Jerry Jones takes his share of criticism, and perhaps most of it is deserved. The Super Bowl rings have been collecting layers of dust, something critics even point to when the owner and self-appointed general manager made his money to buy the team in oil and gas exploration, not talent evaluations. Jerry Jones started a debate this offseason by saying that the window for this Dallas Cowboys team might be closing, which of course came off like a not-so-subtle threat, which is a classic rhetorical jab from the man writing the checks.
Should the Cowboys become a playoff team in 2012, surely some will applaud Jones for "lighting a fire" under his team asses. Or perhaps they'll give credit to some new ways of thinking -- Dallas coach Jason Garrett attended the MIT-hosted Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, and Jones also quietly hired a senior analytics manager and a director of football research.
But it's more likely that the credit could go to further the strides from what has been a potent offense led by the oft-maligned Tony Romo, a QB who is due for a few good breaks in the campaign that is to come. With Romo directing the attack, Dallas could wield a truly exceptional offense in 2012.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Cowboys CB Claiborne
Dallas Cowboys fans have been buzzing about the new addition of Morris Claiborne to our secondary. The consensus top corner in the 2012 draft, Claiborne is clearly a talented player. But how much of an impact can he make during his rookie season?
Playing cornerback as a rookie in the NFL is tough. The quarterbacks are quicker and more accurate, the wide receivers have a lot more speed and the game is much faster than it is in college.
As a rookie cornerback, you need to have a short-term memory because you are going to get beat.As a rookie, you need to have confidence and must play on your instincts because it's very difficult to learn all of the coverages. The opposing offensive coordinators are going to test you very deep early. They are wanting to see if you can actually stop a go route and that you know how you play the ball down field. The right mentality is also key.
Knowing how to use angles is critical for a cornerback. When you can take angles away, you can control the speed of your opponent.
It's crucial that rookie CBs study film, pay attention in meetings and know their opponents. When a CB begins to understand the patterns of how an offense attacks, he can then go from reacting to receivers to actually making the plays and creating turnovers.
Claiborne has a good size, length and terrific ball skills. His wingspan is incredible. He's athletic, very competitive and he's better in bump coverage than off. He's a good matchup against bigger receivers, and he'll have huge challenges playing in the NFC East. His biggest issue is lack of actual game experience and also lack of reps in practice. This is what lead to his recent knee injury.
It's crucial that rookie CBs study film, pay attention in meetings and know their opponents. When a CB begins to understand the patterns of how an offense attacks, he can then go from reacting to receivers to actually making the plays and creating turnovers.
In today's NFL, it's especially tough on rookie corners because offenses will usually spread the defenses out. That means that rookie corners, if they have talent, will usually be put on the field before they are ready. First-round cornerbacks are even likely to struggle at first. Defensive coordinators are then forced to scheme to hide any weaknesses in the secondary.
Claiborne has a good size, length and terrific ball skills. His wingspan is incredible. He's athletic, very competitive and he's better in bump coverage than off. He's a good matchup against bigger receivers, and he'll have huge challenges playing in the NFC East. His biggest issue is lack of actual game experience and also lack of reps in practice. This is what lead to his recent knee injury.
Michael Vick Injuried in Loss to Steelers
Michael Vick's results weren't quite so good.
Vick escaped injury after banging his left thumb on center Jason Kelce's helmet, and took a seat on the bench after the offense went three-and-out in his only two drives.
Vick got hurt on his final throw and was wincing in pain when he came off the field. X-rays on Vick's thumb were negative.
"I heard a pop and I didn't know if it was my thumb or from the collision," Vick said. "I was hoping it wasn't anything severe. I should practice on Saturday."
Vick escaped injury after banging his left thumb on center Jason Kelce's helmet, and took a seat on the bench after the offense went three-and-out in his only two drives.
Vick got hurt on his final throw and was wincing in pain when he came off the field. X-rays on Vick's thumb were negative.
"I heard a pop and I didn't know if it was my thumb or from the collision," Vick said. "I was hoping it wasn't anything severe. I should practice on Saturday."
Former NFL LB Naposki Gets Life in Prison
A former NFL linebacker has been sentenced in California to life in prison without the possibility of parole for murdering his lover's wealthy live-in boyfriend nearly two decades ago.
An Orange County Superior Court judge has sentenced Eric Andrew Naposki today. However, a jury convicted him a year ago of first-degree murder.
Prosecutors say Naposki shot the 55-year-old William Francis McLaughlin at the suggestion of his lover, Nanette Ann Packard, who was also McLaughlin's live-in girlfriend.
Naposki was working as a nightclub bouncer at the time of the murder back in 1994. He was a former linebacker for the New England Patriots and for the Indianapolis Colts.
The 46-year-old Packard was convicted back in January and also was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The prosecutors also say that Packard stood to collect $1 million in life insurance if her live-in boyfriend McLaughlin died.
A wonderful question would be "why did they do it?" I would guess out of greed or lust for each other. However, I feel kind of sorry that Naposki could be manipulated by this woman, that he loved, into taking another person's life. Now he has to pay by sitting in jail until he dies for a extremely bad judgement call on his part. I hope that Naposki and Packard both realize the full extent of what their actions have caused.
Parts of this article were taken from the Associated Press article released on Friday, August 10, 2012.
An Orange County Superior Court judge has sentenced Eric Andrew Naposki today. However, a jury convicted him a year ago of first-degree murder.
Prosecutors say Naposki shot the 55-year-old William Francis McLaughlin at the suggestion of his lover, Nanette Ann Packard, who was also McLaughlin's live-in girlfriend.
Naposki was working as a nightclub bouncer at the time of the murder back in 1994. He was a former linebacker for the New England Patriots and for the Indianapolis Colts.
The 46-year-old Packard was convicted back in January and also was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The prosecutors also say that Packard stood to collect $1 million in life insurance if her live-in boyfriend McLaughlin died.
A wonderful question would be "why did they do it?" I would guess out of greed or lust for each other. However, I feel kind of sorry that Naposki could be manipulated by this woman, that he loved, into taking another person's life. Now he has to pay by sitting in jail until he dies for a extremely bad judgement call on his part. I hope that Naposki and Packard both realize the full extent of what their actions have caused.
Parts of this article were taken from the Associated Press article released on Friday, August 10, 2012.
Randy Moss Set to Make Return Friday
After being away for a year from football, wide receiver Randy Moss will be making his debut for the San Francisco 49ers on Friday night's preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The reigning NFC West champions are hoping the 35-year-old Moss can fill a big void in coach Jim Harbaugh's version of the West Coast offense.
Moss is expected to come off the bench Friday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Michael Crabtree and Ted Ginn Jr. will be starting.
Moss, whose reputation has taken a hit for his sometimes questionable work ethic, signed a one-year contract with the 49ers in March. He last played for New England, Minnesota and Tennessee during a very rocky 2010 season.
Moss said he initially retired citing "personal reasons outside of football" and considered making a comeback late in the 2011 season before ultimately deciding to give his body more time to heal. He suffered a shoulder injury back in 2010 while with the New England Patriots.
