McNair grievance to be heard May 16
QB's plea: Let me work out or cut me
By JIM WYATT
Staff Writer - The Tennesean
An arbitrator is scheduled to hear the NFL Players Association's grievance against the Titans on May 16, and the outcome could bring quarterback Steve McNair's playing future into focus a little sooner.
The NFLPA filed the grievance on behalf of McNair after the Titans barred him from working out at Baptist Sports Park last month.
If the arbitrator rules in McNair's favor, the Titans would have to let him work out at their facility or release him. Recently, the Titans have discussed trading McNair to the Ravens.
"It is a situation that cries out for fairness, and we define fairness as he's either a Tennessee Titan or he should be allowed to play with another team,'' NFLPA general counsel Richard Berthelsen said Tuesday.
Arbitrator John Feerick is scheduled to hear the case on May 16, Berthelsen said. Cases are normally heard in the NFL team's city.
McNair is scheduled to make $9 million in base salary and count $23.46 million against the salary cap this season. The Titans want to lower those figures, but negotiations with Mc Nair's agent about a restructured contract have been stagnant for weeks.
The Titans asked McNair to train elsewhere because they would be liable for those amounts if he is injured on team property. The NFLPA considers that a breach of contract, Berthelsen said.
On Sunday the Titans gave McNair's agent, Bus Cook, permission to try to facilitate a trade with the Ravens, but the two sides couldn't agree on compensation. Indications are the Titans might be willing to wait until July to release McNair if they can't agree to a new contract or trade him by them.
Cook and the NFLPA say it's not fair to keep McNair in limbo.
"He has the right to be with the other players to prepare for the upcoming season, to get into football shape and get in a routine with the new receivers and young receivers on the club,'' Berthelsen said. "If they don't want to do that, then he should be able to go elsewhere.''
Titans General Manager Floyd Reese said Tuesday he's spoken with Cook since the end of the NFL Draft on Sunday and hopes to sit down with him at some point. As for a trade with the Ravens, little has changed since the two sides broke off talks Sunday, Reese said.
"The first thing we need to do is sit down with them, throw some thoughts out and see exactly where we are,'' Reese said. "The Baltimore thing, in my mind, is dead. I haven't talked to them in a few days so I assume it was a one-shot deal. Now could that change? Sure. We'll just have to see what happens." •
Friday, May 05, 2006
Vince Young Behind Only Reggie Bush In Post-NFL Draft Apparel Sales - The Tennesean
You can even get his Jersey here!
Young jerseys No. 2 in NFL apparel sales
By PAUL KUHARSKY
Staff Writer The Tennesean
Only Saints running back Reggie Bush has been a hotter post-NFL Draft property than Titans quarterback Vince Young, an official with the NFL's official apparel company said Wednesday.
According to Eddie White, vice president of team properties for Reebok, the company had 15,000 orders for Bush jerseys and 14,500 for Young jerseys as of early this week.
White also said that Saints and Titans hats were among the top five sellers at Radio City Music Hall in New York, where the draft was held Saturday and Sunday.
Bush was the second overall pick by the New Orleans Saints and Young went third to the Titans.
"The buzz around town has been great," said Don MacLachlan, vice president of administration and facilities for the Titans.
"For them to have gotten that many orders for jerseys in that short amount of time, that indicates he'll be quite a marketing fixture, not only for us, but for the NFL, for a long time."
The Titans Pro Shop sent out an e-mail 12 minutes after Young was drafted on Saturday, making fans aware his jersey was could be ordered online at a price of $74.99.
The Titans Pro Shop at the Coliseum expects to have Young jerseys in stock and on sale Friday.
Young jerseys No. 2 in NFL apparel sales
By PAUL KUHARSKY
Staff Writer The Tennesean
Only Saints running back Reggie Bush has been a hotter post-NFL Draft property than Titans quarterback Vince Young, an official with the NFL's official apparel company said Wednesday.
According to Eddie White, vice president of team properties for Reebok, the company had 15,000 orders for Bush jerseys and 14,500 for Young jerseys as of early this week.
White also said that Saints and Titans hats were among the top five sellers at Radio City Music Hall in New York, where the draft was held Saturday and Sunday.
Bush was the second overall pick by the New Orleans Saints and Young went third to the Titans.
"The buzz around town has been great," said Don MacLachlan, vice president of administration and facilities for the Titans.
"For them to have gotten that many orders for jerseys in that short amount of time, that indicates he'll be quite a marketing fixture, not only for us, but for the NFL, for a long time."
The Titans Pro Shop sent out an e-mail 12 minutes after Young was drafted on Saturday, making fans aware his jersey was could be ordered online at a price of $74.99.
