Steve Smith Denies reports that he demended trade.
Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith broke his silence about his future Tuesday, telling Pro Football Weekly he has not demanded a trade from Carolina, just a competitive situation to play in.
“First of all, have I demanded a trade? I have not demanded a trade,” Smith said. “What I have asked for is to be in a competitive situation. I sat down with (Panthers general manager) Marty (Hurney) a lot of times prior to the lockout. I am respected as a veteran amongst the players as well as the front office. So there has been dialogue (about his future in Carolina) prior to the lockout.”
In a wide-reaching interview, Smith, who is coming off his least productive season (46 receptions for 554 yards and two touchdowns) since his rookie year, also addressed if he expected to be traded and why he put his house in Charlotte up for sale.
“Do I expect to be traded?” Smith said. “I am not sure what to expect. That’s the truth. Could I see a situation where I stay (in Carolina)? In my mind, I have played out every scenario: I could be moved, I could be cut, I could stay or I could be locked out. Honestly, my family and I are prepared for whatever steps are presented in front of us.”
Even if that included moving? Trade speculation picked up when Smith recently put his North Carolina house on the market.
“I think it’s important that people realize I am not packing my bags,” Smith said. “As far as why my house is for sale, we built this huge house and we just don’t have any business living in it. It seemed like a great idea, and then we moved into this big house. We started cringing at all that space we had. For me, it was a little bit vain that I have this big house with this big yard. People saw my house was on sale and said it was me sending a message.
“Really the message I sent was to my kids: Dad made a mistake. This isn’t how we are supposed to live. This isn’t what I should be projecting. If we don’t do this now, what incentive do I give my kids to reach for? You make a lot of money and then you go blow it? I don’t want to be a statistic. I want to be a good steward.”
Smith, who turns 32 on Thursday, also told the publication that he believes he could play five or six more seasons. He has two years remaining on his contract, this season at $7 million and 2012 at $7.75 million.
“As I feel right now, I would like to play as long as there is an opportunity — and to play with the same passion but with just a little bit of a different perspective,” he said. “Less about what somebody can give me and more about what I can offer and what I can bring to the table and improve and help (a team).”
If that’s the Panthers remains to be seen. The San Diego Chargers are interested in Smith and are reportedly monitoring the Panthers situation closely.
Smith is certain of one thing — the Panthers will have a much different look this season regardless of whether he’s on their roster or not.
“All the changes that the Panthers organization has made, does it change my feelings towards the team?” Smith said. “I have no ill feelings; I have not changed. I am not upset. I am not mad. Those changes they made, I think they are not small — they are huge. They are foundational changes. I think it changes the whole attitude, the whole atmosphere.”
Saint Paul’s College to shut down Athletics Program
Saint Paul’s College intends to shut down its intercollegiate athletics program on July 1 in an effort to resolve the school’s ongoing financial difficulties.
A statement issued today by Saint Paul’s office of public relations called the move, approved by the board of trustees at its recent spring meeting, “a bold step” in the direction of “financial stability”. The statement acknowledged that the 123-year-old school’s “longstanding financial problems have yet to be remedied.”
Saint Paul’s, a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, currently fields 14 teams — seven for men and seven for women.
The school said Saint Paul’s president Dr. Robert L. Satcher and his executive cabinet are studying implementation of a full-scale
program of intramural athletics. The school also said “consideration will be given to reinstating the athletic program” once financial stability is achieved.
Ealey transferring from Georgia
ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia running back Washaun Ealey is leaving the Bulldogs, the school said Monday, a move that wasn’t surprising after he was suspended twice for disciplinary reasons.
Coach Mark Richt said Ealey had been granted his conditional release to transfer to another school for next season. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
“Washaun and I have had several conversations in recent weeks,” Richt said in a statement. “We both have come to the conclusion that a transfer to another institution would be in his best interest.”
Ealey led Georgia in rushing as a sophomore with 811 yards and 11 touchdowns, setting a school record when he ran for five TDs in a win over Kentucky. But the Bulldogs had their first losing season since 1996 and signaled a change in direction with their signing of highly touted running back Isaiah Crowell.
