Will Jon Beason consider restructuring his deal? That question was resurrected Wednesday after the news of RB DeAngelo Williams restructuring his deal with the Panthers.

There are no indications the Panthers have approached Beason about restructuring his contract, which he inked in 2011 as a five-year, $51.5 million deal. Since then he's suffered an Achilles injury that sat him out nearly all of the 2011 season, and shoulder and knee injuries kept him out of three-quarters of last year.

At $8.4 million under the cap, the Panthers aren't under any great pressure to restructure another contract, especially one for a former Pro Bowl linebacker who just lost his starting middle linebacker position.

But an insurance policy on a high-priced, important but recently oft-injured part of your team? Denver just showed it can be done.


(charlotte.com)

Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason has missed all but five games in the last two season and had three surgeries in a 17-month period, but the veteran has every intention to return to the field for the Panthers sooner rather than later, although that won't be during minicamp.

Beason, 28, made three consecutive Pro Bowls at middle linebacker before his two injury-riddled seasons. Now, he's expected to return to the Panthers as an outside linebacker after suffering shoulder and knee injuries that sent him to injured reserve in October. Taking his place in the middle in 2012 was first-round draft pick Luke Kuechly, who went on the become the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.

A first-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, Beason played and started in all 64 games the Panthers played during the first four years of his career. After two seasons of injuries, Beason told Person that he's excited to get back to doing what he loves to do.

"For me, it can't get here any faster. Obviously, I want to take advantage of the time that I have to get stronger and to heal up even more," Beason said. "But I'm just so anxious to get back to doing what I love. I love to play the game of football. There's nothing else I'd rather do."

While he isn't expected to participate in minicamp next month, Beason did go through the walkthrough at the Panthers OTAs on Monday and should be ready for training camp.


(sbnation.com)

CHARLOTTE — Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly said one of the things that makes veteran linebacker Jon Beason so effective is Beason’s ability to communicate on the field.

Beason was talking plenty Monday night, directing traffic as he and 15 teammates served multi-course dinner at a celebrity waiter charity event at the Palm that benefited Beason’s education-focused MLB Foundation.

“Anytime you put your name on something, you put everything into it,” Beason said before he began serving. “For me being vocal on the field, I know helps our defense go out and everyone’s on the same page. So I want to make sure everyone’s on the same page here tonight.”

The Panthers’ starting linebacker corps was represented, as well as its top reserve. Joining Beason and Kuechly were veteran Thomas Davis and Chase Blackburn, the former New York Giants linebacker who signed with Carolina as a free agent this offseason.

The group figures to benefit from the arrival of the team’s top draft picks – defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short, who will try to occupy blockers up front to allow the linebackers to roam more freely.

“That’s what they’re there for – to protect us, be a bodyguard a little bit, allow us to run free and make plays,” Beason said. “We’re excited about it. We know they’re going to make our job easier so we should play at a high level. We have a high standard for how we should perform as a group, in terms of the linebackers.”

Lotulelei and Short will join an interior rotation that includes Dwan Edwards, who re-signed with the Panthers after finishing with a career-high six sacks in 2012. Ron Edwards, the other starter at defensive tackle last season, was released during the offseason.

“Dwan played great. Ron was good. We’ve got guys up front,” Kuechly said. “You add more guys, it just makes it that much better.”

Kuechly led the league with 164 tackles and won The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award last season when Beason was hurt. Kuechly began the season on the outside and moved to the middle in Week 5 after Beason went down with season-ending knee and shoulder injuries.

Beason, who had three surgeries within a 17-month span, said last month he plans to return better than before injuries cost him all but five games the past two seasons. He also has conceded the middle to Kuechly, who became the first rookie to lead the league in tackles since San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis in 2007.

Kuechly, who returned to Boston College during the offseason to resume work on his degree, said he has areas where he can improve in his second season.

“My pass coverage could use some work. And the more you know about the defense, the more you can learn the defense, the better you can be,” he said. “Last year I had to learn everything from scratch. Now I have an idea of what’s going on. … I can concentrate on little areas versus having to look at everything as a whole.”

Meanwhile, Beason is itching to get back on the field after two injury-shortened seasons.

Beason is not expected to participate in the team’s minicamp next month. But he said going through Monday’s walkthrough during the first day of phase 3 of organized team activities fired him up.

“For me, it can’t get here any faster. Obviously, I want to take advantage of the time that I have to get stronger and to heal up even more,” Beason said. “But I’m just so anxious to get back to doing what I love. I love to play the game of football. There’s nothing else I’d rather do.”


(newsobserver.com)

Panthers linebacker Jon Beason held the launch of his charitable foundation Tuesday afternoon at the Palm in Southpark. The turnout included reporters from three Charlotte TV stations, the Associated Press and the Observer.

All asked earnest questions about Beason's celebrity waiter event – May 13 at the Palm to benefit his education-minded foundation – and nibbled on the butterflied shrimp and crabcakes.

But everyone eventually got around to different versions of the same question: How is Beason's health and how confident is he that he'll return to the Pro Bowl form he displayed before three surgeries over a 17-month span?

“I'll be better,” Beason said. “I can't even fathom not being better than I previously was. Especially, when you get to this stage of your career, mentally you know how to prepare and those are the things that you're focusing on more.”

It should be noted that Beason made the same statement last offseason when he was coming off Achilles' surgery.

Beason made it through four games in 2012 before shutting it down with knee and shoulder injuries. He underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee last October, and had his left labrum repaired in January.

He will be limited in OTAs if he participates at all. His goal is July and the start of training camp.

He'll be playing a new position. While he was out, Luke Kuechly led the league in tackles and was named the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Unlike his comments after the Panthers drafted Kuechly ninth overall last year, Beason said Tuesday that Kuechly “absolutely” deserves to be the starter in the middle. Interestingly, Beason said he would likely play the weak side, where Thomas Davis started the final 12 games last season.

Beason said Davis would shift to the strong side, which requires more drops into coverage in the Panthers' 4-3 scheme than the weak side, according to Beason.

(Tickets for the celebrity waiter event at the Palm on May 13 are $250 for general seating and $350 for VIP status and can be purchased at www.jonbeason.org.)


(thestate.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina's Jon Beason still believes he can be a dominant NFL player, even though he's coming off a pair of season-ending injuries and changing positions this season.

Beason, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is recovering from injuries that have limited him to just five games over the past two seasons.

When he returns he'll be playing weak side linebacker.

That's a fairly significant change from his first four years in the league playing middle linebacker where he was able to roam from sideline to sideline making plays.

The move is to accommodate young star Luke Kuechly, who replaced an injured Beason at middle linebacker last season and went on to lead the NFL in tackles and earn AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.

In Beason's eyes, Kuechly deserves to stay there and the move is in the best interest of the team.

"Right now he's the best in the league at that position," Beason told The Associated Press Tuesday during a fundraiser for his MLB Foundation which raises money for underprivileged children.

Moving outside is clearly not Beason's preference — he's more comfortable playing the middle where he has more freedom to roam the field — but he said right now it's all about winning championships.

It would have been easy for Beason to complain about the move or even seek a trade or release from his contract.

After all, he was a four-year starter at middle linebacker for the Panthers from 2007-2010, going to three Pro Bowls during that span while leading the team in tackles four straight seasons.

Instead, Beason took the new opportunity as a challenge.

He said he attacked his rehabilitation process with vigor, eager to earn a starting spot alongside Kuechly, the kid he helped mentor all of last season, while trying to resurrect his own professional career.

"You look at Luke and you say this kid is exceptional — this kid can play," Beason said. "So I'm like, well let's get out there and be great together. Let's get everyone together on the same page and go out and be one of the top defenses in the league, because we have that potential."

Kuechly said last year Beason was instrumental in his growth, teaching him the ins and outs of the game.

"Jon was awesome, extremely knowledgeable and helpful," Kuechly said last season.

Beason said he is just passing down what he learned from those who taught him coming into the league.

"I'm all about being a team guy and I've always been that," Beason said. "You have to be a pro."

Beason is familiar with the weak side linebacker spot having played that position for a season at the University of Miami.

Carolina actually drafted him in the first round in 2007 with the intention of using him at weak side linebacker, although they'd later move him inside when Dan Morgan's concussions began to add up.

If Beason does wind up at weak side linebacker it creates a quandary for the coaching staff.

Beason's best friend on the team, Thomas Davis, had a productive season at that spot last year after returning from three torn ACLs in successive seasons. But Davis is better suited than Beason to move to the strong side where the Panthers needed to replace James Anderson, who was cut earlier this offseason in a salary cap move.

Beason said he anticipates Davis will move to strong side, but added "I think Thomas and I can play both spots."

Regardless of where he ends up, Beason is just looking to stay healthy and be productive again.

He hasn't been since signing a six-year, $50 million contract during owner Jerry Richardson's summer of free spending in 2011 just days after the NFL owners reached a new collective bargaining agreement with the players.

The Panthers couldn't have possibly imagined the injuries that were about to beset the seemingly invincible Beason, a player with a tough as nails reputation who hadn't missed a game during his four seasons.

Beason's injury problems began soon after signing his extension.

He tore his Achilles in the 2011 season opener against Arizona while chasing down tight end Jeff King, ending his season prematurely. He came back last season he started four games before shoulder and knee issues forced him to injured reserve again.

"It's been a tough stretch and you think that the worst has to be behind you," Beason said.

Beason said the torn labrum in his shoulder feels completely healed and he doesn't believe it will be an issue.

The right knee has been more problematic.

He's still recovering from microfracture surgery and said he likely won't be cleared to participate in all drills until training camp.

"You don't win championships in April, so they're going to be cautious with it," Beason said. "But I'm definitely anxious to return. I think we have the makings of a great linebacking corps and the sky is the limit for this defense."


(sfgate.com)

Veteran Panthers linebacker Jon Beason said today on NFL Network's NFL AM that he knows he has the ability to play outside linebacker after spending nearly his career in Carolina at middle.

Beason has spent almost the entire past two seasons on injured reserve, and last year, he lost his spot at middle linebacker to Defensive Rookie of the Year Luke Kuechly.

But the three-time Pro Bowler said it's less about pride and more about what the team can do as he enters the latter half of his career.

"Going into my seventh year, you think about things like legacy and all of that stuff becomes important to you," Beason said. "But it’s really about winning a ring. When my career is over, I want to win a ring. I’ve done great things, big things but I also know I have the ability to play outside. Watching Luke, watching him mature and make plays and seeing how dynamic he is, I just want to get out there and do the same thing.

"We can be scary good with that front we have, Thomas Davis. We could be the best in the league and that’s the goal, so I want to be a part of the best defense and win championships, starting with one first obviously.”

He said he's "probably ahead of schedule" for his return to the field. He's almost to the point where he can train again, and he believes he'll be ready for training camp come late July.

Beason started at middle linebacker for the first four games of the season but became less effective as the weeks went on. Nagging shoudler and knee injuries forced him to have scopes on both areas during the year and he was placed on injured reserve for a second consecutive season.

"What I learned was to be in the moment," Beason said of the injuries. "If you can appreciate the grind, the training camps, the moments that you do have, the tough times, you can do big things. So for me, everything is just being near-sighted and winning the day.”

Beason also discussed quarterback Cam Newton's body language as he enters his third year as the offensive leader of the team, the decision to keep coach Ron Rivera for a third year and what it's like to play for owner Jerry Richardson.

He said the team must have a higher sense of urgency in training camp if the Panthers want to come out of the gate hot rather than struggle for the first half of the season and win late like they have the past two seasons.

“Guys can’t miss reps in training camp; I haven’t taken a rep in training camp in two years," Beason said. "It can’t take [until] mid-season to hit your stride; you have to have that mentality right away. We’ll do that this year but you have to appreciate training camp for what it is. Go in with a mentality to work every day, get better and hit it running Week One.”


(charlotte.com)

Carolina Panthers general manager David Gettleman said he is confident LB Jon Beason (knee, shoulder) will be able to hold up for an entire season. "We're pleased with his progress. He's working extremely hard. He's a professional, and he wants to play," Gettleman said. "At the end of the day Jon Beason's a football player. That's what he wants. He's working very hard at his rehab and we're very confident that he'll be fine."


(kffl.com)

The Carolina Panthers are releasing linebacker James Anderson, according to Adam Schefter.

Your first thought probably is that this is a salary-cap move. Well, that’s not necessarily the case. Anderson was scheduled to count $4.4 million against the cap. He has $4.2 million in outstanding pro-rated bonus money that likely all accelerates toward the 2013 cap. The only way there is any real cap benefit to this move is if the Panthers designate Anderson a June 1 release and spread his cap hit over this year and 2014.

I think this move is more about making things more clear at linebacker and I think it’s a strong sign that Jon Beason is staying, although he almost certainly is moving to outside linebacker and perhaps doing it with a restructured contract.

With Anderson, the Panthers had four starting-caliber linebackers and they play a 4-3 defense. It has become very clear that Luke Kuechly is going to be the middle linebacker going forward.

With Anderson out of the picture, Beason and Thomas Davis are set as the outside linebackers.


(espn.com)

The man with the “million dollar smile” is Jon Beason. Beason is a middle linebacker for the Carolina Panthers. He recently started his foundation back in 2012, Jon Beason’s MLB (Making. Lives. Better) Foundation, to help benefit the lives of “at-risk” youth.

We’ve covered and assisted plenty of athletes and their foundations here at The Giving Athlete. They all have one common goal, and that is to help improve the lives of others. Yet, what’s most intriguing is that each foundation has a very unique approach, and the same can be said for Beason’s MLB Foundation. Their goal is to “have touched the lives of more than 35,000 children by 2016.”

Beason and his foundation will begin their push on Thursday, March 14th. Beason and his foundation will be hosting their first charity fundraiser of the year.
For more information on how you can help, please contact Rachel Krumpelbeck via email: Rachel.Krumpelbeck@prolanthropy.net.

For more information on Jon Beason you can check out the following links.

http://www.jonbeason.com/

http://jonbeason.org/

Also, social media users, check out Beason’s MLB Foundation on facebook and “like” the page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jon-Beasons-MLB-Foundation/502072436490964

Finally, special thanks to Rachel Krumpelbeck of Prolanthropy. You can also check out their website : http://prolanthropy.net/


(thegivingathlete.com)

Coach Ron Rivera said linebacker Jon Beason had successful shoulder surgery this month after undergoing knee surgery in the fall. Beason has played in only five games since signing a five-year, $51.5 million contract extension before the 2011 season.



(charlotteobserver.com)

CHARLOTTE – Jon Beason was forced into a spectator's role for the majority of two straight seasons.

The Panthers linebacker didn't miss a single game during the first four seasons of his NFL career, but he's only played in five over the past two years.

A torn left Achilles tendon suffered in the opener ended his 2011 season. This year, knee and shoulder injuries forced him to injured reserve prior to Week 5.

Those injuries turned the three-time Pro Bowler into a fan. It's not Beason's desired role, but it wasn't all bad thanks to Carolina's four-game win streak to end the season.

"It's been fun to be a fan a little bit," Beason said. "Everything looks so promising."

Beason's final 2012 appearance came in the 30-28 loss in Week 4 at Atlanta. The Falcons – backed up at their own 1-yard line with 59 seconds left – gained 59 yards in one play before kicking the game-winning field goal in the final seconds.

Carolina struggled to recover from the devastating loss to the eventual NFC South champions and by Week 10, the Panthers were 2-8.

But they would only lose one more game.

"To start the season (2-8) and finish 7-9… it's just a complete 180," Beason said. "I can't be more proud of the guys, the coaching job.

"There are guys that were playing that you weren't expecting to, guys we had to bring in and bring up off the practice squad, and it was great to see them play well."

Beason – a five-time captain – was particularly proud of the 44-38 comeback victory over the Saints in the finale.

"You go down 11 points and you can say, ‘You know what, what are we playing for? We're not going to the playoffs, pack it in and head home,'" Beason said. "But that's not the makeup of this team. To come back against a team like that is huge. I know how hard it is to play down there, but the guys pulled it off."

Beason wasn't on the field for the inspired late-season turnaround, but he's eager to help carry that momentum into the start of next season.

Beason has already had knee surgery and said he'll have shoulder surgery in the coming days. His sights are set on a speedy rehabilitation so he can re-join a dynamic linebacking corps.

