taken for eight months.

Mayer insisted on Thursday that he does not intend to abandon the case, which he filed with a frequent collaborator, lawyer Bruce I. Afran.

"There's another angle in the litigation we're going to pursue," Mayer said. "We haven't dropped the ball."

He declined to specify what other defendants or issues might be included in an amended or new lawsuit. But he said the new allegations relate to the efforts of U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, the Judiciary Committee's ranking Republican and a critic of the NFL's response to what has been called "spygate."

"He (Specter) uncovered additional facts regarding videotaping. We've been working to incorporate those with regard to other defendants," Mayer said. "Could we have pressed on earlier? Yeah, but tactically, we are doing what we need to be doing."

A message seeking comment Thursday from the Patriots was not immediately returned.

The Patriots were caught taping signals by Jets' coaches, a violation of league rules, during the opening game of the 2007 season. New England won 38-14 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell fined Belichick $500,000 and the team $250,000 for that incident, and stripped New England of a first-round draft choice.

Goodell in May essentially declared an end to spygate after meeting with former New England video assistant Matt Walsh, a central figure in the scandal, saying there was no new information that would warrant a further penalty against the Patriots.
Another lawsuit against the Patriots was withdrawn in March. It had been filed by a former St. Louis Rams player and three fans plan who accused New England of cheating in the 2002 Super Bowl. Former Rams player Willie Gary and the fans had sought to secure sworn testimony from Walsh regarding whether the Patriots taped a walkthrough practice by the Rams before New England's Super Bowl win, but dropped the lawsuit after deciding Walsh would not talk.

In May, the Boston Herald newspaper sports writer who reported that New England taped the walkthrough apologized for writing an erroneous story.

Mayer's lawsuit asserted that because other teams found illicit videotaping by the defendants, Jets ticket holders should be compensated for all games played in Giants Stadium between the Jets and Patriots since Belichick became head coach in 2000.
The suit calculated that because customers paid $61.6 million to watch eight "fraudulent" games, they're entitled to triple that amount -- or $184.8 million -- in compensation under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act and the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.

Mayer and Afran have regularly sued or demanded investigations of New Jersey politicians, but have found little success. Both have lost bids for elected offices, and Mayer once served as a presidential campaign adviser to Ralph Nader.
Their demand in March 2007 for a probe of Gov. Jon S. Corzine's gifts to a former girlfriend was rejected by a federal prosecutor. In 2006, a judge vetoed their effort to block Corzine's appointment of Rep. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., to fill his U.S. Senate seat after Corzine was elected governor.

They also failed to get a court to order a special election to replace Gov. James E. McGreevey when he resigned in 2004.

AP-ES-06-12-08 1315EDT

MITCH FREROTTE DEAD AT 43

Ex-Bills lineman Mitch Frerotte dies at 43.

KITTANNING, Pa. (AP) -- Mitch Frerotte, an offensive lineman who played in three Super Bowls for the Buffalo Bills, has died. He was 43.

He died unexpectedly at home and a cause was not immediately available. His death was confirmed by the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home in Frerotte's hometown of Kittanning.
Frerotte played four years, including the Bills' Super Bowl seasons of 1990-92, mostly as a reserve and on special teams.

Frerotte played for Penn State from 1983-87 before joining Buffalo. He sustained a career-ending neck injury after joining the Seattle Seahawks for training camp in 1983.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

AP-ES-06-12-08 1030EDT

MONEY ESCALATES HOME GAMES

Money talks with college football `guarantees'.

DALLAS -- Monetary guarantees for non-conference home football games are rising at "a fairly alarming rate," according to a top athletics director, and in some cases are approaching or topping $1 million.

Ohio State, for example, will pay $1.4 million for Navy to come to Columbus in 2009. Wisconsin will pay "just under $1 million" for each of two games against Northern Illinois, Badgers athletics director Barry Alvarez said. Texas is paying $900,000 to Florida Atlantic this fall. Arkansas is paying Tulsa $850,000.

"I would say it has been building over the last five to eight years, and I think what really triggered upward mobility of guarantees was the addition of the 12th game (in 2006)," Kevin White, new AD at Duke and president of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, said at the group's convention in Dallas. "I think it's just subject to whatever the market will bear. There is no way to legislate against this kind of escalation."

