Raiders Sign Former Pro Bowler Newberry- see my end note...
By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders and two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Jeremy Newberry agreed to a $1.5 million, one-year contract Wednesday, hoping to boost a struggling offensive line.
Newberry, a Pro Bowler in 2001-02 with San Francisco, spent all of last season on injured reserve with the 49ers with an damaged left knee. He has played in only 11 games the past three seasons because of various injuries.
But the Raiders are counting him to help an offensive line that allowed a league-worst 72 sacks last season.
"In researching and evaluating Jeremy's background and history, it became obvious that he is a perfect fit for the Raiders right now," Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said. "He is an intense competitor and definitely understands what being a team player is all about."
Newberry, who turns 31 this month, has played center, tackle and guard in the past and could be used in any of those spots with Oakland.
He has previously worked with Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and running backs coach Tom Rathman when they were assistants in San Francisco and for offensive line coach Tom Cable in college at California.
"When this opportunity presented itself, I made it known that I wanted to play across the Bay for the Raiders, as I have a ton of respect for Al Davis and this organization," Newberry said. "I'm very excited about what Coach Kiffin has got going and I am excited to be reunited with some people that I have worked with in the past."
The Raiders also cleared up some salary cap room by restructuring the contracts of running back LaMont Jordan and receiver Ronald Curry. The new deal with Jordan reduces the $4.75 million roster bonus he was due on Wednesday by $1.75 million.
Curry signed a five-year deal that could be worth up to $20 million and includes $5 million in guaranteed money.
"As we continue to find ways to build and improve upon our team through our evaluation process, it was imperative that LaMont and Ronald were on board," Kiffin said. "It was extremely important to get their contract situations settled. We look forward to working with both players, introducing them to the many changes we will have on offense, and including them in our new team philosophy as well."
Jerry Porter is expected to be back as a starter at receiver after languishing on the bench most of last season while feuding with coach Art Shell. Curry could either be a starter if the team trades Randy Moss or be used as a third receiver if Moss returns.
Jordan rushed for only 434 yards and two touchdowns before going down with a season-ending knee injury Nov. 19.
The Raiders also added four more assistant coaches: John DeFilippo (quarterbacks), James Cregg (assistant offensive line), Randy Hanson (assistant defensive backs) and Sanjay Lal (quality control, offense). The team also announced that Kelly Skipper, who was hired last month, will coach tight ends.
The way the Raiders are going, they could have signed Jason Newsted From the Band SUPERNOVA(before that he was the Bassist for METALLICA) and it would not have made a difference. Do they think Newberry is going to help get Robert Gallery In Line??? In Shape?? Block the defense?? Hey...Maybe Newberry has some value as an extra coach, but The Raiders now have 2 OL coaches, which seems to be a new ternd in Coaching in the NFL
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Petitgout Signs With Buccaneers See my Note
By Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their offensive line on Tuesday by signing free-agent tackle Luke Petitgout.
Petitgout spent the last eight seasons with the New York Giants, who selected him in the first round of the 1999 draft. He's appeared in 113 games, including 106 starts, and has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher six of his eight years in the league.
The 30-year-old started nine games at left tackle before breaking a leg against Chicago on Nov. 12 and missing the remainder of last season. He's also started games at left guard and right tackle during his career.
So thanks for the memories Luke, but more importantly, thanks for provimg me wrong. I mean I used to scream at you(in my head and otherwise) when you missed a key block as you were oft to many times early in your career, I won't repeat here what i said back then, because it's not proper language even for a Football Blog. The last few years however, you were one of the more steady Pass Blockers i the NFL, let along with the Giants, and now that you are a complete OL, The Team had to go and release you....We in NY who know a Good OL when we see one wish you well.
By Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their offensive line on Tuesday by signing free-agent tackle Luke Petitgout.
Petitgout spent the last eight seasons with the New York Giants, who selected him in the first round of the 1999 draft. He's appeared in 113 games, including 106 starts, and has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher six of his eight years in the league.
The 30-year-old started nine games at left tackle before breaking a leg against Chicago on Nov. 12 and missing the remainder of last season. He's also started games at left guard and right tackle during his career.
So thanks for the memories Luke, but more importantly, thanks for provimg me wrong. I mean I used to scream at you(in my head and otherwise) when you missed a key block as you were oft to many times early in your career, I won't repeat here what i said back then, because it's not proper language even for a Football Blog. The last few years however, you were one of the more steady Pass Blockers i the NFL, let along with the Giants, and now that you are a complete OL, The Team had to go and release you....We in NY who know a Good OL when we see one wish you well.
