Just Say No

Richard Seymour was traded from the Patriots on Sunday to the Raiders for a first round pick in 2011. Or so we thought. It's almost Wednesday now and Seymour still isn't walking through that door. Raiders say he's working things out for a long-term contract, I say he's politely telling the Pats he'll do whatever necessary to stay.

While it is doubtful (read: impossible) Seymour will remain a Patriot, he is acting accordingly. The Raiders need help on the D-line and who better than someone with three Super Bowl victories and five Pro Bowl appearances. With these credentials comes a price. Seymour's got one year left on his contract and wisely wants some stability before fording the rivers and losing oxen on the trek out west.

Also, in the case of a certain Ohio State QB, just say no to speaking. Terrelle Pryor spoke after Saturday's win, explaining why he wrote "Mike Vick" on his eye black. As much as Pryor sucked in the game itself, the press conference was equally disastrous.
Disclaimer: If you are involved with Public Relations in any way, look away now. Here's what Mr. Pryor had to say,

"Not everybody's the perfect person in the world. I mean everyone kills people, murders people, steals from you, steals from me, whatever. I think that people need a second chance, and I've always looked up to Mike Vick, and I always will."

Needless to say, the Buckeyes may reconsider letting Pryor speak to the media without someone around to watch what he says. For now, just another great quote from a college athlete. Makes you wonder how much stock they put in the student part of student-athlete.

Who's the genius?

"In Bill We Trust" is the motto echoed throughout New England. The latest move by the Belichick brain trust has raised some doubts. Sunday, the Patriots traded five time Pro Bowler and three time Super Bowl winner Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders for their first round pick in the 2011 draft. After the initial shock of the deal, it appears that Belichick has once again made a controversial move that will be beneficial. As of now, it is unclear when it will be beneficial but Belichick has a track record of making moves that pan out.

Time will tell if the Raiders are getting the same Seymour that helped start a dynasty in New England or an aging D-Lineman who will be a free agent at season's end. "In Bill We Trust" indeed Pats fans.

Now I'll tell you who is NOT a genius. Shawne Merriman. Sometime around 3:45 a.m. Sunday, Merriman allegedly choked and restrained his gal Tila Tequila. It should not come as a surprise that he would let his temper get the best of him, probably just some roid rage. Interesting to see what, if any, punishment will be levied. At least there were no weapons involved.

I certainly do not condone domestic violence and would add that no matter what defense Merriman uses, nothing good happens at 3:45 a.m. Except Domino's 5-5-5.

Silly Canadians

In the US of A, lacrosse is mostly a sport for young men and women still enrolled in some form of academia. In Canada, it's for real men. Before today I didn't know of the existence of a professional lacrosse league in Canada, nor did I really care. However, that has changed now that Game One of the Mann Cup (seriously) is over.

A quick synopsis if I may. One of the stars for the Brampton Excelsiors (ManBearPig anyone?), Colin Doyle, was hit hard by a New Westminster Salmon-belly (Odd) and as he was being looked at by trainers, some players began grumbling about the event. One thing led to another and well, this happened.

Some pretty intense action for a lacrosse game I must say. It seems strange that this type of reaction would ensue but I guess its to be expected when you are vying for the now infamous Mann Cup. Fear not Excelsior fans, Doyle returned for Game 2 and helped even the series with two goals and four assists.

TGIF Grumblin'

If you were lucky to catch last night's Oregon - Boise State game, you hopefully saw LeGarrette Blount's outburst. Out of context this looks incredibly vicious and unprovoked. To be honest, I kind of like it. Oregon's new coach Chip Kelly certainly did not, suspending him the rest of the season. However, if you saw any of said game the Ducks were lifeless and pathetic. Granted, Blount's actions did little to fire up his team and came closer to inciting a riot but at least he gave the 'ole college try.

