I'm certain the problem is that "Team Bush" is asking for quarterback-level dollars -- something like a $50 million signing bonus and $70 million contract -- and the Texans aren't going to pay that. So, enter Mario Williams. For draft first-timers, it's not the first time a defensive player would be picked number one. The Dallas Cowboys did it with Russell Maryland.
April 18, 2006, 11:28PM
ON PRO FOOTBALL
Flirtations before draft make Houston spin city
By JOHN MCCLAIN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
The Texans insist there's no guarantee they will use the first pick in the draft on running back Reggie Bush.
The Texans swear that those of us who believe Bush's name will be the first called by commissioner Paul Tagliabue on April 29 could end up being terribly wrong.
When team executives talk so glowingly about defensive end Mario Williams, they do so almost in unison, as if they're reading from a script.
You point out to them that they invited Williams to visit them one day after Bush and agent Joel Segal left town. You mention that even though both sides insist money was never brought up while Bush and Segal were in town, rumors are circulating that the agent mentioned figures so preposterous that they called Williams the next day.
Merely coincidences, the Texans claim. They say they really are as enamored of Williams as they are of Bush. They say they think both will be superstars. They insist that coming down the stretch, Williams has closed the gap with Bush, and it's a dead heat.
They also know hardly anyone believes them. And they're right.
Most of us can accept taking Bush over Vince Young. Bush has impeccable credentials. He's instant excitement. He has take-your-breath-away speed and quickness, and every time he touches the ball he's capable of scoring. And Bush has the fear factor in his favor. When the huddle breaks, the defense has to account for him all over the field.
Big and speedy
The Texans agree, but they counter that Williams (6-7, 295) runs a 4.70 40-yard dash, bench-presses 18-wheelers and has other impeccable credentials. When the ball's snapped, he's instant excitement, too. Just imagine him bearing down on Peyton Manning. Just imagine the kind of rush Williams will provide.
Yeah, but Williams doesn't score touchdowns. Bush will score a lot more than Williams prevents.
Still, during peak smoke-
screen season, when we know team executives around the league are lying because their lips are moving — what if the Texans are telling the truth?
What if coach Gary Kubiak really does believe Williams is the best prospect in the draft? Not the best defensive prospect, which everyone agrees on, but the best prospect overall. Perhaps even one of the best ever.
Kubiak loves to watch tape of players. When he hits the pause button, perhaps he leans back and thinks, "Would I rather use my first draft choice as a head coach on the next Reggie White or the next Barry Sanders?"
After leaving Philadelphia, White helped turn around a franchise and won a Super Bowl ring with Green Bay.
Sanders was one of the greatest and most exciting runners in history, but the closest he got to the Super Bowl was a big-screen television.
Still, White wouldn't have won a Super Bowl without Brett Favre. Perhaps Sanders would be wearing a Super Bowl ring if he had played with White or Favre.
Good predicament
The Texans say they're torn right now. And they say it with a straight face. When they say it, their fingers aren't crossed. Their toes aren't, either.
Perhaps owner Bob McNair really was serious last week when he said the Texans believe Williams can make the same kind of impact on defense that Bush can make on offense.
Williams plays the position that's ticketed for Anthony Weaver, the most expensive free agent signed this offseason.
But Williams is so good he can play the right side. In passing situations, imagine a scenario where Williams would move to left end when Weaver moved inside. Antwan Peek would come off the bench.
Bush, of course, could line up in the I-formation or one- and two-back sets. He also could line up at wide receiver or in the slot.
He can also return kickoffs and punts, which Williams can't do. At least, we don't think he can.
So this is what we've come to: Bush vs. Williams instead of Bush vs. Young.
Decisions, decisions.
No matter how much the Texans insist they've fallen in love with Williams and that it's not just a spring fling, here's something we can't get beyond: that the Texans' interest in Williams will disappear if Segal calls and says something like, "I really would like to get this deal done before the draft so Reggie and I can parade around Manhattan next week like a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade."