The Titans Pro Shop at the Coliseum expects to have Young jerseys in stock and on sale Friday.
Tennessee Titans To Bring Vince Young Along Slowly - The Tennessean
Titans to set a slow pace for Young
Deliberate plan helped McNair
By PAUL KUHARSKY
Staff Writer The Tennessean
Along with the rest of the Titans' new rookies, Young was expected to arrive in Nashville last night. This morning they begin a two-day rookie orientation that includes two practice sessions.
Young will be asked to start digesting and learning the Titans' playbook, though the team has no intention of rushing him into the lineup on opening day when the Titans face the Jets on Sept. 10.
That's the same plan the team had for Steve McNair when he was drafted third in 1995. The Houston Oilers offensive coordinator at the time, Jerry Rhome, worked with Young as a private coach preparing him for the combine and his pro day leading up to the draft.
''I know back in '95 Coach Fisher had a plan for him; we wanted to bring Steve along,'' Rhome said. ''I think the way the Oilers handled him back in '95-96 was very smart. We brought him along slowly, gave him a little action.
''Then he and I worked together four days a week, probably two and a half hours each day in the offseason after his rookie year, inside and outside. He was a great student and learned quickly, and I think it helped him have a great career.''
Resisting the temptation to use Young before he's ready will be a big theme for Jeff Fisher and his current offensive coordinator, Norm Chow.
Because Fisher has seen the patient plan payoff before, he is more likely to stick with the long-term vision than other coaches around the league who talk of plans to wait on a quarterback but wind up turning to rookies in times of trouble.
McNair missed the early part of his first training camp while his contract was ironed out. The Titans, Young and his agent, Major Adams, have pledged to work diligently to ensure that this quarterback is under contract by the time camp opens in late July.
Titans General Manager Floyd Reese talks often about how damaging playing too early can be to a young quarterback's psyche. While Fisher and his staff will decide if and when Young plays, they are unlikely to hear any whispers from Reese pushing to see him.
"I think the key is that in spite of what you want, he will get there when he gets there,'' Reese said. "And if I want him to be ready for the second preseason game and he says, 'No, I will be ready for the 10th regular-season game,' then there's not much you can do about it.
"The thing that happens with so many of these young quarterbacks is they get thrown out there and end up getting hurt. They're confused. They loose their confidence. When you're done with the whole experiment, you end up with a shipwreck. We're going to make sure that doesn't happen with this kid. If it takes a little bit longer, then it takes a little bit longer, but that's the process.''
Rhome said McNair circa 1995 and Young now are comparable in that they both had a knack in college for leading their teams to comebacks and they both arrived in the NFL with a need for polish.
But McNair's experience in the small program at Alcorn State was certainly different than Young's at Texas, where he led the Longhorns to consecutive Rose Bowls.
''I think Vince is probably a little bit ahead of Steve because Steve came out of a little bit of a smaller school and Vince was playing for the national champions,'' Rhome said with a laugh. ''That might be a little bit different there.''
Rhome said despite his strong rapport with Fisher and Reese left over from his two seasons as the Oilers coordinator in 1995 and 1996, there was no special insight for them to gain from him about Young as they prepared for the draft.
"I visited with them,'' he said. "I think Vince is a good player who's ready. But it wasn't a matter of Jeff or Floyd trying to pick my brain. They knew what they were looking for.''
Said Fisher: "I spoke with Jerry at the (Young's) workout. He's spent a lot of time with Vince, and they have a good relationship. He's very excited for Vince's future and the potential.''
Rhome said he'll watch Young carefully and expects to have fun doing so. He said he hopes to talk to Young periodically but not in any way that would interfere with the Titans coaching.
"If (Fisher) chooses to put Vince out there early, there will be a good reason for it,'' Rhome said. "You never know. I don't know how quickly Vince will progress or what they plan on doing. But I think that the Titans will make good decisions all the way down the line with him. They know they got a great athlete, they know what they'll have to do to work with him.
"He's just like any other rookie coming in. It's the NFL, and he's going to have to develop. He's not going to be any different than all those other No. 1 draft choices coming in. They all want to play.'' n
Deliberate plan helped McNair
By PAUL KUHARSKY
Staff Writer The Tennessean
Along with the rest of the Titans' new rookies, Young was expected to arrive in Nashville last night. This morning they begin a two-day rookie orientation that includes two practice sessions.
Young will be asked to start digesting and learning the Titans' playbook, though the team has no intention of rushing him into the lineup on opening day when the Titans face the Jets on Sept. 10.
That's the same plan the team had for Steve McNair when he was drafted third in 1995. The Houston Oilers offensive coordinator at the time, Jerry Rhome, worked with Young as a private coach preparing him for the combine and his pro day leading up to the draft.
