Hostile
The Duke
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QB Rex Grossman's career -- with the Bears, anyway -- is at a crossroads. Grossman's contract expires at the end of the season, and the Bears will be faced with two choices: Give him a hefty contract or let him go. There will be no middle ground. The upside is this will be his second full season as a starter, and the organization from top to bottom is brimming with confidence that he can be more consistent. He has been working diligently with new quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton, but make no mistake: The development of Grossman rests on the shoulders of offensive coordinator Ron Turner. If it doesn't work out, Angelo finds himself right back where he was when he came on board nearly six years ago.
Colts DT Dwight Freeney decided he wanted to spend the weekend with his teammates even though he's not under contract and isn't required to attend minicamp. "Aside from when we went to the White House,'' he said, "this will be the first time we've all been together since the Super Bowl. I'm looking forward to seeing the guys and hanging out a bit.'' The team hopes it can sign Freeney to a long-term contract in the coming months.
"We'll see what happens,'' Freeney said. "I know I'm not going anywhere.''
Since Keyshawn Johnson was cut by Carolina after the draft, Tennessee Coach Jeff Fisher said repeatedly Johnson could be a possible Titans target but that he'd have to talk to Johnson, a longtime friend, face to face before the Titans moved forward. That meeting is now scheduled to take place today, when Johnson is expected in Nashville. "He's a possibility here," General Manager Mike Reinfeldt said. "You look at the consistency of his career, year-in, year-out he's been a productive guy. He's a big guy, a big target, a possession guy, a veteran. I think those are things that would interest us." Reinfeldt said Johnson could lead an inexperienced group given "the right dynamic."
Trent Green’s agent, Jim Steiner, informed the Chiefs on Thursday that Green would report for the first practice on Tuesday. Steiner said Green’s decision to practice next week didn’t represent a change in stance. He said Green still wanted a trade to the Miami Dolphins and wouldn’t play for the Chiefs this season. “He’s still part of that team, so he will be part of those (practices) however they want to involve him,” Steiner said. “But he’s not planning on coming back for the season. That hasn’t changed. “(Chiefs president/GM Carl Peterson) has said Trent is welcome to return, but Trent has made his decision based on what the Chiefs told him earlier. They’ve told him they’re moving forward in a different direction, even though they’ve stated they want him to come back. So we’re really not buying into that.” Steiner indicated Green’s decision to practice was intended to expedite a trade, the theory being the Chiefs will be more motivated to trade a player who is risking injury by practicing even in what are supposed to be non-contact drills. The Chiefs say they won’t bar Green from their practice facility. To the contrary, they maintained their public stance that Green is welcome to return and compete for the starting quarterback job with Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick made it sound like Randy Moss wouldn’t be here for the offseason conditioning program, but defensive end Jarvis Green yesterday revealed in an interview on ESPN-890 with the Herald’s Michael Felger that Moss was here Wednesday. “What a surprise,” Green said. “Everyone heard that (he wasn’t coming), then the guy comes in on Wednesday. Just being here - he doesn’t even have to work out - says a lot about him. He’s not the guy everyone thinks he is. He’s coming to work. He just wants to be a Patriot, man.”
Already trying to rehabilitate shoulder and hand injuries, Washington Commanders running back Clinton Portis now has to deal with a knee problem. Portis missed the team's offseason workouts Wednesday and yesterday to travel to Birmingham, Ala., where he was examined by Dr. James Andrews and diagnosed with patella tendinitis. There is no timetable for when Portis can return his running program. "He has to get some therapy, strengthen his quadriceps, stretch his hamstring and he'll be fine," director of sports medicine Bubba Tyer said. "We had it looked at to make sure it was OK and we think we're OK."
Some Bengals observers were surprised Sam Adams was cut and not John Thornton. Thornton works hard, but he is a little undersized and doesn't have Adams' track record or potential. The Bengals still have enough options at defensive tackle to put some heat on Thornton. Team insiders say he had better prove his worth during training camp, or he might be shown the same door as Adams.
Jared Allen told The Star that after spending most of the offseason working out in Arizona, he planned to return to Kansas City today. If he signs the one-year, $2.35 million contract offered by the Chiefs in time, Allen will also be at practice next week.
