NFL says there is no way for anyone to beat their drug test.
The NFL says there is no way players can beat its drug test for marijuana by drinking liquid masking agents, as Ricky Williams says many players around the league routinely do.Those who make the substances suggest the NFL leadership is, well, smoking something."I'm sure they believe what they say but the fact of the matter is we have been helping people pass drug tests for 14 years," said Tony Wilson, spokesman for Spectrum Labs. "We wouldn't be in business that long if we were selling snake oil."Williams, before boarding a plane to Asia and embarking on his NFL retirement, said he was flagged by the NFL for a positive drug test because he neglected to use a special liquid beforehand that masks marijuana use. Williams wasn't specific about which product he prefers, but said the use of such so-called "detoxifiers" is common among players.Spectrum Labs, whose product line goes by the name "Urine Luck," is one of many companies that market masking agents that allegedly help people pass drug tests. For marijuana, their top product is Absolute De-Tox XXL Carbo Drink, designed specifically for people weighing more than 200 pounds. On its corporate Web site, ads for the liquid claim a "99.6 percent success rate" for passing drug tests.A 32-ounce bottle of the potion, which looks like red fruit juice and sells for $45, is neither approved nor governed by the Food and Drug Administration. Users are instructed to ingest the entire contents of the bottle one hour before a drug test, and drink 32 ounces of water 15 minutes later. "That allows the body to pass a urine sample that is clean," said Wilson, who claims that some professional athletes have used Spectrum's products. Wilson, though, won't identify the players.Putting vast amounts of fluids into the body shortly before a test would dilute the urine sample to the point where alarms are triggered, said Greg Aiello, NFL vice president for public relations. Diluted samples are considered positive tests under NFL rules."They're not beating the test," Greg said. "The only way to mask urine in the test is by drinking large amounts of water, which would register as a positive anyway."NFL players with no drug violations are tested once a year, between April 20 and Aug. 9, Aiello said. The team trainer is notified the night before each test that a position group of players -- no names are provided at that point -- must undergo screens the next morning. Players are observed while providing their urine sample. That type of monitoring discourages the use of synthetic or other people's urine that can be dumped into the collection cup as a proxy. "If monitors are doing their job, there's no way to beat that," said Frank Uryasz, president of the National Center for Drug Free Sport, which conducts the NCAA's testing program.But players still could attempt to alter the quality of their own urine.The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, is stored in a body's fat cells for anywhere from 30 to 90 days, depending on the size of the person and the frequency of use. Drug tests look for metabolites that show the use of pot, while also evaluating the sample to determine if it meets standards consistent with urine.Masking agents, their makers claim, hold the chemicals in the body. To make the phony, washed-out sample appear like true urine, products like Absolute De-Tox XXL Carbo-Drink also are loaded with creatinine and other elements that drug tests look for, Wilson said."If our products can beat every other test done at hospital-level labs, I can't see why they wouldn't work on NFL tests," he said. Aiello and drug-testing experts remain dubious of such claims. But not Williams, who reportedly said of his failure to take a detoxifying liquid, "I was an idiot."Either way, Williams no longer has to consider such reefer madness. He's somewhere in Asia now.
posted by Anonymous @ 3:53 PM
3 days in jail for Houson Texans Mardcus Coleman
A judge sentenced Houston Texans safety Marcus Coleman to three days in jail and a $2,000 fine Tuesday, a day after a jury convicted him of a misdemeanor drunken driving charge.Coleman, 30, faced up to six months in jail. He crashed his new Mercedes-Benz in May after leaving a bar. He was alone in the vehicle and wasn't hurt in the minor one-car wreck.A police video played during his three-day trial last week showed him stumble when asked to walk a straight line and lose his balance when asked to stand on one leg.Coleman, a nine-year NFL veteran, testified he wasn't intoxicated and blamed the crash on being distracted while adjusting his car radio. But he refused to take a breath test after his arrest, a move that resulted in the suspension of his driver's license for 180 days.Houston's training camp opens Friday.
posted by Anonymous @ 3:10 PM
Williams mother speaks out about her sons decision.
