Pacman 'Adam' Jones and Other NFL Offseason Goings-On

(06/25/2008)

12:59

ryan:

Alrighty, folks, let's get this thing rolling, because I know everybody has an opinion on 'Adam' and Imus ... and, oh, yeah, other offseason NFL news...

Wednesday June 25, 2008 12:59 ryan

1:00

ryan:

Thanks to Don Imus trying desperately to remain relevant, we have something to talk about during the slowest part of the NFL calendar. Hardly ideal, I know, but here we are.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:00 ryan

1:01

ryan:

I think AOL's Kevin Blackstone makes plenty of good points in today's column, basically writing that Imus needs attention because his ratings are so embarrassingly low. That sounds about right.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:01 ryan

1:01

Stephanie Stradley:

I don't see Imus as trying to do this deliberately. I think it was a haven't got a clue thing.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:01 Stephanie Stradley

1:01

ryan:

Wow. That's even worse, I think.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:01 ryan

1:02

Stephanie Stradley:

I just don't see him as trying to start this up as a clever thing...more just oblivious.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:02 Stephanie Stradley

1:02

ryan:

Blackstone notes that Imus' ratings are down 17 percent from the morning show it replaced, which is a far cry from what he was doing prior to the whole Rutgers women's basketball team stupidity.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:02 ryan

1:03

[Comment From SteveSteve: ]

Imus just says what others are afraid to. And are we to believe that the athlete wannabe thug formerly known as "Pacman" is actually praying. Golly gee, I guess he must be born again know. Go figure.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:03 Steve

1:03

Stephanie Stradley:

I don't get Imus' appeal anyway, so I think part of that is just listeners not liking change. Not thinking to change their presets.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:03 Stephanie Stradley

1:04

Stephanie Stradley:

Steve, what do you think Imus was trying to say. What people said he said or his followup comment?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:04 Stephanie Stradley

1:04

[Comment From Sportz AssassinSportz Assassin: ]

The problem is that Steve is on to a bit of something. "Imus just says what others are afraid to." Well, not most of the population ... but the people who listen to Imus' show

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:04 Sportz Assassin

1:05

Enrico:

Stephanie, you are also not in the "over 50" crowd. Imus appeals to a different generation. Like my parents parents or something.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:05 Enrico

1:05

ryan:

Steve, prayer works. Seriously, the thing is, if Imus hadn't made his comments, the story would still be about Pacman allegedly turning his life around after being a thug for most of it.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:05 ryan

1:05

Sportz Assassin:

Exactly, Enrico. Most of the people who listen to Imus' show think a lot like him

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:05 Sportz Assassin

1:06

ryan:

Sportz: yes. All 15 of them.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:06 ryan

1:06

Stephanie Stradley:

I think the more important issue with the Pacman thing is not Pacman itself. His situation was kind of a weird one, and the NFL rules on personal conduct came about because of him. I don't like the concept of punishing people based on only arrest information. I don't like that as a concept in private employment, and I get concerned about it in the NFL.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:06 Stephanie Stradley

1:08

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

This kid shouldn't even be an issue - how many of you in the chat room have been arrested 5 times? For him to be reinstated into the NFL is a joke.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:08 Scott

1:09

ryan:

But Stephanie, as a lawyer, do employees have any legal recourse? I mean, if you get fired from your job at Target for a DUI, there's not much you can do, right? Especially if your contract explicity states that such behavior is grounds for canning.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:09 ryan

1:10

ryan:

Scott, I've been arrested four times. But, yeah, I can't argue with the fact that Pacman's been in trouble A LOT and was still given one more chance at redemption. Not many other walks of life where that happens.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:10 ryan

1:11

[Comment From jkjk: ]

nfl has their rules and thier union to look out for players so if NFL has a policy for terminatng a player for conduct off the field, then its none of our business

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:11 jk

1:11

Stephanie Stradley:

