Expect Favre decision by end of weekend

Reportedly, the Vikings want Favre to make a decision on whether or not he will play by the end of the weekend. We will know for sure if any reports appear that he is having the surgery on his tendon since that is what they are waiting for.

Quincy Carter says he would be Cowboys QB not Romo if....

Jerry Jones would not have kicked off the team publicly citing poor performance and instead would have told the world Quincy had a pot problem. Huh? I think I see his rationality but either way he would not be starting for the Cowboys. What is even more disturbing is that everyone has become so used to athletes going to the pen for worse issues that we all now simply overlook someone who is an addict getting paid millions. Don't get me wrong, pot is really not a big deal, but if you can't keep a career because of it then you have a problem. And no, you would not have beat out Tony Romo Quincy because you sucked and that is the number one reason you aren't playing.

Also in related news, Jeremy Shockey was taken to a Vegas Hospital after being found out cold outside the Hard Rock cafe. Official word is he was dehydrated. Yeah dude, I completely forget to drink water in the middle of a desert all the time and pass out. Give me a break.

Apollo Creed and Strahan to star in new sitcom

I don't know how many people are up on this, but Fox picked up the new show "Brothers" to air at 8pm ET this fall. Starring Michael Strahan and Carl Weathers "Apollo Creed". The Fox people believe Strahan is a "natural" talent and loved the pilot. Why it might work; Strahan has that quirkiness and that signature Walrus smile that may endear people. If the show turns out to be macho men whom are put in awkward situations then hey, maybe it works. Strahan's character is a retired footballer and Weathers is to play his father so who knows. I will watch to give a chance. However, an executive saying he is a natural is the kiss of death. If anyone knows anything it is not the network executives whom are so far removed from talent they would be impressed at a sock puppet show. Not saying Strahan may be great, but let's hope Fox knows comedy still. I just hope this isn't another case of an ex-athlete trying to hold on to the limelight so hard he winds up making a joke of himself. He has done well on sports talk/news shows so I hope it translates to the sitcom.

Quick notes for Wed. 5-20

Bucs Aquib Talib fractured a teammate's face by swinging a helmet meant to strike a different player whom he was fighting with. Must be Steve Smith's brother in law.

Drew Rosenhaus is saying Thomas Jones will report to camp. Is it just me or does this Twitter crap annoy the hell out of you. As if agents needed more exposure. I still would stay away from Jones fantasy wise even if he were to stay with the Jets and win the starting job somehow.

Kurt Warner cleared after hip surgery. I am sorry, but a 38 year old coming off of hip surgery? Not good news for owners of Fitzgerald and Boldin. Keep an eye on this as fantasy season nears. I just can't see him being near as effective as he was last year even without the surgery.

Frank Gore says he will be in the game as long as possible this year and is looking towards getting 90% of the touches. Could be another solid year for Gore, but with no QB does it really matter?

Oakland Raiders Quarterback

Here comes Jeff Garcia! The minute Oakland signed him it was apparent to me that he would own the starting job unless Jamarcus showed up like a first round draft pick for once. It is what Garcia does, accepts a back-up position knowing he will push you and the coaches to a point they will have to re-think who the starter really should be. I'm not saying Jamarcus doesn't deserve time to grow, but has he really shown any leadership qualities that prove he is a franchise QB? The best thing for the Raiders would be to have Garcia take over. He will temper Al Davis' penchant for deep balls (since he can't throw them) and force Oakland to run a more mid range move the chains attack. Combined with their running attack, Garcia is a perfect fit. Of course we'll see if Oakland's O-line shows up, but it it does Oakland MIGHT go .500 or dare I say better? It is still early, but Jamarcus better have an epiphany or next year...With the second pick of the NFL draft the Raiders select....Colt McCoy. Unless there's a punter who runs a 4.2 40.

