ESPN SUES TO SEE BUCKEYE EMAILS, VRABEL RETURNS TO COLUMBUS, TYLER MIGHT BAIL, DESEAN JAX QUICKLY BECOMING A TRAINWRECK & ROOKIE WAGE SCALE APPEARS TO BE LAST STUMBLING BLOCK
The "World Wide Leader" in sports, ESPN, filed suit Monday in an effort to view the hundreds of emails generated from Ohio State's "Tattoo-Gate" & the cover-up. The network made this legal decision after their requests for said emails fell on deaf ears at the University. Since the school's administration had to provide these emails to the NCAA in their on-going investigation, it would seem to be a legitimate request. The school cites privacy of the student-athletes as their reason for not turning over the emails but I think the "privacy issue" went down the toilet after coach Jim Tressel was caught red-handed covering up the memorabilia for cash & tattoos scandal. When the players were suspended for the first 5 games of the 2011 season, their privacy was no longer a realistic issue IMO.
More bad news for the Buckeyes, their number one recruit for the 2012 class, offensive tackle Kyle Kalis, asked for & was granted a release from his Buckeye commitment. Worse yet, he turned right around & committed to the Buckeye's most bitter rival, the University of Michigan. It's feared this might open the floodgates & more highly recruited players will bolt the OSU program.
One positive from Buckeyeland, I told you last week Chiefs' linebacker Mike Vrabel would retire & join his old teammate & friend, Luke Fickell, Ohio States' new head coach. Vrabel announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday & said he would return to Columbus as linebacker coach. I will be surprised if Vrabel isn't in the running for head coach at Ohio State within 5-years, he's natural for this position.
In reference to Oregon's problems with so-called scout Willie Lyles, the NCAA has requested LSU & Cal to forward Lyles' reports on the 2010 recruiting class. That's the report Oregon paid $25,000 for some 8 months before he even wrote it. One thing that adds to the damning evidence against Oregon is LSU paid $6,000 for the report & Cal, $5K.
Georgia bust-out running back Caleb King announced on Monday he would be the second college player to enter the NFL's supplemental draft. Former Ohio State QB, Terrelle Pryor was the first. King was declared ineligible last week after being suspended twice & suffering several nagging injuries earlier in his Bulldog career. I don't see any interest in King other than as an undrafted free agent.
There's a lot of buzz concerning Tyler Gabbert right now. Word is he may try to leave the Louisville Cardinal football program. He just took the last available 2011 scholarship less than 3 weeks ago. Also rumored was Gabbert wanting to return to Mizzou but the Tigers weren't interested. If this is true, I'm glad to see Gary Pinkel stand his ground, you left, we didn't ask you to leave, now move on with your life, we'll do the same without you.
Two more preseason watch lists include players from the Tiger program. Linebacker Zavier Gooden, already on the Butkus Award watch list, was named to the Bronco Nagurski Award list. The Nagurski Award cites the best defensive player in college football. Also named to the Nagurski list is defensive end Brad Madison.
One of my favorite players, Steeler wide receiver Hines Ward was arrested for DUI over the weekend. Unfortunately his version of the events & the one reported by Georgia Police officers, are vastly different. Hines, if you screwed up, admit it, be contrite & move on. Unless the police made up a bunch of evidence, Ward looks pathetic trying to dismiss their charges.
Also from the police blotter, we have a very familiar name, Adam "PacMan" Jones, who was arrested for disorderly conduct & resisting arrest after scuffling with security & police officers called to an Ohio club in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Jones denies all of the charges, what a shock, altho a number of witnesses told officers he was creating trouble in the club before the police were called. Jones could also face a Nevada judge if Clark County District Attorney(the guy who finally put O.J. away) David Roger wants to violate Jones' probation for his part in a 2007 strip club melee & shooting that resulted in a club employee being shot & paralyzed from the waist down. You wonder how much longer Commissioner Roger Goodell is willing to go with Jones, his arrest record is very lengthy. Decisions & accountability, words totally foreign to PacMan. His days as a backup cornerback in the NFL could be numbered.
I need a clarification on something I know little about, African-American males & gay folks. I need to understand why it is taboo to say the "N" word or anything associated with it but calling people "gay-ass faggots" is permissible as long as you issue a lame apology thru your agent. Philadelphia wide receiver DeSean Jackson spewed that venom on a radio talk show Friday toward a caller. This marks the 5th or 6th incident where an African-American professional athlete has used these words or words very similar in a public setting. Every time there has been a half-baked apology & the media drops the story. There have been fines, some as high as $250,000 aimed at Kobe Bryant. But we have this double-standard issue in our media, you can compare one guy to Hitler, refer to him as a Nazi, but if you question an African-American politician, you can be labeled a racist. So where is the media on these gay slurs? Where's the outrage? As long as they're uttered by African-Americans, it appears there will be no outrage. The whole thing makes me sick, when hate is this obvious, it simply can't be ignored.
