Antrel Rolle is being moved to safety and that could propel the Cardinals' defense to new heights. Rolle, the eighth pick in the 2005 draft, was drafted to be a "shut down" corner on the edge, but several coaches and scouts felt that his best position would be at safety. "After watching him play at Miami, I thought that he would be an average corner as a pro, but a Pro Bowl-caliber safety," said a former secondary coach of an AFC team. "His versatility stood out on tape ... as a multi-faceted guy with a high football IQ, he could cover in slot, blitz off the edges and be a factor against the run... all of his strengths as a player will stand out at safety."

The move to safety will require some work, but Rolle's experience last season should ease the transition. As the Cardinals' nickel corner, he had the chance to play as a deep middle player in some of their exotic sub-packages and the results were impressive. Rolle finished the season with five interceptions, including four made while playing as the nickel or safety in the sub-defense.

"He showed us last season that he could be a playmaker in the middle of the field, so we think moving him to safety full-time will greatly improve our secondary." said Cardinals' secondary coach Teryll Austin. "He teams with Adrian Wilson to give two athletic guys at the position, and that should allow us to be more creative with Adrian near the line of scrimmage."

The Cardinals used Wilson extensively as a box defender two seasons ago, and the eight-year vet registered eight sacks and four interceptions. But Wilson rarely spent time near the line of scrimmage last season, as the coaches lacked confidence in free safety Terrence Holt to use a lot of single-high safety coverage. That will change with Rolle at free safety. His athleticism, range and ballhawking skills are ideal for playing in the deep middle, and the Cardinals will surely tap into the versatility of both players to wreak havoc. "They have two Pro Bowl-caliber players at the safeties with multiple skills," said a former secondary coach of an AFC team. "That allows them to become more aggressive with their pressure packages because either guy is capable of manning the middle or getting to the quarterback ... that's a coordinator's dream."

(cnnsi.com)

ST. LOUIS -- Rookie Brian Barton landed his first career start Friday, and there might be more opportunities for the right-handed-hitting outfielder this weekend.

Odalis Perez, Washington's pitcher against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, is left-handed. The same is true of the Nationals' starters the next two days --Matt Chico on Saturday and John Lannan on Sunday.

"I'm anxious to get him going," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said of Barton, who is in the leadoff spot after going 1-for-2 as a pinch-hitter. "This is a good time to get him going. I think it is."

Barton hit a double, looked very fast and has great bat speed. Glad to see him in the lineup today. Barton also singled off Zimmerman’s glove into the outfield, Miles to second. Barton also grounded out twice to end the inning.

(redbirdsnation.com)

Jon Peattie is the lone Hurricane on this year's Florida Firecats squad. It looks like Magic Benton retired, and Brad Kunz and Ethenic Sands looked to play in the All American Football Conference which will not start its season until 2009. Congratulations to Jon Peattie.


(floridafirecats.com)

Cleveland prosecutors today said Pittsburgh Steeler Najeh Davenport slammed the mother of his child to the ground, hit her and tried to choke her after a custody dispute in October. They said he stopped only when some youths surrounded him.

Davenport's attorney, Patrick D'Angelo, said Davenport did not hit the child's mother, Anita Person, whom he called a "drama queen.'' He said photos showed that Person lacked any marks on her face and neck.

The trial is expected to take two or three days in Cleveland Municipal Court. Davenport is accused of several misdemeanors, including domestic violence, child endangering and unlawful restraint.

If convicted, Davenport could be suspended by the National Football League for as much as four games without pay. Last year, Davenport earned $1 million from the Steelers, according to USA Today database of player salaries.

Prosecutors said Davenport drove from Pittsburgh to Cleveland on Oct. 4 to pick up his son, Najeh Jr, for a weekend visit.

They claim that Davenport told Person that she would never see her son again. That prompted Person to open Davenport's Range Rover as he was pulling away. She grabbed the child and began leaving when Davenport confronted her.

Prosecutors said he slapped Person, slammed her to the ground and tried to choke her. Neighborhood witnesses yelled for him to stop, and some youths playing basketball at a nearby court came to see what was going on.

D'Angelo said pictures of the woman showed no injuries. He said Davenport is a 6-foot-2, 260-pound running back, and if he did what prosecutors said, the woman would have suffered serious injuries.

(plaindealer.com)

Williams was drafted as a weakside linebacker in 2004, moved to the strong side in 2005, then played middle linebacker for the first time in the 2007 season. But after the Broncos finished 30th in rushing defense last year, Williams is being moved back to the outside.

"It's tough to be thrown into a position and be great at it," Shanahan said of Williams' temporary shift to the middle. "I thought he did a good job. You look at all the tackles he had, but I just don't think it was really natural for him."

(denverpost.com)

Something is wrong with James Jones.  He is in the middle of a terrible shooting slump and doesn’t show signs of coming out of it.  In the last two weeks, he’s gone 0-3, 1-3, 0-0, 3-9, 1-2, 0-6, 1-3, and 0-3 from downtown.  At one point last night after he clanged his third three attempt (he missed all three and didn’t score), Steve Blake looked to pass him the ball and Jones threw up his hands in protest as if to say, “Me?  No way!”  While we appreciate him not just shooting over and over every time he gets the ball, he has to be ready and willing to keep throwing them up there.  Given his normal easy stroke and great shot selection, you have to wonder if his knee is bothering him or if something else is going on.  We’re worried about the guy.  We need the Gunslinger back and draining those corner treys!