Major powers pay guarantees instead of giving a return game because they take in several million dollars for each home game, not to mention the impact in their towns from a crowd of 90,000 or 100,000. It also gives them a competitive advantage that could have implications for Bowl Championship Series spots.

Less-successful teams or those with smaller athletic budgets see guarantee games as a way to build their coffers and give players the chance to face a major power in a big stadium.

"You talk about coaches' salaries skyrocketing," Georgia AD Damon Evans said. "Now the guarantees are just skyrocketing."

Alvarez said Wisconsin paid no more than $300,000 for a guarantee in 2000.

Ohio State's Gene Smith calls Navy a "special situation." The payout came because another school pulled out of a deal with Ohio State, leaving a hole in its schedule. But Navy had to buy its way out of a contract to do it, and Ohio State's guarantee will in effect cover the Midshipmen's buyout.

"We've always wanted to play a service academy," Smith said. "This is our opportunity and we can afford it."

(Contributing: Steve Wieberg, Kelly Whiteside, USA TODAY)

DANIELS GETS OLDER, STRONGER

Redskins' Daniels defies age with powerlifting surge.

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- Age is a touchy subject for Phillip Daniels, a 35-year-old defensive end whose recent history of injuries suggests a body that should be wearing out very soon.

This offseason, Daniels took the Father Time burden and lifted it from his shoulders. Literally.

The Washington Redskins veteran joined a powerlifting team and has become a sensation. At a meet in March, he won his weight class with a 633-pound squat and a 600-pound
dead-lift.

And he's not done yet. When his teammates scatter for vacation at the end of this week's offseason practices, Daniels will rejoin the Maroscher Powerlifting Team in Illinois and prepare for another meet.

"I just did 650 easy on the squat," Daniels said, "so our goal is to get 700 at this meet, and I think I'll get that." 650? Easy? Just watching him try is enough to make a regular-sized mortal wince. His intended audience, however, consists of the offensive linemen he will be facing this fall.

"If anybody wants to step in front of me to stop me from getting to the quarterback, you're welcome," Daniels said.

Daniels' stock as an NFL player has been on the wane lately. Yes, he's a respected locker room leader. When he's healthy, he's a solid run-stopper who can get to the quarterback. But a scan of the injury list since joining the Redskins in 2004 reveals a player that's been hurt all over: groin, ankle, elbow, back, wrist, foot, shoulder, knee.

True, Daniels plays hurt -- he remained on the field with a separated shoulder during one game last year and has missed only one game since 2005 -- but the injuries sapped his strength. He dropped from eight sacks in 2005 to three in 2006 to 2.5 last year.
"I had surgeries all those years and just didn't feel strong anymore," Daniels said. "I felt like I needed to get stronger, and that's what I did."

So Daniels took only two weeks off after the Redskins' loss to Seattle in the playoffs in January and then joined the powerlifting team, the first time he's dabbled in the sport since 1999, the year he had nine sacks with the Seattle Seahawks.

"It's paying off," Daniels said. "I'm a lot faster coming off the ball."

Want to touch a nerve? Ask Daniels if his powerlifting accomplishments are striking a blow for the older crowd.

"There's been so much negative talk about being 30-something and being my age and stuff," he said. "People fail to see the other things I do, playing the run the way I play it, batting down balls, those little things. I took a lot of shots this offseason, but I'm out to prove everybody wrong. At the end of the year, there will be the same people coming up to me saying, 'How do you do it?' I'll tell you powerlifting is going to get me there, and it's getting me there."

The Redskins gave Daniels a show of support by not splurging for a big-name defensive end in free agency or selecting one with a high-round pick in the draft. The team also excused him from offseason workouts so that he could stay with the powerlifting team.
"It can help him if he feels more confident," defensive coordinator Greg Blache said. "If he feels like he's stronger and more confident, that's a definite advantage right there. For a 35-year-old guy, he looks pretty darn good."

And, as Daniels pointed out, age also comes with wisdom.

"Being 30-something makes you smarter," Daniels said, "in what you eat, how you train, and all those little things. I take care of my body. I eat right. I don't eat junk food or fried food. I'm going to be fine."

AP-ES-06-12-08 0412EDT

BURRESS UNHAPPY; WANTS NEW DEAL

Hot Topics From Around The League.