Moss' best season came for the Patriots in 2007, when he caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and an NFL single-season record 23 touchdowns in helping New England to a 16-0 regular-season record. He has 954 catches for 14,858 yards and 153 TDs in his career, which started with the Vikings back in 1998.
The reigning NFC West champions are hoping the 35-year-old Moss can fill a big void in coach Jim Harbaugh's version of the West Coast offense.
Moss is expected to come off the bench Friday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Michael Crabtree and Ted Ginn Jr. will be starting.
Moss, whose reputation has taken a hit for his sometimes questionable work ethic, signed a one-year contract with the 49ers in March. He last played for New England, Minnesota and Tennessee during a very rocky 2010 season.
Moss said he initially retired citing "personal reasons outside of football" and considered making a comeback late in the 2011 season before ultimately deciding to give his body more time to heal. He suffered a shoulder injury back in 2010 while with the New England Patriots.
Moss' best season came for the Patriots in 2007, when he caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and an NFL single-season record 23 touchdowns in helping New England to a 16-0 regular-season record. He has 954 catches for 14,858 yards and 153 TDs in his career, which started with the Vikings back in 1998.
Chargers RB Mathews Injuried
San Diego Chargers starting running back Ryan Mathews will undergo surgery Friday (today) morning for a broken collarbone.
Mathews was injured on his first carry of the preseason in the first quarter of Thursday night's game against the Green Bay Packers. Coach Norv Turner has said he'll be out for four to six weeks.
"It's just unfortunate," quarterback Philip Rivers told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "His first carry of the season. He'll stay strong. We'll keep him strong and upbeat because I know how excited he was about the season. He was openly commenting about how excited he was and how hard he's trained. He'll still bounce back and have a great year."
Mathews was also involved in a car crash on Monday. However, he stated that he was only banged-up and was still able to play on Thursday.
Mathews, who replaced LaDainian Tomlinson as San Diego's feature back in 2010, ran for 1,091 yards and six touchdowns last season. He added 50 catches for 455 yards.
Since being drafted 12th overall in 2010, Mathews has had trouble staying healthy. He missed four games in his rookie campaign and two more last season.
The Chargers lost backup Mike Tolbert in free agency but did add veteran Ronnie Brown.
"That's why Ronnie Brown's here," Coach Turner told the newspaper. "I think you're going to have situations where you're not going to have everybody. That's what I've been talking about since April after the draft and after we signed these players, we've protected ourselves in those situations.
"If someone goes down, we have answers. We have guys who can step in and go."
Mathews was injured on his first carry of the preseason in the first quarter of Thursday night's game against the Green Bay Packers. Coach Norv Turner has said he'll be out for four to six weeks.
"It's just unfortunate," quarterback Philip Rivers told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "His first carry of the season. He'll stay strong. We'll keep him strong and upbeat because I know how excited he was about the season. He was openly commenting about how excited he was and how hard he's trained. He'll still bounce back and have a great year."
Mathews was also involved in a car crash on Monday. However, he stated that he was only banged-up and was still able to play on Thursday.
Mathews, who replaced LaDainian Tomlinson as San Diego's feature back in 2010, ran for 1,091 yards and six touchdowns last season. He added 50 catches for 455 yards.
Since being drafted 12th overall in 2010, Mathews has had trouble staying healthy. He missed four games in his rookie campaign and two more last season.
The Chargers lost backup Mike Tolbert in free agency but did add veteran Ronnie Brown.
"That's why Ronnie Brown's here," Coach Turner told the newspaper. "I think you're going to have situations where you're not going to have everybody. That's what I've been talking about since April after the draft and after we signed these players, we've protected ourselves in those situations.
"If someone goes down, we have answers. We have guys who can step in and go."
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Terrell Owens 1st Practice as a Seahawk
Owens returned to an NFL practice field for the first time since late in the 2010 season on Wednesday when he jogged on to the field at Seahawks headquarters about 10:15 a.m. with a throng of media waiting to document every move the five-time All-Pro and now 38-year-old made on his first day back in the NFL.
Owens, who spoke softly before the large crowd after practice, was gracious about the chance he was getting with the Seahawks.
"It's all about for me now being part of something rather than being the center of something. I understand a lot of the media is here because of me and again, I have changed in a lot of ways," Owens said. "A lot of things have occurred in the last two years and I've had a lot of time to think about things and put things in perspective and I just want to move forward and leave all the things that happened five to 10 years ago behind me. That's where I am mentally."
Owens is the latest reclamation project being taken on by Seattle coach Pete Carroll, who has found success in his first two seasons with the likes of Browner, Mike Williams and Red Bryant – players once considered on their way out of the league who instead have thrived with the Seahawks.
Whether Owens ends up making a difference will depend on if he makes the team. If his first practice is any indication, Owens at least has a chance.
Despite age showing its sign on his once youthful face, Owens is in tremendous shape. He's long and lean, fitting the descriptions given by Carroll and other Seahawks personnel following Owens' workout for the team on Monday. He worked mostly with the No. 2 offense on his first day at flanker and opposite fellow second-chance receiver Braylon Edwards. The starting flanker position belongs to Sidney Rice, but he is being withheld from contact during training camp as he continues recovering from offseason surgery on both shoulders.
Owens spent the entire 2011 season out of football, left to reevaluate his career options following surgery on his left knee. His comeback started this spring playing for the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League. He had 35 catches for 420 yards and 10 touchdowns while playing eight of 11 games, but was released and lost an ownership stake in the team in May.
The chance to play in the IFL might have seemed like desperation, but Owens said it was a critical experience in his comeback. It was the bottom for his football career and a baseline from which to rebuild.
"Just to get around that atmosphere and to know that I was at the top at one point ... it's almost like I have to rebuild my career, start over," Owens said.
Owens did have a few highlights during his first day. He beat rookie Jeremy Lane down the sideline and caught a perfect toss from Matt Flynn for a 35-yard reception, juggling the ball briefly before pulling it in to his stomach as he fell to the ground. He followed that with a quick slant across the middle on another strike from Flynn.
"Once you get out there and you snap the ball and you're going against the defense, you just see a helmet running out there," Flynn said. "You're not thinking this is T.O. or whatever, you get out there and see a receiver and getting open."
The concern with signing Owens is that it goes against most of the moves Seattle (No. 22 in AP Pro32) has made during the first two years of Carroll and general manager John Schneider being in charge. They made a dramatic point to get the Seahawks locker room younger and on giving those youthful players a chance even if they lacked major experience.
There's also the well-documented baggage from Owens' past. Owens repeatedly said he's different from the receiver that made headlines for his disruptions in some previous stops.
"The last two years have been life-changing for myself," Owens said. "I don't want to try and sit up here and emphasize how much I've changed. I think you'll kind of see that as these days go along. It's more about actions speak louder than words, and I think you'll see that more than anything."
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
AJ Allmendinger tested positive for Adderall
AJ Allmendinger tested positive for prescription Adderall, the suspended NASCAR driver told ESPN in an exclusive interview Tuesday.
Adderall is typically prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Allmendinger said. He does not have ADHD and therefore had no prescription.