John McClain covers the Texans and the NFL for the Chronicle. john.mcclain@chron.com.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Bush' Press Secretary Scott McClellan Gives Up - Washington Post
These actions don't just happen without reason. Scott became the whipping boy for President Bush and it's certain the resultant stress took its toll. His meetings with the press became battles, and it seemed clear he was not able to separate business from personal response. He will no go down as the best press secretary, but certainly the most combative.
McClellan Out as White House Press Secretary
Karl Rove Gives Up Policy Oversight to Focus on 2006 Elections
By Fred Barbash and Jim VandeHei
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, April 19, 2006; 10:21 AM
White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan announced his resignation this morning and President's Bush's longtime adviser Karl Rove is scaling back his responsibilities.
It was the third major change at the White House in the past few weeks and perhaps the most visible to the public, as McClellan is the most televised face of the administration through his often-combative daily briefings.
McClellan's resignation was not unexpected.
Rove, who was named a deputy chief of staff for policy after Bush's second election, will leave that post to spend more time on politics as the mid-term elections approach. He is expected to be replaced by Joel Kaplan, who now serves as deputy White House budget director.
Appearing with Bush on the White House South Lawn just before the president left for a trip to Alabama, McClellan told Bush: "I have given it my all sir and I have given you my all sir, and I will continue to do so as we transition to a new press secretary."
Bush thanked McClellan for "a job well done."
"I thought he handled his assignment with class, integrity," Bush said. "It's going to be hard to replace Scott, but nevertheless he made the decision and I accepted it. One of these days, he and I are going to be rocking in chairs in Texas and talking about the good old days."
Earlier today, Bush, concerned about a dangerous "vacuum" in Iraq, once again prodded Iraq's political leadership to put a "government in place" soon.
"We fully recognize that the Iraqis must step up and form a unity government, so that those who went to the polls to vote recognize that a government will be in place to respond to their needs. . . .
"We also recognize that vacuums in the political process create opportunity for malfeasance and harm," he said.
Bush commented after meeting with four governors who recently returned from a trip to Iraq. The governors included Jeb Bush, Republican of Florida and the president's brother; Tom Vilsack, Democrat of Iowa; Mitch Daniels, Republican of Indiana and former director of the White House budget office; and Joe Manchin III, Democrat of West Virginia.
Four months of haggling among Iraqi politicians have now passed since the country went to the polls to choose elected representatives, who were, in turn, supposed to choose a government.
The 275-member assembly had been scheduled to meet Monday but agreed to a delay so that Shiites could resolve the continuing dispute over who will be prime minister.
Staff writer Bill Brubaker contributed to this story .
Duke Lacrosse Scandal - First Arrests Made
The Prosecutor seeks 3rd suspect in Duke rape case
Two lacrosse players charged with rape, kidnapping
Wednesday, April 19, 2006; Posted: 1:38 a.m. EDT (05:38 GMT)
DURHAM, North Carolina (CNN) -- Two Duke University lacrosse team members were charged Tuesday in the rape of a woman hired to dance at a team party, and the district attorney is trying to determine the identity of a third suspect.
Reade Seligmann and Collin Finnerty, both sophomores, are charged with first-degree forcible rape, first-degree sexual offense and kidnapping, officials said.
District Attorney Mike Nifong said authorities were trying to gather sufficient evidence to identity a third suspect. (Two Duke students surrender -- 2:10)
"It had been my hope to be able to charge all three of the assailants at the same time, but the evidence available to me at this moment does not permit that," Nifong said.
"It is important that we not only bring the assailants to justice but also that we lift the cloud of suspicion from those team members who were not involved in the assault."
Kirk Osborn, one of Seligmann's attorneys, said lawyers arranged the surrender of the two men early Tuesday.
"It's hard to put in words the unfairness and injustice," Osborn said. "We look forward [to] showing he is absolutely innocent as soon as we can." (Watch as CNN's Jeffrey Toobin explains what will happen to the two students -- 2:15)
Another defense attorney, Bill Thomas, called the indictments "absolutely outrageous."
"The two that they indicted had no contact with this woman whatsoever," he said. "We are shocked, absolutely shocked. We always thought she would pick out someone who at least had a conversation with her."
Sources close to the investigation said Tuesday that the defense will present evidence -- including ATM receipts -- that neither Seligmann, 20, nor Finnerty, 19, were at the team party at the time the alleged rape took place.
