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Steve Smith Denies reports that he demended trade.

cody taylor — Thu, 12 May 2011 07:03:37 +0000

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.”

Ealey transferring from Georgia

cody taylor — Wed, 11 May 2011 23:44:47 +0000

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.

Florida Dismisses CB Jenkins

cody taylor — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:21:42 +0000

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.

UCF Gets Busted on recruting violations

cody taylor — Sun, 01 May 2011 22:54:56 +0000

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

cody taylor — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 02:30:15 +0000

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

what i think the Green Bay Packers should do in the upcoming draft

cody taylor — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 22:51:16 +0000

The Defending superbowl champs dont have to many needs going into the upcoming their loaded with tons of young talent at almost every postion but there are a few spots that they could sure up.

OL the Packers could use some OLine help with some of their guys getting a little older they could use some guys that could start in a year or two. DE and OLB are also two spots the Packers could add some help and they could add some youth to their reciving corp in the middle rounds.

some guys i think the Packers could pick( note this is not just for the first round so dont freak out)

Brooks Reed DE/OLB Arizona great pass rusher that the pack could draft in the 1st round.

Cameron Heyward DE Ohio ST. the Packers need to sure up the DLine a bit and Heyward is a very good prospect but i think he may be gone before the Packers pick.

James Carpenter OT Alabama. Carpenter looks like a viable option for the Packers in round 2.

with Ryan Grant’s injury last year the Packers could look to draft a RB in the mid to late rounds. a few backs like Taiwan James RB Eastern Washington, Bilal Powell Louisville and JacQuizz Rodgers Oregon State i think would fit well with Green Bay and should be drafted in the 3rd or 4th round.

Stephen Schilling G Michigan looks like the kind of G the Pack like to use and with Colledge being a free agent they could use Schilling.

The Packers are a very talented and young team that have a very good chance to repeat.

Start ‘Em And Bench ‘Em Week 14

fantasy — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:22:48 +0000

Week 14 of the NFL season is upon us, so here is your Week 14 Start ‘Em and Bench ‘Em! As always I don’t do Kickers, and check your injury reports before starting anyone. Also, not every obvious guy will be on here each week. The Starts are the guys I think will have an especially good day and the Bench is guys you should be warned about, not that you shouldn’t start them if there are no better options. Always start your stud guys unless there is an especially bad matchup or an injury.

RB Start ‘Em:

Brian Westbrook vs Seahawks, Peyton Hillis vs Bills, Chris Johnson vs Colts, Rashard Mendenhall vs Bengals, LeGarrette Blount vs Redskins.

Sleeper: Tim Hightower vs Broncos

RB Bench ‘Em:

Cedric Benson vs Steelers, Mike Hart vs Titans, Jahvid Best vs Packers, Brandon Jacobs vs Vikings.

QB Start ‘Em:

Ben Roethlisberger vs Bengals, Aaron Rodgers vs Lions, Eli Manning vs Vikings, Josh Freeman vs Redskins, Michael Vick vs Cowboys.

Sleeper: Alex Smith vs Seahawks

QB Bench ‘EM:

Matt Schaub vs Ravens, Carson Pamler vs Steelers, Matt Ryan vs Panthers, Brett Favre vs Giants.

WR Start ‘Em:

Mike Wallace vs Bengals, Roddy White vs Panthers, Steve Johnson vs Browns, Brandon Lloyd vs Cardinals, Anquan Boldin vs Texans.

Sleeper: Jacoby Ford vs Jaguars

WR Bench ‘Em:

Devin Hester vs Patriots, Mike Sims-Walker vs Raiders, Santana Moss vs Buccaneers, Brandon Marshall vs Jets.

TE Start ‘Em:

Greg Olsen vs Patriots, Jacob Tamme vs Titans, Ben Watson vs Bills, Tony Gonzalez vs Panthers, Antonio Gates vs Chiefs.

Sleeper: David Johnson vs Bengals

TE Bench ‘Em:

Bo Scaife vs Colts, Visanthe Shiancoe vs Giants, Andrew Quarless vs Lions, Joel Dreesen vs Ravens.

DEF Start ‘Em:

Steelers vs Bengals, Jets vs Dolphins, Ravens vs Texans, Titans vs Colts, Falcons vs Panthers.

Sleeper: Patriots vs Bears

DEF Bench ‘Em:

Bengals vs Steelers, Houston vs Ravens, Dolphins vs Jets, Lions vs Packers, Vikings vs Giants.

RANDY MOSS A VIKING AGAIN! FAVRE, MOSS, TATE VALUES WAY UP.

fantasy — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:44:25 +0000

Randy Moss has been traded from the New England Patriots to the Minnesota Vikings, the team that drafted him, for a 3rd round draftpick on Wednesday. The Patriots receiver has verbalized recently that he has felt unwanted in New England when they refused to extend his contract that ends at the end of this season.

Fantasy wise, this puts the values of Moss up significantly, considering that Moss will be the only reliable receiver on the struggling Vikings pass offense until Sidney Rice comes back from a hip injury that is supposed to keep him out until at least week 6, probably longer.

This also raises the value of Brett Favre, who has disappointed fantasy owners thus far with only TE Visanthe Shiancoe as the Vikes only pass catcher who has proved reliable in the first 3 games of the Vikings season. Having Moss to throw to figures to make Favre’s numbers much better. This goes up even more when Rice returns.

On the New England side, WR Brandon Tate, who has wowed everyone with his extraordinary soecial teams play has a major increase in his value as well, as he reportedly will become the Pats #1 receiver. Tate should be added in every league, and he is probably available as of this writing at almost 10 am Wednesday. Get him if you can. He may not be what we expect, or he may save your season.

Ryan Torain Listed As The Backup To Portis

fantasy — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 01:13:38 +0000

Redskins RB Ryan Torain was listed in the updated media charts as the backup to oft-injured RB Clinton Portis. Torain is an interesting player for fantasy purposes.

If Portis goes down (which is very likely), Torain is a good stash in a deeper leagues if you have room on your bench. It’s worth noting that Torain received the same amount of carries as starter Clinton Portis, and had 2 more yards than Portis.

Former backup Larry Johnson was released by the Redskins last week, and Willie Parker was released several weeks ago.

Also worth noting is that coach Mike Shanahan has a reputation of getting career years out of most any RB in his offensive system.

Steven Jackson Has Groin Strain; Kenneth Darby An Option If Jackson Is Out

fantasy — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 01:08:29 +0000

St Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson stained his groin in Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins. If Jackson misses any time, backup RB Kenneth Darby should be a good option if you are looking for a RB option for week 4, especially with bye weeks starting. Darby finished the game with 14 rushes for 49 yards and one TD, and one catch for 8 yards in relief. He did share carries with Keith Toston, but Darby was the one with the most carries of the two as well as the score.