Beason led the team in tackles in each of his first four years, but he knows tackles will be hard to come by next season. Rookie Luke Kuechly set a team record for tackles with 205 – breaking the previous mark of 174 by James Anderson in 2011 – and Thomas Davis recorded 118 tackles in his first full season since 2008.

"It's going to be slim pickings," Beason said. "Thomas and James have got to get theirs and Super Luke the tackling machine. Numbers will be down, but we'll be playing at a high level and that's all that matters."


(panthers.com)

Looking at the numbers for the Carolina Panthers, and it sure looks like they’re in a much worse situation than the Saints. There simply aren’t a lot of easy escape routes for the Panthers.

I don’t know if former general manager Marty Hurney deserves all the blame or if he was acting on orders from above, but the contracts given to guys like DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Steve Smith, Jon Beason, James Anderson and Charles Godfrey in recent years have left the Panthers in a real salary-cap mess.

Whoever ends up as the new general manager is going to have his hands tied in a lot of ways, because most of those contracts include so much guaranteed in base salaries and so much pro-rated money that it’s difficult, if not impossible, to get out from under some of the team’s biggest contracts by releasing players.

The Panthers would lose cap space if they released Smith, Stewart or Godfrey. They’d basically break even on Anderson.

Beason and Williams could be candidates for release, but only if the Panthers designated them as June 1 cuts and spread their cap hit over two years, instead of one.

The Panthers currently have $136 million committed toward a 2013 salary cap that is expected to be slightly more than $120 million. Let’s look at some guys who could be on the cap bubble.

Beason: The logical scenario for him is a contract restructure to knock his cap figure down. Beason currently has a $9.5 million cap figure and $3.75 million of his $5.25 base salary for this year is guaranteed. Beason also has $12 million in outstanding pro-rated money.


(espn.com)

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Panthers three-time Pro Bowler Jon Beason wants to remain in Carolina next season despite losing his starting job at middle linebacker.

Beason said he has no intention of asking the team for a trade.

"I want to stay where I'm loved," said the 27-year-old Beason.

Beason, a four-year starter at middle linebacker, went on IR in Week 5. Coach Ron Rivera moved first-round draft pick Luke Kuechly over from weak side linebacker to the middle to replace Beason.

Kuechly has been a smash hit ever since.

He's second in the NFL in tackles and is expected to be in the talk for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. All indications are Rivera plans to keep Kuechly in the middle for the foreseeable future.

"We may have found something there," Rivera said.

Although Beason prefers playing middle linebacker, Rivera said his skill set is better suited to play weak side linebacker than Kuechly, who led the nation in tackles twice while playing middle linebacker at Boston College.

"When you look at the different skill sets, I think Jon's got the skill sets to play inside and outside a little bit more than Luke does," Rivera said. "Luke's skill set lends more toward being an inside guy. So we'll see. It's still a ways away. ... I think it's one of those things that you do what's going to be best for us."

Beason, a former first-round pick out of Miami, has played on the weak side before but has made it clear in the past he feels more comfortable in the middle where he's allowed to run to both sides of the field and make plays.

Beason used that ability to his advantage while leading the Panthers in tackles for four straight season from 2007-10. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in three of those seasons.

That earned him a five-year, $51.5 million contract prior to the 2011 season — of which $25 is guaranteed.

But injuries have plagued him since.

He missed 15 games in 2011 after tearing his Achilles tendon and will miss 11 games this season with knee and shoulder injuries. He had surgery earlier this year to repair cartilage damage in his right knee and will have another operation soon to fix a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Beason could wind up splitting reps at weak side linebacker with Thomas Davis, who has bounced back from three torn ACLs to have a solid season there.
"I like what is happening here," Beason said of the team.

And there's another reason, too.

"There's a big part of me that wants to return and justify that contract," Beason said.

In the meantime, Beason is rooting on Kuechly.

Despite the fact the rookie has taken his job, Beason remains a big fan.

"The kid is having a great season," Beason said. "He's flying to the ball and making plays. If he doesn't make the Pro Bowl it would be a shame."

(therepublic.com)

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Tonight two thousand bags are filled with all the trimmings for a beautiful Thanksgiving meal thanks to the Second Harvest Food Bank Harvest Feast Food Drive with Harris Teeter. 

Tuesday, employees of Harris Teeter, Heineken, and Panthers players assembled the bags that will be distributed to families across our area. 

Jon Beason, of the Carolina Panthers, was back in the assembly line for the third year in a row.  He and his mom Terry always bring other Panthers players along to help.

"It's important to give back. For me a lot of times you hear you're offering your time but when you leave you feel you left with something, they did something for you!" 

With his trademark smile and positive outlook Beason went on to say, "To have the opportunity to come out here with Second Harvest, Harris Teeter, Heineken and the other sponsors, it really is wonderful.   I am blessed by this experience."

Harris Teeter has had a long history of giving back to the community through Second Harvest. 

With this Harvest Feast Food Drive customers can donate non-perishable food items and place in the Second Harvest bins at front of local stores. 

They have also been offering shoppers a chance to donate cash by selling a $1, $5, $20 gift card that will be given back to Second Harvest for shopping throughout the year.

Beason and the other players, along with several more volunteers, delivered the first 75 bags to the YMCA Stratford.  Each bag will feed a family of four.

You still have time to help donations of food or purchasing gift cards continues through November 30 at any local Harris Teeter.


(wbtv.com)

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Jon Beason will arrive at Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina to greet a Harris Teeter tractor trailer filled with essential products for a traditional holiday feast. Harris Teeter is donating enough food and fixins for Beason and Harris Teeter associates to assemble 2,000 Thanksgiving dinner bags to be donated to the food bank’s partner agencies.

After the bag assembly, Beason and Harris Teeter associates will also make a stop at YMCA Stratford to personally distribute Thanksgiving dinner bags to children and their families who face the risk of going hungry.

“I am honored to play a role in this event and help the food bank fight hunger in the Charlotte community,” said Beason. “It has always been important for me to give back to the community, and a few years ago, I got involved with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. The food bank, Harris Teeter and I have helped deliver Thanksgiving meals to children and their families for three years now, and it is wonderful to see the joy expressed by those children who receive the holiday meals. The food bank plays an integral role in the lives of thousands of children in this community; I am honored to do what I can to help to bring awareness to and promote this wonderful organization.”

Each Thanksgiving bag will feed a family of four and will contain among other things a ham, stuffing, sweet potatoes, buttery mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, gravy and an apple pie. Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina will identify and distribute the 2,000 Thanksgiving bags to emergency pantries during the holiday season.

“On behalf of the over 460,000 people in our region living in poverty, Second Harvest would like to thank Harris Teeter, Jon Beason, Heineken USA and all of the participating food donors for providing a real Thanksgiving to so many families in need throughout our 19-county region,” said Kay Carter, excutive director of Second Harvest Food Bank Metrolina. “We feel very blessed at Second Harvest to have this level of support and it means the world to the children, seniors and families we serve.”

Harris Teeter would also like to thank its generous vendors who made this donation possible: Hormel, Heineken USA, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Idahoan Foods, McCormick, Kings Hawaiian, Bruce Foods, Green Giant, Del Monte, Ocean Spray, Jessie Lord Bakery and New York Packaging.

For more information about Harris Teeter’s Harvest Feast, visit harristeeter.com.


(news.yahoo.com)

Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason expects to have season-ending knee surgery and be placed on injured reserve, he told News 14 Carolina. Beason was inactive the last two weeks because of the knee.

"I've been pretty banged up, it's been week to week," Beason said. "And we decided to take another look at the knee, see what's going on. (I) got the MRI yesterday, and it didn't look good, so I'm probably going to have to have surgery and if I do that, I'm going to end up on the IR.

"So that's probably what we're going to do, moving forward, probably early next week. But, it's part of the business, man. You can't control injuries."

Beason spent all but one game in 2011 on injured reserve with an Achilles injury. He hasn't had much luck or production after he signed a five-year, $50-million extension before the 2011 season. Beason has 28 tackles without a sack in 2012. He was a Pro Bowl pick in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

The Panthers will be fine with Luke Kuechly, this year's No. 9 overall pick out of Boston College, continuing to play in Beason's spot. Fine as long as the Panthers are happy with being the No. 20 scoring defense in the NFL. The big question centers on Beason's future -- he's coming off back-to-back major injuries with a hefty contract and a high draft pick playing his position.

UPDATED: Beason was placed on injured reserve by the Panthers on Wednesday.


(nfl.com)

CHARLOTTE – There is concern that linebacker Jon Beason and cornerback Chris Gamble will miss Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys, and perhaps more.

Beason (knee) and Gamble (shoulder) did not participate in practice on Thursday. Beason has yet to practice this week. Gamble practiced in full on Wednesday but suffered a setback during the session.

"There is certainly concern," head coach Ron Rivera said.

Rivera said he's not certain at this point whether either player could end up on injured reserve. A determination on Beason and Gamble's status for Week 7 will come down to how they respond Friday morning.


(panthers.com)

Carolina linebacker Jon Beason was the only Panthers player not to participate at Wednesday’s practice as he continued to nurse a knee injury.

Beason, who sat out the Seattle game on Oct. 7 with the knee problem, has also been battling a shoulder injury for weeks, but Rivera said the knee is the main concern.

“He practiced on Monday and it flared up a little bit so we’ll give him the day off and see how he is (Thursday),” Rivera said. “The shoulder’s not healed but the knee’s what’s aggravating him right now so we’ll see how he is tomorrow.”

Rookie linebacker Luke Kuechly replaced Beason against the Seahawks, but Rivera has been mum this week about the team’s plans at middle linebacker. The Panthers are coming off a bye week.

Fellow linebacker James Anderson said several players have worked out at the position, which gives the Panthers the ability to rotate fresh guys on the field.
“We’ve had Jordan Senn and Thomas Davis and myself work here and there, too,” Anderson said. “We have the ability to have a rotation of guys. We have the ability to have different groups of guys on the field at the same time. So I think that’s something we can use to our advantage because of the depth of talent that we have.”


(charlotteobserver.com)

The biggest question the Panthers face coming off their bye week: Move rookie Luke Kuechly from weakside to middle linebacker, or keep defensive captain Jon Beason there?

The Carolina Panthers’ coaching staff spent most of their bye week evaluating their team rather than looking ahead to Sunday’s home game against Dallas.
“You go back and look at what happened in all our games, when you watch every phase, you see a lot,” Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said. “You’re a little more objective. You don’t have to worry about getting ready for the next opponent. You see we had opportunities that we missed.”

“The approach (at who plays MLB) is you’ve got to see who is doing what and put them in the best position.”

The Observer analyzed every defensive snap this season, watching the play of Beason and Kuechly.

Beason anchored the defense for the first two games, while Kuechly struggled to adjust to NFL speed. But in games against the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons, Kuechly seemed to outshine the veteran Beason.

And in the rookie’s only game at middle linebacker, Kuechly put together his best game of the season, helping the Carolina defense hold Seattle to 16 points.
In that game, with Beason sidelined, Kuechly slid to the middle for the first time since he set the ACC’s all-time tackles record at Boston College. He responded with a team-high 11 tackles, one tackle for a loss, one interception and zero missed tackles while playing in 64 of the 65 defensive snaps. After film review, the Panthers actually credited Kuechly with 16 tackles against the Seahawks.

He did, however, miss an assignment when he bit on a play-action fake, resulting in a 19-yard pass that led to a field goal.

“I think maybe the first quarter and a half I didn’t play too well,” Kuechly said of the Seattle game. “I was getting pushed around. Then you just figure out how they’re attacking you and how you can attack them a little bit better.”

Monday, Kuechly and Beason saw time at both the Mike (MLB) and Will (WLB) positions in the Panthers’ practice.

Beason, a six-year veteran who has been to three Pro Bowls, has been unequivocal about his wishes to remain in the middle. But he has dealt with both shoulder and knee injuries this season, and Rivera has pointed to those injuries as causes for occasional ineffectiveness.

In the season-opener against Tampa Bay, a healthy Beason led all players with 10 tackles and played 99 percent of the snaps. Kuechly had four tackles, and he missed three others. Rivera said Kuechly was “flying around” and trying to make every play.

The Panthers used Kuechly for 29 out of 78 defensive snaps against New Orleans the following week. He had five tackles (and missed three) against the Saints, while Beason had seven tackles and a game-clinching interception, playing 76 of 78 snaps.

Then, before a nationally televised Thursday night game against the New York Giants, Beason missed practice with knee and shoulder issues.

Beason played against the Giants, totaling five tackles in 57 snaps, but he had two missed tackles, resulting in a 31-yard run and a 23-yard catch. Meanwhile, Kuechly put together a 12-tackle performance in 51 snaps against New York, including three tackles for a loss and no missed tackles.

Beason was questionable going into Atlanta in Week 4, but played, having as many missed tackles (five) as tackles in 65 snaps against the Falcons. Kuechly, playing 28 snaps, had five tackles, one pass defended and no missed tackles.

“At the Mike, it’s a little bit more of a flow position,” Kuechly said Monday. “You ask Beason, he’s played Will before, too. Once you get to the Mike, you get to play both ways. At the Will, you’re an edge guy. You’ve got to get ready for cutbacks. So it’s a little bit slower. At Mike you can flow a little bit better.”

“It doesn’t matter too much to me,” said Kuechly about where he plays, “just where I’m comfortable.”

But if the Seattle game was any indication, Kuechly is more comfortable in the middle.


(charlotteobserver.com)

The Panthers have been coy about the long-term plans for their linebacking corps, but it sounds like they’ll be sticking with Jon Beason as their middle linebacker a little while longer.

Beason missed the loss to the Seahawks with shoulder and knee injuries, but said that he expects to return to the lineup when the Panthers face the Cowboys after their bye. He also said that expects to be in the lineup at middle linebacker with rookie Luke Kuechly, who started there on Sunday, moving back to his previous spot on the weak side.

“That’s what’s been communicated to me, so I’m sticking with that,” Beason said, via Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. “I’ve been playing the Mike thus far, and I don’t anticipate anything different.”

Kuechly was a standout on the inside at Boston College and played very well in the spot against the Seahawks, leading coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Sean McDermott to say that they would consider whether or not to make a more permanent switch in the coming weeks. It’s a question they’ve been batting around since drafting Kuechly in the first round.

For his part, the rookie says he’s fine playing wherever the Panthers decide to fit him into the lineup. Given his play and spot in the draft, it would seem to be just a matter of time before Kuechly winds up in the middle even if no move is imminent.


(profootballtalk.com)

Pro Bowl linebacker Jon Beason said he expects to remain in the middle when the Panthers face Dallas on Oct. 21 after the bye week.

Beason missed Sunday’s 16-12 loss to Seattle with shoulder and knee injuries. Rookie Luke Kuechly, the first-round pick who started in Beason’s place, had one of his best games with 11 tackles and an interception.

Beason said in no uncertain terms he wanted to stay in the middle, adding the coaching staff indicated he would.

“That’s what’s been communicated to me, so I’m sticking with that,” Beason said Monday. “I’ve been playing the Mike thus far, and I don’t anticipate anything different.”

Kuechly, who set NCAA tackling records as a middle linebacker at Boston College, said he didn’t have a preference.

“Nah,” Kuechly said. “We’ll see what happens in the bye week. It doesn’t really matter too much to me.”

Panthers coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said they planned to evaluate whether to keep Kuechly in the middle or return him to the weakside, where he started the first four games.

Beason posted the top four single-season tackle totals in team history his first four seasons before sustaining a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1 in 2011. He has been plagued by nagging injuries this season, including a shoulder issue that has led to missed tackles when he tried to arm-tackle ball-carriers.
Beason said the two weeks off should help him heal and get him ready for the final 11 games.

“That’s the plan. That’s why we get these bye weeks. Tough season, long haul,” he said. “If you’re really going to make a push for it, guys have to be healthy down the stretch.”


(charlotteobserver.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While the rest of Charlotte was hitting the lakes, the links or avoiding DNC road blocks over Labor Day weekend, two of the Panthers' Pro Bowl players were going back to work.

Beason after missing all four exhibition games for the second year in a row. Beason sat out the preseason last year dealing with Achilles tendinitis only to rupture the Achilles in the regular-season opener at Arizona.

