Whispers and Rumors

[RMANCIL]

ALAMEDA, Calif. (Sept. 3, 2005) -- Tight ends Teyo Johnson and Rickey Dudley were among 20 players cut by the Oakland Raiders as the team got down to the 53-man limit.


Johnson, a second-round pick of the Raiders in 2003, had been in and out of Coach Norv Turner's doghouse since last year when he skipped offseason workouts to take part in an NFL-sponsored trip to China. Though Turner later said the two cleared the air, Johnson was relegated to a backup role throughout the preseason this year and barely played at all in Oakland's 13-6 victory against New Orleans on Sept. 1.

"With every move, the thing you're trying to do is find the most complete players to fill our your entire roster," Turner said.

"Everyone involved in coaching Teyo worked hard to give him an opportunity to be successful," he added. "When you have a guy and you see the potential, you want to see that develop and come out. At times it did. It's just finding the consistency was the thing we were looking for."

Dudley was trying for a second tour with the Raiders, who drafted him with the ninth overall pick in 1996. Like Johnson, Dudley could not break into Oakland's top tight end rotation that includes second-year player Courtney Anderson and veteran Zeron Flemister.

Oakland also released veteran fullback Chris Hetherington, outside linebacker Akbar Gbaja-Biamila and defensive lineman Anttaj Hawthorne, the team's sixth-round draft pick this year. In addition, the Raiders cut tight end James Adkisson, wide receiver Cedric Bonner, safety Calvin Branch, guard C.J. Brooks, center Vince Carter, tackles Robert Hicks and Brad Lekkerkerker, quarterback Bret Engemann, linebackers Jay Foreman, Marquis Smith and Edward Thomas, running back DeJuan Green, defensive linemen Lorn Mayers and Jordan Hicks, and fullback J.R. Niklos.

The Raiders also placed three players -- defensive tackle Kenny Smith, tackle Shaun Rose and safety Keyon Nash -- on injured reserve.

Anttaj Hawthorne sure has killed his career man first he smokes dope before the pee test and then dogs it talk about a wasted talent.

Brad Lekkerkerker how many Lekkerkerker are their?

Teyo Johnson looked like a kid who had a lot of talent he clearly never got out of the dog house I would expect some team to grab him up.

[RMANCIL]

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 3, 2005) -- The St. Louis Rams released starting fullback Joey Goodspeed and 11 other players and traded inside linebacker Robert Thomas, the team's No. 1 draft pick in 2002, to Green Bay for cornerback Chris Johnson.


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Goodspeed lost a battle with rookie Madison Hedge****, a seventh-round pick.

The Rams also released quarterback Jeff Smoker, guard Darnell Alford, defensive tackles John Parella and Jeremy Calahan, centers Toby Cecil and Larry Turner, running back Dusty McGrorty, safety Michael Stone, cornerback Kevin Garrett, and wide receivers Jeremy Carter and Dominique Thompson.

Thomas lost his starting job when the Rams signed free agent Chris Claiborne in the offseason. He played 42 games for the Rams, including 32 starts.

Johnson, in his third season, was originally a seventh-round pick of the Packers in 2003 and spent his rookie season on injured reserve with a knee injury. Last season he was removed from the physically unable to perform list on Oct. 20 and spent the rest of the season on the weekly inactives list.

John Parella may be done , I sure enjoyed his play in S.D.,hard worker blue collar guy good luck John selling cars.

Joey Goodspeed salary got him , kid has game like to see him lock on with another club.

[RMANCIL]

DENVER (Sept. 3, 2005) -- Tailback Quentin Griffin, the opening-day starter for Denver last season, was the most surprising of the 19 cuts the Broncos made.



The fourth-round draft pick in 2003 was released, along with receiver Triandos Luke, quarterback Matt Mauck and defensive linemen Dorsett Davis and Mario Fatafehi.

Davis was a third-round pick in 2002 and Fatafehi was a starter last season who was injured through much of training camp.

Griffin rehabbed from knee surgery and was listed fourth on the depth chart this summer behind Mike Anderson, Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne. Many thought when the Broncos released Maurice Clarett, Griffin's spot was secure.

But Denver kept Cecil Sapp, who can play both fullback and tailback, and the Broncos also chose to keep six receivers on the roster -- giving long-shot Todd DeVoe a spot after an impressive camp that saw him rise from ninth on the depth chart.

Griffin opened last season with a 156-yard game against Kansas City and started the first four games, but lost his starting job after hurting his ankle in the fifth week against Tampa Bay. Two games later, he tore ligaments in his knee and was lost for the season.

"I was surprised, but it's part of the business," Griffin told the Broncos' Web site. "You've got to keep on moving."

