About Chad Jones

The 21-year-old Jones, who won national titles in football and baseball at LSU, was the Giants' third-round draft choice in April.

Police are still investigating Friday's single-car accident in which Jones' SUV rolled into a street car line pole. Police have not received a toxicology report but say there was no evidence at the scene that alcohol was a factor.

 The St. Louis Rams have signed eight of their 2010 draft picks and can now turn their attention to the big one: No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford.

The Rams said Monday they have signed all but three of the players chosen in the April draft: Bradford, offensive tackle Rodger Saffold and tight end Fendi Onobun.

Those signing contracts were receiver Mardy Gilyard, linebacker Josh Hull, cornerbacks Jerome Murphy and Marquis Johnson, defensive ends Hall Davis, Eugene Sims and George Selvie, and tight end Michael Hoomanawanui (Brandon Jacobs).

 Steelers right tackle Willie Colon has injured his right Achilles' tendon while working out at the team's practice complex.

If the tendon is torn, Colon is likely to require surgery that would end his season.

Director of football operations Kevin Colbert said Colon was being evaluated by the team's medical staff. Colon left the team's practice building Monday on crutches.

Colon's injury could be a major setback to the Steelers' plans to put a greater emphasis on the run this season. They have little depth at tackle behind starters Max Starks and Colon.

New York Giants

Point-Counterpoint: Albert Haynesworth Edition

While cheap Albert Haynesworth jersey has been almost universally criticized for his failure to show up for the Washington Redskins' mandatory minicamp and for his request to be traded, there are two sides to every story. Here is the Albert Haynesworth jersey edition of the wildly popular Point-Counterpoint series.

Point: By not showing up for a mandatory minicamp, Haynesworth violated his contract. Mandatory means mandatory, right? 

Counterpoint: Well, yes and no. True, when he signed the contract last year, he did agree to show up for mandatory events such as minicamps. But the contract called for a set penalty for failing to show up for minicamp and that's the standard set in the CBA. Haynesworth will pay his $10,000 fine for missing what turned out to be one day of practice (one was rained out, the other was cancelled by Mike Shanahan). Had the Redskins wanted to make a big deal out of minicamps, they could have put greater financial penalties for missing them into his contract. Now, if Haynesworth doesn't show up for training camp, that's another matter. But, as he indicated in his statement issued last week, he will show up for camp.

Point: Haynesworth was lied to. Before signing with the Redskins, Haynesworth and his representatives had a long talk with Dan Snyder and Vinny Cerrato, and he was assured that his role as a penetrating defensive tackle would remain the same. It was bad enough last year when defensive coordinator Greg Blache had him play more of a gap control role. But nose tackle in a 3-4? That's not what he was promised. 
(discount Albert Haynesworth jersey)
Counterpoint: This just in—Jim Zorn and Vinny Cerrato did not hold lifetime contracts to their positions with the Redskins. Change happens in the NFL, and change frequently happens with the Redskins. The December prior to Haynesworth getting those promises, Zorn had described himself to be "the worst coach in America" and nobody disagreed. Zorn wasn't exactly hanging by a thread when Haynesworth signed, but it was a good bet that Haynesworth's seven-year contract would far, far outlast Zorn. Cerrato had been on the hot seat for years, and the word was that his fate was tied to that of Zorn. In short, if Haynesworth didn't see that the winds of change already were blowing around Redskins Park when he signed that deal, he was blinded by dollar signs. And if there were changes to the regime, promises to play a particular position in a particular fashion would be gone with the wind. On top of all of that, this was a verbal agreement, which, as we all know, isn't worth the paper it's written on.

Point: Regarding the position, besides the "he should have seen that change was coming" thing, what's the big deal about being a 3-4 nose tackle instead of a 4-3 tackle? You just move over a few feet, and you're surrounded by two ends instead of by a tackle and an end?
Counterpoint: Sorry, but the difference between a nose tackle and a 4-3 DT is much bigger than sliding over a few feet. The nose tackle is constantly subject to double- and even triple-team blocking. His job is to occupy the blockers to let others make the plays. Such a style of play isn't in Haynesworth's DNA. In addition, at 6-6, Haynesworth is too tall to be a nose tackle. He's too big a target, and the chances of his career being cut short with all of the wear and tear are high. Ray Lewis had his critical remarks about Haynesworth, but he wouldn't have lined up at defensive tackle if the Ravens had asked him to. And such a change would not be all that different from the one that Haynesworth is being asked to make.

Point: Haynesworth has an issue with his employer. The way the one-sided NFL contact is set up, the only recourse a player has is to withhold his services. In his view, Haynesworth is fighting for what he thinks is best for his career, and he's playing the only card he has. Counterpoint: Great point there except it completely ignores the fact that the Redskins offered to let Haynesworth get out of that one-sided contract. He was told that the team would be changing to a 3-4 defense and that he would be expected to play nose tackle at least part of the time. If he didn't want to do that, Shanahan and Bruce Allen told him, he could forego the payment of a $21 million bonus on April 1 and get his release. They would have been perfectly happy to let Haynesworth collect about $11 million for 12 games of work, and then let him sign anywhere he wanted, no doubt collecting another big chunk of guaranteed money in the process. But when April 1 came, Haynesworth took the Redskins' check. Now he doesn't want to live up to his end of the deal.

Point: It looks like this whole thing already has passed the point of no return. It's one thing when Lewis calls you out, or when NFLPA president Kevin Mawae says, "You talk about someone putting a mask on and going in backwards to get his paycheck." It's another thing when London Fletcher says that you're "selfish" and virtually everyone on the team agrees. Albert will be a pariah in the locker room and, with the media asking all sorts of question, a massive distraction. 

