Nnamdi Asomugha to retire as a Raider

Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha enjoyed his best days in the silver and black of the Oakland Raiders. Even though he departed the team for greener pastures ( five-year, $60 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles), Asomugha will sign a one day contract with the Raiders and retire a Raider.

Asomugha also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, but only appeared in three games before being released by the team in November.

Asomugha was once the premier cover corner in the NFL during his days with the Raiders. After signing his big money deal with the Eagles, Asomugha struggled in a different scheme and eventually slowed enough where he couldn't keep up with the league's elite receivers.

 He earned three Pro Bowl selections in eight seasons in Oakland and was a first-team All-Pro in 2008 and 2010. Asomugha finishes his career with 407 tackles, 15 interceptions, 72 passes defended, two sacks, two forced fumbles and one touchdown.

He will be joined at Friday's press conference by Raiders defensive back Charles Woodson and former Raiders defensive backs Willie Brown and Lester Hayes.

Former NFL star Irving Fryar convicted on conspiracy charges

Former NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver and Philadelphia Eagle Irving Fryar was indicted today on charges that he, along with his mother, conspired to steal more than $690,000.

Acting New Jersey Attorney General John J. Hoffman announced that Fryar, 51, and his mother Allene McGhee, 72, were indicted by a state grand jury on second-degree charges of conspiracy and theft by deception.

Fryar -- who played for the Patriots, Dolphins, Eagles and Redskins from 1984-2000 -- was more than solid with New England, making between 54 and 88 catches every season from 1990-97. His 851 career receptions ranks 18th on the all-time list, and his 12,785 career receiving yards ranks 15th.

Fryar also was the coach of the Robbinsville High (New Jersey) football team

According to the Attorney General’s office, Fryar and McGhee conspired to steal more than $690,000 by having McGhee fraudulently obtain five home equity loans on her home within a six-day period.

“This is not a case in which Mr. Fryar and his mother simply omitted or misstated information on loan applications,” acting attorney general John Hoffman said in a statement. “This indictment alleges that they engaged in an elaborate criminal scheme that was designed to defraud these banks of hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is disappointing that someone with an illustrious career in professional sports who now is a minister and coach in the community is charged with this crime, but he must face justice like anyone else.”

This is a hard fall for someone who seemingly put his past behind him and gave his life to the lord.

Redskins GM Bruce Allen calls the NFC East the 'SEC of the NFL'

The NFC East has probably been the most competitive division in the NFL since the mid 1980's. There might have been a few to come close but none that come to mind immediately. Bill Parcells, Joe Gibbs, Tom Landry, Jimmy Johnson, Andy Reid and Buddy Ryan had a lot to do with that run of excellence.  

Maybe that's why Washington Redskins general manager Bruce Allen  called the division the 'SEC of the NFL. During a recent interview with Chris Russell and Rich Campbell on ESPN 980, Allen explained why the NFC East has always been the top division in the league.

“There’s so many changes in the playoff teams each year — I think half of them change each year anyway,” the GM noted. “And in our division, you know, we’re in the SEC of the NFL. This is the big leagues. I think when the Giants last won the Super Bowl, they won it with a 9-7 record. So we have to keep competing in our division, and that’s what our focus is.

“And if we can hold our ground in the division, we’re going to be ok, because they are elite teams in our division,” Allen continue. “That’s where our focus has to remain. We were successful [last year] — 5-1 in the division — and that leads to good things. I think once again the young talent that we have on the team, they tasted success. As long as they’re not spoiled by that little bit of success, then it bodes well for our future.”

Sounds like SEC-speak to me. But Allen's words do ring true. You win the division, you get in the playoffs. From that point on anything can happen. Save for Donovan McNabb's meltdowns in NFC title games and the Dallas Cowboys not being able to win a playoff game in forever, the division has done well for itself in the playoffs.

