| Onterrio SmithFree Agent Running Back Ht: 0.0 | Wt: 0
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Tue, 03 Apr 2007 12:18:35 -0700
Kevin Seifert, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports unrestricted free-agent RB Onterrio Smith (Vikings) has applied for reinstatement to the league after a two-year suspension.
Wed, 23 Aug 2006 20:56:18 -0700
Mark Craig, of the Star-Tribune, reports Hennepin County arbitration judge Marilyn Rosenbaum has awarded $50,000 to the complainant in a case involving non-consensual sexual contact against free agent RB Onterrio Smith (Vikings). Both sides have until Sept. 10, to request a trial.
Sat, 10 Jun 2006 17:52:50 -0700
The Canadian Press reports the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, of the CFL, have cut RB Onterrio Smith.
Thu, 08 Jun 2006 19:51:32 -0700
The Canadian Press reports former Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith saw his first preseason action in the second half for the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers, but he fumbled on his first carry and didn't stand out, which may hurt his bid to make the CFL team. CFL teams are to make their final cuts this weekend.
Tue, 06 Jun 2006 06:57:58 -0700
Ed Tait, of the Winnipeg Free Press, reports Winnipeg Blue Bombers RB Onterrio Smith is finally practicing and he's looking good. Every practice Smith offers a little more evidence as to why he was a bona fide NFL tailback. "He's trying to get his timing down, more than anything," said Bombers' head coach Doug Berry. "I can see why he's been a good back in the past, he runs like a thoroughbred does: he has high knees through the line of scrimmage and carries himself really well when he's carrying the ball. He'll get enough work to get an evaluation of him. I haven't put any final numbers on how much Onterrio will end up getting."
Sun, 28 May 2006 09:11:47 -0700
Ed Tait, of the Winnipeg Free Press, reports Winnipeg Blue Bombers RB Onterrio Smith (foot) remains sidelined with a foot injury. Smith said Saturday, May 27, his foot is about 75 per cent, but it now appears unlikely he'll suit up for Friday's first pre-season game, June 2, against the Montreal Alouettes. Asked yesterday if Smith's juicy credentials buy him extra time as he recovers from a foot injury that has kept him on the sidelines for seven days, Blue Bombers head coach Doug Berry was his usual up-front self: "I can't put him on the team if I haven't seen him perform," he said. "I mean, we're going to have to see him do it because we've got other guys that I have seen do it that are doing very well. I just can't see cutting them and running the risk of, it's not that Onterrio Smith can't do it, he probably can. But I haven't seen it, nobody's seen it here. We've heard about it, but we haven't seen it."
Sat, 27 May 2006 19:10:37 -0700
The Winnipeg Free Press reports ESPN was in Winnipeg, Canada last week to film a sit-down interview with former Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith and Winnipeg Blue Bombers general manager Brendan Taman for the news/documentary show "Outside the Lines." No release date as of yet for the show, but the network will have to use file footage of Smith with the Vikings, because he's still a spectator at Bombers' camp with a leg injury.
Sat, 20 May 2006 20:42:48 -0700
Kirk Penton, of the Winnipeg Sun, reports Winnipeg Blue Bombers RB Onterrio Smith is out of shape after being out of football for 16 months. He's about 20 pounds over his playing weight of 220, but his three days of workouts this week has him feeling better going into the team's first day of practice Sunday, May 21. "Man, this means the world to me," Smith said Friday, May 19. "For me to be able to come in with three days under my belt before Sunday, that's real big from my standpoint."
Fri, 12 May 2006 20:04:07 -0700
Sean Jensen, of the Pioneer Press, reports CFL RB Onterrio Smith believes joining the Canadian Football League is a great opportunity for him to get back into football. Smith added, "I've been out of football for over a year now and haven't taken a hit for over 16 months. So it's an opportunity for me to come out and really get back into football." Smith will be subject to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' on- and off-the-field policies and will be tested by the NFL four times a month.
Fri, 12 May 2006 12:18:07 -0700
ESPNews reports the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL have signed free agent RB Onterrio Smith (Vikings). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Fri, 12 May 2006 07:18:02 -0700
Mark Craig, of the Star Tribune, reports free agent RB Onterrio Smith (Vikings) could draw some NFL attention after he completed a stint in the CFL, but the Buffalo Bills won't be one of the teams to pursue Smith. "I don't know if there will be interest, but I do know the Buffalo Bills won't be interested in Onterrio Smith," said Bills general manager Marv Levy. "I'm not saying this guy is a worthless human being who doesn't deserve another shot. Maybe he does. But we'll look elsewhere. We are very character-oriented. There are enough good guys out there. We'll go after them."