He explained that he had been out in Louisville, Ky., the Wednesday before the Quaker State 400 race at Kentucky Speedway and was tired.
A friend of a friend, Allmendinger said, handed him a pill and stated it was a workout supplement that would give him energy. Allmendinger ingested the pill. Two days later he was randomly tested at the racetrack, a test he would ultimately fail.
He said neither NASCAR nor its drug testing team from Nashville-based Aegis Labs informed him of the specific substance in question until after a B sample was tested July 24, only that he had tested positive for an amphetamine. It was not until he was informed it was Adderall that he traced it back to that night in Kentucky.
Allmendinger said he does not abuse Adderall, rather that he took it just once.
Allmendinger is currently going through NASCAR's Road to Recovery program, which he said he hopes to complete by the end of August. He said his case is being treated more as a stress-coping methodology than drug rehabilitation.
A NASCAR official said NASCAR does not dispute Allmendinger's story, mainly because it is information the sanctioning body does not have. Spokesman David Higdon said NASCAR is unaware of the specific substance Allmendinger took, other than that it was an amphetamine. Higdon said testing won't reveal the brand of a substance.
"It's part of the Road to Recovery program, to discuss that and work through it," Higdon said. "We deal with [the individual] as soon as Dr. [David] Black comes back and recommends reinstantement."
Dodge pulling out of NASCAR
Dodge announced Tuesday that it is withdrawing from the NASCAR competition following the 2012 season.
Dodge was faced with a rebuilding phase beginning in 2013, after Penske Racing -- the lone NASCAR organization to field Dodges since 2009 -- chose to leave the manufacturer in favor of Ford Motor Company beginning next season.
"We've spent an intense five months working to identify and evaluate all options for our future involvement in NASCAR," SRT Motorsports president Ralph Gilles said. "A number of opportunities emerged, and our team worked diligently to put a structure together to fit our overall business and competitive objectives. While we have been pleased and enthused with the amount of interest from teams and sponsors over that time, in the end, we simply couldn't develop the right structure."
Penske has fielded Dodges since 2003, winning 29 Sprint Cup races to date and a Nationwide Series championship with driver Brad Keselowski. But in March, Penske announced the return to Ford, which the team had fielded from 1994 to 2002.
Industry sources question whether Dodge's parent company, Fiat, has any passion for NASCAR, leading to Penske's decision to leave for Ford and, ultimately, Dodge's decision to leave the sport altogether, the sources say.
"Dodge has been a great partner to NASCAR for many years, and they have been part of numerous memorable moments throughout our history," NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France said. "They made a business decision not to return in 2013, as they did in 1977 before returning in 2001. We wish them well and hope they again will choose to return to NASCAR at a later date."
Ford announced Monday that Roush-Yates engines would provide motors for Penske beginning in 2013, leaving questions about what may become of Penske's motor department and its 60-plus employee staff.
However, this isn't the first time Dodge has chosen to leave NASCAR. The manufacturer pulled out of the sport in 1977 and didn't return until 2001. Since that time, Dodge has accumulated 55 Sprint Cup victories.
"It's an extremely difficult decision to know that we won't be there for our fans next season," Gilles added. "It's important to note that we have not lost focus on 2012 or the commitment to our partnership with Penske Racing in both the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series this season."
Cardinals Quarterback Kevin Kolb's injury minor
Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt calls Kevin Kolb's injury minor and expects the quarterback to play in Friday's preseason game against Kansas City.
Kolb left Sunday's Hall of Fame game with bruised ribs and was limited in practice Tuesday.
"He's still a little sore," Whisenhunt said, "but I don't anticipate there being any problems as we progress through the week. He may be limited this afternoon, but I certainly think as the week progresses he'll be fine and he'll play."
Kolb is locked in a tight battle with John Skelton for the starting job. He started but was intercepted on his first throw in Sunday's 17-10 loss to New Orleans. His lone completion came on his final throw, the first play of his third series, and the play on which he was injured. Against New Orleans, Kolb completed 1 of 4 passes for four yards. Skelton was 4 of 6 for 32 yards.
The Cardinals worked out jointly with the Chiefs on Tuesday at Kansas City's practice facility at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. They chose to go to Missouri rather than travel all the way from Canton, Ohio, to Arizona, then back to Kansas City for a game just five days later.
Skelton will start against the Chiefs, a decision that was made before Kolb was hurt.
The Cardinals also activated running back Beanie Wells from the physically unable to perform list prior to Tuesday's practice. Like Kolb, Wells participated in the walk-through portion of practice but he did not take part in any of drills.
Coming off his first 1,000-yard season, the fourth-year pro from Ohio State has not practiced while recovering from the surgery on his right knee.
Whisenhunt said Wells probably won't play against Kansas City on Friday.
"We're working him back in," Whisenhunt said. "I think it's important he gets back into the flow of the walkthroughs. That's the reason he's off of PUP now. We feel like he's good now, but we're going to be conservative working him back in."
Allmendinger released by Penske Racing
Suspended Sprint Cup driver AJ Allmendinger was released by Penske Racing on Wednesday.
Allmendinger, who drove the No. 22 Shell Penzoil Dodge, was indefinitely suspended last Tuesday after his "B" sample urine test supported an original test that was positive for amphetamines.
"I apologize for the distraction, embarrassment and difficulties that my current suspension from NASCAR has provided," Allmendinger said in a statement. "As I stated last week, I have begun NASCAR's Road to Recovery program and look forward to using those resources and its completion to compete again in NASCAR in the near future."
The release didn't come as a surprise. Team owner Roger Penske said Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that he planned to meet with Allmendinger this week, noting others in his organization who have failed drug tests have been terminated.
Even had Allmendinger not violated NASCAR's drug policy there was a good chance he wouldn't return to Penske in 2013. He had a one-year deal and was 23rd in points at the time of his initial suspension.
Penske Racing officials said Sam Hornish Jr. will remain in the No. 22 for the foreseeable future. Hornish drove the past three races at Daytona, New Hampshire and Indianapolis that Allmendinger missed.
There are a couple of races in which Hornish was committed to a third Penske Cup car with sponsors that will have to be evaluated. Penske has said those races could be used to try out other drivers.
"Penske Racing fully supports NASCAR's substance abuse policy and we are disappointed with AJ's positive drug test results," Penske said in a statement. "AJ is a terrific driver, a good person and it is very unfortunate that we have to separate at this time.
"We have invested greatly in AJ and we were confident in his success with our team. The decision to dismiss him is consistent with how we would treat any other Penske Racing team member under similar circumstances. As AJ begins NASCAR's Road to Recovery program, we wish him the best and look forward to seeing him compete again in NASCAR."
Penske said he will evaluate his options for the No. 22 car in 2013. Among those expected to be interested in addition to Hornish are Joey Logano, Brian Vickers and possibly Ryan Newman if sponsorship can't be found for him at Stewart Haas Racing.
Logano is in the final year of his contract with Joe Gibbs Racing. Gibbs officials have said they want to re-sign him, but until sponsorship is found Logano said he's keeping all options open.
Roush Fenway Racing driver Matt Kenseth, according to multiple sources, will take over Logano's No. 20 team with primary sponsor Home Depot and likely Dollar General in 2013.
