JonCJG
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POSTED 5:15 p.m. EDT, June 28, 2006
WHAT ABOUT CHAD?
As more and more folks are expressing concern regarding the decision of the Pittsburgh Steelers to draft, via a trade up from No. 32 to No. 25, receiver Santurdio in round one of the 2006 draft, more and more folks are asking why the Steelers didn't sit tight and take Florida receiver Chad Jackson.
Instead, Jackson went to the Patriots (who traded up with the Packers) at No. 36.
If the Steelers had stayed at No. 32 (and assuming that the Pats wouldn't have traded into the bottom of round one to get Jackson), the Steelers could have had Jackon instead of Santurdio -- and kept the third-round and fourth-round picks that were sent to the Giants for the ability to move up by seven spots.
At first blush, the reason for picking Holmes over Jackson is simple: Holmes has superior punt-return and kick-return credentials, and the Steelers needed a replacement for Antwaan Randle El. But the fact that the Steelers took return specialist Willie Reid in round three suggests that Holmes was selected primarily for his potential contributions to the passing game.
Though Jackson wasn't regarded as a choir boy, the Pats obviously concluded that he'll respond well to strong on-field and off-field leadership from guys like quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick. Jackson has proven himself worthy of the team's trust so far, in light of his strong performances during the helmets-and-underwear practices of May and June.
And perhaps the real difference between Jackson and Santurdio is that, because Jackson didn't attend a school that finishes its classes in June, he was able to join his NFL team early enough for said strong leadership to slap him upside the head, if necessary. For Santurdio, isolation from the team through early June due to the stoopid rule aimed at placating college coaches might have contributed to his Memorial Day weekend arrest, which in turn might have contributed to the overall stress that resulted in him allegedly roughing up one of his baby mamas.
But shouldn't the Steelers, who apparently were aware of potential concerns regarding Santurdio, have considered the fact that he'd be off limits (but for one weekend minicamp) well into June? Our guess is that some members of the organization took that into account, and that others either chose to ignore it -- or to disregard it.
In the end, the best play for the Steelers might have been to address another position at No. 32, or to trade out of the spot. It's not as if the Steelers in the Cowher era have found high-quality, high-character receivers in round one (see Troy Edwards, Plaxico Burress).
At this point, any strategy other than the one on which the team embarked would have been a better one, especially in a town that has low tolerance for turds.
HEROCK IN THE CROSSHAIRS
Several league sources have sounded off regarding the decision of former NFL executive Ken Herock to talk publicly -- and negatively -- about one of the players to whom he provided consulting services in preparation for the 2006 draft.
As the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on Wednesday (scroll down for the story), Herock said that Steelers receiver Santurdio was "ready to explode."
"He was dirt poor, all of a sudden he's got a little money, you get a little rambunctious," Herock said. "Add it up -- no money, poor family background, three kids already -- something's going to happen."
Said one league source in response to Herock's comments: "What an absolute idiot."
"He's got a good gig working and he screws it up by mouthing off about one of his clients," said the source. "It's not like he's the only person providing this type of service. Why he'd speak publicly about one of his players is beyond reason. I can't believe agents would use Herock anymore to prep their player. Holmes' agent [Joel Segal] has got to be pissed beyond measure."
How good of a gig is Herock jeopardizing? As another league source opined to us, "He finally found a job that he can be successful at because the results can never be disputed. He sure as f--k could not put an NFL roster together or evaluate talent."
Though we know nothing about Herock's abilities as a personnel exec, we agree with the notion that it was incredibly stupid for Herock to say anything negative about one of the guys he was paid to help get ready for interviews and other interactions prior to the draft. Our guess is that Herock got caught up in the notion that his efforts helped Holmes to be selected despite his flaws at a high spot in the draft, and that Herock didn't think that his candor might not be appreciated by Holmes or by Segal.
Another league insider suggested that perhaps Herock is retaliating against Santurdio because Herock either was fired or stiffed out of his fee. Still, Herock's words send a very bad message to players and agents who might use his services in the future -- and he has given his competitors plenty of ammo to convince others not to.