Carson Palmer says the Eagles got a steal in Matt Barkley

Quarterbacks out of USC haven't exactly lit the NFL on fire. There have been gaudy stats and playoff wins when you look at the quartet of Arizona Cardinals signal caller Carson Palmer, Matt Cassel, Mark Sanchez and Matt Leinart. Statistically Palmer is the best of the bunch and from a wins and losses standpoint the nod goes to Sanchez. But neither will have a bust in Canton.

The latest USC quarterback coming into the NFL is Philadelphia Eagles fourth round draft pick Matt Barkley. Barkley was projected to go in the late first or early second round of the NFL Draft. For reasons beyond my knowledge Barkley slipped all the way to the fourth round. Barkley is ready to prove that him slipping that far was a mistake. Palmer says the Eagles got a steal.


"I know Matt can play. I've had the opportunity to work out with him over the last couple of years. And I've obviously had a chance to watch him play," Palmer told NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano in an interview that will appear Tuesday on "NFL Total Access."

"For him to go in the fourth round is an absolute steal. I think the bigger question is how he fits into that system, and only time will tell that. But whether the guy can play or not, he can absolutely play, and I know he's excited to prove a lot of people wrong."

I know he didn't live up to all the hype he had coming into his senior season, but only time will reveal if Barkley can excel at the NFL level or just another overhyped USC product.

Vince Young eyeing a comeback

Vince Young was once thought of to be the future of NFL quarterbacks. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist at the University of Texas, won a national championship, was the NFL rookie of the year with the Tennessee   Titans and appeared his career appeared to be trending upward.

Fast forward to now and Young is broke and out of football. After pouting  and playing his way out of Tennessee, he's bounced around to the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills, not looking anything like the player scouts thought he would be coming out of Texas.

Young is looking for a job and is going to give it the old college try. Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated reported that Young is returning to Texas to finish his degree and work out at Texas' pro day in front of NFL scouts.

Young doesn't have many chances left if any. Young will have to perform out of his mind to impress the scouts and front office personnel that he's worth a roster spot. If he can do that he would also need to play the happy camper and realize that he's no longer starting material and barely second string material. And for the money that he thinks he's gonna get, no one will sign a third stringer for that price.

I would hope he makes it so he can at least get back on his feet financially, but the odds aren't in his favor.

Asante Samuel tells Wes Welker to chase the money

Asante Samuel left the New England Patriots because he knew he wasn't going to make top dollar there based on the Patriots' track record of resigning/signing free agents. So he went to the Philadelphia Eagles and got paid.

Former teammate Wes Welker was critical of Samuel's decision to chase money over championships. Now Welker is a free agent and Samuel has some advice for Welker. Take the money and run.

In an interview on Fox Sports Radio, Samuel said that Welker would be wise to take the best offer he can get if the Patriots don't give him the money.

“He made the comment when I left, I chased the money and not the championship. So here’s my advice to you, Welker: You better chase the money, brother,” Samuel said.

As an NFL player Welker should explore his options to see how much he's worth on the open market. Someone will be willing to overpay for him based on his production. As good as Welker has performed, I do believe he's a product of the Patriots system. Don't believe me, ask Deion Branch how well he did after leaving New England.

NFL players have short careers so Welker might want to get paid while he can. But he might be the best fit in New England's offense than going elsewhere.

Brian Billick interviews for Eagles job

Out of all the Super Bowl winning analysts who haven't returned to coaching, there has been one name that has been flying under the radar. Former Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick. Word is that Billick has expressed an interest in returning to the sidelines and recently interviewed for the Philadelphia Eagles job.

Sources say that Billick met with Eagles officials for around eight hours and is a legitimate candidate for the job. Billick does have impressive credentials. He won a Super Bowl with the Ravens and pretty much made that team what it is today. Before he took the Ravens job, he was the coordinator for an explosive Minnesota Vikings offense.

Billick is currently a broadcaster and worked the Falcons-Seahawks game earlier today. There has been no comment from either side.