Beason underwent season-ending surgery the following week on his left Achilles. He participated in the first 12 days of training camp before tweaking his hamstring in the same leg.

Beason split reps Sunday with Jason Phillips, who filled in for him during the exhibition schedule.

"I feel great. I haven't tested the hamstring at top-end speed, but I don't feel it at all," Beason said. "If I could put a number on it, I guess I'd say about 85 percent. But as we get closer here, there will be times at practice where I really get to open up and see how it feels."

Rivera said he is not worried about Beason getting injured in Week 1, as he did a year ago.

"I think this offseason's been a little different. He went through OTAs and minicamp in a limited capacity. Then he came back and did a little more," Rivera said. "I was excited in what we saw the first couple weeks until he tweaked that hamstring. He's been on the road back. I'm not very apprehensive."

Beason is a three-time Pro Bowler who owns four of the top five single-season tackles totals in team history. Smith, the franchise leader in every major receiving category, has been to five Pro Bowls, including last season when he caught 79 passes for 1,394 yards and seven touchdowns.


(star-telegram.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Panthers coach Ron Rivera said wide receiver Steve Smith and linebacker Jon Beason are expected to play in the team's Sept. 9 regular season opener against Tampa Bay after both returned to practice Sunday.

Beason didn't participate in any of the preseason games after injuring his hamstring early in training camp. He split reps in practice Sunday with Jason Phillips, who has been filling in at middle linebacker in his absence.

Beason said the biggest thing now is not pushing the hamstring too fast.

"Coaches are limiting me in practice, but all in all it was a great day," Beason said. "As of today I feel good."

Beason also missed the entire preseason last summer with tendinitis in the lower left leg and then went out and tore the Achilles in that same leg in the season opener against Arizona, thus ending his season.

He said he's not worried about something similar happening this year.

"It's a different injury," Beason said. "When you deal with tendinitis you can only treat it and it goes away on its own. But as far as hamstrings are concerned it's more a strength thing. If there's too much fatigue that's where you begin to get into trouble."

Smith and Beason were captains last year and are considered key cogs for the Panthers.

Smith has played in five Pro Bowls and Beason three.


(espn.com)

CHARLOTTE—Perhaps it's because of the excitement over rookie linebacker Luke Kuechly and his outstanding play this preseason, but one thing has been overlooked: The Panthers' defense still has issues.

Middle linebacker Jon Beason hasn't played since pulling his hamstring three weeks ago, an injury he said resulted from overcompensating for his surgically rebuilt Achilles’ tendon. The Panthers expect him to play in the opener at Tampa Bay, but there might be a little apprehension considering Beason tore his Achilles’ in the 2011 opener after sitting out most of training camp with Achilles’ tendinitis.

As well as linebacker James Anderson played last season, breaking Beason's club record for tackles in a season, this defense needs a healthy Beason to avoid another long season.

Beason is a proven run-stopper who would team with Kuechly and Anderson to give the Panthers one of the best starting linebacker units in the league. He's also a vocal leader, something Anderson is not. Kuechly could develop as a leader, but he might be reluctant to speak up as a rookie.

Outside linebacker Thomas Davis, attempting to come back from a third ACL surgery on his right knee, looked good in an exhibition win against the Jets. But he will be a situational player who comes in on third down as a blitz threat.

Besides Beason, there are other concerns, especially the lack of a consistent pass rush and shaky coverage in the secondary—two issues that go hand in hand. Defensive end Charles Johnson has to return to his 2010 level, and someone—second-year end Thomas Keiser looks most promising—has to step up to ensure Johnson doesn't face double-team blocks all season.


(aol.sportingnews.com)

Aug 15, 2012 - Carolina Panthers LB Jon Beason says he’s hoping to play in the team’s third preseason game against the Jets. If that doesn’t happen the veteran is instead targeting the season-opener with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Beason is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

Analysis: This has to be a little frustrating for the Panthers, who will be counting on Beason to help their defense improve from last season. From a fantasy standpoint, the Panthers as a unit are better with Beason on the field but owners shouldn’t count too heavily on a defense that has to face the Saints and Falcons twice a season. Beason has more value in IDP leagues, as he will likely lead the team in tackles if he is healthy. Monitor his status but there is no reason right now to adjust your rankings because of this.


(sbnation.com)

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Jon Beason's hamstring injury from Wednesday is a bit more serious than the team had originally thought. As a result, Beason is unlikely to play in Saturday night's preseason opener against the Houston Texans, coach Ron Rivera announced Thursday.

"He tweaked it a little bit more than we anticipated," Rivera said, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. "Right now, if I had to guess, I'd say he's probably not going to play on Saturday night, unless somehow he feels much better this evening."

Beason is coming off a torn Achilles tendon that ended his 2011 season after just a few dozen snaps in one game. The three-time Pro Bowl linebacker is being counted on to improve the communication on a defense that ranked 28th in the NFL last season. Since his reps were managed closely during OTAs and minicamp, the Panthers are unlikely to rush Beason back from a tweaked hamstring.

The Panthers used the No. 9 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft on Boston College tackling machine Luke Kuechly, who's playing weakside linebacker to begin his pro career. In what could be a sign that Beason's injury isn't one the Panthers expect will linger, they will keep Kuechly on the outside and start Jason Phillips in the middle, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reported.


(nfl.com)

Middle linebacker Jon Beason tweaked his hamstring at Wednesday's practice and missed the evening walkthrough while receiving treatment.

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera hopes Beason, who was out last season following Achilles surgery, can play in Saturday's exhibition game against Houston.

The Panthers defense was a problem area in 2011, with the Panthers finishing 28th in the league in total defense.

Beason's return is a key part of the plan to reverse that in 2012. Even with Beason back, Rivera has expressed concern about the defense.

He told the Observer on Tuesday, "We have to improve based on what happened last year. We got better at the end of the year but we’re still an unknown. I know that (linebacker) Jon Beason is back, I know we drafted (linebacker) Luke Kuechly, we made some upgrades at our safety position, our safeties have come together as a unit, we’re very competitive at the corner position and our pass rush looks like it’s improved. But we don’t know."


(charlotteobserver.com)

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- The way Jon Beason figures it, the stiff penalties levied in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal represent an NFL version of 50 shades of gray.

Beason, the Carolina Panthers middle linebacker, said he is unsure whether the NFL's punishment of the Saints was fair. He thinks the league could have done a better job in explaining how it arrived at the range of penalties levied (which included multiple suspensions, a fine and forfeiture of draft picks).

"As an athlete, you don't know what side to take," Beason said this week at Panthers training camp.

"Because it's an issue, it has to be addressed. But then you want to see the cold, hard facts about why this guy got 16 games, this guy got eight, this one got three, the coach got suspended, and so on. You can't form an opinion.

"Yeah, we're players in the NFL, but we don't know. We're spectators, too."

Beason was asked whether he suspects -- given the intensity of the Saints' denials -- that the league conducted a sloppy investigation.

"Even in Spygate, there were rumors about the tapes disappearing," he said, alluding to the New England Patriots' scandal in 2007 that didn't result in suspensions after the team illegally filmed opponents. (The team and Head Coach Bill Belichick were fined and a first-round pick was stripped.)

"I understand that you don't ever want to leave the shield (NFL logo) with a black eye. But sometimes, when bad things happen, people just want to know why."


(usatoday.com)

Talked to linebacker Jon Beason after practice. Says he feels good. Also says that what was instinctive before he finds himself thinking about now. He tore his left Achilles in the opener against Arizona last season.

• On the first play of rookie camp Monday two players tripped over each other directly in front of Thomas Davis. Davis, who has ripped up the same knee three times, was wary. But as practice went on, says coach Ron Rivera, Davis became comfortable. Rivera says Davis looks great.

•  Rookie linebacker Luke Kuechly knows what he needs to about training camp. Somebody asked him what he knew about Spartanburg.
He said it was hot.

Teammates told him to pack light but to bring a comforter because the dorms in which the players stay will be cold.

“I killed Target,” Kuechly says.

Along with the comforter, he bought a mattress pad.

Somebody suggested a rug for the dorm floor.

“By the time I get back to the room I don’t care what the floor looks like,” Kuechly says.

He understands his role.

“It’s my turn to come in and learn,” he says.


(charlotteobserver.com)

CHARLOTTE - Linebacker Jon Beason didn't think he'd be a participant at the Panthers three-day camp.

"When you first hear about a rookie camp being a six-year vet," Beason said, "you say, ‘why me?'"

But after suiting up for the first practice session Monday, Beason is excited about the benefits that will follow.

"You think about the process -- being able to get out here early and get your feet wet, get the calls and work the kinks out," Beason said. "There are some cobwebs, believe it or not."

The three-day camp allows Beason to shake off some rust after recovering from a torn left Achilles that ended his season in Week 1 last year.

Plus, Beason is able to get a head start, as the full roster won't take the field for training camp until July 28 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC.

"The first couple days of training camp are always the hardest, and this (camp) helps you get acclimated to playing football again," Beason said. "I've got a faster start than the other guys."

Two other linebackers joined Beason Monday – Thomas Davis and rookie Luke Kuechly – and the group is taking advantage of this chance to iron out some details before training camp gets underway. 

"We're getting on the same page, getting the terminology down," Beason said, "and we understand that's important."


(panthers.com)

Panthers linebacker Jon Beason said Thursday he’d be ready for training camp after missing last year with a torn Achilles.

“I’ll be out there. I’ll take the reps with the ones,” Beason told the Charlotte Observer. “Camp is a grind. I expect it to be sore. You’re going to have good days and bad days. It’s just camp, even if you are healthy. Getting in football shape is always a tough task. I’ll do as much as I can and be smart about it.”

As positive as that sounds on its face, acknowledging that it will be a process is a sign that Beason might not be 100 percent from Day 1.

The Panthers drafted Luke Kuechly in the first round, and while coach Ron Rivera said earlier this summer they’d start with Beason in the middle and Kuechly on the weak side, the reality is there are a many in the organization who think that’ll alignment will flip at some point.

Beason told PFT recently that he had spoken with Eagles linebacker DeMeco Ryans this offseason about coming back from an Achilles tear, giving him insight into the process. And he knows it’s a gradual thing, with improvements to be made even after he’s cleared.

While Beason’s teammates are optimistic he’ll be full speed, that’s probably an unfair expectation for anyone coming off such an injury. When he’s well, Beason’s a playmaker, and the kind of leader you can build a defense around.

But the fact the Panthers drafted a player with a similar description in Kuechly should tell you there’s a degree of concern about when Beason will get back to looking like the Beason of old.


(profootballtalk.com)

Jon Beason empathized with New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma – another University of Miami product – and Vilma’s attempts to overturn a season-long suspension stemming from his role in the Saints’ bounty program.

Vilma has a federal lawsuit pending against the league that alleges Commissioner Roger Goodell failed to make a timely ruling on his appeal. Goodell denied the appeals of Vilma and three other suspended players last week.

“It’s tough in our league because Goodell’s rule is law. There’s no one to really challenge him or go against him,” Beason said. “Obviously, he’s probably bouncing stuff off people.

“But it’s tough because when you do file an appeal, the appeal goes through him. Well, he issued it. So it’s like, what is the point or the purpose for having an appeal process?”
Beason hopes Goodell will allow Vilma to play this year while investigating the matter further.

“Vilma’s always been an upstanding guy, class act, very smart guy. Great player, leader, give you everything he has,” Beason said. “He loves the sport and he’s good for the sport.”


(charlotteobserver.com)

Panthers linebacker Jon Beason took a break from training Thursday to speak at the basketball camp hosted by Bobcats president Fred Whitfield.

Meanwhile, back in Miami, Beason’s teammate and workout partner indicated Beason and his surgically-repaired Achilles tendon look to be in good working order.

Panthers tight end Greg Olsen posted on Twitter that he had worked out with Beason for the past week.

“Trust me he will be fine,” tweeted Olsen, who played with Beason at Miami. “He looks like he did in college at 21 (years) old.”

Beason ruptured his left Achilles in Week 1 last year and missed the rest of the season. He participated in organized team activities and minicamp on a limited basis, but expects to be fully ready when training camp begins in two weeks.

“I’ll be out there. I’ll take the reps with the ones (first-teamers),” Beason said. “Camp is a grind. I expect it to be sore. You’re going to have good days and bad days. It’s just camp, even if you are healthy. Getting in football shape is always a tough task. I’ll do as much as I can and be smart about it.”

Beason told the basketball campers he spent part of his summer watching Wimbledon and the Euro Cup soccer tournament.

“I love to watch championships. It doesn’t matter what sport it is because I just want to be in that moment,” Beason said. “It’s going to be special to me when we get a championship.”

Running back Jonathan Stewart said getting Beason back is a big key to a successful season.

“He’s a monster,” Stewart said. “And we didn’t have our monster last year.”


(charlotteobserver.com)

By now you've heard that NYC-based Brother Jimmy's BBQ is opening in Mary Brickell Village. Expect a big block party for July 4 with an official opening the week of July 10. Signature dishes include Brother Jimmy's Dry Rub Ribs made with 21 spices; Chopped Brisket with burnt ends served in their original BBQ sauce; fried, grilled or blackened catfish; and North Carolina pulled pork. Signature drinks include "Swamp Water," which is their version of moonshine of sorts served in a 64-ounce fishbowl, yikes. Appetizers average $8 and entrees $14. Open until 4 a.m. nightly (!), BJ's will also serve Saturday and Sunday brunch, too.

As you may or may not know, Miami's very first Brother Jimmy's is a collaboration between four former Miami Hurricanes---three players: Denver Broncos linebacker DJ Williams, Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason, New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, and one player in his own right, ex sports reporter turned PR maven Ron Berkowitz. We had a round table of sorts with Berkowitz, Vilma and Williams to discuss a few details.

What took you so long?
Ron Berkowitz: Good things come to those who wait, building and design take some time and we wanted everything to be perfect and that just takes time, a little longer than expected but we are ready to go.

What will separate Brother Jimmy's from, say, Shorty's?
Berkowitz: Brother Jimmy’s is just something different. We have built a great following over the past 23 years in NYC. We are a place to get BBQ, watch sports and of course grab a beer or drink while listening to your favorite music. We are a party and restaurant all wrapped up in one. We just hope we can help build BBQ in Miami. This is hopefully the first of a few stores in South Florida. Our goal is to come to Broward and Palm Beach County, too.

NYC's Brother Jimmy's has a certain reputation as a meat market in both literal and figurative senses. Will the same be the case for Miami's outpost? What will be different in Miami vs. NY if anything?
Berkowitz: I don’t know if I would say meat market in the sense you are saying it. As a matter of fact, the Zagat's nightlife guide came out last week for NYC and we rank at or near the top in several categories. #1 men
#2 women
#2. 20's
#2. 30's
#3. 40's
#8. 50's.

How will you convince rabid, diehard Florida sports fans that Brother Jimmy's is an equal opportunity sports bar for all?
Jon Vilma: Brother Jimmy's is going to be the premiere place in Brickell to watch all sports throughout the year. We are proud that 3 of the owners have graduated from the University of Miami, but we are not limited to that. Brother Jimmy's is open for everyone to come eat some great BBQ, and enjoy the game/sport of their choice.

DJ Williams: Just cause the bar is affiliated with Hurricanes doesn't mean you can come in and root for you team--that will just add to the atmosphere. Canes love good, fun, clean competition and actually welcome it.

Berkowitz: As a matter of fact, UF and Alabama along with UM will all be hosting Alumni events at Brother Jimmy's in Brickell for football games this fall, should be fun.

Will we see you guys working up a sweat behind the bar, a smoker, in the kitchen or just sitting in a VIP corner taking it all in?
Vilma: I work up a sweat in my day job, no need to overdo it. I enjoyed Brother Jimmy's during my playing days with the Jets, I want to have the same experience when I'm in Miami.

Williams: You'll definitely see me behind the bar, I love a good time.. shot! shot! shot! shot!!

Your favorite style of BBQ? Vinegar based or tomato based?
Vilma: Vinegar based. Can't go wrong.
Williams: BJB (Brother Jimmy's based).


(miami.com)

The Panthers still haven't decided exactly where all their linebackers will line up.

But it was good to see another one return to the field this week.

Incumbent middle linebacker Jon Beason returned to team drills Tuesday (June 12), his first full work after Achilles surgery, and promptly picked off a Cam Newton pass in 11-on-11-drills.