Penske Racing president Tim Cindric said he, Allmendinger and Allmendinger's business manager flew to Detroit to meet with Penske and other top management on Tuesday night. He said Penske explained there really were no options but dismissal based on company policy with others who have failed drug tests.
"He said, 'Look, I can't help you in this particular situation relative to going forward, but there will be a point and time -- I don't know how or when -- when I'll be there to help you,'' Cindric said.
"It's certainly not the news (Allmendinger) wanted. Nobody wins in this situation. But we needed to have closure. We just wanted to make sure he knew where we could so he could plan accordingly.''
Cindric admitted it will be tough for Allmendinger to get another top ride in NASCAR's top series based on what has happened if and when he's reinstated.
"It's going to be a bit of a mountain to climb for him to have another opportunity as good as this one,'' he said. "We realize that, but there is nothing we can do to help that other than go through steps to be reinstated and make sure we're able to express our support for him as an individual.''
Cindric said the decision to release Allmendinger was all Penske's.
"Internally, we have a zero tolerance policy,'' he said. "We don't think the drivers should be outside that policy. As much as we wanted it to be different, there was nothing we could do.''
Cindric said closure at this time gives Penske Racing more time to focus on 2013. While the hope is to have Hornish in the No. 22 the rest of this season and do well enough that he makes next year an easy decision, he said the process is wide open.
Cindric said the only potential conflict for Hornish this year is Talladega where he already was committed to sponsors to drive in a third Cup car.
"We'd love to see him in the car,'' Cindric said. "We also need to ensure we have results.''
On whether Allmendinger will be paid by Penske for the rest of the year, Cindric said, "The fair answer to that question, I've seen Roger's concern for individuals. I feel as though in all circumstances he's been fair. Only AJ can really explain to you whether he was fairly treated or not.''
Story from espn.go.com
Allmendinger, who drove the No. 22 Shell Penzoil Dodge, was indefinitely suspended last Tuesday after his "B" sample urine test supported an original test that was positive for amphetamines.
"I apologize for the distraction, embarrassment and difficulties that my current suspension from NASCAR has provided," Allmendinger said in a statement. "As I stated last week, I have begun NASCAR's Road to Recovery program and look forward to using those resources and its completion to compete again in NASCAR in the near future."
The release didn't come as a surprise. Team owner Roger Penske said Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that he planned to meet with Allmendinger this week, noting others in his organization who have failed drug tests have been terminated.
Even had Allmendinger not violated NASCAR's drug policy there was a good chance he wouldn't return to Penske in 2013. He had a one-year deal and was 23rd in points at the time of his initial suspension.
Penske Racing officials said Sam Hornish Jr. will remain in the No. 22 for the foreseeable future. Hornish drove the past three races at Daytona, New Hampshire and Indianapolis that Allmendinger missed.
There are a couple of races in which Hornish was committed to a third Penske Cup car with sponsors that will have to be evaluated. Penske has said those races could be used to try out other drivers.
"Penske Racing fully supports NASCAR's substance abuse policy and we are disappointed with AJ's positive drug test results," Penske said in a statement. "AJ is a terrific driver, a good person and it is very unfortunate that we have to separate at this time.
"We have invested greatly in AJ and we were confident in his success with our team. The decision to dismiss him is consistent with how we would treat any other Penske Racing team member under similar circumstances. As AJ begins NASCAR's Road to Recovery program, we wish him the best and look forward to seeing him compete again in NASCAR."
Penske said he will evaluate his options for the No. 22 car in 2013. Among those expected to be interested in addition to Hornish are Joey Logano, Brian Vickers and possibly Ryan Newman if sponsorship can't be found for him at Stewart Haas Racing.
Logano is in the final year of his contract with Joe Gibbs Racing. Gibbs officials have said they want to re-sign him, but until sponsorship is found Logano said he's keeping all options open.
Roush Fenway Racing driver Matt Kenseth, according to multiple sources, will take over Logano's No. 20 team with primary sponsor Home Depot and likely Dollar General in 2013.
Penske Racing president Tim Cindric said he, Allmendinger and Allmendinger's business manager flew to Detroit to meet with Penske and other top management on Tuesday night. He said Penske explained there really were no options but dismissal based on company policy with others who have failed drug tests.
"He said, 'Look, I can't help you in this particular situation relative to going forward, but there will be a point and time -- I don't know how or when -- when I'll be there to help you,'' Cindric said.
"It's certainly not the news (Allmendinger) wanted. Nobody wins in this situation. But we needed to have closure. We just wanted to make sure he knew where we could so he could plan accordingly.''
Cindric admitted it will be tough for Allmendinger to get another top ride in NASCAR's top series based on what has happened if and when he's reinstated.
"It's going to be a bit of a mountain to climb for him to have another opportunity as good as this one,'' he said. "We realize that, but there is nothing we can do to help that other than go through steps to be reinstated and make sure we're able to express our support for him as an individual.''
Cindric said the decision to release Allmendinger was all Penske's.
"Internally, we have a zero tolerance policy,'' he said. "We don't think the drivers should be outside that policy. As much as we wanted it to be different, there was nothing we could do.''
Cindric said closure at this time gives Penske Racing more time to focus on 2013. While the hope is to have Hornish in the No. 22 the rest of this season and do well enough that he makes next year an easy decision, he said the process is wide open.
Cindric said the only potential conflict for Hornish this year is Talladega where he already was committed to sponsors to drive in a third Cup car.
"We'd love to see him in the car,'' Cindric said. "We also need to ensure we have results.''
On whether Allmendinger will be paid by Penske for the rest of the year, Cindric said, "The fair answer to that question, I've seen Roger's concern for individuals. I feel as though in all circumstances he's been fair. Only AJ can really explain to you whether he was fairly treated or not.''
Story from espn.go.com
Friday, August 3, 2012
Angels OF Mike Trout sets AL Honor First
Angels outfielder Mike Trout was selected as AL Player of the Month and AL Rookie of the Month for July. He's the first AL player to win both the Player of the Month and the Rookie of the Month in the same month. Trout also won the monthly rookie honor in May and June, joining Ichiro Suzuki (April, May and June 2001) as the only player to have won for three straight months.
Hamilton helped salvage Ryan Dempster's Rangers debut
Josh Hamilton got back on track and helped the Texas Rangers' offense stay on a roll on Thursday night.
Hamilton drove in four runs and the Rangers bailed out Ryan Dempster in his Texas debut in a 15-9 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
Hamilton hit .177 in July, but had his second four-RBI game of the season. He has 10 RBIs in his past nine games.
"Basically I've said stop thinking about it, stop listening to everybody -- everybody's got something to say," Hamilton said. "Just go out there and play. React. Try to slow the game down again. It worked. There's nothing wrong with my swing, it's just about trusting myself, not being too aggressive and trying to slow the game down again."
The Rangers broke an 8-8 tie after six innings when they scored four runs in the seventh, including Hamilton's two-run double, and added three in the eighth.
Dempster allowed eight runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings. The Rangers acquired Dempster from the Cubs minutes before Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline.