Under fire after three straight disappointing seasons, Richt did nothing to downplay expectations for the freshman.
“I wouldn’t be shocked to see him run that rock in the Dome against Boise State on the opening play if he does what he’s supposed to do,” the coach said on signing day.
Ealey was suspended for the 2010 season opener after his arrest for driving with a suspended license and leaving the scene of an accident. Then, in February, he was barred from offseason activities after reportedly failing to show up for disciplinary running.
Richt lifted the suspension less than three weeks later, but Ealey surely knew he was facing a cut in playing time after sharing carries with Caleb King, who had disciplinary issues of his own last season.
King was suspended for two games after failing to appear in court to deal with a speeding ticket, then he missed the Liberty Bowl because of academic issues.
Pac 12 to start own TV Network
PHOENIX, Ariz. (Sports Network) – The Pac-12 Conference has announced plans for its own television network to go along with new blockbuster contracts with networks ESPN and Fox Sports.
Pac-12 Media Enterprises will own the Pac-12 Network, the Pac-12 Digital Network and Pac-12 Properties. It will control and distribute all Pac-12 games not licensed to ESPN and Fox Sports.
Commissioner Larry Scott would not divulge financial terms of the new 12-year agreements with ESPN and Fox Sports, calling it only a “landmark deal” that will enable each of the conference’s institutions to share equally in revenue.
“We are especially delighted to be strengthening and expanding our relationship with ESPN and FOX Sports to deliver an unprecedented level of innovative sports programming to large national audiences across the country,” Scott said in a statement. “With this agreement, we will deliver our events over two broadcast networks and at least five premiere national cable platforms. In addition, we will have our own Pac-12 National Cable TV platform and Pac-12 Digital Network platform.”
All football games not televised by the two networks will be broadcast on the Pac-12 network. Men’s basketball and women’s basketball games will also be featured prominently, along with other Olympic sports.
The Pac-12 football championship game will be broadcast by Fox Sports for the next two years and will then alternate years with ESPN. It will also be held on a Friday night in prime time.
This summer, Utah and Colorado will officially join the conference to expand it from 10 schools to 12.
Florida Dismisses CB Jenkins
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida has dismissed star cornerback Janoris Jenkins after his third arrest in the last two years.Coach Will Muschamp announced Jenkins’ dismissal Tuesday, three days after his latest arrest. He was charged with marijuana possession Saturday after a Gainesville Police officer spotted the 22-year-old sitting in a parked car, smoking what the officer later found to be a marijuana cigar.
Jenkins was arrested on the same charge in January and later accepted a plea deal. He also was arrested in May 2009 during a downtown fight. He signed a deferred prosecution agreement, agreeing to probation and community service.
Mushcamp says he met with Jenkins on Tuesday, and both felt it was in Jenkins’ best interest to move on “to the next stage of his career.We appreciate Janoris’ contributions to the University of Florida during his time here and wish him the best of luck.” Said Muschamp
Jenkins, who was named to the All-Southeastern Conference first team by The Associated Press, missed all of spring practice after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum he suffered at the beginning of last season. Even though he was projected as a high first-round pick, Jenkins decided to stay in school rather than enter the NFL draft.
A three-year starter, Jenkins has eight career interceptions, including three last season, one of which he returned 67 yards for a touchdown.
Mario Williams to Move to OLB
Houston Texans DE Mario Williams has announced that he will move to OLB when team activities open back up. this just seems like a really dumb move to me. he led the team in sacks last season not to mention that he is 6″6 295 lbs and will need to loose at least 35 lbs to get to somewhat a reasonable weight for an OLB. he will have to learn how to cover RB’s and TE’s and completely change the way he plays football fro just go after the QB or ball carrier to reading and reacting. this is move was without question due to the fact that the Texans Drafted Wisconsin DE JJ Watt which has Williams changing positions instead of becoming a backup. I for one dont think this move will last longer then week 5.