(blazersog.wordpress.com)

The Twins have signed 34-year old righty Danny Graves to a minor league contract. He last pitched in the major leagues in 2006 with the Indians. Graves has pitched in 518 games (30 starts) in his major league career and he is 43-44 with 182 saves, a 4.05 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. He could possibly help the Twins at some point in the 2008 season if he proves that he has something left in the minors.

(twinslocker.com)

Coincidentally, Jeremy Shockey is trying to get a new contract out of the Giants. I'm told by my UM sources he really wants OUT, and feels the Dolphins would be a good fit since it's home. The Giants can not get over the fact he doesn't want to train with them in the offseason.

Question to Dolphins nation? Is Shockey, who has four-years left on a five-year contract extension he signed in 2005 (that pays him $25 million) worth the Dolphins second second-round pick. That's what it would take to make the deal happen I'm told?....

(sun-sentinel.com)

CHICAGO – For the first time in his life, Bears tight end Greg Olsen stepped on a Major League Baseball field and sang in public Wednesday at Wrigley Field.

Olsen threw out the ceremonial first pitch and served as guest conductor for “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch of the Cubs-Brewers game at the Friendly Confines.

Bears tight end Greg Olsen delivered a high fastball before Wednesday's game between the Cubs and Brewers at Wrigley Field.

Wearing a No. 82 Cubs jersey with his last name on the back, Olsen strode out to the mound with confidence and delivered a fastball that was caught by Cubs relief pitcher Carmen Pignitiello.

“I’m happy with it,” Olsen said. “It was a little high, but I was going high and hard. That was my plan. It was fun. You grow up watching baseball, and then to go out there and do that is exciting.”

Olsen watched the game from a luxury suite with a small group of people including his fiancée, Kara, and teammate Rex Grossman. 

Olsen wisely didn’t ask for any advice from Grossman, who has displayed more accuracy on the football field than he has while throwing out the first pitch in two appearances before Cubs games.

“The first one bounced about 10 feet short and the second one hit the backstop,” Grossman said. “I tried to throw it as hard as I could.”

Watching the Cubs and Brewers warm up before the game, Olsen admitted that he was nervous about stepping onto the mound.

“It’s a big moment,” he said. “You don’t want to go out and embarrass yourself. You’ve got to show that you can be a jack of all trades.”

The butterflies in Olsen’s stomach only intensified as he prepared to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” especially after hearing Grossman describe how it feels to be handed a microphone with 40,000 fans staring at you in anticipation.

“I’m a little more nervous about that, even though I would win American Idol,” Olsen joked.

Grossman’s advice to Olsen about singing was simple: “Have fun with it, and the worse you sing, the better they’ll like it,” said the quarterback, who last served as guest conductor in 2007.

Olsen did a solid job with “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” but his success on the mound was not replicated by the Cubs, who fell to 0-2 with an uninspired 8-2 loss to their National League Central Division rivals.

(chicagobears.com)

"I think Devin Hester can pretty much be what he wants to be," Smith said. "Can he be a three-down receiver? Definitely."

Smith said the plan is to have Hester return fewer kicks, but will use him on special teams on a limited basis.

"You have to be realistic to know he can't do it all," Smith said.

Smith indicated Danieal Manning could help the Bears on kick returns, and mentioned restricted free-agent receiver Rashied Davis as another possible return man.

Yet that doesn't mean we have seen the last of Hester the return man.

"We're in a game and we need a play and they're kicking the ball off to us, there is a good chance you are going to see him back there," Smith said. "They're punting the ball to us and we need a big play, no matter what part of the game, there is a good chance you are going to see him back there."

(chicagotribune.com)

CHICAGO -- Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun talked his way back into the starting lineup for Thursday's series finale against the Cubs, a day after he tweaked his groin in an 8-2 win.

An early version of manager Ned Yost's lineup had shortstop J.J. Hardy hitting in the cleanup hole and Gabe Gross playing left field. After Braun arrived at Wrigley Field on Thursday morning, he worked on changing that.

"It was just tight, and [Yost] didn't think I would be ready to go," Braun said. "But I told him I was all right. 'Put me back in there.' I was ready to play."

Braun went 0-for-4 in the Brewers' first loss of the season. In the first and second games of the series, both Brewers wins, he was 4-for-10.

Braun said he "irritated" his groin muscle while legging out a double in the fourth inning Wednesday, when he couldn't see whether diving Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez had come up with the baseball. When Braun saw it squirt away, he had to take a somewhat awkward route to get to second base and felt something pull.

He played on and collected two more hits, including an RBI single, then was removed from the game as part of an eighth-inning double-switch.

Braun was replaced defensively in all three games. But Yost argued throughout the week that the decision to remove Braun in the late innings had everything to do with setting up relief pitchers to work multiple innings without having to bat and nothing to do with Braun's defense. In all three games, Braun, who worked this spring on the move from third base to left field, made the next-to-last or last out immediately before the double-switch.

"I'm trying to keep a balanced bullpen," said Yost, who hopes to use all of his setup men for multiple innings this season to keep others fresh.

