Mum’s word on absent Meriweather
FOXBORO - The absence
of Laurence Maroney [stats] from on-field
participation at mandatory minicamp wasn’t all
too startling, given the offseason shoulder surgery
the Patriots [team stats] running back underwent.
Brandon Meriweather?
It was a surprise when
the rookie first-round pick missed yesterday’s
workout. He wasn’t at Thursday’s
voluntary passing camp, either, during the one day
the media was allowed to watch.
Meriweather has had a
history of shoulder trouble. Pats coach Bill
Belichick, naturally, wasn’t providing much on
the rookie’s absence.
When asked to explain
why Meriweather was missing, Belichick responded:
“Well, there are a number of players that
aren’t out there on the field. There are
different things going on with different
players.”
Was Meriweather injured?
“There are different things going on with
different players,” Belichick repeated.
“Some of them I’m sure will be out there
tomorrow and some of them may not be. We’ll
have the injury report the first Wednesday of the
regular season. We don’t want to rush
it.”
Justin Schulman, who represents Meriweather at the
California-based Athlete’s First, is referring
all inquiries on Meriweather to the Patriots.
(boston.com)
Jonathan Vilma Update
Jun/08/07 10:45 AM
| Jonathan Vilma
| Permalink
LB Jonathan Vilma was
excused to attend the graduation of his sister, who
received an MBA from Harvard.
(nydailynews.com)
Frnak Gore Update
Jun/07/07 12:46 PM
| Frank Gore | Permalink
Mike Nolan has said he
wants to limit Frank Gore's carries to fewer than
300. Last season, Gore carried 312 times, which is a
franchise record. He also made it through a season
without a significant injury for the first time since
his senior year of high school.
With Gore signed through 2011, it only seems
reasonable that the 49ers would want to limit his
touches. But Nolan mentioned this week that Gore
could touch the ball 20 to 25 times a game.
"I'm going for quality, not quantity, so we'll see,"
Nolan said.
(49ers.pressdemocrat.com)
Baraka Atkins Update
Jun/07/07 10:36 AM
| Baraka Atkins
| Permalink
Defensive end Baraka
Atkins, a fourth-round draft choice this year, had a
good day rushing the passer.
(seattlepi.nwsource.com)
No Tension in New York: Giants' Smith, Moss Bonding
Jun/07/07 10:34 AM
| Sinorice Moss
| Permalink
You would think that
Sinorice Moss felt a lack of faith and a bit if
disrespect when the Giants drafted Steve Smith of USC
in the second round of the NFL Draft. However, that's
not the case at all and Moss believes Smith is going
to make the Giants better.
"I don't think that was
a reflection of me at all, them drafting Steve," Moss
said. "They're looking more for the long run, not
about that I didn't perform last year."
When people evaluate the Giants, they so often forget
about Moss. Because of the injuries last season, no
one really got to see what he was all about. When
drafted, he was just as hyped as Smith currently is
and the expectations were equally as high. There is a
very good chance that Moss ends up being just as, if
not more, productive than Smith. It's a great
"problem" the Giants have with these two.
What's even better is that they're getting along.
While there is a competition, they both realize its
part of the business. Perhaps the most telling
comments came from Moss.
"He's my teammate first," Moss said.
I love that attitude and it will only result in good
things for the Giants.
(aolsportsblog.com)
Ray's Summer Days
Jun/07/07 10:33 AM
| Ray Lewis | Permalink
Football in the summer?
Not exactly. "Ray's Summer Days," presented by
Baltimore Ravens player Ray Lewis, is a three-day
affair featuring an array of benefit sports events
and other fundraising activities. The public is
invited to head to the stands at Patterson Park on
Saturday and watch Ray lead a Youth Fitness Clinic.
Some 600 children were selected to partake in the
exercise clinic, which will feature some of Ray's
teammates, Redskins players and local celebrities.
Other "Summer Days" activities include a VIP
meet-and-greet, cocktail reception and auction,
golfing match, celebrity bowling tournament and Pev's
Celebrity Paintball Tournament. Events benefit the
Ray Lewis Foundation, whose mission is to provide
personal and economic assistance to disadvantaged
youths.