Speaking of DeSean Jackson, he made another statement of Monday that had me wondering what world he lives in, because it's certainly not the one in which most of us reside. Answering a question regarding his interest in Plaxico Burress, Jackson said "me & Plax starting would be a deadly combination for the NFL." I guess Jeremy Maclin, the team leader in receptions & touchdowns would no longer be good enough to start in Philly, Jax & Plax would be a better combo. Jackson is quickly becoming a train wreck, his mouth overloads his brain on a daily basis, thank goodness his agent is adept at writing apologies.
The lawyers spent Monday morning writing more legalese, adding to their bloated billable hours. They'll be at it again today before the commissioner, De Smith, players & owners will once again take a shot at ending the labor mess with a new CBA. I think both sides are becoming worn down, making for shorter negotiating sessions & hopefully less desire to battle it to the bitter end. The rookie wage scale is said to be the last big stumbling block in the negotiations & even this isn't a problem where the divide is insurmountable. It looks like we'll see a new draft, one with just 3-4 rounds. The premium on undrafted college free agents will skyrocket. The contention centers on the first round, slotting for signing bonuses & contract length. Both sides want a reduced financial commitment for 1st round draft picks, maybe as much as 50% less. Both the owners & players have grown sick of the JaMarcus Charles of the world walking away with $31 million & never making any impact as a player. Both sides want a chunk of that cash to go to veterans & a smaller portion to retired players. The owners want a "holdout penalty" for 1st round picks who are difficult to sign before training camp opens. The players are said to be lukewarm to that idea. The owners have proposed an $840 million first round compensation package while the players' version is closer to $884 million. Owners want 1st round contracts to be 4-years in length with a 5th year at the team's option. The players want a year shorter for 1st round draft selections. The 5th year would be at a guaranteed $6-$12 million level. I think the owners will have a difficult time getting this in the negotiation, With the increased salary caps & minimum floors for those caps, $6-$12 million isn't that much for a 3-4 time Pro Bowl player in his fifth season.
In regard to the retired players, as a group, they seem more intent on increasing their medical benefits as opposed to higher pension payments. Both would be nice, but better health benefits wins by a landslide right now. With all the news surrounding several suicides being linked to brain injuries, retired players are very concerned about their future. Plus they're simply not getting the same quality medical care more current players receive. The pension gaps are embarrassing too. Players retiring between 1976 & 1982, receive $200 per season per month. Play 6 seasons? Your pension is $1,200 per month. Players before that era often have pensions in the $300-$500 range. If you retired after 1982, you receive $900 per season per month, that 6 season career now nets $5,400 a month, quite a disparity. Conrad Dobler recently said "I retired in 1981 & since then I've seen my monthly pension check increase all of $32, we're big fans of the Dollar Menu." Honestly that's shameful, I sincerely hope the retired players get relief on both fronts. They're not looking to get rich, they're looking for a little respect, after all it was on their shoulders this game was built.
More bad news for the Buckeyes, their number one recruit for the 2012 class, offensive tackle Kyle Kalis, asked for & was granted a release from his Buckeye commitment. Worse yet, he turned right around & committed to the Buckeye's most bitter rival, the University of Michigan. It's feared this might open the floodgates & more highly recruited players will bolt the OSU program.
One positive from Buckeyeland, I told you last week Chiefs' linebacker Mike Vrabel would retire & join his old teammate & friend, Luke Fickell, Ohio States' new head coach. Vrabel announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday & said he would return to Columbus as linebacker coach. I will be surprised if Vrabel isn't in the running for head coach at Ohio State within 5-years, he's natural for this position.
In reference to Oregon's problems with so-called scout Willie Lyles, the NCAA has requested LSU & Cal to forward Lyles' reports on the 2010 recruiting class. That's the report Oregon paid $25,000 for some 8 months before he even wrote it. One thing that adds to the damning evidence against Oregon is LSU paid $6,000 for the report & Cal, $5K.
Georgia bust-out running back Caleb King announced on Monday he would be the second college player to enter the NFL's supplemental draft. Former Ohio State QB, Terrelle Pryor was the first. King was declared ineligible last week after being suspended twice & suffering several nagging injuries earlier in his Bulldog career. I don't see any interest in King other than as an undrafted free agent.
There's a lot of buzz concerning Tyler Gabbert right now. Word is he may try to leave the Louisville Cardinal football program. He just took the last available 2011 scholarship less than 3 weeks ago. Also rumored was Gabbert wanting to return to Mizzou but the Tigers weren't interested. If this is true, I'm glad to see Gary Pinkel stand his ground, you left, we didn't ask you to leave, now move on with your life, we'll do the same without you.
Two more preseason watch lists include players from the Tiger program. Linebacker Zavier Gooden, already on the Butkus Award watch list, was named to the Bronco Nagurski Award list. The Nagurski Award cites the best defensive player in college football. Also named to the Nagurski list is defensive end Brad Madison.
