NFL 2011 Off Season Thread

[Droford]

lol the Ravens passed on their pick..wtf

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol wtf</font>

[Droford]

Of all the things..just..wow

[Droford]

Ravens take Jimmy Smith after all of that mess..

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Now Boomer is saying the Pats have traded their pick? To who? Wtf?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

calm down spazzes

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Come on Bellichick. We could have used Ingram.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Jets are on the clock :D

<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rZxNeFLuY98" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Droford]

Chicago was trying to trade with the Ravens to get ahead of the Patriots to take Ingram possibly and couldnt get the deal done and then the Patriots traded away to the Saints who went ahead and took Ingram.

[Kris P Lettus]

Now i say they get rid of Bush.. I mean, we gots three BEASTS at rb without him..

PT Cruiser
Ivory
Ingram

r u f'n kidding me

[Supreme Olajuwon]

<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SrTTOlcErnU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[CSL]

http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1304750633/reggie_bush_normal.jpg
reggie_bush (http://twitter.com/#!/reggie_bush) Reggie Bush



It's been fun New Orleans. 

49 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/#!/reggie_bush/status/63811091796471808) Favorite (http://twitter.com/#) Retweet (http://twitter.com/#) Reply (http://twitter.com/#)

[Skippord]

not sure about the Miller pick

also apparently the Lions just want Matt Stafford dead

[ClockShot]

Just woke up and read the rest of what happened.

Ingram to the Saints is a bit of a head scratcher. I know the RB corps was decimated last season, but with Thomas and Bush to keep things moving things should have been fine.

Da'Quan Bowers' stock dropped big time. Nobody wants to take a chance on that knee unless he goes quick in tonight's 2nd round.

[Nervous Ferret]

Daquan is such a nice guy :wavesad:

[Kris P Lettus]

Just woke up and read the rest of what happened.

Ingram to the Saints is a bit of a head scratcher. I know the RB corps was decimated last season, but with Thomas and Bush to keep things moving things should have been fine.

Da'Quan Bowers' stock dropped big time. Nobody wants to take a chance on that knee unless he goes quick in tonight's 2nd round.



You must not have followed the Saints that closely then.. Our RBs were hurt most of the season and Bush still wasn't dropping his shoulder and hitting holes like he was supposed to.. Sure he is a threat everytime he touches the ball but we rarely had the 100+ yards games that help us get to the SB a year before.. Three Beastmode type RBs will add a much need CONSSTANT running attack to an already prolific offense..

Everyone keep saying we need D but other than the playoff game, our D was solid all season.. Even ended the season ranked 4th in the league in total defense.. The only thing we were lacking was a passrusher and hopely that DE we got with the first pick will remedy some of that..

[Kris P Lettus]

In otherwords, I've been saying Ingram was gonna be a great pro and I am f'n pumped that's gonna happen in a black and gold uni..

[RP]

I love the pick for the Colts . Castanzo fills a glaring need that's been there since Tarik Glenn retired. It will probably put a year or two on Peytons prime. I want the Colts to take a shot on Bowers. He probably won't be there tho.


Kris, what did New Orleans expect with Bush when they drafted him? He's never been a guy who will square up and hit the middle hole

[RP]

Honestly, I think Ingram is overrated. I actually like Ivory better . They got there DE tho, so it maybe was a good gamble. I'm tired of hearing he's like emmitt smith. More like Garrison Hearst.

[Hanso Amore]

Bills need to jump at Bowers number 2 tonight. If he gets by the pats.

Dareus and Bowers? FUCK YES.

[Kris P Lettus]

Honestly, I think Ingram is overrated. I actually like Ivory better . They got there DE tho, so it maybe was a good gamble. I'm tired of hearing he's like emmitt smith. More like Garrison Hearst.

Part of the logic was that the talent level in this years draft falls off great after like 40 players, so there was no way they'd get that kind of talent with the second pick.. Also, we'll def be contenders again this year so next years first round should be a late one.. Not that big of a trade off to grab a top 3 DE and the top RB late in the first when they both were projected to be gone by pick 15..

We got immediate impact players in our weakest two positions.. Can't really ask for more than that..

[Hanso Amore]

I thin kthe Ingram pick fits and will work.

Dude isnt a elite RB or a stud to build an offense around, but he will work out and be durable in the Saints backfield. If any team is going to max out his talent it will be them.

Tennessee just drafted White Vince Young. Stupid team. And they ran fisher out of town.

I like the Falcons pick. They gave up alot but if Ryan keeps it up, they wouldnt be in a position to draft an elite WR for a long time.

Minnesota panicked and reached.

Carolina pulled a SF (Alex Smith) and drafted a QB that isnt worth it just because of the media hype for QBs.

Detroit got a steal IMHO. That defense could be NASTY up the middle. If they ever want to win that division, they will need to get to Rodgers and Stop Adrian Peterson.

[RP]

Its been proven that just about any rb can be a pro bowler behind a better then average o line

[Kris P Lettus]

Kris, what did New Orleans expect with Bush when they drafted him? He's never been a guy who will square up and hit the middle hole

They got exactly what was expected.. Payton came out and said Bush would still be with the team and he has been a big part of the success the past few years, which I agree but, PT is actually better on the screen and me personally, would rather have constistantsy.. With a constistantsy running game will make our offense unstoppable..

[Kris P Lettus]

Its been proven that just about any rb can be a pro bowler behind a better then average o line

Saints have one of the best o-lines in the NFL..

[Heros Welcome]

I like the Falcons pick. They gave up alot but if Ryan keeps it up, they wouldnt be in a position to draft an elite WR for a long time.

THANK YOU HANSO!

I'm so sick and tired of every media outlet poking so many holes in the deal. On paper its 4 picks. A 2nd rounder and a 4th this year, and a 1st and 4th next year. The team already has enough youth and developmental talent on the defnesive side of the ball, there was no one in this draft they could have drafted to play DE that was going to come in day 1 and push them over the top into SB contention.

They make a bold move to move up and draft a great target in Julio for Ryan to grow with alongside Roddy. The answer for defense was never in drafting a project at DE, the answer is getting a seasoned DE in free agency. Outlets are already reporting they plan on going hard after Ray Edwards once FA opens. Other options if not Edwards include Charles Johnson and Mithias Kiwanuka. Julio on that offense not only opens up the pass more, it aids in the run as well. LOVE the pick

[Heros Welcome]

People are making it seem like the 4th round picks are the end all be all. I mean you throw those out its essentially a 2nd and a 1st next year, the same deal the Saints made for Ingram..yet no one questions them. Nor should they, I hate the Saints but its a great pick.

I mean people are going as far as saying the Falcons morgaged their future. Give me a break. Dimitroff has been very solid when it comes to the later days of the draft and he still keeps his 3, 5, 6, and three 7th round picks this year. Also maintained to keep his 2 and 3 next year.

[Kris P Lettus]

Teams don't really need alot of draft picks every year unless they are completely full of holes like the Panthers.. That why teams like the Pats are sitting on so many picks right now.. Elite teams generally only need to fill a few key rolls help out their franchise.. Like the Falcons, the Saints traded up and got great value, filling one of those few holes.. I'd rather have one imediate impact player than 3 practice squad guys and a special teams role player anyday..

[DaveWadding]

Peterson. :heart:

Can't believe the draft "experts" have the Cards taking a TE in the 2nd though. They still have that hole at QB and OLB. I think Bowers could play OLB, worth a shot anyways. If not Brooks Reed, Akeem Ayers or Ryan Mallett.