The mother of former Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams says she's heartbroken with her son's decision to retire from football but supports whatever he wants to do. "As a fan, I'm heartbroken," Sandy Williams said in a story in The Dallas Morning News' online edition Monday. "I think the majority of people think he's nuts. But I raised him not to be selfish but to look out for himself. And he took it to the limit. I'm happy for him because it's what he wants." Williams, 27, retired from football after just five seasons in the NFL. The running back abruptly announced his departure from the Dolphins last week. His mother said she knew from his first year with the New Orleans Saints that his pro career would be short. She said the high expectations for the former Texas star created too much pressure. "Ricky almost quit football after that first year," said Sandy Williams, who lives in Austin. "But I talked him out of it. There's no question Ricky got a cold-hearted taste of the NFL as a business right away in New Orleans, and it affected him. From that point on, he said he wouldn't be in the NFL long." Once he was traded to the Dolphins in 2002, his attitude improved, she said. His performance also improved: he rushed for 3,225 yards the past two seasons. "When he got to Miami, it got better. But over the last month, as he really got serious about retiring, he was back to the fun-loving, carefree person he was at Texas and growing up," she said. While she doesn't know what Ricky plans to do next, she said he wants to travel, pursue his love of photography, return to the University of Texas to finish his degree and possibly study psychology. "I don't even think Ricky knows what he wants to do right now. He just knows it's not football," she said. "Football was something he was good at. And when he was on the field, he gave everything he had. But he wasn't passionate about football. He's too curious about other things to be passionate about any one thing for long."
posted by Anonymous @ 3:00 PM
Sean Taylor signes with the Washington Redskins
Sean Taylor signed a seven-year, $18 million deal with the Washington Redskins, capping an unorthodox offseason for the No. 5 overall draft pick.
he fired his agent shortly after the draft and didn't hire a new one until last week. In between, he was fined $25,000 by the league for leaving a mandatory rookie symposium in June. "I'm real happy to have all the business stuff out of the way and all the agent issues out of the way and get back to football," said Taylor, who flew to Redskins Park from his Miami home on July 27. The details of the contract were confirmed by a Redskins official and a party involved in the negotiations, who both spoke on condition of anonymity. The sources said Taylor will receive a $7.2 million signing bonus, and that the total bonus money in the deal -- including option and roster bonuses -- exceeds $13 million. The contract also has escalators that can make the deal worth up to $40 million over six years, while the seventh year can be voided. The escalators are based on playing time, performance and Pro Bowl or All-Pro selections. Taylor is expected to be Washington's opening day starter at free safety. He will join the team on the practice field Wednesday for the final day of a three-day passing camp. The first standard training camp practices -- in full pads with mandatory attendance for all players under contract -- begin Saturday. For several months, Taylor's status was uncertain because he didn't have an agent. At one point, he told vice president for player personnel Vinny Cerrato that he was thinking about representing himself -- then later added that he would perhaps have a lawyer by his side to hash out the legalese. "We were getting anxious," Cerrato said. "I was calling him quite often: 'Let's get somebody. Sean, if you want your money, you've got to have someone come talk to us.'" Taylor had other adventures. He wore his shorts so baggy on his first day of spring minicamp that they kept falling to his knees, making for an unflattering newspaper photo the next day. He also was the victim of a prank gone wrong at a later minicamp, when his vision was impaired by a pile of shaving gel squirted into his face by linebacker LaVar Arrington. Taylor had to miss practice the next day. Taylor declined to give an explanation for leaving the rookie symposium and suggested he might appeal the fine. He said he fired his old agent because "it wasn't a good fit" and waited until the last minute to hire a new one because "it was really no rush." "It's a transition," Taylor said of his eventful spring and summer. "And it's bumps and bruises through that transition, and it's how well you shake those things off. You become a man through the whole situation, a better man." In the end, new agent Jeff Moorad and Vinny Cerrato worked quickly to get the deal done. Cerrato flew to California for two days of talks last week, and Moorad made a surprise return trip to Redskins Park on Monday, showing up unannounced at the front door. "We returned the favor and are very glad that we came East and were able to conclude this in a timely fashion," Moorad said.
posted by Anonymous @ 2:55 PM
Broncos John Mobley off for the 2004 season
Camp hasn't begun, but the Broncos have already lost a player for the season.Head Coach Mike Shanahan confirmed Tuesday afternoon that linebacker John Mobley will miss the 2004 season as a result of the neck injury he incurred last fall at Baltimore.