Roy Oswalt (4-2) threw two scoreless innings in relief for the win.
C.J. Wilson gave up eight runs and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings. David Carpenter (1-2) took the loss for the Angels. Angels relievers were charged with 11 earned runs in 6 1/3 innings in the last two games of the series.
The Rangers earned a split of the four-game series with the Angels after Wednesday's night's 11-10 win in 10 innings.
"It was kind of a momentum kill from how we played the first two nights to how we played these last two," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "It's tough. It's a good team there and it's not a forgiving park if your guys don't hit their spots, and some of our guys in the pen had a tough time doing that."
It was the Rangers' first time scoring in double figures in consecutive games since May 7-8.
"It's been a lot of fun," Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler said. "We're starting to show some excitement. We have a lot of momentum offensively right now. This was more of a prototypical Rangers game where we scored as many runs as we needed to win. We kept pounding them."
Texas leads Los Angeles by five games in the AL West.
Kinsler went 3 for 5 and scored four runs and Elvis Andrus and Michael Young also had two hits and two RBIs as Texas finished with 18 hits.
Mitch Moreland and David Murphy hit back-to-back pinch-hit singles before Hamilton's double in the seventh.
Outfielder Torii Hunter led the Angels with three hits, two RBIs and a run scored. Kendrys Morales went 2 for 5 with a homer and two RBIs. Albert Pujols, Alberto Callaspo and Howie Kendrick added two hits each for Los Angeles.
Besides Dempster, catcher Geovany Soto and rookie first baseman Mike Olt made their Texas Rangers debuts.
Soto went 2 for 5 with two RBIs and two runs scored, and Olt, a rookie from the University of Connecticut, went 1 for 3 with a run scored.
Mike Olt was called up from Double-A Frisco Thursday and made his major league debut at first base just hours later. Rangers manager Ron Washington said Olt will mostly start at first base and also at designated hitter against left-handed starters. Olt can also play third base when Adrian Beltre has a day off.
Hamilton drove in four runs and the Rangers bailed out Ryan Dempster in his Texas debut in a 15-9 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
Hamilton hit .177 in July, but had his second four-RBI game of the season. He has 10 RBIs in his past nine games.
"Basically I've said stop thinking about it, stop listening to everybody -- everybody's got something to say," Hamilton said. "Just go out there and play. React. Try to slow the game down again. It worked. There's nothing wrong with my swing, it's just about trusting myself, not being too aggressive and trying to slow the game down again."
The Rangers broke an 8-8 tie after six innings when they scored four runs in the seventh, including Hamilton's two-run double, and added three in the eighth.
Dempster allowed eight runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings. The Rangers acquired Dempster from the Cubs minutes before Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline.
Roy Oswalt (4-2) threw two scoreless innings in relief for the win.
C.J. Wilson gave up eight runs and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings. David Carpenter (1-2) took the loss for the Angels. Angels relievers were charged with 11 earned runs in 6 1/3 innings in the last two games of the series.
The Rangers earned a split of the four-game series with the Angels after Wednesday's night's 11-10 win in 10 innings.
"It was kind of a momentum kill from how we played the first two nights to how we played these last two," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "It's tough. It's a good team there and it's not a forgiving park if your guys don't hit their spots, and some of our guys in the pen had a tough time doing that."
It was the Rangers' first time scoring in double figures in consecutive games since May 7-8.
"It's been a lot of fun," Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler said. "We're starting to show some excitement. We have a lot of momentum offensively right now. This was more of a prototypical Rangers game where we scored as many runs as we needed to win. We kept pounding them."
Texas leads Los Angeles by five games in the AL West.
Kinsler went 3 for 5 and scored four runs and Elvis Andrus and Michael Young also had two hits and two RBIs as Texas finished with 18 hits.
Mitch Moreland and David Murphy hit back-to-back pinch-hit singles before Hamilton's double in the seventh.
Outfielder Torii Hunter led the Angels with three hits, two RBIs and a run scored. Kendrys Morales went 2 for 5 with a homer and two RBIs. Albert Pujols, Alberto Callaspo and Howie Kendrick added two hits each for Los Angeles.
Besides Dempster, catcher Geovany Soto and rookie first baseman Mike Olt made their Texas Rangers debuts.
Soto went 2 for 5 with two RBIs and two runs scored, and Olt, a rookie from the University of Connecticut, went 1 for 3 with a run scored.
Game notes
Mike Olt was called up from Double-A Frisco Thursday and made his major league debut at first base just hours later. Rangers manager Ron Washington said Olt will mostly start at first base and also at designated hitter against left-handed starters. Olt can also play third base when Adrian Beltre has a day off.
MLB Teams' Facebook Pages Hacked
The Facebook pages of the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and several other Major League Baseball clubs have been restored after briefly being hacked.
On the Yankees official news feed Thursday, there was a false item that Derek Jeter was undergoing a sex change.
The Cubs' page contained an expletive directed at the longtime Cubs fan and actor Bill Murray. The posts were removed shortly after they appeared.
MLB released a statement saying "for a brief moment today, a few MLB Club Facebook accounts were hacked and inappropriate material was briefly on display."
The league also said it is working with the Facebook and legal authorities to determine what exactly happened. The pages of the Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants and the Chicago White Sox were also hacked.
On the Yankees official news feed Thursday, there was a false item that Derek Jeter was undergoing a sex change.
The Cubs' page contained an expletive directed at the longtime Cubs fan and actor Bill Murray. The posts were removed shortly after they appeared.
MLB released a statement saying "for a brief moment today, a few MLB Club Facebook accounts were hacked and inappropriate material was briefly on display."
The league also said it is working with the Facebook and legal authorities to determine what exactly happened. The pages of the Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants and the Chicago White Sox were also hacked.
Redskins Quarterback Robert Griffin III
Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder and coach Mike Shanahan staked everything on acquiring Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. They gave the St. Louis Rams their first two picks in this year's draft and first-rounders in 2013 and 2014. From the looks of things on the field in training camp, RG3 is all that the Redskins expected. His skills are exceptional.
The biggest question over the next three years is whether the Redskins have enough resources to acquire championship talent to surround him. The missing first-round pieces from the next two drafts are one problem, forcing the Redskins to look to free agency for answers.
The salary cap is another problem. The NFL imposed a $36 million penalty over the next two years against the Redskins for what the league considered to be a manipulation of the cap in the 2010 uncapped year. Washington lost $18 million this year and another $18 million for next year.
Although rebuilding will be tough, the Redskins appear to have the right player to build around in RG3.
Here are five observations from Redskins camp:
1. RG3 could be RGDEEP: Somewhere between the skills and bodies of Michael Vick and Cam Newton is Griffin III. He moves around the pocket like Vick. His throws -- particularly the deep ones -- are as pretty as Vick's and Newton's. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll took time out of his offseason to study tape of Newton's deep throws and concluded he never has seen a rookie quarterback make as many big plays. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Newton's 30 completions of 21 or more yards in air were second to only Eli Manning of the New York Giants. Griffin could challenge those numbers. Like Ben Roethlisberger, Griffin does some of his best work outside the pocket, buying time to make plays. His deep balls explode out of his hand and are catchable.
