SI.com – NFL 2010-03-09 21:04:48
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Closing arguments finish in Williams murder trial
DENVER (AP) — Attorneys have finished their closing arguments in the trial of Willie Clark, the man charged with first-degree murder in the death of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams.
It’s not clear whether jurors will begin deliberating Tuesday night or wait until Wednesday.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Timothy Twining says Clark flew into a murderous rage after a confrontation and later told friends he fired the fatal shots.
Clark’s attorney, Abraham Hutt, says Clark is a scapegoat and is being framed by associates.
Williams and some friends were in a limousine when he was shot on New Year’s Day 2007. They had just left a nightclub where prosecutors say Williams’ group got into an altercation with a group that included Clark, a suspected gang member.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Vick wins award as Eagles pick up 2010 option
BALTIMORE (AP) — Inside the banquet hall, a humbled but defiant Michael Vick was honored Tuesday night as one of 32 NFL players to receive the Ed Block Courage Award.
Outside, dozens of protesters expressed dismay over his nomination.
The award is presented to players who exemplify commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. Each NFL team selects their own recipient, and most of the winners were on hand for the gala event Tuesday night.
Vick was picked as the Philadelphia Eagles‘ representative by a unanimous vote of his teammates. Once a star quarterback with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick was convicted in 2007 for his role in a dogfighting ring and served 18 months in federal prison.
“I’m very humbled to be here,” Vick said before the award ceremony. “I’m blessed to be voted by my peers, to be here, and this is an opportunity that I will take advantage of and cherish forever.”
It was the first award he received since being reinstated by the NFL in September 2009.
“It shows I’m making strides,” Vick said. “I’m trying to do the right thing.”
There were police cars at every driveway of the parking lot, and security inside the building was heavier than usual at the 32nd annual event.
Many of the protesters outside carried signs, one of which said, “No Award For Dog Killers.”
Erin Marcus, of Open The Cages Alliance, said, “I don’t think there have been enough time for him to show the proper remorse for what he’s done to animals.”
Many of the other 2009 Ed Block Award winners rebounded from serious injuries to excel in 2009, such as New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae and Baltimore Ravens safety Dawan Landry.
Vick, of course, had to bounce back from something entirely different.
“I think I do exemplify what this award stands for,” Vick insisted. “I think everybody has the right to their own opinion. But I feel like I’ve done everything that I said I would do, coming out and moving forward. My peers felt like I was doing the right thing, and that I display courage and sportsmanship and leadership. I value their opinion.”
Vick did more than just show up to collect a piece of hardware. He spent hours Monday and Tuesday speaking to kids at a community center and at the Baltimore Ravens Courage House, which houses abused children.
“It’s easy to see, when you spend a couple of days with Michael Vick, why his Philadelphia Eagles teammates picked him as the Courage Award winner. It’s been that impressive,” Ed Block spokesman Paul Mittermeier said.
Mittermeier said the Eagles will dedicate a Courage House in Philadelphia next year on behalf of Vick.
Vick was signed as a free agent with Philadelphia during the preseason and playing sparingly in 2009 as the backup to Donovan McNabb. The Eagles have exercised their 2010 option on Vick, meaning the quarterback will receive a $1.5 million roster bonus sometime this week, and the rest of his $5.25 million 2010 salary will be paid by either Philadelphia or another NFL franchise.
“The Eagles picking up the roster bonus, it’s a blessing for me, a blessing for my family,” Vick said. “As far as I know, I’m a Philadelphia Eagle, and I will carry out the role I’ve been playing. We’ll see what happens. The entire organization knows I want to be a starter.”
Off the field, Vick has worked with The Humane Society of the United States, speaking at churches, schools and community groups about the poor judgment he showed in getting involved in dogfighting.
“Michael Vick approached us and said he wanted to be part of the solution instead of the problem,” Michael Markarian, executive vice president and CEO of the Humane Society, said before the event. “We asked him if he do volunteer work, go to communities all over the country and talk to at-risk youth and try to steer them away from dogfighting.”
Markarian said Vick has told his story in “about a dozen” cities.
“The Humane Society of the United States was the toughest critic of Michael Vick when these allegations first came to light,” Markarian said. “But we want to find creative solutions to try to reach kids, particularly young men, who get pitbulls for the wrong reason. They are really moved after they hear Michael Vick’s story, and it turns them away from dogfighting.”