At the team camp in June, Shanahan indicated that Mobley would return if he passed a physical in July. Tuesday, Shanahan confirmed that Mobley failed the physical, and that the team would have to release him for now, although the door is open for a return if he heals and can play again."Basically what you do is you have to release him to get down to the maximum amount of players you can have on your team," Shanahan said. "That does not mean we don't want John Mobley on our football team. He understands why."Mobley's absence -- along with the offseason departure of Keith Burns -- leaves Al Wilson as the team's most experienced linebacker; the sixth-year linebacker signed a new contract in the offseason."It's a unique experience because not only is John gone but Ian's gone, and it's putting new people in those places," defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said. "I think both John and Ian (Gold) set the bar and we're not going to let the bar slide. Guys that want to play in those positions will have to step to that level. But we're going to miss Mobley."Coyer was prepared for the news, but was disappointed nonetheless."(It's) tough," Coyer said. "He's a great guy and he's a heck of a football player. He's a constant with me since I've been here. He's tough, he's capable of playing in any game. To lose a man of that caliber, other guys have to step up."Last year, Jashon Sykes assumed the strongside slot in Mobley's place. Mobley started six of the first seven games in 2003 at strongside linebacker, then shifted to the weak side for the fateful game at Baltimore, two weeks after Gold was lost for the season. Sykes averaged 7.3 total tackles per game in eight 2003 starts at strongside linebacker.The experience of Sykes -- and weakside linebacker Donnie Spragan, who replaced Gold -- and the decision to draft D.J. Williams and Terry Pierce in the first two rounds the last two years seems to indicate the Broncos will have the depth to withstand Mobley's absence."We drafted Terry Pierce in the second round, D.J. Williams in the first round (and) Jashon Sykes and Donnie Spragan started a year ago," Coyer said. "So the talent excuse would not be there."Pierce is also in the mix on the strong side; he arrived last year as a middle linebacker but was pressed into action on the weak side against New England in November when Spragan was injured. Two weeks later, Pierce tore a pectoral muscle, ending his season prematurely."He went through a transitional year, and I think coming as an underclassman from college to professional football shocked his soul," Coyer said. "Then he was injured. But he is very bright. He's had a great offseason. He's instinctive. He'll be very competitive. He's had no problems moving outside."
posted by Anonymous @ 2:52 PM
NFL's all-time leader in interception was released today by the Raiders
The Oakland Raiders today released safety Rod Woodson/failed physical. Woodson played 17 pro seasons including the last two seasons with the Silver and Black. Woodson led the NFL in interceptions and made the Pro Bowl in his first year with the Raiders in 2002 as the Silver and Black captured its third straight AFC Championship and played in Super Bowl XXXVII. "Rod Woodson is one of the greatest defensive backs to ever play the game," said Raiders Head Coach Norv Turner. "He has been a leader on and off the field during his time with the Silver and Black. We appreciate Rod's contributions to the success of the Raiders." A member of the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team and All-NFL Team of the Decade for the 1990s, he was an 11-time Pro Bowler and the first player in NFL history to make the Pro Bowl as cornerback, kick returner and safety. The Fort Wayne, Indiana native is the NFL's all-time leader in interception return yards with 1,483 and also holds the NFL record for most interceptions returned for touchdowns with 12. The NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1993 has intercepted 71 passes and is third on the NFL all-time list behind Paul Krause (81) and Emlen Tunnell (79). Woodson originally entered the NFL as a first round pick by Pittsburgh in 1987 following an All-American career at Purdue, where he was also starred in track as a hurdler.