But TE Chris Cooley may have summed up why Griffin will be a star. He's more mature than his age. Cooley said Griffin walked into the Redskins' locker room and immediately established credibility and leadership. Young players idolize him. Veterans respect him. The question is how long it will take for the Redskins to win with Griffin. Although Griffin has the potential of a 4,000-plus-yard passing season similar to Newton's, it won't be as easy in the NFC East. The Eagles, Giants and Cowboys have great man-to-man coverage skills. A tough schedule may make it even tougher for RG3 to win more than six games as a rookie, but if the Redskins finish strong, they could start thinking playoffs next year.
2. Offensive line a major concern: Already, the news is bad along the offensive line. Right tackle Jammal Brown has hip problems. At the moment, Brown isn't going to need surgery and might miss a couple of weeks, but the injury is concerning. Left guard Kory Lichtensteiger needed a scope on a rebuilt knee and might not play in the preseason. That leaves the Redskins with Maurice Hurt at left guard and journeyman backup Tyler Polumbus at right tackle. Polumbus has been getting good reviews in camp. Another injury, though, could be devastating because the depth may not be there along the line. The good news is left tackle Trent Williams is having a great camp. Teammates talk about how much more professional he is studying tapes and working. His conditioning also is good. Williams has the talent to be one of the best left tackles in the NFC. RG3 can make the line look good by scrambling away from sacks, but the line needs to come together with consistent run-blocking for the offense to be successful.
3. Safety in numbers? A sleeper position for the Redskins might be safety. Shanahan overhauled the position by bringing in Brandon Meriweather, Tanard Jackson and Madieu Williams. They could end up being steals. Meriweather is the most interesting acquisition. He was immature at times in New England and was a nonfactor last season for the Chicago Bears. Still, Meriweather is a former first-round talent who really loves playing the game. He's a good blitzer and a big hitter. Jackson had numerous off-the-field issues in Tampa Bay, but he's talented free safety who can make plays. At one point, Williams was one of the highest-paid safeties in football. Even though it didn't work out for him in Minnesota, he could help a decent Redskins defense as a backup. He has good coverage skills.
4. Running on empty? In Denver, Shanahan was a master of getting the most out of unknown running backs. Roy Helu, Tim Hightower, Evan Royster and rookie Alfred Morris might form the least known backfield in the NFL, but Shanahan believes that he can make something work on the ground. Face it, there is no 1,200-yard, every-down runner among this group, but each back offers specific skills that could make the ground game passable. Hightower is the likely starter, but he's coming off knee surgery. Helu is a zone-blocking runner, but he has to make sure he doesn't fumble. The intriguing players to watch are Royster, a sixth-round pick from last year, and Morris, this year's sixth-round pick. Both offer a little explosion if they can get through the first wave of tacklers.
5. Receiving corps should create excitement: Last year, the Redskins were trying to get by with unknowns Anthony Armstrong, Brandon Banks and Terrence Austin working the outside routes. Despite losing $18 million of cap room, the Redskins were able to add Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. The best part about this group is it has deep-ball potential, which helps RG3. His best option, though, will be Santana Moss, who has lost more than 15 pounds and is working exclusively out of the slot. Moss caught only 46 passes in 12 games last season, but he should be back at the 60- or 70-catch level this year if he stays healthy.
article retrieved from http://www.espn.com/ and written by John Clayton, NFL senior writer
The biggest question over the next three years is whether the Redskins have enough resources to acquire championship talent to surround him. The missing first-round pieces from the next two drafts are one problem, forcing the Redskins to look to free agency for answers.
The salary cap is another problem. The NFL imposed a $36 million penalty over the next two years against the Redskins for what the league considered to be a manipulation of the cap in the 2010 uncapped year. Washington lost $18 million this year and another $18 million for next year.
Although rebuilding will be tough, the Redskins appear to have the right player to build around in RG3.
Here are five observations from Redskins camp:
[+] Enlarge
Geoff Burke/US Presswire Throwing an accurate deep ball appears to be one of Robert Griffin III's biggest strengths.
1. RG3 could be RGDEEP: Somewhere between the skills and bodies of Michael Vick and Cam Newton is Griffin III. He moves around the pocket like Vick. His throws -- particularly the deep ones -- are as pretty as Vick's and Newton's. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll took time out of his offseason to study tape of Newton's deep throws and concluded he never has seen a rookie quarterback make as many big plays. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Newton's 30 completions of 21 or more yards in air were second to only Eli Manning of the New York Giants. Griffin could challenge those numbers. Like Ben Roethlisberger, Griffin does some of his best work outside the pocket, buying time to make plays. His deep balls explode out of his hand and are catchable.
But TE Chris Cooley may have summed up why Griffin will be a star. He's more mature than his age. Cooley said Griffin walked into the Redskins' locker room and immediately established credibility and leadership. Young players idolize him. Veterans respect him. The question is how long it will take for the Redskins to win with Griffin. Although Griffin has the potential of a 4,000-plus-yard passing season similar to Newton's, it won't be as easy in the NFC East. The Eagles, Giants and Cowboys have great man-to-man coverage skills. A tough schedule may make it even tougher for RG3 to win more than six games as a rookie, but if the Redskins finish strong, they could start thinking playoffs next year.
2. Offensive line a major concern: Already, the news is bad along the offensive line. Right tackle Jammal Brown has hip problems. At the moment, Brown isn't going to need surgery and might miss a couple of weeks, but the injury is concerning. Left guard Kory Lichtensteiger needed a scope on a rebuilt knee and might not play in the preseason. That leaves the Redskins with Maurice Hurt at left guard and journeyman backup Tyler Polumbus at right tackle. Polumbus has been getting good reviews in camp. Another injury, though, could be devastating because the depth may not be there along the line. The good news is left tackle Trent Williams is having a great camp. Teammates talk about how much more professional he is studying tapes and working. His conditioning also is good. Williams has the talent to be one of the best left tackles in the NFC. RG3 can make the line look good by scrambling away from sacks, but the line needs to come together with consistent run-blocking for the offense to be successful.
3. Safety in numbers? A sleeper position for the Redskins might be safety. Shanahan overhauled the position by bringing in Brandon Meriweather, Tanard Jackson and Madieu Williams. They could end up being steals. Meriweather is the most interesting acquisition. He was immature at times in New England and was a nonfactor last season for the Chicago Bears. Still, Meriweather is a former first-round talent who really loves playing the game. He's a good blitzer and a big hitter. Jackson had numerous off-the-field issues in Tampa Bay, but he's talented free safety who can make plays. At one point, Williams was one of the highest-paid safeties in football. Even though it didn't work out for him in Minnesota, he could help a decent Redskins defense as a backup. He has good coverage skills.
4. Running on empty? In Denver, Shanahan was a master of getting the most out of unknown running backs. Roy Helu, Tim Hightower, Evan Royster and rookie Alfred Morris might form the least known backfield in the NFL, but Shanahan believes that he can make something work on the ground. Face it, there is no 1,200-yard, every-down runner among this group, but each back offers specific skills that could make the ground game passable. Hightower is the likely starter, but he's coming off knee surgery. Helu is a zone-blocking runner, but he has to make sure he doesn't fumble. The intriguing players to watch are Royster, a sixth-round pick from last year, and Morris, this year's sixth-round pick. Both offer a little explosion if they can get through the first wave of tacklers.