Ex Giant Pettitgout signs with Tampa Bay
Petitgout Signs With Buccaneers See my Note
By Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their offensive line on Tuesday by signing free-agent tackle Luke Petitgout.
Petitgout spent the last eight seasons with the New York Giants, who selected him in the first round of the 1999 draft. He's appeared in 113 games, including 106 starts, and has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher six of his eight years in the league.
The 30-year-old started nine games at left tackle before breaking a leg against Chicago on Nov. 12 and missing the remainder of last season. He's also started games at left guard and right tackle during his career.
So thanks for the memories Luke, but more importantly, thanks for provimg me wrong. I mean I used to scream at you(in my head and otherwise) when you missed a key block as you were oft to many times early in your career, I won't repeat here what i said back then, because it's not proper language even for a Football Blog. The last few years however, you were one of the more steady Pass Blockers i the NFL, let along with the Giants, and now that you are a complete OL, The Team had to go and release you....We in NY who know a Good OL when we see one wish you well.
By Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their offensive line on Tuesday by signing free-agent tackle Luke Petitgout.
Petitgout spent the last eight seasons with the New York Giants, who selected him in the first round of the 1999 draft. He's appeared in 113 games, including 106 starts, and has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher six of his eight years in the league.
The 30-year-old started nine games at left tackle before breaking a leg against Chicago on Nov. 12 and missing the remainder of last season. He's also started games at left guard and right tackle during his career.
So thanks for the memories Luke, but more importantly, thanks for provimg me wrong. I mean I used to scream at you(in my head and otherwise) when you missed a key block as you were oft to many times early in your career, I won't repeat here what i said back then, because it's not proper language even for a Football Blog. The last few years however, you were one of the more steady Pass Blockers i the NFL, let along with the Giants, and now that you are a complete OL, The Team had to go and release you....We in NY who know a Good OL when we see one wish you well.
Rosie O and Frenchie Davis Are Right - Antonella Barba Is Getting A Pass From "Idol" On Soft-Porn Picts - Frenchie's A Big Girl...
I'm not sure that it's racist or a function of American Idol waking up to a digital media world, but they are letting contestant Antonella Barba pass without punishment for all of the racy pictures that have sprung up on the Internet.
There's not just one photo, there's a lot of them, and on YouTube , too. Moreover, either she knew about them and told American Idol or she knew about them and didn't tell American Idol. In either case, the yank job that "Idol" did to Frenchie Davis four years ago could have been done again.
It wasn't.
The View's Rosie O'Donell is right to bring up race in this story. I think some people are brainwashed to only accept images of Whites, or people of color who are lighter skinned. It's wrong, of course, but all too common. None the less, we've got to put a stop to it as a society and I think we are at least waking up to the problem.
But to be fair, there's a bit more to the Frenchie Davis story and it's obvious: she's overweight. And this fact really underscores the fact that American Idol's playing a nasty double standard. It's ok to have almost nude picts of yourself online as long as you're this thin and light-skinned woman, but if you're plus-sized and Black, American Idol's got a problem.
After all, this is the same program on which Simon Cowall told a then-unknown Jennifer Hudson she was too fat. Now that same person just got the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Dreamgrils. I'm serious. He said that. Now, I'm sure he had the same feeling for Frenchie Davis.
But it doens't mean America agrees with him.
See, in this Long Tail world, there's room for all tastes. The bottom line is this: was Frenchie a terrific singer? The answer -- given her success -- is yes. Why not bring her back on the show?
Simon, you've had your say. Now, it's America's turn.
What's The Limit To The Growth Of Digital Media?
I ask that question because we're all focused on growth numbers, but not what may cause that growth to eventually stop. I know the basic answer is "When everyone has the knoweldge of how to use video."
Or is that the case?
Just because -- well, the question is, when does this become a mainstream activity, rather than a niche process? I don't think we're at the place where we can say it's mainstream at all. I don't see everyone running around with camcorders and iPods, like me.
Well, I don't have an IPod....
Where's the high point? Why?
Report: Online Video Streams Up 38.8% in 2006 to 24.9 Billion
This is from Digital Media World or dmwmedia.com, a great industry website.
Submitted by Mark Hefflinger on March 6, 2007 - 1:04pm.
Monterey, Calif. - Over 24.9 billion video streams were served across all entertainment and media sites in 2006, an increase of 38.8% from the previous year, according to a report from AccuStream iMedia Research.
The data includes both free and subscription services, but leaves out user-generated video delivered via progressive download.
Music videos commanded the largest share of streaming video in 2006, capturing 35.5% of total streams served, down 22% from 2005.
News video was the biggest gainer, as total streams were up 90%, and the segment's share of the total video streaming market grew 38% from 2005 to represent 23.6% of the market in 2006.