Beason had been limited to individual work through OTAs, but was back in his familiar spot when minicamp opened. And it didn't take long for him to look like himself again.

"A natural play," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. "Somebody else might not make that play. But I think guys with his kind of his experience and his kind of ability make that. And that's what he saw. He made a nice move on the ball and a nice play."

Those instincts have served Beason well inside, and Rivera has said that as they experiment with combinations, that Beason will begin in the middle. That leaves first-round pick Luke Keuchly on the weak side, though some within the organization think that will ultimately change.

Beason started his Panthers career on the weak side when they were hoping Dan Morgan could stay healthy, but that lasted four games into Beason's rookie season.

Either way, the Panthers hope that having Beason back lends a little more stability to a defense that was rudderless without him last year.

He's still working his way back to 100 percent, but Rivera said he could tell the veteran linebacker was on the right track, even if his conditioning wasn't all the way back.

"It was good to see him moving around," Rivera said. "Really, the biggest thing was just his conditioning. He was winded. He's done all the installation stuff. But he was out there. And you could see he had a little adrenaline rush going. He was all fired up to get that last extra set of reps. He (asked) out just because he was gassed."


(foxsports.com)

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Jon Beason picked off a Cam Newton pass during 11-on-11 drills in minicamp on Tuesday, winning a small but important victory for a player on the comeback trail.

Beason -- who ruptured his Achilles' tendon in Week 1 of last season -- participated in team drills for the first time this spring after being limited to individual drills and walk-throughs during organized team activities.

"It was good to see him moving around," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said, according to The Charlotte Observer.

"Really, the biggest thing was just his conditioning," Rivera went on. "He was winded. He's done all the installation stuff. But he was out there. And you could see he had a little adrenaline rush going. He was all fired up to get that last extra set of reps. He (asked) out just because he was gassed."

Having Beason on the field had to be a big lift for the Panthers, who were forced to play the majority of last season without the quarterback of their defense. Rivera said Beason's interception of Newton provided a glimpse of his special skill-set.

"A natural play," Rivera said. "Somebody else might not make that play. But I think guys with his kind of his experience and his kind of ability make that. And that's what he saw. He made a nice move on the ball and a nice play."

The Panthers will give Beason every opportunity to slide back into his former role, but first-round pick Luke Kuechly could be a tempting option for the coaching staff if Beason is slow to return to form.

“I feel great,” Beason said, looking skyward. “It’s a nice day – not so sunny.”

“We’re preparing to be champions. That’s the goal every day,” Beason said. “Guys are buying in, and we keep taking baby steps toward winning it.”

Ron Rivera wisely is scaling back Beason’s pressure early on to give him the best chance to succeed later on. The coaching staff is going to unleash these guys during training camp after they have had as much rest as possible, then the Panthers will see what they have cooking.

“They literally told me the day before practice, because if they had told me way out that they planned to keep me on the sideline during OTAs, I probably would have been upset about it,” Beason said. “But now I’m just taking it in, listening and realizing it’s for the better.

“I feel really good. I’m just doing as told, and for now my role is staying on the sideline and making sure I’m ready to go in July for camp.”


(nfl.com)

Jon Beason has been cleared to participate in minicamp for the Carolina Panthers and the mainstay in the middle of the defense will remain there.

Beason, who was on the shelf last season as he recovered from a torn Achilles tendon, will start at middle linebacker for coach Ron Rivera, according to the Associated Press and that means first-round draft pick Luke Kuechly, a middle linebacker at Boston College, will be lined up on the weak side.

But nothing is set and the Panthers might tinker and experiment as the summer and preseason come along. Kuechly is most comfortable in the middle. So is Beason. But the veteran is not concerned about possibly moving right now.

“If that happens I approach it the way I always have when asked to move from safety to fullback or fullback to linebacker, outside to inside or vice versa," said Beason, a three-time Pro Bowl performer. "I've kind of dealt with this situation my whole life. I look at myself as a true football player. I think I can go play offense too.”

The Panthers were rocked with injuries at linebacker last season as Thomas Davis suffered a torn ACL for the third time. It made selecting Kuechly with the ninth overall pick a shrewd move as it gives the club youth on defense even if Beason returns to top form.

"I don't know how it's all going to unfold, but I understand the draft pick," Beason said. "I understand the kid was off the charts. So you draft him and it makes your football team better. But there will be pressure on his shoulders too. He has to learn all three positions and we'll see how it works out.”

Beason also offered high praise for Kuechly. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. The Panthers need both of these players on the field and both need to feel comfortable in their roles.


(sports.yahoo.com)

CHARLOTTE – Panthers three-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker Jon Beason is anxious to return to the football field this season, even if that means leaving the position he loves to play.

Beason is recovering well after surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon last September, a devastating injury to a player in top physical condition who hadn’t missed a game in his previous four seasons.

He has been working solely in individual drills the past three weeks of organized team activities (OTAs) as a precautionary measure but has been given medical clearance to participate in team drills next week at minicamp.

“I feel ready to play four quarters of football if I had to,” Beason said. “We have minicamp, and I’m going to work in slowly. So, it’s baby steps right now.”

Beason said his Achilles feels great right now but quickly added, “I haven’t really done anything yet.”

He’s anxious to test it out next week.

The big question for Beason this season is not if he plays, but where he’ll play.

Carolina drafted Luke Kuechly from Boston College with the ninth overall pick and, like Beason, his most comfortable position is middle linebacker.
Beason was Carolina’s starting middle linebacker for most of four seasons from 2007-10, beginning in the fifth game of his rookie year.

The lone exception came in 2010 when he an injury to weak side linebacker Thomas Davis necessitated he move outside.

It wasn’t a complete failure by any means, but Beason clearly didn’t look comfortable there.

His stats dropped off significantly, and so did the big plays.

Beason never complained about the move but admitted afterward he felt a little handcuffed being unable to roam from sideline to sideline as he did when playing the middle. On the outside he was forced to “stay home” and do more reading than reacting. That’s not Beason.

For now, Panthers coach Ron Rivera’s plan is to start out with Beason in the middle and have Kuechly compete at weak side linebacker, a move that could mean limited playing time for Davis, who is trying to make it back from three torn ACLs to the same knee.

However, Rivera said the team will consider experimenting with different options throughout training camp and the preseason and that nothing’s set in stone.

If Beason does have to move, he’ll do it for the team.

“If that happens I approach it the way I always have when asked to move from safety to fullback or fullback to linebacker, outside to inside or vice versa,” said Beason, who went to Pro Bowls in 2008, ‘09 and ‘10. “I’ve kind of dealt with this situation my whole life. I look at myself as a true football player. I think I can go play offense, too.”

He joked that he could play running back alongside DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart but that “we probably don’t need me over there.”

“I think that’s why I’ve been successful at making changes because I approach it the same way and with the same competitive edge,” Beason said. “You just try to do the best that you can with it.”

Beason said he was not upset when the team drafted Kuechly.

After watching him run around in practice and being around him for the past few weeks he realizes why they did.

“I don’t know how it’s all going to unfold, but I understand the draft pick,” Beason said. “I understand the kid was off the charts. So you draft him and it makes your football team better. But there will be pressure on his shoulders too. He has to learn all three positions and we’ll see how it works out.”

Regardless, he said it’s hard not to like the rookie.

“Oh he’s great,” Beason said. “A good young kid and very, very instinctive. Wants to get better. Knows how to prepare. Stays late. He’s a good kid and going to be a great player. He has personality but he’s been a little reserved. He’s starting to come out of his shell and cracking a few jokes. We mess with him but he’s way ahead of the curve for rookies just in terms of his football IQ and how he prepares.

“He’s going to be successful right away.”


(rockymountaintelegram.com)

Less than a year ago, Jon Beason parlayed a third-straight trip to the Pro Bowl into a five-year, $50 million contract extension. A torn Achilles and the Carolina Panthers use of a top-10 pick on a middle linebacker (Boston College's Luke Kuechly) have increased the pressure on Beason heading into the 2012 season.

Under Pressure: Jon Beason

1. When asked by ESPNU who he felt the safest player in 2012 NFL Draft was, Beason said Kuechly. Imagine Beason's surprise when the Panthers took his advice and used the ninth-overall pick on a player who led the nation in tackles the last two seasons after finishing second as a freshman in 2009. Kuechly's NFL career will begin at weak-side linebacker, but a potential long-term replace at the middle linebacker spot is now on the roster.

2. Beason's biggest challenge this season won't come from Kuechly, it will be his ability to come back from a torn Achilles' tendon that ended his 2011 season in Week 1. Beason is being held out of the OTAs to ensure that he's ready for the start of training camp, and he faces plenty of questions. Will he have the agility to turn and run down the seam with a tight end like Jimmy Graham? Will the speed and strength to go sideline-to-sideline chasing down backs and shedding blocks be there? Keep in mind, outside of Sione Fua and Terrell McClain, a pair of 2011 third-round picks who finished last season on injured reserve, there's not much talent or depth at the defensive tackle position on the Panthers' roster. That could put more of the run-stopping burden on Beason's shoulders.

3. An escalating base salary in 2013 could jeopardize Beason's roster spot. Beason is earning $1.25 million in base salary this season with a cap number of $5.5 million in the second year of a five-year, $50-million contract extension. Next season, Beason's salary jumps to $5.25 million and his cap number reaches $9.5 million. Of the $5.25 million in base salary, $3.75 million is guaranteed for injury only, meaning the Panthers could part ways with Beason if he's not the same Pro Bowl player he was when he signed that contract.


(nfl.com)

The battle of words over San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith’s comments about Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton’s passing statistics being inflated isn’t over yet.

Appearing on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Radio on Tuesday, Carolina linebacker Jon Beason, who previously took a shot at Smith via Twitter, had some more words for Smith.

“I think if you look at the body of work -- and we’re going to talk about stats here since (Smith is) about stats -- I think [Cam Newton] is way ahead of Alex was as a former first-round pick," Beason said. “You know, going into a situation where you’re on the worst team in football, or in an offense that finished 32nd in scoring last year, to an offense that finished fifth, I think you should at least take your hat off to him and understand the situation and the type of pressure that Cam Newton was under this year.”

Smith was the first overall pick by San Francisco in the 2005 draft, but didn’t really have much success until leading the 49ers to last season’s NFC Championship Game. Carolina took Newton with the first overall draft pick last year. Newton set all sorts of rookie records and was the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year, but the Panthers went 6-10.

“I’m a big fan of stats, I think they tell the truth more than not," Beason said. “I think their defense was unbelievable last year. You know, I think 19 touchdown passes is, you know, not going to get you in a Super Bowl. I think five interceptions is an amazing stat, but it is just like in basketball, if you don’t shoot you can’t score. So based on what they were able to do and the parts around him, the coach, the defense, I think they did a great job. You win 13 games you’re the best in the league. I think that’s the right formula for them but that wouldn’t have been the right formula for us. So do you take your hat off to Alex Smith? Yes. Should he feel good about himself? Yes. Should he get upset about having to answer questions about him finishing 29th in the league in yards per game? That’s a stat. If you don’t like it maybe fix it but, like I said, in the meantime don’t take shots at other people or other players because you are tired of dealing with that question.”

You can hear the audio of the Beason interview here.


(espn.com)

In the final stages of his Achilles rehabilitation, LB Jon Beason briefly appeared on the OTA practice field Thursday and lined up as first-team “Mike.” Mostly, Beason kneeled on the sideline and watched reserve LB Jason Phillips take a majority of his reps. “It's all precaution,” Beason told The Charlotte Observer. “They have a point. It is May.”


(cbssports.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Jon Beason may not play offensive tackle, but he's certainly not afraid to protect his quarterback.

Beason, the Panthers' three-time Pro Bowl linebacker, fired back Friday at San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith via Twitter after comments he perceived were a slam on Carolina teammate Cam Newton.

Beason wrote, "Alex smith, don't hate on Cam (because) your stats would've gotten u cut if Peyton decided to come 2 San Fran. Truth b told. That's after a 13-3 yr."

Smith used Newton as an example earlier this week that big stats don't always equate to wins.

When Smith was asked Wednesday about the 49ers finishing 29th in NFL in passing yards per game last year, he defended the offense by pointing out the team's record. The 49ers went 13-3 and won their division before losing to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship.

"I could absolutely care less on yards per game," Smith told a group of reporters. "I think that is a totally overblown stat because if you're losing games in the second half, guess what, you're like the Carolina Panthers and you're going no-huddle the entire second half. Yeah, Cam Newton threw for a lot of 300-yard games. That's great. You're not winning, though."

Although Newton had a record-setting season and finished with more yards, touchdowns and 300-yard games than Smith -- and went to the Pro Bowl while Smith stayed home -- the Panthers finished 6-10.

That was Smith's point.

Beason's comments about Smith were in reference to the 49ers' initial interest in signing Peyton Manning, who became a hot free-agent prospect after being released by the Indianapolis Colts. When it became clear Manning was going to sign with the Denver Broncos, the 49ers decided to re-sign Smith.


(espn.com)

Carolina linebacker Jon Beason is most of the way back from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in Week One of last season, but he’s not all the way back. And because of that, the Panthers are forcing him to take it easy at Organized Team Activities.

Beason says he showed up to OTAs expecting to do everything, but the medical staff has restricted what he can do.

“I think they’re just protecting me from myself,” Beason told the Charlotte Observer. “Practice is practice. But to me you come out and compete. You try to win every down and you play the game a certain way. I think that had a lot to do with it, too.”

Ideally, the Panthers would like to have Thomas Davis starting at strong side linebacker, Beason in the middle and first-round rookie Luke Kuechly starting on the weak side. But Beason isn’t all the way back just yet, and Davis still has a ways to go in recovery from his third ACL injury. Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Beason is further along than Davis.

“I’d like to believe when we get to training camp, we can put Jon in full-go at that point, and Thomas, we’ll ease him back in,” Rivera said.

Easing injured players back in is the wise course of action, even if it’s not always what the players themselves want.


(profootballtalk.com)

Panthers LBs Jon Beason (Achilles surgery) and Thomas Davis (ACL surgery) will be limited participants in OTAs.
As will DT Ron Edwards (triceps). The only player officially listed as out is RE Charles Johnson, who is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. Although Beason and Davis are "limited," they should unofficially be expected to do extremely little. Neither player is guaranteed of being ready for Week 1.


(rotoworld.com)

In the wake of news that Ravens' LB Terrell Suggs tore his Achilles it's hard today not to think about the injury Jon Beason sustained just under a year ago. If you were paying attention to Beason's condition throughout training camp and preseason last year, it wasn't really a surprise. He'd been struggling with Achilles strains throughout camp, and when it finally tore he was at a position where he was going to need require surgery either way; like a true leader he played to the last.

The eternal optimist in all of us wants to believe Beast will return in 2012 full strength, but talk to anyone who has sustained an Achilles injury, and tried to recover from one, and you'll hear about what a struggle it is to return to form, and how getting back to 100% can take far longer than typical eleven month recovery time. I have no doubt Beason will be back to full form in time, but it's naïve to believe he'll be in pre-injury condition immediately. NFL reporter Adam Caplan gave us some insight today over twitter on what an Achilles injury can mean.

"I talked to former NFL DE Greg Ellis at the Pro Bowl a while back. He said it took him 2 years for his Achilles to get back to normal. First year he wasn't comfortable at all. Struggled with it all season. Getting explosion off that surgically repaired Achilles is the biggest key in coming back. Very difficult in the first season."

Yes, he released a very promising video of him training in Miami, but it's not about how something looks on film, but rather how it feels. Recently Beason told Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer he felt he was at ‘80%', later acknowledging on WFNZ that this statement was as much mental as physical. Having confidence in one's body is the key to performance on Sundays, and if there's even just a small amount of doubt that can effect a player's ability.

Obviously no two players are the same, and just because a defensive end had one road to recovery doesn't mean Beason's will mirror it. That being said, in light of this prognosis it's understandable why we could potentially see rookie Luke Kuechly at middle linebacker out of the gate. In a 4-3 defense continuity is paramount in the middle, and as such Kuechly would be consistent, even if there is a drop off in year one. This would take some of the pressure off Beason to be the stalwart run stopper, and would allow him to be spelled with Thomas Davis as needed on the outside, in turn giving him time to rest.