Thu, 11 May 2006 19:45:29 -0700
Kirk Penton, of the Winnipeg Sun, reports the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL are expected to signed NFL free agent RB Onterrio Smith (Vikings) "any day now." "I talked to him today, and he got a package we sent to him," said Blue Bombers general manager Brendan Taman. "We sent him a CD with some game film on it, so he had a chance to look at it and got excited about the style of play." The Bombers want Smith, who is currently suspended by the NFL for failing its substance abuse policy three times, to return kicks and assume a part-time role in the offense.
Tue, 09 May 2006 13:27:16 -0700
Ed Tait, of the Winnipeg Free Press, reports the Edmonton Blue Bombers of the CFL have yet to finalize a deal with free agent RB Onterrio Smith (Vikings) of the Minnesota Vikings. The pursuit of Smith has been slowed recently by the Bombers' investigation of his troubles and gauging his interest in playing in Canada. "We need to mesh a lot more than we have for us to be close. But if it's not Onterrio Smith, there's two other backs on our negotiations list, and I'm going to sign at least one of them. I have to," Blue Bombers general manager Brendan Taman said.
Tue, 09 May 2006 06:26:38 -0700
Sean Jensen, of the Pioneer Press, reports former Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith is expected to sign a contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this week. The Blue Bombers hold Smith's Canadian Football League rights. The league's season begins June 2. "(It's) looking positive he could sign by the end of the week," Blue Bombers general manager Brendan Taman said of Smith.
Fri, 05 May 2006 06:21:57 -0700
As noted earlier, free agent RB Onterrio Smith (Vikings) has had his NFL reinstatement delayed until October. Sean Jensen, of the Pioneer Press, reports agent Doug Hendrickson declined to say why the NFL would not reinstate Smith next month. "I'm very confident he will be reinstated in October," Hendrickson said. "But we also realize that's in the middle of the season in the NFL, so the stars have to be aligned correctly for him to land on a team." Also, as noted previously, Hendrickson is exploring options in the Canadian Football League for Smith.
Sat, 29 Apr 2006 00:00:12 -0700
Paul Friesen, of the Winnipeg Sun, reports the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL are attempting to sign NFL free agent RB Onterrio Smith (Vikings). Blue Bombers general manager Brendan Taman was smiling about the very real chance Smith could join the Bombers this season. "It's better than 50-50, is my gut right now," Taman said. "It's not a P.R. stunt." Released by the Minnesota Vikings this week, Smith's suspension prevents him from signing with another NFL team before October, but Smith doesn't want to wait.
Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:41:07 -0700
The Associated Press reports the Minnesota Vikings issued the following statement about the release of RB Onterrio Smith Wednesday, April 26: "We've decided to terminate Onterrio Smith's contract ahead of this weekend's college draft," head coach Brad Childress said in the statement. "We wish him well in his future endeavors." NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Smith's one-year suspension doesn't expire until June 7.
Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:32:31 -0700
ESPN.com reports the Minnesota Vikings have released RB Onterrio Smith.
Tue, 25 Apr 2006 18:20:13 -0700
Sean Jensen, of the Pioneer Press, reports according to a source close to Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith, the Vikings running back will not be reinstated by the NFL next month. Smith was suspended by the NFL last June. The Vikings and the NFL declined comment. "That falls under the confidentiality provisions of the program," league spokesman Greg Aiello said. "His status is unchanged in that he continues to be under suspension." The Vikings weren't counting on Smith, but owner Zygi Wilf said earlier this month that the team was open to giving the running back a chance to return. The Vikings could address the position in this weekend's NFL Draft.
Sun, 09 Apr 2006 07:08:16 -0700
Sean Jensen, of the Pioneer Press, reports even though Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said he is comfortable with his depth at running back, the team may bring back RB Onterrio Smith, when he is eligible to return from his suspension. "The way this coaching staff responds to players, this would be the right environment for him to move his career forward," owner Zygi Wilf said. "But all that's subject to his reinstatement." Wilf also said it would be important for the Vikings to feel comfortable with Smith, both mentally and physically, before inviting him back to the team.