Notre Dame's Kelly on Eagles' radar

Notre Dame head coach, Brian Kelly stated that he had no desire to leave Notre Dame. However, he did leave a crack in the door.

“For me to say I’ll never coach in the NFL -- I have no idea,” Kelly said on Friday. “I’m not trying to be evasive. It’s the truth of the matter. It’s all about timing.”

Now it appears the Philadelphia Eagles may walk through that crack in the door with an offer for Kelly. According to reports, the Eagles have interviewed Kelly and will meet with him when he returns from a trip out of the country.

With the personnel the Eagles have, hiring Kelly could work out for them, but he's also a career college coach that has no credibility with players in the NFL so it could turn out badly. I'm not saying it won't work but the Eagles may want to go with someone other than a college coach with no NFL experience. After the way the defense has played the past few years they might want to get a coach with a defensive background. 

Eagles coach Andy Reid recommends McNabb to teams

Donovan McNabb has been working out and losing weight in hopes of getting another shot with an NFL team. No one believes that he can help anyone out at this point in his career but he does have someone in his corner that believes in him. Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid.

Reid told interviewers that he thinks McNabb should get another shot and would tell any team to take him.

"I still think he can play. I think the world of him, and we had some great years together here. I'm always wishing him the best and a fan of his. I got a chance to see him at Brian Dawkins' retirement (event)," Reid told the NFL Network. "He looks good. He looks physically good. He looks like he could go out and play tomorrow. I would highly recommend (him)."


McNabb has been working out with quarterback guru George Whitfield to stay in playing shape.

I do think he could help a team as a quality backup, but if he still harbors thoughts of being a starter anywhere he might want to stay by the phone. Maybe Reid can help a buddy out and sign McNabb.

Osi Umenyiora tells LeSean McCoy Happy Mother's Day

Two players on rival teams that don't get along have a lot in common with each other. They both feel they're being mistreated by their front office and are looking for a new contract form their respective teams. They also don't like each other.

New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora and Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy have had a beef with each other since last season after McCoy called Umenyiora overrated and soft. Umenyiora responded by calling McCoy "Lady Gaga" and "she".

Umenyiora has fanned the flames once again via Twitter by telling McCoy to have a Happy Mother's Day.

“Happy Mothers Day Lesean Mccoy (sic)! Enjoy your special day!!”


Umenyiora then said that "the beef is never over". We'll have to see if McCoy can come up with a clever response to Umenyiora's taunts.

Freddie Mitchell might be doing some hard time

I know the name Freddie Mitchell might elicit some laughs from hardcore NFL fans. If you're a Philadelphia Eagles fan you might get a stream of expletives. Mitchell, the former Eagles first round pick and receiver was a colossal bust, sans the playoff game against Minnesota during the Eagles' Super Bowl run.

After the Eagles let him go, there hasn't been too much news regarding good ole Fred X. You know what they say no news is good news. Well, Mitchell has gotten himself in a bit of trouble with the IRS and it isn't for tax evasion. Mitchell is facing some serious prison time for federal tax fraud charges.


Mitchell and two other people, Jamie Russ-Walls and Richard Walls, face federal charges in the case in Florida, in an indictment obtained by Fox 29.


The indictment filed by the U.S. attorney in Orlando, Fla., says a company set up by Mitchell, Chameleon Enterprises, was involved in the alleged scam.


The target of a scheme was a professional athlete with the initials A.G., who investigators said had no knowledge of the scheme, but paid for a firm connected with Mitchell to do his taxes.


According to the indictment, the plan was to file for false federal tax returns electronically.


Jamie Russ-Walls and Richard Walls allegedly filed the tax returns, claiming refunds ranging from $170,000 to $1.9 million. The two men also attached false documents to support the refund claims, the indictment says.


The men enlisted Mitchell to recruit professional athletes as tax-return customers.