Rookie running back Brandon Jackson got on a plane Thursday, but he wasn't bound for Green Bay anticipating his first handoff from Brett Favre and running behind Chad Clifton. Instead, he was going to Los Angeles to flash his best smile. And he isn't happy about it. The Green Bay Packers' second-round draft pick from Nebraska should be coming to Green Bay to get an eye-opener at his first full squad minicamp, and then enjoy the spoils - promotions, photographs, fame and money - if and when he ascends the depth chart. Instead, Jackson is forced to choose the glitz of Hollywood over the grit of Green Bay. According to Jackson's agent, Gary Wichard, a mandate handed down from the National Football League Management Council this week has barred Jackson from attending the Packers' mandatory minicamp today through Sunday because Jackson is expected to attend the "2007 Reebok NFL Rookie Premier, presented by EA Sports" to start working on his endorsement deals and player cards. His only real choice is either to go to Los Angeles or stay at home. But he can't come to minicamp. "They literally locked him out of camp," Wichard said. "The team is not allowed to have him. I think it's ridiculous."
Several NFL player agents expressed concern with the public display, saying Alan Faneca probably did not help himself by expressing his anger in what amounted to an emotional outburst to the media at last weekend's minicamp. Against the advice of his representative, Faneca, a six-time Pro Bowl guard, told reporters because he hasn't received a contract offer appropriate for a player of his stature, he doesn't want to remain a team captain and that the 2007 season will be his last with the Steelers. "Disagreements are always best aired behind closed doors with the Steelers," said Joe Linta, who represents Steelers offensive linemen Chukky Okobi and Willie Colon. "Is he underpaid now relative to his worth on the market? Absolutely. But he's also under contract to them for another year."
Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis, who hadn't played since straining a quad muscle during the Pro Bowl last February, worked with the starters during the final organized team activity of the week Thursday. "It's great to have him back," coach Jack Del Rio said. According to Del Rio, Mathis probably could have played sooner, but the Jaguars decided to be cautious and held him out. "We wanted to make certain it was behind him," Del Rio said.
One Colts player who isn't expected to be on hand this weekend is defensive tackle Corey Simon, who has some league issues with the team after spending much of the 2006 season on the NFL's non-football illness/injury list.
The Dolphins signed two sons of Hall of Fame athletes Thursday in safety David Lofton and receiver Michael Malone. Lofton and Malone, both undrafted free agents, worked out for the Dolphins at minicamp (May 4-6) and evidently impressed coach Cam Cameron and General Manager Randy Mueller enough to warrant a contract. Lofton, 23, son of Hall of Fame receiver James Lofton, played four years at Stanford and had 82 tackles and a sack. Lofton will need to prove his value on special teams to stick among a safety unit that includes projected starters Reynaldo Hill and Yeremiah Bell, as well as veterans Cameron Worrell and Travares Tillman. Malone, 23, son of NBA Hall of Fame center Moses Malone, played the past two seasons at Sam Houston State, where he totaled 38 receptions for 446 yards and five touchdowns. Malone, who is 6 feet 3, spent his first three years at Virginia Tech before transferring.
With rookie minicamp plus two weeks of organized team activities in the books, the Rams' defensive line is beginning to take shape. On Thursday, coach Scott Linehan said he expected James Hall to start opposite Leonard Little at end, with first-round draft choice Adam Carriker at one tackle. The other job is open and depends largely on whether Carriker winds up as the nose or "three-technique" tackle. Carriker has been working at both positions, and Linehan said the rookie has shown "a natural feel for playing inside. It's no secret that you're going to see him in the interior of the line by the opening of the season. ... Right now, he's handling both tackle positions with relative ease." The top candidates for the final spot in the lineup are Jimmy Kennedy, La'Roi Glover and Claude Wroten.