Fatafehi started all 16 games at tackle for the Broncos last season, but he got caught up in a numbers game created when Denver brought in four veteran linemen from Cleveland, including Courtney Brown, and traded for 49ers end John Engelberger. All four of the former Browns made the roster, as did end Marco Coleman, who is going into his 14th season.

Luke, a sixth-round draft pick last year, had a poor training camp and leaves after playing 10 games in 2004.

Mauck is a good candidate to make Denver's practice squad again if he clears waivers.

The rest of the cuts were: defensive backs Jeremy LeSueur and Curome Cox; defensive linemen Anton Palepoi and Aaron Hunt; running back Brandon Miree; linebackers Terry Pierce and Jashon Sykes and offensive linemen Tyson Clabo, Anthony Clement, Ben Nowland, Erik Pears, Chris Watton, Zach Wilson and Chris Myers.

Myers, a rookie taken in Round 6, appears a good candidate for the practice squad.

Also making the squad was Paul Ernster, a seventh-round pick who will be kept as a kickoff specialist.

Jeremy LeSueur was a high draft choice in 2003 for Denver.

[ftwbolt]

http://www.kffl.com/hotw/NFL?page=0

Chargers | Yancy Signed to Practice Squad
Sun, 4 Sep 2005 13:35:56 -0700

The San Diego Chargers announced they signed free agent S Richard Yancy to their practice squad as their international practice player.

Chargers | Sims Signed to Practice Squad
Sun, 4 Sep 2005 13:34:46 -0700

The San Diego Chargers announced they signed free agent OG Wes Sims (Chargers) to their practice squad.

Chargers | Perkins Signed to Practice Squad
Sun, 4 Sep 2005 13:33:39 -0700

The San Diego Chargers announced they signed free agent RB Ray Perkins (Chargers) to their practice squad.

Chargers | Lekkerkerker Signed to Practice Squad
Sun, 4 Sep 2005 13:32:31 -0700

The San Diego Chargers announced they signed free agent OT Cory Lekkerkerker (Chargers) to their practice squad.

Chargers | Franklin Signed to Practice Squad
Sun, 4 Sep 2005 13:30:55 -0700

The San Diego Chargers announced they signed free agent CB Gabe Franklin (Chargers) to their practice squad.
Chargers | Floyd Signed to Practice Squad
Sun, 4 Sep 2005 13:29:34 -0700

The San Diego Chargers announced they signed free agent WR Malcom Floyd (Chargers) to their practice squad.

Chargers | Curry Signed to Practice Squad
Sun, 4 Sep 2005 13:26:20 -0700

The San Diego Chargers announced they signed free agent CB Marcus Curry (Chargers) to their practice squad.

Chargers | Camarillo Signed to Practice Squad
Sun, 4 Sep 2005 13:24:57 -0700

The San Diego Chargers announced they signed free agent WR Greg Camarillo (Chargers) to their practice squad
Chargers | Bingham Signed to Practice Squad
Sun, 4 Sep 2005 13:22:53 -0700

The San Diego Chargers announced they signed free agent DL Ryon Bingham (Chargers) to their practice squad.

[ftwbolt]

By Robert Travis Scott
Capital bureau

http://www.nola.com/newslogs/breakin...09.html#076625

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson is leaning strongly toward moving the Saints permanently to San Antonio following the devastation to the city and the Superdome by Hurricane Katrina, a state senator who has spoken with a top team official said Saturday.

Sen. Mike Michot, R-Lafayette, said he spoke with Saints’ chief of administration Arnold Fielkow by phone Friday morning about Benson’s potential plans.

Team officials could not be reached Saturday. The team had previously announced it was looking for a new home for the current season, and San Antonio was one of the options.

Michot said he was told that Benson has not made a final decision, but the owner is serious about moving once and for all to San Antonio. “We may lose them permanently,” Michot said.

A possible move by the team is a “huge concern” among a few state officials who have become aware of it, but every significant political figure in the state is preoccupied with reacting to the storm aftermath.

State officials want to convince Benson to delay a decision so that the state can focus on the rescue and rehabilitation effort and later find a way to keep the Saints at home in New Orleans.

“This is like pouring salt into the wound,” Michot said.

Michot said decency dictates that Benson should postpone any decision on a permanent move until state officials have had a chance to talk with him.
“Give us time,” Michot said.
Another state official confirmed a similar conversation with Fielkow.

Michot is the vice-chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, a key committee for legislation related to state agreement with the Saints.
He said that in the long run the Saints might be better off staying in New Orleans because a revived city with national support could provide a better stadium.