Which, to some, explains why Vick received the Ed Block Courage Award.
The award, named after longtime Baltimore Colts trainer Ed Block, was first presented in 1978.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
T.O. to talk to Bengals
CINCINNATI (AP) — Terrell Owens headed to Cincinnati on Tuesday to see if the Bengals are interested in adding him to their stalled-out passing game.
The 36-year-old receiver tweeted on Tuesday that he was on his way to meet with team officials. Receiver Chad Ochocinco has been lobbying for the Bengals to sign Owens since the end of last season, when the Bengals’ passing game lacked a deep threat.
“En route (at) Natti land!!” Owens tweeted. “i’ll let u guys know how the mtg went! Cn’t go 2 bad considering the pursuit of tht Lombardi shiny thing!!”
The Bengals went 10-6 and won the AFC North last season by relying on their defense and their running game. They lost to the New York Jets in their first playoff game since 2005, struggling to move the ball.
Cincinnati needs at least one proven receiver after releasing Laveranues Coles, who lasted only one season with the Bengals. Receiver Matt Jones, who was out of the NFL last season after Jacksonville released him for off-field problems, has signed a one-year deal with the Bengals.
It’s unclear whether they have much interest in Owens, whose production declined each of the last two seasons with Dallas and Buffalo. Former Tampa Bay receiver Antonio Bryant was in Cincinnati on Tuesday.
Owens, a six-time Pro Bowl receiver, had 69 catches for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns with Dallas in 2008, and dropped off to 55 catches for 829 yards with five touchdowns last season in Buffalo.
Owens and Ochocinco are represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus, who didn’t return a phone message Tuesday. Rosenhaus told Sirius NFL Radio on Friday night that he had talked to the Bengals about Owens, but wasn’t sure where the team was headed.
Bryant had career highs with 83 catches for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008 with Tampa Bay. He needed surgery for torn cartilage in his left knee during training camp last year, and was bothered by pain in the knee all season. He finished with 39 catches for 600 yards and four touchdowns.
Cincinnati’s passing offense finished 26th in the league last season even though Carson Palmer was back from an elbow injury. The Bengals didn’t have a reliable third-down receiver — T.J. Houshmandzadeh left as a free agent for Seattle before last season — and Coles failed to blend into the offense.
The Bengals also lacked a deep threat after Chris Henry got hurt. Henry later died in a fall from a truck during a domestic dispute.
Getting a receiver and a tight end are among the team’s top priorities in free agency and the draft.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Free agent WR Owens to meet with Bengals (AP)
CINCINNATI (AP)—Terrell Owens(notes) headed to Cincinnati on Tuesday to see if the
Bengals are interested in adding him to their stalled-out passing game.
The 36-year-old receiver tweeted on Tuesday that he was on his way to meet
with team officials. Receiver Chad Ochocinco(notes) has been lobbying for the Bengals
to sign Owens since the end of last season, when the Bengals’ passing game
lacked a deep threat.
“En route (at) Natti land!!” Owens tweeted. “i’ll let u guys know how the
mtg went! Cn’t go 2 bad considering the pursuit of tht Lombardi shiny thing!!”
The Bengals went 10-6 and won the AFC North last season by relying on their
defense and their running game. They lost to the New York Jets in their first
playoff game since 2005, struggling to move the ball.
Cincinnati needs at least one proven receiver after releasing Laveranues
Coles(notes), who lasted only one season with the Bengals. Receiver Matt Jones(notes), who was
out of the NFL last season after Jacksonville released him for off-field
problems, has signed a one-year deal with the Bengals.
It’s unclear whether they have much interest in Owens, whose production
declined each of the last two seasons with Dallas and Buffalo. Former Tampa Bay
receiver Antonio Bryant(notes) was in Cincinnati on Tuesday.
Owens, a six-time Pro Bowl receiver, had 69 catches for 1,052 yards and 10
touchdowns with Dallas in 2008, and dropped off to 55 catches for 829 yards with
five touchdowns last season in Buffalo.
Owens and Ochocinco are represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus, who didn’t
return a phone message Tuesday. Rosenhaus told Sirius NFL Radio on Friday night
that he had talked to the Bengals about Owens, but wasn’t sure where the team
was headed.
Bryant had career highs with 83 catches for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns
in 2008 with Tampa Bay. He needed surgery for torn cartilage in his left knee
during training camp last year, and was bothered by pain in the knee all season.