James Harrison won't go to White House

Saying "It's no big deal" and "If Arizona won he would have invited them" Harrison has decided he won't attend the Steelers trip to D.C. Great rationale numb nuts. No shit Arizona would have been going instead. It is tradition just like receiving a Super Bowl ring. If he really is going to put up like the voice of equality then lets see him refuse to accept his ring under the sense that Arizona would have received them had they won. I think his ignorance did not get that far yet but lets see if he is really that conscience driven. Just come out with the real reason so you don't look so stupid James. 1. Your a Republican 2. You are a hater and think you should have been the first black president 3. You forgot there was an election and thought Bush was still in office.
Picture James when he's pushing 60 and he has his grand kids on his lap..."Grandpa, tell us the story on how you didn't meet history's first African American president again!"

Maroney's injury was a broken bone?

For all you Pats fans and those who took the risk on Laurence Maroney on your fantasy team, we now know why he sucked so bad. As if taking any back in Belicheats system were not already bad enough we know for certain not to rely on anything he releases for public information. This is nothing new but it does confirm what most fantasy players knew already...Stay away from drafting ANY Patriot RB! Now that I said that, watch this year as Fred Taylor rushes for 1,000 yds. and 10 TD's but I doubt it.

By the way, in reference to my previous post on Leon Washington, a four letter network is reporting that the Jets have talked to Seattle about a Thomas Jones for Deion Branch trade. Not saying I am the new swami yet but....

Washington Redskins win trademark battle

The Redskins have won the trademark suit filed against them which means they can keep their name and Native Americans are out of luck if they find it offensive. I have a particular opinion on the matter but it apparently doesn't matter when you consider the following....In a 2004 survey conducted nationally by Pennsylvania's National Annenberg Institute, 91% of Native Americans were cool with the name. This was after SI took it's own poll and had found about 71% did not mind the name. There are plenty of sites headed up by Native Americans whom denounce the word for being a hateful, racist slur. There are also publications by linguists whom state the word was actually used by Native Americans themselves to differentiate from the "white skins". If based on the polls you take the stance that we should move on with the times and not be so sensitive then that's your opinion and you have pretty much polls alone to support it. However, let's just say they did use the word for themselves and found it to be offensive after realizing it was being used as a negative term. Even with the majority not really caring according to surveys does it still make it right? Would we be okay having a team in 200 years labeled after any other minority slur (given or created)?

Debate over Vick reinstatement

PFT is running a blog posing this same question. They seem to think that another year in the pen is what Michael Vick deserves and then he should be considered based on how he handles himself. Now, I know that what he did is horrible and to take advantage of an animal is paramount to doing the same to a child. I get it, but isn't something a bit off here? Does anyone remember not that long ago Ray Lewis was part of a murder investigation? That is until he turned rat on his two buddies in exchance for a obstruction of justice charge. Last I checked he is lounging in Hawaii during Pro Bowls, pimped out on commercials, and is considered a "mentor" to other players around the league. Every other week another meat head abandons his car after driving drunk (Tank) or gets nailed with a DWI (Lynch). Lets not even go PacMan whom was reinstated after a few run-ins. These guys are putting human lives at risk each and every time they leave the club after "making it rain". These are only the incidents we know about. The man did his time so let him be.

Delaware Legalizes Sports Betting

Finally, someone in elected office uses their brain! Gov. Jack Martell made it official today and the NFL is ready for their appeal. The NFL is focusing on the language of "chance" stating that the game relies heavily on skill and not random luck. They do have a point, although this is nothing more than a debate over semantics. 

News of value around the league for Thursday 5-14

Arizona- Reid says Zona wanted a 1,3,and 5 for Boldin. Too much coupled with the salary he will demand.

Atlanta- Tony Gonzalez seems to have found the fountain of youth since joining the falcons, grabbing every throw his way and using his body with reckless abandon. We'll see if that's the case come week 7 but you gotta love the guy.

Baltimore- Receiver Kelley Washington signed with Baltimore.

Buffalo- The T.O. show is in town ready to record his each and every sit up, tear, and dropped pass. Does anyone actually care? Somebody explain to him what over exposure means.

Carolina- Other than Peppers not showing no news.

Chicago- SI reported Bears are 4th in power rankings and everyone is goo-goo over Cutler. Just one problem...he still has nobody to throw to! It's like taking Viagra and staying home alone.

Cincinnati- See previous post.