The largest streaming video networks included Yahoo, MSN and RealNetworks, while broadband extensions from traditional media firms like Disney/ABC, CBS, Viacom, Time Warner and NBC Universal also commanded significant share.
"Media and entertainment brands fully embraced broadband publishing in 2006," said AccuStream research director Paul A. Palumbo.
"They made more premium content available, that's the key, and fashioned syndication relationships with aggregators who can deliver audiences and began to populate emerging distribution platforms. Moreover, a growing base high speed users and the adoption of Flash propelled the market."
Submitted by Mark Hefflinger on March 6, 2007 - 1:04pm.
Monterey, Calif. - Over 24.9 billion video streams were served across all entertainment and media sites in 2006, an increase of 38.8% from the previous year, according to a report from AccuStream iMedia Research.
The data includes both free and subscription services, but leaves out user-generated video delivered via progressive download.
Music videos commanded the largest share of streaming video in 2006, capturing 35.5% of total streams served, down 22% from 2005.
News video was the biggest gainer, as total streams were up 90%, and the segment's share of the total video streaming market grew 38% from 2005 to represent 23.6% of the market in 2006.
The largest streaming video networks included Yahoo, MSN and RealNetworks, while broadband extensions from traditional media firms like Disney/ABC, CBS, Viacom, Time Warner and NBC Universal also commanded significant share.
"Media and entertainment brands fully embraced broadband publishing in 2006," said AccuStream research director Paul A. Palumbo.
"They made more premium content available, that's the key, and fashioned syndication relationships with aggregators who can deliver audiences and began to populate emerging distribution platforms. Moreover, a growing base high speed users and the adoption of Flash propelled the market."
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Lewis Scooter Libby Found Guilty In CIA Leak Case - Washington Post
Wow. I didn't think Libby would be found guilty, but he was. I was not paying much attention to the trial, believing that fingers would point back to the Vice President during the process.
Here's the account from the Washington Post.
Libby Found Guilty in CIA Leak Case
By Amy Goldstein and Carol D. Leonnig
Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, March 6, 2007; 12:52 PM
A federal jury today convicted I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby of lying about his role in the leak of an undercover CIA officer's identity, finding the vice president's former chief of staff guilty of two counts of perjury, one count of making false statements and one count of obstruction of justice, while acquitting him of a single count of lying to the FBI.
The verdict, reached by the 11 jurors on the 10th day of deliberations, culminated the seven-week trial of the highest-ranking White House official to be indicted on criminal charges in modern times.
VIDEO | I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby's lead attorney, Theodore V. Wells Jr., addresses the media following Tuesday's verdict in the CIA leak case.
Tuesday, March 6, 2 p.m. ET
Verdict in the Libby Trial
Criminal defense attorney Jeralyn Merritt discusses the noon verdict in the perjury trial of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, former chief of staff to Vice President Cheney.
Graphic
On the Stand
A look at witnesses in the trial of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby and their conversations about Valerie Plame and her husband, former ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV.
More on the Libby Trial
The perjury trial of Vice President Cheney's former chief of staff calls up high-profile witnesses.
Evidence Entered in Trial Government exhibits used in the trial in the format admitted in the court.
PHOTOS: Libby's Career Highlights
Indictment: U.S. v Libby
Q&A Transcript
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Under federal sentencing guidlines, Libby faces a probable prison term of 1 1/2 to three years when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton June 5.
As the jury forewoman read each guilty count in a clear, solemn voice, Libby was impassive, remaining seated at the defense table, gazing straight ahead and displaying no visible emotion. His wife, Harriet Grant, sat in the front row with tears in her eyes and was was embraced by friends. Later she hugged each of Libby's lawyers.
A few minutes after the jury was dismissed, Libby appeared coatless outside the federal courthouse with his two main lawyers, Theodore V. Wells Jr. and William Jeffress Jr. Wells issued a brief statement to the crush of reporters and television crews.
"We intend to file a motion for a new trial," Wells said. "If that is denied, we will file an appeal. We believe Mr. Libby eventually will be vindicated."
" We intend to keep fighting for his innocence," he added.
Libby and his lawyers then briskly turned away and returned to the courthouse without taking questions. The trial's outcome may have been a repudiation of the strategy that Libby's attorneys chose by not calling either Libby or Vice President Cheney, his former boss, as a witness.
Libby, 56, was the only person charged in a three-year federal investigation that reached the highest echelons of the Bush White House. The central question in the probe was whether anyone in the administration illegally disclosed classified information during the late spring and early summer of 2003, when they told several journalists that an early critic of the Iraq war was married to undercover CIA officer Valerie Plame.