A cab driver allegedly carried one of the young men to an ATM, where a security camera captured his picture, the sources said, and the other man was reportedly at a restaurant.
Deputies brought the two men to Durham County jail before 5 a.m. ET Tuesday, and they were fingerprinted and photographed.
Seligmann waived his right to appear in court and was represented by his attorneys. Finnerty made a brief court appearance. Both men posted $400,000 bail. Their next court date is May 15.
Upon leaving jail, Seligmann ran with another man to a Ford Explorer with New Jersey license plates, The (Raleigh) News & Observer reported. The vehicle then ran a red light, according to the paper.
The newspaper identified Seligmann's hometown as Essex Fells, New Jersey, and Finnerty's as Garden City, New York.
In November, Finnerty was arrested on assault charges in Washington, according to the paper. Citing his attorney, the paper said Finnerty had been ordered to perform community service and the charges would be dropped if he performs the service and avoids new arrests.
A grand jury in North Carolina returned sealed indictments Monday against Seligmann and Finnerty.
A 27-year-old student at North Carolina Central University told police three men raped and beat her March 13 at an off-campus party thrown by Duke lacrosse players.
She and another woman were hired to perform as dancers there. The case has inflamed racial and economic divisions in Durham, which is home to both the accuser's historically black public university and the elite Duke. She is African-American; the accused are white.
On Tuesday, the woman's cousin said the indictments brought some degree of vindication. "We just want to let her know we're there for her, because she's been afraid to talk to so many people for so long," said Jackie, whose last name was withheld to protect the accuser's identity.
"She's a very sweet girl. She's very humble. She's the youngest of three, very quiet," the cousin said.
"She's your average 27-year-old trying to take care of her family," she added, referring to the woman's two children.
Court documents filed in the case have said a medical examination of the accuser showed signs consistent with sexual assault. DNA samples from the players failed to match material collected by investigators, defense attorneys hired by some of the players said last week.
The defense lawyers also said photos taken at the party show the woman was injured before she arrived.
The allegations have resulted in the cancellation of the lacrosse season, the resignation of the team's coach, Mike Pressler, and public scrutiny of what Duke President Richard Brodhead called the "history of boorish behavior and underage drinking" among players.
Duke's athletics director, Joe Alleva, had warned Pressler to get his team "in line" following a high-level review of disciplinary records last year, The (Durham) Herald-Sun quoted Alleva as saying Monday.
The paper also quoted the dean of students, Sue Wasiolek, as saying her office had compiled a "disproportionate" number of violations and that about half the team had been cited for alcohol violations and disruptive conduct.
Two lacrosse players charged with rape, kidnapping
Wednesday, April 19, 2006; Posted: 1:38 a.m. EDT (05:38 GMT)
DURHAM, North Carolina (CNN) -- Two Duke University lacrosse team members were charged Tuesday in the rape of a woman hired to dance at a team party, and the district attorney is trying to determine the identity of a third suspect.
Reade Seligmann and Collin Finnerty, both sophomores, are charged with first-degree forcible rape, first-degree sexual offense and kidnapping, officials said.
District Attorney Mike Nifong said authorities were trying to gather sufficient evidence to identity a third suspect. (Two Duke students surrender -- 2:10)
"It had been my hope to be able to charge all three of the assailants at the same time, but the evidence available to me at this moment does not permit that," Nifong said.
"It is important that we not only bring the assailants to justice but also that we lift the cloud of suspicion from those team members who were not involved in the assault."
Kirk Osborn, one of Seligmann's attorneys, said lawyers arranged the surrender of the two men early Tuesday.
"It's hard to put in words the unfairness and injustice," Osborn said. "We look forward [to] showing he is absolutely innocent as soon as we can." (Watch as CNN's Jeffrey Toobin explains what will happen to the two students -- 2:15)
Another defense attorney, Bill Thomas, called the indictments "absolutely outrageous."
"The two that they indicted had no contact with this woman whatsoever," he said. "We are shocked, absolutely shocked. We always thought she would pick out someone who at least had a conversation with her."
