Categories
New York Giants

Jeremy Shockey finally lets us know how he feels about the G-Men

Jeremy Shockey has always been a little on the controversial side, continually opening his mouth and inserting his foot directly inside. However, Shockey has been silent since his Giants won the Super Bowl without him, shocking the undefeated Patriots. But we all knew that golden silence wouldn’t last for long and on Saturday, he let his true feelings come out, clearing the air in an interview with Steve Serby from the New York Post.

“Everybody said that I agreed to get traded and that I would welcome a trade or that I’m unhappy. . . . But you can’t find one article that had my direct quote, except from an anonymous source or from this person or from that person, OK?” Shockey was saying yesterday at the POWERade Pro Challenge for children and heat-stricken media at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

That was the good news.

It doesn’t mean Shockey and the Giants don’t desperately need to sit down and clear the air.

His broken leg isn’t 100 percent yet and his broken relationship with some member or members of the front office requires immediate healing.

To wit: why was he watching the Giants shock the Patriots from a skybox?

“And the truth is, I went to the Super Bowl game to go watch my team play; the Giants wouldn’t let me sit on the sidelines with my teammates – I was forced to sit up in a box,” Shockey said.

I said to Shockey: “And that ticked you off.”

“Words can’t explain,” he said.

I asked him: “What is your relationship with the front office right now?”

“That’s between the management and myself,” Shockey said.

I asked him: “Do you want to and expect to play for the Giants this year?”

“Tough questions,” he began. “I’m not the Giants front office, because they feel like they have to tell the world about things that happened . . . when it’s a situation like this that’s so severe, you don’t leak it in the media. I’m not ever going to be a leak, its a team. But they feel like they’re obligated to put their feelings in the media, which really hurt my family and myself, with the things I’ve done for them.”

Shockey said he had texted yesterday morning with co-owner Steve Tisch.

“I consider him a father figure to me – and he would never betray me, like some other people that are there,” Shockey said.

I asked him: “Would you welcome a trade?”

“I’m not saying that – no comment,” Shockey said. “Whatever’s happened between the Giants and myself is gonna stick between the Giants and myself.”

I asked him: “Will you be at minicamp?”

“I plan on fulfilling my contractual obligation but the No. 1 thing that I’m going there for is to be with my teammates (who) I miss so much,” he said.

When he arrived, wearing a black POWERade T-shirt and shorts, he had offered a statement: “I’m here for POWERade, fellas, and the statement I would like to make about the Giants and the speculation in the offseason is that whatever happens between the upper management, the lower management, the owners, any management, is gonna stay between my representation and them. Unlike the Giants, I’m gonna be quiet. They’ve released multiple things about myself and if you look back into the media, there’s always a source. Well I’d like to know who the source is, and we’ll go over here and we’ll deal it out ourselves because I haven’t said one negative thing towards the Giants.”

Finally, Jeremy has decided to keep his yapper shut and let his actions and representatives do his talking. This really shows a huge step forward in maturity.

Links:

[Fox Sports]: Shockey breaks post-Super Bowl silence

Categories
Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning tries to fill Brett Favre’s shoes both on and off the field

Unless you’re talking about the new Madden cover, Brett Favre is long gone from the NFL…for now. Who knows what will come in the months leading up to the season’s kickoff, but No. 4 has not walked through the Packers’ locker room doors yet, meaning the league needs a new, loveable, ol’ dog to talk about the good old days and how the youngsters make him feel like he’s still just kicking up dirt on the playground. As of now it looks like 32-year-old Peyton Manning is that man.

The veteran QB says the rookies sometimes make him feel old.

“It’s hard for me to realize why some of these guys are nervous. As one of them, I can’t remember who it was, they were saying how they like watching me on ESPN Classic. I don’t consider myself to be an ESPN Classic type but when I was a 22-year-old senior at Tennessee these guys were I guess 11 years old. But I do enjoy being around these young guys cause it still is very much a young man’s game and it does kind of keep you feeling young,” said Manning.

You know what else keeps you feeling young at heart? Creepy, licking contests with Eli.