Employers in most states can fire you for any reason at all, except for discriminatory ones prohibited by law. My concern with this is that it is my belief that this can be racially discriminatory, that some groups get arrested more than others.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:11 Stephanie Stradley

1:11

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

A crime is still a crime - regardless of race correct?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:11 Scott

1:12

Stephanie Stradley:

Arrests often happen in situations that are confusing. The police arrest people, and then let the DAs office figure it out later.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:12 Stephanie Stradley

1:12

[Comment From Sportz AssassinSportz Assassin: ]

But an arrest ISN'T a crime ... yet

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:12 Sportz Assassin

1:12

ryan:

Hey, Steph, wasn't that Imus' argument! Just kidding. In fact, I take your point, and the criminal justice system stats agree with you.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:12 ryan

1:12

[Comment From jkjk: ]

there are plenty of statistics to show that "some groups" get arrested more than others,,stereotypes and generalizations are not fair but facts are facts

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:12 jk

1:12

Enrico:

Fun true fact: during summers when I was in high school I had a bit of an insomnia problem. I would turn MSNBC on at like 6:00 am whenever Imus came on to help me fall asleep.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:12 Enrico

1:13

Stephanie Stradley:

There is a reason why the term DWB--driving while black--is in the common vernacular.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:13 Stephanie Stradley

1:14

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

Now the issue becomes one of splitting hairs - as an employer - who is a better candidate to become a constructive employee? Someone who has been arrested 5 times (regardless of conviction outcomes) or someone who has no criminal record?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:14 Scott

1:14

Sportz Assassin:

That's where I have a problem. Imagine if this rule had been in place before. You know Ray Lewis would've been suspended in 2000 and he was acquitted

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:14 Sportz Assassin

1:15

Sportz Assassin:

Yeah, but it is PR, Scott. I can get in a bar fight and I probably wouldn't face any disciplinary action at my job. However, if I was wearing anything that stated where I worked ... I would be. We have meetings about this all the time.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:15 Sportz Assassin

1:16

ryan:

Like, say, a Chris Henry jersey. And you're Chris Henry.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:16 ryan

1:16

Stephanie Stradley:

Steve, I prefer the justice system to sort things out versus a rush to judgment based on arrests that might be bogus. Especially, when we live in a society where arrests are not done equally. /admitting to getting out of traffic tickets before because I batted my eyes a bit.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:16 Stephanie Stradley

1:18

ryan:

Steve, CoverItLive is acting up. Re-send your message to Sportz and I'll post it. I didn't get it the first time.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:18 ryan

1:18

Stephanie Stradley:

I guess my perspective comes from being very familiar with the criminal justice system. There are tons of cases where the facts are much more complicated than what originally makes the paper. Many arrests are made because of confusion at the scene. The police want to arrest someone, so stuff gets sorted out later.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:18 Stephanie Stradley

1:19	Should Pacman even be allowed to return to the NFL given his multiple arrests? Yes. it's up to the union and Goodell ( 60% ) No. Obviously ( 40% ) Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:19

1:19

Sportz Assassin:

I agree with Steph because I've seen it happen on all sorts of levels ... with friends, co-workers and such. Sometimes you are in the wrong place and the wrong time ... you get bunched in with everyone else and face the same charges

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:19 Sportz Assassin

1:20

Stephanie Stradley:

Most people that my defense counsel friends see in their offices are people who never thought they would ever get in trouble with the law. Then something happened....