That is something serious and Mitchell could wind doing some hard time if he's convicted of the charges. Mitchell might really have to become Fred X if he winds up having to do some time in the pokey.

Somewhere there are some Eagles fans laughing hysterically.



   
  

LeSean McCoy Admits To Not Trying

In light of Aaron Rodgers putting his NFC Pro Bowl teammates on blast for putting forth a lackluster effort, Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy admitted to not trying in the game Sunday.

 "Yeah? I'm one of those guys," McCoy said when asked about Rodgers comments. "You walk around every practice and the guys before the games on other teams are like 'take your time' because we're going on a very slow pace, very easy.


"And you get out there and you see guys half-doing it and you do the same thing."


Wow, that's a shocker. A player that actually admits to not trying in the Pro Bowl. Not too many do. McCoy just had enough guts to say it.

I'll say it again. I don't blame them for not trying. They have too much at stake too get hurt in a meaningless game.

Reeves Says Falcons Abandoned Vick

Michael Vick will be making a homecoming of sorts this Sunday when the Philadelphia Eagles square off against the Atlanta Falcons. For those who remember, Vick started his career with the Falcons before a dog fighting scandal derailed his career for a few years.

Former Falcons head coach Dan Reeves was at the helm when Vick was drafted number one overall in 2001. Reeves had been accused of holding Vick back in his formative years in the NFL. Vick had been accused of ending Reeves' coaching life in Atlanta.

Even though Reeves was burned by Vick, an article in the Philadelphia Daily News indicates that the two are friendly with each other and send each other text messages. Reeves had some things to say about Vick and the Falcons organization. He feels that in Vick's darkest moment that the Falcons turned their back on him.

“When Mike really needed them they turned their back on him in my opinion,” said Reeves. “They could have been a big supporter and they let him go. I think it could have been handled differently.

“I wasn’t there so I don’t know the organization’s standpoint, but I thought they could have been more supportive and instead they severed ties with him.”



Vick doesn't see it that way and has accepted full responsiblity for his actions. Falcons owner Arthur Blank felt that Vick brought it upon himself, but yet lobbied for Vick to get a second chance in the NFL.

“He has let down his fans and his team. He has damaged the reputation of our club and the entire National Football League, and betrayed the trust of many people,” said Falcons owner Arthur Blank in the summer of 2007.



“Only he can answer why he did what he did. At the end of the day he put himself in this position, and the responsibility for doing so rests on his shoulders.”

Vick says he still has respect for Blank, which proves that he harbors no ill feelings about the way the whole ordeal was handled by the Falcons.

“I’m pretty sure every guy in that organization has the utmost respect for him, and I still do,” said Vick of Blank. “I always wish him nothing but the best. I still care about him and I love him unconditionally, and it will always be that way.”


My personal opinion about what Reeves said is that Blank tried to stand by Vick as long as he could. Vick still respects Blank for treating him more like a family member than an employee. When a family member does something wrong, you still support them but in different ways. Blank supported Vick by telling league officials that he should get a second chance, he just couldn't stand by him with the dogfighting scandal hanging over his head.






 

DeSean Jackson Makes Gay Slur On Radio Show

You would think that the backlash  NBA players Kobe Bryant and Joakim Noah recevied after spewing homophobic slurs towards fans and referees, athletes would think before they speak. They even made a public service announcement about it. Apparently Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson didn't see it because he had some unkind words for a caller on  Sirius XM radio's "All Out Show" with Rude Jude and Lord Sear .

 There was a call from ‘Troy from Tennessee who said something about Jackson getting his “d*** knocked in the ground.”

Jackson replied by saying “What kind of question is that? Say ‘no homo’, gay-a**. Fa***t.”


Fill in the blanks on this exchange.


I think Jackson might want to rethink his bad choice of words. He's entitled to his opinion but that was something that should've been said off the air. The ironic thing about this is that he helped a Philadelphia area youth deal with bullying which included homophobic slurs.

