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.
Cleveland Browns
Head coach Romeo Crennel told ClevelandBrowns.com staff writer Steve King he admittedly doesn’t know if center LeCharles Bentley will ever play again. Bentley may have to have another surgery to repair his knee and with that comes doubt if the injury will hold up in such a physically demanding sport. It’s an absolute shame if Bentley never plays the game again seeing as how good of a player he was in New Orleans. It’s also got to be a huge disappointment for an organization like the Browns and GM Phil Savage, who have been trying to build a team the right way by adding pieces to the offensive line, then a Pro Bowler like Bentley goes out and shreds his knee his first workout last season.
Tennessee Titans
How more disappointed can Tennessee be with LenDale White? First he showed up to mini camp out of shape and overweight, now he can’t even get on the field because of a hamstring injury according to the Nashville Tennessean. Considering the Titans parted with Travis Henry and Chris Brown in the offseason to make room for White, you’d think he would be a little more motivated. Plus don’t forget, part of the reason he slipped into the second round last year was because many teams thought he had a poor work ethic. Injuries happen, but one has to believe if White took better care of himself in the offseason, he might be practicing right now instead of watch rookie Chris Henry take all his snaps.
Kansas City Chiefs/Miami Dolphins
According to the South Florida-Sentinel, the Dolphins might be willing to sweeten the pot for Chiefs’ quarterback Trent Green. In a bizarre situation reverting back well before the draft, Kansas City has been reluctant to deal Green, even after crowning Damon Huard the starter. The Chiefs don’t want Green and his $7.2 million salary, Green doesn’t want to be there, Miami wants him; he wants to be there, so make it happen already. KC wants more than the sixth round pick the Dolphins are offering, but apparently the Fish may be willing to bump it up to a fifth rounder now. Meanwhile, somewhere Daunte Culpepper continues to hold his breath.
Dang! The Suns were thisclose to pulling out a huge victory last night. They had a few possessions where they could have sealed the game, but were unable to put up points in the clutch.
What’s up with Leandro Barbosa in this series? It seems like he’s completely lost his jumpshot and his ability to finish at the rim. He’s hurting his team right now. Meanwhile, Shawn Marion came up small in the second half after playing so well in the first. If he wants superstar-type recognition, he needs to play a lot better down the stretch. The rest of the Suns played pretty well, especially Kurt Thomas who has been a key piece in the puzzle that is trying to contain Tim Duncan.
That was a brilliant move by Popovich, taking out Duncan with about ten minutes in the fourth quarter. It forced the other guys to be aggressive, and Manu Ginobili got hot. That brief substitution was probably the difference in the game.
Minnesota Vikings
It appears rookie running back Adrian Peterson won’t have to undergo surgery again to repair his collarbone. According to the StarTribune.com, the team’s new orthopedic doctor, Dr. Joel Boyd, ruled out surgery for Peterson and now it’s apparent he’ll be able to go full bore when training camp kicks off later this summer.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
According to the St. Petersburg Times cornerback Brian Kelly was a no show at Tampa’s second round of OTA’s, but it should be noted that the workouts are voluntary. Regardless, it’s never a good thing when a starter doesn’t show up for work. Kelly was rumored to be offered by the Bucs to the Lions in part for the number two pick in last month’s draft, so he might be a bit miffed with the team right now. Plus apparently he’s not happy about his contract.
Dallas Cowboys
Linebacker Greg Ellis is reportedly upset with his current contract according to the Star-Telegram. Ellis said he has given up money to stay with the team before, now he’s looking for the same curtesy from the Cowboys. Here’s the thing though Greg, you’re 32, coming off a major injury and your eventual replacement (Purdue’s Anthony Spencer) was just selected in the first round. I’m not saying it’s fair, but it’s the nature of the beast.
Detroit Lions
The Lions held their first mini camp practice Monday and according to Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com, receiver Roy Williams pulled a hamstring. Injuries are never good, but according to Kowalski, it doesn’t appear to be serious. In more encouraging news for Detroit, running back Kevin Jones didn’t participate in any drills, but did run along the sidelines after having the final two screws taken out of his surgically repaired foot. The Lions are staying mum about Jones in case of a setback, but him doing any kind of running has to be a welcome site for coaches. There’s no sense making assumptions at this point, but it’s still a possibility Jones will be ready for the star of the season. One more note on the Lions, defensive tackle Cory Redding will be a no show in camp, which isn’t a surprise seeing as how he’s upset over being franchised and wants a long-term contract…from another team.
Chicago Bears
Former Northern Illinois running back Garrett Wolfe became the first 2007 draft pick to sign a contract this season after inking a four-year, $2.28 million contact. I criticized the Bears for reaching on Wolfe in the third round, but thus far he’s drawing comparisons to Falcons’ running back Warrick Dunn with his excellent vision and elusiveness, even though he’s smaller in stature. If Wolfe becomes even half of what Dunn has been on or off the field, Chicago will be more than justified for taking him in the third round.
Tampa Bay Bucs
According to the St. Petersburg Times, rookie Gaines Adams will start his career at right defensive end, which is currently occupied by Simeon Rice. The move has more to do with Adams’ playing strengths than Rice’s fate, although ’07 is shaping up to be the 33-year olds last season in Tampa. Many wonder why the Bucs don’t play Adams opposite Rice for at least a year, but there’s a good reason why they won’t. Adams was regarded as the best pure pass-rusher in the draft, but had limitations against the run while playing at Clemson. Typically, teams play their best pass rusher on the right side because that’s usually an offense’s weak side (i.e. the side the tight end doesn’t line up on). Seeing as how Adams may have issues defending the run with his slimmer frame, the right side will allow him to demonstrate his athleticism and pass-rush abilities, without having to be worried about facing double teams on a consistent basis. Either way, I’m sure the Bucs will look to bulk him up, but as of right now, Adams would probably be overmatched on the left side.
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