Denver- Shannon Sharpe inducted to Broncos "Ring of Fame".

Detroit- The Detroit Free Press is calling the Lions the new "America's Team". Fitting since we're in a recession.

Miami- Boldin says he "would love to play in Miami". At this point Boldin is the girl who pulls you to the dance floor, lets you buy her a couple drinks and then tells you she's married.

Minnesota- Favre, Favre, Favre. Of all the rumors, you know this has the best chance of happening. So what if he has a bicep tear. The look on Packer fan when he shows up in Green Bay alone would be priceless.

NY Giants- Hakeem Nicks may be the best rookie to come out of the draft. An immediate role as a starter, loved by coaches, and the physical tools to succeed make him a scary proposition.

NY Jets- Leon Washington's agent posted on Twitter that talks with the Jets are on a better track towards resolution.

Oakland- Heyward-Bey did not have the camp he wanted and is not impressing coaches. It is quite early to be too critical but you have to feel for the guy. Think there's any pressure on him? Also, rumors are starting to fly that Garcia will be the starter come August and not Russel. Garcia is a competitor and can actually be a savior for this team. Forget Al Davis' passion for the deep ball. A great mid-range passer, Garcia can keep linebackers from stacking the line and allow the Raiders run game some lanes if the O-line shows up.

Seattle- Holmgren tells AM Radio station he is coming back in 2010.

Tampa Bay- Luke McCown believes the starting job is his to lose. Even if he does win the competition, how long until Morris pulls the plug and gives the job to his beloved Freeman. McCown will have to manage the game well and put up W's in order to hold on.

Bengals will be subject of the HBO seires "Hard Knocks"

Has there ever been a more fitting title associated with the Bengals? Prison Orange...check...Repeat offenders...check...13 arrests in two years...check. Burglary, Vandalism, DUI, Resisting Arrest, Domestic Violence, you want it they got it. I wonder who will win the time slot, Hard Knocks or Law and Order? The only thing better would be T.O. having his own reality show.

NFL considers second Europe game

The NFL is now considering not one but two games to be played overseas. Nice...we've already had the major companies outsource jobs overseas and now the NFL? Way to shit all over your fan base!
1) Is there compensation for the home team's season ticket holders whom lose out? Last I checked season ticket prices were rising.
2) Has anyone watched the previous NFL in the UK game and thought, wow, it is great watching a bunch of corporate Euro's strap on my gear and act interested. Hey, is my plasma dying or is that freaking fog?
3) How about the poor dude who slaves away at his job and talked his wife into getting out to watch a game with the guys. He saves up and is jacked up ready to go to the next home game..."oh, shit, this one is in Bulgaria. I'll do the next one....Next one is sold out?" and so it goes, family issues, etc. and he never gets to go to a game this year. Is it just me or in such a short season (for us anyway) does every home game mean something to us? No wonder the commish wants to shorten the preseason and lengthen the regular season. If this is the case he better.
4) How about poor dude who lives out of state and the one time his team is supposed to come to town it's 7,000 miles away.

I know it sound like a bitch rant but wait and see till it happens to you.

Fantasy impact:Leon Washington holding out of Jets camp...for now.

Although mandatory camp doesn't start until next month, the Jets have a major issue on their hands. Both Washington and Jones are holding out for more money and eventually I believe one of them will have to go. It won't be the old and overrated one either. The Jets are apparently happy with their new rookie RB and given that Jones will most likely be the more stubborn hold out due to age, I see them eventually parting ways with him and giving Washington the money and the starting job. This would be good news for all you dynasty leaguers who picked Jones up last year and were smart enough to keep him on your rosters. Washington is too good and is that versatile back teams crave for. Even if the two eventually return to camp, Washington will undoubtedly be the starter next year. Combine that with a year under Sanchez's belt in Ryan's system and you have a top tier back for the next 4 years.

New Cowboys Stadium to be named...Cowboys Stadium???

Apparently, corporate sponsorship for the new Cowboys stadium is coming in slow. Hmmm.......I wonder if the recent collapse of their practice "dome" has anything to do with it? Think the potential suitors are being tedious in checking who the architechts were on the new stadium?