''I know back in '95 Coach Fisher had a plan for him; we wanted to bring Steve along,'' Rhome said. ''I think the way the Oilers handled him back in '95-96 was very smart. We brought him along slowly, gave him a little action.
''Then he and I worked together four days a week, probably two and a half hours each day in the offseason after his rookie year, inside and outside. He was a great student and learned quickly, and I think it helped him have a great career.''
Resisting the temptation to use Young before he's ready will be a big theme for Jeff Fisher and his current offensive coordinator, Norm Chow.
Because Fisher has seen the patient plan payoff before, he is more likely to stick with the long-term vision than other coaches around the league who talk of plans to wait on a quarterback but wind up turning to rookies in times of trouble.
McNair missed the early part of his first training camp while his contract was ironed out. The Titans, Young and his agent, Major Adams, have pledged to work diligently to ensure that this quarterback is under contract by the time camp opens in late July.
Titans General Manager Floyd Reese talks often about how damaging playing too early can be to a young quarterback's psyche. While Fisher and his staff will decide if and when Young plays, they are unlikely to hear any whispers from Reese pushing to see him.
"I think the key is that in spite of what you want, he will get there when he gets there,'' Reese said. "And if I want him to be ready for the second preseason game and he says, 'No, I will be ready for the 10th regular-season game,' then there's not much you can do about it.
"The thing that happens with so many of these young quarterbacks is they get thrown out there and end up getting hurt. They're confused. They loose their confidence. When you're done with the whole experiment, you end up with a shipwreck. We're going to make sure that doesn't happen with this kid. If it takes a little bit longer, then it takes a little bit longer, but that's the process.''
Rhome said McNair circa 1995 and Young now are comparable in that they both had a knack in college for leading their teams to comebacks and they both arrived in the NFL with a need for polish.
But McNair's experience in the small program at Alcorn State was certainly different than Young's at Texas, where he led the Longhorns to consecutive Rose Bowls.
''I think Vince is probably a little bit ahead of Steve because Steve came out of a little bit of a smaller school and Vince was playing for the national champions,'' Rhome said with a laugh. ''That might be a little bit different there.''
Rhome said despite his strong rapport with Fisher and Reese left over from his two seasons as the Oilers coordinator in 1995 and 1996, there was no special insight for them to gain from him about Young as they prepared for the draft.
"I visited with them,'' he said. "I think Vince is a good player who's ready. But it wasn't a matter of Jeff or Floyd trying to pick my brain. They knew what they were looking for.''
Said Fisher: "I spoke with Jerry at the (Young's) workout. He's spent a lot of time with Vince, and they have a good relationship. He's very excited for Vince's future and the potential.''
Rhome said he'll watch Young carefully and expects to have fun doing so. He said he hopes to talk to Young periodically but not in any way that would interfere with the Titans coaching.
"If (Fisher) chooses to put Vince out there early, there will be a good reason for it,'' Rhome said. "You never know. I don't know how quickly Vince will progress or what they plan on doing. But I think that the Titans will make good decisions all the way down the line with him. They know they got a great athlete, they know what they'll have to do to work with him.
"He's just like any other rookie coming in. It's the NFL, and he's going to have to develop. He's not going to be any different than all those other No. 1 draft choices coming in. They all want to play.'' n
Racist Florida Guards Responsible for Death of 14-Year Old African American Boy - AP News
There's no good reason for this at all. It makes me sick to my stomach, but it also causes me to wonder if this is the first time this has happened. I wonder what other black kids have been abused in this camp, or others like it. Whatever the number the President should issue a directive that this is not acceptable. The kid was 14 and was "in" for "stealing" his grandmothers car to take a joy ride.
Now how many of you have taken a joy-ride in a family member's car when you were that age? Did your family member call it "stealing?" I don't believe this.
(05-05) 13:44 PDT Tampa, Fla. (AP) --
A 14-year-old boy kicked and punched by guards at a juvenile boot camp died because the sheriff's officials suffocated him, a medical examiner said Friday, contradicting a colleague who blamed the death on a usually benign blood disorder.
"Martin Anderson's death was caused by suffocation due to actions of the guards at the boot camp," said Dr. Vernard Adams, who conducted the second autopsy.
Adams said the suffocation was caused by hands blocking the boy's mouth, as well as the "forced inhalation of ammonia fumes" that caused his vocal cords to spasm, blocking his upper airway.
Martin Lee Anderson's body was exhumed after a camp surveillance videotape surfaced showing the guards roughing him up Jan. 5, a day before he died. His family had questioned the initial finding by Dr. Charles Siebert, the Bay County Medical Examiner, that the boy died of complications of sickle cell trait.