No one was ever charged with the leak, but the results of the investigation, led by Special Counsel Patrick J. Fitzgerald, ultimately tarnished both the administration and the Washington press corps.
The trial revolved around whether Libby deliberately lied about--or simply was too busy toremember correctly--several conversations he had about Plame with colleagues and reporters whenhe was questioned months later by FBI agents and a federal grand jury investigating the leak.
Source: Jets reach preliminary agreement to get Bears RB Jones THIS IS BIG FOR GANG GREEN-See Below
BY TOM ROCK AND BOB GLAUBER-Newsday
The Jets still have not signed any free agents during this offseason period that began Friday, but yesterday they took a huge step toward improving one of their weakest spots.
Instead of trying to keep up with the Joneses through free agency, they went out and got their own Jones.
The Jets have reached an agreement with the Bears to acquire running back Thomas Jones in a move that is contingent on his passing a physical and agreeing to a contract extension, a team source confirmed to Newsday last night. The trade could be completed today.
If the deal goes through, the Jets will receive Jones, who is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, along with the Bears' second-round pick (63rd overall) in exchange for the higher of their two second-round picks (37th overall), according to the source. The Jets acquired that pick in a deal with the Redskins and would retain their own second-round pick, 59th overall.
Jones had one year left on his contract with the Bears and was due to earn $2.75 million in 2007. If the Jets sign Jones, it likely will be for terms similar to the five-year, $25-million deal Travis Henry signed with the Broncos as an unrestricted free agent yesterday.
Jones was unhappy with the Bears when they picked Cedric Benson in the 2005 draft - he even skipped some offseason training with the team in protest before the 2006 season - but his discontent did not show up in his production. He ran for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns on 296 carries as the Bears advanced to the Super Bowl this past season and had 1,335 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 314 carries in 2005.
A first-round pick by the Cardinals in 2000, he did not begin to flourish until he arrived in Chicago and ran for 948 yards in 2004. He has averaged 4.0 yards per carry in his career.
The Jets struggled to replace injured Curtis Martin in 2006, eventually settling on a committee of backs, and averaged 108 rushing yards per game during the regular season. That ranked 20th; only the Ravens averaged fewer rushing yards and still made the playoffs.
In recent weeks, the Jets released Derrick Blaylock and Kevan Barlow, who once were considered capable of carrying the Jets' running game but were, by season's end, inactive due to coaching decisions.
The Jets will have second-year back Leon Washington and third-year player Cedric Houston to share the load with Thomas if the trade is completed. Washington showed game-breaking moves in his rookie season, but at 5-8, 202 pounds, there is doubt he can be an every-down running back.
Jones is listed at 5-10, 220 pounds. He'll be 29 years old when the 2007 regular season opens.
The deal would leave the Bears with Benson as their top running back. Benson injured his left knee in the first quarter of Super Bowl XLI last month and has 919 career rushing yards in his two NFL seasons.
And My Slant: People had said that the Jets were awfully quiet in not signing any big names in free agency so far. Well here is a blockbuster trade. Jones brings them a legitimate 20+ carry a game runner, which they lacked without Curtis Martin.
Ok, so he is 28 heading for 29. He still has at least 2-3 good years left infront of him barring serious injury, and the Jets have built an offensive line that will block for him. The competition is only getting stronger in the AFC east......
BY TOM ROCK AND BOB GLAUBER-Newsday
The Jets still have not signed any free agents during this offseason period that began Friday, but yesterday they took a huge step toward improving one of their weakest spots.
Instead of trying to keep up with the Joneses through free agency, they went out and got their own Jones.
The Jets have reached an agreement with the Bears to acquire running back Thomas Jones in a move that is contingent on his passing a physical and agreeing to a contract extension, a team source confirmed to Newsday last night. The trade could be completed today.
If the deal goes through, the Jets will receive Jones, who is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, along with the Bears' second-round pick (63rd overall) in exchange for the higher of their two second-round picks (37th overall), according to the source. The Jets acquired that pick in a deal with the Redskins and would retain their own second-round pick, 59th overall.
Jones had one year left on his contract with the Bears and was due to earn $2.75 million in 2007. If the Jets sign Jones, it likely will be for terms similar to the five-year, $25-million deal Travis Henry signed with the Broncos as an unrestricted free agent yesterday.
Jones was unhappy with the Bears when they picked Cedric Benson in the 2005 draft - he even skipped some offseason training with the team in protest before the 2006 season - but his discontent did not show up in his production. He ran for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns on 296 carries as the Bears advanced to the Super Bowl this past season and had 1,335 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 314 carries in 2005.
