The Favre Saga Is Over, Decision Is Revealed!

Brett Favre has made a decision on his NFL Future.

The 39-year-old has decided to remain retired.

This offseason has been filled with rumors of his return and possibility of joining Minnesota.  Over the last few weeks Favre continue to struggle to come to a decision.

But as ESPN reports, Favre will not make another return.

Coach Brad Childress confirmed the reports to the Star Tribune.  He told the paper Favre did not want to play through the grind of another NFL season.

“I just think it was a rare opportunity to explore a Hall of Fame quarterback who had background in the NFC and in this division,” Childress said to the newspaper. “He knows our system inside out…This doesn’t change anything about how I feel about our football team.”

“As we have consistently communicated, we feel good about our team and they have put forth a tremendous effort this offseason preparing for the season ahead,” Childress said in a statement on the team’s Web site. “With this behind us, we look forward to getting to Mankato and getting training camp under way.”

Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels will compete for the Vikings’ starting quarterback job.

It was an interesting offseason, but Brett, enjoy retirement!

Alex’s 32 Teams in 32 Days: Team 32—Detroit Lions

This is the first installment of my new series in which I will be counting down my 2009 NFL Power Rankings over the next seven weeks leading up to opening kickoff.  Be sure to check in every week day up to Sept. 10 to see the next team.  There will certainly be some controversial rankings.  As T.O. would say, getcha’ popcorn ready.  Enjoy!

2008 Record:  0-16

2008 Season Review:

One season after the NFL saw its first 16-0 team, the Detroit Lions made history by being the first 0-16 team in league history.

After quarterback Jon Kitna went down early on, Dan Orlovsky and Daunte Culpepper struggled to replace him.

The offense struggled, ranking 27th in points scored, and 30th in yards gained.

The defense was even worse as they ranked last in points allowed and yards allowed.

Team President and GM Matt Millen was finally fired.  Head coach Rod Marinelli also lost his job.

Key Additions:

QB, Matthew Stafford (draft), TE Brandon Pettigrew (draft), LB Julian Peterson, LB Larry Foote, CB Phillip Buchanon, CB Anthony Henry, DT Grady Jackson, OT Jon Jansen, WR Bryant Johnson, RB Maurice Morris, CB Eric King, Louis Delmas (draft), WR Dennis Northcutt

Key Losses:

CB Leigh Bodden, DT Shaun Cody, DT Cory Redding, DE Corey Smith, QB Jon Kitna, QB Dan Orlovsky, WR Shaun McDonald, FB Moran Norris, G Edwin Mulitalo, S Dwight Smith, WR Travis Taylor

2009 Preview:

I have the Lions ranked as the 32nd best team (a.k.a. worst team) in the NFL. 

Rookie head coach Jim Schwartz brings over great defensive knowledge and a plan to win.  However, it’s going to take more than just one season to fix the many problems they have in Detroit. 

Who will start at quarterback?

They used the first overall pick on Matthew Stafford who has great expectations for his career, but will he get a chance to at the starting job in ’09?  Former Pro Bowler Daunte Culpepper is the favorite to win the job to at least start the season.

Adding linebackers Julian Peterson and Larry Foote will certainly help the defense.  They bring much needed discipline, and experience to the Lions’ front seven.

The Lions’ new defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham will add new life to the defense. 

Cunningham loves to blitz and perhaps has the tools to do so successfully in ’09.  With the additions of Peterson and Foote, as well as the return of Ernie Sims, the Lions have quite the linebacking corps.

Veteran wideouts Bryant Johnson, and Dennis Northcutt will certainly add some much needed depth behind superstar Calvin Johnson.

Second year running back Kevin Smith will need to make a major impact in ’09.  With the possibility of a rookie quarterback under center, the run game will be essential to Detriot’s offensive success.

Bottom line:  I don’t see the Lions winning any more than two or three games in 2009 and they will once again have the first pick in the draft.