Braun said Thursday morning that he has received an explanation of the decisions and was fine with them. Last year, when Braun played third base and led the National League with 26 errors, he was often replaced in the late innings for defensive purposes. He understood those moves at the time but was not exactly happy with them.

This was totally different.

"It's not a defensive issue," Braun said. "It makes sense, because I made the last out. It's all good."

(mlb.com)

Much like last season, this off-season started off a little rocky for 49ers running back Frank Gore. Going home to Miami when the season ended has always brought an ear to ear grin for Gore, but returning back to Florida this year is when it finally hit home that his beloved mother Liz, who had succumbed to a long and hard fought kidney disease prior to the 49ers week two game last year against St. Louis was truly gone.

“The season kept my mind busy last year, but it was really tough once I was staying back at the house and I’d sit there remembering so much stuff,” said Gore. “When she was sick, I’d lay in the bed with her and we’d just talk about everything. I just miss being with her and talking to her and seeing her be so happy just because I was home. So, that was really tough, but I just have to stay strong and try to get better at dealing with it.”

Gore has also been dealing with recovery from last year’s high ankle sprain, one that likely would have shelved most players, but the 2006 NFC leading rusher had already missed training camp and the preseason with a broken hand. He allowed himself to rest the ankle only one game in 2007, and then gutted it out and became only the fifth player in team history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons with 1,102 rushing yards.

“It was tough every week with people grabbing it,” said Gore. “After the games, the painkillers went away and I could barely walk, but it was a tough year for everybody. I love the game and my team, and I just wanted to keep fighting with them.”

Even after a month of rest, the ankle was still sore when he began his off-season training at Perfect Competition. Eventually the soreness wore off and Gore was able to benefit from working with other top NFL athletes including Anquan Boldin, Plaxico Burress and Fred Taylor. Click here to continue reading...

BALTIMORE -- That's how you earn a reprieve. Designated hitter Aubrey Huff was the only Oriole to endure booing in the first two games at Camden Yards and did something about it on Wednesday, when the veteran drilled a two-run home run in the sixth inning and came back for a two-run double in the eighth to give the Orioles a 9-6 win over Tampa Bay.

Huff, who made some controversial comments on a radio program during the winter, won the fans back the hard way. He came to bat with a three-run deficit in the sixth, but responded by blasting a ball onto the Eutaw Street flag court. Huff faced a higher difficulty rating in the eighth, but he erased a one-run deficit by steering a two-run double to right-center.

"That was the sweetest home run I've ever hit. I'm not going to lie to you," he said shortly after the game. "I hit that ball and [thought], 'Please, just get out. I just don't want to have to deal with it.' In my next at-bat after that, I kind of heard more of a mixed crowd instead of all boos. Hopefully, like I've said, we'll win some hearts back."

"Fans are entitled to do whatever they want," added Baltimore manager Dave Trembley. "They pay their money [when] they come out here. I wouldn't think one way or the other is going to really influence people. I think it probably feels pretty good for him. It feels good for our club that we won the game and we got so much out of so many different guys."

Baltimore had trailed for virtually all of the game before Huff's heroics, and it went on to seal the deal with two additional runs in the eighth. Strangely enough, the outburst was completely in character for Huff, who has throttled the team that drafted and developed him. Last year, for instance, Huff batted .365 and hit seven of his 15 homers against Tampa Bay.

"It's just one of those things," Huff said. "It's a coincidence. Hopefully, we can transfer that to the rest of the league."

"I just think he's jacked up about doing it against us more than anything," said Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon. "I mean he hit a breaking ball, he hit a fastball today. From my perspective, obviously, you'd like to think you're not making good pitches. But sometimes hitters just get you regardless. And he's getting us right now."

(mlb.com)

Two seasons ago, Drew Brees was shown the door by the Chargers after he suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder during the 2005 season finale. Brees, thought by some to be damaged goods, joined the Saints the next season and set career highs for completions and passing yards while leading the team to the NFC championship game. One source in New Orleans said he sees in MLB Jonathan Vilma a mirror to Brees’ story. Vilma was sent packing by the Jets in a trade with the Saints after he missed the final nine games of last season with a right knee injury. A Pro Bowler in 2005, Vilma was moved from his natural position in the middle when coach Eric Mangini implemented a 3-4 defense in New York before the 2006 season. Vilma struggled in the new system but will return to a 4-3 defense in New Orleans and has shown in past seasons he has the ability to carry a defense, which is exactly the kind of linebacker the Saints have lacked the past two seasons.

(profootballweekly.com)

Bears coach Lovie Smith wants to increase Devin Hester’s role in the offense as a wide receiver, but not at the expense of decreasing Hester’s impact in the return game. Hester, a Riviera Beach native, caught at least one pass in 10 games last year, and finished with 20 for 299 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears lost to free agency their top two receivers from last year, Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad. “Can he be a three-down receiver? Definitely,” Smith said of Hester. “But we have a guy that’s special at something. I don’t think you automatically take him off it to play somewhere else. … It’s been a long time since anyone has been able to (return kicks) full time and be a full-time receiver, too.”

(miamiherald.com)

NOT even the collective effort of Magnolia proved enough to negate the individual explosiveness of Purefoods import Darius Rice.

