Jaguars' Jones-Drew denies report of $800,000 fine for his holdout

The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.comSep. 13, 2012 11:03 AM ET

Maurice Jones-Drew said an NFL.com report that he was fined $800,000 for his holdout was "false" but declined to say how much he was fined.

Jones-Drew will start Sunday's game against Houston, returning to the starting lineup because Rashad Jennings injured his knee Week 1 at Minnesota.

Jones-Drew was expected to be brought along slowly after his 38-day contract-related holdout.

Coach Mike Mularkey said he anticipated using Jones-Drew, who led the NFL in rushing with 1,606 yards last season, as a third-down back for a week or two.

Of the importance of the game, Maurice Jones-Drew said, "It's a rivalry game. It's a division game."

The Texans have not only won the last three games, but they beat the Jaguars in the second game last year in what turned out to be the final game before Jack Del Rio was fired and former owner Wayne Weaver announced he was selling the team to Shad Khan on the same day.

Now the Jaguars will be playing their first regular season home game with Mularkey as the head coach and Khan as the owner. A crew from "60 Minutes" will be in attendance to film part of a feature news profile for the program on Khan.

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Report: Union investigating Rosenhaus' relationship with adviser Rubin

The NFL Players Association is investigating the relationship between agent Drew Rosenhaus and former financial adviser Jeff Rubin, Yahoo! Sports reported.

One main issue is whether Rosenhaus knew or should have known that Rubin advised a number of Rosenhaus' clients to invest in an Alabama bingo casino that went bankrupt.

Players lost up to $43.6 million in Rubin's casino downfall, according to the report, and multiple sources, including Terrell Owens, told Yahoo! Sports that Rosenhaus actively recruited players with Rubin. That goes against NFLPA policy.

Rosenhaus denies any impropriety on his part

"Let me say this on the record, I had no reason to believe that Jeff Rubin was doing anything illegal or irresponsible or unethical," Rosenhaus told Yankoo! Sports. "We never had any inkling that he was ever dishonest. We never had a player come to us until this casino fell apart."

Owens claims Rosenhaus tried to direct him to Rubin.

"We recommend you use Jeff," Owens said Rosenhaus told him, according to the report. "He handles our clients, we trust him."

Owens thinks Rosenhaus bears at least some of the responsibility.

"With what I know now, Drew definitely needs to share in the responsibility. ... Other players may not want to speak up out of loyalty to Drew but at the end of the day he bears some of the responsibility [for our losses] based on the referrals he was giving to [Rubin] and Pro Sports Financial," Owens said.

This players' union probe seeks to determine whether Rosenhaus' business relationship with Rubin was improperly close and whether Rosenhaus should have paid closer attention to his dealings with his clients and kept them away from Rubin.

If it's determined that Rosenhaus violated NFLPA regulations on agent conduct, he could be disciplined by the union.

Copyright (C) 2012 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.

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Report: Raiders sign CB Hanson to one-year contract

CBSSports.com staff and wire reportsSep. 3, 2012 12:20 PM ET

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders completed their offseason overhaul of the cornerback unit Monday by signing recently released Joselio Hanson and cutting 2011 third-round pick DeMarcus Van Dyke.

Hanson had been released last week by Philadelphia after spending six seasons as the Eagles' nickel cornerback, where he excelled playing in the slot.

"He's been a guy that's played a lot of years in the league in the slot and we just felt like it was a good thing to get another veteran guy in there with what really amounts to a young room. And so we thought that was something that helped us and upgraded our team and made us better," coach Dennis Allen said.

The move to get rid of Van Dyke means all six cornerbacks on the Oakland roster are new to the organization. Oakland released starters Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson before the start of free agency, let Lito Sheppard leave as a free agent, and released both cornerbacks taken in the 2011 draft. The team is transitioning from the bump-and-run style preferred by former owner Al Davis to Allen's new defense that will feature more zone coverage.

The Raiders waived fourth-round pick Chimdi Chekwa on Friday before bringing him back to the practice squad, then cut ties with Van Dyke on Monday.

Free-agent acquisitions Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer are slated as the starters, with Hanson expecting to get time in nickel packages. Pat Lee, Phillip Adams and Coye Francies round out the cornerback group, with Adams and Francies being added in the past week.

"As things played out throughout OTAs, minicamp and in training camp, we felt like that was a position that we needed to try to upgrade and we felt like with the players that we brought in here that it helps us as a team to be better," Allen said.

Hanson spent one season as an undrafted free agent with San Francisco before joining the Eagles in 2006. He has played 104 games with 19 starts and four interceptions. He played mostly in the slot for the Eagles and allowed 21 catches on 42 attempts for 232 yards and two touchdowns, according to game-tracking numbers compiled by STATS LLC.