"I am disturbed by Dr. Adams' findings and consider the actions of the Bay County boot camp guards deplorable," said Gov. Jeb Bush, who ordered the investigation that led to the second autopsy.
In a statement, Bush assured Anderson's parents that the state will provide any resources prosecutors deem necessary "to complete this investigation as quickly as possible."
No one has been arrested in connection with the death, which sparked protests at the state Capitol, forced lawmakers to scrap the military-style camps and led to the resignation of the state's top law enforcement officer.
Anderson's parents planned a news conference Friday evening at their attorney's Tallahassee office to respond to the findings. Marc Tochterman, a spokesman for the Bay County Sheriff's Office, which operated the boot camp, said the agency had no immediate comment.
Siebert did not immediately return a call seeking comment, but he has repeatedly stood by his findings, saying they were based on reliable science, not emotions. He also has said he was being unfairly attacked by special interest groups.
State Attorney General Charlie Crist said Friday that Siebert "should probably be suspended pending further review." He said the second autopsy report wasn't surprising.
"I can't say I'm shocked after having watched the tape. What was surprising was the first autopsy," Crist said. He said there will "probably will be arrests."
The videotape shows Anderson being kneed, struck and dragged by guards on his first day at the Bay County Sheriff's boot camp for juvenile offenders. He was eventually taken to a Pensacola hospital, where he died a few hours later.
Waylon Graham, attorney for sheriff's Lt. Charles Helms, who was second in command of the boot camp and present in the exercise yard that day, said he wasn't shocked by Adams' report. Graham said the investigation has turned into a "witch hunt" with criminal charges inevitable.
"I think (Helms) knows what's coming next," Graham said. "When you get an autopsy with results like that it's pretty clear that they are going to charge him and obviously the others. It would take a pretty naive person to think otherwise."
He said Helms doesn't believe that the guards caused Anderson's death.
The second autopsy was ordered by Hillsborough County State Attorney Mark Ober, whom Bush tapped to lead the investigation.
A forensic pathologist hired by Anderson's family observed the second autopsy, Dr. Michael Baden, said afterward that he believed Anderson didn't die from natural causes.
Siebert's autopsy concluded that physical exertion had triggered sickle cell trait and ultimately caused small blood clots to develop in Anderson's bloodstream, which resulted in internal bleeding.
Anderson had collapsed while doing push-ups, sit-ups, running laps and other exercises that were part of his admission process at the camp. The sheriff's office said force was used on Anderson because he was uncooperative.
He had been sent to the boot camp for violating probation by trespassing at a school after he and his cousins were charged with stealing their grandmother's car from a church parking lot.
Now how many of you have taken a joy-ride in a family member's car when you were that age? Did your family member call it "stealing?" I don't believe this.
(05-05) 13:44 PDT Tampa, Fla. (AP) --
A 14-year-old boy kicked and punched by guards at a juvenile boot camp died because the sheriff's officials suffocated him, a medical examiner said Friday, contradicting a colleague who blamed the death on a usually benign blood disorder.
"Martin Anderson's death was caused by suffocation due to actions of the guards at the boot camp," said Dr. Vernard Adams, who conducted the second autopsy.
Adams said the suffocation was caused by hands blocking the boy's mouth, as well as the "forced inhalation of ammonia fumes" that caused his vocal cords to spasm, blocking his upper airway.
Martin Lee Anderson's body was exhumed after a camp surveillance videotape surfaced showing the guards roughing him up Jan. 5, a day before he died. His family had questioned the initial finding by Dr. Charles Siebert, the Bay County Medical Examiner, that the boy died of complications of sickle cell trait.
"I am disturbed by Dr. Adams' findings and consider the actions of the Bay County boot camp guards deplorable," said Gov. Jeb Bush, who ordered the investigation that led to the second autopsy.
In a statement, Bush assured Anderson's parents that the state will provide any resources prosecutors deem necessary "to complete this investigation as quickly as possible."
No one has been arrested in connection with the death, which sparked protests at the state Capitol, forced lawmakers to scrap the military-style camps and led to the resignation of the state's top law enforcement officer.
Anderson's parents planned a news conference Friday evening at their attorney's Tallahassee office to respond to the findings. Marc Tochterman, a spokesman for the Bay County Sheriff's Office, which operated the boot camp, said the agency had no immediate comment.
Siebert did not immediately return a call seeking comment, but he has repeatedly stood by his findings, saying they were based on reliable science, not emotions. He also has said he was being unfairly attacked by special interest groups.
State Attorney General Charlie Crist said Friday that Siebert "should probably be suspended pending further review." He said the second autopsy report wasn't surprising.