 

Be sure to watch for tomorrow’s unveiling of team No. 31.  This ranking could be a surprise to many people.  Who will it be? Stay tuned.

After Just Two Days As A Raven, Drew Bennett Calls It a Career

Just two days after signing a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens, eight year veteran wide receiver Drew Bennett has decided to retire.  This is according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

“I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to play in the NFL for as long as I have but it’s time for me to move on to next chapter in my life.” Said Bennett

Bennett has cited a flare up of a previous knee injury as the reason to hang it up.

Bennett’s agent also released a statement regarding the sudden and surprising retirement:

“After returning home from Baltimore this weekend, a previous knee injury flared up, making me realizing that I am unable to play another NFL season,” Bennett said in the statement. 

“Therefore, I have decided to retire from the National Football League.  I want to thank coach [John] Harbaugh, [offensive coordinator Cam] Cameron and Ozzie Newsome for offering me the opportunity to be a part of their outstanding organization, and apologize to them for this unfortunate situation”

“The Ravens are a first-class organization that I was truly excited to join.  After an offseason of workouts and rehab, I thought I was ready to play again, but it became apparent over this weekend that while my mind is willing, my body will not be able to make it through another NFL season.” 

“I have been blessed to have the opportunity to play in the NFL for as long as I have, but it is time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life.”

So now the Ravens have lost both Bennett and receiver Derrick Mason to retirement.

Some wideout options still on the market include names such as Marvin Harrison, Amani Toomer, Plaxico Burress, Matt Jones, and Reggie Williams.

How A Dwayne Bowe Fumble Changed NFL History Forever

The National Football League is a league rich in history.

There are many events over the course of the years that have changed the league’s history forever.

For example, consider back in the early days when Lamar Hunt was denied an NFL franchise. Therefore, he created the American Football League which later merged with the rival league.

If Hunt was granted the franchise he wanted in Dallas there never would’ve been an AFL which means possibly we never would’ve seen the creation of some of the league’s best teams ever.

Or what if instant replay hadn’t been implemented in 1999?  The Patriots never would have even been in Super Bowl XXXVI.  Who would be the dynasty of this decade?

There are so many examples of events that changed NFL history, including one example that took place in the 2008 season.

In the December 14 matchup between the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, the game came down to a San Diego onside kick with 1:13 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Chiefs up 21-16.

Mike Scifres’ onside kick bounced right into the waiting arms of usually sure handed Dwayne Bowe

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—and bounced out.

The Chargers recovered, scored, and won the game.

History was changed.

If Bowe held on, the Chiefs would’ve won the game.  With a Kansas City victory most likely Chiefs President Carl Peterson wouldn’t have stepped down the next day, opening the job later filled by Scott Pioli.

Not only that, but with a Chargers loss Denver would’ve clinched the AFC West that day.  With the Broncos in the playoffs, more than likely coach Mike Shanahan would not have been fired, and Josh McDaniels wouldn’t have been hired.

Therefore, Jay Cutler would still be the quarterback of the Broncos, and Kyle Orton would still be in Chicago. 

With a Chargers loss, they would’ve faced the Buccaneers the next week as a team out of the playoff race and nothing to play for.  As a result, the Bucs likely would’ve won and clinched a playoff berth themselves because they wouldn’t have been challenged by a rejuvenated San Diego team.

Instead, San Diego beat Tampa which collapsed at the end of the season and missed out on the tournament resulting in the firing of coach Jon Gruden and GM Bruce Allen.  Raheem Morris and Mark Dominik were hired as head coach and GM replacements respectively.

If Tampa beat the Bolts, the Philadelphia Eagles would’ve been eliminated from the playoff race.  Instead, Philly went all the way to the NFC Championship game.  Who knows if another team could’ve beaten Arizona and gone to the Super Bowl?

But after the Bowe drop, the domino effect resulted in Pioli hired as the Chiefs GM, who hired new coach Todd Haley, McDaniels as coach in Denver, Cutler traded to Chicago after a dispute with McDaniels, Morris as head coach of Tampa, etc…

Wow…what one single play can do to history.