Over the last four seasons, Hanson has allowed opponents to complete 54.5 percent of their passes for an average of 5.3 yards per attempt and a 76.5 passer rating against.

"It's mostly his intelligence," Allen said. "He's really smart. He's got good quickness inside and so he matches up with some of the smaller, quicker slot receivers. I just think he just understands route combinations and how things happen inside in the slot, and I think that's the biggest learning adjustment that anybody that goes in and plays the nickel position."

Allen said Hanson seemed to grasp the defense quickly in his meetings with the coaching staff and could be able to contribute in the opener next Monday against San Diego.

"I feel like in the next couple of days I'll get it down," Hanson said. "I went over the whole playbook already, so it's just now about all about studying and reiterating it to myself. It's the same defense, a 4-3 defense, it's just different names, different plays, but once I get that down I'll be ready to go."

Van Dyke was a prototypical Al Davis player, having run the fastest 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine in 2011 at 4.28 seconds. That contributed to the Raiders taking him in the third round despite the fact Van Dyke started just three games his senior season at Miami.

Van Dyke had difficulty in his first preseason and saw limited action as a rookie. He started just four games but showed promise as he allowed opponents to complete only 14 of 32 passes for 167 yards with one touchdown allowed and one interception, according to STATS LLC.

He got off to a fast start in training camp but struggled in exhibition games and was ultimately let go in favor of the more seasoned Hanson.

"Just want to thank Al Davis and the Raiders organization for giving me a opportunity to play in the NFL!" Van Dyke wrote on his Twitter account.

In all, the Raiders have 23 players on their 53-man roster who were not with the organization last season, including the six new cornerbacks, five new offensive linemen and four new linebackers.

Notes

WR Denarius Moore (hamstring) has had two good days running on the side and Allen said he is encouraged by his progress. Jacoby Ford (left foot) is not yet able to run, but Allen remains hopeful both could play in the opener. ... Rookie WR Juron Criner practiced on an injured ankle that should not hinder him for the game. ... C Stefen Wisniewski (calf) was back at practice for the first time since before the preseason opener, but Alex Parsons was working with the first team. Wisniewski could be back with the first team by Thursday. ... Richard Seymour (knees) was also back at practice.

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Report: Colts want to acquire Mike Jenkins from Dallas; Cowboys might be interested

Posted: 05:37 PM ET May 25, 2012

By Josh Katzowitz | NFL Blogger

Is Dallas interested in trading Jenkins? Some say yes, some say no. (US Presswire) We told you a couple days ago that Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins is not happy with his current place of employment.

In fact, he's skipped Dallas' OTAs so far because he wants to be traded (probably because the Cowboys went out and got cornerback Brandon Carr in free agency -- and paid him $50 million to do so -- and then traded up to draft Morris Claiborne).

The Cowboys have said they're not interested in trading their 2008 first-round draft pick (after all, a secondary featuring Carr, Claiborne, Orlando Scandrick and Jenkins would be pretty sweet for Dallas' defense), but that might have changed.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Colts have made multiple trade offers and the Cowboys might be wavering on whether they'd accept a swap. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, though, talked to a high-ranking Cowboys official who said Dallas still isn't interested.

Already the Colts have traded for a cornerback this week -- they acquired Cassius Vaughn from the Broncos -- but Jenkins would upgrade their secondary even more. Right now, it looks like Jerraud Powers and Kevin Thomas would be the starting corners in Indianapolis, and Jenkins likely would finagle his way into a starting spot if he lands with the Colts.

As Jenkins enters the final year of his contract, he's set to make a base salary of $1.052 million, which obviously makes him even more marketable for 2011. According to Pro Football Focus, Jenkins ranked in the middle of the pack last year among the league's cornerbacks (40th out of 109), and quarterbacks had a rating of 88.5 when throwing at the receiver he covered.

Still, it's not a surprise the Colts would be interested. After all, he's still young, and he still has potential. Oh, and one other thing.

#NFL personnel execs are split on Mike Jenkins as a player but they all love his contract. #CheapStarter #Cowboys

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) May 25, 2012

Of course, if Dallas still isn't interested, I suppose none of this matters.

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Josh Katzowitz on Twitter here: @joshkatzowitz.

Tags: Brandon Carr, Cassius Vaughn, Jerraud Powers, Kevin Thomas, Mike Jenkins, Morris Claiborne, Orlando Scandrick, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, NFL

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Report: Lawrence Taylor informed that Charlie Sheen purchased his Super Bowl ring

Posted: 01:07 PM ET May 24, 2012

By Will Brinson | Senior NFL Blogger

Charlie Sheen reportedly purchased Lawrence Taylor's auctioned-off Super Bowl ring. (Getty Images)

The whole saga involving Lawrence Taylor's Super Bowl ring may have taken a (somehow) even more bizarre twist. According to a report, LT and his agent were informed that the winning bid was placed by none other than Charlie Sheen.

Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com first reported the news and also points out that there's a possibility that the news isn't 100 percent correct. (Glazer also makes a great joke about Rob Lowe confirming this news, which doesn't even seem out of the question.)

Frankly, I can't tell whether to laugh or cry at the auction unfolding this way, but I'm leaning towards "cackling manically" at this point. After all, what's more perfect than Osi Umenyiora chasing Twitter followers with a possible purchase of the most-publicized sports auction we've seen in a while, only to get topped by CHUCK SHEEN?

The answer is nothing (barring the Rob Lowe confirmation anyway).

Here's what I'm interested in, though: Sheen's motivation for buying the ring. I'd like to believe that it's one of two things. Either a) Sheen is a Giants fan or b) he's going to melt the ring down and snort it.

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, subscribe to our RSS Feed and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Will Brinson on Twitter here: @willbrinson.

Tags: New York Giants, NFL

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Report: Lions keep Titus Young out of workouts after fight with teammate

Posted: 01:04 PM ET May 21, 2012

By Josh Katzowitz | NFL Blogger

Young, once again, is in trouble with his team for fighting. (US Presswire) When the Lions selected receiver Titus Young in the second round of the 2011 draft, character issues had followed him since college. He was suspended indefinitely at Boise State, though he rebounded to have a standout career.

Yes, he recorded 48 catches for 607 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season, but he also made dumb personal foul penalties at inopportune times that angered his teammates and coaches.

The worst offense was when he punched a Saints player in the face when his team was losing by 17 points early in the second half, and on the sideline afterward, Detroit center Dominic Raiola eviscerated him on the sideline.

Looks like Young's temper problems haven't been solved.

According to MLive.com's Anwar Richardson, Young missed the beginning of Detroit's OTAs on Monday after fighting with safety Louis Delmas last week. Young, who apparently punched Delmas in the face when he wasn't looking, is “not allowed back at Allen Park until the team decides to have him back.”

It also should be noted that Delmas was at practice today.

"This is the voluntary part of our offseason program," coach Jim Schwartz told reporters. "There is no need to comment. It sort of entails that it is not voluntary.”

Even with the problems Young apparently still displays, there might be some hope for him. After all, he overcame a nine-game suspension placed on him by Boise State coach Chris Peterson, and he interspersed plenty of positive results with his missteps last year. In fact, Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said Young was the most productive rookie receiver with whom he had ever worked.

He's not the only guy to make dumb mistakes,” receiver Nate Burleson said last year. “Everybody has. I've had some penalties. But I just like the way he's embraced his position. He said, ‘You know what, I'm just going to go out there and make plays.' And he has. The guy has showed up tremendously for us."

Plus, Young seemed -- the past tense to that verb being the kicker -- to have learned his lesson about fighting.

“It was something that needed to be corrected and I felt that the only way I could have corrected it was to not be put in that position again,” Young said about a month after the Saints incident. “I've been very mindful of keeping my cool and letting it go to the next play.”

For now, though, the team is telling Young not to show up at workouts, and that isn't helping either his physical development or his maturity.

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Josh Katzowitz on Twitter here: @joshkatzowitz.

Tags: Dominic Raiola, Louis Delmas, Nate Burleson, Titus Young, Detroit Lions, NFL

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Report: Buccaneers sign former Colts TE Dallas Clark

Posted: 06:29 PM ET May 21, 2012

By Ryan Wilson | NFL Blogger

The Bucs reportedly signed Clark Monday, which could mean Winslow has played his last game in Tampa. (US PRESSWIRE)
On Monday, tight end Kellen Winslow announced that the Buccaneers didn't want him, in part because he hasn't participated in the team's offseason workouts. Ultimately, the team would like to trade him. That news led to reports that former Colts tight end Dallas Clark, who had visited the Bucs recently, would be signed.

That eventuality became a reality Monday afternoon, according to Scout.com's Aaron Wilson, who reports that Tampa Bay has indeed agreed to terms with Clark, the former Colts Pro Bowler. Discounting 2011, when he caught just 34 passes from Indianapolis quarterbacks not named Peyton, Clark averaged 49 receptions a season with Peyton Manning under center from 2002-2010. He'll now join a Bucs team with a young quarterback (Josh Freeman) and a rookie head coach (Greg Schiano) looking to rebound from a four-win season.