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:20 Stephanie Stradley

1:20

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

then don't be at the scene in the first place

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:20 Scott

1:21

Stephanie Stradley:

Scott, I've given this some thought. In the modern NFL, how do you party if you are a young player? What things can you do, what things are off limits?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:21 Stephanie Stradley

1:22

Stephanie Stradley:

Certainly you shouldn't drink and drive.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:22 Stephanie Stradley

1:22

Stephanie Stradley:

But do you have to become a monk for your NFL career?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:22 Stephanie Stradley

1:22

Stephanie Stradley:

You can get into trouble lots of places. PacMan liked strip clubs, and so do a lot of professional athletes.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:22 Stephanie Stradley

1:23

Enrico:

I don't know though, Steph. It seems to be the same guys over and over: Chris Henry, Pacman, etc. How some guys can stay out of trouble and still have a good time?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:23 Enrico

1:23

Stephanie Stradley:

Heck, that is one of the recruiting points for players thinking of playing for any Houston pro sports team.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:23 Stephanie Stradley

1:23

ryan:

And that's the thing: I can't begrudge a 20-something millionaire for wanting to go out and have a good time. Just like 20-somethings who aren't famous. The problem, usually, is that being rich and famous comes with all sorts of problems most of us don't have to worry about. Now, "making it rain" is completely different, but there are plenty of examples of guys just trying to have a beer.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:23 ryan

1:24

[Comment From Sportz AssassinSportz Assassin: ]

Sometimes you don't know you are at the scene until it jumps on you. Like if someone steals something, you didn't know, you guys are hanging out ... then the cops take all of you in.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:24 Sportz Assassin

1:24

[Comment From pete crimingerpete criminger: ]

once a crook always a crook!!!!

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:24 pete criminger

1:24

ryan:

pete criminger = don imus

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:24 ryan

1:24

Stephanie Stradley:

Some players may be troublemakers, but it is bad when you make a rule based on the worst examples.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:24 Stephanie Stradley

1:25

[Comment From pete crimingerpete criminger: ]

a fact is a fact!!!

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:25 pete criminger

1:25

[Comment From mike kmike k: ]

yessir

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:25 mike k

1:25

Sportz Assassin:

I think all celebrities face this problem. You have money and haters and stuff could pop off. The difference with athletes is the nature of their competitive spirit, the tons of confidence they have and the fact that many of them were thrust into fame and fortune. Usually other types of celebrities face some sort of build to it.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:25 Sportz Assassin

1:25

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

We've all partied in our lives - making the right decision is part of being an adult. I think there are more players in the NFL who DON'T get in trouble. Why are people so quick to vehemenantly defend guys who step over the line?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:25 Scott

1:26

Stephanie Stradley:

I also think that once you get in trouble it can make you a target. For example, if you ever have a DWI record, that will come up any time on police officers in car computers any time you get pulled over.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:26 Stephanie Stradley

1:26

ryan:

Steph, but a rule based on the worst examples usually only pertains to the worst examples. I can't think of any NFL players who were unduly punished, although Cowboys QB coach Wade Wilson might have an argument.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:26 ryan

1:26

Stephanie Stradley:

Ryan, I think that the punishments hurt fanbases and franchises because of the uncertain nature of the punishments.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:26 Stephanie Stradley

1:27

Stephanie Stradley:

I think it can lead to charges of favoritism--like PacMans reinstatement happening because he went to the Cowboys.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:27 Stephanie Stradley

1:27

Stephanie Stradley:

Wade Wilson's punishment seemed bogus.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:27 Stephanie Stradley

1:27

ryan:

To clarify: I'm not convinced these punishments work as a deterrent, especially, as you point out, when they seem arbitrary.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:27 ryan

1:27

Stephanie Stradley:

They are just making stuff up as they go along.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:27 Stephanie Stradley

1:27

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

Race and religion aside - only the smallest sample of NFL players have been arrested 5 times. They should pay the price for their decisions - if you are on parole and been arrested 3 times - stay our of the clubs, don't speed, don't buy the dime bag etcc.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:27 Scott

1:28

ryan:

Scott's point is hard to refute. And in any other walk of life, you'd probably be locked up for a couple years anyway.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:28 ryan

1:28

[Comment From Sportz AssassinSportz Assassin: ]

I agree. What if Pacman was still a Titan? I still think Jerry Jones (who has a ton of power in this league) got Pacman reinstated.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:28 Sportz Assassin

