HEAV
06-04-2005, 10:32 AM
Terrell Owens on his Eagles contract: "I don't have to play for the Eagles. Anybody that I play for, I'm going to play 100 percent. I gave San Francisco 100 percent. I gave the Eagles 100 percent. When I got hurt, I rehabbed 100 percent. They know the situation, so just give me what I deserve. "I'm one of the top players in the game. That's all I ask. I'm not trying to break the bank. Just give me what I deserve. If they don't want to do that, that's fine." Exactly what Owens thinks he deserves remained a mystery because when he finished with his answer and fought back tears, his lead publicist, Kita Williams, informed reporters that all future questions must pertain to the "Terrell Owens Takes a T.O. for Charity" event.
The Vikings on Friday continued their courtship of defensive back R.W. McQuarters, who had a morning meeting with coach Mike Tice and watched the final practice of this week's three-day developmental camp. McQuarters, who was released last week by the Chicago Bears, left town without a contract, and Vikings vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski wouldn't speculate on a possible signing. McQuarters, who declined an interview request, has visited the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and New York Giants in the past two weeks. His agent, Tom Condon, indicated it would be next week, at the earliest, before he and McQuarters make their decision. "We're trying to sort through the best situation and best money," Condon said.
Ex-Eagle Freddie Mitchell refused to confirm or deny a report he will work out for the Chiefs next week.
Wide receiver Koren Robinson and cornerback Bobby Taylor of Seattle and Kansas City wide receiver Johnnie Morton were three big-name players released Thursday. Packers GM Reggie McKenzie said the only one the Packers might have a slight interest in is Taylor, but they won't be setting up a visit with him any time soon. "He still can play a little bit, but he's slowed down a little bit," McKenzie said of Taylor. Taylor spent his first nine years in Philadelphia, where he had 19 interceptions and played in one Pro Bowl. But after signing a four-year deal with Seattle last offseason, he couldn't win a starting job and missed eight games with a knee injury. Tennessee is expected to release safety Lance Schulters due to salary-cap reasons soon and McKenzie said Green Bay might be interested in him.
The Washington Redskins released Chad Morton yesterday just two seasons after making him one of the highest-paid return specialists in the NFL. Morton, 28, missed most of last season with a torn knee ligament and had not been cleared to play at the time he was let go. His brother, Johnnie, a wide receiver, was cut by Kansas City on Thursday for salary cap purposes and could interest the Redskins on the free agent market.
Free agent Peter Boulware visited the Seahawks yesterday and left without signing. He is believed to have more visits before making his decision. Boulware, older brother of Seahawks safety Michael Boulware, is a four-time Pro Bowl linebacker the Seahawks would like to bring in to be a pass-rush specialist. But he didn't play last season with the Baltimore Ravens because of knee and toe injuries.
Rams coach Mike Martz said the team is awaiting medical reports before taking any final action on tackle Kyle Turley. "I don't know where we are with his physical and the (medical) report," Martz said. "I would refer you to Jay (Zygmunt) on the status of where Kyle is physically." Zygmunt, the team's president of football operations, declined to comment Friday. But the overall outlook on Turley hasn't changed. Once the reports are in, Turley is expected to be released with the added designation of "failed physical." And that could take place next week.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus did volunteer that he met Terrell Owens earlier this year at an ESPN bowling event, where they had the first conversation that led to his hiring. So Eagles fans can perhaps blame the sport that requires those garish shoes for threatening their chances of returning to the Super Bowl.
Koren Robinson’s blood-alcohol level measured .191 percent in a pair of breath tests administered by Medina Police in the early morning hours of May 6, records show. The state’s legal limit for driving is .08 percent. Robinson, released Thursday by the Seattle Seahawks after incurring DUI and reckless-driving charges, has pleaded not guilty in Kirkland Municipal Court. He claimed in court papers to have consumed alcohol after driving and before taking the breath tests. Whatever the case, blood-alcohol readings on file with the Washington State Patrol suggest Robinson was drinking heavily on the date in question.