POSTED 10:14 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 12:14 p.m. EDT, June 28, 2006
MORE BAD PRESS FOR SANTURDIO
Though he hasn't been arrested or pulled another muscle this week, there continues to be a stream of bad press for Steelers rookie Santurdio, who recently was busted twice in a three-week span.
In the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, former NFL personnel executive Ken Herock says that he believed Santurdio was "ready to explode."
WHAT ABOUT CHAD?
As more and more folks are expressing concern regarding the decision of the Pittsburgh Steelers to draft, via a trade up from No. 32 to No. 25, receiver Santurdio in round one of the 2006 draft, more and more folks are asking why the Steelers didn't sit tight and take Florida receiver Chad Jackson.
Instead, Jackson went to the Patriots (who traded up with the Packers) at No. 36.
If the Steelers had stayed at No. 32 (and assuming that the Pats wouldn't have traded into the bottom of round one to get Jackson), the Steelers could have had Jackon instead of Santurdio -- and kept the third-round and fourth-round picks that were sent to the Giants for the ability to move up by seven spots.
At first blush, the reason for picking Holmes over Jackson is simple: Holmes has superior punt-return and kick-return credentials, and the Steelers needed a replacement for Antwaan Randle El. But the fact that the Steelers took return specialist Willie Reid in round three suggests that Holmes was selected primarily for his potential contributions to the passing game.
Though Jackson wasn't regarded as a choir boy, the Pats obviously concluded that he'll respond well to strong on-field and off-field leadership from guys like quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick. Jackson has proven himself worthy of the team's trust so far, in light of his strong performances during the helmets-and-underwear practices of May and June.
And perhaps the real difference between Jackson and Santurdio is that, because Jackson didn't attend a school that finishes its classes in June, he was able to join his NFL team early enough for said strong leadership to slap him upside the head, if necessary. For Santurdio, isolation from the team through early June due to the stoopid rule aimed at placating college coaches might have contributed to his Memorial Day weekend arrest, which in turn might have contributed to the overall stress that resulted in him allegedly roughing up one of his baby mamas.
But shouldn't the Steelers, who apparently were aware of potential concerns regarding Santurdio, have considered the fact that he'd be off limits (but for one weekend minicamp) well into June? Our guess is that some members of the organization took that into account, and that others either chose to ignore it -- or to disregard it.
In the end, the best play for the Steelers might have been to address another position at No. 32, or to trade out of the spot. It's not as if the Steelers in the Cowher era have found high-quality, high-character receivers in round one (see Troy Edwards, Plaxico Burress).
At this point, any strategy other than the one on which the team embarked would have been a better one, especially in a town that has low tolerance for turds.
HEROCK IN THE CROSSHAIRS
Several league sources have sounded off regarding the decision of former NFL executive Ken Herock to talk publicly -- and negatively -- about one of the players to whom he provided consulting services in preparation for the 2006 draft.
As the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on Wednesday (scroll down for the story), Herock said that Steelers receiver Santurdio was "ready to explode."
"He was dirt poor, all of a sudden he's got a little money, you get a little rambunctious," Herock said. "Add it up -- no money, poor family background, three kids already -- something's going to happen."
Said one league source in response to Herock's comments: "What an absolute idiot."
"He's got a good gig working and he screws it up by mouthing off about one of his clients," said the source. "It's not like he's the only person providing this type of service. Why he'd speak publicly about one of his players is beyond reason. I can't believe agents would use Herock anymore to prep their player. Holmes' agent [Joel Segal] has got to be pissed beyond measure."
How good of a gig is Herock jeopardizing? As another league source opined to us, "He finally found a job that he can be successful at because the results can never be disputed. He sure as f--k could not put an NFL roster together or evaluate talent."
Though we know nothing about Herock's abilities as a personnel exec, we agree with the notion that it was incredibly stupid for Herock to say anything negative about one of the guys he was paid to help get ready for interviews and other interactions prior to the draft. Our guess is that Herock got caught up in the notion that his efforts helped Holmes to be selected despite his flaws at a high spot in the draft, and that Herock didn't think that his candor might not be appreciated by Holmes or by Segal.