He finished with 39 catches for 600 yards and four touchdowns.
Cincinnati’s passing offense finished 26th in the league last season even
though Carson Palmer(notes) was back from an elbow injury. The Bengals didn’t have a
reliable third-down receiver—T.J. Houshmandzadeh(notes) left as a free agent for
Seattle before last season—and Coles failed to blend into the offense.
The Bengals also lacked a deep threat after Chris Henry got hurt. Henry
later died in a fall from a truck during a domestic dispute.
Getting a receiver and a tight end are among the team’s top priorities in
free agency and the draft.
Chiefs sign free agent Jones to back up Charles
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have signed free agent running back Thomas Jones, who led the New York Jets to the AFC championship game last season and was the NFL’s third-leading rusher.
The Chiefs announced the deal Tuesday but declined to disclose the terms.
Jones had career highs of 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He was a 2008 Pro Bowl selection with 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The 31-year-old is expected to supplement third-year running back Jamaal Charles, who was Kansas City’s MVP last season with 1,120 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
Jones was drafted seventh overall in 2000 by the Arizona Cardinals. He was traded to Tampa Bay in 2003, went to Chicago in 2004 as a free agent and was traded to the Jets in 2007.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chiefs sign RB Jones
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed free agent running back Thomas Jones, who led the New York Jets to the AFC championship game last season and was the NFL’s third-leading rusher.
The Chiefs announced the deal Tuesday but declined to disclose the terms.
Jones had career highs of 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He was a 2008 Pro Bowl selection with 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The 31-year-old is expected to supplement third-year running back Jamaal Charles, who was Kansas City’s MVP last season with 1,120 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
Jones was drafted seventh overall in 2000 by the Arizona Cardinals. He was traded to Tampa Bay in 2003, went to Chicago in 2004 as a free agent and was traded to the Jets in 2007.
Chiefs sign former Jets RB Jones (AP)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)—The Kansas City Chiefs have signed free agent running
back Thomas Jones(notes), who led the New York Jets to the AFC championship game last
season and was the NFL’s third-leading rusher.
The Chiefs announced the deal Tuesday but declined to disclose the terms.
Jones had career highs of 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He was
a 2008 Pro Bowl selection with 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The 31-year-old is expected to supplement third-year running back Jamaal
Charles(notes), who was Kansas City’s MVP last season with 1,120 rushing yards and
seven touchdowns.
Jones was drafted seventh overall in 2000 by the Arizona Cardinals. He was
traded to Tampa Bay in 2003, went to Chicago in 2004 as a free agent and was
traded to the Jets in 2007.
Steelers keep Clark, get back Randle El (AP)
PITTSBURGH (AP)—The Pittsburgh Steelers, normally one of the quietest teams in
NFL free agency, suddenly are one of the busiest.
The Steelers made a pair of surprise moves by re-signing safety Ryan Clark(notes)
and bringing back wide receiver Antwaan Randle El(notes) on Tuesday—a day after
signing two backups who excel on special teams, safety Will Allen from the
Buccaneers and wide receiver Arnaz Battle(notes) from the 49ers.
There’s more, too: They’re also bringing in offensive tackle Jonathan Scott(notes),
who played the last two seasons in Buffalo under new Steelers offensive line
coach Sean Kugler. Scott started eight games last season but wasn’t given even
the lowest tender offer to stay with the Bills.
Before the free agent signing period began, Steelers director of football
operations Kevin Colbert said the offseason priorities were to bring back Clark,
nose tackle Casey Hampton(notes) and kicker Jeff Reed(notes). They retained all three,
re-signing Hampton to a $21.3 million, three-year contract and placing the
franchise tag on Reed, which assures him of making $2,814,000 next season.
Clark, who didn’t want to leave Pittsburgh but initially couldn’t work out
terms, signed a $14 million, four-year contract only a day after visiting the
Miami Dolphins. Clark reopened talks with the Steelers after deciding he
preferred to stay in Pittsburgh rather than switch franchises.
Clark had an up and down season as the Steelers went 9-7 and didn’t make the
playoffs after winning the Super Bowl during the 2008 season. With star safety
Troy Polamalu(notes) missing most of the season with two knee injuries, Clark struggled
in coverage at times. Displaying a bit of late-season frustration, he criticized
Steelers fans for being more demanding than those in other cities.
