HEAV
06-14-2005, 02:29 PM
Ricky Williams began his return to South Florida on Monday when he packed
some of his belongings and drove from Northern California, agent Leigh Steinberg
said, according to the MIAMI HERALD.''Yes, he's driving there,'' Steinberg said
Monday afternoon. ``I talked to him this morning, and he said he was all packed
up. He should be on the road right now.''Williams was living in Grass Valley,
Calif., about 45 minutes northeast of Sacramento.Until recently, he was
attending a school of holistic medicine and also spent a month in India to learn
yoga techniques, in an attempt to become an instructor.Once Williams arrives in
South Florida, he is expected to reenter the NFL drug testing
program.Steinberg's hope is that the league will reinstate Williams so he can
begin training camp July 24, the Dolphins' first day of camp.The NFL could hold
up Williams until July 28, but league sources have indicated that probably won't
happen if Williams rejoins the program early.
Another change for Ray Lewis was his offseason routine. Instead of jumping back
into workouts three weeks after the season ended, Lewis took two months off,
staying away from "anything dealing with football." But during that
time, talk surfaced about Lewis trying to work out a new contract. It has been
rumored that he is seeking a $50 million signing bonus. Lewis, 30, signed a $50
million deal in 2002 that included a then-record $19 million signing bonus. The
Ravens are unlikely to negotiate an extension because he has four years
remaining on his current deal, which will pay him $5.5 million in 2005 and 2006
and $6.5 million in 2007 and 2008. "There is an appropriate time to talk
about everything," Lewis said, "and now is not the time to speak about
a contract." Asked when is the right time, he responded, "Whenever
they feel the time is. I don't have nothing to say about it."
Peerless Price will not be released or traded before Falcons training camp
begins July 25, but the wide receiver will have to earn a starting job — and
even a roster spot — coach Jim Mora and president and general manager Rich McKay
said Monday. "I'm excited to give him a chance to compete to make the team
and to improve along with the rest of the players," Mora said. "I know
there's been speculation about Peerless and about his future here but, as an
organization, we've decided that we want to see him compete and help this team
be a better football team. That is the truth." Releasing Price would cost
Atlanta $5.7 million against its salary cap next season because the remaining
cap figure of his $10 million signing bonus would be accelerated. However, that
potential hit does not appear to be the sole reason for keeping Price, because
he could still be cut during the preseason if he doesn't perform to standards.
Richard Seymour attended the Pats' charity golf event yesterday at the Belmont
Country Club, but the defensive end still wouldn't address his holdout. ``Like I
said (Sunday), I'm not discussing anything,'' Seymour said of missing last
week's mandatory minicamp. ``I think I said everything I wanted to say about my
current position.'' Despite the disagreement over his contract, which has two
years remaining, Seymour did attend Sunday night's Super Bowl ring ceremony at
team owner Bob Kraft's Brookline home. ``Like I said, (Sunday night) was fun,''
Seymour said. ``Today is going to be fun, and I'm really looking forward to
having a good time.''
A decision on veteran safety Lance Schulters' future with the Titans could be
made as early as today. The Titans begin their June minicamp today at Baptist
Sports Park, and unless the two sides agree to a restructured deal Schulters
isn't expected to be on the field. If Schulters doesn't agree to a significant
pay cut, he's expected to be released. Schulters' agent, Brian Levy, said last
night he expects to talk to Titans General Manager Floyd Reese today. "I
think for everyone it would be best to resolve this thing," Levy said.
WR Troy Brown, who filled in at defensive back last season when Ty Law got
injured, refused to speculate if his ex-teammate might still end up in a
Patriots uniform, albeit at at lower price.
Pro Bowl return specialist Eddie Drummond has until Wednesday to sign a
one-year, $1.43 million tender offer. If Drummond doesn't sign, the Lions have
the option of reducing their offer to as little as $450,000, but the team has
only one day to make that decision. Drummond, a restricted free agent, is
represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus, who has made headlines with his
controversial handling of several high-profile players, including Terrell Owens
and Javon Walker. Unlike some of Rosenhaus' other clients, Drummond is not
holding out and is taking part in the Lions' off-season workout program. The
Lions have not made a final decision on how they're going to handle the
negotiations, but it's unlikely they'll reduce the offer at all. There have been
negotiations on a long-term contract for Drummond, but it's doubtful anything
will get done before the start of the regular season.