The Cowboys signed safety Izell Reese to a one-year deal on Friday. Reese will make the minimum of $665,000. Reese was drafted by the Cowboys with the team's sixth-round selection in 1998. He played four seasons for the Cowboys before joining the Denver Broncos in 2001. Reese started 19 games for the the Buffalo Bills over the past two seasons.
Packers DT Cletidus Hunt was a no-show for the third straight day. It’s unknown why he has missed the camp or whether he plans to attend any of the four practices next week.
The Browns on Friday agreed to terms on a one-year deal with former Cardinals offensive tackle L.J. Shelton and Ross Verba responded by asking the Browns to cut him. "That's great," said Verba when informed Friday night about Shelton. "Now they have a left tackle and hopefully they'll cut me. Please cut me now!" Verba, who's been holding out for a bigger contract, said those plans haven't changed. He has said he'll sit out the season if the Browns don't up the ante.
A source said the Dolphins had contacted a Baltimore Ravens official as a potential Spielman replacement. The leading candidate is believed to be Director of Pro Personnel George Kokinis, who worked with Nick Saban from 1991 to 1994 with the Cleveland Browns. Saban interviewed Indianapolis' Chris Polian for a job in the Dolphins' personnel department earlier this offseason because the Colts use a similar grading system. Polian stayed in Indianapolis.
Rams WR Isaac Bruce was on the practice field for Friday morning's workout but only as a spectator. He had additional testing Friday afternoon and did not attend the team's afternoon practice. Pogue said Bruce would undergo further testing over the weekend and then meet with a specialist - Dr. Steven Pieper - on Tuesday. "We give all our players and coaches a physical the day before our minicamp," coach Mike Martz said. Bruce "had a little glitch come up. ... I don't think it's a major issue. But I don't know." Pogue said any kind of heart abnormality that requires additional testing shows up on the EKG exam of only one or two NFL players in a thousand. And almost all of those prove to be nothing of consequence. "Once every five or 10 years, you'll find someone who has a real problem," Pogue said. Pogue doesn't feel that Bruce's situation falls into the "real problem" category.
The arrest warrant issued last week for Giants WR Plaxico Burress was dropped yesterday after his attorney provided the proper paperwork to prove his taxes were paid in full. Coraopolis, Pa., District Judge Mary Murray issued the warrant last Thursday when the former Pittsburgh Steeler failed to show for a hearing concerning unpaid taxes while he lived in nearby Moon Twp. While the warrant was active, Burress was subject to a $2,500 fine and could have been arrested the next time he crossed the Pennsylvania state line. Last week, Burress' tax attorney, Chuck Potter, called the situation a "bureaucratic miscommunication," saying the Miami native only had to pay taxes for where he worked because he wasn't a full-time resident of Pennsylvania.
Since the Steelers drafted Alonzo Jackson in the second round in 2003 with the idea he would become a premier pass-rusher, all he has done is watch others do it. He has been out of his Steelers uniform for more than twice as many games (22) than he has dressed (10). He has played in parts, many brief appearances, of eight games. He has two solo tackles on defense, one assist and no sacks. Jackson was bypassed early last season by journeyman James Harrison, who signed five days before training camp after a player was injured, as the top backup at outside linebacker. This spring, Jackson is desperately trying not to get surpassed on the 53-man roster.
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb is in the fourth year of his re-negotiated contract that runs through 2013, but will void after the 2010 season. His salary-cap number is a manageable $8.14 million this season and only jumps to $8.83 million next year. Still, there are those close to the quarterback who think he may be in line for a new contract as early as next season, with a signing bonus in the neighborhood of $40 million.
The second opinion on Kellen Winslow Jr.'s knee injury verified the Browns tight end will need surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Season-ending surgery will be scheduled within two weeks, Jim Donovan of WKYC Channel 3 reported on Thursday. Donovan reported agent Carl Poston, who co-represents Winslow with brother Kevin, visited Winslow at the Browns facility on Thursday. Poston told Donovan the Browns have not indicated how much bonus money they intend to recoup from Winslow's contract, which the player breached by injuring himself while motorcycling. Poston said the club has expressed a desire to maintain a good relationship with their No. 1 pick from the 2004 draft.
