Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Droning On


The Pats can never seem to escape the news. They were cited along with the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys as teams that have used drones to film practices.

It sounds like a great idea, but they have run afoul of FAA regulations which prohibit the use of them for commercial reasons without a waiver.

The use of drones is so new that the NFL will help probably serve as a case study in revising some of the rules.

Monday, June 29, 2015

A Chance For Herschel


Former NFL RB Herschel Walker might be 53, but feels he could still play in the NFL as a kick returner. He has enjoyed a career as a MMA fighter and appears to be in excellent shape. He claims to still have his blinding speed.

I would like to see him get a shot in training camp. It might be a publicity stunt, but it would be a great story. The NFL loves attention.

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Spiraling Sapp


Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp needs help before we talk about him in the past tense. His life continues to unravel after his latest arrest for biting and stomping on his girlfriend.

Sapp lost his cushy gig with the NFL Network after being arrested for solicitation and assault while covering the Super Bowl in Phoenix.

His latest incident in Las Vegas resulted in his friend having the pattern of his sandals imbedded on her face after he stomped on her. She also suffered a cut lip, bruises and a concussion.

His actions are a cry for help and some type of intervention. Is he suffering from CTE? This story will eventually have a bad ending if he continues on this way.

Saturday, June 27, 2015

More Posturing in LA


The NFL is desperate to have a team in Los Angeles, the nation's second largest television market. Fans in Oakland, St Louis and San Diego await their fate as two teams might move.

Team owners are doing the typical whining about inadequate stadiums that don't have the amenities that fans want for their game day experience. They have no problem taking their share of the television revenue.

One report has a team playing in a 27,000 seat stadium used by the MLS LA Galaxy. This would be a temporary measure until a facility is built.

Greedy owners are also playing on the fears of their fans as they threaten to move teams unless they have public funding for a stadium that will become a financial black hole.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Butler Not Answering


CB Malcolm Butler is already in Coach Belichick's dog house after showing up late for the team's voluntary OTA's. He was delayed by weather and let the team know, but it wasn't good enough.

The Super Bowl hero and savior was held out of practices for six days before he served his penance. Butler has been muted on this, but the NFL Player's Association has filed a grievance on his behalf. He wants no part of it.

The last thing he needs is to become a distraction for his coach. The PA has already made a laundry list of items they want from the team, thanks to Butler.

The workouts are voluntary according to the CBA. Just don't ask Coach Belichick if they are, especially for a guy who wasn't drafted.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

A Time To Swear


Fans heard that Tom Brady's suspension hearing lasted ten hours. How long was the actual testimony? They took lunch and bathroom breaks in between. Did the have dinner too?

In the end, the actual amount of time doesn't matter. Brady testified under oath. He raised the stakes very high if he doesn't overturn his four game suspension.

Perjury destroys everyone's legacy.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Laughing To The bank


Pats TE Rob Gronkowski has a reputation as a non-stop party animal, especially this off season. Some people think he does it a bit too much.

It should be noted that Gronk said that he has saved every dollar he has earned in the NFL. He lives off his endorsements and appearance fees. He doesn't buy jewelry or fancy cars.

Gronk is a great example to the rest of the league. So many players go bankrupt after they retire. He should be set financially after his playing days are over.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Brady's Day


Tomorrow will be one of the biggest days of Tom Brady's career. His suspension hearing will dominate the news cycle. He has a lot at stake with his legacy.

Brady wants the entire four game suspension vacated by Commissioner Roger Goodell who will serve as judge and jury.

How will this end? How long will a decision take? Brady has options to go to federal court if he doesn't like the answer.

We are watching a big moment. 

Sunday, June 21, 2015

The Time of Jermaine Cunningham


Pats fans can watch the ending of the career of former second round 2010 draft pick LB Jermaine Cunningham. He pleaded guilty in New Jersey to charges of revenge porn in a domestic case and gun possession.

It has been a long haul for Cunningham. He had some great moments with the Pats for three seasons. He bounced around on the roster of the 49er's and Jets during the 2013 season, but never got into a game.

He was able to skate from his charges with three years probation and anger management counseling. If he ever makes a roster, he will face some type of suspension.

I wonder if he will ever make it back to the NFL.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Talk Isn't Cheap


They always say that talk is cheap, but in Tome Brady's case, it can cost $170,000. That's how much he was paid for a recent talk at Salem University right after the release of the Wells Report.