The nephew of football legend Jerry Rice knocked in 56 big points in his Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) debut, including a coast-to-coast drive to the basket that lifted the Giants to a pulsating 127-126 double OT victory over the Beverage Masters in a thrilling 2008 Smart Fiesta Conference game Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-10 former University of Miami stalwart went 6-of-17 from three-point range, the last of which was a step-back trey in the final 1:40 of regulation play that tied the game at 101 and set the stage for the exciting finish.

The 56-point output of the 25-year-old Rice is the biggest individual score registered in a game in the league since former Best Import Derek Brown finished with 57 points for Sta. Lucia in a 99-120 losing cause to San Miguel Beer on April 25, 2004 in the inaugural Fiesta Conference.

“Darius Rice is as good as advertised,” were the first words uttered by a beaming Ryan Gregorio, the Purefoods coach, after the game that took 58 minutes to complete. “I’ve seen some amazing shots tonight, including a three-pointer that I think was a low percentage shot, but thank God, it went in.”

Rice already showed portent of things to come when he finished with 27 points at the half, though the Giants trailed, 45-54.

“That’s all?,” asked the sensational import when asked if he was aware of his final output, the second all-time highest output in the Fiesta Conference since Brown's 57 and the highest output by a debuting import since Jerod Ward had 61 for Mobiline in a 93-87 win over Barangay Ginebra in his first game in the 2001 Commissioner's Cup.

“Honestly, I was not thinking about my score. I’m just playing in there and trying to help the team win,” added the second cousin of former NBA hotshot Glenn Rice.

BUZZER-BEATER: Rice's 56 was also the first 50-point output in the league since Asi Taulava had a career-high 51 in a 131-105 win over Purefoods on May 16, 2004 also during the inaugural Fiesta Conference... No player has scored at least 60 points in a game since Askia Jones had that exact output for Shell on Nov. 4, 2001 in a 111-88 rout of Sta. Lucia in the Governors Cup. (FM)

(smb-mbm.blogspot.com)

Check out over 150 photos from the 2008 Spring Football Game at Lockhart Stadium. Click here or above on proCanes Gallery. The way we see it, a lot of the current 'Canes will be future pros so we had to cover the game. Enjoy the pictures, and if you want any more specific ones, email us at procanes@gmail.com and we can see if we have it, because we took about twice as many.

PALM BEACH, Fla. // In a move that should help stop another Spygate incident, NFL owners approved a communication device for defenses yesterday. Only one defensive player on the field will wear a helmet similar to what the quarterback is allowed on offense, letting him communicate with coaches without hand signals.

"It didn't pass last year and it did pass this year," Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "So, you can draw your own conclusions."

During this past season, coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots were disciplined for taping opposing coaches' defensive signals.
"I've been for that ever since the thing with the quarterbacks came out," Belichick said

The Ravens were among the 25 teams that voted in favor of the change (24 are needed for approval). All seven teams that voted against it have head coaches with offensive backgrounds (Green Bay, Oakland, Philadelphia, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa Bay and Washington).

Instead of linebacker Ray Lewis, the Ravens likely would give the communication device to safety Ed Reed. One reason is the device could get damaged by constant hits. Another is the Ravens could be limiting Lewis' playing time.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh suggested that the team could pull Lewis off the field on passing downs. Teams will want to give the communication device to every-down players.

"His roles might change as far as what downs he's on the field, but that's natural," Harbaugh said of Lewis. "[But] he can still play."

(baltimoresun.com)

The NFL has no interest in doing Devin Hester any favors, so there will be no "Devin Hester rule" passed any time soon.

In recent weeks, the league considered legislating against punting out of bounds—which teams did frequently when opposing Hester last season. A survey was sent to head coaches and general managers to get their reaction to such a rule, but the response was overwhelmingly against changing what often is a strategic move to trap an opponent inside his own 20-yard line rather than kicking into the end zone for a touchback.

The NFL's competition committee also had a discussion about enacting a new rule, but it didn't go very far.

"Directional kicking is a difficult thing to do," said Colts President Bill Polian, a member of the competition committee. "We saw no evidence that [punting out of bounds] is growing in use. So it's not an issue we had a lot of concern about. Very few people can do it, and the odds of it backfiring on you are pretty high. If you shank it, it's 20 yards, not 40. It's a tough skill to execute."

"I could tell you from our own personal experience that it's very difficult to do. [Colts punter Hunter Smith] has an awfully hard time with it."

(chicagosports.chicagotribune.com)

Santana Moss of the Washington Redskins and Sinorice Moss of the New York Giants are two brothers who know they are fortunate to have made it to the NFL.

Success on the field is allowing them to use their celebrity status to help others and give back to their community.

The Santana Moss Foundation recently hosted The Moss Brothers Celebrity Weekend. This annual event in the Moss brothers’ hometown of Miami, is attended by some of the NFL’s biggest stars. The goal is simple…raise money for charity.

The proceeds from this year’s Moss Brothers Celebrity Weekend will benefit the Santana Moss Foundation and the foundation of the late Sean Taylor, former teammate and close friend of Santana Moss.

The weekend’s activities included the Moss Brothers “Kids Day At The Movies”, a community fair and a celebrity softball game.