1:28

Stephanie Stradley:

Yeah, Adam Jones definitely needs to live like a monk now.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:28 Stephanie Stradley

1:29

Stephanie Stradley:

SA, whether or not that is true, it gives that impression to some.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:29 Stephanie Stradley

1:29

Stephanie Stradley:

I think the NFL policy on conduct means that we pay more attention to these arrests, to the bad actors. Because we are trying to figure out what is going to happen to these guys.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:29 Stephanie Stradley

1:29

ryan:

Okay, what about this: is it good that Pacman is now in Dallas? I mean, Jerry Jones and his toupee have a pretty good track record at saving lost causes. Isn't this kinda like a halfway house for NFL f-ups? Or is my way-to-the-left bias showing through?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:29 ryan

1:29

Stephanie Stradley:

Unintended consequence.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:29 Stephanie Stradley

1:30

[Comment From pete crimingerpete criminger: ]

what happen to the 3 strike rule??

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:30 pete criminger

1:30

Stephanie Stradley:

There is no 3 strike rule.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:30 Stephanie Stradley

1:30

Stephanie Stradley:

The conduct policy is very very vague.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:30 Stephanie Stradley

1:30

Stephanie Stradley:

Yeah, there are some teams that are homes for rehabilitating players.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:30 Stephanie Stradley

1:31

Stephanie Stradley:

Dallas = Oakland East

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:31 Stephanie Stradley

1:31

Sportz Assassin:

I completely disagree with the NFL fining franchises for player's bad behavior.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:31 Sportz Assassin

1:31

Stephanie Stradley:

SA, I agree with you. I think it becomes very random. I also believe in second chances for young players who for many, the NFL is their first real job.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:31 Stephanie Stradley

1:31

Sportz Assassin:

This isn't college. The NFL has only so much "coverage" of a player's time. It isn't their responsibility to keep tabs on these grown men

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:31 Sportz Assassin

1:32

ryan:

To be fair, Dallas has Calvin Hill on staff for dealing with guys who can't seem to get along in society without getting arrested. He's done pretty well. Maybe Goodell should think about a league-wide position, maybe?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:32 ryan

1:32

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

i second that

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:32 Scott

1:32

[Comment From pete crimingerpete criminger: ]

he should be baned like pete rose!!!

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:32 pete criminger

1:32

Stephanie Stradley:

I think it also makes you worry about situations involving police departments looking the other way so as not to hurt the local franchise, or players maybe being blackmailed.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:32 Stephanie Stradley

1:32

ryan:

pete criminger = jim gray

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:32 ryan

1:33

Enrico:

Is Pete Rose banned from the NFL?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:33 Enrico

1:33

Sportz Assassin:

That ... like regular society ... seems to be the problem. There is no "correction" type inititive. It is punishment and make them disappear

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:33 Sportz Assassin

1:33

ryan:

Steph, Cedric Benson and his lawyers would like to ojbect.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:33 ryan

1:33

Stephanie Stradley:

lol

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:33 Stephanie Stradley

1:33

ryan:

Enrico, yes. He's also banned from the Pro Bowlers Tour. Weird.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:33 ryan

1:34

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

the chicago police must be packers fans

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:34 Scott

1:34

ryan:

Or Bears fans.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:34 ryan

1:34

Stephanie Stradley:

There was that time when the Bengals were trying to make the argument that the local popo was meaner to their players. ...and then they backed off of that.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:34 Stephanie Stradley

1:34

Stephanie Stradley:

I'm not sure that it would apply in every community, but in some. Lots of people in Chicago that don't care for Benson's act.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:34 Stephanie Stradley

1:34

ryan:

Yeah, I have no idea what Marvin Lewis was thinking. Of course, he had a lot to do with drafting those guys, so maybe, in some weird way, he was trying to justify it.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:34 ryan

1:35

Sportz Assassin:

The same sorts of things are going on in the NCAA. NCAA coaches, to keep up with the academic standards, steer student-athletes into easier classes so that the coaches and the school don't face discipline (i.e. loss of scholarships).