 

 

 

Alex’s 32 Teams In 32 Days: Introduction To My First Series

I’ve been a part of this site for just one month.  I’ve experienced many new things, learned a lot, and met a lot of great people.

Bleacher Report has opened up many opportunities for me to express my opinions like never before.

I love sports, and I love writing about sports.  It’s a great passion.

I’ve written everything from breaking news, to opinion articles, to bold predictions.

I was even lucky enough to be cited in the New York Times for an article I wrote about Manny Ramirez.

Now, I’m ready to take the next step on my Bleacher Report journey.  A step that will let my passion shine.

I’m here to introduce to you my first series: Alex’s 32 Teams in 32 Days: The countdown to NFL opening kickoff.

The series will consist of 34 entries: the series introduction, 32 NFL team previews, and a conclusion.

I have put together my very own power rankings (doesn’t everybody this time of year?) and for the next seven weeks, beginning next Tuesday, a new team will be featured every week day until the much-anticipated matchup between Pittsburgh and Tennessee on September 10.

The countdown will begin at team No. 32 and finish off with the top team.

Each team preview will include key additions/losses, a 2008 review, a 2009 preview, and of course, a very bold prediction.

I’ve been planning this out for the last few weeks, and I’m excited to get started!  I hope you’ll join me on the ride.

Be sure to look for the unveiling of team 32 next Tuesday, July, 28.

 

 

Report: Michael Vick to Be Suspended Four Games

After ESPN reported earlier today that Michael Vick and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met Wednesday in Allendale, NJ, they are now reporting Vick will be suspended for four games.

According to ESPN’s report, Vick will be conditionally reinstated next week, then suspended four games.

Goodell is also expected to warn Vick that any future problems will result in additional punishment (meaning he’s on a “short leash.”)

Per reinstatement, Vick will be allowed to sign with a team and participate in training camp and preseason.

This news comes just three days after Vick was released from home confinement on Monday.

When SI.com reached NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello, he neither confirmed nor denied the meeting.

“We’ve been consistent about that throughout this process,” Aiello told SI.com. “We’re not responding to any of the questions surrounding the review. Once a decision is made by the commissioner, then we’ll make a statement.”

It is uncertain where Vick will land, but as training camps are set to open next week, he could sign somewhere soon.

 

Is ESPN Protecting Roethlisberger?

It didn’t take long for every major news source around the world to report the civil lawsuit filed against Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Wait, did I say every major news source? 

Oops, I meant every except for one.  That one being the largest sports outlet in the world:  ESPN.

Why isn’t ESPN reporting the Roethlisberger story?

NFL.com has reported it, the Associated Press have reported it, ProFootballtalk.com, CBS Sports, and Fox Sports have all reported it.

However, it’s nowhere to be seen on ESPN.com, on SportsCenter, or any other of ESPN’s many outlets.  Why?

According to the twitter page of ESPN TV personality and columnist Jemele Hill the reason is because of a “Special ESPN policy on CIVIL complaints with criminal accusations.”

Really?

It took me less than 30 seconds to find an example of a civil lawsuit on ESPN.com’s NFL page.

The case of former NFL kicker Tony Zendejas is a civil case.  It was posted on ESPN.com on Monday.  The Roethlisberger story was first reported later that night.

Bruce Allen, Publisher of Boston Sports Media Watch, came up with several civil cases reported by ESPN in the past on his twitter page.

He came up with examples of cases involving Randy Moss, Roberto Alomar, Reggie Bush, Pacman Jones and Marvin Harrison.

Is the Network that calls itself “the Worldwide Leader in Sports” trying to protect its relationship with Big Ben?  Are they trying to make sure they always have access to him?

Just last week Roethlisberger did an interview on SportsCenter.  The quarterback will also be seen on an episode of Shaquille O’Neal’s new reality show which will be televised by ESPN’s sister network, ABC.

According to ProFootballTalk.com, ESPN issued a “do not report” alert on the story Tuesday.