Sun, 26 Feb 2006 06:37:38 -0800
Sean Jensen, of the Pioneer Press, reports soon-to-be free agent RB Maurice Morris (Seahawks) has caught the eye of the Minnesota Vikings. Detroit Lions running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery said a marriage between Morris and Minnesota would appear to be an ideal match. "For the head coach in Minnesota, Maurice would be a No. 1 candidate because he's been in the West Coast system," said Montgomery. "You can plug him right in, and you can go out there tomorrow and start running plays." Morris fits the profile of the type of veteran free agent the Vikings' new "Triangle of Authority" would appear to be inclined to target. Vikings head coach Brad Childress acknowledged Friday, Feb. 24, that the team is thin in terms of numbers, and the Vikings are not assuming that RB Onterrio Smith, who is serving a one-year suspension, will be back with them in 2006.
Thu, 08 Dec 2005 06:03:21 -0800
Sean Jensen, of the Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith told the newspaper he wants to return to the team in 2006. In his first public comments since he was suspended for one year by the NFL for violating its substance abuse policy, Smith said the punishment compelled him to do "some real soul searching" about the direction of his life. "The suspension saved me from some serious trouble," Smith told the Pioneer Press Wednesday, Dec. 7. "It could have been a serious arrest, an accident - anything could have occurred." A league spokesman said Smith's reinstatement will not be considered until the offseason, and Vikings head coach Mike Tice wasn't available to comment. Vikings owner Zygi Wilf told the Pioneer Press on Oct. 23 that Smith's future had not been determined. Asked if he has any regrets, Smith said, "The only regret I have is for the people that I hurt."
Tue, 18 Oct 2005 15:36:51 -0700
Updating an Oct. 14 story, the Associated Press reports Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith is being sued for $150,000 by an unnamed 21-year-old woman who claims Smith sexually assaulted her last year. The lawsuit claims she suffers from a lifelong illness and her physician describes her as an "individual with disabilities." She has a form of mental impairment stemming from fetal alcohol syndrome. The lawsuit mentions that a second Vikings player was involved in the attack, but that player is not identified because he "met his legal obligations," the woman's lawyer, Lori Peterson, said.
Fri, 14 Oct 2005 09:33:07 -0700
KSTP.com reports Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith, who is already out for the season due to a one-year suspension, is the defendant in a civil suit filed Thursday, Oct. 13, in Hennepin County District Court. A 21 year old Richfield woman has accused Smith of sexual assault in another Vikings player's apartment during June of 2004. The victim alleges she was drinking with Smith and another Vikings' player when she passed out. When she later woke up, she said both players were on top of her. She has fetal alcohol syndrome.
Sat, 09 Jul 2005 04:31:05 -0700
Don Seeholzer, of the Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf, during a phone interview, expressed support for RB Onterrio Smith, whom the NFL hit with a one-year suspension last month for a third violation of the league's substance abuse policy. "I think we hope that Onterrio can work through this and come back hopefully as soon as possible to give us some assistance," Wilf said. "But we're working with him. That's part of the whole policy the NFL has established so you can make sure that things hopefully get corrected so people's lives can move on in a positive direction."
Fri, 17 Jun 2005 18:22:58 -0700
Brent Zell, of the Argus Leader, reports Minnesota Vikings RB Michael Bennett spoke to the media while he was at a charity event in South Dakota. Injuries have limited him to just 19 games the past two seasons. "I'm definitely 100 percent," said Bennett. "I'm definitely looking forward to getting down to training camp and putting the pads on and having some fun." Bennett was happy some pundits were predicting the Vikings would go to the Super Bowl. He also said WR Randy Moss, now with the Oakland Raiders, was a great guy. Bennett also said he understood the RB Onterrio Smith situation, but the team would find a way to win without Smith and Moss.
Thu, 09 Jun 2005 22:04:34 -0700
Kent Youngblood, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice said Thursday, June 9, he plans to do whatever he can to help RB Onterrio Smith. "The most important thing with Onterrio is he and his family and us, his extended family, have identified that he needs to go and take care of some things," said Tice in his first comments following Smith's season-long suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. "And we'll be there to support him and looking forward to having him back in a year, that much more mature and that much smarter." Tice took exception to those that think the team should just unload Smith.
Wed, 08 Jun 2005 11:27:08 -0700
Sean Jensen, of the Pioneer Press, reports agent Doug Hendrickson said Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith would not appeal his one-year suspension. "No one is sorrier about this unfortunate situation than Onterrio," Hendrickson said. "He realizes that because of his actions, he has tremendously disappointed those he respects most: his teammates, the organization, his family and his fans." Vikings team vice president Rob Brzezinski said Smith remains a part of the team's future. "We're disappointed," Brzezinski said, "but the league's programs are important, and we hope that Onterrio can work through his issues and we get him back on the field next year."