Obviously we all hope Jon Beason will be back to his old self as soon as possible, and I have no doubt this team's leader will play as hard as he can every single down. However, that doesn't mean he should be put through too much in his first year back. If nothing else the Carolina Panthers are good at learning from their mistakes, and with Thomas Davis now attempting to make his third return from injury I doubt the Panthers will ask too much of Beason in 2012.


(sbnation.com)

The Charlotte Observer has Jon Beason (Achilles surgery) penciled in at weak-side linebacker, with first-rounder Luke Kuechly in the middle.
The Observer concedes the two could be "flip-flopped" and that the decision could hinge on Beason's agility after returning from a torn Achilles. The Panthers believe Kuechly, the NCAA record holder at 14.0 tackles per game, can play all three linebacker spots.


(rotoworld.com)

Panthers MLB Jon Beason (torn Achilles' tendon) and WLB Thomas Davis (ACL surgery) have been cleared for "some activities."
There is still no timetable for their full return to football activities. Coach Ron Rivera concedes the Panthers are "not sure" what they will get from Davis, attempting to become the first player in NFL history to come back from three ACL surgeries on the same knee.


(rotoworld.com)

Panthers MLB Jon Beason (torn Achilles' tendon) is aiming for a June return to football activities.

Beason resumed working out in January, but is currently limited to "underwater running to treadmill work." Despite the severity of his injury, Beason reportedly has "no contract uncertainty" after signing a six-year, $51.3 million deal last July that included $25M guaranteed. The Panthers are going to keep paying him.


(rotoworld.com)

CHARLOTTE – When linebacker Jon Beason fell to the ground in the Panthers’ season opener at Arizona, he first thought he had gotten tangled up with someone else.

Once Beason realized that no one was else around, he knew there was a serious problem.

“It felt like I got hit with a stick,” Beason said Wednesday, when he addressed the media for the first time since tearing his left Achilles tendon. “I thought someone had tripped me, like when someone hits your heel and you stumble. When I turned around, I realized no one was there.

“Then I grabbed my calf, and it was just mush.”

Beason, who underwent surgery on Sept. 16, expects to have his cast removed Friday and will be in a walking boot for six weeks. If all goes well, he should be back to wearing normal shoes around Thanksgiving.

For Beason, who had never missed a defensive snap – let alone a game – in his first four NFL seasons, it’s been a difficult month but one that he’s approached with the kind of determination that made him great in the first place.

Beason wasn’t able to attend the Panthers’ first two home games but did attend Sunday’s loss to the Saints.

“At first it’s hard to come to grips with missing a play, missing a game. Then having to sit home in a splint, not able to leave the house, it’s tough because I couldn’t be here for my team,” Beason said. “But now that I can, I feel better about it. I’m content. The outlook is forward. For me, it’s all about September of 2012.”

And Beason, whose four full seasons with the Panthers produced the top four tackle totals in franchise history, doesn’t plan to ease his way back into the lineup next season.

“I plan on being better,” he said. “I’ve had setbacks before, and there’s always an opportunity to do something great when you come back.
“In my mind, I expect to be back to my normal self. Then being a year older in the system and in my career, I expect to play even better.”

For now, Beason is taking his time, being careful to follow doctors’ orders every step of the way. He watched the Panthers’ first two home games from home, meaning he wasn’t there to console fellow linebacker Thomas Davis when he suffered his third major knee injury in less than two years.

 “I was taken aback for sure,” Beason said. “Thomas is a guy who has worked extremely hard. It’s just unfortunate, but based on the procedure he’s just had, he feels good about it. He’s in good spirits about coming back.”

Even though Beason can’t play, that doesn’t mean he can’t play a part in the Panthers’ continued growth. Now that he’s back in the building, he’s back to attending meetings.

“He’ll tell me things he sees, I’ll tell him things I see, and we try to get on the same page,” said James Anderson, the lone starting linebacker from the season opener still standing. “It just shows what kind of guy he is and leader he is.”

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said that Beason isn’t alone in that regard.

“Having him and Thomas Davis around has been a nice boost for our young defense, especially the linebackers. And since (defensive tackle) Ron Edwards tore his tricep (early in training camp), he’s been around every day,” Rivera said. “They both go to meetings and look at the game plans and give the guys whatever advice they can.

“It’s been important to our team to see those guys around. Those veteran guys realize they can have an impact even if they don’t play.”
Beason doesn’t like being limited to watching, and he doesn’t like the Panthers’ 1-4 record heading into Sunday’s game at Atlanta. Otherwise, though, he likes what he’s seen.

“The team is taking to coaching well and is starting to gel. The difference has been one or two plays,” he said. “At this point, the confidence should be there. Now we’ve just got to go out there and execute.”

Anderson predicted that the second Beason is cleared by doctors, he’ll hit the ground running. For a little while longer, though, Beason will have to settle for being back in the locker room.

For someone as upbeat as Beason, it’s not such a bad place to be.

“This is what I love,” he said. “I can’t ever remember coming in here and not being in a good mood, not being happy to be here. Even on days that I’m tired, I still love what I’m doing. I feel like I’m in my element.

“To be back around here, it’s a big plus. I think it’s going to help me heal.”

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.


(panthers.com)

Linebacker Jon Beason said the season-ending Achilles tendon tear he suffered Sunday during the Panthers' opener at Arizona was not the result of attempting to come back too soon after being bothered by Achilles discomfort during the preseason.

"A lot of people say, hey, he rushed back too soon," Beason wrote on his website, beason52.com. "But actually, I didn't. I told my teammates and myself that I would only play if I could help the team. I felt ready to do that. Myself and the Panthers' medical staff were convinced that I was healthy enough to play in the opener against the Cardinals."

Beason, who has made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances, did not play during the preseason and had very limited practice time after developing Achilles tendinitis in May.

On Aug. 22, he had surgery to alleviate inflammation caused by a bone bruise in his left foot and doctors said the normal recovery time was three to four weeks.

Beason was injured Sunday while trying to chase down former Panthers tight end Jeff King on a third-quarter touchdown for the Cardinals.
An MRI on Monday confirmed the tear. Beason is expected to have surgery soon.

Starting his fifth season and having just signed a five-year, $51.3 million extension, Beason will miss his first regular-season game Sunday when Carolina will host Green Bay. Beason had played in 65 consecutive games.

In his blog, Beason suggested he understood the risk of playing in the opener.

"If I had to do it all over again and go into that game with my Achilles injury, I would," Beason wrote. "Because football defines who I am.
"Sometimes you have to do something you've never done to get something you've never had. The motivating factor is simple for me. To win and not fear failure.

"These setbacks and obstacles are all part of it. Nothing worth attaining comes easy and I know that. I'm convinced I did everything in my power to play the game I love. That's why today I can't say I'm mad or upset, because I went at it with everything I had just to contribute for the team."

Beason wrote he will begin rehab with the goal of coming back better than ever.

"The goal will never change," he wrote. "I'm still focused on winning a Super Bowl, being the best player I can be and leaving my mark on the game as someone who never quit."

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.


(latimes.com)

Panthers middle linebacker Jon Beason will have season-ending surgery this week to repair a torn Achilles, Panthers coach Ron Rivera announced this afternoon.

Beason injured his left Achilles on Sunday running after Cardinals TE Jeff King on a 48-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter of Arizona's 28-21 victory.

Beason had surgery Aug. 22 on the same foot for a bone bruise that was originally diagnosed as Achilles tendinitis. Rivera said he did not think the injury was related to the surgery, but he did not know for certain.

Doctors predicted Beason would need three or four weeks to recover from the surgery. He came back in less than three weeks to make his 65th consecutive start in the opener at Arizona.

Beason, who has been to the Pro Bowl three consecutive years, did not miss a start in his first four seasons.

"I've got to give Jon credit. He was going 100 miles an hour when he went down," Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said. "It's just a shame thing. It's a freak thing. He's a warrior and I'll take those guys seven days a week."

Linebacker is the Panthers' deepest position on defense. Dan Connor, who started the first eight games at middle linebacker in 2010, replaced Beason and finished with six tackles in just 18 snaps.

Connor is a run-stopper who is a liability in coverage. The Panthers also have Omar Gaither, who started 36 games in five seasons with Philadelphia. Beason had started 65 straight games.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.


(charlotteobserver.com)

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Carolina Panthers fear that three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jon Beason has torn his left Achilles tendon and is out for the year, two sources confirmed.

The Panthers didn’t want to make any announcement until they have a chance to see an MRI and confirm the injury.

After the game, coach Ron Rivera wouldn’t talk about the specific nature of the injury, but several players talked about the significance of the injury. It happened while Beason was covering former Panthers tight end Jeff King, who scored on a 55-yard touchdown after Beason fell down. Beason was carted to the locker room and the Cardinals went on to win the game 28-21 at University of Phoenix Stadium.

“I’m just happy and honored to be on this team because we had guys out there that were blowing out tires to fight,” wide receiver Steve Smith said of Beason. “It doesn’t get any better than that. You don’t get guys in the locker room like that. It rarely comes and when you have a guy who does that you surely miss him, but he’s admirable for his effort and I’m honored and pleased to be his teammate.”

Added linebacker Thomas Davis: “The thing that Jon did so well is he was a great leader for our team. So we’ll find out what it is and hopefully we can get him back soon.”

It’s the same leg that has given Beason fits throughout the last several months.

It was originally diagnosed as Achilles tendinitis, but Beason said an MRI later revealed he had inflammation in the bone. He had three screws inserted in his foot and was told he would need to be out three to four weeks. Beason came back in less than three weeks to play in Sunday’s game against Arizona.

At any rate, it’s pretty clear Beason’s streak of 65 straight starts is over.

Beason just signed a five-year contract extension with the Panthers worth more than $50 million.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.


(carolinagrowl.com)

MLB Jon Beason has started 48 consecutive games for the Carolina Panthers and Rivera looks for him to continue that streak Sunday at Arizona.

“I expect him to play,” Rivera said of the three-time Pro Bowl selection. “We limited his reps but he did work with the first team… He made it through and looked good in doing so.”

Beason, who missed all of the preseason with a foot injury, said prior to practice he felt “pretty good.”

“It’s going to be a process and everything is geared toward Sunday,” Beason said. “We’ll see what happens. I’m going to try my best.”

Beason practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday, along with RG Mackenzy Bernadeau. WR Kealoha Pilares (ankle) and CB Josh Thomas (hamstring) did not practice.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.


(gastongazette.com)

Middle linebacker Jon Beason hasn't missed a start in his first four years with the Panthers.

And though doctors told him he would likely be out three to four weeks after foot surgery, Beason hopes to be on the field Sept. 11 for the season opener at Arizona.

Speaking to reporters for the first time since his Aug. 22 surgery, Beason said his goal is to return to practice next week.

"I feel pretty good," Beason said Sunday. "I want to be moving pretty fast (by) mid-next week. Hopefully, I'll be ready for preparation for the Cardinals."

Beason has started 64 consecutive games since the Panthers drafted him in the first round in 2007. A three-time Pro Bowler, he was training in Miami during the lockout when his foot began bothering him in May.

He was initially diagnosed with Achilles tendinitis in the foot. But a second MRI exam revealed a bone bruise in his heel. Doctors inserted three headless screws in the foot last week to reduce inflammation and strengthen the bone.

"It just gradually got worse through training and not sitting still (or) listening to my body. It got to the point where I couldn't do anything," Beason said. "That's when you start to run to the docs and get treatment. But by then it's already so inflamed."

Beason has yet to practice this preseason while the Panthers have installed a new defense. His two months without running are the longest break he can remember since he started playing organized sports.

While he has been attending meetings and taking "mental reps" during practice, he knows those are not the same as the real thing.

"Essentially, when I get out there it's not going to be magic where I'm just going to plug right in and not make mistakes," he said. "The biggest thing I'm concerned about now is just conditioning."

Beason, who owns the four highest single-season tackle totals in franchise history, said he feels comfortable with Dan Connor and Omar Gaither, who have been manning the middle in his absence.

Beason, who has been linked to rogue booster Nevin Shapiro in the University of Miami scandal, did not say much about the allegations.
"There are so many different people involved, it's hard to comment," he said. "But I'm sure it will work itself out."

Beason believes the Panthers' defense can work out its problems. He blamed the defensive lapses on a lack of discipline in losses to Miami and Cincinnati after a strong showing in the exhibition opener against the New York Giants.

"It was just guys being where they're supposed to be and playing with an attitude" against the Giants, Beason said. "The last couple weeks guys have kind of freelanced a little bit and it cost us some big plays."

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.


(charlotteobserver.com)

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Jon Beason, who has played in 64 consecutive games, had surgery on his left foot Tuesday to address the Achilles tendinitis that has kept him on the sideline throughout the preseason, The Charlotte Observer reported Wednesday.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera characterized the surgery as a "minor procedure that's going to set him back about a week."

Beason signed a five-year, $52 million contract extension this offseason, and the Panthers are hopeful their defensive captain will be ready for the Sept. 11 opener at Arizona.

"We're still hoping for the opener," Rivera said. "It was to alleviate the discomfort. As he goes through the rehab portion of it these next few days, then we'll see how he is has he's running around."

Panthers quarterback Jimmy Clausen is questionable for Thursday's game at Cincinnati because of soreness in his throwing elbow, which he bruised last week against the Miami Dolphins. If Clausen can't play, Derek Anderson will relieve rookie Cam Newton.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.


(nfl.com)

CHARLOTTE – Middle linebacker Jon Beason’s recovery from Achilles tendinitis is going to take a little longer than expected.

Coach Ron Rivera announced Wednesday that Beason, who has been to three straight Pro Bowls and has never missed a regular season game in four seasons, had a “simple procedure that’s going to set him back about a week.” Beason had the surgery on Tuesday in Charlotte, Rivera said.

Beason started training camp on the NFI (non-football injury) list and has yet to practice since signing a new $50 million contract. He had been working on the side with trainers up until this week but was noticeably absent from practice the last couple of days.

Rivera remains hopeful Beason will be ready to go by the team’s regular season opener Sept. 11 at Arizona.

“It was to alleviate the pressure on the Achilles,” Rivera said of the surgery. “After a week when he’s back running around we’ll see how he is for the following week.”

If Beason can’t start, Dan Connor will open the season as the starting middle linebacker.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.


(shelbystar.com)

Raiders rookie cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke is practically attached at Rod Woodson’s hip here in Napa.

"He just wants us to trust our instincts and make plays," Van Dyke said. "The guy was a Hall of Famer, coaching me now so I've just got to take everything he says and do it on the field and it will be all right."

Sounds like Woodson's work here is already half-done.



(sfgate.com)

SPARTANBURG -- The last time Jon Beason played in his Miami hometown, he was in for a few snaps before he injured his knee in the first series of the NFL exhibition.

Beason might not even get in the game this week.

Beason, the Panthers middle linebacker who agreed to a five-year, $50 million contract extension on the eve of training camp, has yet to practice. He has been sidelined by tendinitis in his left Achilles, which has bothered him since May when he was training in Miami.

As much as Beason would like to play Friday against the Dolphins, the three-time Pro Bowler is being cautious so he doesn't miss games that count.

"We're just trying to rest it. You push it to the point where it said, 'Hey, I can't go anymore.' The pain becomes a factor," Beason said Monday at Wofford.

"When you do have time, you kind of want to take advantage of it. Once you get in the season, it'll be different. There'll be more of a sense of urgency - on their part and on my part.

"I just want to deal with it because it definitely could be something that lingers."

Beason has the Panthers' four highest single-season tackle totals - accomplished in his first four years since he was drafted in the first round (25th overall) out of Miami in 2007.

He came back from the preseason knee injury in 2009 to finish with a career-best 169 tackles.

While he understands the importance of not rushing back from an injury, he also is mindful about getting work in the new system of former Philadelphia defensive coordinator Sean McDermott.

"It's tough not being able to practice because getting familiar in this defense is going to be important, and obviously the conditioning part of it," Beason said.

"You train so hard in the offseason, and then you sit down for a little bit, it definitely sets you back. So the mental part and obviously the physical part - just being in condition - is going to be a huge test for me."

Beason planned to go through an extensive warm-up at practice Monday night and see how the foot feels today.