A first-round pick by the Cardinals in 2000, he did not begin to flourish until he arrived in Chicago and ran for 948 yards in 2004. He has averaged 4.0 yards per carry in his career.
The Jets struggled to replace injured Curtis Martin in 2006, eventually settling on a committee of backs, and averaged 108 rushing yards per game during the regular season. That ranked 20th; only the Ravens averaged fewer rushing yards and still made the playoffs.
In recent weeks, the Jets released Derrick Blaylock and Kevan Barlow, who once were considered capable of carrying the Jets' running game but were, by season's end, inactive due to coaching decisions.
The Jets will have second-year back Leon Washington and third-year player Cedric Houston to share the load with Thomas if the trade is completed. Washington showed game-breaking moves in his rookie season, but at 5-8, 202 pounds, there is doubt he can be an every-down running back.
Jones is listed at 5-10, 220 pounds. He'll be 29 years old when the 2007 regular season opens.
The deal would leave the Bears with Benson as their top running back. Benson injured his left knee in the first quarter of Super Bowl XLI last month and has 919 career rushing yards in his two NFL seasons.
And My Slant: People had said that the Jets were awfully quiet in not signing any big names in free agency so far. Well here is a blockbuster trade. Jones brings them a legitimate 20+ carry a game runner, which they lacked without Curtis Martin.
Ok, so he is 28 heading for 29. He still has at least 2-3 good years left infront of him barring serious injury, and the Jets have built an offensive line that will block for him. The competition is only getting stronger in the AFC east......
NY Jets Trade 2nd Rd. Pick for Bears RB Thomas Jones
Source: Jets reach preliminary agreement to get Bears RB Jones THIS IS BIG FOR GANG GREEN-See Below
BY TOM ROCK AND BOB GLAUBER-Newsday
The Jets still have not signed any free agents during this offseason period that began Friday, but yesterday they took a huge step toward improving one of their weakest spots.
Instead of trying to keep up with the Joneses through free agency, they went out and got their own Jones.
The Jets have reached an agreement with the Bears to acquire running back Thomas Jones in a move that is contingent on his passing a physical and agreeing to a contract extension, a team source confirmed to Newsday last night. The trade could be completed today.
If the deal goes through, the Jets will receive Jones, who is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, along with the Bears' second-round pick (63rd overall) in exchange for the higher of their two second-round picks (37th overall), according to the source. The Jets acquired that pick in a deal with the Redskins and would retain their own second-round pick, 59th overall.
Jones had one year left on his contract with the Bears and was due to earn $2.75 million in 2007. If the Jets sign Jones, it likely will be for terms similar to the five-year, $25-million deal Travis Henry signed with the Broncos as an unrestricted free agent yesterday.
Jones was unhappy with the Bears when they picked Cedric Benson in the 2005 draft - he even skipped some offseason training with the team in protest before the 2006 season - but his discontent did not show up in his production. He ran for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns on 296 carries as the Bears advanced to the Super Bowl this past season and had 1,335 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 314 carries in 2005.
A first-round pick by the Cardinals in 2000, he did not begin to flourish until he arrived in Chicago and ran for 948 yards in 2004. He has averaged 4.0 yards per carry in his career.
The Jets struggled to replace injured Curtis Martin in 2006, eventually settling on a committee of backs, and averaged 108 rushing yards per game during the regular season. That ranked 20th; only the Ravens averaged fewer rushing yards and still made the playoffs.
In recent weeks, the Jets released Derrick Blaylock and Kevan Barlow, who once were considered capable of carrying the Jets' running game but were, by season's end, inactive due to coaching decisions.
The Jets will have second-year back Leon Washington and third-year player Cedric Houston to share the load with Thomas if the trade is completed. Washington showed game-breaking moves in his rookie season, but at 5-8, 202 pounds, there is doubt he can be an every-down running back.
Jones is listed at 5-10, 220 pounds. He'll be 29 years old when the 2007 regular season opens.
The deal would leave the Bears with Benson as their top running back. Benson injured his left knee in the first quarter of Super Bowl XLI last month and has 919 career rushing yards in his two NFL seasons.
And My Slant: People had said that the Jets were awfully quiet in not signing any big names in free agency so far. Well here is a blockbuster trade. Jones brings them a legitimate 20+ carry a game runner, which they lacked without Curtis Martin.
Ok, so he is 28 heading for 29. He still has at least 2-3 good years left infront of him barring serious injury, and the Jets have built an offensive line that will block for him. The competition is only getting stronger in the AFC east......
BY TOM ROCK AND BOB GLAUBER-Newsday
The Jets still have not signed any free agents during this offseason period that began Friday, but yesterday they took a huge step toward improving one of their weakest spots.