posted by Anonymous @ 2:39 PM
Preventing heat related illness when playing football
As the season approaches and the weather becomes more intense in many parts of the country, it is wise to keep these tips in mind when running a football practice this summer. WHAT COACHES SHOULD KNOWHeat-related illnesses are caused when an individual is subjected to extreme temperature and humidity and is unable to cool down.Coaches should take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses. When athletes are practicing or competing, coaches should do the following: Allow days for adjusting to warmer climatesSchedule practice during cooler times of the daySchedule and enforce frequent water breaks.Heat PrecautionsWhen necessary, coaches should instruct athletes to do the following:Wear net-type jerseysWear T-shirts and shorts, not padsRemove helmets when not playing or scrimmagingAvoid wearing sweatshirtsChange sweat-soaked clothingAppropriate Fluid IntakePlayers should be weighed before and after a competition or workout.Drink 16 ounces of appropriate fluid for every pound of weight lost after activity.Players should not take salt tablets, but rather salt their food liberally when playing in hot, humid weather.Before a competition or practice, players should consume appropriate fluids as follows:Two to three hours before a competition or workout, drink 4-5 ounces of appropriate fluid every 10-20 minutesOne hour before a competition or workout, drink 8 ounces of appropriate fluidFifteen minutes before a competition or workout, drink 4-5 ounces of appropriate fluidDuring a competition or workout, drink 4 ounces of appropriate fluid every 10 to 20 minutesTreatment Of Heat-related IllnessesHeat-related illness may progress into heat exhaustion. Signals of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, or dizziness and weakness. If this happens, the player needs to lie in a cool place, apply cool, wet towels to the body, drink cool water, and monitor his vital signs. In this stage, heat related-illness can usually be reversed with prompt care. Often an injured player feels better when he rests in a cool place and drinks cool water.If signals are present that the illness is progressing, activate the emergency action plan and follow the emergency action steps, Check-Call-Care. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.As the illness progresses into heat stroke, a player may have a high body temperature, have red, hot, dry, or moist skin, vomit, lose consciousness, have shallow breathing and/or a weak pulse. A player experiencing respiratory or cardiac arrest needs to receive rescue breathing or CPR.To help prevent heat-related illnesses, keep players cool and hydrated.Appropriate FluidsInclude water or a correctly proportioned sports drink. Water is an appropriate hydrating solution when practices are not intense and do not exceed 60-90 minutes. Though water can be used in situations of more intense and extended practices, correctly proportioned sports drinks may offer an advantage-particularly in hot weather.A correctly proportioned sports drink (per eight ounces) contains approximately 6% carbohydrates (14 grams sucrose, glucose, fructose, or glucose polymer), approximately 50 calories, approximately 28 milligrams of potassium, and approximately 100 milligrams of sodium with no carbonation, no caffeine, and no stimulants. This combination permits a quicker replacement of lost body fluids and helps maintain the availability of the glucose fuel for energy production. Potassium losses are also replaced. The sports drinks, which are usually flavored, should be ingested cold.Sunny weather is ideal for practicing football and competing. However, overexposure to high temperature and humidity can cause heat-related illnesses. Conditions contributing to heat-related emergencies include:Heat High humidity Extreme physical exertion Inappropriately layered or rubberized clothing Inadequate fluid intake.Heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are caused when an individual is subjected to extreme temperature and humidity and is unable to cool down. The National Weather Service issues heat alerts when the daytime heat index (a combination of temperature and humidity) is 105 degrees F or more, which can cause the most serious heat-related illnesses. At 80-105 degrees F, fatigue and sunstroke are possible with prolonged exposure. Athletes playing in the sun for long periods of time wearing protective padding are especially at risk. The illnesses are treatable, but become life threatening without immediate attention.
Coaches need to know how to prevent heat-related illnesses. When weather is excessively hot and humid, coaches need to adjust the intensity of workouts, building in intensity over a period of time to allow players to adjust to the weather conditions. Coaches also should consider canceling practice or scheduling practice during cooler times of the day.Players should have unrestricted access to appropriate fluids. Players should weigh themselves before and after activity to check for dehydration. To prevent dehydration, players should begin hydrating, at least two to three hours prior to working out or competing, by drinking at least 16 ounces of fluid. One hour before a competition or workout, athletes should drink 8 ounces of fluid followed by 4 ounces of fluid 15 minutes before the activity. During a competition or workout, athletes should drink 4 ounces of appropriate fluid every 10 to 20 minutes. Following a competition or workout, the coach should have the players drink 16 ounces of fluid for every pound of weight lost to replace the water loss and consume foods that contain a liberal amount of salt. Sports drinks may provide some benefit over water.Without taking precautionary measures, a player may experience a heat-related illness. In some cases, a player may be unaware he is experiencing this condition and continue practicing. Early signals of a heat-related illness are heat cramps. For heat cramps, the athlete should stop the activity, gently stretch and massage the muscle, and drink appropriate fluids.A heat-related illness may progress into heat exhaustion. Therefore, coaches should periodically check players during practice or workouts for symptoms related to heat exhaustion, which include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, or muscular spasms. The player experiencing these symptoms needs to lie in a cool place; apply cool, wet towels to the body; drink cool water; and have his vital signs monitored. In this stage, heat-related illness can usually be reversed with prompt care. Often the injured player feels better when he or she rests in a cool place and drinks cool water. If the player's condition does not improve, activate the Emergency Action Plan and follow the emergency action steps, Check-Call-Care. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.If the illness progresses into heat stroke, a player may vomit; have a high body temperature; have red, hot, dry, or moist skin; lose consciousness; or have shallow breathing and/or a weak pulse. Sweating may stop, which prevents the body from cooling. This increases body temperature and causes vital organs, such as the heart, to fail.When the circulatory system is affected, the player may experience mild shock, convulsions, or a coma. If a player experiences respiratory or cardiac arrest, begin rescue breathing or CPR, as appropriate. If possible, cold towels should be placed on the body of the player while awaiting EMS.Playing in the sun can be fun, but the best thing to do is play it safe. Heat-related illnesses are preventable if coaches and players know their signs and stay cool and hydrated.
