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Asante Samuel won’t be in Foxboro today for the team’s mandatory minicamp, his agent said last night. “He’s not coming to camp until a contract resolution can be reached,” agent Alonzo Shavers said. “Nothing more can be said. His status has not changed. There has been no movement toward a deal.” ... If the sides can’t reach an extension by July 15, Samuel will have to sign the one-year tender or hold out. Samuel is not under contract, so technically he is not required to attend this week’s minicamp. But, according to a source, the planned absence is indeed a sign of his discontent with the progress of negotiations. “It is very disappointing,” the source said. “He wanted to be there with the Patriots. But the Patriots don’t want to pay him, and they don’t want to release him. He has to do what he has to do.” The source added that Samuel is willing to sit out into the season. Samuel is free to ink an offer sheet with another team, but the Pats would retain matching rights and net two first-round picks from the signing team if they let him go. If Samuel were to sit until the 10th week of the season, he could sign the tender and still gain an accrued league year along with a prorated amount of the $7.79 million. Or he could sit out the entire season and forego all money. In both cases, he’d run the risk of being slapped with the franchise tag again before the start of the 2008 free agency period.
In an effort to add a veteran wide receiver, the Texans will visit with Keenan McCardell at Reliant Stadium today. McCardell, 37, is entering his 17th season in the NFL. He spent the past three seasons with the San Diego Chargers after stops in Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Cleveland and Washington.
After injuring his knee during Sunday's mandatory minicamp and then sitting out the Saints Monday Organized Team Activities, New Orleans' 2007 first-round pick Robert Meachem learned that he will need to undergo arthroscopic right knee surgery this morning. Meachem is expected to miss four weeks, but should be ready for the start of training camp in late July.
The Commanders have made re-signing tight end Chris Cooley an offseason priority, but formal negotiations have not begun, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. Cooley was a third-round pick in 2004 and has one year left on his rookie contract. Washington has $5.1 million in cap space available, league sources said, and has yet to sign any of its draft picks.
While many await word on developments in the Michael Vick dogfighting investigation, the man who could prosecute the Falcons quarterback spent Monday morning sipping coffee in his spacious backyard, which abuts a cornfield on one side and a horizon of rural serenity on the other. Commonwealth attorney Gerald Poindexter is in no rush to expedite the case involving this humble county's most famous property owner and part-time visitor. That's because he's received no hard information from investigators. "I don't have, to date, one investigative report," Poindexter said in an exclusive interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I have nothing on my desk. I'm in touch with people who can assure me they can provide me the stuff. That's where we are."
The 49ers had former Eagles defensive tackle Sam Rayburn visit recently. He was released by Philadelphia on May 11. The 49ers and three other teams are interested in signing him.
"Hopefully, their (the Eagles') loss is our gain," coach Mike Nolan said. Rayburn would fit in the rotation as a nose tackle and defensive end. Rayburn fell out of favor in Philadelphia after players such as Mike Peterson began developing.
Bears DT Tank Johnson did not rule out the possibility of an appeal through the NFL Players Association. When asked specifically about that course of action, he replied: ''My focus at this point is just getting through it, making sure that my body's fresh for when it's time for me to play football. I've been through a lot, and the more important thing to look at now is that I'm at the end of the road with all of this stuff and it's time for a new beginning.''
Damien Woody still is in a reducing phase in his offseason conditioning program, but he doesn't plan on disappearing from his starting position on the Lions' offensive line. Woody, who has been on a well-publicized diet, plans to be the starting guard when the Lions open the regular season at Oakland on Sept. 9. "That's what I expect," Woody said Monday. Woody had just finished participating in a 90-minute practice that is part of the Lions' official offseason workout program. For now, Woody's thoughts are preparation and the conditioning routine that will get him ready for the season. "I'll deal with training camp when it comes," Woody said. "I'm just building right now. Everything else, I'll deal with as it comes."