[RP]

People are making it seem like the 4th round picks are the end all be all. I mean you throw those out its essentially a 2nd and a 1st next year, the same deal the Saints made for Ingram..yet no one questions them. Nor should they, I hate the Saints but its a great pick.

I mean people are going as far as saying the Falcons morgaged their future. Give me a break. Dimitroff has been very solid when it comes to the later days of the draft and he still keeps his 3, 5, 6, and three 7th round picks this year. Also maintained to keep his 2 and 3 next year.

If I had the time right now , if crush this post because it is so horribly wrong.

[RP]

Bill Polian haas become one of the greatest gm's of all time, being able to pick talent from the late rounds. Also... Tom Brady. Curtis Martin, Jerry rice, terrel davis. Those are just off the top of my head. There is a reason, later round picks are so valuable.

[RP]

If I listed both colts super bowl rosters, I'm willing to bet more then half the players were drafted in the fourth round or later.

That's why teams like the Colts are in the playoffs every year.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I guess this is the real reason why the Vikings took Christian Ponder at #12 overall:</font>

http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/chris-ponder-gf-2.jpg

[Kris P Lettus]

RP sure some great players have come late in the draft (Jarhi Evens and Colston) but come on dude.. The amount of 1-2 practice sqaud guys compare to HoFers that come late is prolly like 100 to 1..

[Heros Welcome]

I understand that players can still be found in the later rounds. I'm not worried about giving up 2 fourth round picks though. Like I said the Falcons still kept their 3rd this year, as wwell as the 5, 6, and three 7th rounders. I think a good player could be had in round 3, and depth could be found in the later rounds. Also they kept rounds 2 and 3 of next year.

Thomas Dimitroff has won executive of the year 2 of the past 3 seasons. I think the guy knows what hes doing.

[Hanso Amore]

Bill Polian haas become one of the greatest gm's of all time, being able to pick talent from the late rounds. Also... Tom Brady. Curtis Martin, Jerry rice, terrel davis. Those are just off the top of my head. There is a reason, later round picks are so valuable.

He was a great GM long before he landed with the Colts.

[Hanso Amore]

And the Colts are in the playoff every year because of Peyton Manning. Nuff Said.

[CSL]

Bengals moving on from Palmer by the looks of it

[ClockShot]

Cincy grabs TCU QB Andy Dalton. The ball is on Carson Palmer's court now.

49ers trade up with Denver and grab Colin Kaepernick.

[CSL]

Ridiculous that Da'Quan Bowers is still there

[CSL]

The Freak inna housssse

[Droford]

Ridiculous that Da'Quan Bowers is still there

At this point hes a steal for whoever gets him. Wish I thought hed still be there when the Ravens pick but I doubt it.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Haaha brining out former players to get a cheap pops from the crowd. They must be pissed that everything Commissioner Godell said was booed yesterday.

They wouldn't have believed him last night if he said rain was wet.

[ClockShot]

Usually legends always do the picks in the 2nd round......

[Crimson]

Why did the Cowboys draft another linebacker when their secondary stinks??? ughhh

[ClockShot]

Took only 10 or so picks for ESPN to start spoiling again.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Barry!!!!

[ClockShot]

Mr. Barry Sanders is in the building.

Denver is up with the double pick.

[Droford]

Barry Sanders gets a round of applause and a BARRY chant

[ClockShot]

SHANNON SHARPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ClockShot]

Somebody better pull Da'Quan Bowers' ripcord soon.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Brandon Marshall's pick announced by a Bud Light Ultimate fan pretty fitting.

[Droford]

If Bowers falls all the way to the Ravens at...58 I think, they have to take him, they had no pash rush outside of when T-Sizzle got hot late in the year. Hes an absolute steal in the late 2nd round regardless of the health issues.

[ClockShot]

John Lynch.

[ClockShot]

Bowers finally goes.

[Droford]

and hes gone to the Bucs at 51

[Droford]

I wonder if the Ravens will take mallett since theres talks about Flacco possibly leaving (I really doubt it) and they probably wont bring back Bulger..

[Droford]

Torrey Smith to the Ravens..didnt even realize he was still available..hmm

[Innovator]

And the Lockout is back on!

[Emperor Smeat]

Ryan Mallett taken in 3rd Round, 74 pick to New England Patriots.

They've wanted him for a while and were correct he would drop due to off-field issues and not from an injury or on-field issue.

[Crimson]

Now the Patriots will trade him for a first rounder within 2 years to some team who coulda nabbed him in the 3rd :|

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Marvin Austin could be really good. Pretty surprising to grab another 2nd round DT after Linval Joseph never played last year. Guessing Austin is their safety plan if Cofield doesn't come back. If they keep Cofield, Bernard's gone I'm guessing. Would be cool to eventually see Austin and Joseph starting for years to come.

Don't understand the Jernigan pick at all though. I guess the Giants don't have any faith in Hixon making a recovery as a return guy.

Their biggest need by far has been OL but it seemed to be a weak OL class. They would have had Castanzo if Prince didn't somehow fall to them. Looks like they'll try to drag another year out of their aging line although Andrews should be starting so at least he and Snee are on the good side of 30. OL in the first round next year though, no doubt about it.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jordan Todman still on the board midway through the 5th. Whoever gets him at this point got a huge steal.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol the Pats and Eagles swapped picks 193 and 194 just to keep a long streak of draft day trades between them going</font>

[McLegend]

Hello Greg McElroy's girlfriend.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>It's his sister apparently.</font>

http://twitter.com/#!/BlairMcElroy/status/64430026778624000

[McLegend]

She was looking girlfriendish. Either way I must say "Wow!"

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>McElroy to the Jets. Bye bye Sanchez.</font> :shifty:

[McLegend]

She is only in High School?

[McLegend]

<font color=goldenrod>McElroy to the Jets. Bye bye Sanchez.</font> :shifty:

McElroy better keep his sister away from Sanchez.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Gonna be a real downer if Herzlich doesn't get picked. Wanted the Giants to take him but now that they've drafted 2 LBs already I can't see it.</font>

[Gonzo]

That's his sister.

I should probably refresh the page first.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Cheta Ozougwu is Mr. Irrelevant</font>

[Skippord]

I find it unfair that the Texans made that poor old man say that name

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Paul Salata couldn't even complete his sentence. :( Not sure how many more of these he has left.</font>

[FearedSanctity]

I find it unfair that the Texans made that poor old man say that name

lol I thought the exact same thing when he said Cheddar

[Skippord]

like they couldn't do him a solid and draft like Pete Jones or something?

[Emperor Smeat]

:lol: Cam Newton already causing resentment with his new teammates in Carolina after he tried to convince Clausen to give up his number #2 jersey not because Cam Newton used to wear a #2 or requested the number for his jersey.

He wanted the number because #2 is the current starters number at QB for the Panthers and figures Clausen needs to change his number now he's a backup.

[Crimson]

BUST

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Rashard Mendenhall has probably booked his ticket out of Pittsburgh with his retarded Twitter statements.</font>

[CSL]

Dunno, pretty ridiculous to release the guy for being a bit of a tit. Just needs Mike Tomlin to slap him around a bit.

[CSL]

LOL though

scottmervis_pg (http://twitter.com/#!/scottmervis_pg) Scott Mervis_pg



For Rashard Mendenhall's tweets, Roger Goodell has fined James Harrison

4 hours ago (http://twitter.com/#!/scottmervis_pg/status/65463985004224512) Favorite (http://twitter.com/#) Retweet (http://twitter.com/#) Reply (http://twitter.com/#)

[Droford]

I didnt really need another reason to hate the Steelers.