Links:

[WISHTV.com]: Veteran QB Manning says rookies can make him feel old

Categories
New England Patriots

Patriot helps feds after getting popped with OxyContin


After spending several years atop “America’s sweethearts” list, NFL fans are really starting to loath the Patriots. A lot of it has to do with the Pats simply being that damn good, but a lot of that could have as much to do with their alleged tendency to bend snap the rules as it does with their offensive goldmines of Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Laurence Maroney. But for those who love to hate New England, you’re no longer required to fall back on the cheating card because the Patriots are one-trick ponies no more. You may now add druggies and snitches to that list.

Starting New England Patriots offensive lineman Nicholas Kaczur was arrested in April on a charge of illegal possession of prescription painkillers and then secretly cooperated with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration in a sting operation that resulted in the indictment of his alleged drug supplier, according to a lawyer and two people briefed on the investigation.

Kaczur – a 28-year-old, 315-pound offensive tackle – wore a hidden recording device during three different drug transactions in May at gas stations in Foxborough and North Attleborough and a supermarket parking lot in Sharon, according to the lawyer, the two people, and federal court documents. At each of the three transactions, Kaczur paid $3,900 in cash to buy 100 OxyContin pills, a potent prescription pain reliever.

Federal agents arrested the alleged dealer, Daniel Ekasala, moments after the third transaction with Kaczur, said Ekasala’s lawyer. He was indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday on three counts of possession of oxycodone (the main ingredient in the prescription drug OxyContin) with intent to distribute. He is due to be arraigned today in federal court.

Kaczur, approached yesterday afternoon by a Globe reporter as he stood on the front porch of his Attleboro home, denied participating in a DEA investigation or buying drugs. He also said he was not familiar with Ekasala.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, bro,” Kaczur said repeatedly, in response to questions about the investigation. “I don’t know where this is coming from. I don’t know what you are talking about.”

It’s understandable; the use of OxyContin is capable of producing memory loss. Like we’ve said before, if athletes would just stick to using over-the-counter products for their aches and pains then none of this would ever happen.

Links:

[Boston.com]: Patriot arrested, then aids drug sting

Categories
Washington Redskins

Chris Cooley is a dancing machine


Chris Cooley got married to a babe the other day and the wedding party looked like quite a blast. After all, it’s not too often that you get to see a giant-sized man dance around in white pants, a black vest and pink tie. But would you expect anything less from the man known as Captain Chaos? However, if you ask the best man about Chris’ big day, it really doesn’t sound all that exciting.

I do know that the groom’s day went as follows: picked up tuxes, packed for the honeymoon, paced around, watched groomsmen play guitar hero, paced around, backyard football, and finally driving to the place after some pacing around. The rest of the day seemed like an incredible blur of events.

Here are some highlights:

* The Reverend decided to kick things off a little behind schedule and almost had to meet with some groomsmen in the back room.

* The wedding planner now needs high blood pressure medication.

* People took pictures like free ipod nanos.

* We ate dinner ala banquet style only better food.

* There was the cake cut, garder pull, best man speech, and dancing til the lights turned on.

* After party Karaoke (minus newlyweds)

We’re sure Mr. and Mrs. Cooley had a fantastic day and all, but it’s just not a party until Brady Quinn starts grabbing his crotch.

Links:

[MisterIrrelevant.com]: Chris Cooley’s Wedding Looks Like Fun
[ChrisCooley47.BlogSpot.com]: The Best Man’s take on the Cooley wedding

Categories
Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan is rich bitch!


Most of the time, the NFL Draft is just a mirage because although franchises get to select their future cornerstones, getting them to sign a deal usually takes the better part of the offseason. You remember last year’s debacle between the Raiders and top pick JaMarcus Russell, right? Well, believe it or not, but the bumbling, stumbling Atlanta Falcons discovered the secret to getting players into camp quick: throw a boatload of money at them.

Matt Ryan signed a $72 million, six-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday, ending concerns that prolonged negotiations could threaten his chance to become the starting quarterback as a rookie.