Cornerback Shawn Springs reported to Commanders Park yesterday for the first time since the start of Washington's formal offseason program, and will be on the field today for voluntary practice, he said. Springs, the only prominent player not participating in organized team activities, said he will remain in town through minicamp. Springs, 32, who missed nearly half of last season with a sports hernia injury, had been training in Arizona. He bristled after being asked to take a $2 million pay cut this offseason, and was mentioned in trade talks. But when healthy, he is the Commanders' premier cover cornerback, and one of the best in the league. Springs arrived at Commanders Park early yesterday morning to check in with coaches and said he is healthy and happy.
Cowboys Pro Bowl left tackle Flozell Adams will miss this week's set of practices because of minor surgery on his right knee. Adams, who has some swelling in the knee, will not participate in the voluntary organized team activities (OTA) that start today and end Thursday. He will also miss the three-day minicamp that begins Friday at Valley Ranch. Adams is expected to return in time for training camp in late July.
A week after it became apparent the Cardinals would consider cutting a veteran or two before the end of offseason on-field work, the team asked veteran defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy and guard Milford Brown Monday to take pay cuts or risk being released. Clancy will turn down that request, his agent, Ron Del Duca, said Monday. Clancy is scheduled to make $1.5 million this season, and while he is currently working with the first unit, the relatively undersized Clancy is projected to be on the bench behind second-round pick Alan Branch and/or Gabe Watson in the Cards’ new 3-4 defensive alignment. Brown’s agent did not return a phone message, but Brown, who is scheduled to make $2.35 million this season, seems likely to also choose free agency since he is no longer starting. The team has Deuce Lutui and Reggie Wells as the starting guards.
As he's been for most of his injury-marred career, Ravens linebacker Dan Cody will be sidelined with a knee injury. During a non-contact pass-rush drill May 20, Cody hyperextended his right knee and tore a piece of cartilage about the size of a thumbnail. It was his third knee injury since being drafted in the second round 26 months ago and likely will cause him to miss the final two offseason minicamps. "The most frustrating part is that as soon as I get going, I get the rug pulled out from underneath me," Cody said. The Ravens are taking a cautious approach with Cody because they don't want to lose their young pass rusher for a third straight season. The team doesn't consider this latest injury as serious as Cody's previous ones and is optimistic that he'll be ready for training camp at the end of July. But there is a possibility he could need surgery; if so, that would require four months of rehabilitation, which would presumably end his season. "They say more times than not, it heals on its own," Cody said. "But there is no 100 percent guarantee."
Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure said Monday he takes as a serious threat comments made about him last week by Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Association. In a story in Friday's editions of the Philadelphia Daily News, Upshaw defended his record for helping retired players and took aim at DeLamielleure, one of his harshest critics who has called for the NFLPA leader's ouster. "A guy like DeLamielleure says the things he said about me; you think I'm going to invite him to dinner? No. I'm going to break his ...damn neck," Upshaw was quoted as saying by the Daily News. Upshaw also said he told a group of Hall of Famers last year: "I'm not one to turn the other cheek. You're not going to hit me in the nose and I'm going to sit there and smile. Upshaw declined to comment when questioned by the Observer in person Saturday at a retired players convention in Atlanta. He also did not respond to e-mailed questions Monday. DeLamielleure, a Charlotte resident, said Upshaw's comments were unsettling to his family. "At first, I was angry," he said. "All the competitiveness comes out in you and I thought, `I'd like to see him try.' But then reality sets in. "My wife was petrified. We grew up in Detroit. You know what unions are. You hear about it. She goes, `Hey, this guy is a head of a union, a powerful union, and (when) he makes a threat like that, you'd better take it serious.' "I'm not afraid of Upshaw, but he has the means to do what he said." DeLamielleure has been a persistent critic of Upshaw and the NFLPA, saying they "stink" as advocates for retired players. "DeLamielleure target as NFLPA head says he'll `break his neck'"'
WR Ashley Lelie might be facing more competition than he anticipated with the 49ers. Marcus Maxwell, a seventh-round project who was chosen in 2005, continues to light up NFL Europa.