posted by Anonymous @ 2:31 PM
Football Career might be over for Williams but not the money isn't over.
Ricky Williams' NFL career may be over, but there's still one more check waiting for him at the paymaster's window.
As a five-year veteran, Williams can collect $60,000 in severance under the terms of the league's collective bargaining agreement, agent Leigh Steinberg said Monday.
That's a pittance next to the roughly $18 million in salary, incentives and endorsements he could have earned by playing out the final three seasons of his contract with the Miami Dolphins, and it is not affected, offset or reduced by his sudden retirement.
''How you leave the league is immaterial,'' Steinberg said.
Williams, 27, told the club Friday he would not play again and indicated he wanted to travel. He was in the Bahamas last Wednesday and in Hawaii from Thursday through Saturday, next departing for Tokyo to spend the evening with his friend, rocker Lenny Kravitz. He returned Monday morning to Los Angeles and could be in South Florida by the end of the week to continue his charitable work with a community school.
The Dolphins open training camp Friday in Davie, Fla., but Williams is not likely to change his mind about retirement. The league's labor agreement says a player applying for severance ''must indicate his intention to permanently'' depart the NFL but also stipulates that players who return cannot file again for severance.
posted by Anonymous @ 11:44 AM
What the best high school quarterback has to say about recruiting camps.
They were just warming up, playing catch 15 yards apart, when his partner launched the ball 20 yards over Ryan Perrilloux's head. It didn't sit well."Watch this," said Dustin Yates, Perrilloux's assistant coach at East St. John High School outside New Orleans. "To him, everything is a pissing contest. And no matter what it is, he always pisses the furthest."Seventy-five yards later -- 20 beyond its intended target -- the ball fell back to earth, landing in the hedges just beyond the end zone."Dude tried to out-throw me," Perrilloux said as he walked off the field at Ron Zook Football Camp. "So I put one over his head. Then he quit."I hate when they quit like that. Quitter."This was the reason he was here. This is the reason he was attended similar camps at Texas, LSU and Florida State. To prove that he is the best high school quarterback in the nation. To help him figure out where he wanted to play college football."(Camps) played a big deal," Perrilloux said. "Me getting there, seeing what everybody had. Seeing how the Texas coaches were detail oriented. I liked everything about that place -- the city, the coaches, the other players. Everything with Texas fit so I made my decision."And everywhere he went this summer, Perrilloux was the center of attention.At Florida State, he sat in on special chalk talk sessions with Seminoles assistant coach Ben Odom, who blew away Perrilloux with his knowledge of the game. He also joined current Florida State players during their summer passing drills.At one point, the 17-year-old threw a 40-yard out pattern and wowed a group of defensive lineman who were watching the drills. "Hey Chris, you throw that?" one asked incumbent Seminole starter Chris Rix. "Uh, no," Rix said. "It was this high school kid."At a one-day camp in Florida, Gators quarterbacks coach Ed Zaunbrecher greeted Perrilloux upon his arrival in Gainesville, using a swipe card to get he and Coach Yates into a special parking lot, then escorted him on a tour of the football facility, walking him through camp registration and setting up a one-on-one meeting with head coach Ron Zook.A similar meeting took place in Tallahasse with Bobby Bowden. And the morning Perrilloux left Tallahassee for Gainesville, he stopped by the morning camp session to say goodbye and nearly every Florida State assistant came to shake his hand."They all say the same things," Perrilloux said. "They want to talk to you about the process, about not being scared of competition. They really want to be your friend."