As you will see in this episode of Out of Uniform, the Moss Brothers Celebrity Weekend is embraced by the Miami community and is close to the heart of both Santana and Sinorice Moss.

(proathletesonly.com)

Darius Rice, the 6-foot-10 former University of Miami standout tipped to be the yardstick among imports, finally makes his debut with Purefoods Tender Juicy against Magnolia in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Reigning champion Alaska Milk and Philippine Cup titlist Sta. Lucia Realty clash in the other game both unveiling returning import like Magnolia.

Rice will be up against former Shell reinforcement Jameel Watkins while another ex-Shell import Wesley Wilson takes on former Talk n Text recruit Randy Holcomb.

Wilson, a 6-foot-11 behemoth out of Georgetown U, will strut his stuff with the Realtors chasing a double-championship in the season. He averaged 28.6 points and 13.9 rebounds in 10 games with Shell in the 2005 Fiesta Cup.

Holcomb, who is two inches shorter, played for Talk n Text in 2004, averaging 25.5 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in six games.

The Giants went a game short of winning the All-Filipino crown but are excited with the prospect of going all the way to win the Fiesta Cup with Rice on their side.

"He's very impressive. We're happy with what we've seen although we know the ultimate test is playing actual game," said Gregorio.

(thephilippinestar.com)

D.J. Williams will move back to weak-side linebacker, a position he played in 2005, his first year as a starter. Williams had played middle linebacker this past season.

"I thought D.J. was a more natural (weak-side) linebacker," Shanahan said.

(milehighreport.com)

Redskins RB Clinton Portis, for one, is excited about the team's new offense. He feels like the spread formations that Jim Zorn plans to use will open up more running lanes inside, similar to what Portis saw in Denver's zone-blocking offense.



(profootballweekly.com)

ST. LOUIS -- Brian Barton didn't care if he looked a tad foolish.

Toting a video camera he purchased at Wal-Mart the previous evening, Barton made sure all the pomp and circumstance of his first Opening Day as a major-league baseball player was caught on tape.

The 25-year-old rookie outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals chewed up nearly 45 minutes of tape recording the pregame festivities Monday at Busch Stadium.

"I was going to (tape) it from the start," Barton said. "I went and bought a video camera last night. It was one of those things where I really didn't care what people thought.

"People say 'Act like you've been here before,' but you only get one of those moments. To me, it didn't matter how I looked. If I looked like a kid, then hey, I have one day to be a kid."

After the Cardinals' abbreviated workout Sunday afternoon at Busch Stadium, Barton visited a Wal-Mart and bought a small, hand-held digital camera costing around $200.

"I didn't need to go expensive," Barton said. "I just needed to get the memories."

Barton began taping a few minutes before he boarded the red convertible that paraded the players around the warning track. He kept taping as he shook hands with Cardinal Hall of Famers Bob Gibson, Ozzie Smith, Lou Brock and Red Schoendienst, then took his spot with the others players on the first-base line.

"I know everybody saw my video camera, but this only happens one time in your life," Barton said. "It was something where I wanted to be able to show my kids and in the near time, my friends and family back home."

Barton, who is single, lives in Los Angeles. He has 87 at-bats as the Class AAA level last year for Cleveland. The Cardinals got him from the Indians in the Rule 5 draft in December and was considered a long shot to make the team.

Now, he can't wait to make his major-league debut.

"I'm just looking to get on the field, period," Barton said. "Even if I have to pinch run from third. My mom is in town and I want her to see me play."

(bnd.com)

We now hear that Vikings OLT Bryant McKinnie's place on the team probably is safe. Some teams around the NFL sent out feelers to the Vikings but reportedly were rebuffed. Word outside the locker room suggests that disciplinarian Brad Childress likely won't come down hard on McKinnie.

(profootballweekly.com)

Dolphins' Head Coach Tony Sparano admitted the team has no starting RT right now. He said the team has Vernon Carey penciled in at LT and Drew Mormino at LG.




(miamiherald.com)

“Rocky could not be doing much more than he is, and continues to make strides in coverage as well. He is progressing so well that had Marcus’s injury been long-term, there is a good chance he would have switched to the strong side because he has the closest ability and skillset to Marcus. Very shrewd by the Skins not to deal him for Lance Briggs, вЂ˜cause he’s already better than Briggs against the run and will probably be better against the pass, too, by the middle of the season.”

(washingtonpost.com)

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said the team is in “open dialogue” with Lewis on a contract extension and would actively pursue him if he reaches free agency.

“If he becomes a free agent next year, I think the Ravens would probably outbid other teams,” Bisciotti said today during a break at the NFL annual meetings. “We know Ray’s value more than the other teams. We know the leadership he brings to the team. We know the commitment and the effort he gives to winning.”

This is the first time the Ravens have allowed Lewis to reach the final year of his contract.

(insidecharmcity.com)

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - He was jeered as he ran in from center field on an orange carpet during introductions. He was booed every time he walked to the plate.

Aubrey Huff understands completely why fans in his own ballpark hate him, and the Baltimore Orioles designated hitter accepted their harsh treatment Monday with a shrug of the shoulders and an admission of guilt.

While appearing on a nationally syndicated radio show during the offseason, Huff insulted the city of Baltimore with a sentence that included profanity. The fans at Camden Yards were not in a forgiving mood at the season opener.