In other college football news, I would have fallen asleep watching NC State and South Carolina had I been watching it. However, the Red Sox were busy taking two of three from the nightmare palace known as Tropicana Field. The Ole Ball Coach can be happy they won a squeaker, but that effort won't hold up in the SEC and he knows it. Thankfully he gave internet sensation, and Heidi Watney nemesis, Erin Andrews exclusive insight on the matter. That's all for now, have a great Labor Day Weekend and always designate a driver, or chessboard. And in case you didn't notice, the Mets are awful.

For Those Living the Fantasy

At the behest of a reader, here is some free Fantasy insight. I am by no means an expert but I've read a multitude of sources which should help you out.

First and foremost, avoid Favre. He throws way too many interceptions (especially when he tries to make things happen) and he's got Adrian Peterson to give the ball to so I don't seem him doing much for your team.

Consider taking some lesser known backs like Ray Rice (Ravens) and TJ Duckett (Seahawks) both will be available late and could be studs if they stay healthy. Rice will probably split time with Willis McGahee but he could get the bulk of the load in the red zone.

Besides the obvious choices at wide-out, Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, look at guys like Eddie Royal in Denver. If Brandon Marshall doesn't quit his whining he'll most likely be out and his distraction is Royal's gain. Also, don't forget about Tony Gonzalez in Indy. With Marvin Harrison gone, he's most likely going to step and fill the void.

Any questions feel free to leave them as a comment. Good luck loyal constituents.

Some Rumblings in Sport

There are many ludicrous deals in sports but the NHL has to be at the top with the number of years on a contract. Marian Hossa already signed a 12-year deal with Chicago and yesterday the Canucks did the same with goalie Roberto Luongo.

In other September NHL news, great article from Yahoo!Sports on the Bruins.

Remember former Boston College football coach Jeff Jagodzinski? He was the guy who was told he'd be fired if he interviewed for the New York Jets job. Well, he went to the interview, got fired by BC and wound up in Tampa Bay as the Bucs Offensive Coordinator. He clearly did something offensive because he was fired today.
Although not a BC fan myself, it is refreshing to see a team put loyalty in such high esteem. Clearly Jagodzinski took the Eagles job for granted and it backfired. Enjoy your trips to the unemployment line with Pacman!

Chew that Pacman

Earlier this week it was reported that Adam "Pacman" Jones was going to sign a one-year deal with Winnipeg of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Their coach, however, said no thanks and the troubled CB is still unemployed like the rest of the country.

Since being drafted Jones has been done more off the field than on it. The guys is a class A moron and Winnipeg should be applauded for their decision not to sign him.

Summer's over

The fall is the best time of the year anyways. Football season is upon us once again with college opening up tomorrow with a handful of games, most notably #16 Oregon at #14 Boise St. While the first weekend generally has some intriguing match-ups, it also has defending champion and #1 Florida welcoming Charleston Southern into the Swamp for what will undoubtedly be a one-sided affair. Look, I am all for Florida opening with a cupcake because they will face plenty of challenges later in the season playing in the SEC. But Charleston Southern? They are 73 point underdogs. Obviously you take the under.

Take a look at #11 LSU, they travel to Washington to take on the Huskies. While they were abysmal last year, they are still a FBS school playing in a BCS conference. At least the folks at LSU are trying to test themselves instead of feasting on some tiny opponent from South Carolina.

As the season begins, there is not shortage of headlines. Greg Paulus leaves Duke to become the QB for Syracuse. (Something tells me he's not going to matter much). Oklahoma St. TE Jamal Mosley left after a protective order was filed against him. (He was slated to be the starter but apparently couldn't handle johnny law in his grill?) Finally, Rich Rodriguez apparently over did it with some of the off-season workouts. Okay, so I understand that they restrict these workouts for a reason, but what is the reason? I mean for the most part this training occurs during the summer when school for most is not in session. So what gives? Are these restrictions in place so the kids can't be taught new plays, formations, etc.? Or are they there so the kids aren't physically exhausted by the first week of September? Either way, they don't seem to make sense. The players will learn the formations and plays anyway (spring practice anyone?) and if a coach wants to run them til exhaustion he's only hurting his own cause. The rules just don't make sense and all they seem to do is encourage parents to bitch, which they do enough of anyway.