Seahawks Organization Could Be Fined by NFL as Result of Multiple Players Testing Positive for PEDs
Monday, 20 May 2013 23:43 | Written by Chris Carter
The NFL has come down on multiple Seattle Seahawks players for their performance-enhancing drug use. Now, the league might go after the team. According to league spokesman Greg Aiello, the league has a rule in place that allows it to discipline teams when multiple players test positive for PEDs in a season. That option appears to be on the table out in the Pacific Northwest. “There are financial consequences for a team that has multiple players suspended in a season under those policies,” Aiello said. Seattle has had six players suspended for PED violations since 2010, most recently defensive lineman Bruce Irvin. Additionally, cornerback Richard Sherman had his suspension overturned on appeal last year. According to NFL.com, a team would be fined a portion of the suspended players’ salaries based on a predetermined formula.
Chad Johnson in Custody After Being Charged With Violating Probation
Monday, 20 May 2013 23:36 | Written by Chris Carter
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson has been arrested on charges that he violated probation stemming from an altercation with his now ex-wife, TV reality star Evelyn Lozada. A Broward County judge ordered Johnson jailed Monday until he posts a $1,000 bond. Another hearing was set for June 3. An arrest warrant was issued earlier this month when Johnson failed to meet his probation officer. The six-time Pro Bowl player formerly known as Chad Ochocinco is serving a year of probation after Lozada said he head-butted her during an argument last August. She quickly filed for divorce. They had been married only since July 4. Johnson was released by the Miami Dolphins after the incident. He also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots. Lozada is on the Basketball Wives TV show.
Could the Chicago Bears Add Sebastian Vollmer and Barrett Jones?Could the Chicago Bears Add Sebastian Vollmer and Barrett Jones?
Friday, 26 April 2013 15:47 | Written by Chris Carter
Most fans would consider an off-season successful if their team found two upgrades on offense or defense. The Chicago Bears may have a chance to do that and more. Could it focus on bringing in Sebastian Vollmer and Barrett Jones?
New England Patriots need Aqib Talib more than Vollmer
Building offensive lines is like second nature to the New England Patriots. It is the big reason Tom Brady is going into the Hall of Fame after he retires. So it is no surprise the team isn't shaking in their boots about the prospect of losing right tackle Sebastian Vollmer. The German native had another good season for the Pats, is just 28 years old, and played in a Pro Bowl. What holds him back from getting any kind of money is a chronic issue with back injuries. It is something that scares teams, especially frugal ones like New England. Besides that fact the Patriots also have other free agents to worry about. Wes Welker isn't gone yet but the big fish the team wants to keep is corner Aqib Talib. He played well for them down the stretch last season and is their best option to keep a suspect secondary respectable. That means Vollmer will hit the open market, and his injury history could drive his price down just enough for cash-strapped teams to take a shot.
Bears have realistic shots at Jones and Brandon Moore
This is where things get very interesting for Chicago. They have needs all over their offensive line. If they didn't the unit wouldn't have ranked 28th in the league last year. No player is safe in that group. J'Marcus Webb is still young but his frustrating inconsistency and recent arrest make him a question mark. Left guard was a mess, involving three different starters in 16 games. Center Roberto Garza is 35 years old. Right guard Lance Louis tore his ACL and right tackle Gabe Carimi lost his job to journeyman Jonathan Scott who got cut by a number of other teams. Bears fans want changes and GM Phil Emery may have a chance to not only do an overhaul, but a successful one. The outlook for free agency and the draft in 2013 is thick on young and veteran line talent. Vollmer could instantly lock down right tackle. This still might leave enough money for Chicago to bring in former Jets left guard Brandon Moore. Though 33 years old he was a Pro Bowler in 2011 and hasn't missed a game in over half a decade. That nails down two critical spots at fairly reasonable prices. Then comes the draft. A first thought is to use the first round pick on a left tackle to end the Webb experiment, but barring a dramatic change in the winds that isn't happening. However, experts believe there is a fine selection of centers available in the second round. One that could bring everything together for Chicago is Barrett Jones. The four-time athletic and academic All-American comes out of Alabama with three national titles and the impressive feat of winning awards at every offensive line position. Eyeing him in the second round would free up Emery to go after a tight end or linebacker in the first.
The scenario sounds like a pipe dream but closer looks will show the possibilities. Sebastian Vollmer isn't as high in demand as a left tackle, which affects his price. Meanwhile Brandon Moore and Barrett Jones are interior linemen and therefore cheaper by default. It doesn't solve the left tackle dilemma but it can drastically move towards the Chicago Bears' main goal which is protecting Jay Cutler.
Green Bay Packers Rumors – Datone Jones Now Top Option in Upcoming Draft?
Saturday, 20 April 2013 19:09 | Written by Chris Carter
The Green Bay Packers have build their franchise through the draft and GM Ted Thompson and his staff have done a great job finding young talent. With the team passing on most free agents, filling their needs through the draft is a must and recent mocks have very different opinions on what this team should do with their top pick.
This team needs help rushing the passer and Bleacher Report writer Bob Fox has suggested that UCLA defensive end Datone Jones is the top selection. Jones has good size, speed, and quickness, but the biggest plus is he played for a former NFL coach and is used to playing a 3-4 scheme.
Jones is not the best pass rusher in the draft, but he has made big improvements over the past two seasons and would give Green Bay a good young player to add to their rotation and possibly a star that can help put the Packers defense back where it was when they won the Super Bowl.
WalterFootball has another option for the Green Bay Packers and that is tight end Tyler Eifert of NotreDame and while the youngster is tops at his position in the 2013 NFL Draft, this team has other needs that are more pressing and finding help for a defense that struggled last year has got to be the top priority for Thompson this off-season.
2013 NFL Mock Draft – Top Quarterback Sleepers That Could Surprise!
Saturday, 20 April 2013 19:06 | Written by Chris Carter
This year a number of signal callers could be defined as sleepers, but with so many teams in need of a good quarterback to back up a starter or just sit and learn the ropes for a couple years, it's a good move to use a late round selection on a player that could blossom and here is a look at the youngsters that fit that mold heading into the upcoming draft.
Matt Scott of Arizona is a good athlete with a cannon arm, but his inexperience makes him tough to grab in the early rounds, but his skills and athleticism makes him a good risk in the later rounds and with some experience, he could become a top notch quarterback in the NFL.
One small school quarterback that has impressed scouts and General Managers with his size and arm is Brad Sorensen of Southern Utah. At 6'4" and 230 pounds, this youngster has the size teams like, plus the big arm needed to succeed, but his lack of player against quality opposition has hurt his draftstock, but he should find a team in the sixth or seventh round and with some hard work, he could make a team and who knows what could happen if that occurs.