There was some speculation that Clark might retire after injuries had slowed him in recent years. He was sidelined for five games in 2011 and only played in six games the year before that. In the previous three seasons he missed just two games combined.

Clark also visited the Patriots this offseason, though conventional wisdom figured he'd end up in Denver with Manning and former teammate Brandon Stokley.

As for the Bucs, they will now have to decide what to do with Winslow, who was the No. 6 pick in the 2004 draft out of the University of Miami and is perhaps best known for his unhinged "I'm a solider!" monologue while playing for the Hurricanes. That took place nearly nine years ago, which should tell you all you need to know about his NFL career.

Rotoworld reports that Tampa Bay would save $4.8 million in the salary cap if it parts ways with Winslow, who signed a six-year, $36.1 million contract in 2009 that paid him a guaranteed $20.1 million. He is due a $3.3 million base salary this year.

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Ryan Wilson on Twitter here: @ryanwilson_07.

Tags: Brandon Stokley, Josh Freeman, Kellen Winslow, Peyton Manning, Ryan Wilson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL

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Report: Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins won't report for OTAs, seeks trade

Posted: 10:36 PM ET May 21, 2012

By Ryan Wilson | NFL Blogger

Jenkins reportedly wants a trade but Jones isn't interested in moving the former first-rounder. (US PRESSWIRE)
The Cowboys begin OTAs Tuesday cornerback Mike Jenkins won't be there because he wants to be traded, sources tell the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Clarence Hill Jr. While the workouts are voluntary, Jenkins, the team's first-round pick in 2008, wants out after Dallas signed Brandon Carr to a $50 million deal in free agency and then traded up to take LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne in last month's NFL Draft.

Consequently, Jenkins has effectively gone from the Cowboys' best cornerback to third on the depth chart. But in a league that puts a premium on the passing game -- and finding ways to stop it -- a team can never have enough quality defensive backs (obvious exception: the Eagles, who shipped Asante Samuel to the Falcons in April). But Jenkins wants a new contract, which is exacerbated by a) the money the team paid to Carr and b) the various injuries Jenkins played through last season.

Hill notes that Orlando Scandrick has already signed a long-term deal with the Cowboys making Jenkins expendable. "However, his contract situation and his injury hinder the process. He would likely want a new deal before joining another team and the Cowboys would likely want premium compensation in return."

There's also this: Dallas apparently has no interest in moving Jenkins and want him on the roster for the 2012 season. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones went so far as to call Jenkins "vital" to the team's plans.

"We know that we've got a situation where we can identify what we are on defense by having three corners in there a lot I see short-term and long-term with Jenkins," Jones said last week. "We've also got Scandrick, we got some room if somebody gets nicked not to have to adjust. We can come out there and spend some time really utilizing where we are at corner. The decision to bring Claiborne in was a big part of that. There's no interest on my part at all of trading Jenkins. None."

Given that the NFC East features the defending Super Bowl champion Giants and an Eagles outfit that should be vastly improved over last season, Jones is right to want to hoard as many quality defensive backs as he can.

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Ryan Wilson on Twitter here: @ryanwilson_07.

Tags: Asante Samuel, Brandon Carr, Mike Jenkins, Orlando Scandrick, Ryan Wilson, Dallas Cowboys, NFL

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Report: NFL sends cease/desist letter to makers of 'My Jesus' t-shirts

Posted: 06:54 PM ET May 20, 2012

By Will Brinson | Senior NFL Blogger

The NFL isn't thrilled with the "My Jesus" design. (CubbyTees.com)
When Tim Tebow was traded to New York, some folks believed it was a marketing ploy by the Jets. Others saw a marketing opportunity for themselves. Like CubbyTees.com, who fired up a "My Jesus" parody shirt (see: above) to play off of Tebow's faith and team.

Tebow wasn't happy about the shirt and sent a cease-and-desist letter to CubbyTees.com. Kevin Doolan of Cubby Tees basically laughed off the legal action, which may explain why the NFL is reportedly coming after the shirt company.

According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, the NFL is taking steps to end the company's production of the shirts and sent their own cease-and-desist letter late last week, citing the "apparent infringement of the Jets logo" as the reason for shutting the "My Jesus" shirts down.

And as Florio points out, if CubbyTees.com decides not to cease production, the NFL's not scared to flex its legal muscles. They'll probably have a pretty good case, too, since the shirt's description makes it clear that the company is targeting the Jets logo, even if they don't exactly say that.

"This fun design is not officially endorsed by New York's backup quarterback or the Son of God, but plays off the themes of Tebow's faith and his new team - borrowing from the J-E-T-S to promote J-E-S-U-S, with a fish for a football, and "MY" replacing "NY" with a color scheme that will be familiar to Jets fans," the description on CubbyTees.com reads.