posted by Anonymous @ 11:00 AM
Tampa Bay Buccaners suspend Darrel Russel
The NFL has confirmed that defensive tackle Darrell Russell has been suspended indefinitely for being a repeat violator of the league's substance abuse policy. ESPN reported on July 14 that Russell's release by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was preceded in June by a positive test for alcohol, a banned substance in the player's treatment program. Russell's positive test was his seventh infraction of the league's policy since he was the second overall player selected by the Raiders in the 1997 draft. Russell missed 1½ years while serving two league suspensions before he played in eight games in 2003 for the Redskins.Currently a free agent, Russell can apply for reinstatement at midseaon, but would have to undergo an extensive evaluation before being able to play again in the NFL. Sources said such a reinstatement request wouldn't be warmly embraced by NFL comissioner Paul Tagliabue.
posted by Anonymous @ 10:54 AM
Bryant still has a job with the Cowboys.
Antonio Bryant still has a job with the Dallas Cowboys. After all the comotion he had had with his coach Bill Parcells. He seems to have gone an extra step beyond his anger and immaturity and met yesterday with his coach and team owner Jerry Jones to clear the air between them prior to the start of training camp Friday.
"He looks to be in good shape, and he wants to be on the team," Jones said. "He's ready to put in the type of commitment that it takes."Jones did not say what was discussed at the meeting. He added that no punishment had been decided.Bryant is the team's third receiver, working behind Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn. His role in the offense was at the root of his spat with Parcells, which occurred last month during a minicamp workout at team headquarters.While Bryant's emotions can sometimes get the most of him, he's also a talented, young player. He's caught 83 passes for 1,283 yards and eight touchdowns his first two seasons."He's getting another opportunity," Jones said. "I certainly believe if your heart is in the right place, you should have second chances."During his time away from Dallas, a few teams had called about trading for him, but the Cowboys apparently wanted a significant draft pick in return.
posted by Anonymous @ 10:42 AM
Summerhill wants to broadcast a few NFL games
Pat Summerall says he's regaining his strength after a liver transplant and may be in the broadcast booth for at least a few games this NFL season.Summerall, a former Arkansas kicker, was in Little Rock on Monday for the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Pat Summerall Classic. He had a liver transplant April 10.The broadcaster, who has worked 16 Super Bowls in a 40-plus year career, said he wants to return to the Fox booth, if he is healthy enough."If I'm healthy enough, yes, I'll do some games," Summerall said. "If I'm not, it's kind of tough for people to make plans with the network if they don't know what my availability is going to be."Summerall attended a Dallas Cowboys minicamp in early June. NFL training camps open this week."I'm feeling better every day. I'm feeling stronger every day. As far as I can tell, the operation was a 100 percent success. I still get tired, but I'm feeling better and stronger every day," he said. "I'm going to the Mayo Clinic in two weeks for an evaluation, and at that time I'll be able to better answer how things are going. But they seem to be going fine."Summerall qualified for a transplant through blood tests that rank potential recipients anonymously.
posted by Anonymous @ 10:34 AM
Jonathan Vilma joines the Jets.
Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma, one of a record six former University of Miami players chosen in the first round of the draft, reached agreement with the Jets on his first NFL contract.
Details of the contract, which will be signed Tuesday afternoon, were not yet available. The agreement assures that Vilma, the 12th player chosen overall, will be in camp on time. The Jets report to Hofstra University on Thursday.One of the college game's most instinctive defensive playmakers over the course of his career, Vilma, 22, is expected to earn plenty of playing time as a rookie. There is some chance he could bump veteran Sam Cowart from the starting job in the middle, but the more likely scenario is that he takes snaps away from New York's outside 'backers.Vilma is capable of playing at one of the wing spots and his ability against the pass ought to earn him a regular spot in nickel situations. The Jets will feature an overhauled corps of linebackers, given the offseason releases of longtime veterans Marvin Jones and Mo Lewis.The goal of coach Herm Edwards and general manager Terry Bradway was to get much younger this year on defense and the remaking began at linebacker. Vilma will be a good fit with the kind of active defense being installed by new coordinator Donnie Henderson, a scheme that will demand quickness."We felt he was the most instinctive player in the draft," said Bradway, speaking of Vilma. "He's a real playmaker with really strong intangibles and we're excited to have him in our program. He was the guy we targeted all along, because we feel like he is a good fit for our football team."A three-year starter in college, Vilma finished his Hurricanes career with 371 tackles, including two straight seasons with 125-plus tackles. He had 30 tackles for losses, one interception, 12 passes defensed, three sacks and 12 pressures.
posted by Anonymous @ 9:13 AM
Tulsa football players will have to pay the consequences.