UCF Gets Busted on recruting violations
Check out page three. Seems like Bender and UCF have some explaining to do. Hopefully D. Smith will get his release and be able to become a Card. I have an inside source that says Bender is telling people in Louisville that he is the new Director of Basketball Operations at UCF. UCF is headed for a big fall.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/30/sports/ncaabasketball/30recruit.html
2nd and 3rd Round Recap
33. Patriots- Ras-I Dowling CB Virgina
34. Bills- Aaron Wiliams CB Texas
35. Bengals- Andy Dalton QB TCU
36. 49ers- Colin Kaepernick QB Nevada
37. Browns- Jabaal Sheard DE Pitt
38. Cardinals- Ryan Williams RB Virgina Tech
39. Titans- Akeem Ayers ILB UCLA
40. Dallas- Bruce Carter OLB UNC
41. Redskins- Jarvis Jenkins DT Clemson
42. Texans- Brooks Reed DE Arizona
43. Vikings- Kyle Rudolph TE Notre Dame
44. Lions- Titus Young WR Bosie ST
45. Broncos- Rahim Moore S UCLA
46. Broncos- Orlando Franklin OG/OT Miami(FL)
47. Rams- Lance Kendricks TE Wisconsin
48. Raiders- Stefen Wisniewski C Penn State
49. Colts- Ben Ijalana OG/OT Villanova
50. Chargers- Marcus Gilchrist CB Clemson
51. Bucs- Da’Quan Bowers DE Clemson
52. Giants- Marvin Austin DT UNC
53. Bears- Stephen Paea DT Oregon State
54. Eagles- Jaiquawn Jarrett CB Temple
55. Chiefs- Rodney Hudson C FSU
56. Patriots- Shane Vereen RB CAL
57. Lions- Mikel Lashoure RB Illinois
58. Ravens- Torrey Smith WR Maryland
59. Browns- Greg Little WR UNC
60. Texans- Brandon Harris CB Miami(FL)
61. Chargers- Jonas Mouton OLB Michigan
62. Dolphins- Daniel Thomas RB Kansas State
63. Steelers- Marcus Gilbert OT Florida
64. Packers- Randall Cobb WR Kentucky
65. Panthers- Terrell McClain DT South Florida
66. Bengals- Dontay Moch OLB Nevada
67. Denver- Nate Irving ILB NC State
68. Bills- Kelvin Sheppard ILB LSU
69. Cardinals- Robert Housler TE FAU
70. Chiefs- Justin Houston DE Gerorgia
71. Cowboys- Demarco Murray RB Oklahoma
72. Saints- Martez Wilson OLB Illinois
73. Patriots- Stevan Riddley RB LSU
74. Patriots- Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas
75. Seahawks John Moffit OG Wisconsin
76. Jaguars- William Rackly OG Lehigh
77. Titans- Jurrell Casey DT USC
78. Rams- Austin Pettis WR Bosie ST
79. Redskins-Leonard Hankerson WR Miami(FL)
80. 49ers- Chris Culliver CB South Carolina
81. Raiders- Demarcus Van Dyke CB Miami
82. Chagers- Vincent Brown WR SDSU
83. Giants- Jerrel Jernigan WR Troy
84. Bucs- Mason Foster ILB Washington
85. Ravens- Jah Reid C Florida
86. Chiefs- Allen Bailey DE Miami
87. Colts- Drake Nevis DT LSU
88. Saints- Johnny Patrick CB Louisville
89. Chargers- Shareece Wright CB USC
90. Eagles- Curtis Marsh CB Utah State
91. Falcons- Akeem Dent ILB Georgia
92. Raiders- Joe Barksdale OT LSU
93. Bears- Christopher Conte S Cal
94. Jets- Kenrick Ellis DT Hampton
95. Steelers- Curtis Brown CB Texas
96. Packers- Alexander Green RB Hawaii
2011 NFL Draft complete 1st round recap
The 1st round of the NFL Draft we by in about 3 and a half hour with many surpries and some teams proving why the pick so early in the draft.
