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Team Notebook: NFLNFL | New league open to having Vick play The Associated Press reports United Football League commissioner Michael Huyghue said the league is willing to allow unrestricted free-agent QB Michael Vick play for one of its teams as long as he is past his legal issues. NFL | New Favre jerseys have not been produced yet Sean Jensen, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, reports the NFL has not started producing league-approved QB Brett Favre Minnesota Vikings jerseys since he does not have a signed contract with the team, according to NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy. NFL | Case against Leaf in Washington dismissed The Associated Press reports a lawyer for former NFL QB Ryan Leaf says a fugitive action filed in Washington against Leaf has been dismissed. The Whatcom County prosecutor had filed an interstate fugitive case against Leaf after he was arrested by federal Customs agents as he crossed the border from Canada in June. Leaf was on his way to face burglary and drug charges in Texas. Leaf was scheduled to return for a July 16 hearing, but his lawyer said that hearing has been cancelled. NFL | Warrant issued for Perry WCPO.com reports the Wyoming Police in Hamilton County have issued an arrest warrant for unrestricted free-agent RB Chris Perry (Bengals) after he failed to appear for a court date. He is wanted for failure to pay city taxes in 2006 and 2007. NFL | Three players enter supplemental draft Gil Brandt, of NFL.com, reports Kansas State WR Deon Murphy, Western Kentucky LB Blake Boyd and Southern Mississippi WR Torris Magee have entered the 2009 NFL Supplemental Draft, which will be held Thursday, July 16. NFL | Vick to work at Boys & Girls Clubs ESPN.com reports free-agent QB Michael Vick (Falcons) is leaving a job with a Virginia construction company to work with youngsters at Boys & Girls Clubs. Steven Kast, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, said Vick will be working with children on health and fitness activities at several clubs in the Hampton Roads area. Vick needed a job to meet the conditions of his probation and had been working as a laborer. NFL | McGinest wants to play in 2009 Albert Breer, of SportingNews.com, reports unrestricted free-agent LB Willie McGinest (Browns) said he would play to play for a team this season. NFL | Vick's lawyer submits revised bankruptcy plan The Associated Press reports free-agent QB Michael Vick (Falcons) would give up more of his future income under a revised bankruptcy plan. Vick's lawyer, Paul Campsen, disclosed the basic outline of the new plan Tuesday, June 30, in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Norfolk, Va. The full plan is still being finished. It's due to be filed by Thursday, July 2. Under the new plan, Campsen said 10 percent of the first $750,000 Vick earns would go to creditors. Under the old plan, Vick would have kept the entire amount up to $750,000. The new plan also increases the amount it would pay creditors on income over $750,000. NFL | No criminal charges will be filed against Baldinger Glenn E. Rice, of The Kansas City Star, reports Jackson County (Mo.) authorities said Monday, June 29, that no criminal charges would be filed against former NFL OL Rich Baldinger, who was involved in a fatal vehicular accident this weekend. Jackson County prosecutor's office spokeswoman Velda Cook said the incident has been ruled an accident by investigators. NFL | Vick may remain suspended Jason Cole, of Yahoo! Sports, reports unrestricted free-agent QB Michael Vick (Falcons) may not have his indefinite suspension lifted by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, which could not allow him to play this season, according to sources. NFL | Burress may be suspended indefinitely Jason Cole, of Yahoo! Sports, reports the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is leaning toward indefinitely suspending unrestricted free-agent WR Plaxico Burress (Giants), according to sources. Goodell is apparently upset at Burress' refusal to accept jail time as part of his plea bargain in his felony gun trial, according to a league source. NFL | Supreme Court to hear antitrust case The Associated Press reports the Supreme Court agreed Monday, June 29, to decide whether the National Football League and its 32 teams can enter an exclusive licensing deal with a maker of team jerseys and other gear without violating federal antitrust law. The court said it will hear an appeal from American Needle Inc., of Buffalo Grove, Ill., that challenges an agreement the NFL struck with Reebok International Ltd. American Needle had been one of many firms that manufactured NFL headwear until the league granted an exclusive contract to Reebok in 2001. The case concerns whether the league is essentially a "single entity" that can act