Another league insider suggested that perhaps Herock is retaliating against Santurdio because Herock either was fired or stiffed out of his fee. Still, Herock's words send a very bad message to players and agents who might use his services in the future -- and he has given his competitors plenty of ammo to convince others not to.
POSTED 10:14 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 12:14 p.m. EDT, June 28, 2006
MORE BAD PRESS FOR SANTURDIO
Though he hasn't been arrested or pulled another muscle this week, there continues to be a stream of bad press for Steelers rookie Santurdio, who recently was busted twice in a three-week span.
In the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, former NFL personnel executive Ken Herock says that he believed Santurdio was "ready to explode."
"I had an impression of the kid, where he was from, such a tough area, but soon as he told me he had three kids I knew it was going to be a problem," Herock said. "He was dirt poor, all of a sudden he's got a little money, you get a little rambunctious. . . . Add it up -- no money, poor family background, three kids already -- something's going to happen."
Herock, who previously worked for the Raiders, Falcons, and Packers, now has a service called "Pro Prep." He helps players prepare for pre-draft interviews, and he worked with Santurdio in January.
(Is it just us, or does Herock's decision to talk publicly -- and negatively -- about a guy who paid for Herock's services reflect incredibly poor judgment? Maybe Herock's inability to realize that he should have been a bit more discreet also traces to "no money, poor family background, three kids already.")
Meanwhile, the executive director of the Pittsburgh Women's Center and Shelter is asking the Steelers not to provide a financial windfall to a guy accused of roughing up the mother of one of his children.
"I would suggest the Steelers slow down and look at the whole issue before they sign the guy, allowing for due process to take place," Shirl Regan said during a Monday appearance on ESPN 1250 in Pittsburgh.
"What kind of example will Bill Cowher, the Rooney family and the Steelers set if they invite Santonio Holmes to sign a contract?"
Apparently, she's not alone. In a recent poll conducted by ThePittsburghChannel.com, 71 percent of the respondents said that the Steelers should cut Santurdio loose. (Amazingly, the guy who'll wear No. 10 for the Steelers already has become even more despised in Pittsburgh than the last guy to wear that jersey.)
Though such an extreme outcome is unlikely unless Santurdio gets busted again before signing his contract, his problems apparently have renewed debate in the front office regarding whether he should be a member of the team. As we've recently explained, there were some members of the organization who didn't want to draft him -- and there likewise are some now who are advocating a hard line for a guy who has shown that he doesn't yet "get it."
Adding to the frustrations of some members of the Steelers front office is the fact that Holmes recently has pulled a hamstring. We reported the injury on Sunday, and there's been no mention of it by the "real" media, apparently because so many of them are taking well-deserved vacations. (We keep hearing people use this word "vacation," but we don't quite understand what it means.)
But have faith, PFT readers. Word of Santurdio's bad hamstringio will come out soon enough, even as the powers-that-be in Pittsburgh rack their brains trying to figure out how we got our mitts on the info.
MORE INFO ON AGENT SELECTION PROCESS
In response to our recent string of stories regarding the unusually early agent selection process of Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, an NFL source with knowledge of the manner in which college players pick agents has shared with us some more information regarding how it all happens.
And since it was news to us, we figured it might be news to some of the readers, too. (Besides, the flow of offseason news and information has slowed to less than a trickle from pap-pap's pomegranate-sized prostate, so we're glad to be able to fill the space.)
The source tells us that, at several major colleges, the coach will bring in agents during slow times in the season (such as a bye week). In some cases, three or four agents -- hand-picked by the coach -- will be available to meet with the players. This gives the coach greater control over the process, and likewise helps the coach feel more confident that the agents who get special access won't do anything to screw up a kid's eligibility.
For example, Neil Cornrich has gotten access in the past at Iowa and Wisconsin, and Tom Condon has gotten access at Boston College.
"This has been going on for years," said the source. "It seems like Notre Dame is starting earlier, but [coach Charlie] Weis is probably trying to avoid the spotlight that his program is going to receive this year. They have a lot of good senior players and their visibility is going to be off the charts."