Tue, 07 Jun 2005 14:42:47 -0700
The Associated Press reports with Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith suspended for the entire 2005 season, rookie RB Ciatrick Fason could be in the running for playing time should RBs Michael Bennett and Mewelde Moore get injured or fail to produce.
Tue, 07 Jun 2005 10:47:53 -0700
ESPNews reports Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith has been suspended for the 2005 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Fri, 27 May 2005 08:59:33 -0700
Sid Hartman, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings vice president of operations Rob Brzezinski said the NFL has yet to notify the team or RB Onterrio Smith officially about his one-year suspension for either testing positive for marijuana or for missing a drug test. However, the Vikings have gotten word that Smith is suspended for the year.
Sat, 21 May 2005 06:05:26 -0700
The Pioneer Press reports Minnesota Vikings vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski said the team has the right to release RB Onterrio Smith, but they won't. The Vikings have no immediate plans to release Smith, who would forfeit his $380,000 salary if he is suspended but couldn't be released until after the suspension. "You can't release a player, in general, because he was suspended," Brzezinski said. "Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, you can't release a player as a punitive measure or a disciplinary measure because of a violation of league policy." As previously noted, Smith is facing a one-year suspension reportedly for missing a drug test. Brzezinski said the team is in no hurry to add another running back.
Thu, 19 May 2005 13:52:30 -0700
ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports two sources with knowledge of the situation have told ESPN.com Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith has been apprised by the NFL that he faces a one-year suspension for a repeat violation of the league's substance abuse program. The suspension is subject to appeal. Citing the league's confidentiality guidelines on such matters, an NFL spokesman on Thursday declined comment. Sources said the suspension has nothing to do with an April 21 incident in which Smith was stopped at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in possession of a device to circumvent drug tests.
Thu, 19 May 2005 11:05:41 -0700
The Associated Press reports Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith has been excused from the remainder of the team's offseason program. Head coach Mike Tice on Thursday said Smith had been "excused" from workouts, but gave no specific reason. "He's been excused from the rest of the offseason program and he'll be gone indefinitely," Tice said. "I really can't speak about any reasons why or when he'll be back. It's in the league's hands. We'll leave it at that."
Wed, 18 May 2005 14:14:32 -0700
The Associated Press reports Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith returned to practice Wednesday, May 18 after a one-day excused absence. He worked mostly with the third-team offense during drills. "I know it's a tough time for him, but he's remained focused in our meetings and in practice," offensive coordinator Steve Loney said.
Wed, 18 May 2005 05:23:56 -0700
The Pioneer Press reports Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith is due back at practice Wednesday, May 18, one day after missing practice for personal reasons. Head coach Mike Tice and Rob Brzezinski, vice president of football operations, said Smith was taking care of some personal NFL business. Agent Doug Hendrickson declined to discuss details of that business.
Tue, 17 May 2005 20:14:08 -0700
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports three people with knowledge of the situation said Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith's absence from practice Tuesday, May 17 was not related to last month's incident in which Smith was detained at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport with a kit designed to circumvent drug tests. "This was a planned and excused absence," said David Cornwell, Smith's attorney. "To say anything more would not be appropriate."
Tue, 17 May 2005 14:34:54 -0700
The Associated Press reports Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith (personal reasons) missed practice Tuesday, May 17 for personal reasons, according to a team spokesperson. Vikings defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell said Smith was gone for "personal reasons" and would not elaborate. It is not known if his absence was tied to Smith's run-in with police at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on April 21. Smith was carrying several vials of dried urine and a device to circumvent drug tests. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Tuesday, May 17 that using such a device during a drug test would be a violation of league drug policies, but simply possessing any kind of test-altering paraphernalia outside of a testing situation is not a violation.
Mon, 16 May 2005 21:16:30 -0700
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith is tentatively listed as the No. 2 running back on the team's current depth chart. During practice Monday, May 16 Smith split time with RB Mewelde Moore on the second team offense. He also sneaked in a few reps on the first team.