Browns RB William Green has chosen not to take the easy way out. He has balked
at a change in venue. He wants to prove himself to the new coaching staff and
general manager Phil Savage. Unlike recently jettisoned tackle Ross Verba -- who
forced the franchise's hand with his outlandish contract demands -- Green has
shut his mouth and attempted to make right by the Browns. ``That's what maturity
does... I'm not looking for a trade,'' the 24-year-old Green said.
Despite having an opening in their personnel department, the Detroit Lions did
not pursue former Miami Dolphins general manager Rick Spielman. In fact, the
Lions aren't expected to fill the post of college scouting coordinator, which
was vacated recently when Russ Bolinger left the team.
With so many questions still surrounding the offensive line, the Texans are
considering moving center Steve McKinney to left guard. A center since joining
the Texans in 2002, McKinney may return to the position he played in college at
Texas A&M and during the first four years of his NFL career with the
Indianapolis Colts. The Texans are leaving that option open during an offseason
in which they have been trying to tweak an offensive line that has struggled to
protect quarterback David Carr for three seasons.
Doctors won't know the extent of the injury until they get inside. That's one
reason the Browns are expected to hold off recouping any of Kellen Winslow's
money for breaching his contract by riding the motorcycle. Winslow watched
practice Monday with a knee brace and walked without a limp. He spent time
talking to Trent Dilfer and other teammates. Crennel and Browns General Manager
Phil Savage have both said they want Winslow back.
These days, Seneca Wallace is sending the message to Seahawks coaches that he
wants to be, and can be, Matt Hasselbeck's backup. As recently as last week, he
drew praise from Holmgren for his efforts in the current minicamp. Yesterday,
Wallace took all of the snaps with the No. 1 offense in the absence of
Hasselbeck, who was tending to a personal matter. If nothing else, Wallace has
Holmgren in his corner. The coach proclaimed himself "a fan of
Seneca's" after a practice last week.
Good riddance: Red McCombs, who bought the Vikings for $245 million seven years
ago, today gets a check for approximately $600 million from Zygi Wilf, who
officially becomes the team's new owner. Wilf, brother Mark Wilf and cousin
Lenny Wilf will be the principal operators of the franchise. The deal is being
financed through the Japanese Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. It's unclear whether
any of the trio will make Minnesota their permanent residence.
Tom Brady arrived in Foxboro the same year his head coach did and thus is one of
the few Patriots who've been around since the Bill Belichick Era began in 2000.
Three Super Bowl rings later, it's safe to say Brady knows Belichick, or at
least, knows what Belichick wants on the football field. It's not unreasonable
to assume, then, that Brady might have served as another set of eyes and ears
for the coach during last week's minicamp - especially with Belichick presently
taking on offensive coordinator duties. Preparing to tee off yesterday at the
Pats' annual charity golf tournament at the Belmont Country Club, Brady did not
dismiss the observation. ``Well, this is our sixth year together, and I think I
know what we're trying to do out there,'' Brady said. ``I'd say Bill and I
understand each other, but knowing what he wants to do is one thing. Making it
happen on the field is another.''
Jury selection was completed yesterday for Terrell Suggs' trial in Phoenix,
Ariz. The Ravens linebacker has been charged on two counts of felony aggravated
assault. Opening arguments are scheduled for tomorrow.
Watching Ray Lewis sprint from sideline to sideline, it was evident that the
theme of the Ravens middle linebacker's offseason had been shedding some pounds
and regaining his freedom. Lewis' new look and attitude coincided with his first
exposure to the Ravens' 46 defense, one designed to keep the blockers off the
seven-time Pro Bowl player and allow him to hunt down running backs without
being harassed. "To come into camp and have my defensive coordinator tell
me you're not to be touched, I'm like a little kid all over again," Lewis
said after the Ravens opened their mandatory four-day minicamp yesterday.
"That's what I do. I don't try to bash people and try to get to the
football. I get to the running back. No running back wants to face me in this
league, and they know that."