Two suspended Tulsa football players, including the team's leading tackler, pleaded guilty Monday to felony burglary charges under a deal they hope will spare them prison.Defensive back Kedrick Alexander and reserve Terrance Thomas admitted in Tulsa County District Court they broke into a track athlete's dorm room and stole property.Under a plea bargain, prosecutors will recommend two-year sentences -- either suspended, under probation or in custody -- $500 fines plus restitution and 80 hours of community service for each player.A judge will decide Aug. 30 how they will be sentenced. Second-degree burglary is punishable by two to seven years in prison.Tulsa coach Steve Kragthorpe suspended both players indefinitely after their arrests May 3. Spokesman Don Tomkalski said the players' status had not changed.Neither player would comment after appearing in court
posted by Anonymous @ 9:05 AM
LSU player has a restraining order for beating his son's mother.
A family court hearing on a restraining order against LSU defensive tackle Melvin Oliver has been postponed until Aug. 3.
Bel Tyretta Leejay, the mother of Oliver's 8-month old son, received the restraining order June 29 after alleging that the 6-foot-3, 269-pound Oliver "has slapped me, threw me over the bathtub and beat me in the head with his fists in the past."
Oliver's Aug. 3 court date is five days before he is expected to report for football practice on Aug. 8.
posted by Anonymous @ 9:00 AM
No more celebrity recruiting according to new rules.
Under new rules designed to take the "celebrity" out of the recruiting race, colleges would no longer be able to fly recruits on private jets, house them in resort hotels or feed them extravagant meals.
The NCAA Management Council concluded a two-day meeting in Baltimore on Tuesday and will forward the recommendations to the organization's board of directors for emergency approval Aug. 5.The council also agreed to advance a package of proposals from the National Association of Basketball Coaches that focus on recruiting, retaining and graduating Division I basketball players.The package includes granting players five years of eligibility, allowing coaches to talk with players outside the traditional player-coach environment and hold tryouts to evaluate prospects.The package will be examined by member schools, with an initial vote expected in January 2005 and a final vote in April.The recruiting recommendations call for colleges and universities to use commercial airlines and coach airfares to fly athletes to campus, lodge them in "standard" accommodations and serve them reasonable meals."It's intended to do away with the celebrity, the sense of entitlement, for a prospect," said David Berst, NCAA vice president and chair of the recruiting task force.The new rules, which would be in place for the upcoming academic year, also ban schools from giving recruits rides in vehicles not used for other prospective students. Schools would also be prevented from handing out personalized jerseys or using audio/video scoreboard presentations featuring the player."This measure is intended to prohibit the use of specialized vehicles, such as those with special decor or modified with televisions, which could create a sense of entitlement for prospective student-athletes," the report said.NCAA president Myles Brand created the recruiting task force in February after several high-profile scandals emerged, including at Colorado and Miami.A grand jury and authorities are investigating allegations that the Colorado athletic department used alcohol and sex to lure football recruits.Miami's prized recruit, linebacker Willie Williams, was placed on probation after being charged with a felony and two misdemeanors during a recruiting visit to Florida. He also raised eyebrows with a series in a local newspaper detailing the lavish accommodations, food and treatment he received while making official visits to several schools.The new rules will also require each school to adopt a written policy outlining the guidelines for official visits prohibiting the use of alcohol, drugs, sex and gambling in recruiting. The presidents or chancellors must approve the policies and submit them to their respective conference officials by Dec. 1."We have heard concerns that they're going to have to change practices or modify practices," Berst said. "The benchmark is those things that are necessary for a prospect and an institution to make a decision about each other."Two additional recommendations, to be considered in April 2005, would allow schools to pay for one parent or guardian to accompany a recruit on an official visit and reduce the number official visits from five to four.While the recruiting measures are on the fast track to NCAA approval, there is much work to be done on the NABC package.With respect to the proposal allowing tryouts, Berst said it fits into the larger goal of the project -- to improve the chances of a recruit meshing with a school in hopes of reducing the number of transfers and early entries to the NBA draft.But, he said, it's nowhere near close to being adopted."That's one of a group of proposals tied together that they'll have to defend, explain and work with the governance entities," Berst said. "It's going to be a long process."