"I can't say I'm shocked after having watched the tape. What was surprising was the first autopsy," Crist said. He said there will "probably will be arrests."
The videotape shows Anderson being kneed, struck and dragged by guards on his first day at the Bay County Sheriff's boot camp for juvenile offenders. He was eventually taken to a Pensacola hospital, where he died a few hours later.
Waylon Graham, attorney for sheriff's Lt. Charles Helms, who was second in command of the boot camp and present in the exercise yard that day, said he wasn't shocked by Adams' report. Graham said the investigation has turned into a "witch hunt" with criminal charges inevitable.
"I think (Helms) knows what's coming next," Graham said. "When you get an autopsy with results like that it's pretty clear that they are going to charge him and obviously the others. It would take a pretty naive person to think otherwise."
He said Helms doesn't believe that the guards caused Anderson's death.
The second autopsy was ordered by Hillsborough County State Attorney Mark Ober, whom Bush tapped to lead the investigation.
A forensic pathologist hired by Anderson's family observed the second autopsy, Dr. Michael Baden, said afterward that he believed Anderson didn't die from natural causes.
Siebert's autopsy concluded that physical exertion had triggered sickle cell trait and ultimately caused small blood clots to develop in Anderson's bloodstream, which resulted in internal bleeding.
Anderson had collapsed while doing push-ups, sit-ups, running laps and other exercises that were part of his admission process at the camp. The sheriff's office said force was used on Anderson because he was uncooperative.
He had been sent to the boot camp for violating probation by trespassing at a school after he and his cousins were charged with stealing their grandmother's car from a church parking lot.
Niners Trade Ken Dorsey -- Their Only Effective Quarterback -- For Trent Dilfer.
Last year, he was the first 49ers Quarterback to throw a touchdown pass.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- The San Francisco 49ers acquired a proven backup quarterback for Alex Smith, getting Trent Dilfer from the Cleveland Browns on Thursday in a trade for quarterback Ken Dorsey and an undisclosed 2007 draft pick.
Dilfer, who won a Super Bowl with Baltimore in 2001, will give the 49ers depth behind Smith, who struggled as a rookie last season after being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft.
"Trent was a player we had interest in last season," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said in a statement. "We were looking for a veteran quarterback with experience that could help mentor Alex Smith. Trent fits the bill on both counts and we are excited to have him with the 49ers."
Dilfer signed a four-year deal with the Browns last year after stints with the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks. He went 4-7 as a Browns starter before losing the job to rookie Charlie Frye. Dilfer completed 59.8 percent of his passes last season for 2,321 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
"Trent Dilfer played an important role in the making over of our football team last year," Browns general manager Phil Savage said in a statement. "At this point, to add Ken Dorsey and to give Trent the opportunity to go back home to California is a win-win for all parties."
Dilfer, who played in college at Fresno State, has started 107 career games, throwing for 106 touchdowns and 117 interceptions. He made the Pro Bowl with Tampa Bay in 1997 after passing for 2,555 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Dorsey started 10 games in his three years in San Francisco, including three last season. He completed 48 of 90 passes for 481 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in 2005.
Cody Pickett is San Francisco's third-string quarterback and the team also drafted Michael Robinson in the fourth round last month. Robinson, a quarterback in college at Penn State, is expected to mostly be used as a running back, receiver or kick returner in San Francisco.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- The San Francisco 49ers acquired a proven backup quarterback for Alex Smith, getting Trent Dilfer from the Cleveland Browns on Thursday in a trade for quarterback Ken Dorsey and an undisclosed 2007 draft pick.
Dilfer, who won a Super Bowl with Baltimore in 2001, will give the 49ers depth behind Smith, who struggled as a rookie last season after being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft.
"Trent was a player we had interest in last season," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said in a statement. "We were looking for a veteran quarterback with experience that could help mentor Alex Smith. Trent fits the bill on both counts and we are excited to have him with the 49ers."
Dilfer signed a four-year deal with the Browns last year after stints with the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks. He went 4-7 as a Browns starter before losing the job to rookie Charlie Frye. Dilfer completed 59.8 percent of his passes last season for 2,321 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
"Trent Dilfer played an important role in the making over of our football team last year," Browns general manager Phil Savage said in a statement. "At this point, to add Ken Dorsey and to give Trent the opportunity to go back home to California is a win-win for all parties."
Dilfer, who played in college at Fresno State, has started 107 career games, throwing for 106 touchdowns and 117 interceptions. He made the Pro Bowl with Tampa Bay in 1997 after passing for 2,555 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Dorsey started 10 games in his three years in San Francisco, including three last season. He completed 48 of 90 passes for 481 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in 2005.
