Mac's Football Blog

Happy Fourth of July

2009-07-04T12:03:00.005-04:00

The United States of America turns 233 today, sharing a birthday with Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, who turns 479.

Ok, Al turns 80.

Be safe and we'll see you back here on Sunday. (Unless Brett Favre decides to steal the spotlight from the country that allows him to make $10M a year to throw a football)

Brandon Marshall is Broke?

2009-07-03T13:57:00.000-04:00

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com is publicizing a rumor in league circles that disgruntled Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall is broke.

"Receiver Brandon Marshall's ongoing desire to leave Denver is rooted in two concerns. First, he doesn't like the manner in which the team's physicians handled a hip injury that ultimately required surgery. Second, he wants a new contract.

The more accurate description as to the latter factor could be that he needs a new contract.

There's talk in league circles that Marshall has run out of money. If that's true, at least one league source isn't surprised.

"Why does a guy who was a fourth-round draft pick live in three different places?" the source said regarding Marshall's residences in Denver, Atlanta, and Orlando."

So a guy who's grossed $1.5 million dollars over the last three years is broke because he has three different residences of unknown size, style, and cost?

Look, maybe the guy does have money problems. After agents, taxes, whatever fines he's incurred by the team and/or league for disciplinary reasons, that $1.5 million in earnings shrinks considerably. Also, we're talking about a 25-year old professional athlete who may not be inclined clip coupons on Sunday mornings before heading to work.

However, Marshall has pocketed a few hundred thousand dollars from the NFL's performance-based pay program over the last three years, and the earnings being discussed do not include endorsements, autograph signings, miscellaneous appearances, etc....

So to claim that a fourth-year player, who is not guaranteed his $2.198 million dollar base salary this season or his shot at unrestricted free agency next off-season or even the off-season after that, is looking for a new contract because he's broke, quite frankly, is bullshit.

What Goodell Is In For When He Climbs Mt. Rainier

2009-07-03T11:16:00.003-04:00

Gregg Bell covers the Seattle sports scene for the Associated Press. He also recently scaled Mt. Rainier and offered up some advice for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who'll attempt to scale the 14,411-foot peak along with Seattle Seahawks head coach Jim Mora, Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke, along with accomplished climber Ed Viesturs and a few others to benefit the United Way of King County.

"Rhythmic, forced breathing and "rest" steps — locking out the back leg with each step to lessen the strain on my thighs — became my salvation. (Breathing and rest are tips one and two, Mr. Commish). The rising sun and blue sky were brilliant, far more than at any spoiled-air elevations below. We stepped over crevasses that were endlessly deep, sobering reminders that people have died up here.

Then came the head pounding, the disorientation and the nausea of altitude sickness. It hit me as we walked over a tricky snow bridge and a crevasse at about 13,500 feet."

Just reading that makes me feel like such a wuss for even exhaling when stepping off the treadmill at the gym.

49ers Front Office Goes on Furlough

2009-07-03T11:08:00.003-04:00

The entire San Francisco 49ers front office is on furlough for a little over a week, reports Tom FitzGerald of the San Francisco Chronicle.

"A 49ers spokesman, Bob Lange, confirmed the furlough but, as to whether any staff members are being paid, he said, "We don't talk about financial issues with the team, but the organization is off."

The NFL's office in New York is shut down, but a league source expressed surprise that any team would take such a drastic measure with employees whose salaries are not substantial in the first place."

Brett Favre Minnesota Vikings Jerseys Aren't Being Produced

2009-07-03T10:55:00.003-04:00

Sean Jensen of the Pioneer Press reports that the NFL is not mass-producing Minnesota Vikings jerseys with Brett Favre's name and #4 on it.

"We wait until there is a player contract that has been approved; then we begin mass producing them," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said. "But nothing has transpired from here."

¿Donde puedo escuchar la Indianapolis Colts juegos?

2009-07-03T10:44:00.001-04:00

The Indianapolis Colts announced that all 10 of their 2009 home games, including preseason, will be broadcast in Spanish on WEDJ-107.1FM and WSYW-810 AM.

Armando Quintera will handle the play-by-play.

Titans Sign 3rd Round TE Jared Cook

2009-07-03T10:29:00.001-04:00

Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean reports that the Tennessee Titans have signed third round tight end Jared Cook.

Wyatt reports that the deal is for four years and has a signing bonus of "roughly $700,000".

Cook was the 89th overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft after a three-year career at the University of South Carolina. Last season, Cook made 37 catches for 573 yards and three touchdowns. For his career, he had 73 receptions, 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns.

His athleticism has already left a big impression on the Titans' coaching staff, which for Cook, includes fellow tight end Alge Crumpler, one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL throughout this decade.