Last week, the Vikings said they had no interest in cornerback R.W. McQuarters, who was released days earlier by Chicago. Thursday night, they flew the seven-year veteran to the Twin Cities for a visit. Cornerback isn't a position of need for the Vikings, although nickel back Brian Williams is skipping his second consecutive developmental camp this week. Williams reportedly is unhappy after losing his starting left cornerback job to free-agent signee Fred Smoot during the offseason. Minnesota is the fifth stop for McQuarters, who has visited Washington, Miami, Detroit and the New York Giants. His agent, Tom Condon, did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Packers RB Najeh Davenport fired Michael Harrison in March and, after a series of chance meetings with Drew Rosenhaus, finally hired the man who has become public enemy No. 1 among Packers fans this off-season for helping to orchestrate Javon Walker's holdout. Now Davenport, looking forward to a productive 2005 season and a possible lucrative deal in Green Bay or elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent, thinks Rosenhaus is the man to help him. "Anytime you have somebody on your side that has a lot of respect, it can't hurt," Davenport said Thursday at minicamp.
The Seahawks are major players for Peter Boulware, who arrived in Seattle last night to begin a visit with the team. Boulware had been in Cleveland talking to the Browns, but the Browns don't seem to be too confident that the 30-year-old will choose them. That's because Seahawks safety Michael Boulware is Peter's younger brother, and the chance for the two to play together might help the Seahawks land Peter.
The Panthers have a need for depth at the position and are monitoring the market. Johnnie Morton could be the best receiver available, but the Panthers might wait to see what happens with Rod Gardner, who is expected to be released by Washington. The Chiefs wanted to cut Morton's $3 million annual salary, a move he was unwilling to make.
Carolina DT Kris Jenkins, a two-time Pro Bowler, said he's nearly back to top sparring form. That became obvious as he talked with the media on the second day of organized coaching sessions. The highlight came when Jenkins, who never has been afraid to speak his mind, ripped Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp. "I hate him," Jenkins said. "Everybody says I'm supposed to be polite when I talk to you all. But I hate him. He talks too much. He doesn't make any sense. He's fat. He's sloppy. He acts like he's the best thing since sliced bread. "He's ugly. He stinks. His mouth stinks. His breath stinks and basically, his soul stinks, too. Too many people can't have personalities like that and survive in life. I don't know how he does it. I guess because he's big and he went to Miami."
Skins coach Joe Gibbs said the Redskins are still pursuing free agent cornerback R.W. McQuarters, who is likely to complete his visits to other NFL teams this week. McQuarters has visited the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions as well as the Redskins.
As the Giants prepare for a crucial season after two consecutive losing years, Jeremy Shockey is pleading with coaches to let him run wild again, insisting that the team open up its conservative offense and allow him to be used more as a downfield receiving threat. "We need to get more stretch in our offense besides catching little itty-bitty 5-, 6-yard yard passes," Shockey said on Thursday, the second day of the Giants' three-day minicamp. "Everybody knows that; it's not a mystery. Everybody knows that in order to have a good offense you have to stretch the field."
The Redskins will eventually have to make cuts in order to create salary cap space to sign their draft picks, but Joe Gibbs said that no such moves are imminent. Linebacker Mike Barrow, who has not played since being signed last year because of knee problems, is expected to be cleared to participate in the June 17-19 minicamp, Gibbs said. Barrow, who many believe will be let go because of his age, health and potential $1.74-million cap savings, is expected to report here soon to get medical clearance. Return specialist Chad Morton, another potential cap casualty, still is not cleared to return to the field following season-ending knee surgery.
In his own mind, three-time Pro Bowl running back Stephen Davis believes he’ll be ready to strap on some pads when the Carolina Panthers assemble July 29 in his hometown of Spartanburg, S.C., for the start of training camp. But the team’s trainers may have something to say about that. The truth is Davis isn’t sure when he’ll be given the OK to begin practicing again. And he knows it’s out of his hands at this point. “They won’t tell me (when I can come back),” said Davis, who had microfracture knee surgery last year on his right knee. “But I feel like I’m making a lot of progress.”