If it responds well, Beason said he might try to return this week with hopes of playing Friday at Sun Life Stadium, which is about 20 minutes from his offseason home.

"This is the second time I've had the opportunity to go home and play in front of friends and family. It was short-lived last time. I did my MCL on the first series," he said. "So now, here we are a few days out and I haven't even practiced, yet. It's unfortunate. But I definitely want to play."

The Panthers want him healthy, too. Beason is the captain of a defense that locked up its three starting linebackers with long-term deals and signed defensive end Charles Johnson to a six-year, $72 million deal.

Omar Gaither and Dan Connor have been getting most of the work at middle linebacker, where Beason returned midway through last season after beginning the year outside.

"Hopefully, he's getting close. I think it's hard to set a timetable on things and you take it day to day," general manager Marty Hurney said. "When guys are ready, they'll come back. That's how we do things. It's just when they're ready, it's hard to predict. But hopefully he's getting closer."

Beason will not have much time to visit with his family in Miami. The Panthers, like all NFL teams, keep to a tight schedule on the road.

"It's a business trip," he said. "We'll be in the hotel. We'll have bed check. We'll wake up. We'll have our meetings, chapel, pregame, play the game, get dressed and come right back."

It's the "play the game" part Beason is focused on - if not this week, sometime soon.

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(charlotteobserver.com)

Coach Ron Rivera believes MLB Jon Beason (Achilles) will be back in practice next week.

Beason is a four-year vet that just signed a $50 million contract extension. There's no need for him to rush back. IDP owners can safely target Beason as the tackle machine will almost certainly be ready for Week 1.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.


(rotoworld.com)

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- As we’ve already started to see the last couple of days, it really is a new era for the Carolina Panthers with John Fox out as the coach and Ron Rivera in his place.

In the Fox days, players rarely discussed strategy, mainly because they were told not to. And Fox went out of his way to avoid anything he thought might give opponents a strategic advantage. In his mind, that meant just about every topic was off limits.

But just wandering Carolina’s camp at Wofford College the last few days, I got a strong sense that Rivera’s not running a silent ship. Players were talking and they were talking strategy. Middle linebacker Jon Beason was always a pleasant sort but used to play by Fox’s rules. Now that the rules have changed Beason’s not afraid to give a preview of what Carolina’s defense will look like this season.

“It will be a night-and-day difference," Beason said. “If we blitzed 30 percent of the time last year, we’re probably going to blitz 65 or 70 percent of the time this year.

“You look at [defensive coordinator Sean] McDermott’s track record with the Philadelphia Eagles," Beason said. “When you say Philadelphia Eagles, you always think about a very aggressive defense. That’s encouraging. Coach Rivera, having been a player on championship teams, and coaching with some very good teams. That part of it is encouraging."

Heck, Beason is enjoying the new-found freedom of speech so much that he even previewed the offense. Coordinator Rob Chudzinski and Beason were together at the University of Miami.

“I know Chudzinski’s scheme,’’ Beason said. “He’s going to try to mess with you mentally, moving guys around and a lot of shifts. There’s going to be a lot of pressure on our offense to learn it. If they can get it down, it’s going to help us as a defense to get to the point where we can make some more plays."

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(espn.com)

Panthers placed MLB Jon Beason on the non-football injury list with tendinitis in his Achilles.
Coach Ron Rivera insists it's just a precautionary move to give Beason a chance to reduce swelling in his heel. Beason can be removed from the NFI list any time, and Rivera suggested it will be sooner rather than later.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.


(rotoworld.com)

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Right after the lockout ended, the Carolina Panthers gave linebacker Jon Beason two bits of good news.

Although he had a year left on his contract, they handed him a five-year extension worth a reported $50 million. That was very nice, but the second bit of news made Beason even happier.

As soon as coaches were allowed to talk to players again, Ron Rivera informed Beason he would be returning to his spot at middle linebacker. Beason was forced to move to weakside linebacker last year because Thomas Davis suffered a season-ending injury in a June minicamp. The Panthers put Dan Connor in the middle and James Anderson was on the strong side. The linebackers weren’t a major problem as everything else was going wrong during a 2-14 season. But Beason was almost giddy as he talked about moving back to the middle.

“When I talked to the coaches before the lockout, there were different scenarios because we didn’t know if James and Thomas [both re-signed as free agents] would be back or if Dan would be healthy,’’ Beason said. “That had me worried during the lockout, but all those things are answered now.

“I’m thrilled I can go back to what’s become my natural position. I like to grind a bit. I like having everything on my shoulders. When it’s bad, it’s on me. When it’s good, it’s on me. Being a Mike backer is definitely something I love.’’

Davis is still recovering from the knee injury, but is expected to be ready for the start of the season. The apparent plan is to play Beason in the middle with Anderson and Davis on the outside and Connor getting lots of playing time as the top backup.

“If guys are healthy, I think our linebackers can be as good as anybody in the league,’’ Beason said. “We’ve helped ourselves up front and I think we can be scary good.’’

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(espn.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers' wild spending spree keeps on going.
Panthers middle linebacker Jon Beason broke the news on Twitter late Thursday night that he is now the highest-paid middle linebacker in the NFL.

The five-year extension is worth $50 million with $25 million in guarantees, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

"Turn on the tube," Beason wrote late Thursday night. "Jon Beason the highest paid MLB (middle linebacker) in the league. The news breaks now."

Beason becomes the latest of Carolina's core players to get a huge deal from the Panthers, following in the footsteps of defensive end Charles Johnson, linebackers Thomas Davis and James Anderson and running back DeAngelo Williams, all of whom agreed to terms the previous two days.

The Panthers have also reached agreement with kicker Olindo Mare, defensive tackle Ray Edwards and safety Sean Considine and traded for Bears tight end Greg Olsen, who also got a new long-term deal with Carolina. Beason, Johnson, Mare and Olsen are all Drew Rosenhaus clients.

All of those contracts will be signed Friday.

The news of Beason's contract didn't come as a surprise.

On Wednesday night, Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said re-signing Beason to a long-term contract was a "very high priority" and something he wanted to get done soon. He added that Carolina also wants to get a long-term deal for Ryan Kalil, the team's Pro Bowl center.
Beason has started all 64 games since joining the Panthers as a first-round draft pick in 2007.

He has had more than 160 tackles three times and been to three Pro Bowls. Last season, Beason struggled early after volunteering to move to outside linebacker following an injury to Davis. However, he later moved inside after Dan Connor went down with a hip injury and went on to have a productive season with 162 tackles and one sack. The Panthers have locked up all three starting linebackers -- Beason, Anderson and Davis -- through the 2015 season.

(espn.com)

The Panthers have formally begun long-term extension talks with MLB Jon Beason. Owed just $1.338 million, Beason is entering the last year of his contract and has been identified as a core player by Carolina's new coaching staff.



(fantasysp.com)

(hurricanesports.com)

Sitting on a concrete bleacher Friday morning prior to the Carolina Panthers' final player-organized offseason workout at Charlotte Christian, linebacker Jon Beason was asked if he felt like the team's unofficial defensive coordinator during the lockout.

"Some might say that," Beason said, a smile crossing his face.

"I'm not going to say it myself. If someone else says it, I appreciate it."

Beason was happy to be back playing and thinking about football, even if the lockout was still in effect and there was no guarantee training camp and the NFL regular season would begin on time. Coming off a 2-14 season in which he was moved to outside linebacker after the injury to Thomas Davis and had the lowest tackle total in his NFL career, Beason spent a portion of the offseason facing a civil assault trial.

A jury found no evidence Beason had assaulted Gregory Frye in a 2009 incident at a local night club. It was a legal and personal victory for Beason.

"When you're going through something like that, it's tough, especially when you're in the public eye," Beason said. "I'm sure there are a million civil cases a day that might have a little insert in the newspaper or something like that but nothing on a mass scale.

"I'm getting calls from Miami and from friends in California talking about it. To get it behind me is a relief."

Beason was one of the leaders of the offseason workouts, which drew approximately 50 players daily. Beyond the on-field conditioning and scheme work, the Panthers broke into offensive and defensive units in a portable building near the private school stadium.

That's where they worked through the basics of new playbooks that will be installed by coach Ron Rivera and his staff. It also allowed veterans such as Beason to work with younger players, who will be fighting for jobs when training camp begins.

"It felt good," Beason said of his teaching role. "I've always had a passion for coaching. To get up there in front of the defense was kind of fun.
"The thing about it is when we do it, we kind of leave it open for questions. It's like, 'How do you guys want to do it?' There are some things in the playbook you may not agree with but, for now, it's our meeting so we're putting it in the way we want."

Due to the lockout, Beason has had only one meeting with Rivera. Once a resolution is reached to the NFL's labor issues, Beason knows the Panthers will get a crash course from their new coaching staff. Schemes, terminology, personnel - it's all getting a makeover.

Defensively, Beason anchors a strong linebacker group, but there are holes to fill along the line and in the secondary. Getting in a few days of work during the lockout was critical to the Panthers' efforts to move past what happened last season, Beason believes. There was a value in working with teammates, some of whom he just met.

"This is the ultimate team sport," Beason said. "There's no Dirk (Nowitzki) or (Dwayne) Wade to drop 40 and steal a game. It just doesn't happen.

"You need the guy beside you to be successful. You learn guys' personalities. That's the biggest disadvantage for our coaching staff. They don't know anybody. With the playbook, we're doing a good job of putting in what we got the one day the lockout was lifted. We had a few coverages, a couple of blitzes. It's been productive."

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(charlotteobserver.com)

The man who accused Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason of assaulting him has been arrested.

Gregory Frye, who was ordered to pay Beason $1 last month for slander, was arrested at a martini bar Sunday and charged with being in possession of a stolen watch valued at $7,000.

According to the Charlotte Observer, Frye was arrested at 2:22 a.m. and charged with the misdemeanor. It’s just the latest in a long rap sheet against Frye, who brought Beason trouble for a short time. Frye had claimed he saw Beason doing cocaine, a charge no one corroborated.

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(nationalfootballpost.com)

Greg Frye, the Huntersville man who sued Panthers linebacker Jon Beason for allegedly punching him in the face at a strip club, was arrested early this morning in Cornelius on a charge of possession of stolen property.

Frye, 31, was arrested at 2:22 a.m. on the misdemeanor charge, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office web site.

It is the latest arrest for Frye, whose lengthy rap sheet was brought up in the Beason civil trial last month.

Frye accused Beason of fracturing his nasal cavity at the Uptown Cabaret in November 2009 after Frye told Panthers tight end Dante Rosario he had seen Beason snorting cocaine at a party on Lake Norman a few months earlier.

Beason testified he has never used cocaine. He told the jury he wanted to hit Frye, but a friend grabbed his arm before he could.

The jury sided with Beason and determined Frye had slandered the Pro-Bowl linebacker. Beason was awarded $1, the amount he requested.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.


(charlotteobserver.com)

After a nine-day trial that offered a glimpse inside the life of a professional athlete, a Mecklenburg jury on Thursday found Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason did not assault a patron at a Charlotte strip club in November 2009.

Jurors in the civil lawsuit trial vindicated Beason, who testified that while he wanted - and tried - to punch Gregory Frye, he didn't hit him.

The jury of eight women and four men also found that Frye had slandered Beason when he told people that he'd seen Beason using cocaine at a lake party. The jury awarded the prominent NFL player $1 in damages - which is all Beason said he wanted.

Beason, 26, and Frye, 30, appeared stoic as the verdicts were announced.

After the jury was excused, Beason stood up and hugged his attorneys and his mother, Terry Beason, who wiped away tears as she left the courtroom.

"It was never about the money," Jon Beason told reporters after the verdict. "It was just about justice, and I'm glad I got that today."

The trial featured testimony from the strip club manager, pro football players, Beason's personal chef - and a snapshot of their lifestyles and partying.

Jurors, who deliberated for five hours, declined to discuss what evidence - or lack thereof - weighed heaviest in their decision.

But George Laughrun, one of Beason's attorneys, told the Observer: "This case was about credibility and believability. Who would the jury believe - Jon or Greg? They believed Jon.

"I really believed in Jon from the first time I met him. He was so sincere. He wasn't interested in settling... He said whatever it takes to clear his name, he wanted to do."

Beason told the Observer he thinks the verdict clears his name. "I can walk around with my head up and feel good about it."

Frye left the courthouse escorted by deputies and refused to talk to reporters. But he spoke to the Observer in an interview Thursday night.

"Unfortunately, the jurors never got to see the missing video surveillance footage from the Uptown Cabaret," Frye said. "If they had, obviously the verdict would have been different."

The Uptown Cabaret's general manager testified last week that surveillance cameras malfunctioned and there was no video of the confrontation between Beason and Frye.

Frye's attorney, Curtis Osborne, said he remains "absolutely" convinced Beason hit Frye: "And I think Mr. Beason knows that he did it. That's between him and God right now."

Frye, an unemployed insurance and fitness center worker, who acknowledged in court he carries a phony NFL player's card, sued Beason for what he called Beason's "crushing" blow to his face.

Frye told jurors Beason knocked him down with one punch at the Uptown Cabaret, then hit him again when he got up. One witness, an acquaintance of Frye's, testified that he had seen the attack. But Beason's friends told jurors they had stopped Beason's punch.

The confrontation came after Frye told another Panthers player that he had seen Beason using cocaine on a boat at a party on Lake Norman. He said he suffered a crushed nasal cavity, and a doctor testified that his injury was consistent with a blow from a fist.

But Beason told jurors he never hit Frye. He also said he never used cocaine, an allegation Beason described after the verdict as "the toughest part for me."

"When you die, that's all you leave is your name," he said. "And how you conduct yourself usually determines what follows after that name. For me, I would never want to be associated with something like that."

About the ordeal, Beason said: "I think I'm more mature because of it."

As for Frye, Beason said, "Hopefully, he'll learn a lesson here too. I wish him well. And that's probably all I'd want to say."

Asked if he thought Frye was after his money, Beason replied: "It was about a check."

Beason's mother said it was hard to hear about Frye's accusations. "I couldn't believe it," she said, crying. "He's the perfect son. I just couldn't believe it."

Terry Beason said she is proud of her son. "He stood up for what he believed in."

Asked if she thought he'd win the case, she said: "I believe in the justice system, and God always is true to his word. So right is right, and wrong is wrong."

Beason had been charged with assault after Frye persuaded a magistrate to issue an arrest warrant. But prosecutors quickly dismissed the charge. An investigator testified there weren't witnesses and that Frye lacked credibility.

A manager at the Uptown Cabaret also questioned Frye's integrity, testifying that he'd caused problems at the club in the past.

But attorney Osborne pointed out Thursday that Frye went to the strip club that night and ended up bloody with broken bones in his face. "So if Mr. Beason didn't do it, who did?"

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(charlotteobserver.com)

A Mecklenburg jury deliberated about two hours Wednesday without reaching a verdict on whether Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason assaulted a patron at a Charlotte strip club in November 2009.

The jurors - eight women and four men - will resume their deliberations today. If the jurors decide that Beason assaulted Gregory Frye at the Uptown Cabaret, they must then decide if the victim is entitled to recover money for his injuries and if Beason also must pay punitive damages.
The jurors are also considering whether Frye slandered the NFL football player.

After deliberating an hour, the jurors sent a note to the judge asking to see the layout of the strip club and the x-ray of Frye's skull, the doctor's report and the medical records. Superior Court Judge Lane Williamson did not allow the jurors to see the evidence after one of Beason's attorneys objected.

During closing arguments Tuesday, Beason's attorney told the jurors that Frye had targeted the football player in an attempt to win money, but Frye's attorney told the jurors they should hold the celebrity athlete accountable.

Frye, in a civil lawsuit, accused Beason of knocking him down with a punch, then hitting him again when he got up. The confrontation came after Frye told another Panthers player that he had seen Beason using cocaine months earlier at a party on Lake Norman.

Beason has denied the attack and the drug use.

Carlos Watson, one of Frye's attorneys, told the jury that Beason struck Frye "in a fit of rage."

"He knocked a hole in his face," he said.

Curtis Osborne, another of Frye's attorneys, told jurors his client had done nothing to provoke the assault, which left Frye with a crushed nasal cavity.

Osborne called Beason's conduct "reprehensible."

"He's a walking weapon," Osborne said.