Florida Judge Won't Release Stallworth Video

2009-07-03T10:16:00.003-04:00

The Associated Press reports that Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy has ruled that the privacy interests of the family of the late Mario Reyes outweighs the public interest in the surveillance video of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth striking and killing Reyes with his car on the morning of March 14.

"This is akin to autopsy photographs," Murphy said at a hearing, adding the video would remain sealed "for the foreseeable future as far as I'm concerned."

Personally, I have zero interest in seeing this footage.

Ludwig: Bengals Need "Hard Knocks"

2009-07-03T10:15:00.000-04:00

Chick Ludwig of the Dayton Daily News writes that the Cincinnati Bengals need the exposure they'll get from HBO's "Hard Knocks" series this summer, even if their star quarterback is less than thrilled about it.

"And the Bengals agreed to it. Not because they want the national exposure. But they definitely need it — for two reasons.
The series should enhance their poor image. They’re viewed as losers and perceived as criminals. They’ve had one winning season in 18 years and went through a stretch where 10 players were arrested in 15 incidents between December 2006 and June 2007.
That stigma lingers. Maybe HBO’s spin will knock it out.
And let’s not forget that season tickets are available for the first time in three years. Paul Brown Stadium is nowhere near sold out."

That several Bengals players have been arrested over the last few years figures to be one of the series' storylines. With cameras on the team 24/7, the series is as likely to perpetuate that poor image as it to improve it.

What if a player gets arrested during filming?
What if there's an on-field brawl?
What if the 24/7 presence of NFL Films cameras create a side-show?

Sure, the reported maturity of wide receiver Chris Henry, whose lengthy rap sheet contributed greatly to the criminal image outsiders have of the franchise, could be a nice human interest story, but what if he were to slip up?

Seems to me that what this team needs, more than a national image makeover or public relations ploy to sell tickets, is a distraction-free summer to concentrate on improving as a football team.

Inviting HBO into your offices, locker room, meeting rooms, dorm rooms, and private lives is not the way to do that. Just ask the 2002 & 2008 Dallas Cowboys, 2007 Kansas City Chiefs and 2004 Jacksonville Jaguars, each of whom failed to make the playoffs the year that they're training camps became film studios.

Why Was Kevin Houser Released?

2009-07-02T21:57:00.000-04:00

In the wake of the news that recently released New Orleans Saints long-snapper Kevin Houser was apparently the point man in an investment deal that went south, a deal involving nearly two dozen current and former members of the Saints, including head coach Sean Payton, the question is being raised of whether or not Houser's involvement in the deal prompted his release.

The Times-Picayune videotaped an interview with Houser, who says that Payton was honest and upfront with him about the roster move being made purely for football reasons.

But that doesn't stop the Times-Picayune from speculating, and I've got to admit that it was a bit surprised that the Saints released Houser, who'd handled the long-snapping duties for the last 10 years, to sign a 37-year old long-snapper who division rival Carolina was trying to replace.

Warrant Issued for Arrest of Former Bengals RB Chris Perry

2009-07-02T18:33:00.000-04:00

An arrest warrant has been issued by the Wyoming Police Department for former Cincinnati Bengals running back Chris Perry, reports Megan Wasmund WCPO.com.

Perry is wanted after failing to pay taxes in 2006 and 2007 to the City of Wyoming.

Three More Enter NFL's 2009 Supplemental Draft

2009-07-02T17:31:00.000-04:00

NFL.com's Gil Brandt reports that three more players have entered the NFL's 2009 Supplemental Draft.

They are Kansas State wide receiver Deon Murphy, Western Kentucky linebacker Blake Boyd, and Southern Mississippi wide receiver Torris Magee.

Murphy is coming of a 37 catch, 555-yard and six touchdown season. The 5-10, 170-pound receiver/return specialist left the football team in April.

Boyd, who began is college career at Louisville, was dismissed by the team due to academic issues. Last season, Boyd (6-3, 250) finished second on the team in tackles (67) and added 3.5 quarterback sacks and 6 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He started 30 games during his Hilltopper career.

Magee had been the Golden Eagles leading receiver in 2007 (44 catches, 632 yards, 3 touchdowns), but left Southern Miss last October and was arrested for burglary the next day. He was expected to transfer to Jackson State, but that apparently was not the case.

Charges Against Vontae Davis Dismissed

2009-07-02T16:54:00.002-04:00

The traffic charges that Miami Dolphins first-round cornerback Vontae Davis was facing in Champaign, Illinois have been dismissed.

Here's the statement from John F. Murphy, Deputy Field-Chief Ops for the Champaign Police Department.

“We have dismissed the traffic ticket and ordinance violation issued in Vontae Davis' name. We are satisfied that he was not the individual we had contact with June 9, 2009. We are working to identify who the individual actually is and pursue charges against him. We regret any embarrassment or inconvenience this situation has caused for Mr. Davis.”