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:35 Sportz Assassin

1:35

ryan:

Stephanie, is it true that you tried to have David Carr arrested when he was in Texas?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:35 ryan

1:35

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

ever been to Cincinnati Steph? As a Cleveland fan - let me tell you there is nothing down there. Bengals are arrested because they may be the only ones in town driving automobiles!

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:35 Scott

1:35

Stephanie Stradley:

I think he was already receiving corporal punishment.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:35 Stephanie Stradley

1:35

Stephanie Stradley:

Scott, lol.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:35 Stephanie Stradley

1:35

Sportz Assassin:

Hell, most of the Bengals get arrested in Kentucky

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:35 Sportz Assassin

1:36

ryan:

Maybe they should've been riding horses in KY to blend in.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:36 ryan

1:36

Sportz Assassin:

I live in the Nati area now and this place does suck. But there is a nice equation of many bars + racist cops

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:36 Sportz Assassin

1:36

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

Cincintucky

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:36 Scott

1:37

Stephanie Stradley:

One of the things that got me thinking about this was the situation that happened to Fred Weary. The short version: He was a Texan who was basically pulled over leaving the stadium because he was a big black guy, driving a nice car in a bad area of town. The charges against him were eventually dropped, and now he has a lawsuit against the city involving their tasering policies.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:37 Stephanie Stradley

1:37

ryan:

Maybe that's what Marvin Lewis was hinting at. But if that's true, why even draft a bunch of deadbeats? I mean, a lot of those guys came into the NFL with "character concerns."

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:37 ryan

1:37

Sportz Assassin:

To be honest, most people move out of Cincy and into Northern Kentucky. There's more people over here than over there.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:37 Sportz Assassin

1:38

Sportz Assassin:

You know as well as I do, Ryan: Marvin's job is to win games, not raise adults. When the Bengals were 10-6, no one here gave a crap about these concerns

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:38 Sportz Assassin

1:38

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

Steph - point taken, but pac man wasn't Just driving in a nice part of town - he chooses to put himself into places where he may very well be targeted - but he does so through his own volition

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:38 Scott

1:39

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

i don't think i spelled that right

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:39 Scott

1:39

Stephanie Stradley:

And, he got his suspension increased because he decided to eat at a strip club before meeting with the commish.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:39 Stephanie Stradley

1:40

Sportz Assassin:

Maybe he needs to join a porn addicts organization

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:40 Sportz Assassin

1:40

Stephanie Stradley:

Players go to strip clubs. Lots of player through the history of the league have gone to strip clubs. Big deal.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:40 Stephanie Stradley

1:40

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

seriously bad decision... I mean, how good can a steak be at a strip club?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:40 Scott

1:40

ryan:

"eat" is a euphemism for "lap dance"? How did I miss that?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:40 ryan

1:40

Stephanie Stradley:

LOL. He claims the food is good. I wouldn't know.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:40 Stephanie Stradley

1:41

Stephanie Stradley:

He's cut his hair, so now he is Adam, and blends in better.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:41 Stephanie Stradley

1:41

Stephanie Stradley:

Assimilate.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:41 Stephanie Stradley

1:41

Sportz Assassin:

When I was in my early 20s, I went to the "script club" a lot. I didn't have money or an entourage like that, however. Nor was I packing a gun.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:41 Sportz Assassin

1:42

Stephanie Stradley:

Entourage is just a fancy word for your buddies. I think that gets overblown.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:42 Stephanie Stradley

1:42

Enrico:

Hey Sportz, did they let you into the club with your ninja outfit on?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:42 Enrico

1:42

Stephanie Stradley:

And I can't begrudge players for liking guns, especially when they are often targets.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:42 Stephanie Stradley

1:42

Sportz Assassin:

lol. No, I had to have it checked at the door

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:42 Sportz Assassin

1:42

ryan:

Ultimately, this comes down to Pacman being a great football player. (Obviously) That's why he was drafted despite the baggage, and that's why he's getting a 12th chance now. And it's why Cedric Benson is out of a job.

