Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 1383 of 1503)

As if limiting non-licensed, online media outlets to 45 seconds of video coverage a day wasn’t enough, the NFL has decided to put their foot on the throats of cameramen too. Apparently the NFL wants cameraman to wear bright red vests with “Reebok” and “Canon” logos on the back while shooting at games this season.

This might not sound like a big deal, but the NFL is basically asking people to be walking billboards for their sponsors. Imagine if you’re a photographer that uses Nikon, but asked to slap a big Canon logo on your back just because you happen to be working at a football game that day. I wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s degrading, but it’s a bit ridiculous when you think about it.

If the league really cared about distinguishing who was allowed to work on their sidelines by making them wear red vests, great, slap an “NFL” logo on the back. Don’t force people to advertise for Reebok or Canon just because the companies are some your biggest sponsors – they’re human beings for cribs’ sake.

According to ESPN.com, Michael Vick could be urged to take a voluntary leave of absence from the Falcons so he can concentrate on his upcoming court proceedings.

There are, however, two critical components that must be resolved: Falcons owner Arthur Blank must be on board with a plan that has generated considerable discussion at the league level the past two days. And Vick, who might be reluctant to accept even a paid hiatus from the game, might have to be convinced that the leave could be his best option right now.

Art, this is currently your best option, get on board with it now. Mike, you’ve got nobody to blame but yourself for the mess you found yourself in, so you shouldn’t have to be “convinced” to take a paid leave. You’re a distraction right now for your coaches, teammates and fans. Take a seat on the sidelines while everything continues to be gathered and for once, don’t be selfish.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Jon Gruden, who is never shy to flirt with any veteran quarterback, met with free agent Daunte Culpepper Thursday. Why? I have no idea, but I’m sure someone has a good reason for it.

I must not be getting something with the Bucs. They extended Chris Simms’ contract, drafted Bruce Gradkowski, signed Jeff Garcia, traded for Jake Plummer and now are talking with Culpepper. I know the Plummer thing fell through, but what the hell are they doing, trying to set the Guinness Book of World record for quarterbacks on a roster?

Garcia has to be feeling good with Tampa trying to acquire every quarterback who has ever taken a snap in the NFL to compete with him. “Hey listen Jeff, uh, we know we signed you to be the man, but you’re going to have to beat out Simms (both of them), Gradkowski, Plummer, Culpepper, Vick (both of them), Elway, Young, Montana, Namath, Theismann and Marino to start next year. Good luck hoss.”