A new offensive coordinator and a new scheme has resulted in a dramatically new
role for Greg Jones. The former Florida State standout never dreamed about
playing fullback, but that's where Jones finds himself -- and pretty much by
himself -- in his second season with the Jaguars. Jones has the prototypical
fullback's body at 6 feet 1 and 250 pounds, but he always envisioned himself
running through holes instead of trying to create them. The transition, says the
sixth-highest rusher in FSU history, has been trying. The Jaguars believe Jones
he can succeed at the position because he was one of the NFL's top runners in
power situations last season, converting seven of his nine rushing attempts (78
percent) on third-and-1.
some of his belongings and drove from Northern California, agent Leigh Steinberg
said, according to the MIAMI HERALD.''Yes, he's driving there,'' Steinberg said
Monday afternoon. ``I talked to him this morning, and he said he was all packed
up. He should be on the road right now.''Williams was living in Grass Valley,
Calif., about 45 minutes northeast of Sacramento.Until recently, he was
attending a school of holistic medicine and also spent a month in India to learn
yoga techniques, in an attempt to become an instructor.Once Williams arrives in
South Florida, he is expected to reenter the NFL drug testing
program.Steinberg's hope is that the league will reinstate Williams so he can
begin training camp July 24, the Dolphins' first day of camp.The NFL could hold
up Williams until July 28, but league sources have indicated that probably won't
happen if Williams rejoins the program early.
Another change for Ray Lewis was his offseason routine. Instead of jumping back
into workouts three weeks after the season ended, Lewis took two months off,
staying away from "anything dealing with football." But during that
time, talk surfaced about Lewis trying to work out a new contract. It has been
rumored that he is seeking a $50 million signing bonus. Lewis, 30, signed a $50
million deal in 2002 that included a then-record $19 million signing bonus. The
Ravens are unlikely to negotiate an extension because he has four years
remaining on his current deal, which will pay him $5.5 million in 2005 and 2006
and $6.5 million in 2007 and 2008. "There is an appropriate time to talk
about everything," Lewis said, "and now is not the time to speak about
a contract." Asked when is the right time, he responded, "Whenever
they feel the time is. I don't have nothing to say about it."
Peerless Price will not be released or traded before Falcons training camp
begins July 25, but the wide receiver will have to earn a starting job — and
even a roster spot — coach Jim Mora and president and general manager Rich McKay
said Monday. "I'm excited to give him a chance to compete to make the team
and to improve along with the rest of the players," Mora said. "I know
there's been speculation about Peerless and about his future here but, as an
organization, we've decided that we want to see him compete and help this team
be a better football team. That is the truth." Releasing Price would cost
Atlanta $5.7 million against its salary cap next season because the remaining
cap figure of his $10 million signing bonus would be accelerated. However, that
potential hit does not appear to be the sole reason for keeping Price, because
he could still be cut during the preseason if he doesn't perform to standards.
Richard Seymour attended the Pats' charity golf event yesterday at the Belmont
Country Club, but the defensive end still wouldn't address his holdout. ``Like I
said (Sunday), I'm not discussing anything,'' Seymour said of missing last
week's mandatory minicamp. ``I think I said everything I wanted to say about my
current position.'' Despite the disagreement over his contract, which has two
years remaining, Seymour did attend Sunday night's Super Bowl ring ceremony at
team owner Bob Kraft's Brookline home. ``Like I said, (Sunday night) was fun,''
Seymour said. ``Today is going to be fun, and I'm really looking forward to
having a good time.''
A decision on veteran safety Lance Schulters' future with the Titans could be
made as early as today. The Titans begin their June minicamp today at Baptist
Sports Park, and unless the two sides agree to a restructured deal Schulters
isn't expected to be on the field. If Schulters doesn't agree to a significant
pay cut, he's expected to be released. Schulters' agent, Brian Levy, said last
night he expects to talk to Titans General Manager Floyd Reese today. "I
think for everyone it would be best to resolve this thing," Levy said.
WR Troy Brown, who filled in at defensive back last season when Ty Law got
injured, refused to speculate if his ex-teammate might still end up in a
Patriots uniform, albeit at at lower price.
Pro Bowl return specialist Eddie Drummond has until Wednesday to sign a
one-year, $1.43 million tender offer. If Drummond doesn't sign, the Lions have
the option of reducing their offer to as little as $450,000, but the team has
only one day to make that decision. Drummond, a restricted free agent, is
represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus, who has made headlines with his
controversial handling of several high-profile players, including Terrell Owens
and Javon Walker. Unlike some of Rosenhaus' other clients, Drummond is not
holding out and is taking part in the Lions' off-season workout program. The
Lions have not made a final decision on how they're going to handle the
negotiations, but it's unlikely they'll reduce the offer at all. There have been
negotiations on a long-term contract for Drummond, but it's doubtful anything
will get done before the start of the regular season.