5. Receiving corps should create excitement: Last year, the Redskins were trying to get by with unknowns Anthony Armstrong, Brandon Banks and Terrence Austin working the outside routes. Despite losing $18 million of cap room, the Redskins were able to add Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. The best part about this group is it has deep-ball potential, which helps RG3. His best option, though, will be Santana Moss, who has lost more than 15 pounds and is working exclusively out of the slot. Moss caught only 46 passes in 12 games last season, but he should be back at the 60- or 70-catch level this year if he stays healthy.
article retrieved from http://www.espn.com/ and written by John Clayton, NFL senior writer
Denver Broncos have high Expectations
With one phone call from Manning to Denver leader John Elway in March, the landscape of the organization changed. The Broncos are no longer a league curiosity caused by Tim Tebow-mania. They are now relevant because Manning, who missed last season with a neck injury, is the story in the NFL.
The Broncos, though, aren’t consumed by being a popular story. They are focused on the impact Manning, at age 36, will have on the team. In public and in private, the Broncos are not worried about Manning’s health. They are simply in awe that he is on their side.
The organization feels it’s time to make a major push because of Manning.
“It’s very similar to the Super Bowl year we had in New Orleans," said new Denver cornerback Tracy Porter, a former Saint. "We have extremely high expectations on this team, starting with Peyton, all the way down to the last guy on the roster. Our expectations are not just to hopefully get to the playoffs. Our expectations are to get back to New Orleans to play for the Super Bowl and win the Super Bowl.”
THREE HOT ISSUES:
1. Manning’s health
2. Defensive readiness
3. Young receivers
The Broncos operate as if Manning will be ready for the Sept. 9 opener against visiting Pittsburgh, but they won’t know if he will be fully healthy until he starts taking a few hits. Again, all indications are that Manning should be fine. He is throwing well, he hasn’t suffered any setback and he is practicing at a strong tempo. He is on pace to be ready for the season.
The Broncos’ defense is still a work in progress. It went from No. 32 to No. 20 in the NFL last season under the guidance of head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Allen parlayed the success into the Raiders' head-coaching job. Former Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio, Fox’s defensive coordinator in Carolina in 2002, stepped in to replace Allen. The Fox-Del Rio pairing is strong, but this unit must continue to improve. It will have to play the first six games of the season without weakside linebacker D.J. Williams because of an NFL suspension, and pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil could face a short suspension for a recent gun arrest. So, the team will have to get a lot of players ready during camp as the Broncos try to continue the upward defensive swing.
Third-year receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker will be in the spotlight throughout camp. Both are talented players who have continued to show a lot of promise. Playing with Manning should hasten their learning curve. But there is not a quarterback in the NFL who is as particular about his receivers as Manning, and both must adjust to Manning’s game. The early word is that both players are earning Manning's trust.
There is cause to be optimistic, Broncos have a terrific head coach in Fox, whose presence and impact should not be discounted. He is an upper-echelon coach who has a firm grip on this program. His players love him and the overall spirit of the franchise is probably as high as it has been since the back-to-back Super Bowl-winning years in the late 1990s. Fox did a wonderful job last season turning a 4-12 weakling into an 8-8 team that won a playoff game. In Fox’s second season in Carolina, he led the team to the Super Bowl. Will it happen again in Denver? We’ll see, but his players fully believe in him, and that’s a huge head start.
There is also reason for pessimism with the Broncos. We do not yet know if the Broncos are loaded enough with talent to make a long playoff run. There are a lot of questions. Will the team be able to run the ball enough to help Manning now that the Broncos aren’t using the Tebow-led option? Are the youngsters on the offensive line ready to protect Manning? Will they be good enough at defensive tackle and safety? This team is far from a finished product and it faces a brutal schedule. Still, expectations are high because of Manning. But the truth is, Denver must build itself around Manning very quickly -- the chief challenge of training camp.
The Broncos, though, aren’t consumed by being a popular story. They are focused on the impact Manning, at age 36, will have on the team. In public and in private, the Broncos are not worried about Manning’s health. They are simply in awe that he is on their side.
The organization feels it’s time to make a major push because of Manning.
“It’s very similar to the Super Bowl year we had in New Orleans," said new Denver cornerback Tracy Porter, a former Saint. "We have extremely high expectations on this team, starting with Peyton, all the way down to the last guy on the roster. Our expectations are not just to hopefully get to the playoffs. Our expectations are to get back to New Orleans to play for the Super Bowl and win the Super Bowl.”
THREE HOT ISSUES:
1. Manning’s health
2. Defensive readiness
3. Young receivers
The Broncos operate as if Manning will be ready for the Sept. 9 opener against visiting Pittsburgh, but they won’t know if he will be fully healthy until he starts taking a few hits. Again, all indications are that Manning should be fine. He is throwing well, he hasn’t suffered any setback and he is practicing at a strong tempo. He is on pace to be ready for the season.
The Broncos’ defense is still a work in progress. It went from No. 32 to No. 20 in the NFL last season under the guidance of head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Allen parlayed the success into the Raiders' head-coaching job. Former Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio, Fox’s defensive coordinator in Carolina in 2002, stepped in to replace Allen. The Fox-Del Rio pairing is strong, but this unit must continue to improve. It will have to play the first six games of the season without weakside linebacker D.J. Williams because of an NFL suspension, and pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil could face a short suspension for a recent gun arrest. So, the team will have to get a lot of players ready during camp as the Broncos try to continue the upward defensive swing.
Third-year receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker will be in the spotlight throughout camp. Both are talented players who have continued to show a lot of promise. Playing with Manning should hasten their learning curve. But there is not a quarterback in the NFL who is as particular about his receivers as Manning, and both must adjust to Manning’s game. The early word is that both players are earning Manning's trust.
There is cause to be optimistic, Broncos have a terrific head coach in Fox, whose presence and impact should not be discounted. He is an upper-echelon coach who has a firm grip on this program. His players love him and the overall spirit of the franchise is probably as high as it has been since the back-to-back Super Bowl-winning years in the late 1990s. Fox did a wonderful job last season turning a 4-12 weakling into an 8-8 team that won a playoff game. In Fox’s second season in Carolina, he led the team to the Super Bowl. Will it happen again in Denver? We’ll see, but his players fully believe in him, and that’s a huge head start.
There is also reason for pessimism with the Broncos. We do not yet know if the Broncos are loaded enough with talent to make a long playoff run. There are a lot of questions. Will the team be able to run the ball enough to help Manning now that the Broncos aren’t using the Tebow-led option? Are the youngsters on the offensive line ready to protect Manning? Will they be good enough at defensive tackle and safety? This team is far from a finished product and it faces a brutal schedule. Still, expectations are high because of Manning. But the truth is, Denver must build itself around Manning very quickly -- the chief challenge of training camp.
