Thursday, March 08, 2007

Browns Ink Jamal Lewis and Other FA News

Browns Corral Running Back Jamal Lewis plus other Free Agent Moves-See my Notes Below
By The Associated Press


Jamal Lewis will have to find another team for his personal patsy. The former 2,000-yard rusher joined the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday night, agreeing to a one-year deal with the club he set an NFL single-game rushing record against.

In 2003, Lewis torched the Browns for 295 yards on the ground. He rushed for 2,066 yards, the second-highest total in league history, that year, and was the league's offensive player of the year.

The free agent was released last week in a salary-cap move by Baltimore, which elected not to pay its career rushing leader a $5 million roster bonus. He'll now try to boost the Browns, who were last in the league in rushing in 2006.

"We are pleased to add Jamal Lewis to our team," Browns general manager Phil Savage said in a statement. "He is a proven NFL back who brings a toughness and demeanor to the game that his teammates and our fans will appreciate."

With the 27-year-old Lewis on board, the Browns must decide what to do with incumbent Reuben Droughns. They owe Droughns a $1.75 million roster bonus later this month.

Slowed by injuries, Droughns rushed for just 758 yards last season after gaining 1,232 yards in 2005 -- the first Cleveland back to eclipse 1,000 yards since 1985.

Coach Romeo Crennel recently said he isn't dissatisfied with Droughns. Of course, he didn't have Lewis on the team then.

"He has shown us that he does have the ability, that he can be a productive runner for us," Crennel said. "I expect him to get back to that form that he had. That 1,200-yard form. That's what I'm looking for."

Denver was looking for a tight end to boost its offense, and got the best available in Daniel Graham. He agreed to a five-year, $30 million deal that includes $15 million in guaranteed money.

New England drafted Graham 21st overall in 2002. He caught 120 passes for 1,393 yards and 17 touchdowns with the Patriots, but recently was primarily a blocker.

The 6-foot-3, 257-pound Graham grew up in Denver and attended the University of Colorado. His father, Tom Graham, played linebacker for the Broncos from 1972 to 1974.

He joins newly signed running back Travis Henry plus two players the Broncos obtained in trades: cornerback Dre' Bly and defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson. Bly is balking at playing for Denver.

Outside linebacker Joey Porter passed his physical and signed a five-year, $32 million contract with the Dolphins. Porter, a three-time Pro Bowler, spent his first eight seasons with the Steelers, who released him last week in a salary-cap move. He ranks fourth in Steelers history with 60 sacks, including seven last year.

Porter joins a defense that ranked fourth in the NFL in yards allowed and included defensive player of the year Jason Taylor.

"It's great that we were able to acquire a player of Joey's caliber," Taylor said. "He has been an impact player in this league for many years, and when you add someone who has the ability to make plays like he does, it will help not just the defense, but the entire team."


First: Phil Savage has to be one happy camper! He's got the Rusher he's always wanted ever since"the Big 295" a few years back, and he's in line to Grab Russell In the Draft if he slips past Al Davis and The Raiders.

Next: If the Broncos aren't Gearing up for a 4-5 year playoff run, your not paying attention! Even if Dre Doesn't want to play in the Snow of Denver, they already are a better team, and they can trade him somewhere he wants to go and get 2 DB's in the Draft, even though this is a weak draft overall, the FA market isn't that thick either...

Last: Hey that AFC East can't be called the AFC "Least" anymore!! All 4 teams are making improvements, and it may come down to who adds the best depth in the draft and who has the least injuries going into the regular season.

Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn's Pro Day Workout - Video

This video of Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn's Pro Day workout reveals a player who can make a throw from various steps -- 3, 5, 7 -- and roll-out. But according to the clip, some scouts questioned his arm strength.

I'm not personally sold on the idea of a strong-armed quarterback. I'm more interested in "guts" under pressure, and football intellect, and Brady Quinn certainly has that.

Here's the video:

Rosie O'Donnell Responds To Fox's Nigel Lythgoe Re: "Idol Racism" - "blah blah blah blha"



Not one to be "one-upped" The View's Rosie O'Donnell used her -- called the "r blog" (in lowercase) -- to respond to Fox Television's Nigel Lythgoe, Executive Producer of AMERICAN IDOL denouncing of her call of the shows actions with respect to the exhibitionist leanings of contestants Antonella Barba and Frenchie Davis, and the very different way the White singer was treated versus the Black Ms. Davis.