Tags: Tim Tebow, New York Jets, NFL

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Report: Mickey Loomis to help run NBA's New Orleans Hornets

Posted: 09:37 AM ET May 21, 2012

By Josh Katzowitz | NFL Blogger

Loomis now will help run the New Orleans' NBA franchise. (Getty Images) Solving the all-important question of what Saints general manager Mickey Loomis is going to do when he's suspended for the first eight games of the 2012 season, team owner Tom Benson apparently has given Loomis a nice parting gift.

Instead of running the New Orleans football franchise, the New Orleans Times Picayune writes Loomis is going to help run the Benson-owned New Orleans basketball franchise (recently purchased by Benson for $338 million).

Putting all the possible jokes aside -- for instance, how much tougher is it going to be to run a bounty program when there are only five guys playing at one time? -- isn't this sort of like watching your son wreck your Maserati only to lend him the BMW while the car he totaled is in the shop?

"We've got a good team going, we really do," Benson told the paper, which also writes that Benson is promoting Dennis Lauscha to team president (the role of Lauscha, who was the Saints executive vice president and chief financial officer, will now expand in the Saints organization).

And while the promotion of Lauscha was the main point of the T-P's article, the Loomis news was certainly interesting. As was the future of Rita Benson LeBlanc, Benson's granddaughter who had been considered the heir apparent.

You might recall about a month ago when Benson apparently put the 35-year-old LeBlanc on unofficial paid administration leave because her pattern of behavior needed to be corrected.

As the T-P wrote last month, “Colleagues and co-workers are quick to compliment LeBlanc for her intelligence, creativity, energy and good taste. However, they're also just as quick to note her lack of focus and abrasive management style, citing the estimated 30 assistants she's gone through in her six-year tenure. She's developed a reputation for stalling projects internally, at Benson Tower and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Her penchant for drivers and world travel has irked colleagues and caused some to question her commitment to the job.”

Now, though, all is well in New Orleans. Apparently. Check out this beauty of a comment from Benson, who has since welcomed his granddaughter back to work.

"You know, Rita took a couple months vacation there, and people got the wrong impression," Benson said. "We're not reducing her in any kind of way. You're looking at the whole organization, and you can see she's right there.

"And as we've taken on some of these outside activities, I told Rita I want her to get more involved in them, even if it took away some time here (with the Saints), and leaning on Dennis a little more."

Man, it's a good thing she's back from her vacation. Otherwise, Lauscha might have taken over her role as heir apparent.

And while I'm being snarky about this entire story, I do have one legitimate question regarding Benson's decision to move Loomis to the NBA side.

How's Jonathan Vilma's mid-ranger jumper anyway?

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Josh Katzowitz on Twitter here: @joshkatzowitz.

Tags: Jonathan Vilma, Bounties, Bountygate, New Orleans Saints, NFL

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Report: Bengals LB Dontay Moch suspended four games for banned substance

Posted: 10:12 AM ET May 20, 2012

By Will Brinson | Senior NFL Blogger

Moch's reportedly been suspended four games for using a banned substance. (Getty Images)
We've spent a lot of time lately lauding the Bengals draft picks over the past few years. But they're not perfect all the time. And example of this is linebacker Dontay Moch, who's reportedly facing a four-game suspension from the league.

According to Jason LaCanfora, Moch was suspended for using banned substances, and will miss four games, pending an appeal.

The linebacker, selected 66th overall by the Bengals last year, generated a lot of interest prior to the 2011 draft with his fast 40 time at the combine (the quickest among all linebackers and linemen).

Moch suffered a foot injury (a broken metatarsal bone, to be specific) in the Bengals first preseason game and didn't see any action during his rookie season.

It appears as if Moch is going to continue to miss games, pending his appeal process working.

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Tags: Dontay Moch, Cincinnati Bengals, NFL

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Report: 1st-round pick Quinton Coples signs four-year deal with Jets

Posted: 06:20 PM ET May 17, 2012

By Josh Katzowitz | NFL Blogger

Coples will get the chance to prove he tries hard all the time. (US Presswire)
NFL.com's Jason La Canfora is reporting the Jets have signed their first-round pick, defensive end Quinton Coples, to a four-year guaranteed deal.

Terms haven't been released or reported, but considering Bruce Irvin, picked one spot ahead of Coples, inked a four-year deal worth $9.34 million, Coples' contract will be worth a little less than that. There also will be a team option for a fifth year.

Coples, picked 16th overall out of North Carolina, was seen as a talented and versatile defensive lineman who had questions about how hard he tried on a consistent basis.