Linebacker Marcus Washington was in better spirits yesterday than he had been in days because he could do something he previously had been unable to do: participate in drills during the Washington Commanders' second week of voluntary workouts. Washington, who is coming off of left hip surgery, had not been able to be a part of offseason workouts and won't be cleared to join full practices until minicamp in mid-June. That good news for the team was dampened somewhat when Coach Joe Gibbs said running back Clinton Portis has tendinitis in his knee and that wide receiver Santana Moss injured his groin earlier in the week. Neither participated in workouts yesterday but Gibbs didn't appear concerned about the long-term affects of the injuries. Portis, 25, who is rehabbing from two surgeries, will continue his weightlifting program, but Gibbs was unsure when he would resume running. Portis consulted surgeon James Andrews Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala. NFL rules do not require teams to disclose which knee is injured.
Rams WR Torry Holt, who had knee surgery in the offseason, isn't participating in OTAs, which are voluntary. Neither is fellow wide receiver Isaac Bruce, who prefers to train at his home in Memphis.
Coach Rod Marinelli didn't flinch when it was mentioned Lions fans have heard optimistic reports. "That's OK," he said. "It's just me. It's what I see. I'm out here. I look, I see it. I'm not going to under sell. I'm going to overrate. I've got great expectations for this team. "You're seeing what I'm seeing. It's fast and explosive."
Although the drills are voluntary, the only three players expected to be missing Tuesday when the Jaguars resume are RB Fred Taylor and two players unhappy with their contract situation - offensive guard Chris Naeole and defensive end Bobby McCray. Taylor said he'll return to South Florida for his training program next week and skip the remainder of the organized team activities.
The Rams have signed former University of Miami quarterback Brock Berlin, 25. He had two training-camp stints with the Miami Dolphins, who originally signed him in 2005 as an undrafted free agent, but he's never played in an NFL regular-season game.
Nine of the Ravens' 22 projected starters missed yesterday's voluntary camp. The absent players were linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle, safety Ed Reed, defensive end Trevor Pryce, nose tackle Kelly Gregg, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden and center Mike Flynn. "I am comfortable with the guys who we have here," Billick said. "Those who aren't, I am very comfortable knowing what they'll be able to do once they get here."
Texans RB Ahman Green asked around the locker room before he even approached Jason Simmons. Green wanted to know if he was wasting his time. He didn't know Simmons well, and, even more importantly, he didn't know how attached the Texans safety was to the No. 30. "Everybody was like, 'He's a good guy. He's going to work something out with you someway or somehow,' " Green said. The tradition around the NFL is that if you want someone else's number, you pay them. When Green finally asked, Simmons shocked him. "He said, 'Sure, but I'd like you to make a down payment on a single-parent home through a foundation or charity,' " Green said. "I was like, 'Yeah I'm all on board. That's easy. Tell me where to write the check to.' "So instead of putting the money into his pocket, he's going to put in into somebody else's home and help them get their life started." No. 30 does mean something to Simmons now, and he also knows it will soon mean something to a worthy family in the community. Simmons always found it a little ridiculous that players pay each other for certain numbers. But now, he is excited about how that old NFL tradition will be put toward a good cause.
Former Dolphins RB Sammie Smith had gotten involved with the wrong people and made some dumb decisions after football, got caught selling cocaine. He served almost six years before being released in early 2001. Smith remarried three years ago. The daughter in the stands that day? She is almost 20 now, headed to nursing school. A 3-month-old baby girl is keeping Smith busy these days, along with a 7-year-old boy his wife brought to the marriage. Smith owned a courier business but lately has delved into real estate, buying and selling foreclosure homes and vacant land that he has subdivided into lots. On Wednesday, he turned 40. At last, things are good. ''The experiences and lessons have formed the man and husband and father I am today,'' he said. ``I want to see kids be led in the right direction. I share with young kids in my church what I had to go through to get where I am today. I'm at peace today.'' Smith has not attended a Dolphins home game since last playing in one, but says that may change this season. He now lives in Central Florida.
Former Commanders general manager Charley Casserly, now working for CBS, attended yesterday's practice. He said he is making trips to several teams' workouts leading into training camp. Casserly was the Commanders' general manager from 1989 to 1999, was fired by Daniel Snyder and then served as the Houston Texans' general manager from 2002 to 2006.