This year, based on his $510,000 base salary, Bears NT Tank Johnson is scheduled to make $30,000 per game. If he misses only six games, Johnson will lose out on $180,000 in lost wages. If Johnson misses the full eight games, he will lose out on $240,000. Fortunately for Johnson, he will have the chance to recoup all that and more. He has two years remaining on his contract. If Johnson can turn around his life the way he has vowed to, the defensive tackle should be able to command a fat contract when he becomes a free agent after the 2008 season.
49ers Guard Larry Allen won't take part in any of the OTAs, which is OK by Mike Nolan. Allen is dealing with a personal issue. The 49ers, otherwise, had a full roster Monday.
Asante Samuel did not join his Patriots teammates at Marquise Hill’s wake Friday in New Orleans, nor did he attend the funeral, according to several people who were at the services.
Sam Adams signed a one-year deal with a modest signing bonus. Denver hopes to be able to use Adams, who turns 34 later this month, in a rotation that includes Gerard Warren and fourth-round pick Marcus Thomas. Some NFL scouts think Adams has little left. He still has a quick first step, but they believe the Broncos will have to use him sparingly to get any production out of him.
Center Justin Hartwig is eager to earn his money and prove his signing by the Panthers wasn’t a mistake. “I need to have a big year this year and I fully intend to do that,” he said. “As far as I’m concerned, I’ve never been this hungry before in my career. I can’t wait to get back on the field. “I’ve been blessed with a lot of ability. It will be a big day for me when I get back out there on the field and show them I can do what they brought me in to do what they want me to do.”
Giants TE Jeremy Shockey and WR Plaxico Burress were again missing from the workouts yesterday, as were DE Michael Strahan and FB Jim Finn. All four starters (as well as QB Anthony Wright, LB Zak DeOssie and a few other reserves who were absent yesterday) are expected to participate in next week's mandatory minicamp.
According to Giants LB Antonio Pierce, his interest in pit bulls is limited to an appreciation of the animals, not an exploitation of them. "Anybody who fights pit bulls is a punk," the middle linebacker said yesterday after the team's organized team activities workout at Giants Stadium. "It gives my dogs a bad rap. Everybody loves my dogs because they're good dogs. So of course I'm not pleased with it." Pierce refused to comment specifically on Vick, who has said he was unaware of the activities taking place on the property Vick owned in Virginia. But Pierce said he's been following the case and said, "None of it sounds positive. If (the evidence proves Vick was involved), then (prosecutors and the NFL) need to do what they need to do." Pierce said he owns four pit bulls and has sold several to his teammates and friends. But he said he has never sold one unless he was certain the dog wouldn't be involved in any kind of illegal activity. "Mine are all for show, for looks. They're all good-looking dogs and they're registered," Pierce said. "I only sell them to people I know. There's no Web site called antoniopiercepitbulls.com. "If I don't know you, you don't get one of my dogs."
The investigation into the cause of death of former Commanders linebacker Kevin Mitchell has not yet been completed, according to the office of the Virginia medical examiner. Mitchell died in his sleep in April at age 36 and a preliminary autopsy determined the cause as a massive heart attack. More detailed results are not yet available.
Running back Antonio Pittman, the Saints' fourth-round draft choice from Ohio State, was scheduled to arrive in New Orleans on Monday evening, Payton said, and will be working in the remainder of the team's seven OTA sessions this week and next. "That will be good," Payton said. Pittman has been in school in Columbus, Ohio.
Mark Bruener, the veteran tight end for the Texans, received his Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Washington last month. "I started the process 16 years ago," Bruener said. "Most people are doctors by now. I just have my B.A." Bruener jokes about it, but it is clear he is proud. So is linebacker Charlie Anderson, 25, who walked through commencement in May at the University of Mississippi — seven years after he enrolled. Anderson graduated with a degree in sociology on the same day as his younger brother, Robert Hough.
Yesterday, before thanking his surgeon, his trainers and God, Verron Haynes re-signed with the Steelers and took that long-anticipated step of rejoining his teammates on the practice field for the first time in more than seven months. He is ahead of schedule and hopes to stay that way as he tries to reclaim his job as third-down back and possibly backup to starter Willie Parker amidst increasing competition.