Osborne told the jurors they have the power to hold Beason accountable.

"This is Mr. Frye's last and only opportunity for justice...," he said. "You have to send a message, that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated."

Beason's attorney, George Laughrun, told jurors that Frye had targeted the Panthers linebacker for a payday.

"They don't want justice," Laughrun said. "They want money."

Laughrun said Frye obtained an arrest warrant charging Beason with assault. Prosecutors quickly dismissed the charge, saying there wasn't enough evidence.

"He did it to pressure Jon to write a check," Laughrun said.

Laughrun said Beason has been "tarnished by falsehoods" but isn't seeking monetary compensation.

As he rapped up his closing argument, Laughrun held up a $1 bill in front of the jurors.

"This is what he wants," Laughrun said. "He wants to try to rebuild his good name."

Beason told the jury Tuesday he wanted to hit Frye, but that he did not punch him. He said he was the angriest he's been in his life when he heard that Frye was telling people that he saw him snorting cocaine.

Beason admitted that he tried to punch Frye, but was stopped by friends.

"There's no way I hit him," he said.

Beason, 26, a three-time Pro Bowler in his first four seasons, testified that he has never used illegal drugs or failed a drug test in college or the NFL. "I never even smoked a cigarette," he told jurors.

Frye, 30, testified last week that Beason was "enraged" during their confrontation. "He pummeled me down...," he said. "It was real quick. I've never seen anyone move that fast."

Frye told the jurors that he's been threatened and harassed since the confrontation with Beason. He said even his friends have "steered clear" of him.

"I've been ostracized from the city of Charlotte," he said. "It's ruined my reputation."

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(heraldonline.com)

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - The fifth day of the trial of a Carolina Panthers player accused of physically assaulting a man at a strip club in Charlotte two years ago got underway Tuesday with the accused taking the stand.

Gregory Frye is suing Jon Beason, a linebacker for the Carolina Panthers. Frye alleges that Beason punched him at the Uptown Cabaret near center city in November 2009 and that the assault crushed Frye's nasal cavity.

Beason is counter-suing Frye for only $1. It is not clear how much money Frye is seeking.

Beason testified in court Tuesday morning. He said several people at the club told him Frye was spreading rumors at the club by saying Beason had used cocaine at a party. Beason says he's never done cocaine.

"I was so blown away by the accusations that I couldn't control myself and at that time I attempted to take a swing at Mr. Frye," said Beason.

Beason said he couldn't believe it and got angry. When he confronted Frye, Beason says he took a swing, but missed.

Beason later got a little choked up when he talked about his arrest, and when his mug shot was taken.

During cross examination, Frye's attorneys set out to prove the professional athlete could pack a powerful punch.

They presented a picture of Beason lifting a woman on each arm during a party.

"Though you're strong enough to hold a lady in each arm who are both arguably bigger than Joey Simmons, you're saying that Joey Simmons had the strength to stop your arm in mid swing?," asked Frye's attorney.

"Yes, that's what I'm saying," replied Beason.

An officer with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department who filed the report after the alleged assault testified in court Monday morning. The cop said Frye claimed that Beason punched him.

The officer also said Beason's friend, Joseph Simmons, said Beason attempted to punch Frye, but missed. Simmons told the detective he then told Beason to leave the club.  

Also on Monday, Beason's former high school coach, Tim Lester, testified in court. Lester was at the Uptown Cabaret on November 15, 2009. If Beason punched Frye, Lester says he didn't know about it.

"That could've never happened, never been done by Jon," said Lester.

Lester says he was shocked when he heard Frye was spreading rumors.

Last week, Frye testified in court that he saw Beason using cocaine at a party during the summer of 2009 and that's what led him to confront Frye.

"That kind of upset me," said Lester, "I know Jon, and I know he would never do cocaine."

Lester says he left with Beason that night, but he says he and Beason never talked about the incident.

The defense called several witnesses to the stand on Monday in an effort to discredit Frye's claims.

Several CMPD officers who responded to the incident said that Frye smelled of alcohol and lied to them about being a Carolina Panthers player.
Last Thursday, Frye testified that Beason punched him in the face.

"I felt the reason he assaulted me was because in June 2009, I witnessed Jon Beason do cocaine through a straw with a female," Frye said.
On Friday, Frye's attorney showed pictures to the jurors of his client's bloody face following the attack.

Carolina Panthers player Dante Rosario testified on Friday. Rosario said he saw Frye on November 15, 2009, at the Strike City bowling alley at the Epicentre in uptown Charlotte and later saw Frye at a VIP room at the Uptown Cabaret.

Rosario said Frye approached him in the club and pointed to Beason, saying, "Hey, that guy over there, he's a teammate of yours, I saw him doing cocaine out at Lake Norman in the summer."

Rosario was surprised by the accusation and immediately told Beason what Frye said.

"It was unbelievable to him (Beason), that someone he didn't know was talking about him," Rosario told the court.

Rosario said Beason went to the front bar area and confronted Frye about the accusation.

Rosario said he wasn't sure wasn't sure what happened next. When he walked outside the club, he saw Frye holding a bloody napkin over his face.

"He (Beason) said that someone hit Mr. Frye," Rosario said on the stand.

Beason's friend and private chef Joseph Simmons, also testified Friday. He claims he saw Beason confront Frye and pulled him away, but he never saw him throw a punch.

Beason denied ever doing drugs. He's suing for malicious prosecution, slander and damages.

Frye is suing for battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and damages.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.



(wbtv.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason is now on the offensive, starting his case against Greg Frye.

Frye claims Beason sucker punched him and damaged his face. Beason is countersuing and Monday, his attorneys put Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers on the stand.

Police testified Frye told them he played for the Panthers, which isn't true.

Sgt. Ricky Robbins has worked Panthers security part-time since the team's inception. Robbins testified Monday that he got a call to go to the Uptown Cabaret in November 2009 to investigate a potential assault involving two Panthers players.

Robbins testified that Frye insisted he was on the team.

"I asked him if he played. He said he did. And I told him then that I worked with the Carolinas Panthers and I wasn't familiar with his face or his name," Robbins said. "And he said that he didn't play then, that he had been on the practice squad. And I told him that I still wasn't familiar with him and he said, 'Maybe you don't know all the players.' I asked him how long ago he played. He said the last two or three years. I told him again that the name didn't sound familiar nor his face. And he said that he did, in fact, play for the Carolina Panthers."

Another officer who took Frye's statement after the punch says Frye was uncooperative and was more interested in talking to the media than telling police what happened.

"He continued to go across the street to there about five times. The statement took approximately 20 minutes to take. I'd get about a sentence or two and then he would walk across the street again," said Officer Justin Spindler.

Under cross-examination, police testified Frye's wounds were fresh, as if he'd just been hit.

We're still waiting to see if Frye's ex-girlfriend testifies. In investigative notes read by a police officer Monday, the ex-girlfriend claimed Frye wanted to get into an altercation with former Charlotte Bobcats player Raymond Felton so he could sue him.

Detective William Guild read the statement without the jury present.

"When she confronted him about this he would just say it was something to do. She met Raymond Felton in January or February of 2009 and they went out a few times. Frye called and harassed Felton on the phone. Frye told Ramirez that he was going to get Felton to hit him so he could sue him," Guild read.

Beason's attorneys say they're not sure if the judge will allow the jury to hear that statement.

Before wrapping their case, Frye's attorneys pointed out what they believe are inconsistencies in what Beason told police compared to his answers on his videotaped deposition. An officer also testified Frye never threatened Felton.

The trial will continue Tuesday. The judge in the case said the jury will likely get the case Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday.

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(wcnc.com)

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police detective who investigated the alleged November 2009 altercation between Carolina Panthers' player Jon Beason and another man at a strip club testified Monday that he found no reason to prosecute the case.

"The probable cause had evaporated," William Guild, now retired from CMPD, told jurors hearing a lawsuit filed by Gregory Frye against Beason.

Guild said a lack of witnesses and Frye's lack of credibility prevented the case from being pursued.

Frye is suing Beason, saying the Panthers player punched him in the head at the Uptown Cabaret, after Frye told another Panthers player that he had seen Beason snorting cocaine several months earlier at Lake Norman. Beason denies that he punched Frye or used drugs and is countersuing, saying his reputation was hurt by the charge.

Beason was arrested and charged with assault initially, but prosecutors dismissed the case less than two weeks later.

Guild's comments about the case were made Monday in front of the jury. Later, with the jury outside the courtroom, the former detective discussed an interview he conducted with Natalie Ramirez, a woman who at one time had dated Frye and later dated Raymond Felton, then a member of the Charlotte Bobcats' NBA team.

Guild said Monday that Ramirez told him Frye planned to find a way to get Felton, since traded to the New York Knicks, to hit him. Frye's plan was to sue Felton, Guild said Ramirez told him.

During testimony last week, Frye admitted making the comment about Beason's alleged drug use and said the Panthers' player was furious with him. He told jurors Beason knocked him down with a punch, then hit him again when he got up.

Dante Rosario, the Panthers player to whom Frye had made the remark about Beason, testified late last week that he never saw Beason take a swing at Frye. Rosario said Beason told him that he and Frye bumped chests after Beason confronted him about the cocaine allegation.

In a videotaped deposition played for jurors earlier in the civil trial, Beason said he tried to throw a punch at Frye, but a friend grabbed his arm.

Joe Simmons, a part-time Panthers equipment manager who also is Beason's personal chef, testified that he hooked Beason's arm and "told him to get the (expletive) out of here."

Beason is expected to testify later this week in the trial.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.



(charlotteobserver.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A courtroom heard from two people Friday who had front-row seats to the altercation between Carolina Panthers player Jon Beason and Greg Frye, the man who said Beason punched him.

Fellow Panthers player Dante Rosario told jurors that while he and Beason and Frye were all in the Uptown Cabaret strip club, Frye claimed he'd seen Beason using cocaine during a party at Lake Norman.

Rosario said he told Beason and Beason went to confront Frye.

“The two, like, bumped chests, I guess,” Rosario said. “Someone grabbed him and he said somebody hit Mr. Frye.”

Jurors were shown pictures of a bloodied Frye outside the club with police.

Beason's personal chef, Joe Simmons, testified he was the one who held Beason back, showing Frye's attorney how he hooked Beason's arm.

“Commotion started. I grabbed Jon's arm -- hooked him right there and told him to get out of there,” Simmons said.

Both Simmons and Rosario said they don’t know who hit Frye, but said it wasn't Beason.

But earlier, when Frye was still on the witness stand, he told jurors repeatedly that the cuts and broken bones in his face came from Beason.

Two witnesses testified Friday that as Frye stood bleeding outside the Uptown Cabaret, he was yelling he'd been hit by “Jon Beasley,” not Beason.

Testimony resumes on Monday.

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(wsoctv.com)

Gregory Frye testified Thursday that he is certain it was Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason who beat him up at a Charlotte strip club in November 2009.

Frye told jurors that an angry Beason confronted him at the Uptown Cabaret shortly after he told Panthers tight end Dante Rosario that he had seen Beason snorting cocaine on a boat at Lake Norman.

"He was angry," Frye, 30, recalled. "He was yelling at me. He was enraged."

Frye said he acknowledged to Beason that he had made the remark about the cocaine use. "It made him even more mad," Frye said.

"He pummeled me down...," Frye told the jurors. "It was real quick. I've never seen anyone move that fast.

"When he hit me, I saw white. I hit the ground."

Frye testified that he was kicked while on the ground, but didn't see who did it. When he got up, he said, Beason struck him again in the head. Frye has alleged he suffered a crushed nasal cavity in the attack.

Frye told jurors that in hindsight, his remark to Rosario about Beason "wasn't the best thing to say."

"I wouldn't be here today," he added. "I wouldn't have been beaten by Mr. Beason."

Beason has denied hitting Frye, as well as the drug use allegation. The 26-year-old Panthers player countersued, accusing Frye of damaging his reputation.

During his testimony Thursday, Frye said he's been threatened and harassed since the confrontation with Beason. He said even his friends have "steered clear" of him.

He described himself as afraid and feeling a higher level of anxiety.

"I've been ostracized from the city of Charlotte...," Frye told the jurors. "It's ruined my reputation.

"I plan on moving out of the city."

George Laughrun, one of Beason's attorneys, asked Frye who else had seen Beason using cocaine.

"Nobody is going to come in here and say that," Frye replied.

"It's just you?" Laughrun then asked.

"Yeah," Frye said.

At one point while being cross-examined, Frye called what has happened "a charade."

When Laughrun questioned what he meant by that, Frye replied: "It's a charade that he can't admit what he did."

Laughrun also questioned Frye about why he had a fake NFL Carolina Panthers player's ID card. Frye called it "an icebreaker" he used to meet women.

"It's a harmless piece of paper," he said.

On cross examination, Beason's attorney raised questions about Frye's credibility. Frye admitted that he told police that night that he was a member of the Panther's practice squad, which isn't true. When asked why, Frye said at the time he was still confused after being punched.

Frye's lawsuit alleges that Beason, when asked if he had punched Frye, responded by saying: "Yeah, I hit him. It might cost me a hundred grand, but you don't go around telling people I'm doing coke and frontin' like you play in the league."

But Frye testified he never heard Beason say that, adding his attorneys or a police officer had told him about it.

With the jury out of the courtroom, Curtis Osborne, one of Frye's attorneys, said the officer who heard Beason make the statement has been unwilling to testify, but he would try to get him to court today.

"Please do," Beason interjected, which drew a rebuke from Superior Court Judge Lane Williamson.

Osborne then accused Brian Monroe, Beason's roommate in Miami, of mouthing a threat to him.

Williamson had Monroe, who is expected to testify in the trial, removed from the courtroom.

Frye's attorneys have called one witness - Eddie Biggers - who told the jurors he saw Beason throw a punch that made contact with Frye.
But Biggers, who called Frye an acquaintance, offered no more details about the confrontation. He told jurors that immediately after the punch he paid his tab and left the club.

Biggers acknowledged he never came forward and told police what he saw. He also acknowledged under cross-examination that he'd been unable to pick Beason from a photo display of Panthers players during a deposition.

Beason has not testified yet. But Frye's attorneys have played a portion of Beason's videotaped deposition for the jury.

In the tape, Beason acknowledged he was upset - even angry - after learning that Frye had told someone that he'd seen Beason using cocaine. The Panthers player also admitted he tried to throw a punch at Frye, but said a friend grabbed his arm.

Beason and his friends soon left the strip club after learning Frye had called police.

Asked why he hadn't stuck around to talk to police, Beason replied: "I didn't do anything... Nothing happened. It wasn't a fight."

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.



(charlotteobserver.com)

The attorney representing a man suing Carolina Panthers’ linebacker Jon Beason told a jury Wednesday that the NFL player had "failed to take responsibility for his actions" and owes his client for an alleged assault in a Charlotte strip club 18 months ago.

Gregory Frye is suing Beason, accusing him of punching him in the head at the Uptown Cabaret.

Beason is countersuing, claiming Frye has slandered him.

In his opening statement Wednesday, attorney Curtis Osborne described to jurors the events of Nov. 15, 2009, the night of the confrontation between Frye and Beason. "Jon Beason dropped him with one punch," Osborne said, adding that Frye had suffered a crushed nasal cavity, a facial fracture, and swelling on the left side of his head.

Frye claims in the lawsuit that the attack took place after he told another Panthers’ player he had seen Beason "up at the lake, doing coke with some girl." Beason, 26, has adamantly denied attacking Frye and the drug allegations.

Beason was arrested after the alleged assault, but criminal charges were dropped 11 days later. Prosecutors said there wasn’t enough evidence to support the allegation that Beason had punched Frye.

"Other than Mr. Frye’s statement, police were not able to obtain evidence that Mr. Beason was the assailant," Assistant District Attorney Bruce Lillie said at the time. Lillie said police contacted several people who were at the club that night and said, "No one indicated they saw Beason strike Frye. No witnesses have come forward to say they saw Beason strike Frye."

Osborne said Wednesday he will ask jurors to have Beason compensate Frye for what happened and said they will seek punitive damages. "Hold him responsible -- finally -- for what he did to Greg Frye," Osborne said.

George Laughrun, representing Beason, called the Panthers’ player "a good upstanding man."