FRYE AIMS HIGH
"This isn't my end," said the 26-year-old who went 6-13 as the Browns' starter while enduring changed offenses and coaching staffs. "I don't see myself as a so-called 'career backup' quarterback. My goal is to get back on the field. That's what I do every day. Every day in the weight room, the film room, on the field, it's keep pushing forward to get back on the field so I can be a starting quarterback again." Frye is fighting for snaps in minicamp with Dalton Bell, a first-year pro from West Texas A&M recently waived by Green Bay.

K.JONES OFFERS HIS SERVICES
Vaughn McClure, of the Chicago Tribune, reports free-agent RB Kevin Jones' (Lions) agent, Blake Baratz, called the Chicago Bears shortly after free-agent RB Cedric Benson (Bears) was arrested for the second time in five weeks. The feedback Jones received through his agent is that the Bears like his ability, but they are in no rush to make a decision.

ONES TO WATCH: STEVIE JOHNSON
Rookie WR Stevie Johnson, a 7th round pick from Kentucky, has caught the attention of his coaches, along with most of the passes thrown his direction during offseason practices. Johnson's size, hands and run after the catch ability have impressed the coaches so far. "He's doing a good job," Bills wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert said . "He's like all the other rookies, the head's spinning a little bit. But he's a playmaking guy. We were very fortunate to get him where we drafted him because we had a higher grade than where we got him."

OGDEN MAKES IT OFFICIAL
Facing a toe injury that he knew would hinder his ability, Baltimore Ravens LT Jonathan Ogden said that he will announce his retirement Thursday. Ogden, 33, has been voted to the Pro Bowl in 11 of 12 NFL seasons. "It took a little while to decide," Ogden said. "You just can't make a decision like this overnight." Jared Gaither appears to be the favorite to replace the retiring Jonathan Ogden as the starting left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens. "He's young; he's not J.O. by any stretch," commented head coach John Harbaugh. "He's got a long way to go to become a great offensive tackle in this league, but we're really pleased with his progress."

BENTLEY GRANTED RELEASE
One day after returning to the practice field, C LeCharles Bentley asked for and was granted his release from the Cleveland Browns. "When LeCharles originally signed with the Browns, their situation [was] entirely different than it [is] today." commented Bentley's agent Jonathan Feinsod. Uninterested in the idea of serving as a backup in Cleveland, he will look to join a team where he has a better opportunity to start. Bentley has made it known that he would prefer to play guard for his next team.

I AM LEGEND?
Jimmy Smith, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith signed a six-year contract extension with base salaries of $750,000 (2008), $1.85 million (2009), $4 million (2010), $4.5 million (2011), $5 million (2012) and $8 million (2013)

CHIEFS TO DORSEY: FORGET SACKS
The Chiefs are teaching Glenn Dorsey to be a "read-and-react" defensive tackle and telling him to "forget about sacks.

NY GIANTS UPDATE
Rather than play under the contract he signed, New York Giants WR Plaxico Burress has decided to sit out in protest. Burress signed a 6-year, $25 million deal in 2005, meaning he is only halfway done with the deal he signed. Burress is slated to earn $10 million over the next three seasons. Given all that. he's not participating in minicamp because he's unhappy with his contract. "Me and my agent (Drew Rosenhaus) have been trying to get a deal done, so I can (be) a New York Giant for a long time," Burress said today. "I personally don't like the way its going. I'm not happy about it and I'm going to choose not to participate." In other news, tight end Jeremy Shockey showed up and visited with head coach Tom Coughlin but refused to come outside and join his teammates for practice. Sinorice Moss dropped three balls at the Giants' OTA practice Wednesday.

W.VIRGINIA COACH UNDERGOES TRIPLE BYPASS

Former W.Va. coach Don Nehlen undergoes triple bypass.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) -- Former West Virginia football coach Don Nehlen was recuperating Wednesday, a day after having triple heart bypass surgery.

Nehlen's son-in-law, former NFL quarterback Jeff Hostetler, said Nehlen underwent surgery Tuesday following routine testing and that his recovery was going well.

The 72-year-old Nehlen is West Virginia's winningest football coach with a 149-93-4 record in 21 seasons. His 1988 and 1993 teams had the only two perfect regular seasons in school history. He retired after the 2000 season and was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

Nehlen also coached for nine seasons at Bowling Green, his alma mater. His career record is 202-138-8 in 30 seasons.