Instead of trying to keep up with the Joneses through free agency, they went out and got their own Jones.
The Jets have reached an agreement with the Bears to acquire running back Thomas Jones in a move that is contingent on his passing a physical and agreeing to a contract extension, a team source confirmed to Newsday last night. The trade could be completed today.
If the deal goes through, the Jets will receive Jones, who is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, along with the Bears' second-round pick (63rd overall) in exchange for the higher of their two second-round picks (37th overall), according to the source. The Jets acquired that pick in a deal with the Redskins and would retain their own second-round pick, 59th overall.
Jones had one year left on his contract with the Bears and was due to earn $2.75 million in 2007. If the Jets sign Jones, it likely will be for terms similar to the five-year, $25-million deal Travis Henry signed with the Broncos as an unrestricted free agent yesterday.
Jones was unhappy with the Bears when they picked Cedric Benson in the 2005 draft - he even skipped some offseason training with the team in protest before the 2006 season - but his discontent did not show up in his production. He ran for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns on 296 carries as the Bears advanced to the Super Bowl this past season and had 1,335 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 314 carries in 2005.
A first-round pick by the Cardinals in 2000, he did not begin to flourish until he arrived in Chicago and ran for 948 yards in 2004. He has averaged 4.0 yards per carry in his career.
The Jets struggled to replace injured Curtis Martin in 2006, eventually settling on a committee of backs, and averaged 108 rushing yards per game during the regular season. That ranked 20th; only the Ravens averaged fewer rushing yards and still made the playoffs.
In recent weeks, the Jets released Derrick Blaylock and Kevan Barlow, who once were considered capable of carrying the Jets' running game but were, by season's end, inactive due to coaching decisions.
The Jets will have second-year back Leon Washington and third-year player Cedric Houston to share the load with Thomas if the trade is completed. Washington showed game-breaking moves in his rookie season, but at 5-8, 202 pounds, there is doubt he can be an every-down running back.
Jones is listed at 5-10, 220 pounds. He'll be 29 years old when the 2007 regular season opens.
The deal would leave the Bears with Benson as their top running back. Benson injured his left knee in the first quarter of Super Bowl XLI last month and has 919 career rushing yards in his two NFL seasons.
And My Slant: People had said that the Jets were awfully quiet in not signing any big names in free agency so far. Well here is a blockbuster trade. Jones brings them a legitimate 20+ carry a game runner, which they lacked without Curtis Martin.
Ok, so he is 28 heading for 29. He still has at least 2-3 good years left infront of him barring serious injury, and the Jets have built an offensive line that will block for him. The competition is only getting stronger in the AFC east......
Delta Zeta Cover-Up For DePauw University Actions
Rather than take back the DePauw University members they rejected, the Delta Zeta national headquaters put up
this appology on their website, followed by attempts to spin the story.
It's pretty ridiculous what they've done, but this web bit of PR is terrible.
this appology on their website, followed by attempts to spin the story.
It's pretty ridiculous what they've done, but this web bit of PR is terrible.
Collins Returns to Titans as Back up
Collins Coming Back to Titans-See my end notes
By Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Veteran quarterback Kerry Collins, who began last season as Tennessee's starter, re-signed with the Titans on Monday as the backup to Vince Young.
A 12-year NFL veteran, Collins started the first three games for the Titans last season, before Young took over, throwing just one touchdown pass with six interceptions. He was replaced by Young, the third overall pick in the draft.
"A veteran quarterback that understands his role and that can be a sounding board for a young quarterback is a special commodity and one of great value for both Vince and this team," general manager Mike Reinfeldt said in a statement.
Collins said he's looking forward to continuing to play with Coach Jeff Fisher and offensive coordinator Norm Chow.
Over his career, Collins has started 148 games and thrown for 34,188 yards and 174 touchdowns. He ranks fifth in career passing yards among active NFL quarterbacks.
The fifth overall pick in the 1995 draft by the Carolina Panthers, Collins also played for New Orleans, the New York Giants and Oakland. His best years were with the Giants, who he quarterbacked to the Super Bowl after the 2000 season.
The Titans also released veteran tight end Erron Kinney.
Kerry returns to Nashville! Many might say WHY? But it's clear why. The $$$ he will make with little effort. Trouble is, he was in a similar situation in teh spring of 2004 just after the Giants made thedraft day deal for Eli Manning. Back then, Kerry didn't want to be a back-up, so he left for Oakland. Sorry to say that was a mistake for the Raiders and for Kerry. So now three years later,..it's ok to be Vince Young's back up. Sorry if that sounds Homer-ish. Unless Collins is another one of those players who took one look at the "Breath of Fresh Air" that was and is Tom Coughlin and said "NOT ME"
By Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Veteran quarterback Kerry Collins, who began last season as Tennessee's starter, re-signed with the Titans on Monday as the backup to Vince Young.