"Ray's Summer Days"
runs today through Saturday. The free Youth Fitness
Clinic runs 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at Patterson Park.
The VIP meet-and-greet, cocktail reception and
auction are today at Martin's West, 6817 Dogwood
Road. The meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m., and
tickets are $1,000. The cocktail reception and
auction begin at 7 p.m., and tickets are $150. The
golf match is at 9 a.m. tomorrow at the Woodlands,
2309 Ridge Road in Windsor Mill. Also tomorrow, the
Celebrity Bowling Tournament is at 6 p.m. at Perry
Hall Lanes, 4359 Ebenezer Road. Tickets for both
events are $500 per player. Pev's Celebrity Paintball
Tournament runs 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at a private
location. Tickets are $250. All tickets must be
bought in advance. Call 305-535-9937 or go to
rayssummerdays.com.
(baltimoresun.com)
Charlton Jimmerson Update
PEARL, Miss. - Charlton
Jimerson had another career night with two home runs
and five RBIs to help the Diamond Jaxx beat
Mississippi, 12-6, and avoid a sweep against the
Braves.
Both teams had 16 hits. Jimerson was 3-for-5,
including a three-run homer in the second inning and
a two-run shot in the seventh.
proCanes Gallery Updated!!
Jun/06/07 09:41 AM
| Permalink
Check out
proCanes.com's EXCLUSIVE photographs from this past
weekend's Florida Firecats versus Alabama Steeldogs
game in Fort Myers, Florida. The Florida Firecats
feature 3 Hurricanes as their starters; Brad Kunz
(OL), Ethenic Sands (WR), and Magic Benton (WR).
Click above on proCanes Gallery or
Click Here!
Brandon Merriweather Update
First-round draft
choice Brandon Meriweather did not participate in the
on-field portion of the workout, but he was at
Gillette. Meriweather, whose hamstring is not 100
percent, also missed last Thursday's passing camp.
(boston.com)
Vinny Testaverde Update
Quarterback Vinny
Testaverde was on the field again yesterday with the
Patriots, although he remains unsigned by the team.
The 20-year veteran spent the second half of last
season as the Pats’ third quarterback, and got
to extend his league record for consecutive seasons
with a touchdown pass when he connected with Brown
against Tennessee in the regular-season finale.
Belichick was mum on Testaverde’s future with
New England: “He’s an unrestricted free
agent who is participating in our offseason
program,” he said.
(boston.com)
Roscoe Parrish Update
Jun/06/07 09:35 AM
| Roscoe Parrish
| Permalink
The final week of OTAs
began Tuesday and there were some impressive plays
turned in by the offense with Roscoe Parrish
one of the more
impressive performers. But the defense had its share
of plays too.
(buffalobills.com)
Vince Wilfork Update
Jun/05/07 10:24 AM
| Vince Wilfork
| Permalink
Nose tackle Vince
Wilfork seems to be relishing his role with top draft
picks Brandon Meriweather and Kareem Brown, both of
whom he played with at the University of Miami. "I'm
basically like the big brother and the dad to them,"
said Wilfork. "I definitely have to look out for
them. There is going to be a time I have to turn them
loose, but for now they're under my wing."
(boston.com)
The Rock and Wife Separate
Jun/05/07 10:21 AM
| The Rock | Permalink
Actor Dwayne "The Rock"
Johnson has separated from his wife of 10 years.
The "Scorpion King" star, 35, and Dany Johnson, who
have a 5-year-old daughter, Simone, have parted
amicably after 17 years together.
The couple, in a statement released to People.com,
says, "While certain aspects of our relationship have
changed, we are both vitally important to each
other's lives.
"We will continue to advance and manage our business
interests, our philanthropic efforts and most
importantly the raising of our child together, as a
loving team.
"We've been fortunate enough to spend the last 17
years together as a couple and look forward to
spending the rest our lives together as best friends
and business partners."
(people.com)
proCanes.com Goes to a Florida Firecats Game
Jun/04/07 10:18 AM
| The U | Permalink
Over the weekend
proCanes.com went to Fort Myers to catch a game
between the Florida Firecats and Alabama Steeldogs.