Sources close to the investigation said Tuesday that the defense will present evidence -- including ATM receipts -- that neither Seligmann, 20, nor Finnerty, 19, were at the team party at the time the alleged rape took place.
A cab driver allegedly carried one of the young men to an ATM, where a security camera captured his picture, the sources said, and the other man was reportedly at a restaurant.
Deputies brought the two men to Durham County jail before 5 a.m. ET Tuesday, and they were fingerprinted and photographed.
Seligmann waived his right to appear in court and was represented by his attorneys. Finnerty made a brief court appearance. Both men posted $400,000 bail. Their next court date is May 15.
Upon leaving jail, Seligmann ran with another man to a Ford Explorer with New Jersey license plates, The (Raleigh) News & Observer reported. The vehicle then ran a red light, according to the paper.
The newspaper identified Seligmann's hometown as Essex Fells, New Jersey, and Finnerty's as Garden City, New York.
In November, Finnerty was arrested on assault charges in Washington, according to the paper. Citing his attorney, the paper said Finnerty had been ordered to perform community service and the charges would be dropped if he performs the service and avoids new arrests.
A grand jury in North Carolina returned sealed indictments Monday against Seligmann and Finnerty.
A 27-year-old student at North Carolina Central University told police three men raped and beat her March 13 at an off-campus party thrown by Duke lacrosse players.
She and another woman were hired to perform as dancers there. The case has inflamed racial and economic divisions in Durham, which is home to both the accuser's historically black public university and the elite Duke. She is African-American; the accused are white.
On Tuesday, the woman's cousin said the indictments brought some degree of vindication. "We just want to let her know we're there for her, because she's been afraid to talk to so many people for so long," said Jackie, whose last name was withheld to protect the accuser's identity.
"She's a very sweet girl. She's very humble. She's the youngest of three, very quiet," the cousin said.
"She's your average 27-year-old trying to take care of her family," she added, referring to the woman's two children.
Court documents filed in the case have said a medical examination of the accuser showed signs consistent with sexual assault. DNA samples from the players failed to match material collected by investigators, defense attorneys hired by some of the players said last week.
The defense lawyers also said photos taken at the party show the woman was injured before she arrived.
The allegations have resulted in the cancellation of the lacrosse season, the resignation of the team's coach, Mike Pressler, and public scrutiny of what Duke President Richard Brodhead called the "history of boorish behavior and underage drinking" among players.
Duke's athletics director, Joe Alleva, had warned Pressler to get his team "in line" following a high-level review of disciplinary records last year, The (Durham) Herald-Sun quoted Alleva as saying Monday.
The paper also quoted the dean of students, Sue Wasiolek, as saying her office had compiled a "disproportionate" number of violations and that about half the team had been cited for alcohol violations and disruptive conduct.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Vince Young On His Lawyer, Major Adams "He Means So Much To Me" - An Insite Into The Importance of Trust
This shed's light on the thinking behind the formation of "Team Vince."
This is from the blog: April 15, 2006, 11:39PM
NFL NOTEBOOK
Texans have to consider buzz factor
Team knows it's Bush or Young, not Williams, who will sell tickets
By JOHN MCCLAIN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
Major league
Houston attorney Major Adams is getting a lot of frequent-flier miles traveling around the NFL with his most famous client — quarterback Vince Young.
After the Jets work out Young in Houston this week, the quarterback and Adams visit Cleveland and Minnesota.
"Major means so much to me," Young said. "He's like a father to me. We have a good time together, even when it's not just business. I'm real close to him. He's got my best interests at heart."
Young has come under a lot of criticism for selecting Adams to represent him rather than a more established agent.
"Major's been around our family so long," Young said. "He and my uncle ( Keith) grew up together. I don't know what I'd do without them.
"I feel very comfortable with Major. He and my uncle work so well together. They take great care of me. They'll protect me. They know what I want for me and my family. We're going to stick together and make this work over the long haul.
"Some of those (agents) taking shots at Major started the same way he did with one client. I hope people come to respect him. He's been in the (law) business a long time. He wanted to do something different, and I felt like I could give him an opportunity to do that.
"I'm confident that Major can do the things that need to be done for me and my family."