ESPN spokesman Mac Nwulu later issued a statement to PFT stating:  “At this point, we are not reporting the allegations against Ben Roethlisberger because no criminal complaint has been filed,” Nwulu said.  “As far as we know, this is a civil lawsuit that Roethlisberger has yet to address publicly.”

According to Nwulu “Roethlisberger has yet to adress publicly.” 

However, Roethlisberger’s lawyer, David Cornwell, released this statement Monday night:  “The timing of the lawsuit and the absence of a criminal complaint and a criminal investigation are the most compelling evidence of the absence of any criminal conduct,” Cornwell said.

Think what you want, but clearly, this isn’t just a case of a “special ESPN policy.”

Roethlisberger Sacked: The Steelers QB Hit with Sexual Assault Lawsuit

According to ProFootballTalk.com, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been hit with a legal claim of sexual assault.

The web site is reporting Andrea McNulty of Nevada filed suit against Roethlisberger and several others on Friday. 

McNulty alleges that Roethlisberger asked her to come to his hotel room to fix the television, and that he then forced her to have sex with him.

According to PFT, Roethlisberger faces one civil count of assault, one civil count of sexual assault and battery, one civil count of false imprisonment, one civil count of false pretenses, one civil count of fraud, and one civil count of intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Lawyer David Cornwell strongly denied the allegations in a statement released to PFT.  “Ben has never sexually assaulted anyone; especially Andrea McNulty,” Cornwell said. 

“If an investigation is commenced, Ben will cooperate fully and Ben will be fully exonerated.”Cornwell stated.

A spokesperson for the Steelers released the following statement:  “We are aware of the allegations but cannot comment on the specifics of the case.  We’ve been told Ben’s side of the story and we fully support him at this time.”

Michael Vick Is a Free Man, What’s His NFL Future?

Michael Vick is officially a free man.  He was released from federal custody Monday allowing him to start repairing his public image and restart his NFL career.

The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback no longer has to wear the electronic monitor he has had while under home confinement for the last two months of his 23-month federal dogfighting sentence.

While under home confinement, Vick spent a few weeks working a construction job in which he was paid a mere $10 an hour.  Remember, Vick was once the highest-paid NFL player.  He later assisted at Boys and Girls Clubs.

Now that he has regained his freedom, what does his future in professional football look like?

Vick, 29, hopes to soon meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in hopes to be reinstated and allowed to resume his football career.

But what is it going to take for Goodell to rule in the favor of Vick?

“Michael did an egregious thing,” Goodell told The Associated Press in April. “He has paid a very significant price for that.”

Goodell has expressed several times over the last few months that he wants to hear “remorse” and see that Vick is truly sorry for what he did.

“That’s something he has to prove to myself and the general public,” Goodell said.

As we all sit and wait for the infamous Vick-Goodell meeting all we can do is wonder what Goodell will decide to do.

Is Vick going to be faced with a suspension?  If so, will it be four games?  Eight?  More?

Or will Vick get reinstated right away?

Nobody knows.

“The review of his status is ongoing, but we are providing no other details at this time,” league spokesman Greg Aiello said Monday.

All we do know for now, is Vick will remain on probation for three years.

 

The Top 10 Moments in Steve McNair’s NFL Career

Saturday, July 4th 2009 the NFL lost a great player and person when former Titan and Raven QB Steve McNair was fatally shot in an apartment double-homicide.

McNair was one of the toughest QBs to ever play the game. He was loved by his teammates, coaches, and fans as well as by family and friends.

McNair was a first round pick of the Oilers in 1995 and played with the Houston/Tennessee franchise from 1995-2005 before being traded to Baltimore, where he spent his final two seasons.

Titans owner Bud Adams released this statement regarding McNair: “He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl.”

McNair won the Co-MVP in 2003. He passed for 31,304 yards with 174 touchdowns and 119 interceptions. He led the Titans to an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV.

Steve McNair will be forever missed, but never forgotten.

He was only 36

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