Maybe Jackson should watch an endless stream of the PSA.
 

Freddie Mitchell Has A Message For Kevin Kolb

For a person that had a limited NFL career, former Philadelphia Eagles receiver, Freddie Mitchell is doing a lot of talking.

In a recent interview, Mitchell had a lot to say including telling quarterback Kevin Kolb not to trust head coach Andy Reid.

“Yeah okay [laughing]. Believe that if you want Kevin. Believe that if you want. Hey. I’ll tell you what Andy Reid. ..I love him to death. He’s like my father and whatever else, but I’m gonna keep it real. Andy is going to do what is best for the Philadelphia Eagles. I tried when I was going on after we lost the Super Bowl [XXXIX] or whatever else…I went in there and I did not want to go to the media or whatever else I said ‘Hey Coach Reid I had problems with Donovan McNabb. You know I can’t eat off of 12 catches a year. I need more catches. I’m doing all the things with the blocking and whatever else to make it happen. I need more catches. Donovan will not throw me the ball. Andy Reid was like ‘Okay Fred well just don’t tell nobody. You don’t have to come to this next mini-camp. We’re going to try to…I know a couple of teams and we’re going to try to trade you.’ At the end of the day what he tried to do was he tried to put a price tag on me that nobody was even going to touch. When they found out that they wasn’t going to touch me, he released me, and then the blackball began with all kinds of dirt saying I was a cancer to the team. I talk too much and everything else. It’s funny because you never heard a teammate complain about me. You never heard that or whatever else, but he put the cancer [comment] on. Kevin Kolb do not think them guys or anybody in the NFL is your friend. The only friend that you have is your agent and if you’re a left or right-handed quarterback is your arm. That’s it. Them guys at the end of the day they are going to go and save their job, save their butt, and go out and do what’s best for the Philadelphia Eagles. You need to do what you need to do.”


First of all why is Mitchell still partly relevant in Philly. Can someone in that city please explain that to me. Second of all Fred Ex, the NFL is a business and Reid is going to look for the best deal possible for Kolb. Mitchell wasn't that good that's why he wasn't traded. No one wanted to waste money on a receiver that couldn't catch.

Mitchell, you weren't blackballed and you can thank your hands for that.   

Michael Vick Ditches Another Event

It seems that every other week we hear about Michael Vick not showing up for something that honors him. Not that he has to give an explanation, because personally he doesn't owe me anything.

WAVY-TV in Virginia reported that Vick was supposed to be the honored guest at the Southeastern Virginia Arts Association Gala. The event was held at the Half-Moon Terminal in Norfolk. Problem is Vick didn't show.

Vick was supposed to be given an award and the association said that Vick was a hero. Don't tell that to the people who shelled out $100 for a ticket to see the NFL star. They were so upset at Vick's no show that they walked out and left. I would've been pretty pissed myself if I went there only to find out he was gonna no-show the event.

However, it’s not clear from either the WAVY report or the invitation that Vick ever did say he was going to attend this event. On this one, I’m inclined to give Vick the benefit of the doubt. So far it's a he-say/we-say deal.






Source: ProFootballTalk.com

DeSean Jackson Interns On Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson has found a creative way to spend his time during the lockout. Intern on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.




Kind of humourous if you ask me. Maybe he's hoping to land a spot on a tv show. At least he's putting his time to good use.

Vick's Old Home A Possible Dog Haven

A non profit group is exploring the idea of buying Michael Vick's old Virginia home and turning it into a haven for rescue dogs to run free while at the same time being house-trained and socialized for eventual adoption.

The same 15 acre estate that Vick financed a dog fighting ring.

Monica Severy, founder of Dogs Deserve Better, said she would leave the grim kennels that once housed fighting dogs in place as a memorial of sorts. "The dogs deserve for this to be seen," she said. "It's an important piece of history."