Basically what Stephanie said above about the apparent randomness of the punishments.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:42 ryan

1:42

[Comment From EdEd: ]

With all the legal and strip club stuff put to the side, is Pacman going to make any difference on the Dallas defense?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:42 Ed

1:43

Stephanie Stradley:

Yes, unless his layoff leads to some conditioning problems. He will be the TO of the defense, a difference maker.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:43 Stephanie Stradley

1:43

ryan:

Ed, I think so. He's getting first-team snaps and playing opposite Newman should only make the secondary better. Now if they could just find a way to convert Roy Williams to LB.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:43 ryan

1:43

Stephanie Stradley:

Teams can't have enough playmakers.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:43 Stephanie Stradley

1:43

Sportz Assassin:

By the way, Chris Henry's court case started today, I heard

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:43 Sportz Assassin

1:43

ryan:

Did he show up wearing his jersey?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:43 ryan

1:43

Enrico:

As an Eagles fan, I don't like the fact Pacman ended up with Dallas. Is it bad that I'm pulling for more strip club trips?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:43 Enrico

1:44

Stephanie Stradley:

Lots of strip clubs in Dallas.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:44 Stephanie Stradley

1:45

Stephanie Stradley:

The attire of professional athletes going to court can be funny. Back in the day, I saw Roger Clemens in court wearing a mustard colored suit. That's a lot of fabric. IIRC, it was a hindering arrest charge.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:45 Stephanie Stradley

1:45

Sportz Assassin:

He doesn't have a team anymore. He just wore one of those plain white practice jerseys

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:45 Sportz Assassin

1:45

ryan:

Enrico, there's still a month before Goodell officially reinstates Pacman. I mean, can he stay out of trouble for an entire summer? Isn't there a better chance of the Lions winning the Super Bowl?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:45 ryan

1:46

Sportz Assassin:

Dallas is a big strip club place, too

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:46 Sportz Assassin

1:46

[Comment From EdEd: ]

Sorry to change the subject, but what are your thoughts about the Giants offseason(Plax, contract demands and Shockey's bitterness). And what are the chances the Giants make another run?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:46 Ed

1:47

Stephanie Stradley:

I don't see the Giants repeating. I think they caught a moment, and got on a roll. Hard division too.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:47 Stephanie Stradley

1:47

ryan:

Well, Tiki says none of the offseason stuff will be an issue when the games start. I think he's probably right, because guys have been using the offseason to bellyache about something for years.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:47 ryan

1:47

ryan:

But, yeah, I'm not sure they can repeat. The NFC East is brutal and Kevin Kolb is money.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:47 ryan

1:48

Stephanie Stradley:

But then again, the NFC doesn't have many obvious frontrunners. Though Dr Z says Vikes to the Super Bowl. huh?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:48 Stephanie Stradley

1:48

Enrico:

Hmmm.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:48 Enrico

1:49

[Comment From Sportz AssassinSportz Assassin: ]

The Cowboys should be the class of the division and the NFC. Of all the contenders from last season, they are the only one I think that got better

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:49 Sportz Assassin

1:49

[Comment From ayukayuk: ]

yeah.. we are human beings whoever made a mistake and give him a second chance.....

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:49 ayuk

1:50

Stephanie Stradley:

Or 5th chance.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:50 Stephanie Stradley

1:50

Sportz Assassin:

I don't like the Vikings QB or DB situation.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:50 Sportz Assassin

1:50

ryan:

Six strikes and you're out.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:50 ryan

1:50

Enrico:

Hey, did you guys hear Donovan McNabb might have to have a surgery to remove his arm. (Maybe both of them)

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:50 Enrico

1:50

[Comment From EdEd: ]

I would have to agree, the Cowboys are talent wise, probably the best team, but it's all about winning the playoff game. And Romo seems to always do something wrong in the playoffs.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:50 Ed

1:50

Sportz Assassin:

See, the Eagles are improving!