This is from the blog: April 15, 2006, 11:39PM
NFL NOTEBOOK
Texans have to consider buzz factor
Team knows it's Bush or Young, not Williams, who will sell tickets
By JOHN MCCLAIN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
Major league
Houston attorney Major Adams is getting a lot of frequent-flier miles traveling around the NFL with his most famous client — quarterback Vince Young.
After the Jets work out Young in Houston this week, the quarterback and Adams visit Cleveland and Minnesota.
"Major means so much to me," Young said. "He's like a father to me. We have a good time together, even when it's not just business. I'm real close to him. He's got my best interests at heart."
Young has come under a lot of criticism for selecting Adams to represent him rather than a more established agent.
"Major's been around our family so long," Young said. "He and my uncle ( Keith) grew up together. I don't know what I'd do without them.
"I feel very comfortable with Major. He and my uncle work so well together. They take great care of me. They'll protect me. They know what I want for me and my family. We're going to stick together and make this work over the long haul.
"Some of those (agents) taking shots at Major started the same way he did with one client. I hope people come to respect him. He's been in the (law) business a long time. He wanted to do something different, and I felt like I could give him an opportunity to do that.
"I'm confident that Major can do the things that need to be done for me and my family."
62 Percent Of Houston Chronicle Readers Think Texans Should Pick Reggie Bush Over Vince Young
I just saw it on the Houston Chronicle's website. It's a landside election for the USC tailback and in Vince Young's back yard, Houston.
New Blog URL: www.nflbusinessblog.com
Yep. That's the new website adress of this blog. It's easier to remember than the other one.
So, bookmark www.nflbusinessblog.com
So, bookmark www.nflbusinessblog.com
A Great And Happy Easter Sunday!
I had a great and happy Easter Sunday, even if I was more than a little sluggish.
It started out with good intentions in that I was either going to brunch with my friend Cherie and others or she and I were going to my friend KJ's party on Angel Island. Well, the rain played a role in that I thought it was going to terminate the island party, but didn't get word it was still on until late. By then, Cherie went to the brunch.
After I got the word, I kind of lazed around because I'd found the movie "The Wedding Crashers" which was funny, but weirdly paced. It was fast, fast, then slowed way down and kind of lost me in the change. Not constant at all.
The other thing that kind of stalled me as well, was the sight of this lovely athletic woman on Grand Avenue. Since I'm not seriously hooked up with anyone right now, I can report this with one word: Wow.
She was wearing just leotards and walking briskly toward Lake Merritt, cut and muscularly shapely legs pumping, and everyone was looking at her. It was hilarious. As she walked by I had to ask how she maintaned her body; "I do some of everything," she said. Boy, I'll say.
Ok. Enought of that.
The Angel Island party was too fun and afterward we went to a yacht club bar next to the Tiburon Cove where the ferries and boats come in.
Later than evening, Cherie and I saw Spike Lee's "The Inside Man." A totally excellent film, seen with a totally excellent person.
It started out with good intentions in that I was either going to brunch with my friend Cherie and others or she and I were going to my friend KJ's party on Angel Island. Well, the rain played a role in that I thought it was going to terminate the island party, but didn't get word it was still on until late. By then, Cherie went to the brunch.
After I got the word, I kind of lazed around because I'd found the movie "The Wedding Crashers" which was funny, but weirdly paced. It was fast, fast, then slowed way down and kind of lost me in the change. Not constant at all.
The other thing that kind of stalled me as well, was the sight of this lovely athletic woman on Grand Avenue. Since I'm not seriously hooked up with anyone right now, I can report this with one word: Wow.
She was wearing just leotards and walking briskly toward Lake Merritt, cut and muscularly shapely legs pumping, and everyone was looking at her. It was hilarious. As she walked by I had to ask how she maintaned her body; "I do some of everything," she said. Boy, I'll say.
Ok. Enought of that.
The Angel Island party was too fun and afterward we went to a yacht club bar next to the Tiburon Cove where the ferries and boats come in.
Later than evening, Cherie and I saw Spike Lee's "The Inside Man." A totally excellent film, seen with a totally excellent person.
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