The group has to raise $600,000 for the full sale price, so they have a long way to go before this is a done deal. i have to wonder would Vick ever be allowed to visit if this ever comes to fruition.

Source: UPI.com

Don't Make A Big Deal Out Of Roethlisberger's Late Night

I know Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is thought of as a creep. He has some moral issues and he's trying to change what others think of him. With the black cloud over what happened in Georgia during the offseason, whatever he does, whether he's out having a few drinks or trash talking at the local gym is going to be scrutinized. In some instances, like the so-called late night at the piano bar with his offensive lineman, the media is making something out of nothing.

Everyone says "it's Super Bowl week and he's out past curfew", like it's a bad thing. First, coach Mike Tomlin says it's a non-issue. If he doesn't think it's a big deal then so what. If he did think it was a big deal he handled it internally. Secondly, it's Super Bowl week! Do you really think the players are going to eat and sleep football while they're in Dallas. I don't think so. I know Roethlisberger has his demons, but lay off for a minute. He was out enjoying some time with his teammates, not out acting a fool or breaking any laws. He wasn't running around chasing skirts either. Look, these players aren't choir boys. They're grown men doing what they want to do. Would you like someone scrutinizing your every move just because you were caught with a prostitute. I don't think so. And just because you may be of moral high ground or are a bad guy doesn't mean you'll be a success or a failure on the biggest stage.

Remember Eugene Robinson? I know I do. He was the Bart Starr award winner, which champions players with morals and all that jazz, I didn't invent the award so don't ask. The night before the game he gets arrested for soliciting a prostitute that was an undercover cop. He wanted to pay $40 for some action and got busted. Me and my friend had a field day with that one. My friend referred to him as "big" Eugene and it was going to be $2 an inch. Anyway, you don't have to be a jackass to get caught up in wrongdoing. Even players thought to be the most righteous slip. And don't give me the crap about how Robinson's escapade foiled the Atlanta Falcons. The Denver Broncos were simply the better team and weren't going to lose.

Let me take you back some. Super Bowl XV, Raiders vs. Eagles in New Orleans. Dick Vermeil had his players on a tight leash and they played that way. The Raiders were out being the Raiders and whooping it up in the French Quarter. The Raiders won 27-10. They were looser and played like it while the Eagles were uptight.

You see, it doesn't matter what you do or how late you stay out, because that has no bearing on the team's performance on Super Bowl Sunday. Unless it's a Barrett Robbins situation. That didn't turn out too well for the Raiders.              

Some People Should Just Stick To Governing

Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell has called out the nation after the Sunday night game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings was moved to Tuesday night. He seeme to be fired up about the whole matter. Rendell perceives it as a lack of toughness, going out of his way to say the nation has become "a bunch of wussies".

The NFL called the game off in anticipation of the snowstorm that has slammed the East Coast, even though less than five inches were on the ground before the scheduled kickoff. Here's Rendell's take on the situation.

"It goes against everything that football is all about". "My biggest beef is that this is part of what's happened in this country," Rendell said. "I think we've become wussies. We've become a nation of wusses. The Chinese are kicking our butt in everything," Rendell added. "If this was in China do you think the Chinese would have called off the game? People would have been marching down to the stadium, they would have walked and they would have been doing calculus on the way down."

I can understand Rendell being upset, but he didn't have to go Reggie White on the Chinese. He has to understand that waas the league's call and not anyone else's. I will give the NFL kudos for looking out for the safety of the fan in this instance.

Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe seemed to echo Rendell's sentiments.  "The roads are bad for East Coast standards," Shiancoe said. "But if this was in the Midwest there would be no way that this would be delayed. No way it would be delayed in the Midwest. No way. ... It's something that baffles me. But I'm not here to make decisions on when games are played."


Not if the travel conditions aren't ideal. Instead of crowing about what the NFL does, maybe Rendell needs to concentrate on his job as governor. It looks like he has no concern for the fan.