Another source tells us that, even if Weis and the Irish are accelerating the selection process before the season starts, Weis is smart enough not to do anything that would jeopardize a player's eligibility. And in the case of Quinn, who we've heard has selected agent Don Yee, the source believes that both the Quinn camp and Yee are smart enough to keep the thing from blowing up.
Still, all it takes is one screw-up to cause a big problem. Maybe said screw-up never happens. Regardless, we'd be far more inclined to do things the way that they've been done in the past by many other schools. Acting in a manner out of the ordinary usually attracts attention, and this seems to be a subject on which as little attention as possible is preferred.
(Is it just us, or does Herock's decision to talk publicly -- and negatively -- about a guy who paid for Herock's services reflect incredibly poor judgment? Maybe Herock's inability to realize that he should have been a bit more discreet also traces to "no money, poor family background, three kids already.")
Meanwhile, the executive director of the Pittsburgh Women's Center and Shelter is asking the Steelers not to provide a financial windfall to a guy accused of roughing up the mother of one of his children.
"I would suggest the Steelers slow down and look at the whole issue before they sign the guy, allowing for due process to take place," Shirl Regan said during a Monday appearance on ESPN 1250 in Pittsburgh.
"What kind of example will Bill Cowher, the Rooney family and the Steelers set if they invite Santonio Holmes to sign a contract?"
Apparently, she's not alone. In a recent poll conducted by ThePittsburghChannel.com, 71 percent of the respondents said that the Steelers should cut Santurdio loose. (Amazingly, the guy who'll wear No. 10 for the Steelers already has become even more despised in Pittsburgh than the last guy to wear that jersey.)
Though such an extreme outcome is unlikely unless Santurdio gets busted again before signing his contract, his problems apparently have renewed debate in the front office regarding whether he should be a member of the team. As we've recently explained, there were some members of the organization who didn't want to draft him -- and there likewise are some now who are advocating a hard line for a guy who has shown that he doesn't yet "get it."
Adding to the frustrations of some members of the Steelers front office is the fact that Holmes recently has pulled a hamstring. We reported the injury on Sunday, and there's been no mention of it by the "real" media, apparently because so many of them are taking well-deserved vacations. (We keep hearing people use this word "vacation," but we don't quite understand what it means.)
But have faith, PFT readers. Word of Santurdio's bad hamstringio will come out soon enough, even as the powers-that-be in Pittsburgh rack their brains trying to figure out how we got our mitts on the info.
MORE INFO ON AGENT SELECTION PROCESS
In response to our recent string of stories regarding the unusually early agent selection process of Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, an NFL source with knowledge of the manner in which college players pick agents has shared with us some more information regarding how it all happens.
And since it was news to us, we figured it might be news to some of the readers, too. (Besides, the flow of offseason news and information has slowed to less than a trickle from pap-pap's pomegranate-sized prostate, so we're glad to be able to fill the space.)
The source tells us that, at several major colleges, the coach will bring in agents during slow times in the season (such as a bye week). In some cases, three or four agents -- hand-picked by the coach -- will be available to meet with the players. This gives the coach greater control over the process, and likewise helps the coach feel more confident that the agents who get special access won't do anything to screw up a kid's eligibility.
For example, Neil Cornrich has gotten access in the past at Iowa and Wisconsin, and Tom Condon has gotten access at Boston College.
"This has been going on for years," said the source. "It seems like Notre Dame is starting earlier, but [coach Charlie] Weis is probably trying to avoid the spotlight that his program is going to receive this year. They have a lot of good senior players and their visibility is going to be off the charts."
Another source tells us that, even if Weis and the Irish are accelerating the selection process before the season starts, Weis is smart enough not to do anything that would jeopardize a player's eligibility. And in the case of Quinn, who we've heard has selected agent Don Yee, the source believes that both the Quinn camp and Yee are smart enough to keep the thing from blowing up.
Still, all it takes is one screw-up to cause a big problem. Maybe said screw-up never happens. Regardless, we'd be far more inclined to do things the way that they've been done in the past by many other schools. Acting in a manner out of the ordinary usually attracts attention, and this seems to be a subject on which as little attention as possible is preferred.