BURRESS WANTS NEW DEAL

Burress says he won't practice without a new contract.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Star wide receiver Plaxico Burress is refusing to practice because the New York Giants haven't renegotiated a new contract since winning the Super Bowl.

Burress reported to Giants Stadium for the mandatory mini camp Wednesday. But he says he told the coaching staff he won't workout without a new deal.

The wide receiver says he believes he has three years left on his current pact.

Burress, who battled through an injury-hampered season last year, caught the game-winning touchdown in the Giants' stunning 17-14 victory over the undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

AP-ES-06-11-08 1320EDT

EX-PLAYERS LEARN TO EAT NORMAL

Ex-football players learn to eat like civilians to save themselves.

Many college football players, once they graduate, discover that what they did to put themselves in shape to play football leaves them out of shape for a life that no longer includes the sport.

Now more than ever, players are learning to reshape those habits. They reshape themselves in the process. Most major-conference linemen dedicate years to gaining the weight that make them valuable on the field. They lift weights, run sprints and participate in grueling practice sessions that have become a year-round staple.

That constant activity burns a remarkable amount of calories. Replacing those calories creates eating habits that border on the absurd.

"I look back on some of the stuff I ate - going to a buffet and eating nonstop for an hour - and I can't believe I did it," said former Auburn tackle Steve Goula, who played from 1999 to 2002. "It was OK then. I needed the weight. I was in shape. It's just that it creates habits that are really hard to break."

Former Auburn starting center Jeremy Ingle, who stands 6-foot-1, played the 2004 season at 295 pounds. He crept closer to 300 pounds upon his return to Montgomery at season's end and knew almost immediately that changes were in order.
Ingle sensed it.

He also heard it from his most trusted source. Kevin Yoxall, Auburn's head strength and conditioning coach, helped Ingle bolster his body enough to thrive in the Southeastern Conference.
Now Yoxall is promoting a new approach.

"A body is not meant to be 300 pounds - especially when you're talking about a guy like Jeremy Ingle," said Yoxall, now in his 10th year with the Tigers. "When you're training like they are, you lose sight of how much you're eating. You have to think about food in a different way when your career ends. If not, things get out of control quickly."

Ingle reversed that trend slowly by walking on a treadmill. He was comfortable jogging on the treadmill a few months later after losing approximately 30 pounds.

The weight loss prompted him to examine more carefully the foods he was eating. Hamburgers and fries became memories. Ingle prepared meals at home more often, minimized his portions and watched the pounds disappear.

By the summer of 2006, some 18 months after his career ended, Ingle had lost 100 pounds.

"For me, it was really more of a lifestyle change and wanting to get in shape to live a life," said Ingle. "It's basic math. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that the less calories you take in, the better chance you have to lose weight."

The benefits of losing weight extend well beyond what some players can see. Stuart Hendon, a Montgomery physician, said players who add "artificial weight" must take steps after graduation to return their bodies to an appropriate size.

He said many patients who gain weight in their 20s one day become overweight patients in their 50s.

"We all know that 80,000 people pay to see Auburn be bigger and stronger. That's just the reality of it," said Hendon, a 1989 Auburn graduate. "Taking steps to lose unhealthy weight after a player's career is over is a good way to avoid problems down the road. The tendency is to go the wrong way. It's hard for these guys to change their diet, but it's going to lead to a better quality of life."

Joe Walker knows all about it. Auburn's director of sports nutrition for football has spent the past 16 months designing new ways to educate players about responsible eating. Surprised by how few players understood food preparation, Walker now shops with small groups of players several times each semester.

He shows them the difference between regular and lean meats. He teaches them how to make meals at home that are both inexpensive and healthy. He champions vegetables. He explains why eating fast food isn't a path to greatness.

The coaching staff helps out former players in other ways as well. Goula, who lost pounds in 10 months in 2005, said he sought guidance from recipes Yoxall in cluded in the team's 2001 handbook. Ingle said the discipline required to maintain his playing weight at Auburn became a powerful element of his weight-loss effort.

He laughs at the irony. "I wouldn't trade my playing days for anything. It gave me so much," Ingle said. "It gave me a gut, too, but it was my responsibility to take it off. I worked hard at getting big. I worked harder at getting smaller. I'm glad I went through it all. I'm a better person for it."

source: Moving on Sports and Lifestyle wires.
by jay g. tatekev

ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL DAILY DOSE

Hot Topics From Around The League.