He spoke to a home town audience of students and fans who fawned over him while he was asked easy questions by reporter Jim Gray.

Brady was part of an ongoing speaker series at the school paid by the non-profit Salem State Foundation. it was easy money for Brady who must realize that paid talk should be in his future.

It was just recently revealed that he donated the money to Best Buddies and several other of his favorite charities. Was that in the plans the entire time or driven by the criticism of his speaking fee?

Friday, June 19, 2015

The Movie Critic


Michael Oher was the subject of the book and movie "The Blind Side. The movie grossed over $300 million and got Sandra Bullock an Oscar for playing Oher's adopted mother.

He was a first round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2012, but lasted only two years with them. He played last season with the Tennessee Titans. He is now with the Carolina Panthers.

He claims that the movie did not help his NFL career because it skewed the perception of him. People think he is a bust because the movie pumped him up so much. More was expected of him. He feels it was unfair to have those expectations of him.

I think he has a valid point.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Nore More Money Sign


Johnny Manziel faces an uphill battle for playing time with the Cleveland Browns after his horrible rookie year. He was a complete bust and ended up in treatment for substance abuse.

He said that he will no longer use his infamous money sign. That was one of his trademarks. I found it to be very obnoxious. He looked like a fool every time he did it.

This is a very big year for him. He needs to prove that he belongs in the NFL.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Made For Each Other


Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant and Owner/GM Jerry Jones deserve one another. Bryant is involved in a protracted fight over a long term contract extension. He is threatening to hold out through training camp if he doesn't get a new deal. The sides are very far apart.

Jones is never afraid to make a deal even if it hurts the team and keeps them out of the playoffs. Bryant is a very gifted player who has experienced a number of problems off the field. Any team would be hesitant on a long term deal with big money.

If they sign him to a big contract, they will regret it.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Ringing Up Cash


When the Pats cut Brandon Spikes after his recent hit and run accident, he lost the chance to make up to $1million in salary and bonuses.

He must have financial issues because he is selling his 2011 AFC Championship ring on eBay. It was appraised at $18,000. Why else would he sell it? Is he that angry with the team for releasing him that he no longer wants the ring?

He has probably blown through all of his money.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Waste of Money


Warren Sapp might be in the Hall of Fame, but his personal finances and behavior off the field serve as a bad role model to all.

He earned a total of $82 million in his career before filing for bankruptcy in 2012. He had a nice gig with the NFL Network before they fired him on charges of soliciting a prostitute and assault.

When he filed bankruptcy, he was $728,000 behind in alimony and child support payments. He spent his money on a $7 million estate in Florida, a $600,000 watch, 240 pairs of sneakers, a lion-skin rug and a bad real estate investment.

Unfortunately, he is one in a long line of players who blow though their millions and have nothing to show for it.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Options For Sam


It looked like Michael Sam, the first openly gay player, would finally get his chance to play with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL. He joined them a few weeks ago, but was released for personal reasons this week at his request.

What will be his next move? The former Defensive Player of the Year in the SEC has failed to stick with the St Louis Rams or Dallas Cowboys.

He faces an uphill battle for another chance.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Ban The Banner


Professional sports teams should only hang banners for their championships. Getting to the finals and losing does not warrant one.

The Indianapolis Colts opened up Lucas Oil Filed to their fans for one of the team's OTA's. They were greeted by a banner that said "AFC Finalists". They lost 45-7 to the Pats. They also have banners for their Divisional titles.

This is so lame.

Friday, June 12, 2015

One More Tight End


The road to the NFL has been a long journey for Pats DE Jake Bequette, but he has stayed with the team for three seasons.

The Pats selected Bequette as the 90th overall pick in the third round of the 2012 draft. He spent last year on the practice squad while appearing in eight games his first two seasons.

The coaching staff advised him to switch to tight end which he agreed to do during the team's OTA's. Bequette was recruited in high school as a two-way player and began his career at Arkansas as a tight end before switching to defensive end after his redshirt rookie season.

He will be given every chance to make the team, but it looks like an uphill battle for him. On the other hand, the more you can do, the better the chances of sticking around.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Malcolm & Jonas


Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler should talk to Jonas Gray to see how can get out of Coach Belichick's dog house. Butler was not seen on the field during the team's recent OTA's. Reporters were left wondering what was up.