collectively or 32 distinct businesses that must be careful about running afoul of antitrust laws by working too closely together. The case will be argued later this year or early in 2010. NFL | Want Supreme Court to hear case The Associated Press reports the NFL is going to the U.S. Supreme Court in search of a bigger victory in an antitrust tussle over team merchandise than it already won from a lower court. The Supreme Court could decide as early as Monday, June 29, whether it will hear the case, which involves American Needle Inc.'s challenge to the league's exclusive contract for selling headwear with team logos on them. American Needle is also urging a high court review. NFL team owners are hoping the Supreme Court will issue a broader decision that would insulate the league against what they contend are costly, frivolous antitrust lawsuits. The heart of the matter is whether the NFL's teams constitute 32 distinct businesses or a single entity that can act collectively without violating the antitrust law. The NBA and the NHL both have filed friend-of-the-court briefs siding with the NFL. NFL | Baldinger involved in crash that kills woman Brad Cooper, of the Kansas City Star, reports former NFL OL Rich Baldinger was involved in a crash Saturday, June 27, that killed a 61-year-old woman. Marilyn L. Walters was killed when the Saturn she was riding in was struck by a Dodge driven by Baldinger, according to a Missouri Highway Patrol report. Two other passengers in the Saturn were moderately injured and taken to a hospital for treatment. No charges have been filed yet in the crash. NFL | Agent says James received offer Tom Curran, of ProFootballTalk.com, reports the agent for free-agent RB Edgerrin James (Cardinals), Drew Rosenhaus, said James did receive an offer earlier this offseason. Although Rosenhaus did not reveal the team, he did say that James wants to sign with a team who will provide him with significant playing time. "We will be selective. We want to make sure for Edge that he goes to a good situation. He would like an opportunity to have a significant role and a great opportunity for playing time," Rosenhaus said. "We may wait until right before camp and see what teams have the greatest need. We may wait until during or after camps when teams are dealing with injuries." NFL | Five teams interested in Burress Drew Rosenhaus, agent for unrestricted free-agent WR Plaxico Burress (Giants), reports on his Twitter page that five teams are showing interest in Burress and expects more teams to show interest in the next few weeks. NFL | Favre buys house in Minnesota? KQRS's Tom Barnard apparently said on his radio Friday, June 26, that retired QB Brett Favre (Jets) has bought a house in Minnesota, according to a source. NFL | Reviewing Burress' incidents ESPNews reports the NFL is currently reviewing the incidents surrounding unrestricted free-agent WR Plaxico Burress (Giants). NFL | Harrell hopes to sign with Cleveland Brandon George, of The Dallas Morning News, reports undrafted free-agent QB Graham Harrell (Texas Tech) said he hopes to sign with the Cleveland Browns so he can attend training camp. He took part in one of the Browns' minicamps as a tryout player. NFL | Goodell may not decide on Vick before start of season The Associated Press reports NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said there is no timetable on when he will decide whether to reinstate unrestricted free-agent QB Michael Vick (Falcons), and it may not be decided before the start of the regular season. NFL | Ochocinco, Merriman trash talking via Twitter FOXSports.com reports Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco and San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman have been trading barbs via Twitter about who will win the match up between the Bengals and Merriman this season. Ochocinco said he is confident that the Bengals will win the matchup, which prompted Merriman to respond "Are you serious?" Ochocinco then challenged the Chargers offensive line to a boxing match and then talked about Merriman trying to stop him. "Shawne Merriman tryin to stop Ocho Cinco, CHILD PLEASE, better chance at finding Osama!," Ochocinco said. NFL | Favre has shoulder examined Charley Walters, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, reports retired QB Brett Favre (shoulder) reportedly had his throwing shoulder examined Monday, June 22. NFL | Favre not required to request reinstatement Mike Florio, of ProFootballTalk.com, reports free-agent QB Brett Favre (Jets) will not be required to request reinstatement before signing with the Minnesota Vikings. Once the New York Jets released Favre from the reserve-retired list, the reinstatement issue became irrelevant. "He's a free agent," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said via e-mail. NFL | Favre throwing the football well Peter King, of