posted by Anonymous @ 8:57 AM
Tennessee receiver James Banks remains suspended
Tennessee receiver James Banks remains suspended and will miss the season's first three games -- including a huge SEC East clash against rival Florida -- because he was cited for underage drinking and defying police orders to turn down his radio, coach Phillip Fulmer said Tuesday.
Banks, a junior from Indianapolis and last year's leading receiver, was indefinitely suspended in March for violating unspecified team rules. Fulmer said at the time Banks could rejoin the team if he accomplished certain goals.
"In the last two months, he made excellent strides in fulfilling requirements set by me to get off the indefinite suspension he was on," Fulmer said in a statement. "However, now we have another issue that has embarrassed this team and the university."
Banks will miss games against UNLV, Florida and Louisiana Tech.
He can be reinstated for the Oct. 2 game against Auburn if he meets certain conditions set by Fulmer, including completing 25 hours of alcohol-related community service work and going to alcohol counseling sessions, Fulmer said.
Banks was cited July 16 after police were called at 3 a.m. to break up an unruly crowd of about 50 people at Rocky Top Markets on Cumberland Avenue near campus. Officers asked people to stop blaring music from their cars, but Banks continued to turn up the volume, police said.
Officers found a six-pack of beer in his car, five of which were unopened. Banks turns 21 on Aug. 14.
Banks also was suspended for the first half of last year's Peach Bowl.
Banks led the Volunteers in receiving last season with 42 catches for 621 yards. He was a backup quarterback as a freshman and earned a start in one game while Casey Clausen was injured.
posted by Anonymous @ 8:55 AM
Texas A&M recevier accused of beating his roommate
Texas A&M receiver Nick Rhodes has been accused of punching his roommate and hitting him with a guitar after the man asked him for rent money.Rhodes, a redshirt freshman from Brownwood, was arrested on Thursday and charged with Class A assault, a misdemeanor. He posted $7,000 bond on Friday afternoon.The roommate suffered several scratches and cuts, according to a College Station police report, but he declined medical treatment.Rhodes refused to come out of his room when police arrived and officers kicked in the door to arrest him. Police Sgt. Mike Dean said Rhodes was arrested without incident.Nine Texas A&M football players and one recruit have been arrested since November.
posted by Anonymous @ 8:38 AM
Penn State football player won't go to jail.
Former Penn State wide receiver Maurice Humphrey will not go to jail for assaulting a former girlfriend and her friend, a judge ruled Monday.
Humphrey, 20, of New Britain, Conn., was convicted of three counts of simple assault for striking ex-girlfriend Jennifer Maline and her friend Christopher Lolagne, whose jaw was fractured, on Nov. 23 at the woman's apartment. Both victims are Penn State track athletes.Humphrey was sentenced June 8 to three to 12 months in prison, but had been credited with two days spent in prison after his arrest and 46 days spent at an alcohol treatment center. He was scheduled to report to Centre County Prison on June 11 to serve the remainder of the sentence, but instead returned to the treatment center, and was released from there on Friday.Judge David Grine ruled Monday that Humphrey's time in the treatment center should count toward his sentence, making him free to go.
posted by Anonymous @ 8:22 AM
Villanova football player found dead in a pool.
A Villanova University football player attending a party was found unconscious in a swimming pool early Sunday and later died, authorities said.
David Reid, 20, was found around 12:30 a.m. at a Burlington County home by other guests, who tried to revive him as police were called. Rescue personnel then took Reid, of Medford, N.J., to Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Laurel, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities said it's unclear how Reid got into the pool or what caused him to lose consciousness. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday.
Reid, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound junior, was a reserve lineman on the Villanova football team in 2002 and 2003 after redshirting his first season. The school said he was projected No. 2 on the depth chart at guard for the upcoming season.
"He was that All-American kid, apple pie and all that," Villanova coach Andy Talley told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "He was just a happy-go-lucky, burly offensive lineman."
posted by Anonymous @ 8:20 AM