Guard Logan Mankins bought his first suit after New England made him the surprising last pick of the first round of April's draft. The Fresno State product drives a 1987 Ford pickup with more than 200,000 miles on it. Mankins grew up on a 10,000-acre ranch in California and planned to be a professional cow roper if football hadn't intervened. He also loves to hunt wild pigs.
The Vikings on Friday continued their courtship of defensive back R.W. McQuarters, who had a morning meeting with coach Mike Tice and watched the final practice of this week's three-day developmental camp. McQuarters, who was released last week by the Chicago Bears, left town without a contract, and Vikings vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski wouldn't speculate on a possible signing. McQuarters, who declined an interview request, has visited the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and New York Giants in the past two weeks. His agent, Tom Condon, indicated it would be next week, at the earliest, before he and McQuarters make their decision. "We're trying to sort through the best situation and best money," Condon said.
Ex-Eagle Freddie Mitchell refused to confirm or deny a report he will work out for the Chiefs next week.
Wide receiver Koren Robinson and cornerback Bobby Taylor of Seattle and Kansas City wide receiver Johnnie Morton were three big-name players released Thursday. Packers GM Reggie McKenzie said the only one the Packers might have a slight interest in is Taylor, but they won't be setting up a visit with him any time soon. "He still can play a little bit, but he's slowed down a little bit," McKenzie said of Taylor. Taylor spent his first nine years in Philadelphia, where he had 19 interceptions and played in one Pro Bowl. But after signing a four-year deal with Seattle last offseason, he couldn't win a starting job and missed eight games with a knee injury. Tennessee is expected to release safety Lance Schulters due to salary-cap reasons soon and McKenzie said Green Bay might be interested in him.
The Washington Redskins released Chad Morton yesterday just two seasons after making him one of the highest-paid return specialists in the NFL. Morton, 28, missed most of last season with a torn knee ligament and had not been cleared to play at the time he was let go. His brother, Johnnie, a wide receiver, was cut by Kansas City on Thursday for salary cap purposes and could interest the Redskins on the free agent market.
Free agent Peter Boulware visited the Seahawks yesterday and left without signing. He is believed to have more visits before making his decision. Boulware, older brother of Seahawks safety Michael Boulware, is a four-time Pro Bowl linebacker the Seahawks would like to bring in to be a pass-rush specialist. But he didn't play last season with the Baltimore Ravens because of knee and toe injuries.
Rams coach Mike Martz said the team is awaiting medical reports before taking any final action on tackle Kyle Turley. "I don't know where we are with his physical and the (medical) report," Martz said. "I would refer you to Jay (Zygmunt) on the status of where Kyle is physically." Zygmunt, the team's president of football operations, declined to comment Friday. But the overall outlook on Turley hasn't changed. Once the reports are in, Turley is expected to be released with the added designation of "failed physical." And that could take place next week.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus did volunteer that he met Terrell Owens earlier this year at an ESPN bowling event, where they had the first conversation that led to his hiring. So Eagles fans can perhaps blame the sport that requires those garish shoes for threatening their chances of returning to the Super Bowl.
Koren Robinson’s blood-alcohol level measured .191 percent in a pair of breath tests administered by Medina Police in the early morning hours of May 6, records show. The state’s legal limit for driving is .08 percent. Robinson, released Thursday by the Seattle Seahawks after incurring DUI and reckless-driving charges, has pleaded not guilty in Kirkland Municipal Court. He claimed in court papers to have consumed alcohol after driving and before taking the breath tests. Whatever the case, blood-alcohol readings on file with the Washington State Patrol suggest Robinson was drinking heavily on the date in question.
The Cowboys signed safety Izell Reese to a one-year deal on Friday. Reese will make the minimum of $665,000. Reese was drafted by the Cowboys with the team's sixth-round selection in 1998. He played four seasons for the Cowboys before joining the Denver Broncos in 2001. Reese started 19 games for the the Buffalo Bills over the past two seasons.
Packers DT Cletidus Hunt was a no-show for the third straight day. It’s unknown why he has missed the camp or whether he plans to attend any of the four practices next week.