MCNABB SORENESS MINOR ISSUE
Eagles coach Andy Reid compares Donovan McNabb's "shoulder tendinitis" to an injury McNabb had in 2004. "He should be ready for training camp," Reid said. "There's no surgery. There should be no reprecussions from it." McNabb is slated to undergo treatment and resume throwing in two weeks.

PLUMMER, BUCS SETTLE
The NFL Network reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached a $3.5 million settlement with free-agent QB Jake Plummer (Buccaneers) over his signing bonus.

PORTIS UPS CONDITIONING
Redskins RB Clinton Portis has already began earning his new guaranteed contract, which he signed in March. He has become a regular at the teams OTAs and has shown an improved work ethic as evidenced by his increased time in the weight room and on his conditioning. "I feel much better. As much as I didn't want to be here [in the offseason], to go out there and be able to run downfield 100 yards and jog back and turn around and run 100 yards again [without being fatigued], it feels great."

JUREVICIUS PUSHED BACK
Sources tell the Cleveland Plain Dealer that Joe Jurevicius (knee surgery) might not be ready for the start of the regular season.

HILLIARD UNDER THE KNIFE
Ike Hilliard revealed that he underwent shoulder surgery on April 9. The procedure fixed a damaged bursa sac and bone spurs.

COLBERT PRAISED
Broncos HC Mike Shanahan likened newly acquired WR Keary Colbert to WR Rod Smith and feels confident in maximizing Colbert's potential. "He's a guy that's very similar to the Rod Smiths of the world - a hard worker, works his rear end off on every play," Shanahan said after watching him in the team's quarterback camp. "You take a look at somebody's offense, you take a look at their quarterback, their scheme. It doesn't always have to do with the individual."

JUSTICE REASSIGNED
The Eagles have been working Winston Justice at guard this offseason.

TUNA HIRES FAMILIAR FACE
The player personnel director for Pittsburgh's Super Bowl winners of the 1970s will help try to rebuild the Dolphins. Dick Haley, a veteran of 42 seasons in NFL player personnel, will be a player personnel analyst for the Dolphins, the team announced Tuesday. Haley's '74 draft class featured four future Hall of Famers in the first five rounds: wide receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth, center Mike Webster and middle linebacker Jack Lambert. When Haley left the Steelers, he joined the New York Jets in 1992, working with Bill Parcells from '97 to 2000.

FOWLER LINKED TO 'ROIDS DEALER

Steroids dealer says he supplied Titans LB Fowler

DALLAS (AP) -- Convicted steroids dealer David Jacobs said before his death last week he supplied Tennessee Titans linebacker Ryan Fowler with performance-enhancing drugs before and after the 2006 season, The Dallas Morning News reported Tuesday. Fowler is under investigation by the NFL in an apparent steroids case.

Peter Ginsberg, Fowler's lawyer, told The Associated Press on Monday he assumed the investigation stemmed from the death of Jacobs, who police say killed himself and his girlfriend in their Plano home. Ginsberg denied Fowler took steroids.

"He's never tested positive for any banned substance," the lawyer told the AP. "The accusations are without any basis."

The Morning News reported that Jacobs said Fowler credited him for helping get a four-year, $11.5 million contract from the Titans after two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.

"After he got his big contract, he came back, knocked on my door and hugged me," Jacobs said.

The bodies of Jacobs, 35, and Amanda Jo Earhart-Savell were found Thursday in the master bedroom of Jacobs' home. His death was ruled a suicide, and police have said a .40-caliber Glock was found next to Jacobs.

Jacobs was sentenced to three years' probation and fined $25,000 May 1 after pleading guilty last year to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.

Jacobs previously told the Morning News he did not want to publicly implicate Fowler. He said he did not work out with Fowler. Fowler allegedly met Jacobs through Bob Johnson, an amateur bodybuilder in suburban Dallas. Johnson said Fowler just wanted some vitamins and was "real adamant" about not taking anything illegal.

Jacobs met twice with NFL security officials and gave them names of players he said bought steroids from him. He has said he sold tens of thousands of dollars worth of performance-enhancing drugs to former Cowboys offensive lineman Matt Lehr in 2006 and 2007. Lehr's attorney has denied his client used banned substances after a four-game suspension in 2006.

The NFL said last week it is evaluating information provided by Jacobs.

AP-ES-06-10-08 1125EDT