The Seahawks did not designate cornerback Kelly Herndon as a post-June 1 cut, so the move will save $1.06 million under the salary cap this year and count nothing against the cap next year.
Former Commanders offensive lineman Ray Brown, who helped the coaching staff last season and served as a sort of go-between for players and the staff, will not return to the team. He said he plans to remain in the area and work in broadcasting.
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger missed his first practice of the spring in order to play in Jim Kelly's charity golf tournament in New York.
In an effort to add a veteran wide receiver, the Texans will visit with Keenan McCardell at Reliant Stadium today. McCardell, 37, is entering his 17th season in the NFL. He spent the past three seasons with the San Diego Chargers after stops in Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Cleveland and Washington.
After injuring his knee during Sunday's mandatory minicamp and then sitting out the Saints Monday Organized Team Activities, New Orleans' 2007 first-round pick Robert Meachem learned that he will need to undergo arthroscopic right knee surgery this morning. Meachem is expected to miss four weeks, but should be ready for the start of training camp in late July.
The Commanders have made re-signing tight end Chris Cooley an offseason priority, but formal negotiations have not begun, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. Cooley was a third-round pick in 2004 and has one year left on his rookie contract. Washington has $5.1 million in cap space available, league sources said, and has yet to sign any of its draft picks.
While many await word on developments in the Michael Vick dogfighting investigation, the man who could prosecute the Falcons quarterback spent Monday morning sipping coffee in his spacious backyard, which abuts a cornfield on one side and a horizon of rural serenity on the other. Commonwealth attorney Gerald Poindexter is in no rush to expedite the case involving this humble county's most famous property owner and part-time visitor. That's because he's received no hard information from investigators. "I don't have, to date, one investigative report," Poindexter said in an exclusive interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I have nothing on my desk. I'm in touch with people who can assure me they can provide me the stuff. That's where we are."
The 49ers had former Eagles defensive tackle Sam Rayburn visit recently. He was released by Philadelphia on May 11. The 49ers and three other teams are interested in signing him.
"Hopefully, their (the Eagles') loss is our gain," coach Mike Nolan said. Rayburn would fit in the rotation as a nose tackle and defensive end. Rayburn fell out of favor in Philadelphia after players such as Mike Peterson began developing.
Bears DT Tank Johnson did not rule out the possibility of an appeal through the NFL Players Association. When asked specifically about that course of action, he replied: ''My focus at this point is just getting through it, making sure that my body's fresh for when it's time for me to play football. I've been through a lot, and the more important thing to look at now is that I'm at the end of the road with all of this stuff and it's time for a new beginning.''
Damien Woody still is in a reducing phase in his offseason conditioning program, but he doesn't plan on disappearing from his starting position on the Lions' offensive line. Woody, who has been on a well-publicized diet, plans to be the starting guard when the Lions open the regular season at Oakland on Sept. 9. "That's what I expect," Woody said Monday. Woody had just finished participating in a 90-minute practice that is part of the Lions' official offseason workout program. For now, Woody's thoughts are preparation and the conditioning routine that will get him ready for the season. "I'll deal with training camp when it comes," Woody said. "I'm just building right now. Everything else, I'll deal with as it comes."
Cornerback Shawn Springs reported to Commanders Park yesterday for the first time since the start of Washington's formal offseason program, and will be on the field today for voluntary practice, he said. Springs, the only prominent player not participating in organized team activities, said he will remain in town through minicamp. Springs, 32, who missed nearly half of last season with a sports hernia injury, had been training in Arizona. He bristled after being asked to take a $2 million pay cut this offseason, and was mentioned in trade talks. But when healthy, he is the Commanders' premier cover cornerback, and one of the best in the league. Springs arrived at Commanders Park early yesterday morning to check in with coaches and said he is healthy and happy.