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:50 Sportz Assassin

1:50

Stephanie Stradley:

I do not like the idea that teams should be punished because they take chances on college players who may have a little baggage.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:50 Stephanie Stradley

1:51

Enrico:

What do you non-Eagles fans think of Donovan and his tendinitis?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:51 Enrico

1:51

ryan:

Speaking of random arrests, Cedric Griffin was arrested last year for wearing his pants too low at a club (I think).

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:51 ryan

1:51

Stephanie Stradley:

Tenditis = we don't want to tell you what the real deal is.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:51 Stephanie Stradley

1:51

Sportz Assassin:

I think it is just Donovan being Donovan. He just always has something wrong with him.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:51 Sportz Assassin

1:51

[Comment From ayukayuk: ]

yeah with limit rules and comply to serve the probation is that enough for him

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:51 ayuk

1:51

Stephanie Stradley:

Or tendiNItis.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:51 Stephanie Stradley

1:51

ryan:

Enrico, is Donovan really hurt or is it for attention?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:51 ryan

1:52

Enrico:

Donovan doesn't like attention. I swear. He has a sore shoulder because he worked to hard in the off season. That's it.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:52 Enrico

1:52

[Comment From ayukayuk: ]

Donovan is better off to play for bears

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:52 ayuk

1:52

Stephanie Stradley:

The human body is resilient until it is not.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:52 Stephanie Stradley

1:52

ryan:

Actually, I like Donovan, even if Freddie Mitchell called him out during the Super Bowl.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:52 ryan

1:53

ryan:

Is he still with the Eagles?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:53 ryan

1:53

[Comment From EdEd: ]

I bet he has a torn rotator cuff or torn labrum, just like Chad Pennington.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:53 Ed

1:53

[Comment From JAYJAY: ]

It's time for the NFL to be run like any other corporate business. The teams, coaches and players must be held accountable for their actions.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:53 JAY

1:53

Sportz Assassin:

They do. The little guys get dumped on and the CEO's walk away scott free

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:53 Sportz Assassin

1:53

Stephanie Stradley:

Yeah, but if Bob from accounting gets a DWI, it doesn't screw up your franchise if you ax him.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:53 Stephanie Stradley

1:54

ryan:

Well, Jay, unlike a lot of corporate bidnesses, the NFL makes billions of dollars a year. Goodell has been sort of a hard-ass since taking over for Tags, and he's tried to tighten things up, but he's the decider on who gets to play and who doesn't. And being the decider isn't to be taking lightly.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:54 ryan

1:54

Stephanie Stradley:

Arrests don't mean they did it. You know, we have that sort of thing called "innocent until proven guilty."

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:54 Stephanie Stradley

1:55

Enrico:

Freddie Mitchell is living it up in Vegas.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:55 Enrico

1:55

ryan:

"taken" lightly.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:55 ryan

1:55

ryan:

What kind of world are we living in where FredEx is popular somewhere?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:55 ryan

1:55

[Comment From JAYJAY: ]

Maybe they should require 4 years of college. Education counts. How can you be a millionaire with no common sense or brains?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:55 JAY

1:55

Stephanie Stradley:

With a hard salary cap, if a key player screws up, your franchise is screwed. Signed, Arthur Blank

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:55 Stephanie Stradley

1:56

Enrico:

A perfect world, ryan. Perfect.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:56 Enrico

1:56

Stephanie Stradley:

Jay, how old are you?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:56 Stephanie Stradley

1:56

Stephanie Stradley:

I went to 7 years of higher education, and it didn't stop me from doing darn fool things. (not strip club shootings, but stuff I'm not going to fess).