Quarterback Jason Campbell will compete in the DirecTV NFL Quarterback Challenge in the Cayman Islands this weekend. It will air on ESPN on Friday, Aug. 3. The event also features Minnesota's Tarvaris Jackson, Detroit's Jon Kitna, Jacksonville's Byron Leftwich and San Francisco's Alex Smith.
Colts DT Dwight Freeney decided he wanted to spend the weekend with his teammates even though he's not under contract and isn't required to attend minicamp. "Aside from when we went to the White House,'' he said, "this will be the first time we've all been together since the Super Bowl. I'm looking forward to seeing the guys and hanging out a bit.'' The team hopes it can sign Freeney to a long-term contract in the coming months.
"We'll see what happens,'' Freeney said. "I know I'm not going anywhere.''
Since Keyshawn Johnson was cut by Carolina after the draft, Tennessee Coach Jeff Fisher said repeatedly Johnson could be a possible Titans target but that he'd have to talk to Johnson, a longtime friend, face to face before the Titans moved forward. That meeting is now scheduled to take place today, when Johnson is expected in Nashville. "He's a possibility here," General Manager Mike Reinfeldt said. "You look at the consistency of his career, year-in, year-out he's been a productive guy. He's a big guy, a big target, a possession guy, a veteran. I think those are things that would interest us." Reinfeldt said Johnson could lead an inexperienced group given "the right dynamic."
Trent Green’s agent, Jim Steiner, informed the Chiefs on Thursday that Green would report for the first practice on Tuesday. Steiner said Green’s decision to practice next week didn’t represent a change in stance. He said Green still wanted a trade to the Miami Dolphins and wouldn’t play for the Chiefs this season. “He’s still part of that team, so he will be part of those (practices) however they want to involve him,” Steiner said. “But he’s not planning on coming back for the season. That hasn’t changed. “(Chiefs president/GM Carl Peterson) has said Trent is welcome to return, but Trent has made his decision based on what the Chiefs told him earlier. They’ve told him they’re moving forward in a different direction, even though they’ve stated they want him to come back. So we’re really not buying into that.” Steiner indicated Green’s decision to practice was intended to expedite a trade, the theory being the Chiefs will be more motivated to trade a player who is risking injury by practicing even in what are supposed to be non-contact drills. The Chiefs say they won’t bar Green from their practice facility. To the contrary, they maintained their public stance that Green is welcome to return and compete for the starting quarterback job with Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick made it sound like Randy Moss wouldn’t be here for the offseason conditioning program, but defensive end Jarvis Green yesterday revealed in an interview on ESPN-890 with the Herald’s Michael Felger that Moss was here Wednesday. “What a surprise,” Green said. “Everyone heard that (he wasn’t coming), then the guy comes in on Wednesday. Just being here - he doesn’t even have to work out - says a lot about him. He’s not the guy everyone thinks he is. He’s coming to work. He just wants to be a Patriot, man.”
Already trying to rehabilitate shoulder and hand injuries, Washington Commanders running back Clinton Portis now has to deal with a knee problem. Portis missed the team's offseason workouts Wednesday and yesterday to travel to Birmingham, Ala., where he was examined by Dr. James Andrews and diagnosed with patella tendinitis. There is no timetable for when Portis can return his running program. "He has to get some therapy, strengthen his quadriceps, stretch his hamstring and he'll be fine," director of sports medicine Bubba Tyer said. "We had it looked at to make sure it was OK and we think we're OK."
Some Bengals observers were surprised Sam Adams was cut and not John Thornton. Thornton works hard, but he is a little undersized and doesn't have Adams' track record or potential. The Bengals still have enough options at defensive tackle to put some heat on Thornton. Team insiders say he had better prove his worth during training camp, or he might be shown the same door as Adams.
Jared Allen told The Star that after spending most of the offseason working out in Arizona, he planned to return to Kansas City today. If he signs the one-year, $2.35 million contract offered by the Chiefs in time, Allen will also be at practice next week.