ALL-TURD TEAM A HIT
We've received dozens of e-mails from readers regarding our 2006 All-Turd Team -- and most of them are positive. We've also received solid feedback regarding the list during several of our regular radio appearances.
Most intriguingly, we've received a request from one member of the inaugural team for a trophy.
Unfortunately, trophies aren't in the budget, especially since the costs of a custom-made plastic dude in gold paint taking a dookie would likely be significant, what with the price of gasoline and everything.
Still, we appreciate the inquiry, and we're glad to know that at least one of the guys has taken the thing in stride. (Our preference would be that inclusion on the team would have prompted him to, you know, change his ways, but we prefer nonchalance to other possible reactions, such as blowing up our car.)
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS
Vikings S Willie Offord has pleaded guilty to DUI; he'll get 32 hours of community service, pay a $600 fine, and receive strong consideration for belated addition to the All-Turd Team.
Titans seventh-round CB Cortland Finnegan apparently has a taste for Hennigans.
Lord Favre sees the glass as half empty? (Or is he merely continuing to sandbag regarding his team's chances in the piss-poor NFC North?)
QB Jay Fiedler will pick from one of three teams -- the Bucs, the Giants, and a club that wishes to remain anonymous (for fear of facing public ridicule for actually being interested in him).
Our guess is that the Steelers are keeping Fiedler on standby as they monitor the progress of QB Ben Roethlisberger and his busted face.
Speaking of Big Ben, his future endorsements won't include motorcycle companies. (We're still waiting for that Chiclets deal to come through.)
The Cowboys have a meatball hoagie in their pockets for rookie TE Anthony Fasano.
Saints RB Reggie Bush still has nothing to say about allegations that he and/or his family received benefits from a prospective agent in violation of NCAA rules. (Only two months ago, Bush said of the brouhaha, "We have nothing to hide.")
The Giants and Jets are looking to get a whopping $25 million per year for the stadium naming rights; the current leader is the Texans, which receive $10 million per year for Reliant Stadium.
The Pats reportedly are $15.5 million under the salary cap.
We've received dozens of e-mails from readers regarding our 2006 All-Turd Team -- and most of them are positive. We've also received solid feedback regarding the list during several of our regular radio appearances.
Most intriguingly, we've received a request from one member of the inaugural team for a trophy.
Unfortunately, trophies aren't in the budget, especially since the costs of a custom-made plastic dude in gold paint taking a dookie would likely be significant, what with the price of gasoline and everything.
Still, we appreciate the inquiry, and we're glad to know that at least one of the guys has taken the thing in stride. (Our preference would be that inclusion on the team would have prompted him to, you know, change his ways, but we prefer nonchalance to other possible reactions, such as blowing up our car.)
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS
Vikings S Willie Offord has pleaded guilty to DUI; he'll get 32 hours of community service, pay a $600 fine, and receive strong consideration for belated addition to the All-Turd Team.
Titans seventh-round CB Cortland Finnegan apparently has a taste for Hennigans.
Lord Favre sees the glass as half empty? (Or is he merely continuing to sandbag regarding his team's chances in the piss-poor NFC North?)
QB Jay Fiedler will pick from one of three teams -- the Bucs, the Giants, and a club that wishes to remain anonymous (for fear of facing public ridicule for actually being interested in him).
Our guess is that the Steelers are keeping Fiedler on standby as they monitor the progress of QB Ben Roethlisberger and his busted face.
Speaking of Big Ben, his future endorsements won't include motorcycle companies. (We're still waiting for that Chiclets deal to come through.)
The Cowboys have a meatball hoagie in their pockets for rookie TE Anthony Fasano.
Saints RB Reggie Bush still has nothing to say about allegations that he and/or his family received benefits from a prospective agent in violation of NCAA rules. (Only two months ago, Bush said of the brouhaha, "We have nothing to hide.")
The Giants and Jets are looking to get a whopping $25 million per year for the stadium naming rights; the current leader is the Texans, which receive $10 million per year for Reliant Stadium.
The Pats reportedly are $15.5 million under the salary cap.