One of my favorite players, Steeler wide receiver Hines Ward was arrested for DUI over the weekend. Unfortunately his version of the events & the one reported by Georgia Police officers, are vastly different. Hines, if you screwed up, admit it, be contrite & move on. Unless the police made up a bunch of evidence, Ward looks pathetic trying to dismiss their charges.
Also from the police blotter, we have a very familiar name, Adam "PacMan" Jones, who was arrested for disorderly conduct & resisting arrest after scuffling with security & police officers called to an Ohio club in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Jones denies all of the charges, what a shock, altho a number of witnesses told officers he was creating trouble in the club before the police were called. Jones could also face a Nevada judge if Clark County District Attorney(the guy who finally put O.J. away) David Roger wants to violate Jones' probation for his part in a 2007 strip club melee & shooting that resulted in a club employee being shot & paralyzed from the waist down. You wonder how much longer Commissioner Roger Goodell is willing to go with Jones, his arrest record is very lengthy. Decisions & accountability, words totally foreign to PacMan. His days as a backup cornerback in the NFL could be numbered.
I need a clarification on something I know little about, African-American males & gay folks. I need to understand why it is taboo to say the "N" word or anything associated with it but calling people "gay-ass faggots" is permissible as long as you issue a lame apology thru your agent. Philadelphia wide receiver DeSean Jackson spewed that venom on a radio talk show Friday toward a caller. This marks the 5th or 6th incident where an African-American professional athlete has used these words or words very similar in a public setting. Every time there has been a half-baked apology & the media drops the story. There have been fines, some as high as $250,000 aimed at Kobe Bryant. But we have this double-standard issue in our media, you can compare one guy to Hitler, refer to him as a Nazi, but if you question an African-American politician, you can be labeled a racist. So where is the media on these gay slurs? Where's the outrage? As long as they're uttered by African-Americans, it appears there will be no outrage. The whole thing makes me sick, when hate is this obvious, it simply can't be ignored.
Speaking of DeSean Jackson, he made another statement of Monday that had me wondering what world he lives in, because it's certainly not the one in which most of us reside. Answering a question regarding his interest in Plaxico Burress, Jackson said "me & Plax starting would be a deadly combination for the NFL." I guess Jeremy Maclin, the team leader in receptions & touchdowns would no longer be good enough to start in Philly, Jax & Plax would be a better combo. Jackson is quickly becoming a train wreck, his mouth overloads his brain on a daily basis, thank goodness his agent is adept at writing apologies.
The lawyers spent Monday morning writing more legalese, adding to their bloated billable hours. They'll be at it again today before the commissioner, De Smith, players & owners will once again take a shot at ending the labor mess with a new CBA. I think both sides are becoming worn down, making for shorter negotiating sessions & hopefully less desire to battle it to the bitter end. The rookie wage scale is said to be the last big stumbling block in the negotiations & even this isn't a problem where the divide is insurmountable. It looks like we'll see a new draft, one with just 3-4 rounds. The premium on undrafted college free agents will skyrocket. The contention centers on the first round, slotting for signing bonuses & contract length. Both sides want a reduced financial commitment for 1st round draft picks, maybe as much as 50% less. Both the owners & players have grown sick of the JaMarcus Charles of the world walking away with $31 million & never making any impact as a player. Both sides want a chunk of that cash to go to veterans & a smaller portion to retired players. The owners want a "holdout penalty" for 1st round picks who are difficult to sign before training camp opens. The players are said to be lukewarm to that idea. The owners have proposed an $840 million first round compensation package while the players' version is closer to $884 million. Owners want 1st round contracts to be 4-years in length with a 5th year at the team's option. The players want a year shorter for 1st round draft selections. The 5th year would be at a guaranteed $6-$12 million level. I think the owners will have a difficult time getting this in the negotiation, With the increased salary caps & minimum floors for those caps, $6-$12 million isn't that much for a 3-4 time Pro Bowl player in his fifth season.
In regard to the retired players, as a group, they seem more intent on increasing their medical benefits as opposed to higher pension payments. Both would be nice, but better health benefits wins by a landslide right now. With all the news surrounding several suicides being linked to brain injuries, retired players are very concerned about their future. Plus they're simply not getting the same quality medical care more current players receive. The pension gaps are embarrassing too. Players retiring between 1976 & 1982, receive $200 per season per month. Play 6 seasons? Your pension is $1,200 per month. Players before that era often have pensions in the $300-$500 range. If you retired after 1982, you receive $900 per season per month, that 6 season career now nets $5,400 a month, quite a disparity. Conrad Dobler recently said "I retired in 1981 & since then I've seen my monthly pension check increase all of $32, we're big fans of the Dollar Menu." Honestly that's shameful, I sincerely hope the retired players get relief on both fronts. They're not looking to get rich, they're looking for a little respect, after all it was on their shoulders this game was built.
Comments