"It was expected. If I was in their situation I'd boo me too," Huff said. "It was a stupid thing to do. But I've moved on from it, put it behind me."

Asked if expected the booing to continue, Huff replied, "It might die down a little bit, but I'm sure the fans have been itching to get at me the whole offseason. Like I say, it was a mistake on my part to make those comments. I'm human, I made a mistake."

Huff said his teammates were laughing at the rough treatment he received, and that Kevin Millar expected a similar reception for throwing out the ceremonial first ball at a World Series game in Boston.

"He got off light," Huff said.

(examiner.com)

A new contract for Kellen Winslow is now on the team's radar. This week at the NFL owners meetings, General Manager Phil Savage will meet with Winslow's agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Winslow hired Rosenhaus last year in anticipation of a forthcoming contract extension. Winslow made the Pro Bowl last year as an alternate and played in the game. He has three years left on his contract, which was extended by one year after the Browns restructured it in the wake of Winslow's 2005 motorcycle accident.

(blog.cleveland.com)

New England Patriot defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and his wife Bianca will be hosting their 5th Annual Vince Wilfork Draft Day Fundraiser

Party at Pinz Entertainment in Milford. The event will the raise money to support the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami.

Fans will have the opportunity to meet Wilfork and several teammates as they wait to see which player the Patriots will select in the draft. Fans will also be able to participate in a live silent auction for premium Patriots items, with all proceeds benefiting the Diabetes Research Institute.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.pinzbowl.com. For more information e-mail fans@vincewilfork75.com.

This event will be the best event to see the players and watch the draft while contributing for a good cause!

(mvn.com)

March 30, 2008 - Damione Lewis has a philosophy about life -- "Better yourself and take someone along with you." Some young people in Hopkins County will soon get to experience that firsthand.

Local boys ages 6-14 will have a chance to meet Lewis and other NFL stars in person during the inaugural Damione Lewis Football Camp on Saturday morning, April 19, sponsored by the Hopkins County Boys and Girls Club.

At 6-feet, 2-inches and 300 pounds, Lewis is a large man. As an NFL player, he's even larger than life.

The former Sulphur Springs Wildcat gridiron standout will begin his eighth NFL season after signing a three-year contract extension in the offseason as defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers. He was a blue chip prospect at Sulphur Springs High School in the mid 1990s and a first-round draft pick by the St. Louis Rams after starting for three years at the University of Miami.

The camp, his brainchild, is being coordinated locally by Kerry Wright.

"It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time, and I've just been waiting for the right time," said Lewis, who was back in his home town on Friday to shore up some of the details. "I've gotten to a place in my life where I'm settled and in a comfort situation where I feel like I can give back.

"The first thing I wanted to do in that process is to get something going around here. I want to help these kids get focused on life and back on track. There's so much more in their lives to look forward to than what they're dealing with today."

The camp is free -- that's right -- free, and participants don't have to be members of the Boys and Girls Club to attend. Registration forms, which need to be turned in by April 4, are at the Boys and Girls Club and Fieldhouse Sports.

By making the camp free, it will allow more youngsters to attend and be mentored by Lewis and up to a dozen other NFL players, including another former Wildcat, Caleb Miller, as well as Santana Moss, Bubba Franks, Jon Beason, Dante Rosario and perhaps Edgerrin James, Clinton Portis and Dan Morgan.

"The idea is to get as many young people out to the camp as possible so they can see people who have been successful in their careers, and to give them some hope," Wright said.

The players will teach campers fundamental instructions, proper nutrition and weight training. But the most important part will likely be the heartfelt talk they will receive on leadership, character and how to be true student-athletes on and off the field.

"I want it to go beyond football, but that's what I know -- that's what I do" Lewis said. "So it was a lot easier for me to bring that atmosphere in first and build on that.

"They need to understand that the person they are looking to was in the same position that are in, maybe worse. So it's possible for them to do what I did or go beyond and do something different."

Lewis isn't just talking about professional sports, either.

"It could be a doctor or lawyer or just a hard-working parent who provides for their family," he explained. "Find a comfort within yourself and try to better yourself. That's really the object of life -- go out and better your life and bring somebody along with you."

The Boys and Girls Club will hopefully benefit greatly from the camp, because organizers have set a goal to raise $100,000 in donations from local businesses. In return for a $2,000 donation, business owners will receive access to a private mixer and dinner with the NFL players -- not a bad bonus for contributing to something worthwhile.

Businesses that would like to participate but have not been contacted can e-mail Wright at kwright@cpiaccess.com for details.

The Boys and Girls Club, located in the old Houston Elementary School building, has about 150 members. Approximately 60 percent are from single-parent homes.

Lewis wants the money generated from the camp to buy more computers for the facility and to start and expand a tutoring and mentoring program.

"In the future, I'd like to see retired teachers in here tutoring, volleyball and basketball, just a full-service Boys and Girls Club, where they can come over here and get on-line, do their homework and be more of an area that's a positive place for them to be," he said. "I'd like to see businessmen come in and talk to them and mentor them -- that's what I'd like to see."