1. Panthers- Cam Newton QB Auburn wasn’t really a surprise all the draft guys have said he would go here for the last few weeks so i wasn’t shocked when he went here though i think they should have gone with Dareusbut again my big head doesn’t make these kind of choices.
2. Broncos- Von Miller OLB Texas A&M also not a surprise. The Broncos got a hell of a player who should improve their defense greatly.
3. Bills- Marcell Dareus DT Alabama The Bills were a mess last year and Dareus come to a team that has a lot of holes and he hopes to improve a poor D.
4. Bengals- A.J. Green WR Georgia fills a big need with Ocho and T.O. most lickly going to other teams once teams start making moves again so the Bengals HAD to get a big play franchise WR that can help whatever QB the Bengals have next season.
5. Cardinals- Patrick Peterson CB LSU Peterson comes to a Arizona team that was a mess last season and Peterson helps instantly and should prove to be a lock down corner.
6. Falcons- Julio Jones WR Alabama The Falcons traded five picks to jump up to the 6th spot to take Jones which means they loved him and he should pair up well next to White.
7. 49ers- Aldon Smith DE Missouri the 9ers had some more pressing needs comimginto this Draft but liked Smith too much to pass him up.
8. Titans- Jake Locker QB Washington kind of a surprise that the Titans took Locker here i guess that means Young wont ne back next season and Kerry Collins is getting up there in age.
9. Cowboys- Tyron Smith OT USC The Cowboys are in need of an upgrade at the tackle spot and Tyron Smith is the best tackle prospect in this years class.
10. Jaguars- Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri QB is not one of the biggest needs for the Jags and their current starter isnt doing a bad job so this was a big surprise but that said this is one of the best situations Gabbert could have hoped to go to he can sit for 2 or 3 years behing a solid QB and learn, get better and grow into an NFL starting QB.
11. Texans- JJ Watt DE Wisconsin The Texans needed to get some help on defense and JJ Watt looks like a future pro bowler he has i great motor, doesnt take plays off and givs 110% every play.
12. Vikings- Christian Ponder QB FSU well this will be one of the picks that people will look back one and its either a genius move or people are gonna loose their jobs. The Vikings tried to trade back and couldnt find a dance partner but they took Ponder anyway which surprrissed everybody.
13. Lions- Nick Fairley DT What! this was huge shock for me one because i didnt think he would still be here and two because i didnt think the lions would take him but if you think about it this can be an amazing pick. him next to Suh could makt them the best DT combo in the league. teams can only double team one of them which will free Fairley up to make plays.
14. Rams- Robert Quinn DE UNC Quinn would have been a top 5 pick if he didnt miss the entire season because of suspension but the Rams get a good young DE to go with Chris Long.
15. Dolphins- Mike Pouncey G/C Florida the Dolphins get a steal here picking Pouncey makes their Oline loads better.
16. Redskins- Ryan KerriganDE Purdue The Redskins line was bad last year and and Kerrigan helps but they need to add a few more pices.
17. Patriots- Nate Solder OT Colorado the pats Oline is getting old in some places and Solder will team up with Volimer to make a pair of good young tackles.
18. Chargers- Corey LiugetDT Illinois the Chargers are always a good team but they always seem a playmaker or two away from a super bowl and Liuget helps their team.
19. Giants- Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska Why in the heck was the Prince still avalible here? the Giants get the best player avalible here and a need area too.
20. Buccaneers- Adrain Clayborn DE Iowa the Bucs are a young team on the rise and Clayborn is one of the top DE in this class.
21. Browns- Phil Taylor DT Baylor the Browns Trade back and then take a guy that doesnt make much sense to me. the Browns are going to a 4-3 Defense and Taylor is a pure 3-4 run stuffing nose tackle so i dont think this is a good pick.
22. Colts- Anothny Castonzo OT Boston College is a great pick here and he should give Payton some more time which is something they struggled with a little last year.
23. Eagles- Danny Watkins G Baylor comes to an Eagle team that is trying to get back to the front of the NFC and he should come in andhelp that line.