Carolina Panthers LB Thomas Davis uninjuried
Rivera says an MRI on Thursday revealed no damage and that Davis has a strained right calf.
Davis will not participate in Saturday's Fan Fest back in Charlotte but could return to practice as soon as next week. He hasn't practiced since Sunday.
That's encouraging news for Davis, who's trying to become the first known NFL player to have returned from three torn ACLs to the same knee. Davis tore his right ACL last September for the third time in three years and missed 14 games on the injured reserve.
Rivera also said Friday that defensive tackle Ron Edwards would end up missing a few days of practice after hyperextending his right knee in practice Thursday night.
Davis will not participate in Saturday's Fan Fest back in Charlotte but could return to practice as soon as next week. He hasn't practiced since Sunday.
That's encouraging news for Davis, who's trying to become the first known NFL player to have returned from three torn ACLs to the same knee. Davis tore his right ACL last September for the third time in three years and missed 14 games on the injured reserve.
Rivera also said Friday that defensive tackle Ron Edwards would end up missing a few days of practice after hyperextending his right knee in practice Thursday night.
Floyd Mayweather released from jail
Floyd Mayweather Jr. was released from a Las Vegas jail early Friday after serving two months of a three-month sentence in a misdemeanor domestic battery case.
The undefeated boxer walked out of the Clark County Detention Center beneath the glow of street lamps and glare of TV cameras to resume a boxing career that his lawyers and personal physician warned in court documents might be at risk. They said jail food and water didn't meet Mayweather's dietary needs, and lack of exercise space in a cramped cell of fewer than 98 square feet threatened his health and fitness.
Mayweather looked fit as he donned a leather Miami Heat cap, pulled a gray hooded sweatshirt over his head and shared hugs with about 20 family members and friends, including his 12-year-old daughter, Iyanna Mayweather, and his manager, Leonard Ellerbe.
He said nothing to the media as he got behind the wheel of a blue Bentley sedan with several friends, including rapper 50 Cent, inside and drove away.
A lot has happened in Mayweather's world since he was jailed June 1.
With no television in his solo cell, he couldn't see archrival Manny Pacquiao lose his WBO welterweight title June 9 to Timothy Bradley Jr.
Mayweather, who goes by the nickname "Money," wasn't around to celebrate last month when Forbes magazine named him the world's highest-paid athlete for 2011.
But Mayweather is now a free man, even if his next opponent is not immediately clear.
Ellerbe declined comment outside the jail late Thursday, where he waited with friends, including Mayweather adviser Sam Watson.
Promoters for Pacquiao plan on a fight Nov. 10 at the MGM Grand Garden arena in Las Vegas, Nevada Athletic Commission executive Keith Kizer said. Pacquiao's opponent hasn't been named, but Mayweather wasn't believed to be on the list.
Pacquiao, who earned $62 million in fights and endorsements last year, ranked second on the Forbes richest athletes list behind Mayweather and his $85 million in fight earnings
Mayweather received about 30 days off his 90-day jail sentence for work time and good behavior. Nevada state law allows inmates to receive up to 10 days off per month for cooperating with jailers and working or being willing to work. Las Vegas police administer the jail, and a department spokesman said Mayweather wasn't required to work and didn't misbehave behind bars.
The 35-year-old boxer pleaded guilty last year to reduced domestic battery charges stemming from a hair-pulling, arm-twisting attack on his former girlfriend, Josie Harris, while two of their three children watched. The plea deal allowed him to avoid trial on felony charges that could have gotten Mayweather up to 34 years in prison if he was convicted. Harris and the children have since moved to the Los Angeles area.
Police say that as a high-profile inmate, Mayweather was kept separate for his protection from the other 3,200 inmates in the downtown Las Vegas facility.
Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Melissa Saragosa rejected arguments that Mayweather's accommodations were cruel and unusual. The judge ruled June 13 that while Mayweather might not have liked the regimen, he had sufficient space and time for physical activity and the only reason he wasn't eating properly was because he was refusing to eat the meals he was given.
The judge earlier gave Mayweather a break -- allowing him to remain free long enough to make the Cinco de Mayo fight against Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden arena in Las Vegas. Mayweather won to run his record to 43-0 with 26 knockouts. Cotto lost for just the second time in 38 fights.
The undefeated boxer walked out of the Clark County Detention Center beneath the glow of street lamps and glare of TV cameras to resume a boxing career that his lawyers and personal physician warned in court documents might be at risk. They said jail food and water didn't meet Mayweather's dietary needs, and lack of exercise space in a cramped cell of fewer than 98 square feet threatened his health and fitness.
Mayweather looked fit as he donned a leather Miami Heat cap, pulled a gray hooded sweatshirt over his head and shared hugs with about 20 family members and friends, including his 12-year-old daughter, Iyanna Mayweather, and his manager, Leonard Ellerbe.
He said nothing to the media as he got behind the wheel of a blue Bentley sedan with several friends, including rapper 50 Cent, inside and drove away.
A lot has happened in Mayweather's world since he was jailed June 1.
With no television in his solo cell, he couldn't see archrival Manny Pacquiao lose his WBO welterweight title June 9 to Timothy Bradley Jr.
Mayweather, who goes by the nickname "Money," wasn't around to celebrate last month when Forbes magazine named him the world's highest-paid athlete for 2011.
But Mayweather is now a free man, even if his next opponent is not immediately clear.
Ellerbe declined comment outside the jail late Thursday, where he waited with friends, including Mayweather adviser Sam Watson.
Promoters for Pacquiao plan on a fight Nov. 10 at the MGM Grand Garden arena in Las Vegas, Nevada Athletic Commission executive Keith Kizer said. Pacquiao's opponent hasn't been named, but Mayweather wasn't believed to be on the list.
Pacquiao, who earned $62 million in fights and endorsements last year, ranked second on the Forbes richest athletes list behind Mayweather and his $85 million in fight earnings
Mayweather received about 30 days off his 90-day jail sentence for work time and good behavior. Nevada state law allows inmates to receive up to 10 days off per month for cooperating with jailers and working or being willing to work. Las Vegas police administer the jail, and a department spokesman said Mayweather wasn't required to work and didn't misbehave behind bars.
The 35-year-old boxer pleaded guilty last year to reduced domestic battery charges stemming from a hair-pulling, arm-twisting attack on his former girlfriend, Josie Harris, while two of their three children watched. The plea deal allowed him to avoid trial on felony charges that could have gotten Mayweather up to 34 years in prison if he was convicted. Harris and the children have since moved to the Los Angeles area.
Police say that as a high-profile inmate, Mayweather was kept separate for his protection from the other 3,200 inmates in the downtown Las Vegas facility.
Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Melissa Saragosa rejected arguments that Mayweather's accommodations were cruel and unusual. The judge ruled June 13 that while Mayweather might not have liked the regimen, he had sufficient space and time for physical activity and the only reason he wasn't eating properly was because he was refusing to eat the meals he was given.
The judge earlier gave Mayweather a break -- allowing him to remain free long enough to make the Cinco de Mayo fight against Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden arena in Las Vegas. Mayweather won to run his record to 43-0 with 26 knockouts. Cotto lost for just the second time in 38 fights.
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