SI.com, reports free-agent QB Brett Favre (Jets) is reportedly throwing a football with the same velocity he's always had, according to Neville Barr, the high school coach where Favre is throwing. "He looks good. He said it was still a little uncomfortable, but I thought he threw the ball well. He had a lot of velocity and zip on it," Barr said. NFL | Warrick hopes for another shot in the league David Haugh, of the Chicago Tribune, reports former NFL WR Peter Warrick, who currently plays for the Bloomington Extreme of the Indoor Football League, said he hopes his performance with the team gives him the opportunity to play in the NFL again. "I just need an opportunity to peek my head in the door with a team. Once I peek my head in the door, I'm going to be able to stay. That's just how I feel," Warrick said. One league source believes Warrick would not be able to pass a physical because of a previous quadriceps injury. NFL | Goodell sent letter to teams regarding alcohol-related misconduct Peter King, of SI.com, reports NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a stern letter to all 32 teams last week, in effect telling coaches and those in the front office to have fun this summer, but legal fun. Goodell sent the following words to each team: "I want to use this opportunity to remind all NFL personnel - both players and non-players - that the prohibitions on alcohol-related misconduct, including DUI, apply to everyone. DUI is a serious matter which poses great risks to both those who drive under the influence, and innocent third parties. This truth was tragically underscored in Mr. Stallworth's case. In the past few years, I have not hesitated to impose discipline, including suspensions, on club and league employees who have violated the law relating to alcohol use. Every club should advise its employees of their obligations and our commitment to hold people accountable for alcohol-related violations of law. Please ensure that your employees are aware of the resources available to them, including Safe Ride and similar programs. Let's make sure that the 2009 season does not bring more tragedy or embarrassment to ourselves and our employees." NFL | Goodell to come down hard on Burress? Michael Lombardi, of the National Football Post, reports of the teams who might be interest in free-agent WR Plaxico Burress (Giants), all of them are concerned about the ruling from commissioner Roger Goodell. Teams feel Goodell will come down hard on Burress and are fearful that he might not be able to play this season. NFL | D. Brooks has not received offers Peter King, of SI.com, reports free-agent LB Derrick Brooks (Buccaneers) has not received an offer from a team since he was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brooks said he wants to play one more year. His gut feeling is he will get picked up. Some teams, most notably the New Orleans Saints, have sniffed around but no offers have been made. NFL | Glover retires PR.com reports free-agent DL La'Roi Glover (Rams) has officially announced his retirement after 13 seasons. "I'm blessed that I was able to play this game that I love for so long. It has been such an incredible journey. The players, coaches, and front office staff in the cities I've played have all given me so many great memories." Glover said. "I still love the game with the same passion I had as a young player in high school, so I plan to always be attached to it in some way, whether commentating, working in the front office, or scouting. But who knows what opportunities await in the next chapter of my life." NFL | Vick's lawyer withdraws from bankruptcy case The Associated Press reports one of free-agent QB Michael Vick's (Falcons) lawyers has withdrawn from his bankruptcy case. Peter Ginsberg said in court papers filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Newport News that his withdrawal is in Vick's best interests. Last week, the federal appeals court in Atlanta upheld $375,000 in sanctions against Ginsberg after he tried to get a judge removed from a bankruptcy case in Florida. Ginsberg also was barred from practicing in the Bankruptcy Court of Middle Florida for five years. NFL | Childress says Favre pain-free right now Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress said during a radio interview that his understanding is that retired QB Brett Favre (shoulder) is currently pain-free but does not know if he as the stamina. "My understanding is that he is pain-free right now," Childress said. "Does he have the endurance and the stamina in that arm yet? He doesn't know that yet. It's no different than grabbing a golf club for the first time during the year when you rip around 18 holes around and you wake up the next day and your side hurts. You say, 'Geez, I haven't felt that muscle in a while.' So he's got to build some endurance in that and see if he thinks he can