Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 1406 of 1503)

Minnesota Vikings
Cornerback Antoine Winfield hasn’t partaken in any of the Vikings’ voluntary activities this offseason. When asked about why one of his starting defenders has been a no show, head coach Brad Childress remarked, “you’d have to ask him.” Childress also told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, “He (Winfield) hasn’t been here in the offseason program and that’s a guy’s prerogative.” While it’s true Winfield doesn’t have to show up to any voluntary workouts, Childress and the rest of Minnesota’s brass can’t be too pleased with him being a no show, especially considering how poor the team’s pass defense was last year (i.e. tied for dead last in the league).

Cleveland Browns
Speaking of no shows, wide receiver Braylon Edwards wasn’t at the Browns first day of voluntary workouts either. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Edwards is expected to be in camp on Wednesday, but head coach Romeo Crennel is said to be disappointed. Edwards – who because of injuries and a struggling Browns offense has been somewhat a disappointment since being drafted third overall in ‘05 – has been vocal about being more of a playmaker in Cleveland, but this isn’t a good start. Still, however, it’s only the first day and he has plenty of time to make up for his absence.

New York Jets
Cornerback Justin Miller was charged with third-degree assault after punching a woman in a bar early Sunday morning. Miller was apparently aiming for a man, but apparently the guy ducked out of the way and the woman was hit. According to the New York Daily Post, Miller – who is one of the league’s best returners – isn’t expected to face punishment by the NFL or the Jets until the case is heard in court. Either way, Miller’s been in the team’s doghouse before and considering the Jets traded up in order to land Pitt cornerback Darrelle Revis in last month’s draft, he looks to be falling out of favor quickly in New York. He’s extremely talented, but this recent incident might be the last straw for the Jets.

Indianapolis Colts
Franchised defensive end Dwight Freeney showed up to Colts mini camp on Friday, but did not take part in any drills according to the Indiana News. Since he hasn’t signed the one year tender the Colts offered him, he’s not even allowed to work out. Freeney wanted to show the organization good faith by being there and I couldn’t applaud his efforts more. Most franchise players take the tag as a slap in the face and usually don’t show up to any team functions until they sign a long-term deal. But by showing up to a mini camp – remember, this isn’t even training camp yet – Freeney showed his teammates and club that he’s a professional and that he believes he team will sign him to the long term deal he covets.

Green Bay Packers
Head coach Mike McCarthy told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that back up quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ “arm looks stronger than ever.” McCarthy’s statement is interesting for those of us who have followed Rodgers’ play thus far in his brief career. He’s looked lost and overwhelmed to me, not too mention displaying arm strength completely opposite of what McCarthy is now saying. But hey, maybe the young man just needed time and he’ll start to show signs of why the Packers chose him in the first round a few years ago.

New England Patriots
The Patriots are showing a little bit of interest in free agent running back Chris Brown according to the Boston Herald. The signing of Brown would make sense with Laurence Maroney’s shoulder condition still a mystery and Corey Dillion no longer with the team. Leave to the Patriots to pursue another free agent this offseason – are they going to just sign everybody or what?

Denver Broncos
Bad news out of Denver camp as second year tight end Tony Scheffler broke a bone in his foot according to the Denver Post. The injury is a shame considering how quarterback Jay Culter and Scheffler were bonding last year. Scheffler will have surgery Monday and if he doesn’t have any setbacks, should be able ready by training camp.

Everybody loves to hear about athletes screwing up, and the media is happy to oblige with endless stories about the latest Michael Vick scandal. But for every Vick, there’s a Warrick Dunn, an athlete who knows that what he does off the field is more important than what he does on it.

Instead of piling more stories onto the I-net about Vick, check out my latest column on Bullz-Eye.com about Dunn and some of the NFL players that do make a difference. Clicker here to go to Bullz-Eye.