I think he needs to have another run in with Ray Lewis week 1 of the season..

[Riker]

He is the starting RB for a Super Bowl Team. Hes not going anywhere.

His PR just took a hit, and I am sure the Steelers are going to tell him to shut his mouth from now on.

[Kris P Lettus]

What did he say??

Drew Brees put together a team practice at Tulane yesterday and like 40 players showed up..

[Riker]

Basically he was complaining about people celebrating Bin Ladens death as they "Dont know both sides of the story"

Then he made a statement about the WTC coming down, and how planes dont do that.

[Kris P Lettus]

What an idiot..

[RoXer]

Doug Flutie’s Daughter Is A Super Attractive NFL Cheerleader (http://sportsshow.comedycentral.com/2011/05/04/doug-fluties-daughter-is-a-super-attractive-nfl-cheerleader/)

http://sportsshow.comedycentral.com/files/2011/05/alexa-flutie.jpg (http://sportsshow.comedycentral.com/files/2011/05/alexa-flutie.jpg)
When I watched Doug Flutie throw that Hail Mary against Miami (last year on ESPN Classic) I knew that one day he would knock up a USFL groupie, marry her and produce a girl that I would furiously masturbate to in the handicap stall of the Sports Show bathroom.
That girls’s name is Alexis Flutie and according to some documented facts and a couple things I’ve made up, she seems like a real catch.
The former Miss Massachusetts and current New England Patriots cheerleader is over 18 (super important), a natural brunette and owns an unlisted cell phone number. She also enjoys long walks on the NFL sidelines and refusing to email me pictures of her taking a bath.

[RoXer]

Is This The End Of Tom Brady’s Football Career? (http://sportsshow.comedycentral.com/2011/05/04/is-this-the-end-of-tom-bradys-football-career/)

http://sportsshow.comedycentral.com/files/2011/05/tombrady-300x225.jpg (http://sportsshow.comedycentral.com/files/2011/05/tombrady.jpg)
As you can see in the picture above, Tom Brady no longer has depth perception. It’s tragic, but it’s undeniable based on this new photographic evidence.
Unless Brady retires immediately, he is putting himself in grave danger by stepping onto a football field. How is Brady going to reliably hit Wes Welker on a five-yard out, or check down to whichever tight end is currently in Bill Belichick’s good graces if he can’t even accurately kiss his wife on the cheek at a gala benefit without becoming the subject of an unflattering photograph and blog posts that jump to wild conclusions?
It’s a sad day for Patriots fans, but it appears the Ryan Mallett era is even closer than expected.

[parkmania]

Between his stance about Osama and previous comments about the NFL treating its players like "slaves", Mendenhall has just about punched his ticket out of Pittsburgh.

[RoXer]

Nah everything will be fine now because he released a statement someone wrote for him

[RoXer]

Clarification




Wednesday, May 4, 2011


I appreciate those of you who have decided to read this letter and attain a greater understanding of my recent twitter posts. I see how they have gotten misconstrued, and wanted to use this outlet as a way to clear up all things that do not truthfully represent myself, what I stand for personally, and any organization that I am a part of.
First, I want people to understand that I am not in support of Bin Laden, or against the USA. I understand how devastating 9/11 was to this country and to the people whose families were affected. Not just in the US, but families all over the world who had relatives in the World Trade Centers. My heart goes out to the troops who fight for our freedoms everyday, not being certain if they will have the opportunity to return home, and the families who watch their loved ones bravely go off to war. Last year, I was grateful enough to have the opportunity to travel over seas and participate in a football camp put on for the children of US troops stationed in Germany. It was a special experience. These events have had a significant impact in my life.

“What kind of person celebrates death? It's amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We've only heard one side...”

This controversial statement was something I said in response to the amount of joy I saw in the event of a murder. I don’t believe that this is an issue of politics or American pride; but one of religion, morality, and human ethics. In the bible, Ezekiel 33:11 states, “Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways!...”. I wasn’t questioning Bin Laden’s evil acts. I believe that he will have to face God for what he has done. I was reflecting on our own hypocrisy. During 9/11 we watched in horror as parts of the world celebrated death on our soil. Earlier this week, parts of the world watched us in horror celebrating a man’s death.
Nothing I said was meant to stir up controversy. It was my way to generate conversation. In looking at my timeline in its entirety, everything that I’ve said is with the intent of expressing a wide array of ideas and generating open and honest discussions, something I believe we as American citizens should be able to do. Most opinions will not be fully agreed upon and are not meant to be. However, I believe every opinion should be respected or at least given some thought. I apologize for the timing as such a sensitive matter, but it was not meant to do harm. I apologize to anyone I unintentionally harmed with anything that I said, or any hurtful interpretation that was made and put in my name.
It was only meant to encourage anyone reading it to think.

[Hanso Amore]

HEs not going anywhere. Hes just a fucking idiot who thinks he is Deep and amazing.

He is KalyX

[Emperor Smeat]

If he had just ended the tweet or rant with the first sentence then nobody would have had a problem but he decided for some strange reason to go on and on about conspiracies and other stuff that made him look like a moron or a werido.

[parkmania]

Non-Mendenhall related: Anonymous sources among Steeler players are saying they are being told by the union leadership to plan on having a deal in place by the end of June, and to be ready to report on July 1.

[Kris P Lettus]

That would be amazing..

:'(

[FearedSanctity]

Well with mediation resuming the 16th this month and the appeal being ruled on probably by mid-June, I'd say it's pretty plausible for a deal to be done before July. Hopefully before the appeal ruling, because then things can just be slowed down by whoever wins waving their dicks around

[Team Sheep]

Ok does anyone know what the song is here that starts at 4:20? I've been wanting to know for a long time but can't find it anywhere. :mad:

<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oRdC10DiTFg?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oRdC10DiTFg?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object>

[CSL]

Probably some Sam Spence/NFL films music I would guess

[Team Sheep]

Obviously. But what song.

[CSL]

Maybe find a library of them and go through all 6 million one by one.

[Team Sheep]

Yup very logical. Hense why I asked. Seems like this song is on NFL all the time and WWE sometimes yet nobody has a clue what it is.

[CSL]

Of course it's not logical but that's far from one of the more common NFL film 'pieces', I don't specifically recall hearing that unlike a lot of the others so finding a list and going through them on Youtube or something is probably your best bet. And I'm pretty sure WWE have only used 'The Classic Battle' and 'Roundup', during the Rumble build and the Slammies, which are 2 of the more famous/recognizable ones.

[Team Sheep]

Well I hear it pretty often, here's another video it's in off the top of my head:

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-ahVTorF2OI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And WWE definitely used it to recap some title win not too long ago but can't for the life of me remember who or when. I'm on the case.

[Team Sheep]

Ah here's what I was thinking of:

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/X17bC-yQLp4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

So yeah, not that rare. Can't believe nobody on the internet knows of it...

[CSL]

dunno bro, you've been looking for some time now, it still doesn't tell you the title of the song and that video was probably shown maybe twice :-\

[Team Sheep]

Well it's the NFL I'm really looking at for the answers as they use it often, I just posted that to prove WWE have used it. Ah well whatever, I'll find out some day.

[Emperor Smeat]

Most likely the songs are from the recent NFL Films album although the set is 10 discs in total.

http://www.amazon.com/Autumn-Thunder-Years-Films-Music/dp/tracks/B0002VERQA/ref=dp_tracks_all_full/191-1970053-5907332#disc_1

[Team Sheep]

May just buy that to listen to when I'm running. Epic.

[Team Sheep]

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PecogHnUHUE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

3:00 ;)

Found it now. "Drive to Glory."