get it back to where he wants to get it to." NFL | Kosar files for bankruptcy The Associated Press reports former NFL QB Bernie Kosar has filed for bankruptcy protection. NFL | Pro Bowl to be played week before Super Bowl Mark Gaughan, of The Buffalo News, reports the NFL will play the Pro Bowl the week between the conference championships and the Super Bowl. NFL | Several former NFL players picked in UFL draft The United Football League reported on their Twitter page that former NFL QB Brooks Bollinger (Cowboys), RB LaBrandon Toefield (Jaguars), RB Tyson Thompson (Cowboys), TE Jermaine Wiggins (Jaguars) and LB Gary Stills (Rams) were selected in the UFL Draft Thursday, June 18. NFL | Favre feels soreness in shoulder Updating previous reports, The Associated Press reports QB Brett Favre (shoulder) said he felt some pain in his surgically repaired shoulder Wednesday, June 17. He said there were different places in his shoulder that it's sore, and he felt the soreness during a couple of throws. "I threw the ball OK, but OK isn't good enough in the National Football League. At least not for me. So it's got to get better," Favre said. NFL | Favre says he underwent surgery four weeks ago NFL Network reports retired QB Brett Favre (shoulder) said Friday, June 19, would be four weeks since he had his shoulder surgery. That statement contradicts his statement on Joe Buck Live when he said he had surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago. NFL | Leaf arrested Wednesday The Associated Press reports former NFL QB Ryan Leaf was arrested in Washington Wednesday, June 17, on drug and burglary charges in Texas. Customs agents arrested him after he crossed the Canada-United States border. NFL | Favre throws at high school Wednesday ESPNews reports retired QB Brett Favre (shoulder) threw at Oak Grove High School in Mississippi Wednesday, June 17. He said the session went well, but his shoulder does not feel good enough to play in the NFL yet. NFL | K. Carter does not have timetable to sign Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Harold Lewis, agent for unrestricted free-agent DE Kevin Carter (Buccaneers), said Carter does not have a timetable on when he will sign with a team. NFL | 2010 Draft to be held in May? Ed Barkowitz, of the Philadelphia Daily News, reports though actual dates are not firm, the 2010 NFL Draft is scheduled for early May. If the league maintains its traditional time frame of conducting the draft 12 weeks following the Super Bowl, the event would be held May 1-2. "It's a function of the way the calendar falls," said Greg Aiello, the NFL's senior vice president of public relations. "The Super Bowl is late this year ... We are currently listing next year's draft as 'early May.' We have not set the specific dates yet." NFL | C. Peterson named to USA Football Kent Babb, of The Kansas City Star, reports former Kansas City Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson was named chairman of USA Football this week. Peterson will oversee the organization's board of directors and work with youth programs in a number of capacities. NFL | Leaf has Thursday deadline to turn himself in ESPN.com reports prosecutors in Texas have set a deadline of Thursday, June 18, for former NFL QB Ryan Leaf to turn himself in on drug-related charges, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. "He can run, but he can't hide and we will find him," said James Farren, the district attorney for Randall County, Texas. Farren is also considering additional charges against Leaf. "There is sufficient information that I felt justified in asking the grand jury in keeping the investigation open," Farren said. NFL | Favre says he is considering playing again QB Brett Favre (shoulder), during an interview on Joe Buck Live, said "maybe" when asked if he plans to play in the NFL next season. "I am considering it," Favre said in his follow up response. Favre said he had surgery on his shoulder about two and a half weeks ago by Dr. James Andrews. Andrews told Favre he would know if it was completely successful in four to five weeks. Favre said he can throw and could before the surgery, but certain throws hurt. Favre said he has talked with the Vikings, and it's more or less a matter of how his arm feels. "We'll go from there," Favre said. NFL | Trainer suggests shoulder exercises to Favre ESPN.com reports a Minnesota Vikings trainer that met with retired QB Brett Favre (shoulder) Sunday, June 14, talked with Favre about shoulder exercises that could improve his shoulder strength after undergoing surgery, a source told ESPN's Ed Werder. NFL | Extend Rooney rule to front office positions Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports the NFL has announced it has extended the Rooney Rule to vacant general manager and other front office positions. |
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