Cowboys Pro Bowl left tackle Flozell Adams will miss this week's set of practices because of minor surgery on his right knee. Adams, who has some swelling in the knee, will not participate in the voluntary organized team activities (OTA) that start today and end Thursday. He will also miss the three-day minicamp that begins Friday at Valley Ranch. Adams is expected to return in time for training camp in late July.
A week after it became apparent the Cardinals would consider cutting a veteran or two before the end of offseason on-field work, the team asked veteran defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy and guard Milford Brown Monday to take pay cuts or risk being released. Clancy will turn down that request, his agent, Ron Del Duca, said Monday. Clancy is scheduled to make $1.5 million this season, and while he is currently working with the first unit, the relatively undersized Clancy is projected to be on the bench behind second-round pick Alan Branch and/or Gabe Watson in the Cards’ new 3-4 defensive alignment. Brown’s agent did not return a phone message, but Brown, who is scheduled to make $2.35 million this season, seems likely to also choose free agency since he is no longer starting. The team has Deuce Lutui and Reggie Wells as the starting guards.
As he's been for most of his injury-marred career, Ravens linebacker Dan Cody will be sidelined with a knee injury. During a non-contact pass-rush drill May 20, Cody hyperextended his right knee and tore a piece of cartilage about the size of a thumbnail. It was his third knee injury since being drafted in the second round 26 months ago and likely will cause him to miss the final two offseason minicamps. "The most frustrating part is that as soon as I get going, I get the rug pulled out from underneath me," Cody said. The Ravens are taking a cautious approach with Cody because they don't want to lose their young pass rusher for a third straight season. The team doesn't consider this latest injury as serious as Cody's previous ones and is optimistic that he'll be ready for training camp at the end of July. But there is a possibility he could need surgery; if so, that would require four months of rehabilitation, which would presumably end his season. "They say more times than not, it heals on its own," Cody said. "But there is no 100 percent guarantee."
Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure said Monday he takes as a serious threat comments made about him last week by Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Association. In a story in Friday's editions of the Philadelphia Daily News, Upshaw defended his record for helping retired players and took aim at DeLamielleure, one of his harshest critics who has called for the NFLPA leader's ouster. "A guy like DeLamielleure says the things he said about me; you think I'm going to invite him to dinner? No. I'm going to break his ...damn neck," Upshaw was quoted as saying by the Daily News. Upshaw also said he told a group of Hall of Famers last year: "I'm not one to turn the other cheek. You're not going to hit me in the nose and I'm going to sit there and smile. Upshaw declined to comment when questioned by the Observer in person Saturday at a retired players convention in Atlanta. He also did not respond to e-mailed questions Monday. DeLamielleure, a Charlotte resident, said Upshaw's comments were unsettling to his family. "At first, I was angry," he said. "All the competitiveness comes out in you and I thought, `I'd like to see him try.' But then reality sets in. "My wife was petrified. We grew up in Detroit. You know what unions are. You hear about it. She goes, `Hey, this guy is a head of a union, a powerful union, and (when) he makes a threat like that, you'd better take it serious.' "I'm not afraid of Upshaw, but he has the means to do what he said." DeLamielleure has been a persistent critic of Upshaw and the NFLPA, saying they "stink" as advocates for retired players. "DeLamielleure target as NFLPA head says he'll `break his neck'"'
WR Ashley Lelie might be facing more competition than he anticipated with the 49ers. Marcus Maxwell, a seventh-round project who was chosen in 2005, continues to light up NFL Europa.
This year, based on his $510,000 base salary, Bears NT Tank Johnson is scheduled to make $30,000 per game. If he misses only six games, Johnson will lose out on $180,000 in lost wages. If Johnson misses the full eight games, he will lose out on $240,000. Fortunately for Johnson, he will have the chance to recoup all that and more. He has two years remaining on his contract. If Johnson can turn around his life the way he has vowed to, the defensive tackle should be able to command a fat contract when he becomes a free agent after the 2008 season.
49ers Guard Larry Allen won't take part in any of the OTAs, which is OK by Mike Nolan. Allen is dealing with a personal issue. The 49ers, otherwise, had a full roster Monday.