Saints Exploring Options for Home Games
Saints Exploring Options for Home Games That Include LSU's Tiger Stadium, the Alamodome, or Opponents' Stadiums

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireSto...C-RSSFeeds0312

SAN ANTONIO Sep 4, 2005 — The New Orleans Saints said Sunday they are considering three options where to play their home games this season: LSU's Tiger Stadium, the Alamodome in San Antonio or at the stadiums of all their opponents.

Speaking at a news conference in San Antonio, where the team has moved its day-to-day operations after the Superdome and most of New Orleans was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, general manager Mickey Loomis and coach Jim Haslett made it clear that going to Baton Rouge, La., is their first choice. They said that being a permanent road team was the last option.

"We want to play in the Superdome, but obviously that's not possible," Loomis said. "We would like to play our games in Baton Rouge. Obviously, the league has a lot of say. They'll be involved in the decision. We're trying to explore every possibility."

The Saints open Sunday at Carolina. Their second game, which was supposed to be their home opener, already has been moved to Giants Stadium, home of their foe, the New York Giants, but the date has not been announced.

They play at Minnesota the next week, so the first game still in flux is Oct. 2 against Buffalo.

Haslett said NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue "put us behind the eight ball" with the decision to play at the Meadowlands in Week 2.

He called LSU the first option because, "I would like our fans to have the opportunity to see us play."

Club officials and players are living in a hotel across the interstate from the Alamodome and will be practicing at high school fields in the area.

[Thunderstruck]

Originally Posted by ftwbolt

Posted on Sun, Aug. 28, 2005
Matt Jones and Chad Owens, Jacksonville: Most of the attention is on Jones, who made a sensational one-handed grab over the middle with the first team in a 23-7 loss to the Falcons. Jones, who is 6-6, has seven catches for 148 yards (21.1-yard average) and has come on after some questions about his speed. Owens, who at 5-7 is almost a foot shorter than Jones, has opened eyes with his speed and quickness as a receiver. Owens made a big special teams error when a ball bounced off him inside the 5-yard line and went out of bounds in a loss Thursday, but he can catch the ball.

Wasn't his insane speed at the combines the thing that vaulted him to the first round of the draft? It goes to show that combine times don't always translate onto the field. The guy has very soft hands, and could be a very good receiver, but from what I've seen in the preseason, that insane speed is an illusion. He doesn't get a lot of seperation.

[Shamrock]

More Saints ....

.....

Several players and team officials, at least, found one Sunday morning. The group traveled to a shelter at nearby Kelly Air Force Base to greet the upwards of 10,000 evacuees from the New Orleans area who have been brought to San Antonio. The seven players who were already in town and made the trip stayed to help serve lunch.

"If something like that doesn't affect you," said offensive tackle Wayne Gandy, "then somebody better check your pulse, man."

Yet amid the sleeping cots lined side by side, the discarded water bottles, screaming kids and desperate mothers and fathers, and a general tableau that moved a few of the players nearly to tears, the Saints found an old friend.

Standing near the door of one of the warehouses where evacuees have been quartered was a man wearing a Saints T-shirt and an oversized belt buckle bearing the team logo. Turns out he was Lester Vallett Sr., the first groundskeeper for the franchise nearly 40 years ago. His son, Lester Vallett Jr., is currently an assistant groundskeeper for the team. Turns out that Vallett Sr. tried to ride out the hurricane, became stranded and was rescued by helicopter Thursday from his front porch. He was among those brought here in the long caravans we have all seen snaking out of New Orleans now.

Loomis arranged to have Vallett Sr. moved to the team hotel. His son was en route Sunday afternoon to reconnect with the team and his father.

"Pretty amazing story, huh?" Loomis said. "Maybe it's a good sign. Maybe it will be a good-luck charm for us."

Which is something the Saints sorely need right now.

[Shamrock]

Governor Perry requests help

AUSTIN, Texas — With nearly a quarter-million Katrina refugees already in Texas and more still pouring in, Gov. Rick Perry (search) ordered emergency officials Sunday to airlift some of them to other states that have offered help.

Perry spokeswoman Kathy Walt said relief centers around the state are running out of room.

"There are shelters set up in other states that are sitting empty while thousands arrive in Texas by the day, if not the hour," Perry said. "We are doing everything we can to address the needs of evacuees as they arrive, but in order to meet this enormous need, we need help from other states."

Aid centers will be set up at airports in Houston (search) and Dallas where incoming refugees can be given food, water and medical care before they are flown out. The governor's office said some of those flights could begin Sunday.

The Texas National Guard (search) will coordinate the air operation. Perry said American, Continental and Southwest Airlines, all of which are based in Texas, have agreed to help.