"You know, I'm a big guy. I'm a long-strider, things of that nature, so where it may come fast to me in a game, on film it's slowing down a little bit," Coples said before the draft. "People have their own opinions. Some people don't even think it was a problem. So it's different opinions, and you just go for what it is."

There was a report after the draft that the Jets originally were willing to take either Coples or Irvin and were willing to trade down with the Steelers so Pittsburgh could grab guard David DeCastro, but when the Seahawks surprisingly selected Irvin at No. 15, New York panicked and grabbed Coples.

Not true, Rex Ryan said.

“(Irvin) is a guy we did a lot of stuff on,” Ryan said. “We liked Bruce Irvin as a player, but not ahead of the first two guys we took (including Stephen Hill in the second round)."

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Josh Katzowitz on Twitter here: @joshkatzowitz.

Tags: Bruce Irvin, Quinton Coples, Stephen Hill, New York Jets, NFL

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Report: Saints LB Jonathan Vilma bracing for 2 to 8-game suspension

Posted: 05:47 PM ET April 16, 2012

By Ryan Wilson | NFL Blogger

Vilma's reportedly bracing for the worst. (Getty Images)
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has already punished Saints coaches Sean Payton, Joe Vitt and former coach Gregg Williams; general manager Mickey Loomis; and the organization for their collective roles in the bounty scandal. The damage: a year's suspension for Payton, six games for Vitt, an indefinite suspension for Williams, eight games for Loomis, and for the franchise a $500,000 fine and two lost second-round picks (2012 and 2013).

But Goodell isn't done. There were players that had to carry out Williams' orders to injure opponents and one of them, linebacker Jonathan Vilma, could find out his fate by the end of the week. He's bracing for a suspension that could range anywhere from two to eight games, sources told NFL Network's Jason La Canfora Monday.

The NFLPA released a statement Monday morning indicating that they knew about the audio recordings of Williams urging his defense to take 49ers players that were released to the public days before Goodell ruled on the appeals of Payton, Vitt and Loomis.

“We learned of the tape as part of our effort to obtain any and all information related to an alleged pay-to-injure scheme," the statement read in part. "We had no control of the content and did not make a determination on the method of its release. To date, the NFL has not provided the NFLPA with detailed evidence of the existence of such a program.”

In March, a source told CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman that Vilma offered $10,000 to any teammate who knocked then-Vikings quarterback Brett Favre out of the 2009 NFC Championship Game.

As PFT.com's Mike Florio wrote Monday, "The allegation about Vilma putting up $10,000 ... is damning, but a fight over whether there is direct evidence of such a scheme could wind up working out well for Vilma's attempt to avoid a long suspension."

Whatever happens, the Saints have contingency plans: they signed linebackers Curtis Lofton and David Hawthorne, which led to this awkward Twitter exchange between Vilma and Sports Illustrated's Peter King.

Concerning the NFLPA's possible claim that there isn't enough evidence to punish Vilma, this is where we point out that, in the new collective bargaining agreement, the players agreed to let Goodell maintain full control of all disciplines handed down under the personal conduct policy. So don't be surprised if he comes down hard on Vilma.

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Ryan Wilson on Twitter here: @ryanwilson_07.

Tags: Curtis Lofton, David Hawthorne, Jonathan Vilma, Ryan Wilson, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers, NFL

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Report: Sean Payton banned from 'any contact' with Saints, other coaches

Posted: 10:23 AM ET April 17, 2012

By Will Brinson | Senior NFL Blogger

Payton's banned from contact with anyone on the Saints in 2012. (Getty Images)
Sean Payton got a hefty one-year suspension from the NFL and when he appealed that suspension to Roger Goodell, he got the Heisman from the commissioner. So we knew 2012 wouldn't be a fun year for Payton.

But according to a report from Adam Schefter of ESPN, it's worse than imagined: Payton is "not allowed to have any contact with the Saints organization or anyone around the NFL."

Additionally, any contact with coaching friends or members of the Saints organization must be reported to league executive Ray Anderson, which is an interesting little application of the honor code when it comes to Payton's suspension.

Payton's suspension begins Monday and ends in February, following the Super Bowl. So, if Payton does, say, bump into Mickey Loomis at Bed, Bath and Beyond on a Saturday in May, he has to ring up Anderson and self-report a violation of his suspension.

The obvious conundrum for Payton is this: he could break the honor code and keep his fingerprints on the 2012 Saints. And he could conceivably get away with it. But (in the hypothetical that he attempted to do so) if he got caught without self-reporting these violations, he might be in big trouble when reinstatement time rolls around.