Browns RB William Green has chosen not to take the easy way out. He has balked
at a change in venue. He wants to prove himself to the new coaching staff and
general manager Phil Savage. Unlike recently jettisoned tackle Ross Verba -- who
forced the franchise's hand with his outlandish contract demands -- Green has
shut his mouth and attempted to make right by the Browns. ``That's what maturity
does... I'm not looking for a trade,'' the 24-year-old Green said.
Despite having an opening in their personnel department, the Detroit Lions did
not pursue former Miami Dolphins general manager Rick Spielman. In fact, the
Lions aren't expected to fill the post of college scouting coordinator, which
was vacated recently when Russ Bolinger left the team.
With so many questions still surrounding the offensive line, the Texans are
considering moving center Steve McKinney to left guard. A center since joining
the Texans in 2002, McKinney may return to the position he played in college at
Texas A&M and during the first four years of his NFL career with the
Indianapolis Colts. The Texans are leaving that option open during an offseason
in which they have been trying to tweak an offensive line that has struggled to
protect quarterback David Carr for three seasons.
Doctors won't know the extent of the injury until they get inside. That's one
reason the Browns are expected to hold off recouping any of Kellen Winslow's
money for breaching his contract by riding the motorcycle. Winslow watched
practice Monday with a knee brace and walked without a limp. He spent time
talking to Trent Dilfer and other teammates. Crennel and Browns General Manager
Phil Savage have both said they want Winslow back.
These days, Seneca Wallace is sending the message to Seahawks coaches that he
wants to be, and can be, Matt Hasselbeck's backup. As recently as last week, he
drew praise from Holmgren for his efforts in the current minicamp. Yesterday,
Wallace took all of the snaps with the No. 1 offense in the absence of
Hasselbeck, who was tending to a personal matter. If nothing else, Wallace has
Holmgren in his corner. The coach proclaimed himself "a fan of
Seneca's" after a practice last week.
Good riddance: Red McCombs, who bought the Vikings for $245 million seven years
ago, today gets a check for approximately $600 million from Zygi Wilf, who
officially becomes the team's new owner. Wilf, brother Mark Wilf and cousin
Lenny Wilf will be the principal operators of the franchise. The deal is being
financed through the Japanese Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. It's unclear whether
any of the trio will make Minnesota their permanent residence.
Tom Brady arrived in Foxboro the same year his head coach did and thus is one of
the few Patriots who've been around since the Bill Belichick Era began in 2000.
Three Super Bowl rings later, it's safe to say Brady knows Belichick, or at
least, knows what Belichick wants on the football field. It's not unreasonable
to assume, then, that Brady might have served as another set of eyes and ears
for the coach during last week's minicamp - especially with Belichick presently
taking on offensive coordinator duties. Preparing to tee off yesterday at the
Pats' annual charity golf tournament at the Belmont Country Club, Brady did not
dismiss the observation. ``Well, this is our sixth year together, and I think I
know what we're trying to do out there,'' Brady said. ``I'd say Bill and I
understand each other, but knowing what he wants to do is one thing. Making it
happen on the field is another.''
Jury selection was completed yesterday for Terrell Suggs' trial in Phoenix,
Ariz. The Ravens linebacker has been charged on two counts of felony aggravated
assault. Opening arguments are scheduled for tomorrow.
Watching Ray Lewis sprint from sideline to sideline, it was evident that the
theme of the Ravens middle linebacker's offseason had been shedding some pounds
and regaining his freedom. Lewis' new look and attitude coincided with his first
exposure to the Ravens' 46 defense, one designed to keep the blockers off the
seven-time Pro Bowl player and allow him to hunt down running backs without
being harassed. "To come into camp and have my defensive coordinator tell
me you're not to be touched, I'm like a little kid all over again," Lewis
said after the Ravens opened their mandatory four-day minicamp yesterday.
"That's what I do. I don't try to bash people and try to get to the
football. I get to the running back. No running back wants to face me in this
league, and they know that."
A new offensive coordinator and a new scheme has resulted in a dramatically new
role for Greg Jones. The former Florida State standout never dreamed about
playing fullback, but that's where Jones finds himself -- and pretty much by
himself -- in his second season with the Jaguars. Jones has the prototypical
fullback's body at 6 feet 1 and 250 pounds, but he always envisioned himself
running through holes instead of trying to create them. The transition, says the
sixth-highest rusher in FSU history, has been trying. The Jaguars believe Jones
he can succeed at the position because he was one of the NFL's top runners in
power situations last season, converting seven of his nine rushing attempts (78
percent) on third-and-1.