(ssnewstelegram.com)

Since today's first game is against a left handed pitcher, we get a peak at Jason Michaels before we do David Dellucci. And an interesting decision has come to light with that. It turns out Eric Wedge will be going with Michaels in the 2 hole rather than Asdrubal Cabrera, who will bat in the 7th spot. However Cabrera will still bat 2nd against right handed pitchers. This could be because of 1 of 2 things. They don't want to put that much pressure on the young Cabrera. Or the Indians just like Michaels. I know I do in terms of a left handed hitting role player. Michaels is a scrappy guy and will make those small plays, a guy that will take some pitches and lay down a bunt. Or it could be a little bit of both.

(tribetimereport.com)

What do you do in your off time?

I continue to work on my craft [football]. I concentrate on working out and getting ready for the next season. I visit a lot of my family and friends in Miami, too.

How big was your high school and why did you go to Miami?

I went to a large school [Spanish High School in Boca Raton, Fla.]. It was about 5,000 [6A level for athletics]. As far as college, I was ready to go anywhere but I decided to stay close to home and go to the University of Miami. I was recruited by a number of schools and made visits to West Virginia, Missouri and Ohio State University.

Was your family supportive of you playing sports?

My mother [Valerie Trice] was there for me from Day One. She was a great influence on me and motivated me to work hard. She took care of me in whatever I needed. My older brother [Roman] was there, too.

Are the SaberCats ready to make a run?

We're starting to get in the groove. That's pretty cool. I'm getting more minutes since Rodney Wright went down [with an injury]. I feel good about my play and my teammates. As far as playing defense [linebacker], it looks like I'll be staying at receiver, but anytime I'm needed on the defensive side, I will go over there.

What are your favorite foods?

I like just about everything. Southern cooking is my favorite, but I keep it on the healthy side. In Miami, there are a lot of different foods, so you get to taste a lot.~John (Hondo) Hahn.

(mercurynews.com)

The first USF spring football scrimmage on Saturday was sort of a hot spot for NFL players — both current and future. Two former Bulls — Mike Jenkins, who was wearing a Denver Broncos beanie hat and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry were seen watching.

Another NFL player — Chicago Bears return specialist Devin Hester, cousin of USF junior wide receiver Jesse Hester Jr. — was also seen watching the action. Hester took time to answer some questions for The Oracle.

Oracle: What is it like to watch your cousin playing Big East football?

Devin Hester: I'm just glad to see him out there. First of all, you've got to thank God for putting him in the situation that he's in now. A lot of kids don't get the opportunity to play in high school, and he's out there playing college football. I just hope that God continues to keep blessing him and hopefully, one day, he's out there with me.

O: Did you see his game-winning catch against Auburn?

DH: Yeah, I did. It was great to have somebody else have the ability to go out and do the things that you hope for kids to do.

O: How much progress have you seen from Jesse during his USF career?

DH: I'm just glad that he's making plays right now. He's getting better each year, and hopefully, by the time he's ready to go to the (National Football) League, he'll be ready to compete at the highest level.


(oraclesports.blogspot.com)

Jimerson, 28, made an Opening Day roster for the first time since starting his pro career in 2001 with the Astros.

"It was not like I imagined it to be," Jimerson said of when he was told he was on the team. "I'm glad I made the team. I definitely feel for guys that got different news, because I've been there four times.

"It's a big pat on the back. There have been a lot of people who counted me out -- not around this organization. I think those who doubted if I'd be back in the Major Leagues or even having a chance to be on a roster, I think this is a pat on the back. Those who have helped me over the years, this is a big pat on the back for them, too.

"I'm easily motivated by naysayers. I guess they'll still be around, so I still have some fuel for the season."

Jimerson has appeared in 29 Major League games and has four hits in eight at-bats, while he has played in 649 Minor League games. When the Mariners opted to keep an extra bench player and go with an 11-man pitching staff, it opened up a spot for Jimerson.

"Competition for me has always been personal," Jimerson said. "Who you are competing against is not important to me. If I can take care of myself, that's my competition. Competition is to stay on top of my game. After the game, it was never like, 'Oh my gosh, Mike had four hits today. I may not hang out with him or talk to him because that's my competition.' That's just not my style.

(seattle.mariners.mlb.com)

MIAMI (AP) — Kevin Everett and Marc Buoniconti each suffered a severe spinal cord injury while making a tackle. The difference between them on Friday was the result of more than 20 years of research.

Buoniconti has used a wheelchair since being paralyzed while playing football for The Citadel in 1985.

Everett walked through the lobby of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis just about seven months after he crumpled face-down on the turf following a tackle in which his helmet struck another player's helmet and shoulder pad.

The former Buffalo Bills tight end praised the experimental therapies being developed at the world's largest spinal cord injury research center.

"You can see it works," Everett said. "They practically saved my life. They got me to where I wanted to be again, moving and walking around."

He stood tall next to Buoniconti, Dr. Barth Green, the Miami Project's co-founder, and Dr. Dalton Dietrich, its scientific director. Green started the project in 1985 with three families whose loved ones had suffered spinal cord injuries, including Buoniconti, son of pro football Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti.

"To be able to see the work of the Miami Project pay off by being part of Kevin's recovery, it means the world to us," Buoniconti said. "To see how far the research has come, it goes to show you how close we are to actually finding a cure."