Cody Pickett is San Francisco's third-string quarterback and the team also drafted Michael Robinson in the fourth round last month. Robinson, a quarterback in college at Penn State, is expected to mostly be used as a running back, receiver or kick returner in San Francisco.
Bills Sign Nate Clemons To A One-Year Deal
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Nate Clements re-signed with the Bills on Friday, accepting the one-year, $7.2 million contract Buffalo offered the star cornerback after designating him the team's franchise player in February.
The deal was struck in time for Clements to attend the start of a three-day minicamp. Clements, who missed a voluntary minicamp session last month, took the field Friday afternoon.
Buffalo's first-round pick in the 2001 draft, Clements is a five-year starter who leads the team with 20 interceptions, four of which he's returned for touchdowns.
He was a 2004 Pro Bowl selection and considered a key member of a defense that is rebuilding under new coach Dick Jauron.
The deal was struck in time for Clements to attend the start of a three-day minicamp. Clements, who missed a voluntary minicamp session last month, took the field Friday afternoon.
Buffalo's first-round pick in the 2001 draft, Clements is a five-year starter who leads the team with 20 interceptions, four of which he's returned for touchdowns.
He was a 2004 Pro Bowl selection and considered a key member of a defense that is rebuilding under new coach Dick Jauron.
Six Penn State Nitany Lions Selected In 2006 NFL Draft
This was sent to me via Penn State Sports News:
Defensive end Tamba Hali, a consensus 2005 All-American for the
Nittany Lions, was selected Saturday by the Kansas City Chiefs in the
first round of the National Football League Draft.
In addition, Penn State standouts Michael Robinson, Calvin Lowry and Alan Zemaitis were selected in the fourth round of the National Football League Draft,
Tyler Reed was taken in round six and Ethan Kilmer was drafted in the
seventh round.
Hali is Penn State's fourth defensive lineman to be
selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in the last seven years,
joining Courtney Brown (2000), Jimmy Kennedy and Michael Haynes
(2003). Hali is the 33rd Penn Stater to be chosen in the first round
of the NFL Draft, 30 of whom have played for legendary coach Joe
Paterno. Hali is the 222nd Nittany Lion to be drafted under Paterno
and more than 300 of his players have signed NFL contracts.
Defensive end Tamba Hali, a consensus 2005 All-American for the
Nittany Lions, was selected Saturday by the Kansas City Chiefs in the
first round of the National Football League Draft.
In addition, Penn State standouts Michael Robinson, Calvin Lowry and Alan Zemaitis were selected in the fourth round of the National Football League Draft,
Tyler Reed was taken in round six and Ethan Kilmer was drafted in the
seventh round.
Hali is Penn State's fourth defensive lineman to be
selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in the last seven years,
joining Courtney Brown (2000), Jimmy Kennedy and Michael Haynes
(2003). Hali is the 33rd Penn Stater to be chosen in the first round
of the NFL Draft, 30 of whom have played for legendary coach Joe
Paterno. Hali is the 222nd Nittany Lion to be drafted under Paterno
and more than 300 of his players have signed NFL contracts.
Porter Goss Resigns From The CIA - Did Mary McCarthy's Problem Cause This?
All I know is CIA chief Porter Goss was on the job for about two years. Then, today, he resigns. Blogger News Network seems to have a view of what happened that's connected to the firing of Mary McCarthy for alledged leaks of classified information. Here's the rest of the story from CNN:
Porter Goss resigns as CIA chief
'I honestly believe that we have improved dramatically,' he says
Friday, May 5, 2006; Posted: 4:03 p.m. EDT (20:03 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- CIA Director Porter Goss is resigning, President Bush announced Friday.
"Porter's tenure at the CIA was one of transition, where he's helped this agency become integrated into the intelligence community, and that was a tough job," Bush said in a photo session with Goss at the Oval Office.
"He's got a five-year plan to increase the number of analysts and operatives, which is going to help make this country a safer place and help us win the war on terror," the president said. (Watch Bush's Oval Office announcement -- 2:38)
Goss told Bush: "I believe the agency is on a very even keel, sailing well, I honestly believe that we have improved dramatically."
No reason was given for Goss' resignation, but the White House has been in the midst of an administration shakeup since Josh Bolten took over as chief of staff.
Goss' resignation was based on a "mutual understanding" between Bush, national intelligence director John Negroponte and Goss, a senior Bush administration official told the Reuters news agency.
"The best way to describe it is when you ask somebody to do very difficult things during a period of transition, it often makes sense to hand off the reins to somebody else to take the agency forward," the official told Reuters.
No replacement was announced.
Goss became CIA chief in September 2004. He had previously served 16 years as a Republican congressman from Florida. During his congressional tenure, Goss served as chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence.