The Browns on Friday agreed to terms on a one-year deal with former Cardinals offensive tackle L.J. Shelton and Ross Verba responded by asking the Browns to cut him. "That's great," said Verba when informed Friday night about Shelton. "Now they have a left tackle and hopefully they'll cut me. Please cut me now!" Verba, who's been holding out for a bigger contract, said those plans haven't changed. He has said he'll sit out the season if the Browns don't up the ante.
A source said the Dolphins had contacted a Baltimore Ravens official as a potential Spielman replacement. The leading candidate is believed to be Director of Pro Personnel George Kokinis, who worked with Nick Saban from 1991 to 1994 with the Cleveland Browns. Saban interviewed Indianapolis' Chris Polian for a job in the Dolphins' personnel department earlier this offseason because the Colts use a similar grading system. Polian stayed in Indianapolis.
Rams WR Isaac Bruce was on the practice field for Friday morning's workout but only as a spectator. He had additional testing Friday afternoon and did not attend the team's afternoon practice. Pogue said Bruce would undergo further testing over the weekend and then meet with a specialist - Dr. Steven Pieper - on Tuesday. "We give all our players and coaches a physical the day before our minicamp," coach Mike Martz said. Bruce "had a little glitch come up. ... I don't think it's a major issue. But I don't know." Pogue said any kind of heart abnormality that requires additional testing shows up on the EKG exam of only one or two NFL players in a thousand. And almost all of those prove to be nothing of consequence. "Once every five or 10 years, you'll find someone who has a real problem," Pogue said. Pogue doesn't feel that Bruce's situation falls into the "real problem" category.
The arrest warrant issued last week for Giants WR Plaxico Burress was dropped yesterday after his attorney provided the proper paperwork to prove his taxes were paid in full. Coraopolis, Pa., District Judge Mary Murray issued the warrant last Thursday when the former Pittsburgh Steeler failed to show for a hearing concerning unpaid taxes while he lived in nearby Moon Twp. While the warrant was active, Burress was subject to a $2,500 fine and could have been arrested the next time he crossed the Pennsylvania state line. Last week, Burress' tax attorney, Chuck Potter, called the situation a "bureaucratic miscommunication," saying the Miami native only had to pay taxes for where he worked because he wasn't a full-time resident of Pennsylvania.
Since the Steelers drafted Alonzo Jackson in the second round in 2003 with the idea he would become a premier pass-rusher, all he has done is watch others do it. He has been out of his Steelers uniform for more than twice as many games (22) than he has dressed (10). He has played in parts, many brief appearances, of eight games. He has two solo tackles on defense, one assist and no sacks. Jackson was bypassed early last season by journeyman James Harrison, who signed five days before training camp after a player was injured, as the top backup at outside linebacker. This spring, Jackson is desperately trying not to get surpassed on the 53-man roster.
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb is in the fourth year of his re-negotiated contract that runs through 2013, but will void after the 2010 season. His salary-cap number is a manageable $8.14 million this season and only jumps to $8.83 million next year. Still, there are those close to the quarterback who think he may be in line for a new contract as early as next season, with a signing bonus in the neighborhood of $40 million.
The second opinion on Kellen Winslow Jr.'s knee injury verified the Browns tight end will need surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Season-ending surgery will be scheduled within two weeks, Jim Donovan of WKYC Channel 3 reported on Thursday. Donovan reported agent Carl Poston, who co-represents Winslow with brother Kevin, visited Winslow at the Browns facility on Thursday. Poston told Donovan the Browns have not indicated how much bonus money they intend to recoup from Winslow's contract, which the player breached by injuring himself while motorcycling. Poston said the club has expressed a desire to maintain a good relationship with their No. 1 pick from the 2004 draft.