Mon, 16 May 2005 17:52:12 -0700
The Associated Press' Jon Krawczyski reports Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith returned to the practice field Monday, May 16 for the first time since the story broke that he was caught in possession of a device designed to beat drug tests. Smith declined to speak publicly about the event. He was on the field for the team's developmental camp. His coaches and teammates expressed their support for him. Until the NFL's investigation is resolved, it's business as usual for Smith. He was able to participate in all the drills Monday. "No decisions were made based on how many reps he'll get," offensive coordinator Steve Loney said. "Until I'm told differently, his role is going to be developed (as usual)."
Fri, 13 May 2005 14:50:36 -0700
The Register-Guard reports Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith will not play in a benefit golf event that started Friday, May 13 in Oregon. He was scheduled to come to Eugene, Oregon for the two-day benefit for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, but instead he remained in Minnesota. "The Vikings are not allowing him to leave town," University of Oregon running backs coach Gary Campbell said. "I spoke to him (Wednesday, May 12), and he said it's just too hectic for him," Campbell said. "He wouldn't even want to try and go to the airport right now because of all the press and everything."
Wed, 11 May 2005 21:04:11 -0700
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith could face a year-long suspension pending the outcome of an NFL investigation launched Wednesday, May 11. As noted earlier, Smith was detained last month at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport with a kit used to circumvent drug tests. The league is still not sure if a penalty will be handed down to Smith. "Under the terms of our [drug] policy, a deliberate attempt to substitute or alter a specimen during collection is a violation," league spokesman Greg Aiello said in a statement. "But the possession of paraphernalia outside of a testing situation will be investigated and action taken if appropriate." Smith's attorney, David Cornwell, said, "The NFL will look into it. We have no fear of Onterrio being suspended." Cornwell said the kit was given to Smith and he simply forgot he had it in his possession.
Wed, 11 May 2005 04:58:44 -0700
Kevin Seifert, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith was detained last month at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport because police found him with paraphernalia later identified as a kit used to circumvent drug tests. Smith was neither arrested nor charged, but what is unclear is how this may affect his status in the NFL's confidential substance-abuse program. He told police the kit was "for making a clean urine test," according to the police report. He also said he was taking the kit and dried urine to his cousin. Vikings head coach Mike Tice said he unaware of the incident and declined to comment. Smith's agents also declined to comment. Barring another suspension, Smith is expected to compete for the starting job with the Vikings.
Sun, 24 Apr 2005 20:20:47 -0700
Associated Press reports the Minnesota Vikings may have a large group of talent at running back, but they are committed to finding their feature back and sticking with him, barring injury or suspension setbacks like they had in 2004. With RB Moe Williams entrenched in his third-down specialist role, the team is looking to determine their No. 1 back and No. 2 back. RBs Michael Bennett, Onterrio Smith and Mewelde Moore are expected to be in the mix for the two spots. The second-string back will simply be used to relieve the starting tailback and keep him fresh. Head coach Mike Tice said the team's third back will not be happy.
Sat, 23 Apr 2005 06:34:59 -0700
Don Seeholzer, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice said the club will look to become more physical on offense this season with a greater emphasis on the running game. "I can tell you there will be a larger emphasis on the running game for a lot of different reasons," Tice said. "Most notably because, if you know my background, even though it didn't look like it last year, that's been my background is to be more physical on offense." As reported, the team will have RBs Michael Bennett, Onterrio Smith and Mewelde Moore compete for the starting job next season. There is also the possibility the Vikings could select running back with their No. 7 overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft.
Thu, 24 Mar 2005 09:40:22 -0800
Kevin Seifert, of the Star Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice downplayed RB Onterrio Smith will be traded before training camp. He is expected to compete for the starting job during camp.
Fri, 11 Feb 2005 12:02:59 -0800
Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith is entering the final year of his contract with the Vikings. He is set to earn $380,000 in base salary during the 2005 season and would become a restricted free agent during 2006.
Fri, 31 Dec 2004 12:00:13 -0800
Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith is expected to be active for Week 17, according to coach Mike Tice.
Tue, 28 Dec 2004 12:11:10 -0800
The Minnesota Star Tribune reports Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith (flu) sat out Week 16 due to a weeklong battle with the flu, according to coach Mike Tice. "He's not in the doghouse at all," Tice said. Smith is expected to be available for the season finale versus the Washington Redskins Sunday, Jan. 2.
Fri, 24 Dec 2004 11:18:58 -0800
The Minnesota Vikings have declared OG Adam Haayer, C Anthony Herrera, C Bill Conaty, RB Onterrio Smith, CB Ralph Brown, TE Richard Owens, QB Shaun Hill, DL Steve Martin inactive for Week 16.