Rookie running back Brandon Jackson got on a plane Thursday, but he wasn't bound for Green Bay anticipating his first handoff from Brett Favre and running behind Chad Clifton. Instead, he was going to Los Angeles to flash his best smile. And he isn't happy about it. The Green Bay Packers' second-round draft pick from Nebraska should be coming to Green Bay to get an eye-opener at his first full squad minicamp, and then enjoy the spoils - promotions, photographs, fame and money - if and when he ascends the depth chart. Instead, Jackson is forced to choose the glitz of Hollywood over the grit of Green Bay. According to Jackson's agent, Gary Wichard, a mandate handed down from the National Football League Management Council this week has barred Jackson from attending the Packers' mandatory minicamp today through Sunday because Jackson is expected to attend the "2007 Reebok NFL Rookie Premier, presented by EA Sports" to start working on his endorsement deals and player cards. His only real choice is either to go to Los Angeles or stay at home. But he can't come to minicamp. "They literally locked him out of camp," Wichard said. "The team is not allowed to have him. I think it's ridiculous."
Several NFL player agents expressed concern with the public display, saying Alan Faneca probably did not help himself by expressing his anger in what amounted to an emotional outburst to the media at last weekend's minicamp. Against the advice of his representative, Faneca, a six-time Pro Bowl guard, told reporters because he hasn't received a contract offer appropriate for a player of his stature, he doesn't want to remain a team captain and that the 2007 season will be his last with the Steelers. "Disagreements are always best aired behind closed doors with the Steelers," said Joe Linta, who represents Steelers offensive linemen Chukky Okobi and Willie Colon. "Is he underpaid now relative to his worth on the market? Absolutely. But he's also under contract to them for another year."
Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis, who hadn't played since straining a quad muscle during the Pro Bowl last February, worked with the starters during the final organized team activity of the week Thursday. "It's great to have him back," coach Jack Del Rio said. According to Del Rio, Mathis probably could have played sooner, but the Jaguars decided to be cautious and held him out. "We wanted to make certain it was behind him," Del Rio said.
One Colts player who isn't expected to be on hand this weekend is defensive tackle Corey Simon, who has some league issues with the team after spending much of the 2006 season on the NFL's non-football illness/injury list.
The Dolphins signed two sons of Hall of Fame athletes Thursday in safety David Lofton and receiver Michael Malone. Lofton and Malone, both undrafted free agents, worked out for the Dolphins at minicamp (May 4-6) and evidently impressed coach Cam Cameron and General Manager Randy Mueller enough to warrant a contract. Lofton, 23, son of Hall of Fame receiver James Lofton, played four years at Stanford and had 82 tackles and a sack. Lofton will need to prove his value on special teams to stick among a safety unit that includes projected starters Reynaldo Hill and Yeremiah Bell, as well as veterans Cameron Worrell and Travares Tillman. Malone, 23, son of NBA Hall of Fame center Moses Malone, played the past two seasons at Sam Houston State, where he totaled 38 receptions for 446 yards and five touchdowns. Malone, who is 6 feet 3, spent his first three years at Virginia Tech before transferring.
With rookie minicamp plus two weeks of organized team activities in the books, the Rams' defensive line is beginning to take shape. On Thursday, coach Scott Linehan said he expected James Hall to start opposite Leonard Little at end, with first-round draft choice Adam Carriker at one tackle. The other job is open and depends largely on whether Carriker winds up as the nose or "three-technique" tackle. Carriker has been working at both positions, and Linehan said the rookie has shown "a natural feel for playing inside. It's no secret that you're going to see him in the interior of the line by the opening of the season. ... Right now, he's handling both tackle positions with relative ease." The top candidates for the final spot in the lineup are Jimmy Kennedy, La'Roi Glover and Claude Wroten.
Linebacker Marcus Washington was in better spirits yesterday than he had been in days because he could do something he previously had been unable to do: participate in drills during the Washington Commanders' second week of voluntary workouts. Washington, who is coming off of left hip surgery, had not been able to be a part of offseason workouts and won't be cleared to join full practices until minicamp in mid-June. That good news for the team was dampened somewhat when Coach Joe Gibbs said running back Clinton Portis has tendinitis in his knee and that wide receiver Santana Moss injured his groin earlier in the week. Neither participated in workouts yesterday but Gibbs didn't appear concerned about the long-term affects of the injuries. Portis, 25, who is rehabbing from two surgeries, will continue his weightlifting program, but Gibbs was unsure when he would resume running. Portis consulted surgeon James Andrews Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala. NFL rules do not require teams to disclose which knee is injured.