It turns out that Butler's flight to the area was delayed by weather. He ended up being late for the first day. He was allowed to workout and attend meetings, but was banned from the field.

Butler has the chance of a lifetime to get more playing time and a starting job. Although he made a rookie mistake, tardiness is never tolerated.

Gray's career was derailed after his breakout game against the Colts. He made the cover of Sports Illustrated, but rarely saw the field after being late to a team meeting.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

More Markets


The NFL made a brilliant move when they decided to stream the game in London on October 25th between the Bills and Jaguars. They purposely set the kickoff at 9:30 am EST so that the rest of the world can watch it during waking hours.

This sets the wheels in motion for more streaming to around the globe. The NFL is always trying to build its brand and market themselves. Yahoo and its associated platforms will pay the league $20 million for the broadcasting rights.

Will Google and Facebook jump on board in the future? They can get in for the right price. It's all about the money

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Brandon


Brandon Spikes had a spot on the team. Coach Belichick always liked him. I had no doubt that he would make the opening day roster, but now it's all over after his car crash.

I think they went a long way with him. Such a great player.

Monday, June 8, 2015

Short Stay For Aaron's Teammate


The last thing the Pats needed was a problem like Brandon Spikes. They released him today after details emerged about the mysterious crash of his car.

It was found abandoned on the median of  I-495 after the on-board navigation system reported a deer strike. At the same time, another car was rear-ended, injuring three people. The team wasted no time in ending their relationship.

It probably didn't help that his former college teammate was Aaron Hernandez.

Sunday, June 7, 2015

More Tight Ends


Coach Belichick can never seem to have enough tight ends on the roster. This season will be no different. He especially looks for players like FB James Devlin who can also line up, as well as OL Nate Solder.

He may have found another one in Geneo Grissom who they selected as the 97th overall pick. Grissom played linebacker and defensive end at Oklahoma, but lined up as a tight end on short yardage situations.

Grissom came to Foxborough for a pre-draft visit. Belichick mentioned that he had one of the better tight end workouts with the team. Versatility is always one of the best ways to make the roster.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

No Competition For A Story


When they look back on 2015, Deflategate has to be the sports story of the year. There is nothing else to compare it to. Championships and titles happen every year. Players have big seasons, but this story has captured the nation and gone outside of the sports pages.

Whether he likes it or not, Tom Brady will be forever linked to this. It will never go away. The story is still being written.

Friday, June 5, 2015

The London Web


Fans were really puzzled when the NFL decided to air one of their London games at the odd hour of 9:30am EST.

The Buffalo Bill and Jacksonville Jaguars will face each other in the Oct 25th game which will be the first one to be broadcast over the internet instead of television. Fans can log onto Yahoo! or Tumblr to watch the action. The teams' local market will still get a television feed.

Yahoo! is paying $20 million for the rights to the game. Each NFL owner will receive $625,000. The league just keeps making money.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

No Jobs For Them


Every team around the league faces the same situation with their veteran free agents. Many are still out on the market after receiving no interest from other teams.

The Pats have OL Dan Connolly and LS Danny Aikens in that situation. They could end up back with the team at a cheaper price.

Most players try to test the free agency market to grab one more big contract. All of a sudden, they find themselves without a team. There are some big names out there.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Brady Is Third


Tom Brady might be at the center of Deflategate controversy, but his game shirt is the third largest selling one according to ESPN. He still has a lot of fan support from around the country.

Rookie QB's Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston have the first and second spots. It puzzles me why so many are buying their shirts. They must feel like they will become collector's items because both players will be fail to live up their hype.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Jets Trying To take Off


The New York Jets seem to feel that the QB job is for Geno Smith to lose. He faces competition from free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick, veteran Matt Sims and rookie draft pick Bryce Petty. How long will the team stick with him if he gets off to a bad start?

Their situation doesn't seem to any better than the last few years. Fans will have them on a short leash.

Monday, June 1, 2015

Here's Johnny


Leave it to Johnny Manziel to get in the news for something stupid. He ended up throwing a water bottle at a fan while at a golf tournament. Nothing became of it other than getting into the news.

Johnny Football is going to find out real soon if he is not for long in the NFL.