[Kris P Lettus]

Stop posting WWE vids in the NFL thread..

:foc:

[Team Sheep]

No more I promise :) Just proving a point.

[Emperor Smeat]

No chance the lockout ends by June 3 as the NFL owners won a huge court case against the players due to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowing the NFL's request of a permanent stay of the lockout.

The players managed to win a lot of lower case battles that lifted the lockout for a while but the new ruling puts everything back to original status of the lockout.

The retired players branch of the union also won a court case in Minnesota that will force the owners to create a new proposal for a deal.

To be fair, the lower courts the players won at tended to be pro-union so it made sense for the NFL to find the strongest pro-owners court for appeals.

[James Steele]

TAKE THIS ALL THE WAY TO THE SUPREME COURT! Is football even constitutional? *DUM DUM DUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM*

[Kris P Lettus]

Fucking hate this..

[Innovator]

Yup, the owners file suit to not play...awesome.

[FearedSanctity]

No chance the lockout ends by June 3 as the NFL owners won a huge court case against the players due to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowing the NFL's request of a permanent stay of the lockout.

Actually, I can see one being done by then IF the NFLPA, and especially DeMaurice Smith, realize they have no chance of winning the appeal. He insists on acting smug without realizing that the wording in the papers on the stay almost flat out says the judges side with the league. The NFL knows it and wants to do a "fair" deal, the PA now needs to know this before they lose big time.

So basically, if the NFLPA realizes that if they wait until they lose on appeal that they'll have to accept almost whatever the NFL offers, they can take the time between now and then to work out a deal that both sides will actually like.

But I get the feeling Smith is going to continue to go the "cocky" route and keep trying to swing his dick around. I side with the PA, but Smith is a total fuckhead

[FearedSanctity]

Well so much for that. Mediation breaks until after the June 3rd hearing. God, this is such a fucking joke. Who schedules mediation for just 2 whole days when the sides are so far apart? That makes it what? 5 days of mediation since the lockout started? And with how stupid and standoffish the PA is being, shit won't get done next month either. Gonna take at least a month for Smith's pussy to stop hurting about losing the appeal. And that's if they don't appeal it to the whole 8th circuit appellate court, and again to the Supreme Court.

"Oh, we're doing what we can to assure football next year!" Then shut the fuck up, sit down and negotiate

[Kris P Lettus]

Seriously want to cry now..

[CSL]

Broncos become 2nd team in a few days to turn down Hard Knocks

[FearedSanctity]

I'm glad they got offered, but I wouldn't want it this year anyway. Maybe next year when everything gets settled

[Skippord]

I feel like they would be really boring on Hard Knocks anyway, unless it was just Brian Dawkins screaming at people for an hour

[FearedSanctity]

Yeah, I think the Broncos roster is kinda too "nice" to be as interesting as a Bengals or Jets season. The team has no divas or anything, and aside from Dawkins doesn't have anyone that's particularly "mouthy". Elway and Fox are pretty quiet too. Maybe in a year or so after everyone has settled in and adjusted to the new regime they'll open up. But for now I think the cameras would be too much of a distraction for a team that's young and has a lot to learn in a really short time. Better off with an already established team

[Crimson]

Just offer it to the Raiders, it's a lost season every year for them anyway

[Skippord]

and they can capitalize on the zombie craze

[OssMan]

boo hoo no football

[Innovator]

I feel like they would be really boring on Hard Knocks anyway, unless it was just Brian Dawkins screaming at people for an hour

That and Tebow healing the blind/sick/needy.

[Hanso Amore]

If teams keep turning down hard knocks, they are going to get stuck with the Bills...

Maybe at that point they would just cancel the show.

[James Steele]

I can see them doing Seattle. Pete Carroll loves that attention and acting like a fucking hippie on national tv.

[McLegend]

Tiki Barber is such an idiot.

[Krimzon7]

Hard knocks was the final straw in me ending my childhood grist with the bengals. I hate mke brown, I hate Chad Johnson, and Carson Palmer....well, good riddance. I think NFL has become my 2nd pastime.

[Gonzo]

Tiki Barber is such an idiot.

Yeah, I used to love him too. He really did a number on his reputation. I generally don't care about celebs personal stuff, but his comments towards the organization were pretty distasteful.

Then, the Giants won the Superbowl in 2007, so the joke is on him I guess.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'm pretty much the opposite. I don't really care about his comments about the organization. It was years ago, and the Giants won the Super Bowl without him. I didn't think he deserved to be booed mercilessly every time an old Tiki play was shown on the video boards.

But it's pretty hard for me to respect somebody who ditches their wife when she's 8 months pregnant with twins. Fuck him.

I have a Tiki jersey in awesome condition that I bought in 2006 probably only a week or two before he announced his intent to retire. Wish there was an actual nameplate on the back so I could have salvaged it by turning it into a Phillips jersey.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

If ESPN's NFL show is correct on their prediction, the earliest the lockout will end is around late July which is what the owners wanted the whole time because at that point, the players would have lost too much time to prepare for the season.

The players still need at least a whole month to train before thinking about pre-season games and then time for free agents to sign and then train with potential new teams.

The owners are also less likely to cave than the players should they lose the current appeals case since their strategy the whole time was to only outlast the players union in waiting.

[Crimson]

Lets hope July is the case. I wana get into fantasy football already

[FearedSanctity]

Or late June...


Though it’s still way too early to claim that the lockout is “over” or “almost over,” the signs of progress continue to emerge.

The latest? Daniel Kaplan of SportsBusiness Journal reports that the the “expectation is for a framework agreement in about two weeks.”

Kaplan’s report meshes with other chatter we’re hearing. None of it may mean much in isolation, but taken together it suggests that teams are now operating under the assumption that the full season — with preseason and training camp — will unfold as scheduled.

Though there’s still no specific reason to believe a settlement definitely will happen, the sense of optimism not only has lasted for well over a week but also has consistently grown. Soon, conventional wisdom could be that the failure to do a deal will be a major upset.

[OssMan]

Had a dream the season started

[FearedSanctity]

Freeman: Some believe deal could come “within a matter of days”


Well ,the good news keeps getting better.

Just as I was prepared to write an item predicting that a new labor deal will be announced on June 30, our good friend Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com has reported that some of the parties in the negotiations believe an agreement could be reached “within a matter of days.”

Freeman also reports that 80 to 85 percent of the next labor deal has been negotiated, and that the entire process has become very cordial, with smiles, handshakes, and smalltalk.

“It’s going to be very difficult for this to get screwed up,” a source “with intimate knowledge of the discussions” told Freeman.

[CSL]

David Tyree taking his same-sex marriage views to all new levels

Former Giants receiver David Tyree has spoken out once again in opposition to gay marriage, telling the New York Daily News that he'd trade his famous "helmet catch" in Super Bowl XLII, and the team's upset win over the New England Patriots in that game, if it would keep marriage between one man and one woman.


Former Giants wideout David Tyree said he'd trade 'The Catch' in Super Bowl XLII to prevent the passage of gay marriage. (Gene Puskar/Associated Press)
"The catch was a gift, it's not like I'd try to do it. I couldn't do it again, so that was a miracle," Tyree said. "There's nothing worth more than (maintaining heterosexual marriage) right here for me.

"Nothing means more to me than that my God would be honored. Being the fact that I firmly believe that God created and ordained marriage between a man and a woman, I believe that that's something that should be fought for at all costs. So I'll lay down everything I am to preserve the honor and integrity of the God that I serve."

Tyree's initial comments against same-sex marriage, pulled from a video produced for the National Organization for Marriage, were first reported last Thursday in the New York Daily News.