24. Saints- Cameron Jordan DE Cal was an absolute still here shouldnt have still been avalible and should pair nice withthe Saints other DE Will Smith.
25. Seahawks- James Carpenter OT/G Alabama WHO? is probable what your asking yourself he was projeted to go in the late 2nd round and with some of the Tackles left at this point it was a huge shock that they picked Carpenter.
26. Cheifs- Jon Baldwin WR Pitt another guy who was projected to go in the late 2nd round now this guy i know can play andwill be the #2 WR behind Bowe for KC. Big tall WR that can go up and get the ball.
27. Ravens- Jimmy Smith CB Colorado is a top 15 talent but droped because of character issues and some prior arrests
28. Saints- Mark Ingram RB Alabama the Heisman trophy winner goes to a really good Saints team but has some issues with the RB position.
29. Bears- Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin the Bears line was awfull last season and Carimi should help big time.
30. Jets- Muhammad Wilkerson DT Temple the Jets get a DT here who should have gone a little higher but this will no doubt help their Dline that has had some injury problems.
31. Steelers- Cameron Heyward DE Ohio St. the Steelers take Heyward here which will improve a Dline that doesnt have to many problems.
32. Packers- Derek Sherrod OT Ole Miss the Pack get a steal here amd a guy that i think should have been gone ten picks earlier.
there are some really good players left so stay tunned for day 2
Rating the Rams 2008 Draft
The St. Louis Rams are the second team I’m doing in my Rating the 2008 NFL Draft Series.
1st round pick 2 Chris Long DE Virgina was a very highly touted prospect being the son of a Hall of Fame DE Howie Long only made the hype around him even more extreme. since Draft Day Chris has been starting on the Rams DLine playing every game in his first 3 seasons and recording 40 tackles in 2008 43 in 2009 and 29 in 2010 and his sacks have been increasing every year having 4 in 2008 5 in 2009 and 8.5 in 2010. Long has been good since joining the Rams looks to keep improving even more. Grade B-
2nd round pick 33 Donnie Avery WR Houston has been decent at best. his best season was probable his rookie season in 2008 he caught 53 passes for 674 yards and 3 TD’s in 2009 he caught 47 passes for 589 yards and 5 TD’s he was looking to have a bigger role in the offense in 2010 with Sam Bradford coming in but in the 2nd preseason game he injured his knee and missed the entire season and the Rams will most likely draft a WR this year which will make Avery slide further down the depth chart. Grade C
3rd Round Pick 65 John Greco OT Toledo is a backup that plays every once in awhile playing in 9 games in 2008 starting 1, 11 games in 2009 starting 3 and 6 in 2010 with no starts. he’ll likely stay as a backup if the Rams keep him. Grade D
4th round pick 101 Justin King CB Penn State missed the entire 2008 season because of a knee injury in 2009 he recorded 32 tackles 0 ints and in 2010 he recorded 17 tackles and 0 ints and looks to stay in a back up role going forward. Grade D+
4th round Pick 128 Keenan Burton WR Kentucky played sparingly in his two seasons with the Rams he caught 38 passes for 425 yards and 1 TD and was released September 7th 2010 and was not picked up by anyone. Grade F
5th round pick 157 Roy Schuening OG Oregon State.Schuening only played in one game with the Rams and was cut September 5th 2009 and has since been with the Raiders and Lions. Grade F
7th round pick 228 Chris Chamberlain LB Tulsa Chamberlain has been a good back up LB and a stud on Special Teams leading the team in special teams tackles in 2008 and 2009 and has totaled 68 tackles over 3 seasons. Grade C-
7th round pick 252 David Vobora LB Idaho 2008′s Mr irrelevant he has been a back up LB what is better that what most of the Mr irrelevant’s have done so thats something. In 2008 he played in 8 games and recorded 15 tackles, in 2009 he played in 12 games with 47 tackles and in 2010 he played in 14 games with 36 tackles. he’ll remain a back up but never was expected to do much more then that. Grade C
The Rams really didnt get to much out of the 2008 class except a starting DE a 2nd or 3rd string WR and a couple back ups Overall Grade D