From 1962 to 1972, Goss was a CIA clandestine service officer.
Goss' deputy, who may take over in the interim, is Vice Adm. Albert M. Calland.
Reaction to Goss' resignation from lawmakers emphasized that the CIA needs to continue to change, regardless of who takes the reins.
"Director Goss took the helm of the intelligence community at a very difficult time in the wake of the intelligence failures associated with 9/11 and Iraq WMD," Sen. Pat Roberts, a Republican from Kansas who is chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a written statement. "Porter made some significant improvements at the CIA, but I think even he would say they still have some way to go."
Former CIA Director Stansfield Turner told CNN that Goss may have resigned because he was passed over for the position of director of national intelligence, which went to Negroponte.
Former Georgia Rep. Bob Barr agreed with Turner's speculation and added, "I think there's going to be more coming out; we don't know the whole story."
"This is a devastating blow, the importance of which really cannot be overestimated," Barr told CNN. "It indicates again a continuing downward slide in the intelligence capabilities of our government, it indicates again the disorganization on the part of our intelligence agencies at a time when we can ill afford to see that happen."
The agency was recently rocked when Mary McCarthy was fired, reportedly for allegedly leaking information about secret prisons to The Washington Post. McCarthy's lawyer denies that she was the source for the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting.
McCarthy's firing was seen as part of a crackdown by Goss on the leaking of classified information.
There has also been media reports of dissatisfaction with Goss' leadership among the rank-and-file within the agency and the exodus of several high-level staff members.
Porter Goss resigns as CIA chief
'I honestly believe that we have improved dramatically,' he says
Friday, May 5, 2006; Posted: 4:03 p.m. EDT (20:03 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- CIA Director Porter Goss is resigning, President Bush announced Friday.
"Porter's tenure at the CIA was one of transition, where he's helped this agency become integrated into the intelligence community, and that was a tough job," Bush said in a photo session with Goss at the Oval Office.
"He's got a five-year plan to increase the number of analysts and operatives, which is going to help make this country a safer place and help us win the war on terror," the president said. (Watch Bush's Oval Office announcement -- 2:38)
Goss told Bush: "I believe the agency is on a very even keel, sailing well, I honestly believe that we have improved dramatically."
No reason was given for Goss' resignation, but the White House has been in the midst of an administration shakeup since Josh Bolten took over as chief of staff.
Goss' resignation was based on a "mutual understanding" between Bush, national intelligence director John Negroponte and Goss, a senior Bush administration official told the Reuters news agency.
"The best way to describe it is when you ask somebody to do very difficult things during a period of transition, it often makes sense to hand off the reins to somebody else to take the agency forward," the official told Reuters.
No replacement was announced.
Goss became CIA chief in September 2004. He had previously served 16 years as a Republican congressman from Florida. During his congressional tenure, Goss served as chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence.
From 1962 to 1972, Goss was a CIA clandestine service officer.
Goss' deputy, who may take over in the interim, is Vice Adm. Albert M. Calland.
Reaction to Goss' resignation from lawmakers emphasized that the CIA needs to continue to change, regardless of who takes the reins.
"Director Goss took the helm of the intelligence community at a very difficult time in the wake of the intelligence failures associated with 9/11 and Iraq WMD," Sen. Pat Roberts, a Republican from Kansas who is chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a written statement. "Porter made some significant improvements at the CIA, but I think even he would say they still have some way to go."
Former CIA Director Stansfield Turner told CNN that Goss may have resigned because he was passed over for the position of director of national intelligence, which went to Negroponte.
Former Georgia Rep. Bob Barr agreed with Turner's speculation and added, "I think there's going to be more coming out; we don't know the whole story."
"This is a devastating blow, the importance of which really cannot be overestimated," Barr told CNN. "It indicates again a continuing downward slide in the intelligence capabilities of our government, it indicates again the disorganization on the part of our intelligence agencies at a time when we can ill afford to see that happen."
The agency was recently rocked when Mary McCarthy was fired, reportedly for allegedly leaking information about secret prisons to The Washington Post. McCarthy's lawyer denies that she was the source for the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting.
McCarthy's firing was seen as part of a crackdown by Goss on the leaking of classified information.
There has also been media reports of dissatisfaction with Goss' leadership among the rank-and-file within the agency and the exodus of several high-level staff members.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Matt Leinart Parties With Paris Hilton -- And 200 Others -- In Las Vegas
Well, I can say I ordered him a free cocktail last week. We -- just the two of us -- were at the bar at Gustavino's in NYC last Thursday and I said "I'll never get the chance to say this, so 'Buy the bar a round?"