A 12-year NFL veteran, Collins started the first three games for the Titans last season, before Young took over, throwing just one touchdown pass with six interceptions. He was replaced by Young, the third overall pick in the draft.
"A veteran quarterback that understands his role and that can be a sounding board for a young quarterback is a special commodity and one of great value for both Vince and this team," general manager Mike Reinfeldt said in a statement.
Collins said he's looking forward to continuing to play with Coach Jeff Fisher and offensive coordinator Norm Chow.
Over his career, Collins has started 148 games and thrown for 34,188 yards and 174 touchdowns. He ranks fifth in career passing yards among active NFL quarterbacks.
The fifth overall pick in the 1995 draft by the Carolina Panthers, Collins also played for New Orleans, the New York Giants and Oakland. His best years were with the Giants, who he quarterbacked to the Super Bowl after the 2000 season.
The Titans also released veteran tight end Erron Kinney.
Kerry returns to Nashville! Many might say WHY? But it's clear why. The $$$ he will make with little effort. Trouble is, he was in a similar situation in teh spring of 2004 just after the Giants made thedraft day deal for Eli Manning. Back then, Kerry didn't want to be a back-up, so he left for Oakland. Sorry to say that was a mistake for the Raiders and for Kerry. So now three years later,..it's ok to be Vince Young's back up. Sorry if that sounds Homer-ish. Unless Collins is another one of those players who took one look at the "Breath of Fresh Air" that was and is Tom Coughlin and said "NOT ME"
Delta Zeta At DePauw University Eliminates Women Who Are Overweight, Studious
Delta Zeta should be kicked off the campus. Period. They've just damaged the self-esteem of these young women.
Sorority Evictions Raise Issue of Looks and Bias
By SAM DILLON
Published: February 25, 2007
Andrew Hancock for The New York Times
GREENCASTLE, Ind. — When a psychology professor at DePauw University here surveyed students, they described one sorority as a group of “daddy’s little princesses” and another as “offbeat hippies.” The sisters of Delta Zeta were seen as “socially awkward.”
Women at DePauw University in Indiana who were either asked to leave the Delta Zeta house or resigned in protest hold a sorority photo.
Andrew Hancock for The New York Times
Elizabeth Haneline, who was among those evicted, said, “The Greek system hasn’t changed at all, but instead of racism, it’s image now.”
Worried that a negative stereotype of the sorority was contributing to a decline in membership that had left its Greek-columned house here half empty, Delta Zeta’s national officers interviewed 35 DePauw members in November, quizzing them about their dedication to recruitment. They judged 23 of the women insufficiently committed and later told them to vacate the sorority house.
The 23 members included every woman who was overweight. They also included the only Korean and Vietnamese members. The dozen students allowed to stay were slender and popular with fraternity men — conventionally pretty women the sorority hoped could attract new recruits. Six of the 12 were so infuriated they quit.
“Virtually everyone who didn’t fit a certain sorority member archetype was told to leave,” said Kate Holloway, a senior who withdrew from the chapter during its reorganization.
“I sensed the disrespect with which this was to be carried out and got fed up,” Ms. Holloway added. “I didn’t have room in my life for these women to come in and tell my sisters of three years that they weren’t needed.”
Ms. Holloway is not the only angry one. The reorganization has left a messy aftermath of recrimination and tears on this rural campus of 2,400 students, 50 miles southwest of Indianapolis.
The mass eviction battered the self-esteem of many of the former sorority members, and some withdrew from classes in depression. There have been student protests, outraged letters from alumni and parents, and a faculty petition calling the sorority’s action unethical.
DePauw’s president, Robert G. Bottoms, issued a two-page letter of reprimand to the sorority. In an interview in his office, Dr. Bottoms said he had been stunned by the sorority’s insensitivity.
“I had no hint they were going to disrupt the chapter with a membership reduction of this proportion in the middle of the year,” he said. “It’s been very upsetting.”
The president of Delta Zeta, which has its headquarters in Oxford, Ohio, and its other national officers declined to be interviewed. Responding by e-mail to questions, Cynthia Winslow Menges, the executive director, said the sorority had not evicted the 23 women, even though the national officers sent those women form letters that said: “The membership review team has recommended you for alumna status. Chapter members receiving alumnae status should plan to relocate from the chapter house no later than Jan. 29, 2007.”
Ms. Menges asserted that the women themselves had, in effect, made their own decisions to leave by demonstrating a lack of commitment to meet recruitment goals. The sorority paid each woman who left $300 to cover the difference between sorority and campus housing.