“Coach (Mike) Tomlin talked with me about being a nomad, a journeymen …
but if I finish my contract here, that’s eight years in the same place, and
that’s an accomplishment,” Clark said Tuesday. “I didn’t want to leave. My
neighbors didn’t want me to leave. They didn’t want to get new neighbors.”
Randle El is coming back four seasons after leaving Pittsburgh to sign a $31
million, seven-year deal with the Redskins. He was released despite being
Washington’s second-leading receiver last season with 50 catches, although none
were for touchdowns.
Randle El, who threw a TD pass to Hines Ward(notes) on a gadget play during the
Steelers’ Super Bowl win over Seattle in February 2006, agreed to a three-year
deal. The Steelers drafted him in the second round in 2002, but he left for
Washington as a free agent after the 2005 season.
Bringing back Randle El—and signing Battle—suggests the Steelers may not
be counting on former second-round draft pick Limas Sweed(notes) next season. He was
taken off the active roster late last season for reasons not fully explained by
the Steelers, who still haven’t commented on the move. Sweed met with team
officials on Tuesday.
Randle El expects to be the Steelers’ No. 3 receiver, although he could be
pressed for that job by second-year receiver Mike Wallace(notes), who had six
touchdowns among his 39 catches as a rookie.
“We talked about being the No. 3 receiver,” Randle El said. “I’m focused
on being the No. 3 receiver, and that’s what I want to be. Certainly, If Hines
or Santonio (Holmes) goes down, of course, being (lined up) outside. … It’s a
great situation. I have some history here.”
Despite being a disappointment in Washington, Randle El caught at least 50
passes each of the last three seasons; the most receptions he had with
Pittsburgh were 47 as a rookie in 2002.
Allen, who lost his starting job in Tampa Bay, and Battle, whose playing
time at wide receiver was reduced in San Francisco, should upgrade the Steelers’
deficient special teams. Their four kickoff return touchdowns allowed last
season led the NFL.
“That’s what I’m good at, that’s what they saw in me,” Allen said. “I’m a
good safety and a good special teams player.”
Allen is a former Bucs special teams captain but missed half of last season
with a thumb injury.
Battle played in San Francisco under new Steelers special teams coach Al
Everest. He could make as much as $3.9 million in three seasons; Allen’s deal
would pay him as much as $4.4 million if he plays three seasons for Pittsburgh.
Before the free agency period began, the Steelers declined to tender offers
to fullback Carey Davis(notes) and former starting right guard Darnell Stapleton(notes).
Giants sign ex-Colts backup QB Sorgi (AP)
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP)—After six years backing up Peyton Manning(notes) in
Indianapolis, Jim Sorgi(notes) will get a chance to do the same for Peyton’s brother
Eli.
The New York Giants announced Tuesday that they have signed Sorgi to a
one-year deal. Terms were not disclosed.
Sorgi will compete with second-year man Rhett Bomar(notes) for the Giants’ backup
quarterback job.
The 6-foot-5, 196-pound quarterback was the Colts’ sixth-round draft choice
in 2004.
He has appeared in 16 NFL games, completing 99 of 156 pass attempts for 929
yards with six touchdowns and one interception. He played in only one game in
2009 and was placed on injured reserve in December with shoulder tendinitis.
Sorgi worked out for the Giants on Monday and said his shoulder felt fine.
“Both are elite players,” Sorgi said of the Mannings. “I had a great time
working with Peyton, and I learned a lot, obviously. The experience was
invaluable as far as my development as a professional. I hate to see my time in
Indianapolis come to an end, but I am as excited about working with Eli as I am
sad about leaving Peyton, and I look forward to working with Eli and helping him
any way I can.”
The signing of Sorgi comes a day after it was reported that David Carr(notes)
agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers. Carr had been Eli Manning’s(notes) backup
for the last two seasons.
“Jim demonstrated in the meeting room with our coaches that he is very
sharp and a very good student of the game, which you would expect after spending
six years backing up Peyton,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. “He is used to
spending the amount of time that is necessary in preparation. He was involved in
the study and preparation and everything that Peyton does, so he will be
outstanding in the meeting room with Eli.”
Sorgi appeared in a career-high five games as a reserve in 2005 and posted
career-best totals with 42 completions on 61 attempts for 444 yards, three
touchdowns and one interception for a 99.4 rating. Sorgi’s career long
completion is a 71-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne(notes) as a rookie in 2004.