Everett has made incredible progress, though his rehabilitation continues.

"I'm still working on the dexterity in my hands, being able to do everyday stuff such as brush my hair, tie my shoes," he said. "It's getting better."

Doctors initially feared Everett would never walk after he collapsed on the Bills' home turf Sept. 9. He remained motionless for several minutes while medical personnel tried to figure out what was wrong.

Everett was paralyzed from the neck down when he arrived at a Buffalo hospital, and spent the first few days on life support. He would need four hours of surgery to realign his neck and stabilize it with screws, rods and a titanium plate.

But what helped save his mobility happened just minutes after he went down. Bills doctor Andrew Cappuccino placed Everett into moderate hypothermia as he was carted to an ambulance. Cappuccino learned the experimental method to limit swelling and inflammation at a Miami Project seminar.

The therapy is analogous to an ice pack for the spine.

A few days later, Everett showed movement in his legs and arms and was sensitive to touch. He improved so steadily during the first two weeks that he was transferred to Houston for the next stage of his rehab.

Cappuccino continued consulting with Green on Everett's status until the player was transferred to Houston.

Coincidentally, Bills owner Ralph Wilson had been among Green's other surgical patients. In 1997, Green operated to relieve a narrowing around the spine that was pinching off the nerves to Wilson's feet.

Everett said he was establishing a foundation to contribute to the research at the Miami Project, starting with a fashion show fundraiser Saturday in Miami Beach. The program is based at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, Everett's alma mater.

"We're hoping that Kevin and his foundation will spread the word: More research needs to be done, patients deserve better treatment," Green said.

The Miami Project also has received a $113,000 grant from the NFL to continue its research into hypothermic therapy.

South Florida paramedics are currently being trained to administer the moderate hypothermia therapy Everett received to people who suffer heart attacks and traumatic brain and spinal injuries, said Green, chairman of Miller's neurological surgery department at the University of Miami school of medicine.

"Dr. Cappuccino showed us it was feasible," Green said.

(ap.com)

MIAMI, March 28 -- The murder trial of three of the four men accused of killing Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor was moved from early April to late August during a hearing Friday morning in Miami-Dade County state court.

Attorneys for Charles Wardlow, 19; Jason Scott Mitchell, 20; and Venjah Hunte, 20, told Circuit Court Judge Dennis J. Murphy they were not prepared to go to trial as scheduled April 7 because of delays in receiving information about the case from the prosecution.

Murphy reset the trial date for Aug. 25. He also signed and distributed copies of a gag order preventing comment on the case and scheduled a status hearing for Aug. 15.

The trial of the fourth defendant, Eric Rivera, 18, is also expected to be rescheduled when he appears in court Wednesday. Rivera's attorney, Clinton J. Pitts, had a conflict and could not appear Friday morning, according to Murphy.

The four men have been charged with first-degree felony murder and armed robbery in connection with the shooting of Taylor, who died Nov. 27 after surprising intruders in his Miami home the day before.

None of Taylor's family or close friends appeared in court Friday morning. Mitchell and Hunte appeared wearing red jumpsuits and handcuffs. Wardlow wore a maroon jumpsuit and handcuffs. All spoke only to affirm their attorneys' requests for the continuance.

Murphy set an April 25 bond hearing for Mitchell in response to a motion two weeks ago filed by Mitchell's attorney, Landon Miller, and he appointed a public defender to represent Wardlow, whose attorney, David Brener, resigned from the case after the appearance Friday because he had not been paid by Wardlow.

Murphy also set an April 28 deadline for the lead detective on the case, Juan Segovia, to file his report.

(ap.com)

Trading unpredictable left tackle Bryant McKinnie to the Miami Dolphins for high-character pass rusher Jason Taylor would seem to make sense for the Vikings. The problem for Minnesota, though, would be replacing McKinnie. Next month's NFL draft will feature several top offensive linemen, but they're expected to go early, and the Vikings don't pick until No. 17 in the first round.

(cnnsi.com)

It was a little more than two hours before the first pitch of the game today when Brewers manager Ned Yost sat behind a microphone and gave a glowing review of Ryan Braun's first spring as a leftfielder.

He said Braun has looked like a veteran and made a smooth transition from the infield to the outfield. And for the most part, Yost is dead on.

Braun has played the position well. He can definitely cover ground and looked good tracking liners and high fly balls while in Arizona. He also showed an ability to take good routes when cutting off balls down the line or in the gap, holding batters to singles.

His only flub came in the final game at Maryvale when he fly ball in the sun and it nearly busted him on the head. He joked about it afterward, saying he almost made it through spring before the infamous Maryvale sun got him.

Well, it didn't take as long for him to misplay his first ball at Miller Park. Miguel Olivo laced a line drive right at Braun, but over his head, in the sixth inning. Braun turned over his right shoulder and broke back, but the ball was curving away from him, so he turned over his left shoulder and by the time he reached out the ball was by him and off the wall.

It was scored as a double, but it should have been an out, and Braun will probably be the first to say that. Olivo didn't score, however, as Dave Bush got a ground out and line out to end the inning.

Braun, who has proven he never lets his defense bother his offense, came up in the bottom of the inning and doubled off the center field wall, but he didn't score and the Royals still lead 2-1.

(blogs.jsonline.com)