"If they pass this gay marriage bill, what I know will happen is this will be the beginning of our country sliding toward ... it's a strong word, but, 'anarchy,'" Tyree said in the video. "That will be the moment itself where our country loses its grip with what's right. Marriage is one of those things that is the backbone of society. So if you redefine it, it changes the way we educate our children, it changes the perception of what is good, what is right, what is just."

Tyree revisited those comments in Monday's Daily News piece, saying: "So once you allow something like same-sex marriage, it opens up the door for a continual softening to the backbone of our society, which will eventually, for generations to come, open up the door for who knows, polygamy, and all other (things)."

A devout Christian, Tyree said his beliefs trump any concerns about his image with Giants fans.

"I have no care of my image," Tyree said. "I'm not necessarily here to be politically correct. All of my convictions come from my faith. I speak strong for that."


Tyree earned a place in sports history with "The Catch," which helped the Giants shock the previously undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. It turned out to be his final reception, as injuries curtailed his seven-year career. He was elected to the Pro Bowl for his special teams efforts in 2005. He re-signed with the team for one day in 2010 so he could retire with the Giants.

Tyree's feelings stand in sharp contrast to recent statements by Giants co-owner Steve Tisch and former All-Pro defensive end Michael Strahan in support of gay marriage legislation. Tyree was inspired to release a video containing his opinion after learning of Strahan's public support of New York's same-sex marriage bill.

"It doesn't bother me at all," Tyree said of opinions expressed by Tisch and Strahan.

Advocates for and against same-sex marriage have swarmed New York's state Senate with a possible vote to legalize gay marriage coming later this week.

[Emperor Smeat]

Former Giants receiver David Tyree has spoken out once again in opposition to gay marriage, telling the New York Daily News that he'd trade his famous "helmet catch" in Super Bowl XLII, and the team's upset win over the New England Patriots in that game, if it would keep marriage between one man and one woman.

Add in a draft pick and Belichick will do the trade :shifty:

[Emperor Smeat]

ESPN leaked out some of the details the current CBA proposal contains with the players loosing some percentage of total revenue (down from 53 or 60%) but the owners also lost the ability to lock $1-$2 billion away from the players ($1 billion automatically to go along with $1 billion for expenses).


• Players get 48 percent of "all revenue."
• Players' share will never dip below 46.5 percent, under new formula being negotiated.
• Teams required to spend close to 100 percent of the salary cap.
• Rookie wage scale part of deal but still being "tweaked."
• Four years needed for unrestricted free-agent status. Certain tags will be retained, but still being discussed.
• 18-game regular season designated only as negotiable item and at no point is mandated in deal.
• New 16-game Thursday night TV package beginning in 2012.
• Owners still will get some expense credits that will allow funding for new stadiums.
• Retirees to benefit from improved health care, pension benefits as revenue projected to double to $18 million by 2016.

Buffalo and a few smaller clubs but rich owners could kill the deal though since they don't want to have to spend to match salary cap requirements. The players could still force the NFL to open up its books to prove if they really are loosing money like the owners are claiming.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6687485

[FearedSanctity]

Won't matter about the Bills and a "few" other teams. The vote only needs 24 to pass, so they can vote against all they want. My suggestion is if you don't make enough then gtfo of Buffalo

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Thursday Night Football every week? Fuck. I thought having your team play on Mondays was bad, Thursdays is even worse.</font>

[James Steele]

Thursday Night Football every week? Fuck. I thought having your team play on Mondays was bad, Thursdays is even worse.

Depends on who you are playing before and after.

[Crimson]

As long as they make the Giants play on monday and then thursday in Dallas im good

[Hanso Amore]

Well seeing as a huge amount of people dont get NFL network, I think fuck you to the NFL on the Thursday night games.

[Hanso Amore]

Luckily the Bills suck so they will never have a Thursday game.

[Hanso Amore]

PS Buffalo hasnt been officially linked to be a team against this deal, it is just assumed.

Once Cheap Ralph dies this shit will be good. Cant say I know the team will stay, but they make as much, if not more than Green Bay because of the Toronto games, so they are viable. They just need an owner who is ok with not getting rich from the team. SOmeone who wants to win, not make money.

[FearedSanctity]

Well seeing as a huge amount of people dont get NFL network, I think fuck you to the NFL on the Thursday night games.

Won't be on NFLN, will be sold to highest bidder

[Emperor Smeat]

PS Buffalo hasnt been officially linked to be a team against this deal, it is just assumed.

Once Cheap Ralph dies this shit will be good. Cant say I know the team will stay, but they make as much, if not more than Green Bay because of the Toronto games, so they are viable. They just need an owner who is ok with not getting rich from the team. SOmeone who wants to win, not make money.

Last I heard there are a couple of people who want to buy the team but the best potential bid or two would involve moving the team to Toronto and neither the current owner nor the NFL wants that to occur.

Buffalo would need to be ridiculed at the level of the Lions for the owner to decide to start spending money or similar to a New England's case have a bunch of local teams in every sport start winning which forced the Bruins owner to spend after being a notorious cheap-ass.

[CSL]

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/i3KyRLZiCz0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

only way Eli could have looked better lifting the Lombardi Trophy would have been with that moustache

[Innovator]

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/anjAnb3yXrM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[parkmania]

I've heard several times over the years that a lot of the Buffalo season ticket holders live in Rochester, and that they would love having a smaller stadium closer to home and would allegedly be able to sell out a 50K stadium easily, as opposed to the 73K Raplh Wilson Salad Bowl of Doom.

Any New Yorkers able to confirm or deny?

[FearedSanctity]

NFL Network's Albert Breer reports the owners and players made "major strides" on the revenue split late into Thursday night and early Friday morning.
Talks didn't wrap up until after midnight after they came close to breaking down earlier in the day. Mediator Arthur Boylan has "optimism building a bit," and it now looks like the revenue split "might not be a major stumbling block" when talks resume next week. Boylan orchestrated a "huge rebound," writes Breer. That sentiment coincides with a cryptic tweet from CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman, who suggested football fans should be thanking Boylan as the July 4 holiday weekend begins.

[Nervous Ferret]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOO Taylor Lautner you are ho00o0tttttttttt

[FearedSanctity]

Barring an unexpected turn, signs point to this being over by the end of the week

[RP]

As soon as its official, I'm in the market for Steelers v Colts tickets.

[RP]

John Mackey

=(

[Team Sheep]

I'll be in Philadelphia on December 18 so I'll be hunting for some Eagles/Jets tickets once this nonsense is all over with. Come oooon.

[FearedSanctity]

Mediator Judge Arthur Boylan goes on vacation starting this Saturday. Both sides are open to meeting through the weekend. Sides met for 12.5 hours today, which included a phone conference with the plaintiffs for the first time. They'll meet again tomorrow at 9am. They apparently had some tough talks today, but def made progress.

The earlier prediction of an agreement by the end of the week MAY be slightly off, latest I'm hearing this is done by is mid-next week.

[FearedSanctity]

Judges ruled on the lockout today.

Gonna try to keep it short. Basically, 8th Circuit ruled somewhat evenly, as promised. Ruled that lockout is legal, but it doesn't apply to those not under contract i.e. FAs and rookies. It's up to a ruling from Judge Nelson as to whether that part will stick. But based on her previous rulings, she'll greenlight it. Here's the big thing though, this loophole would open up teams abilities to sign FAs ASAP.