Last week, the Vikings said they had no interest in cornerback R.W. McQuarters, who was released days earlier by Chicago. Thursday night, they flew the seven-year veteran to the Twin Cities for a visit. Cornerback isn't a position of need for the Vikings, although nickel back Brian Williams is skipping his second consecutive developmental camp this week. Williams reportedly is unhappy after losing his starting left cornerback job to free-agent signee Fred Smoot during the offseason. Minnesota is the fifth stop for McQuarters, who has visited Washington, Miami, Detroit and the New York Giants. His agent, Tom Condon, did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Packers RB Najeh Davenport fired Michael Harrison in March and, after a series of chance meetings with Drew Rosenhaus, finally hired the man who has become public enemy No. 1 among Packers fans this off-season for helping to orchestrate Javon Walker's holdout. Now Davenport, looking forward to a productive 2005 season and a possible lucrative deal in Green Bay or elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent, thinks Rosenhaus is the man to help him. "Anytime you have somebody on your side that has a lot of respect, it can't hurt," Davenport said Thursday at minicamp.
The Seahawks are major players for Peter Boulware, who arrived in Seattle last night to begin a visit with the team. Boulware had been in Cleveland talking to the Browns, but the Browns don't seem to be too confident that the 30-year-old will choose them. That's because Seahawks safety Michael Boulware is Peter's younger brother, and the chance for the two to play together might help the Seahawks land Peter.
The Panthers have a need for depth at the position and are monitoring the market. Johnnie Morton could be the best receiver available, but the Panthers might wait to see what happens with Rod Gardner, who is expected to be released by Washington. The Chiefs wanted to cut Morton's $3 million annual salary, a move he was unwilling to make.
Carolina DT Kris Jenkins, a two-time Pro Bowler, said he's nearly back to top sparring form. That became obvious as he talked with the media on the second day of organized coaching sessions. The highlight came when Jenkins, who never has been afraid to speak his mind, ripped Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp. "I hate him," Jenkins said. "Everybody says I'm supposed to be polite when I talk to you all. But I hate him. He talks too much. He doesn't make any sense. He's fat. He's sloppy. He acts like he's the best thing since sliced bread. "He's ugly. He stinks. His mouth stinks. His breath stinks and basically, his soul stinks, too. Too many people can't have personalities like that and survive in life. I don't know how he does it. I guess because he's big and he went to Miami."
Skins coach Joe Gibbs said the Redskins are still pursuing free agent cornerback R.W. McQuarters, who is likely to complete his visits to other NFL teams this week. McQuarters has visited the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions as well as the Redskins.
As the Giants prepare for a crucial season after two consecutive losing years, Jeremy Shockey is pleading with coaches to let him run wild again, insisting that the team open up its conservative offense and allow him to be used more as a downfield receiving threat. "We need to get more stretch in our offense besides catching little itty-bitty 5-, 6-yard yard passes," Shockey said on Thursday, the second day of the Giants' three-day minicamp. "Everybody knows that; it's not a mystery. Everybody knows that in order to have a good offense you have to stretch the field."
The Redskins will eventually have to make cuts in order to create salary cap space to sign their draft picks, but Joe Gibbs said that no such moves are imminent. Linebacker Mike Barrow, who has not played since being signed last year because of knee problems, is expected to be cleared to participate in the June 17-19 minicamp, Gibbs said. Barrow, who many believe will be let go because of his age, health and potential $1.74-million cap savings, is expected to report here soon to get medical clearance. Return specialist Chad Morton, another potential cap casualty, still is not cleared to return to the field following season-ending knee surgery.
In his own mind, three-time Pro Bowl running back Stephen Davis believes he’ll be ready to strap on some pads when the Carolina Panthers assemble July 29 in his hometown of Spartanburg, S.C., for the start of training camp. But the team’s trainers may have something to say about that. The truth is Davis isn’t sure when he’ll be given the OK to begin practicing again. And he knows it’s out of his hands at this point. “They won’t tell me (when I can come back),” said Davis, who had microfracture knee surgery last year on his right knee. “But I feel like I’m making a lot of progress.”
Guard Logan Mankins bought his first suit after New England made him the surprising last pick of the first round of April's draft. The Fresno State product drives a 1987 Ford pickup with more than 200,000 miles on it. Mankins grew up on a 10,000-acre ranch in California and planned to be a professional cow roper if football hadn't intervened. He also loves to hunt wild pigs.