Since Thursday, Perry's office has been in contact with several states, including Utah, Oklahoma, Michigan, Iowa, New York, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, about providing shelter for Louisiana evacuees. West Virginia is sending three C-130 planes to Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio to help move refugees.

The governor's office said arrangements also were being made to bring cruise ships to Galveston to house Louisianans left homeless by the storm.

Perry spokeswoman Kathy Walt said she did not know how many refugees might ultimately end up in other states.

Texas has been taking in refugees from New Orleans since Wednesday. The storm has displaced some 1.5 million people.

Texas officials estimate 100,000 Louisiana residents are staying in hotels and motels across the state and an additional 123,000 are being temporarily housed in 97 shelters throughout the state from the Houston Astrodome to El Paso.


Will the Terminator and California step up and do their part?

[Chargeroo]

I see on the evening news that Portland is setting up a couple of local Gyms with cots, etc in preparation for taking in people from the areas hit by Katrina.

[ftwbolt]

By Joe Bendel
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, September 5, 2005

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/trib.../s_370873.html

It's way too early to sound the alarms about the Steelers' offense, Hines Ward said Sunday.
Yes, he realizes the first-team unit failed to score a touchdown in four preseason games. And yes, he realizes the receiving corps, other than him, has a lot to prove.

But he feels good about the five pass-catchers he'll be working with this season, including Antwaan Randle El, free-agent signee Cedrick Wilson, seldom-used vet Lee Mays, rookie free-agent Nate Washington and special teams ace Sean Morey.

Outside of Ward, no Steelers wideout has caught more than 47 passes in a season. Mays, who is nursing a hamstring injury, has 11 career catches, Morey one and Washington none.

"I know people are starting to panic, but this group needs time to progress," he said. "We know we're not going to start the season at the top, but we'll progress."

Randle El is in his first season as a starter, and Wilson is trying to learn a new system after playing four seasons in San Francisco, where he caught 47 passes last year. Mays hasn't garnered much playing time in his three seasons, while Morey, a special-teams ace, and Washington are unknown commodities, to some extent.

The group failed to jell with starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the preseason. He went 16 of 36 for 145 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions.

"It was easier for Ben last year (as a rookie) because we had veterans, guys like myself, 'Plex' (Plaxico Burress) and Antwaan," Ward said. "This year, myself and Antwaan are really the only veteran guys. Cedrick is coming in from a new system, and Lee hasn't played much. But I'm not too concerned. It's just a matter of us getting on the same page."

Steelers Notebook: Big Ben not worried about the offense

Monday, September 05, 2005
By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05248/565864.stm

Ben Roethlisberger is not concerned the first-team offense produced just three points in the preseason. Or that he looked little like the 2004 NFL rookie of the year in four preseason games, completing less than half his passes (16 of 36) for 145 yards and no touchdowns.

Roethlisberger said he is a notorious slow starter who gets better as the game goes along. And he played just slightly more than the equivalent of one game in the preseason.

He said he is looking forward to the season opener Sunday against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field because he will play the entire game, injury notwithstanding, and be able to develop a rhythm.

"Sometimes it's hard because I'm not always the fastest of starters to a game," Roetholisberger said. "I need to learn to be better at that -- starting a game fast. You're coming out, you're playing a half, it's hard to get into a rhythm. We're done with that now. Now, hopefully, I'll be in the whole game the rest of the way."

Surprise

Linebacker Alonzo Jackson, a No. 2 pick in 2003 who never fit into the 3-4 defense, must have been surprised by his release.

Jackson could not be reached for comment after he was one of 12 players cut Saturday, but he looked incredulous after Thursday night's preseason victory in Carolina when asked if he thought he made the final roster.

"I don't even think like that," Jackson said. "Why wouldn't you want me? I went out there and did what I had to do today. That's all that really matters to me right now."


Mighty Mike

The release of safety Russell Stuvaints, a McKeesport native, was a bit of a surprise because he played in the quarter defensive package in which three safeties and three cornerbacks are deployed.

But, after the way veteran Mike Logan (another McKeesport native) played in Carolina -- six tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles -- Logan will probably be the extra safety in that defense.

"Mike Logan is a football player," coach Bill Cowher said. "Mike might make a couple mistakes, but somewhere along the line you're going to feel his presence on the field. He has a way of making plays."


A keeper

The Steelers were prepared to keep tight end Walter Rasby on the roster and cut Matt Kranchick, a sixth-round choice from Penn State in 2004. But, after learning that several teams, including Carolina, might be interested in signing Kranchick, the Steelers didn't want to risk losing him if he were released.


Back to work

The players report back to work today for team meetings. After getting their usual Tuesday day off, they will begin practicing for the season opener against Tennessee on Wednesday.