Ryan, the No. 3 overall pick in last month’s draft out of Boston College, is guaranteed $34.75 million. His guaranteed money is $4.75 million more than that given to Jake Long, the No. 1 overall choice who also is represented by agent Tom Condon.

If you’re eyes are bulging out of your head over the sheer size of the check, don’t worry, you’re not alone. However, we gotta admit that we’re happy to see a team willingly hand over a titanic contract instead of the usual hostage-type negotiations that occur every year between players, agents and owners. Will he be worth it? Only time will tell, but we applaud all parties for taking care of business quickly so Ryan can focus on producing in his rookie year, meaning the chances of seeing more in-game vomiting out of the Boston College product are a distinct possibility. That should make Donovan McNabb feel a little less lonely in the puking department. Now, if we could just get Dorenzo Hudson drafted in the NBA.

Links:

[The Associated Press]: Falcons sign QB Matt Ryan to 6-year, $72M contract

Categories
Tennessee Titans

Snoop Dogg and LenDale White do a video together and pose as the No. 10


The Tennessee Titans got rid of one giant sized headache a few weeks ago when they decided to trade Pacman Jones to the Dallas Cowboys. But they are still holding on tight to their bowling ball of a running back in LenDale White. The USC product has been a disappointment thus far, despite posting 1,000 yards last season and while Jeff Fisher and Vince Young would probably love to see the `round mound of touchdown’ hit the gym during the offseason, White would rather pimp it up with Snoop than pump it up with the Titans.

When rapper Snoop Dogg asked Titans running back LenDale White to be in one of his music videos earlier this offseason, White obliged.

White traveled to Las Vegas for the shooting of “Life of Da’ Party,” mainly because of his friendship with the musician.

“That’s my guy,” White said of Snoop Dogg.

But White wasn’t pushing for a starring role. He makes a cameo in the music video, and that was partly by design.

White said he was careful not to set himself up for second-guessing from others down the road.

“I didn’t want nothing too big,” White said.”Because had I been in that video a long time … let’s say something happened this year and I had only 20 yards rushing. Then everybody around here would be on my back, saying, ‘If he wasn’t in the Snoop Dogg video maybe he would’ve been (better).’

Actually, most Titans fans would probably be thinking that if you tossed in a salad every now then than maybe you’d be better. After all, Snoop Dogg does have the ability to give people the super-munchies by his mere presence alone.

Links:

[Tennessean.com]: White has small role in Snoop Dogg video

Categories
New England Patriots

Tom Brady takes it to The Worldwide Leader


Spygate is the story that just won’t die. Months after the story first surfaced, it’s still a hot topic with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell taking to a podium on Monday afternoon in order to spill the beans concerning Matt Walsh, former New England video assistant. Goodell basically said no new information came from the interview with Walsh, meaning this story could actually reach the end of its lifespan after all. Of course, if you ask Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, it wouldn’t have ever been a topic of conversation if it wasn’t for that damn ESPN and all their muscle-headed analysts.

Appearing on the Boston radio station WEEI, Brady suggested that the reason Patriotgate has stayed in the news is that the media in general and ESPN specifically are looking to fabricate a controversy.

“I think it’s a way to really sell newspapers, and all the ESPN stations, they’ve got to fill the air, too,” Brady said.

When it was pointed out to Brady that many of the ex-NFL players who work at ESPN were harshly critical of the Patriots and suggested that they gained a huge advantage from stealing signals, Brady said, “It’s just kind of the environment right now, though. I think that’s the way that guys make it. They just say the craziest things. That’s what ESPN has become. ESPN, to me, is like MTV without the videos, ESPN is without the highlights.”

C’mon Tom, give ESPN a little more credit than that. They don’t just fabricate stories and say outlandish things. After all, you remember the high level of dignity and class they displayed during the Sean Taylor tragedy, don’t you?

By the way, MTV used to have videos?!?