Rams WR Torry Holt, who had knee surgery in the offseason, isn't participating in OTAs, which are voluntary. Neither is fellow wide receiver Isaac Bruce, who prefers to train at his home in Memphis.
Coach Rod Marinelli didn't flinch when it was mentioned Lions fans have heard optimistic reports. "That's OK," he said. "It's just me. It's what I see. I'm out here. I look, I see it. I'm not going to under sell. I'm going to overrate. I've got great expectations for this team. "You're seeing what I'm seeing. It's fast and explosive."
Although the drills are voluntary, the only three players expected to be missing Tuesday when the Jaguars resume are RB Fred Taylor and two players unhappy with their contract situation - offensive guard Chris Naeole and defensive end Bobby McCray. Taylor said he'll return to South Florida for his training program next week and skip the remainder of the organized team activities.
The Rams have signed former University of Miami quarterback Brock Berlin, 25. He had two training-camp stints with the Miami Dolphins, who originally signed him in 2005 as an undrafted free agent, but he's never played in an NFL regular-season game.
Nine of the Ravens' 22 projected starters missed yesterday's voluntary camp. The absent players were linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle, safety Ed Reed, defensive end Trevor Pryce, nose tackle Kelly Gregg, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden and center Mike Flynn. "I am comfortable with the guys who we have here," Billick said. "Those who aren't, I am very comfortable knowing what they'll be able to do once they get here."
Texans RB Ahman Green asked around the locker room before he even approached Jason Simmons. Green wanted to know if he was wasting his time. He didn't know Simmons well, and, even more importantly, he didn't know how attached the Texans safety was to the No. 30. "Everybody was like, 'He's a good guy. He's going to work something out with you someway or somehow,' " Green said. The tradition around the NFL is that if you want someone else's number, you pay them. When Green finally asked, Simmons shocked him. "He said, 'Sure, but I'd like you to make a down payment on a single-parent home through a foundation or charity,' " Green said. "I was like, 'Yeah I'm all on board. That's easy. Tell me where to write the check to.' "So instead of putting the money into his pocket, he's going to put in into somebody else's home and help them get their life started." No. 30 does mean something to Simmons now, and he also knows it will soon mean something to a worthy family in the community. Simmons always found it a little ridiculous that players pay each other for certain numbers. But now, he is excited about how that old NFL tradition will be put toward a good cause.
Former Dolphins RB Sammie Smith had gotten involved with the wrong people and made some dumb decisions after football, got caught selling cocaine. He served almost six years before being released in early 2001. Smith remarried three years ago. The daughter in the stands that day? She is almost 20 now, headed to nursing school. A 3-month-old baby girl is keeping Smith busy these days, along with a 7-year-old boy his wife brought to the marriage. Smith owned a courier business but lately has delved into real estate, buying and selling foreclosure homes and vacant land that he has subdivided into lots. On Wednesday, he turned 40. At last, things are good. ''The experiences and lessons have formed the man and husband and father I am today,'' he said. ``I want to see kids be led in the right direction. I share with young kids in my church what I had to go through to get where I am today. I'm at peace today.'' Smith has not attended a Dolphins home game since last playing in one, but says that may change this season. He now lives in Central Florida.
Former Commanders general manager Charley Casserly, now working for CBS, attended yesterday's practice. He said he is making trips to several teams' workouts leading into training camp. Casserly was the Commanders' general manager from 1989 to 1999, was fired by Daniel Snyder and then served as the Houston Texans' general manager from 2002 to 2006.
Quarterback Jason Campbell will compete in the DirecTV NFL Quarterback Challenge in the Cayman Islands this weekend. It will air on ESPN on Friday, Aug. 3. The event also features Minnesota's Tarvaris Jackson, Detroit's Jon Kitna, Jacksonville's Byron Leftwich and San Francisco's Alex Smith.