Lions Director of Security Succumbs to Cancer

2009-07-02T16:39:00.003-04:00

Detroit Lions director of security Ricky Sandoval has succumbed to pancreatic cancer, Phillip Zaroo of MLive.com reports.

"This is a very sad day for our organization and for everyone who knew Ricky," Lions President Tom Lewand said in a statement released by the team. "Ricky set a new standard for courage as he not only fought this disease, but did so with incredible spirit, dignity and determination.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gael who, like Ricky, was a tremendous inspiration to all of us as she helped Ricky fight such a courageous battle. We also extend our deepest sympathies to the families of both Gael and Ricky."

Sandoval's original diagnoses gave him three-to-six months to live, but he hung on and battled for three years.

My condolences to the Sandoval family.

Jets' Pace Suspended 4 Games

2009-07-02T15:00:00.002-04:00

The National Football League has announced that New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace has been suspended for the first four games of the 2009 regular season for violating the NFL Policy on Performance Enhancing Drugs.

Pace is eligible to participate in training camp and the preseason games, but will begin serving his suspension prior to the team's season-opener in Houston. He is eligible to return after the team's October 4th game against the New Orleans Saints.

Pace had a career-high seven quarterback sacks last season, his first with the Jets after signing a six-year, $42 million dollar contract as a free agent last off-season.

Investment in Film Studio Fails to Pay Off for Two Dozen Saints

2009-07-02T11:13:00.000-04:00

Over two dozen current and former members of the New Orleans Saints, including former quarterback Archie Manning, current quarterback Drew Brees, and head coach Sean Payton, who combined to invest nearly $2 million dollars in a movie studio have failed to get a return on their investment.

"Manning and an attorney for one of the players said Wednesday that they thought they were taking part in a routine tax credit program offered through Louisiana's motion picture studio incentives until they discovered that the studio project never received state authorization for the credits and that their money was at risk."

Other players who invested were recently released long-snapper Kevin Houser ($125K), defensive end Charles Grant ($425K), and former punter Mitch Berger ($250K).

Here's how Robert Travis Scott of the Times-Picayune explains how the tax credit was supposed to have worked:

"Louisiana offers tax credits to builders of movie studios at a rate of 40 percent of what the developers spend on a project. Movie producers use a similar program when they make films in the state. To finance their projects, the studio developers can sell those credits at a discount for cash to people who want to reduce their state income taxes.
For example, quarterback Drew Brees gave the studio $100,000. He would have expected to get back $133,333 worth of tax credits, which he would have used to reduce his state income tax liability over one or more years. That represents a 33 percent return, a high rate for a short-term investment."

Chargers Training Camp to be Closed to Public

2009-07-02T09:49:00.002-04:00

San Diego Chargers fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the team during training camp this summer are out of luck, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

"A summertime tradition for thousands of Chargers fans will be interrupted this year when the team closes its training camp to the public due to safety concerns at Chargers Park.

Replacement of a drainage pipe that burst in February and caused significant damage to the team's Murphy Canyon facility is not scheduled to begin until at least later this month and is expected to take two to three months to complete."

The team will conduct three public workouts at Qualcomm Stadium in August.

Cris Carter's Speech

2009-07-02T09:30:00.003-04:00

Former NFL wide receiver Cris Carter gave a stirring speech at this year's NFL Rookie Symposium.

Given the high-profile screw-ups of Michael Vick, Pacman Jones, Plaxico Burress, and Donte Stallworth, it's required viewing.

Dolphins Sign 7th Round LB J.D. Folsom

2009-07-02T09:18:00.000-04:00

Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that the Miami Dolphins have signed seventh-round linebacker J.D. Folsom.

Caplan reports the four-year deal is worth $1.812 million dollars and includes a $62,000 signing bonus.

Folsom began his college career at Snow Junior College before transferring to Weber State. Folsom earned All-Big Sky honors in both 2007 (second-team) and 2008 (first-team), averaging around 75 tackles in each of his two seasons.

A Mormom, Folsom completed his two-year mission, making him a bit older (turns 25 in August) than your typical rookie.

He is the fourth of the Dolphins' nine draft choices to sign a contract.

Buccaneers Spending Habits

2009-07-02T09:08:00.001-04:00

In response to John Romano's column in the St. Petersburg Times, and ProFootballTalk.com's repeated questioning (here and here) of how much money they've actually spent upgrading their roster, Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik defended his organization's spending habits to Anwar Richardson of the Tampa Tribune.

"The philosophy I take, and the philosophy [former general manager] Bruce [Allen] had also, was, 'Spend it like it's your own.' You can't just go out there and throw it away. You got to think of it as your money and how would you spend it most wisely. I think that leads you to making more sound decisions."

Dominik also points out the successes the team has had in forays into free agency (Derrick Ward, Jeff Faine), as well as trading for and making Kellen Winslow the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.