I just hope Matt can focus on the field once training camp starts, but I think he can. It's a new level. Still, it's like he's turning 21 again -- what's one more big bash?
Thing is, he's a very nice person, so those 200 people who were in attendance were not there just for his name.
Paris Hilton & Matt Leinart: Cozy in Vegas
Thursday May 04, 2006 3:50pm EST
By Stephen M. Silverman
Hilton and Leinart on May 1
CREDIT: ALPHAX / X17
Matt Leinart celebrated being drafted into the NFL by partying at a Las Vegas nightclub on Tuesday with Paris Hilton.
For the record, Leinart was joined at the club PURE by more than 200 of his closest friends, including Nick Lachey, Wilmer Valderrama and Danny Masterson – but he spent the better part of the evening with the newly single Hilton, a source tells PEOPLE.
On his way into the bash, the 22-year-old, 6'5", Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, who was recently drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, told PEOPLE, "After this, it's all business, all NFL."
Inside, he danced with Hilton, 25, on the club's VIP beds. She called him "baby" and rested her head on his back, sometimes holding his hand, says the source.
The pair danced the night away – and at one point disappeared together behind closed doors in the club's private suite.
Later, Hilton treated the crowd to an impromptu concert, jumping on top of the DJ booth and belting out several songs from her upcoming album, including a rendition of Rod Stewart's "Do You Think I'm Sexy" – which she dedicated to Leinart.
When not on the dance floor, the pair nestled themselves into the corner of a VIP bed, where they kissed and hugged before leaving around 3:30 a.m.
Hilton and Leinart have been spotted together several times recently. On May 1, Hilton, wearing a brunette wig, shopped at the Grove in Los Angeles with Leinart, PEOPLE reports. That night, they partied together at L.A. club Shag. "They seemed really into each other," said one witness. "He was very touchy-feely."
Leinart's rep denies that they're dating, and Hilton's publicist, Elliot Mintz, says, "She knows Matt, she likes Matt. They are friends. I don't want to go any further than that. They have known each other a while."
Russian Youth Exhibit Signs Of Mental Illness -- Attacking People Just Because Of The Color Of Their Skin
I saw this on Yahoo! and wanted to call for a medic. Read it because it's as stupid as it reads. The Russian youth need to be institutionalized. Their behavior is sick.
Think about it. DOGS don't even do that. DOGS!
Think about it. DOGS don't even do that. DOGS!
Oakland Raiders Legend Michael Dotterer's Advice To The New Raider Draftees - Video
Oakland Raiders running back Michael Dotterer -- who was also on the Stanford team that lost to Cal because of "The Play" in the 1982 Big Game -- has been my friend for about 11 years now. He played for the Silver and Black during their LA years and was part of the 1984 Super Bowl Championship Team. He is also one of only 24 two-sport all stars in Stanford University history.
During my trip to the NFL Draft, I asked Mike if I could do a kind of walking interview of him and his advice for the Raiders newest draftees on the eve of the NFL Draft. He was more than happy to allow this. The result is a talk and walk through Midtown Manhattan on the way to dinner at The 21 Club restaurant. My favorite.
Along the way, Mike reveals that his Raiders roommate was none other than the legendary Lyle Alzado, a true character and so much in the Raider mold it's easy to forget he played for the Denver Broncos. Mike also instructs rookies to listen.
We covered a lot of ground and in more ways than one.
Here's my conversation with Michael Dotterer:
During my trip to the NFL Draft, I asked Mike if I could do a kind of walking interview of him and his advice for the Raiders newest draftees on the eve of the NFL Draft. He was more than happy to allow this. The result is a talk and walk through Midtown Manhattan on the way to dinner at The 21 Club restaurant. My favorite.
Along the way, Mike reveals that his Raiders roommate was none other than the legendary Lyle Alzado, a true character and so much in the Raider mold it's easy to forget he played for the Denver Broncos. Mike also instructs rookies to listen.
We covered a lot of ground and in more ways than one.
Here's my conversation with Michael Dotterer:
"Beyond The Call" - Adrian Belic and Michael Dotterer Introduce Adrian's New Film "Beyond The Call" At The Tribeca Film Festival
Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending the premier of a new film called "Beyond The Call" at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. It's a really good and moving work about three ex-military Americans who travel around the world making sure that food and other resources get right to the people who need it.
My friend Michael Dotterer's helping Adrian market the film, and so I thought I'd take a video of Adrian and Michael talking about a documentary that's certainly oscar-material.
This is the first of three videos on the movie.
Here's the video:
My friend Michael Dotterer's helping Adrian market the film, and so I thought I'd take a video of Adrian and Michael talking about a documentary that's certainly oscar-material.
This is the first of three videos on the movie.
Here's the video:
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