Of course, from a practical standpoint, it's an absolute disaster: the people in the Saints organization and the NFL are, one assumes, his circle of friends. Surely he has compatriots outside the game, but if he wants to get dinner with a good friend in the Saints organization, it's unlikely the NFL would look on too kindly.

Tags: Bounties, Bountygate, New Orleans Saints, NFL

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Report: Roman Harper, Will Smith could face bounty punishment from NFL

Posted: 09:22 AM ET April 17, 2012

By Will Brinson | Senior NFL Blogger

The NFL has yet to hand down punishments for players involved in the Saints bounty scandal. But it could be (very) soon, and word's starting to leak about who could be punished.

We already knew that linebacker Jonathan Vilma was "bracing for" a two-to-eight game suspension, but two new names emerged Monday afternoon: Roman Harper and Will Smith.

According to Jason LaCanfora of NFL Network, Harper and Smith are "featured prominently in the NFL's investigation" and "could end up facing more severe discipline" than many of the other players potentially involved in the bounty case.

One thing that these three players have in common: they were all Saints for the duration of the time Gregg Williams was there. Scott Fujita, as LaCanfora notes, was involved in a recent meeting, but only spent one year with the Saints.

It would make a lot of sense that the people who receive the majority of the punishment will be a significant part of the culture that Williams -- the perceived ringleader of the bounty punishment -- helped to install in New Orleans.

Vilma, whether or right or wrong, is considered the primary culprit on the players' end of things. It'll be interesting to see how the length of his suspension affects the rest of the players -- a big suspension for Vilma could indicate he's getting the brunt of the punishment or it could set the bar high for additional punishments to other players.

A shorter punishment would limit for Vilma would likely limit the exposure to suspension for the remainder of the defenders being eyed for suspension by the NFL.

Tags: Jonathan Vilma, Roman Harper, Scott Fujita, Will Smith, New Orleans Saints, NFL

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Jets report for workouts as Ryan reaffirms Sanchez as starting QB

NEW YORK -- The New York Jets have no quarterback controversy.

That's what Rex Ryan has insisted throughout the offseason. And as his players got together at the team's facility for the first time as they prepare for the season, the Jets coach again clearly defined the roles for Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow.

"Of course, Mark's the starter," Ryan said during a conference call Monday. "There's no question about it. That's how we look at it, but we know that Tim can help us, too. There's no doubt. ... Mark is our starting quarterback. We've said that. We understand Tim is a backup quarterback, but we also recognize the fact that this guy's an excellent football player and we're going to use his abilities."

The Jets briefly flirted with the idea of going after Peyton Manning before it was clear the former Indianapolis Colts star wasn't interested. New York then signed Sanchez to a three-year contract extension, showing confidence and a commitment to its young quarterback.

But things quickly -- and surprisingly -- changed as Manning signed with Denver, and the Broncos traded Tebow to the Jets for draft picks last month. Suddenly, the Jets had perhaps the NFL's most popular player at the same position in which they have a guy they drafted in the first round four years ago and have won four road playoff games with. Sanchez's role came into question, along with speculation over when -- not if -- Tebow will eventually overtake him for the starting job.

Sanchez has been widely criticized since the end of last season after he struggled to progress as many expected. A few unnamed Jets were also quoted in reports knocking the quarterback's abilities. Center Nick Mangold doesn't think Tebow's presence and high profile will cause Sanchez added anxiety.

"I think Mark's going to continue to be the same player and he's going to work his butt off, and he's going to be the quarterback that we need him to be," Mangold said. "If Mark was wishy-washy in his thoughts of his abilities and what his role was, I could see that creeping in, but Mark understands what he needs to do. And I think that sets the clear line. There's a lot of great backups in the league who can do the same things, but just don't have the same following that Tim does."

Added Ryan: "We're extremely happy to have both of them."

Tebow and Sanchez were among the players who reported to the team's facility in Florham Park, N.J., for voluntary workouts, marking the official start of preparations for the season. Ryan said a few players did not attend on the first day, but added that they aren't required to be there.

The plan, at least for now, is to have Sanchez lead new coordinator Tony Sparano's offense and use Tebow in a variety of packages, including the wildcat and in short-yardage situations.

"As much as any other trade or movement gets done, if it's going to help our team, I'm all for it," Mangold said. "I'm excited. Tim's won, obviously, a lot of games and brings a new dynamic for our offense."

Sanchez has tried to smooth the tensions in the Jets' locker room that helped lead to a disappointing 8-8 season. He and wide receiver Santonio Holmes were at the center of the issues, and their relationship was in serious need of repair, especially after Holmes was benched by former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer in the season finale in Miami for arguing with teammates in the huddle.

"It happened down in Miami," Holmes said, "and that's where it's going to stay: down in Miami."