The sorority “is saddened that the isolated incident at DePauw has been mischaracterized,” Ms. Menges wrote. Asked for clarification, the sorority’s public relations representative e-mailed a statement saying its actions were aimed at the “enrichment of student life at DePauw.”
This is not the first time that the DePauw chapter of Delta Zeta has stirred controversy. In 1982, it attracted national attention when a black student was not allowed to join, provoking accusations of racial discrimination.
Earlier this month, an Alabama lawyer and several other DePauw alumni who graduated in 1970 described in a letter to The DePauw, the student newspaper, how Delta Zeta’s national leadership had tried unsuccessfully to block a young woman with a black father and a white mother from joining its DePauw chapter in 1967.
Despite those incidents, the chapter appears to have been home to a diverse community over the years, partly because it has attracted brainy women, including many science and math majors, as well as talented disabled women, without focusing as exclusively as some sororities on potential recruits’ sex appeal, former sorority members said.
Sorority Evictions Raise Issue of Looks and Bias
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Published: February 25, 2007
Correction Appended
(Page 2 of 2)
“I had a sister I could go to a bar with if I had boy problems,” said Erin Swisshelm, a junior biochemistry major who withdrew from the sorority in October. “I had a sister I could talk about religion with. I had a sister I could be nerdy about science with. That’s why I liked Delta Zeta, because I had all these amazing women around me.”
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Andrew Hancock for The New York Times
Rachel Pappas, former chapter secretary, discussing the events in class. At a rally, she said national leaders had misrepresented the truth.
But over the years DePauw students had attached a negative stereotype to the chapter, as evidenced by the survey that Pam Propsom, a psychology professor, conducts each year in her class. That image had hurt recruitment, and the national officers had repeatedly warned the chapter that unless its membership increased, the chapter could close.
At the start of the fall term the national office was especially determined to raise recruitment because 2009 is the 100th anniversary of the DePauw chapter’s founding. In September, Ms. Menges and Kathi Heatherly, a national vice president of the sorority, visited the chapter to announce a reorganization plan they said would include an interview with each woman about her commitment. The women were urged to look their best for the interviews.
The tone left four women so unsettled that they withdrew from the chapter almost immediately.
Robin Lamkin, a junior who is an editor at The DePauw and was one of the 23 women evicted, said many of her sisters bought new outfits and modeled them for each other before the interviews. Many women declared their willingness to recruit diligently, Ms. Lamkin said.
A few days after the interviews, national representatives took over the house to hold a recruiting event. They asked most members to stay upstairs in their rooms. To welcome freshmen downstairs, they assembled a team that included several of the women eventually asked to stay in the sorority, along with some slender women invited from the sorority’s chapter at Indiana University, Ms. Holloway said.
“They had these unassuming freshman girls downstairs with these plastic women from Indiana University, and 25 of my sisters hiding upstairs,” she said. “It was so fake, so completely dehumanized. I said, ‘This calls for a little joke.’ ”
Ms. Holloway put on a wig and some John Lennon rose-colored glasses, burst through the front door and skipped around singing, “Ooooh! Delta Zeta!” and other chants.
The face of one of the national representatives, she recalled, “was like I’d run over her puppy with my car.”
The national representatives announced their decisions in the form letters, delivered on Dec. 2, which said that Delta Zeta intended to increase membership to 95 by the 2009 anniversary, and that it would recruit using a “core group of women.”
Elizabeth Haneline, a senior computer science major who was among those evicted, returned to the house that afternoon and found some women in tears. Even the chapter’s president had been kicked out, Ms. Haneline said, while “other women who had done almost nothing for the chapter were asked to stay.”
Six of the 12 women who were asked to stay left the sorority, including Joanna Kieschnick, a sophomore majoring in English literature. “They said, ‘You’re not good enough’ to so many people who have put their heart and soul into this chapter that I can’t stay,” she said.
In the months since, Cynthia Babington, DePauw’s dean of students, has fielded angry calls from parents, she said. Robert Hershberger, chairman of the modern languages department, circulated the faculty petition; 55 professors signed it.
“We were especially troubled that the women they expelled were less about image and more about academic achievement and social service,” Dr. Hershberger said.
During rush activities this month, 11 first-year students accepted invitations to join Delta Zeta, but only three have sought membership.
On Feb. 2, Rachel Pappas, a junior who is the chapter’s former secretary, printed 200 posters calling on students to gather that afternoon at the student union. About 50 students showed up and heard Ms. Pappas say the sorority’s national leaders had misrepresented the truth when they asserted they had evicted women for lack of commitment.
“The injustice of the lies,” she said, “is contemptible.”
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