Nigel says "“Without wishing to add to the obvious self-promotion of Ms. O’Donnell, I feel as though I must refute her absurd and ridiculous claims that AMERICAN IDOL is racist and/or weightist.

“Ms. O’Donnell has, once again, spoken without thought or knowledge. Viewers need only look at the show tonight to realize that AMERICAN IDOL constantly confirms to America that talent has nothing to do with weight or color.”

Nigel Lythgoe, Executive Producer, AMERICAN IDOL"

In the blog, O'Donnell says "well…what can u say really from the coca-cola red couch

i call it as i see it nigel l - sam r same same same 1985 - 2007, blah blah blah blha
blha blha blah blha"

I love Rosie. Her blog's the bomb, too!

Fox Denounced Rosie For Calling American Idol's Treatment Of Frenchie Davis Racist



Well, I guess the truth hurts. You can tell when someone's upset because they respond to a comment.

In this case, Fox Television, the American Idol producers are not happy that The View's Rosie O'Donnell called their show's treatment of former contestant Frenchie Davis racist, in that in 2003 they booted her from the show for the same exhibitionist behavior that Antonella Barba has shown and yet is still retained in 2007.

New Orleans Saints Joe Horn Goes To Atlanta Falcons - Switching Teams In Civil War Of NFC South

Wow. The Falcons get a leg up in their knoweldge of the Saint's offense by getting Joe Horn, a key player in their NFC South wars with the Falcons. Plus, he has something to prove and will play in a new system -- no one knows what they're going to do.

Receiver, leader added with acquisition of Horn

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/08/07

Joe Horn has never lacked conviction. So when he told his agent he wanted to play for Atlanta after being released last week by its longtime rival, New Orleans, Horn was going to find a way to make it happen.

It took six days of conversations, three days of meetings, dinners and tours and more than 12 hours of contract negotiations, but at just past 11 p.m. Wednesday, Horn and the Falcons agreed to a multiyear contract, believed to be for at least three years, with guarantees in the $2 million range.

"I'm thrilled to have him as a player, and obviously his productivity in the NFL has been extraordinary," said team owner Arthur Blank, who spoke to Horn three times on the phone during the recruiting process. "Unfortunately, I've seen what he's done a number of times against the Falcons. It's been a source of frustration for a number of years.

"I'm very enthused about having him. He's achieved at the highest levels."

In acquiring the outspoken Horn, who was publicly upset with his release from the Saints, the Falcons address two vital needs: leadership and a wide receiver with a track record.

From 2000-04, Horn was one of the NFL's top wideouts, catching at least 78 passes and seven touchdowns each season and surpassing 1,000 yards in four. He also was one of its most flamboyant, most notably for drawing a $30,000 fine for pulling a cellphone he'd hidden under a goal-post pad and using it as part of a touchdown celebration.

Horn, 35, has missed 11 games the past two seasons with groin and hamstring injuries, which were concerns in the initial stages of conversations, which began last Friday. However, Horn passed a physical to alleviate worries about his health.

In the past two seasons, though, Horn has 86 receptions for 1,333 yards — 66 fewer yards than he had in his career-bestseason in 2004. He did not tail off vocally, though, emerging as one of the more provocative voices for the team and the city of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

Though Horn played in only 10 games last season, he had 37 receptions, two fewer than Falcons leading wideout Michael Jenkins.

Horn, a four-time Pro Bowl pick, is a sure-handed receiver who should fit into new coach Bobby Petrino's system, in which three and four wideouts will be deployed at times.

Horn is friends with Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, according to Horn's agent, Ralph Vitolo. The two have known each other for years and have spoken during this process.

Horn also brings enough credibility to garner respect from young wide receivers Roddy White and Jenkins, first-round draft picks better known for inconsistency than playmaking. Atlanta lost starter Ashley Lelie to free agency but swill get back veteran Brian Finneran, who missed last season after tearing an anterior cruciate knee ligament.

"He's an overall leader but he's going to be a leader in that position room," Blank said of Horn. "I'm looking forward to the impact he's going to have on our team and our young receivers."

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Raiders make Changes, Sign Jason Newberry

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
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.

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.

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."

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
Who's Blogging?
Read what bloggers are saying about this article.
The National Chronicle: America's Ultimate Newspaper
reddiggulo.us - The Most Recent Popular Stories
Slog's Journal

Full List of Blogs (29 links) »

Most Blogged About Articles
On washingtonpost.com | On the web


Save & Share Article What's This?
Digg
Google

del.icio.us
Yahoo!

Reddit
Facebook



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.