The Florida Firecats feature three 'Canes, Magic
Benton, Brad Kunz and Ethenic Sands pictured below.
Pictures from the game were also taken and will be
posted shortly, stay tuned. Also stay tuned to
exclusive interviews with all three players.
ESPN Article: Trading Places (Vernon Carey, Devin
Hester, DJ Williams)
Jun/03/07 07:08 PM
| The U | Permalink
Click on the picture to
enlarge the article to read. Enjoy!
Foxhole: Fox on Jon (Beason)
Jun/03/07 07:08 PM
| Jon Beason | Permalink
On
rookie Jon Beason's ability to play multiple
linebacker positions: He is an instinctive guy, and I
think he's had some background at both outside and
inside backer during his career (at the University of
Miami). As far as it relates to our system, we'll
just bring him along primarily in one spot with kind
of keeping an idea. A lot of players have that
responsibility. We've got some DB's that have to know
a couple of different positions and the same with
d-linemen. By the time you get to the season and you
go into it with a 46-man squad for the game, there
has to be position flexibility, whether it's seven
o-linemen that are typically active or six or seven
d-linemen. It will be the same with linebackers.
On if Beason is
being brought along more slowly because he is still
learning how to play linebacker after starting his
college career at safety: With any rookie, you bring him
along as fast as they are capable. It doesn't matter
what the coaches know. It's what that player knows.
Again, it's too early to say how fast we're going to
bring him along at this point, but we'll give him all
he can handle.
On defensive end
Mike Rucker setting a target date of returning to
practice during training camp: I think that's a pretty big window.
At this point, it will be week-to-week, and we'll see
how he comes along. We won't rush him and we'll be
smart with it. Even once he starts practicing, we'll
be smart. We'll have to wait and see.
On if Rucker can
be brought along more slowly because he is a veteran
and knows the defense: I think the fact that he's pretty
comfortable in our system defensively and we've not
changed that much, you always tweak a couple of
things every offseason, but the fact that he's got
those years of experience in our system, sure that
doesn't freak you out too bad.
(panthers.com)
Rookie Braun big boost for Brewers
Jun/03/07 07:08 PM
| Ryan Braun
| Permalink
Playing in just his
eighth game in the majors, Ryan Braun homered,
doubled and singled to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to
an 8-4 victory over the visiting Florida Marlins on
Friday night.
Kevin Mench drove in four runs for Milwaukee with a
sacrifice fly and a bases-loaded double.
Braun's two-run homer in the fifth traveled 427 feet
and landed just above the ivy that grows on the wall
in center field. Corey Hart singled before Braun --
the fifth overall pick in the 2005 first-year player
draft -- hit the first pitch from Scott Olsen (4-5)
for his second home run since his contract was
purchased from Class AAA Nashville on May 24.
Francisco Cordero got the final out to earn his
major-league-leading 20th save in as many chances.
(suntimes.com)
Kevin Everett Update
Jun/03/07 07:08 PM
| Kevin Everett
| Permalink
Kevin Everett
was the favorite target
of all three quarterbacks during red zone 7-on-7.
Everett made three catches for three touchdowns
including a nice grab as J.P. Losman
squeezed the ball
between two defenders. Losman was 9-10 passing with
the touchdown to Everett. Craig Nall
went 4-4 with two
straight touchdowns, one to Everett and the other to
Donovan Morgan. Trent Edwards made some very nice passes hooking
up with Everett for a touchdown in the seam on his
first pass of the drill.
(buffalobills.com)
Ryan Braun Update
Jun/03/07 07:08 PM
| Ryan Braun
| Permalink
Ryan Braun, playing his
eighth game in the majors, homered, doubled and
singled to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to an 8-5
victory over the Florida Marlins on Friday night.
Kevin Mench drove in four runs for Milwaukee with a
sacrifice fly and a double with the bases loaded.
Braun’s two-run homer in the fifth traveled 427
feet and landed just above the ivy that grows on the
wall in center field.
(mlb.com)