Players and League released a statement saying that this ruling changes nothing, their priority is negotiations. If they're stupid, the league can try to use this as leverage. But given that Judge Nelson is likely to approve contact between teams and FAs and rookies, they need to get a deal done before all hell breaks loose.

[Emperor Smeat]

Right now only 2 issues are causing problems with one upsetting the players and the other upsetting the owners.

The players don't like the idea of the right of first refusal only being limited to 3 players per team which could affect free agency and make the owners pocket more money.

The owners want only the arbitrator to have the final decision and no influence from other courts regardless of the decisions made due to the players having a lot more courts on their side than the owners side. Another reason is due to the AG of New York investigating the owners/NFL for anti-trust laws being broken because of the lockout being done by the owners and the "damages" also affecting states and cities who have agreements with the NFL.

[Innovator]

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GrQohvcV4mY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[RP]

The Steelers should just stay away from Georgia.

[ClockShot]

Mike Vrabel retires. Got a gig lined up as an assistant coach at Ohio State.

[Emperor Smeat]

I liked how all his career catches were for TDs and that nobody bothered to realize that if he's on offense then to cover him the most since the next play is meant for him.

[James Steele]

Pacman Jones got arrested in a bar for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, and he had a neckbrace on because he is still recovering from a herniated disk.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6754092

http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2011/07/pacman.jpg

[Crimson]

Seriously? Drinking at a bar with a neckbrace? Stay the fuck home you idiot hope he never makes back on the field and gets cut

[RP]

What a dumb human.

[Kris P Lettus]

Bradley Handwerger / WWLTV.com Sports Writer THIBODAUX, La. ―Jon Gruden isn’t sure about the details of the lockout. He doesn’t know how free agency is going to be changed. And doesn’t know how teams are going to react to being off from football for four-plus months. But one thing he does know is that he likes the Saints. ESPN’s Monday Night Football oracle, long high on the Saints, remains that way this offseason. “I still think they’re one of the top four or five teams in football without a doubt,” Gruden said Friday during an interview at the Manning Passing Academy. Gruden is most bullish on the Saints offense, especially the backfield. When asked about the addition of Mark Ingram through the draft, Gruden was glowing in his review of the former Heisman Trophy winning running back from Alabama. The rookie, Gruden said, can contribute immediately. “I think you need a guy that when you have the ball and the lead inside of four minutes to run the clock, that’s the only enemy (for an opponent),” Gruden said. “I think Ingram is that kind of guy. He’s an NFL back. He can pick up blitzes flush. I’ve seen him do it. He’s a pretty good receiver out of the backfield. “I just think he’s going to make a lot of big first downs for the Saints in key situations.” But the key will be remaining healthy. The Saints ended the 2010 season decimated in the backfield, among other positions. By the end of the playoff loss to Seattle, the Saints were down to DeShawn Wynn in the backfield. Reggie Bush and Julius Jones ended the game on the bench with injuries while Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory didn’t even dress because of injuries sustained prior to the playoffs. “This is a team that uses their backs,” Gruden said. “Two at a time. Multiple formations. Reggie is a joker –he lines up in the slot, he lines up outside, he lines up in the backfield. They missed those backs. Pierre and Reggie had a lot to do with the Super Bowl trophy I think. To get Ingram, hopefully Pierre and Reggie back and Ivory? “That’s a nucleus of four backs that not a lot of teams can say they have.” Gruden, though, extends his praise to the receiving corps. “They’re not catch-counters in New Orleans,” the former coach said. “They’re into winning football games.” In fact, the most diminutive receiver on the Saints’ roster the past few seasons picked up the most praise from Gruden. Lance Moore, who in all likelihood will come out of the offseason as a newly minted unrestricted free agent, was described as Brees’ “go-to guy in key situations” and a “quick slot receiver who really has the body language of an All-Pro.” And that’s not mentioning the man running the offense. Drew Brees, as always, got rave reviews from the quarterback guru himself. “Brees makes very few mistakes,” Gruden said. “The more football you give this guy, the better he is.” The question, though, is can the Saints get back to the Super Bowl. Gruden, for one, thinks it’s a possibility if the stars align and the right decisions are made. “I think they’ve got to come off the bye and make a couple of tough decisions with their roster and hit the ground running,” he said. “If they do that, they’ll get right back in contention.”

[SammyG]

Rams playoff bound this year

[Corndad]

James Harrison is an idiot. This lockout needs to end soon. Rooney and Tomlin got a few issues they gotta take care of, first Hines now this. The hell is goin on.

[RP]

Harrison is a ignorant black man. That's putting it nicely.

[Emperor Smeat]

It was one thing to be upset at the Commish and call him a liar but then either stupidity or him just ranting managed to include gay slurs, verbal attacks on his team mates, and then news of him taking pictures holding guns.

The NFL is really upset at the picture since everything else can be taken care of behind doors. The picture ends up being part of the same thing that occurs every year with some players acting like dumbasses or criminals and hurt the public image of the NFL.

[Nervous Ferret]

Why should James Harrison care about the public image of the NFL?

[Droford]

Im enjoying the implosion of the Pissburgh Steelers even before the lockout is over. Its awesome.

[Emperor Smeat]

ESPN is reporting that an agreement on a principle version for the CBA could be finished by the next 1-2 days with just a few big issues left but nothing serious that wouldn't allow an agreement to be reached.

A fix to the rookie wage system has been agreed to go along with the CBA guaranteed to last 7-10 years and a salary cap around $120 million for 2011.

The players wanted $141 million for the cap but agree to drop $20 million and use the extra for each team's benefits plans. The owners are still split on how much of the cap must be spent per year with 90% being agreed as the starting level. Also agreed is some sort of small exemption for teams who are over the cap but nothing more than 1 player or $3 million.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/6768521/nfl-lockout-owners-players-agree-rookie-wage-system-sources-say

[SammyG]

HOORAY FOOTBALL

[CSL]

so will free agency literally start the second a new deal is sealed or will the date for it be something they organize/agree on?

[Crimson]

I'm guessing it will take just a few days after a deal is officialy done to start free agency? Or it might even start right away..but shorter than a week for sure from what i've heard.

[Skippord]

I think if they get the deal ratified on Thursday free agency starts the following Monday

[FearedSanctity]

Relatively good chance of the schedule going something like this:

Wednesday: Finish off deal, player vote, plaintiffs approve
Thursday: Owner's meeting in ATL, they vote
Friday: Planned seminar for team officials about new CBA
Weekend off, as usual
Monday - Wednesday: Exclusive team negotiations with their FAs
Thursday: Free Agency opens

[Battlekat]

James Harrison is an idiot. This lockout needs to end soon. Rooney and Tomlin got a few issues they gotta take care of, first Hines now this. The hell is goin on.

It's not just him either, you now have Mendenhall suing Champion for 1 million. I agree with the recent Mark Madden blogs, Mendenhall, Harrison, and Ward just need to shut the f*ck up, play football, and learn from these mistakes. This team is totally out of control compared to when Cowher was coaching.

[parkmania]

It's not just him either, you now have Mendenhall suing Champion for 1 million. I agree with the recent Mark Madden blogs, Mendenhall, Harrison, and Ward just need to shut the f*ck up, play football, and learn from these mistakes. This team is totally out of control compared to when Cowher was coaching.

+1. Also Dan being in Ireland the whole time doesn't help.

[CSL]

Kris Jenkins retired :(

[Team Sheep]

Loved the guy's determination and commitment but so unreliable :( He tailed off big time in the Brett Favre season (along with most of the team sure), got injured and out for the year in week 6 of 2009 and again in week 1 of 2010. Definitely time to call it a day.