He told jurors that Beason wanted to hit Frye but didn’t. "He was mad as hell," Laughrun said of his client. "He wanted to sack him like Ben Roethlisberger."

Frye’s lawsuit claims he went to the annual Lake Bash in June 2009 at Lake Norman and saw Beason and a woman "engaging in what he believed to be snorting cocaine."

In the suit, Frye says he told Panthers’ tight end Dante Rosario that he had seen Beason doing cocaine, and Frye then says Beason’s driver and bodyguard later approached him, saying, "Whatever you said about Beason, he’s really pissed. You need to go talk to him."

Frye alleges that a short time later, Beason approached him "in a noticeably angry manner, cursing and yelling at Frye about the cocaine statement."

Frye claims that as the two men were walking outside to discuss the issue, Beason struck him twice. He said he never raised a hand to provoke Beason, and he never fought back.

On Wednesday, Laughrun described to jurors how Beason reacted when he had been charged with assault. He said Beason had tears in his eyes and told the attorney, "I have never been arrested. I’ve never been to a police department before."

Referring to the countersuit, Laughrun told jurors he and Beason will ask to be awarded a $1 settlement.
"It’s not about money ... he wants his name (reputation) back," Laughrun said.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.



(charlotteobserver.com)

Testimony will begin today in the trial of Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason, who has been accused in a civil lawsuit of punching a patron at a Charlotte strip club in November 2009.

Gregory Frye claims Beason assaulted him at the Uptown Cabaret after he told another Panthers player that he had seen Beason doing cocaine. Frye said he suffered a crushed nasal cavity and a facial fracture in the assault.

Beason denies hitting Frye, as well as the drug-use allegations.

Both men were in the courtroom Tuesday as their attorneys chose a jury of eight women and four men.

Frye, 30, is bigger than the NFL player, standing about 6 feet four inches tall and 250 pounds.

Beason, 26, is 6 feet tall and 237 pounds.

Attorneys asked potential jurors whether they knew of Beason. Many said they recognized his name.

Two were asked Tuesday afternoon if they are football fans. Yes, they said - but not of the Panthers. One likes the Buffalo Bills, the other the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Despite the recognition of Beason, the jurors said they could be fair to both sides.

Beason was charged criminally with assault, but prosecutors dropped the charge less than two weeks later. Other than Frye's statement, prosecutors said, police were not able to get evidence that Beason was the assailant.

Frye is seeking damages of more than $10,000.

Beason has countersued, accusing Frye of damaging his reputation.

On Tuesday, Beason's attorney, George Laughrun, told potential jurors his client isn't suing for money. If Beason wins, Laughrun said, they'll ask for $1.

(charlotteobserver.com)

A civil lawsuit against Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason(notes) will begin today as a man seeks damages for allegedly being sucker-punched at a strip club in 2009.

The Charlotte Observer reports selection for a jury trial will begin today in Gregory Frye’s lawsuit against Beason, who has denied assaulting the man at Uptown Cabaret.

Frye alleges that Beason punched him in the face after he told Panthers tight end Dante Rosario(notes) that he had seen Beason and a woman doing cocaine previously. Beason was arrested and charged with the attack but the charge was quickly dismissed as prosecutors said there was not sufficient evidence to proceed.

“Other than Mr. Frye's statement, police were not able to obtain evidence that Mr. Beason was the assailant,” Assistant District Attorney Bruce Lillie wrote, per the report.

Frye claims Beason angrily came at him in the club to dispute the cocaine allegation. When they went outside to discuss the matter, according to Frye, Beason decked him. Frye suffered a crushed nasal cavity, facial fracture and swelling on his head.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.



(sports.yahoo.com)

NAPLES — All-Pro linebacker Jon Beason received a call on Thursday from Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera to be at the team’s training facility Monday after U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson lifted the NFL lockout last week.

Late Friday, however, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the league to re-impose the lockout, forcing Beason and many NFL players to cancel travel plans.

Not having to head to Charlotte, Beason came to Naples on Saturday and had a lot of things to talk about — his Carolina Panthers’ drafting of Auburn quarterback Cam Newton No. 1, the NFL lockout and the possibility of missing games and paychecks.

But top priority for Beason was to discuss with local high school athletes about the perils and temptation on performance enhancing drugs and the keys to success in sports and life.

Beason, whose mother, Terry, is a Naples resident, University of Miami strength training coach Andrew Swasey, and Naples internist Dr. Robert Korolevich joined world champion natural body builder Michael Ferencsik to form a panel at the Community School field house on Saturday to address local athletes.

It was Ferencsik and his organization, Muscle Agaisnt Drugs (MAD) that organized the event.

Ferencsik spoke first, informing the audience that nearly one million kids nationwide are taking PEDs and that the fastest-growing group that are using are middle school-aged girls.

He and Korolevich discussed the legal and health aspects involved with taking PEDs and the benefits of proper nutrition.

When it was Beason’s turn, the Panthers’ team captain stayed mostly away from the details of PED use and focused on what athletes can do naturally and legally to succeed on and off the playing field.

“Something like this today, for me isn’t so much about drugs, but to be encouraging and to help kids be successful,” said Beason, who was a first-round draft pick by Carolina in 2007 out of Miami. “When I was growing up, I didn’t have professional athletes come to the school and talk about the keys to success.

“When it comes to young athletes, I can almost go to them as a friend. When I was young, I looked at someone like Jerry Rice and asked what does he do.”

When it came to the question and answer period, a CSN football player asked Beason about his team’s drafting of Newton, last season’s Heisman Trophy winner.

“(Newton’s) a great addition to our football team,” said Beason, who grew up in Miramar. “The guy’s a tremendous talent. A lot of upside. If we put into our offense what he does well, it would help any offense.”

The pick of Newton was controversial on numerous fronts, one being that the Panthers drafted former Notre Dame standout quarterback Jimmy Claussen in the second round last year.

“I’m a big fan of competition,” Beason said. “If I’m Jimmy Claussen, I’m saying, ‘Fine, bring him in. I’ll coach him up. I’ll be there early and stay late to make sure I’ll keep my job.’”

As for the current lockout, Beason isn’t so concerned — at this point.

“As an NFL player (the lockout) doesn’t necessarily affect us now because we don’t compete until we play and that’s in September,” Beason said. “The things I would be doing anyway today are stuff like speaking at a school, and when Monday rolls around, I would be training in South Florida.

“I don’t think we’ll miss games. There’s just too much money on the table, but you never know with these owners. If I told anyone that worked a job, ‘Hey, give me 18 percent of your salary back,’ no one would continue to work that job.

“Eighteen percent is a crazy amount — and they want us to work longer.”

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.



(naplesnews.com)

Pro Bowl linebacker Jon Beason of the Carolina Panthers, University of Miami strength training coach Andrew Swasey, and Dr. Robert Korolevich will join world champion bodybuilder Michael Ferencsik of Naples for a free discussion of the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 30 at Community School Fieldhouse from 10 a.m. to noon. Ferencsik is the founder of Muscle Against Drugs (MAD).

The group also will discuss how athletes can train properly and understand appropriate nutritional supplementation. All student-athletes will have the chance to speak with members of the group, and they also will receive a certificate for a free body composition analysis in the Bod Pod at Apex Fitness.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.



(naplesnews.com)

Welcome to our 1st annual and long overdue proCane Rankings where we look back at the 2010 NFL season and rank the 43 proCanes that took snaps in 2010 (except for Sinorice Moss who was placed on IR before the start of the season).

Stay tuned as we countdown from number 43 to number 1. Our rankings are based on each player’s performance last year. In August we’ll go ahead and re-rank the player’s based on our 2011 expectations. For now read our review of each player’s 2010 season and where they rank overall. Enjoy!

To read our rankings of players 43-35, click here.

To read our rankings of players 34-26, click here.

To read our rankings of players 25-16, click here.

15. Jon Vilma MLB New Orleans Saints: Vilma was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl after a solid 2010 season where he posted over 100 tackles for the third consecutive season and a career high four sacks. Though Vilma did post the fewest tackles of his seven-year career (105), besides his 2007 season where he only played in seven games, the Saints’ defense was riddled with injuries in 2010, and Vilma did not miss a game and anchored the defense. Look for Vilma to continue to be the quarterback of the Saints defense in 2011 and as that defense gets healthier and gains more experience, Vilma will continue to flourish.

14. Greg Olsen TE Chicago Bears: Coming into the 2010 season there were fears that Olsen would not be utilized in Mike Martz’s wide open offense and the Bears actually almost traded Olsen before the start of the 2010 season despite public comments by Head Coach Lovie Smith and Martz that Olsen would be used in the spread offense. Olsen statistically didn’t have a bad season as he posted 41 receptions for 404 yards, the lowest since his rookie season, but more concerning was the fact that in seven games Olsen had either only reception (5 games) or no receptions (2 games). Olsen had his best game of the season in the first round of the playoffs versus the Seahawks where he posted 113 yards receiving, 58 of those coming on one play, but it showed that he could be a threat in that offense if correctly utilized. With one season under his belt it will be interesting to see if Martz can figure out a way to incorporate or Olsen, though the trade rumors continue to persist.

13. Javarris James RB Indianpolis Colts: James was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Indianapolis Colts right after last year’s draft and by the time Week 5 rolled around he was signed to the Colts’ active roster. James had previously been on the Patriots and Redskins practice squads. Though James did not put up huge numbers, 112 yards rushing on 42 carries, the fact that he made the active roster of the Colts and scored six TDs last season, more than any other proCane runningback, merits him being ranked as a top 15 proCane performer for 2010. James will have an uphill battle to earn a roster spot on the Colts next season as he was inactive for the last two games of the regular season and playoff game, but he very well may be signed by another team due to his tough redzone running.

12. Jon Beason LB Carolina Panthers: Beason had started at MLB for the Panthers the last 3 seasons and coming into 2010 put the team first and agreed to start at the RLB spot. Beason who has yet to miss a game in his four-year career took some time to get acclimated to his new position and was not having as large of an impact defensively for the Panthers. In Week 10, Beason moved back to the middle and 2 weeks later made his presence felt with an interception versus the Cleveland Browns. Beason is too good to not be the starting MLB and it seems like the Panthers have realized that, and he should resume his duties in the middle of the defense in 2011.

11. Kellen Winslow TE Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Winslow finished the 2010 by playing all 16 games for the second consecutive season and though his numbers weren’t as good as his 2009 numbers, his first season in Tampa, Winslow was still a threat down the middle of the field for the Bucs. Winslow had a career high 5 TDs to go along with his 730 yards receiving and as the season progressed became a more consistent option for Tampa QB Josh Freeman culminating in a 7 reception for 98 yards and 2 TDs performance in Week 15. Winslow has already said he expects big numbers in 2011, and though at times he was not able to practice due to injury, he didn’t miss a game and played with his usual fire all season long.

10. Antonio Dixon DL Philadelphia Eagles: Dixon was a surprise contributor to the Eagles’ defensive line in 2009 as an undrafted rookie free agent signing. He suited up for 16 games and became a vital cog in the Eagles’ defensive line versus the run that year. In 2010, due to injury Dixon received extensive playing time in Week 5 versus the 49ers where he recorded his first sack of the season and ended up starting the rest of the way for Eagles totaling 30 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 pass deflections. Dixon has been a very pleasant surprise for the Eagles and a great personal story as well, overcoming learning disabilities and controlling his weight. Look for Dixon to start for the Eagles next season and continue to excel versus the run and improve his game on passing downs.

9. DJ Williams LB Denver Broncos: Playing in the 3-4 for his second consecutive season DJ Williams looked even more comfortable totaling 119 tackles. Williams also became much more involved in the passing game as he had a career high 9 pass deflections and more impressively 5.5 sacks. The Broncos began to blitz Williams more in passing situations and as a result he led the Broncos in sacks last season as well as tackles by a wide margin. The only knock on Williams is his off the field problems where he was accused of a DUI for the second time in his career and lost his captaincy as a result as well as his driver’s license for a year. Rumors have circulated that Williams is on the trading block but if he isn’t traded he will have to get used to playing in the 4-3 defense at the weak-side linebacker spot as the Broncos are changing their defense, again.


Check back tomorrow to see which proCanes were ranked 8th through 1st!

While most of the world slept this morning, a large contingent of NFL players was up working out to get ready for a season they aren’t exactly sure will come.

Perhaps the biggest contingent of players was at BPS in Miami — Bommarito Performance Systems.  Chad Ochocinco and Jon Beason are in the 6 a.m. ET workout group, but Ocho stuck around to lovingly take pictures with the 8 a.m. group once they were done.

Among those in attendance: Patriots receiver Wes Welker, free agent running back Fred Taylor, Bears running back Matt Forte, Titans linebacker Stephen Tulloch, Giants safety Kenny Phillips,  Ravens cornerback LarDarius Webb, Bears tight end Greg Olsen, Panthers defensive linemen Everett Brown and Charles Johnson, Ravens wideout Donte Stallworth, Browns receiver Mohommad Massaquoi, and probably many more we’re missing.

At a time when fan anger is pretty high, it’s worth remembering the majority of players are preparing for the season like they always would anyway.

Expect, well, they are doing it on their own.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s or Greg Olsen’s or Kenny Phillips’ proCane Rookie Card.



(profootballtalk.com)

Jon Beason just put together another Pro Bowl caliber season and was rewarded with that by being a late entry into the Pro Bowl. Not only did Beason play, but he put in quite the day by picking off Matt Cassel late in the fourth quarter and taking it to the house. Many thought that when John Fox was at the end of his road in coaching the Panthers he wasn’t getting the maximum effort from his players. Well Beason was putting in another great season and he wasn’t even playing his regular position. When Thomas Daviswent down early in camp with his second consecutive ACL injury, the Panthers decided to move Beason to the outside. Beason later moved back into his regular middle linebacker position, but that was later in the season.

So, what does this say for Jon Beason this upcoming year?

In steps blitz and pressure crazy defensive coordinator Sean McDermott from Philadelphia. Also, without any setbacks Thomas Davisis set to return back to his role as the outside linebacker. With Beason now patrolling the middle and McDermott at the helm to bring more pressure on opposing offenses, there should be a lot of sacks coming Beason’s way. I see Beason being the dominant linebacker that can be brought up in conversations with Brian Urlacher and other top-notch MLB’s.

In his days at The U, Beason was dominant in all phases of the game. There is a reason the Panthers spent their first round selection on this guy, because he has the ability to give opposing quarterbacks nightmares as both a dominant rusher and as a solid cover man too. If you don’t believe me look at this past Pro Bowlas I mentioned early and tell me Beason can’t cover anyone.

So, with the addition of Sean McDermott and his scheme of bringing pressure to offenses, Jon Beasonwill cash in on this opportunity and be able to showcase his rushing and coverage skills. Oh, and Beason won’t have to wait until days before the Pro Bowl to see if he will be headed to Hawaii because he will show other fans that he is capable of starting in the game for the NFC.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.



(yardbarker.com)

Carolina linebacker Jon Beason picked off a pass and returned it for a touchdown, and left tackle Jordan Gross laid out an AFC player returning a fumble to help the NFC roll to a 55-41 victory at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In the closing minutes of the game, Beason broke on a pass from Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel to Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller and stepped in front of it, catching it in stride and then steaming down the sideline 49 yards for a touchdown.

Beason's score accounted for the NFC's final points and allowed the squad to tie the record for most points in the Pro Bowl by one team, matching the 55 by the NFC in 2004.

Earlier in the fourth quarter, Gross made what the FOX broadcast crew labeled as the best hit of the game. After New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Meriweather picked up what he believed to be a fumble by Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten and returned it past midfield, Gross tracked him down near the sideline and delivered a big blow to stop his progress.

The play officially was wiped out when officials ruled that Witten was down by contact, but Gross still made the highlight reel.

Beason was playing in his third consecutive Pro Bowl, Kalil in his second consecutive and Gross in his second in three years.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.



(panthers.com)

For the third time this morning, we’ve received news of an NFC South player being added to the Pro Bowl.

This time, it’s Carolina linebacker Jon Beason. He’s been added as an alternate to replace Chicago’s Lance Briggs, who had to withdraw due to injury.

This will extend Beason’s streak of consecutive Pro Bowls to three. He’ll join Carolina center Ryan Kalil and tackle Jordan Gross in the all-star game in Honolulu later this week.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.



(espn.com)