Asante Samuel did not join his Patriots teammates at Marquise Hill’s wake Friday in New Orleans, nor did he attend the funeral, according to several people who were at the services.
Sam Adams signed a one-year deal with a modest signing bonus. Denver hopes to be able to use Adams, who turns 34 later this month, in a rotation that includes Gerard Warren and fourth-round pick Marcus Thomas. Some NFL scouts think Adams has little left. He still has a quick first step, but they believe the Broncos will have to use him sparingly to get any production out of him.
Center Justin Hartwig is eager to earn his money and prove his signing by the Panthers wasn’t a mistake. “I need to have a big year this year and I fully intend to do that,” he said. “As far as I’m concerned, I’ve never been this hungry before in my career. I can’t wait to get back on the field. “I’ve been blessed with a lot of ability. It will be a big day for me when I get back out there on the field and show them I can do what they brought me in to do what they want me to do.”
Giants TE Jeremy Shockey and WR Plaxico Burress were again missing from the workouts yesterday, as were DE Michael Strahan and FB Jim Finn. All four starters (as well as QB Anthony Wright, LB Zak DeOssie and a few other reserves who were absent yesterday) are expected to participate in next week's mandatory minicamp.
According to Giants LB Antonio Pierce, his interest in pit bulls is limited to an appreciation of the animals, not an exploitation of them. "Anybody who fights pit bulls is a punk," the middle linebacker said yesterday after the team's organized team activities workout at Giants Stadium. "It gives my dogs a bad rap. Everybody loves my dogs because they're good dogs. So of course I'm not pleased with it." Pierce refused to comment specifically on Vick, who has said he was unaware of the activities taking place on the property Vick owned in Virginia. But Pierce said he's been following the case and said, "None of it sounds positive. If (the evidence proves Vick was involved), then (prosecutors and the NFL) need to do what they need to do." Pierce said he owns four pit bulls and has sold several to his teammates and friends. But he said he has never sold one unless he was certain the dog wouldn't be involved in any kind of illegal activity. "Mine are all for show, for looks. They're all good-looking dogs and they're registered," Pierce said. "I only sell them to people I know. There's no Web site called antoniopiercepitbulls.com. "If I don't know you, you don't get one of my dogs."
The investigation into the cause of death of former Commanders linebacker Kevin Mitchell has not yet been completed, according to the office of the Virginia medical examiner. Mitchell died in his sleep in April at age 36 and a preliminary autopsy determined the cause as a massive heart attack. More detailed results are not yet available.
Running back Antonio Pittman, the Saints' fourth-round draft choice from Ohio State, was scheduled to arrive in New Orleans on Monday evening, Payton said, and will be working in the remainder of the team's seven OTA sessions this week and next. "That will be good," Payton said. Pittman has been in school in Columbus, Ohio.
Mark Bruener, the veteran tight end for the Texans, received his Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Washington last month. "I started the process 16 years ago," Bruener said. "Most people are doctors by now. I just have my B.A." Bruener jokes about it, but it is clear he is proud. So is linebacker Charlie Anderson, 25, who walked through commencement in May at the University of Mississippi — seven years after he enrolled. Anderson graduated with a degree in sociology on the same day as his younger brother, Robert Hough.
Yesterday, before thanking his surgeon, his trainers and God, Verron Haynes re-signed with the Steelers and took that long-anticipated step of rejoining his teammates on the practice field for the first time in more than seven months. He is ahead of schedule and hopes to stay that way as he tries to reclaim his job as third-down back and possibly backup to starter Willie Parker amidst increasing competition.
The Seahawks did not designate cornerback Kelly Herndon as a post-June 1 cut, so the move will save $1.06 million under the salary cap this year and count nothing against the cap next year.
Former Commanders offensive lineman Ray Brown, who helped the coaching staff last season and served as a sort of go-between for players and the staff, will not return to the team. He said he plans to remain in the area and work in broadcasting.
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger missed his first practice of the spring in order to play in Jim Kelly's charity golf tournament in New York.