[RP]

Getting worried about Peyton tbh. I read something about nerves affecting his throwing arm and stuff. Km not even sure Indy makes the playoffs with Peyton this year. So many questions. Colts need to get a big FA. I want Deangelo Williams and/or Nnamdi. Who knows maybe Donald Brown has a breakout season.

Really concerned.

[Emperor Smeat]

Owners set to vote on the new CBA around 3-5:30pm ET today with about 24 votes needed to end the lockout or at least put an official start to the offseason. The players are expected to reform the union either later in the week or next week with the problem being a lot of votes need to be collected and counted which is why they couldn't do it yesterday before the owners vote.

The other issues not agreed on by both the players and owners are not strong enough to kill the new CBA and can be agreed on at a later time.

[FearedSanctity]

The players are expected to reform the union either later in the week or next week with the problem being a lot of votes need to be collected and counted which is why they couldn't do it yesterday before the owners vote.

The reason it hasn't been done is NFLPA lawyer Jeffrey Kessler insists on being the typical POS lawyer. He wants this thing to drag on as long as possible in the hopes of blowing it up so litigation can go all the way and he can in the end fuck up the way the NFL operates.

Despite that the league set up or at least outlined a way for the PA to vote quickly and electronically, he insists that the PA mail out vote cards and wait for them to be returned and counted.

Smith got in his shit already a few weeks ago about trying to fuck things up, and now he just continues to try it. Smith just needs to tell him to stfu or fire his ass already, like Upshaw would've done a while ago

[FearedSanctity]

At the top of the hour on ESPN, Sal Paolantonio reiterated what we’ve been saying for weeks: “We keep hearing from a lot of owners here that . . . Jeffrey Kessler is holding up this deal.”

Kessler apparently is holding up the deal in one way by ignoring all modern means of communication to insist on sending out union cards in the mail for players to sign and return.

There’s another Kessler tactic that continues to find willing soil. As Chris Mortensen of ESPN mentioned moments after Paolantonio’s report from Atlanta, some of the players meeting in Washington are reluctant to reformulate the union.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/21/reluctance-to-reconstitute-union-is-another-red-herring/

[FearedSanctity]

Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com reports Logan Mankins and Vincent Jackson are still holding out for $10 million apiece to settle the Brady v. NFL antitrust suit.
Jackson has tweeted that he's not holding out for any special considerations, but the NFLPA lawyers certainly are on his behalf. Attorney Jeffrey Kessler, in particular, is slowing the process with this ridiculous demand as well as the delay in union recertification.

Source: Mike Freeman on Twitter

[FearedSanctity]

Aaand the owner's have approved by a vote of 31-0 (Raiders abstained). Goodell says facilities can open Saturday and the league year can start Wednesday.

Ball is in the players court now. Their conference call begins shortly.

College free agency and the conditional signing of rookie draft picks are scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday

Proposed deal is for 10 years with no early opt out

[Skippord]

fucking Raiders

[Innovator]

WWHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAA

WE'RE HALFWAY THERE!!!

[DaveBrawl]

fucking Raiders

[FearedSanctity]

Getting ridiculous now...

According to SI.com's Jim Trotter, "you can take it to the bank" that the players will not ratify the owners' proposal "as currently presented."
Commissioner Roger Goodell was left with the impression that NFLPA chief DeMaurice Smith will recommend the proposal to his constituents, but the player reps aren't ready to recertify just yet. NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora reports there are still at least "four or five" outstanding issues in the NFL's tentative document. Several player reps have told ESPN that they are "unhappy" that the owners' actions have "painted us into a corner." The bottom line is that there is still negotiating

NFLPA boss De Smith sent an email to the board of player representatives, clarifying that there is "no agreement" with the owners as of Thursday night.
In a final power play, it's beginning to look more and more like the owners ratified their own proposal rather than an agreement between the two sides. Profootballtalk's Mike Florio believes "there's no way" players will approve the deal Thursday night, as the NFLPA insists on collectively bargaining several outstanding issues. We're no longer buying commissioner Goodell's claim that Smith signed off on this deal. The NFL is simply tightening the vice grip to apply pressure in the public eye.

[FearedSanctity]

Also...

fucking Raiders

[FearedSanctity]

Breer reports that the players conference call is NOT going well right now

[Droford]

I hope if this doesnt happen the NFL crashes and burns and becomes less popular than the WNBA.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Nice. I think we were all waiting for one of the sides to make a completely dickhead move that just makes everyone hate them. Was getting nervous that it might not happen as we were getting this close to the end.

But god bless those owners, they found a way.

[FearedSanctity]

Apparently the players have "cooled off", and now they have all 10 plaintiffs on board. So really all that's left is assuring the have the 50% +1 for the vote Monday

[IC Champion]

Yeah, Owners were pretty crafty and have done a good job of putting the heat on the players.

[Emperor Smeat]

ESPN is reporting from one of its sources that the NFLPA and owners have agreed on terms for all the remaining issues and the players will vote to approve the new CBA tomorrow.

The owners also dropped a few of their demands to get the players vote by Monday with the biggest being the union can re-certify after the voting and not before or on the same day as the owners demanded.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/6797238/2011-nfl-lockout-owners-players-come-deal-all-points-sources-say

[RP]

I don't mind if Brett Favre wants to play.

[FearedSanctity]

And it's over.

Free agent negotiations and apparently trades begin tomorrow, signings on Friday

[Innovator]

FOOTBALL!

Ok Giants, let's go get a linebacker.

[Team Sheep]

The Santonio and Braylon stuation is gonna be interesting as hell this week. Got a bad feeling about it all.

[DaveWadding]

The Ravens drop the boom, cutting Derrick Mason, Todd Heap, Willis McGahee and Kevin Gregg.

[RP]

Todd Heap? Wow.

[Aguakate]

The lockout ends, Brett Favre SOMEHOW is inserted into the discussion, and BINGO...once again, we have the "will he play or won't he?" speculation, like every season...

...shit.

[D Mac]

fucking Raiders

[D Mac]

Todd Heap would look awesome in KC red.

[RP]

Ok lets give Peyton all the money and fill the rest of the positions with canadian football league players... Woooo wooooo!

[Evil Vito]

The Giants signed Mark Herzlich. I am ecstatic right now.

[Hanso Amore]

Im seeing reports of him to the Ravens....

[FearedSanctity]

The Ravens reports were premature last night. He was just on NFLN talking why he chose the Giants, so it's safe to say that's a done deal

[Innovator]

The Giants signed Mark Herzlich. I am ecstatic right now.

https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1106400370/image_normal.jpg
MarkHerzlich (https://twitter.com/#%21/MarkHerzlich) Mark Herzlich



The support is unbelievable. Keep it coming cannot wait to be a #giant (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23giant). Trying to find Giants gear in Philly #almostimpossible (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23almostimpossible)

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MarkHerzlich (https://twitter.com/#%21/MarkHerzlich) Mark Herzlich



Here filming with #Everything2Prove (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23Everything2Prove)

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MarkHerzlich (https://twitter.com/#) Mark Herzlich



Mark Herzlich is a New York Giant! http://fb.me/srdWLxyn

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MarkHerzlich (https://twitter.com/#) Mark Herzlich @



@AdamSchefter (http://twitter.com/AdamSchefter) I have chosen the #Giants (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23Giants) great team, great fit, great opportunity.

2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/#%21/MarkHerzlich/status/95863940172615680) (https://twitter.com/#)



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[URL="https://twitter.com/#%21/MarkHerzlich"]MarkHerzlich (https://twitter.com/#) Mark Herzlich



Decision is made I will be a #GIANT (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23GIANT) can't wait to get to #NYC (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23NYC). Thank you for everything.