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:56 Stephanie Stradley

1:56

ryan:

Does Lindsay Lohan have a college degree?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:56 ryan

1:57	Who do you like to win the NFC East? Eagles ( 13% ) Cowboys ( 56% ) Giants ( 19% ) Redskins ( 13% ) Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:57

1:57

Stephanie Stradley:

In partyology

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:57 Stephanie Stradley

1:57

Sportz Assassin:

Do you think the NFL would benefit my requiring rookies to have some sort of mentorship when they get into the league? Somebody assigned to keep up with them?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:57 Sportz Assassin

1:57

Sportz Assassin:

*by

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:57 Sportz Assassin

1:57

ryan:

Um, somebody forgot the "i hate every team in the NFC East" option for the poll.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:57 ryan

1:57

Sportz Assassin:

You can't hate the Redskins ... we have The Z-Man

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:57 Sportz Assassin

1:58

Stephanie Stradley:

It doesn't matter if you have a tender--a lot of these guys get in trouble because they bought a nice car and it gets them the wrong sort of attention.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:58 Stephanie Stradley

1:58

Stephanie Stradley:

Ryan- Can we have a who do you hate the most in the NFC East poll?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:58 Stephanie Stradley

1:58

ryan:

Sportz, there's the mandatory session all rookies must attend before training camp, but maybe it's not enough. Then again, isn't it just the case that a few are spoiling it for everybody else?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:58 ryan

1:58

Sportz Assassin:

I just wondered why the Bengals didn't just pay someone to be Chris Henry's buddy. Someone who always hung out with him and made sure his temper and his drinking didn't get out of control.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:58 Sportz Assassin

1:59	Who do you hate the most in the NFC East? Eagles ( 25% ) Giants ( 13% ) Cowboys ( 63% ) Redskins ( 0% ) Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:59

1:59

Sportz Assassin:

I know about the symposiums, but even players say that it really doesn't prepare you for what happens

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:59 Sportz Assassin

1:59

[Comment From JAYJAY: ]

We all make mistakes. It's part of the learning process. That being said, you are giving kids from not so great backgrounds big bucks. And when they self destruct people act shocked.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:59 JAY

1:59

Stephanie Stradley:

Yes, we pay WAAAAAY more attention to the bad acts. Because it is often funny to opposing fans, and good actors aren't going to get booted from the team.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:59 Stephanie Stradley

1:59

ryan:

Sportz, that's a good point. And it's why I think the Cowboys were smart to have Calvin Hill doing something similar for a while now.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:59 ryan

1:59

[Comment From JAYJAY: ]

Later guys. Thanks for chatting with me.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 1:59 JAY

2:00

ryan:

Okey doke, people, we're going to wrap this up. Any final thoughts?

Wednesday June 25, 2008 2:00 ryan

2:00

Stephanie Stradley:

How can anybody be prepared for lots of coin and fame and attention? There's really no good prep for that.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 2:00 Stephanie Stradley

2:00

[Comment From trixietrixie: ]

yeah, Go PATS

Wednesday June 25, 2008 2:00 trixie

2:00

Sportz Assassin:

I would think it would benefit a team to have some sort of ex-player (like Calvin Hill) that can just be a non-organizational person they can come to. A secondary father figure.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 2:00 Sportz Assassin

2:01

[Comment From JAYJAY: ]

A solid upbringing and mentoring is a start Steph.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 2:01 JAY

2:01

Stephanie Stradley:

My final thought is this. Though we tend to denigrate me-first players, who gets the most attention on NFL network promos. TO and Chad.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 2:01 Stephanie Stradley

2:01

Enrico:

Good chat. May you all make it rain like a champion today. See yas.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 2:01 Enrico

2:01

ryan:

Yes, we all love Tom Brady. We should all aspire to such greatness. Too bad the Patriots are a bunch of cheaters.

And I agree with Steph.

With that, thanks, folks.

Wednesday June 25, 2008 2:01 ryan

2:03

Writer: ryan

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