Sanchez called Holmes in the offseason to get past their differences, and the two worked out together in Florida along with a few teammates.

"I think it's the leadership part of Mark," Holmes said. "He's portraying those leadership qualities of being a guy that's going to be here for a while. By reaching out to me and wanting to spend some time with me and just chit chat and put everything behind us, I think it was a great thing for he and I to establish."

Holmes' tone turned a bit snippy, however, when he was asked about the locker room issues from last season.

"That happened in the past," he said, addressing reporters for the first time since after his benching in Miami. "We're worried about the 2012 season, and if you're not concerned with that, we don't have anything else to talk about."

He also didn't sound particularly contrite when asked if he regretted anything personally about how last season ended.

"Why should I?" he snapped.

Some fans and media speculated that the Jets might look to get rid of Holmes because of the issues, but he said that never crossed his mind.

"Nope," he said, before being asked why. "I signed a five-year contract."

Regardless, Ryan is with his teammates when it comes to putting last season far behind them. He stressed a "new beginning" for the team during a brief meeting.

"I don't care what you call it, a brotherhood, a tribe or whatever," he said. "We want to be special, and I think that starts right now with the offseason program and the conditioning and the OTAs and the minicamp."

Ryan, Mangold and Holmes all believe the Jets' chemistry problems were a learning experience, but it's not something any of them are thinking about now.

"We're not bickering little school children," Mangold said. "We're able to understand that things happen in the moment. This is a new team. This is not the 2011 Jets.

"This is the 2012 Jets, and we're looking forward to making it a much better year than it was last year."

Notes: Ryan said the team has had "casual" conversations about possibly doing HBO's Hard Knocks again, but wouldn't discuss it further unless they're officially approached by the cable network. The Jets appeared on the show in 2010, and owner Woody Johnson has said he'd be open to it again. ... Ryan said there's no indication the Jets will discuss a long-term deal with CB Darrelle Revis, who has two years left on his contract.

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Brady returns to limited practice after report of shoulder injury

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Tom Brady participated in practice Thursday on a limited basis because of a left shoulder injury.

The New England Patriots quarterback had missed Wednesday's session, but the team said his absence was not injury-related.

Comcast SportsNet reported that same day that Brady had X-rays to check for a separated left shoulder and was told he was "all set." Patriots spokesman Stacey James said Thursday: "If there was an injury then it would be on the injury report."

Brady was listed on Thursday's report as having participated on a limited basis with the shoulder injury. He was one of 17 Patriots listed as participating on a limited basis, meaning a player took part in fewer than 100 percent of his normal repetitions.

He loosened up and ran with his teammates at the start of the practice while reporters were allowed to watch.

Brady landed hard on his left shoulder with 1:40 left in the fourth quarter Saturday when he was tackled by Kevin Burnett on a scramble in a 27-24 win over the Miami Dolphins in which he also scored on two 1-yard sneaks.

The Patriots have one more practice on Friday before a walkthrough on Saturday for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills (6-9).

The Patriots (12-3) have clinched a first-round bye and can lock up home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a win or tie. If they lose, they could still get home-field advantage with a loss or tie by both the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Brady has a chance for the fourth 5,000-yard passing season, needing just 103. Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints set the NFL record of 5,087 Monday night, 3 more than the mark set by Dan Marino of the Miami Dolphins in 1984.

The Saints, tied with the San Francisco 49ers for the second-best record in the NFC at 12-3 and with a chance to earn a bye, face the Carolina Panthers.

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Report: NFL considers having WADA handle testing

The New York Times is reporting that the NFL is considering having the World Anti-Doping Agency oversee testing of players for performance-enhancing drugs if a federal appeals court forces the league to end the lockout and implement rules for operating the league this season.

The Times cited an unidentified NFL official briefed on its planning.

The newspaper reports bringing in WADA could eventually lead to players being blood tested for human growth hormone for the first time.

The NFL and players are locked in a labor battle that has gone to the courts. The owners are currently locking out the players, who have dissolved their union and sued the owners in federal court.

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Report: Jets have 'no interest' in signing Randy Moss

The New York Jets have "no interest" in signing wide receiver Randy Moss once the lockout ends, according to a report by FOXSports.com's Adam Schein. That refutes several reports over the weekend indicating the Jets could pursue the pending free agent.

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes said over the weekend that he still has issues with how offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer used him during the AFC Championship Game loss to Pittsburgh, and has also said he will not play for a one-year tender if he's not given a multi-year contract.

Schein's report said Jets coach Rex Ryan spoke glowingly of Moss in an attempt to motivate Holmes. Fellow wide receivers Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith are also in line to become free agents.

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