[CSL]

wow apparently Giants will release both Shaun O'Hara and Rich Seubert

[Innovator]

Sad to see both go.

[Droford]

The Ravens drop the boom, cutting Derrick Mason, Todd Heap, Willis McGahee and Kevin Gregg.

Just under $20 million in cap room by releasing them. McGahee was the least surprising though I do worry they might miss having a veteran backup RB.. Ive heard that its likely they'll try to keep Heap with a reduced contract but I dont know if he'd stay for less money.

As for Mason, he's been Flaccos #1 target but with Boldin and Torrey Smith and the possibility of using some of that extra cap room to grab Sidney Rice or Santonio Holmes, it was a no brainer. Personally rooting for Holmes since signing Sidney Rice means they have to redo Ray Rice's Jersey (R. Rice and S. Rice) but I guess if thats the worst problem I can come up with its not that bad...lol Plus Steve Smith from Carolina wants to be traded to either the Ravens or Chargers..I would love to see the Ravens WR be Boldin/Holmes or Rice/Steve Smith/Torrey Smith..

Also, they signed Damien Berry from the U as an undrafted Rookie to probably replace McGahee backup to Ray Rice.

[Droford]

Some Ravens fans want the money spent on Nnamdi Asomugha, but I have a weird feeling he turns out to be a bust for whatever team overspends to get him..

Not that the Ravens couldn't use a top tier CB..cause the Ravens CBs all blow..but I just wouldn't do it...would rather have another top WR to compliment Boldin.

[Droford]

Carson Palmer is going to retire since the Bengals wont trade him, leaving $50 million over the next 4 years.

The Bengals QB options are Andy Dalton and Jordan Palmer, but probably some veteran QB. Im predicting now that Marc Bulger will end up there instead of taking the backup job for the Ravens.

[Emperor Smeat]

Banta-Cain gets cut from Patriots while Mankins agrees to sign his franchise tag and arrive on time in camp.

Banta-Cain suffered due to really bad medical advice since he got talked out of a small surgery when last season ended and then was told he actually needed the surgery right when the lockout ended. Instead of just recovering during the offseason, he now looses all of pre-season and camps to go along with at least 1-2 weeks of the regular season because of that bad advice.


Matt Hasselbeck won't return to Seattle regardless of their offer based on the latest report.


Cowboys set to cut Marion Barber and Roy Williams. Also getting cut are Leonard Davis and their kicker Kris Brown. The team might be going after Asomugha based on some rumors.


DeSean Jackson might hold out and not show for the Eagles training camp. He wants a new contract since he feels he's vastly underpaid for his great stats (under $1 million per year).

[Supreme Olajuwon]

So glad that Mike Brown would rather not cave in to a player's demands than build a competitive team.

When Mike Brown sets his sights on something, he will not be moved by anything until he gets it. If only he'd set his sights on winning, the Bengals would have 30 Super Bowls by now.

[Nark Order]

Ugh, Alex Smith is a free agent but the 49ers are most likely going to re-sign him. Apparently he's put in an asston of work in the off season but come the fuck on.

[Nark Order]

All of these quarterbacks on the fucking trading black, yet were probably gonna roll with Alex again. Fuck.

[Crimson]

The Bengals owner is a jerk if he doesn't trade Palmer

[Innovator]

Giants talking to Plaxico about a potential return. Lets go Plaxinno.

[Aguakate]

All of these quarterbacks on the fucking trading black, yet were probably gonna roll with Alex again. Fuck.

Hey, that's no way to refer to Donovan McNabb!

[ClockShot]

Matt Hasselbeck to the Titans on a multi-year deal.

So the $64,000 question: Where's Vince Young going to end up?

[Innovator]

Donovan McNabb going to the Vikings.

[Team Sheep]

Jets agree to five-year deal with Holmes :heart:

[Evil Vito]

The Bengals owner is a jerk if he doesn't trade Palmer

Yeah I can't believe he won't trade his QB who already has a huge contract yet still continues to threaten retirement and act like a crybaby bitch. What a jerk that guy is.

[ClockShot]

Donovan McNabb going to the Vikings.

Redskins gonna kick in some money with that ridiculous contract he got last season?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Yeah I can't believe he won't trade his QB who already has a huge contract yet still continues to threaten retirement and act like a crybaby bitch. What a jerk that guy is.

What does the value of Palmer's contract have to do with anything? He doesn't want money. He wants to play for a well run franchise while he can still play.

The only reason Mike Brown won't trade him is because Brown doesn't want to set a precedent because then everyone will want to leave. Of course this obviously ignores the real issue that his franchise is so shitty that nobody wants to play there, but what do you expect from the worst owner in professional sports.

[Hanso Amore]

Ahmad Bradshaw to the PHINS

[Battlekat]

Ahmad Bradshaw to the PHINS

I saw Orton might get traded there, but I haven't seen this on nfl.com or espn.com. do you have a link by chance?

[Emperor Smeat]

Donovan McNabb going to the Vikings.
Minnesota almost cancelled the trade because they were also considering Tyler Thigpen but that ended once he signed with Buffalo.


Jets agree to five-year deal with Holmes :heart:
It also means that the Jets have to get rid of Braylon Edwards unless he wants to take a huge pay cut and also hurts going after Asomugha unless he wants to take a big discount. The Jets offered too much money to Holmes especially with the guarantee being in the Top 5 for WRs.

[Team Sheep]

Rex can be a hell of a negotiator. We'll see what happens. Main priority first and foremost was securing Holmes though imo. Sanchez and Holmes partnership was arguably the difference between 11-5 and 8-8, and of course the ridiculous touchdown catch against the Pats in the play offs to kill them off just when they got back into it and the stadium was rocking. Seconds later you could hear a pin drop. Amazing.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Now I'm reading Bradshaw is out of the Dolphins' price range and that he will probably stay with the Giants.

God I hope so. That would be a devastating loss, and with DeAngelo off the market there won't be anybody who could truly replace him.

Like the David Baas signing a lot.</font>

[Crimson]

I dont understand the Panthers signing Deangelo all that much. You have Stewart and Goodson a decent backup..this isn't a running back league anymore. They coulda signed help elsewhere, like who's their starting wr's for example

[Emperor Smeat]

They had to due to the team being $70 million under the cap and the new CBA forcing teams to spend up to the limit and not have owners pocketing the money. Even if they started shopping in free agency, they probably wouldn't have reached that amount unless they gave out bad contracts which is something the owners got upset with last time.

Its one of the side effects of the rookie pay scale being reduced since under the old system, Cam Newton's rookie contract would have "eat" up most of their extra money.

[RoXer]

Fucking done with Arizona teams

[RoXer]

Its difficult to build a future when you constantly trade away young talant

[RoXer]

Trading away an excellent player who was a first round draft pick for an unproven backup QB might be the most retarded move I've ever heard of.

If Kolb turns out to be an amazing QB then I'll eat my hat. But I have a good feeling I'm not eating any hat anytime soon. Fucking rediculous

[Nervous Ferret]

Will it be the As hat from that one picture

[RoXer]

That one doesn't fit me anymore so I had to buy new ones

[RP]

Albert Haynesworth traded to the Patriots.

[CSL]

what's the betting Belichick has Haynesworth playing like it's 2008 in no time

[MVP]

At least the Pats didn't give up too much for Haynesworth other than a 5th round pick in 2013. I guess he praised Belichick and the organization in an interview like last year, so maybe he'll actually step it up this year instead of being a lazy bastard like he was on the Redskins.