Florio gives his final word on the subject here.

My question is this: If the Buccaneers front office philosophy is, and has been, to "Spend it like it's your own", why has the team bothered to roll over nearly $39 million dollars in cap space over the last two years?

Last year, the Buccaneers had an adjusted cap figure of over $130 million dollars, third-highest in the NFL. This year, the Buccaneers have an adjusted cap figure of over $153 million dollars and are still $37 million dollars under the cap.

Sure, they've lost out on Albert Haynesworth and Jonathan Vilma. And they didn't trade for Matt Cassel or Jay Cutler. (Though Cutler is sort of irrelevant since he wasn't available when the Bucs rolled the cap space over)

Dominik insists that he's never been ordered to spend less money.

"It's never been stated like that, nor have I been under that impression my last six or seven months on the job, or the years prior as director of pro [personnel]," Dominik said. "It's been, 'Lets spend our money smart.'

The disconnect I see is that by rolling over the cap space, the front office hasn't been acting in a "let's spend our money smart" manner. They knowingly built up the league's largest salary cap warchest, and for whatever reason, failed to spend it.

With the uncapped year looming in 2010, and all those cap dollars potentially vanishing, if the team fails to make the post-season, fans will be right to wonder why it went unspent.

LeSean McCoy Contract Details

2009-07-01T22:41:00.004-04:00

Per Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, Philadelphia Eagles second-round running back LeSean McCoy signed a four-year deal worth $3.477 million dollars, which includes $1.727 million dollars in guarantees.

The contract breaks down like this:

Signing bonus: $1,370,000

2009 base salary: $310,000
2010 base salary: $395,000
2011 base salary: $480,000
2012 base salary: $565,000

If McCoy reaches certain playing time levels, as well as team and individual incentives, in 2009 or 2010, he'll receive a one-time bonus of $357,000, which is guaranteed against future base salaries.

McCoy received a 10.04% increase over the signing bonus the 21st pick of last year's second round (DE Quentin Groves, Miami Dolphins) received. His $1.727M in guaranteed money is a 10.28% increase in guaranteed money over what last year's 53rd overall pick (WR, Limas Sweed, Pittsburgh) received.

It also wouldn't be surprising to see that the same incentives that would result in a one-time bonus of $357K bonus, would also increase his 2012 base salary to over $1 million dollars.

Jets Waive Mike Fladell

2009-07-01T17:14:00.001-04:00

One day after being awarded guard Mike Fladell, the New York Jets have waived him after a failed physical.

Fladell was claimed last week after being waived by the New York Giants.

McGinest Eyes Patriots Comeback

2009-07-01T14:03:00.000-04:00

During a Q&A session with Albert Breer of The Sporting News, 37-year old free agent linebacker Willie McGinest discussed a potential return to the New England Patriots.

Q: Would returning to New England be best, giving symmetry to your career?
A: Yeah, I've talked to Tom (Brady), (Richard) Seymour and some other guys there. Those guys are lifelong friends, and I've heard some people say that it'd be a good fit. Why wouldn't you want to go to a really good team, which is always close to the Super Bowl, which was in one a couple years ago, was a game away from another one, which has great coaching and is a great organization with a well put-together roster? Why wouldn't you want to be a part of that? And with all the history I have, what we accomplished in the playoffs, that wouldn't be a bad way to finish up.

McGinest spent 12 years with the Patriots, earning 3 Super Bowl rings while registering over 500 tackles and 78 regular season quarterback sacks. McGinest is also the NFL's all-time leaders in post-season sacks (16) and his 4.5 sacks against Jacksonville in 2005 are the most in a single-game in post-season history.

Bills Sign 7th Round CB Ellis Lankster

2009-07-01T09:35:00.002-04:00

The Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with seventh-round (220th overall) cornerback Ellis Lankster.

Lankster received a four-year deal with a signing bonus a bit north of $59,000, a league source confirmed.

Lankster played two seasons at West Virginia after transferring from Jones County (Miss.) Junior College, where he was an All-American return man. He had some off-field troubles to start his Mountaineer career (served a 3-game suspension at the beginning of 2007), but wound up appearing in 22 games, including starting all 13 games in 2008, during which he made 68 tackles, intercepted three passes, and earned second-team All-Big East honors.

Lankster is the first of the Bills' eight draft choices to sign.

Stallworth's Blood Had Traces of Marijuana

2009-07-01T09:10:00.000-04:00

David Ovalle of the Miami Herald reports that in addition to having a blood alcohol level of .126, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth's blood also tested positive for marijuana.

Ovalle cites a 2007 report in the Philadelphia Inquirer that stated that Stallworth was in the NFL's substance abuse policy.

While Stallworth has been suspended indefinitely by the National Football League, his previous involvement in the substance abuse policy could make it much harder for Roger Goodell to reinstate him when his prison term is served.