Links:

[BostonHerald.com]: Tom Brady: Ordeal remains `dead issue’
[FanHouse]: Tom Brady Rips ESPN

Categories
Baltimore Ravens

There’s no "I" in "team," but there is in "fight"


The Baltimore Ravens minicamp is a scary place to be these days. Not because Ray Lewis is there or because they’ve slipped from Super Bowl champs to the oblivion of 5-11 in 2007 or because Brian Billick is absent after spending the last nine years coaching the squad. The reason Baltimore Ravens minicamp is scary is because it appears to be more WWE Royal Rumble meets COPS than the gelling of a cohesive unit.

The Baltimore Ravens are doing more than merely fighting for jobs at their first mandatory minicamp under new coach John Harbaugh.

They’re fighting each other, too.

Nearly all 85 players in camp were involved in a squabble Saturday that began when offensive tackle Oniel Cousins and defensive tackle Amon Gordon threw punches after running back Allen Patrick was taken down hard on a burst up the middle. All the players surged toward the middle of the field, and it was nearly two minutes before peace was restored.

“Guys are competing, so tempers flare a little bit,” Harbaugh said.

Later during practice, which was held indoors because of rain, defensive backs Corey Ivy and Frank Walker came to blows during a blocking drill.

“Don’t grab me, man!” Ivy yelled.

After the players were separated, veteran cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle spoke with Walker, who signed as a free agent during the offseason after playing with Green Bay in 2007.

“Chill out, man,” Rolle said. “There’s too much at stake.”

Fights are bound to happen when guys are literally on the field, playing for their jobs. It’s no biggie really, but it would be fun to watch. We can only hope the Dallas Cowboys show this level of dysfunction during their preseason drills.

Links:

[Yahoo!]: Harbaugh’s Ravens brawl at minicamp
[BaltimoreSun.com]: Team showing fight under Harbaugh

Categories
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys are about to go primetime



No, not that Primetime.

Terrell Owens is about to be in hog heaven. HBO will be following the Dallas Cowboys during their preseason training camp for a five-part “Hard Knocks” series. We all remember what happened the last time the Cowboys were the subjects of the documentary, don’t we? It was the last year of the pathetic Dave Campo era and the show focused more on the Boys’ trips to Sea World than sweating it out in the trenches. Dallas went on to complete its third consecutive 5-11 season following the taping.

But that was then and this is now and the star power is just too great for HBO to ignore. Instead of watching Quincy Carter warming up his spaghetti string arm and Emmitt Smith in his pre-Dancing With the Stars days, we’re talking about a lineup that could consist of T.O. – f he can break away from the porn scene long enough to train – Pacman Jones, Tony Romo and, of course, random special appearances by Jessica Simpson, Joe Simpson and Jerry Jones. This has “Reality TV Emmy” written all over it.

Get your popcorn ready.

Links:

[KXAN.com]: Dallas Cowboys get reality show

Categories
Denver Broncos

John Elway says Jay Cutler ain’t no John Elway


If Jay Cutler wants to be the next John Elway then he’s going about it all wrong. Personally, we enjoyed when Cutler threw Brandon Marshall under the bus, but Elway said on Wednesday that he would have done things a little differently.

If that’s what Jay feels like he needs to comment on, he needs to do that,” Elway said. “Personally, I would’ve done it to him. Even though I tried to settle things in the press, looking back over the years, it hasn’t been the right way to do it.”

“As a quarterback, you’ve got to take a leadership role,” Elway said. “Jay has that last year under his belt. I’m sure he feels a lot better where he’s going. They need someone to take over. That’s a good move on Jay’s part.

“Bottom line, there’s talk and there’s wins,” he said.

Elway can’t recall when he earned the trust and respect of his teammates. He said it just stemmed from winning games.

“You’ll feel them follow you,” he said. “There are different ways to lead — everyone has a different way. Jay will have his own personal way, too. It’s just a matter of when you gain the respect of those teammates. That’s when leadership comes. They respect what you’re doing.

Oh, it’s what you do that matters!! No wonder Matt Leinart can’t seem to get control of the Cardinals.

Links:

[CBS4Denver.com]: Elway Surprised Cutler Called Out Brandon Marshall