Counterpoint: This isn't the first time that a player has caused a flap in June and, more often than not, things get smoothed over and all is hunky-dory by the time the season starts. Just to pick out one recent example, look at Brandon Marshall of the Broncos a year ago. He complained about his contract loudly, and frequently, demanded to be traded, and was an outright disruption in training camp. Things settled down, Marshall had another 100-catch season and, at the end, he was traded to Miami and got the contract he wanted. There is no reason why the Haynesworth saga can't turn out the same way. Sure, the media will ask questions for a day or two, but things will die down. Albert will behave; if he does anything that could be considered conduct detrimental to the team, he faces a suspension that could lead to the Redskins being able to go after some of that bonus money. This situation is a little different from most in that it doesn't involve money, but someone staying away from team activities due to a dispute hardly is unprecedented. 

Late try flurry for home side

Extraordinary goings-on at high-altitude Kimbolton almost rendered the first 75 minutes of the clash there redundant on Saturday.

Home team Feilding Old Boys-Oroua scored three tries in the last five minutes to retain the Centennial Shield lead and were ecstatic to shut out a distraught Te Kawau by 41-29.

Yet with 20 minutes to play, Te Kawau led 26-20 and were on track to get the win they badly needed to press for a top-four spot.

The Stags were as desperate as any of the deer variety not far away in the Ruahines.

On came dreadlocked No 8 Sam Aupouri, the man who had time with the Canterbury Bulldogs rugby league club, who'd been out with an infected leg, and immediately he scored.

The Stags led 27-26 only for a scrum penalty to put the Real Blokes up 29-27.

Aupouri terrified the home aficionados by grabbing the ball two metres out instead of going for goal from a penalty; he dived at Te Kawau feet and scored.

Everyone thought time was up with Te Kawau five metres from the tryline but no; they were given a penalty, spilled it and FOB-Oroua hooker Johnny Galo galloped 95 metres and the Stags scored try No 5.

The Stags won't lose their lead next week either because they clash with Freyberg who they beat 73-3 in the first round.

FOB-Oroua finished with five converted tries and survived a flat spell after halftime with Te Kawau capitalising on their mistakes.

Te Kawau, whose best were Dan Fitzgerald and second-five Brad Moffat, scored on halftime to close the gap. They now face the daunting task of having to beat Varsity next Saturday.

At Kimbolton Domain: FOB-Oroua 41 (Sam Aupouri 2, Lewis Marshall, Craig Woods, Chris Hansen, tries; Woods 5 con, 2 pen) Te Kawau 29 (Lote Raikabula 2, Hayden Stratford, tries; Bryce Hesselin con, 4 pen) HT 20-14

Varsity 27 College OB 14 Even without key loose forwards James Oliver (shoulder) and Callum Gibbins (hamstring) as well as Rob Thompson (flu) and Dan Fitzharris (in USA), Varsity avenged their narrow first-round loss by scoring four tries to two.

Back were wing Max Pearson and Steve Barron. Turbos prop Grant Polson was also back from Europe and stiffened the superior Varsity scrum while Willie Tran was at hooker and Turbo Rob Foreman on the flank.

In a furious first half with both teams throwing the ball around, Varsity had four chances, bombed one and nailed two to lead 10-7.

Varsity won the second half 17-7 but New Zealand under-20 triallist wing Jason Harvey scored off a fine COB back attack, following a good long-range individual try in the first half.

 Both teams were out on their feet after long phases of play but Varsity's domination led to a Max Pearson try from broken play.

Most of COB's attacking came in the last 10 minutes with Chris Long, David and Duncan Walker their best. Other students to shine were lock Brad Kilgour and halfback Dan Waldon.

At Arena Manawatu: Varsity 27 (Steve Barron 2, JJ Carberry, Max Pearson, tries; Cody McGrath 2 con; Isaac Thompson pen) COB 14 Jason Harvey 2 tries; Brad Truesdale 2 con) HT 10-7.

Linton Army 20 Feilding 12

Linton snared their third win in a row, keeping their structure and not giving away intercept passes.

They had a strong first half, mostly camped on the Yellows 22 but led only 3-0 until Feilding scored a good try through the backs.

Linton replied with a converted try to lead 10-5 at halftime.

The second spell was tighter, marked by good defence, turnovers and dropped ball.

With 20 to go, a Feilding turnover on attack saw Linton score from 95 metres out, Nick Wickham zig-zagging past seven players.

Feilding hit back when Matt Harvey finished a 70-metre attack to trail only 15-12 with 10 minutes left.

Linton's forwards controlled the last 10, scored in the last play and Yellows lost their bonus point. Brad Carr had an off day with his goal-kicking for Feilding.

At Linton Army Camp: Linton Army 20 (Tom Kirikiri, Nick Wickham, Dane Berghan, tries; Vince Salmon con, pen) Feilding 12 (Dan Smith, Matt Harvey, tries; Brad Carr con) HT 10-5.

Kia Toa 29 OB-Marist 20

This was an arm wrestle in scrums and breakdowns but OB-Marist can look at their fatal errors.

An early Kias try came when Vaha Kilisimasi charged down a Jason Temara clearance, Jason Osborne scored from an intercept off Frankie Bryant, Temara missed a kick from almost in front and Tevita Taufui scored a runaway when the defence opened up.

Those tremors aside, OB-M had more territory, especially in the second half. Both teams were counting their wounded – Kias without Tonga Folau (serious leg injury), Scott Curry (elbow), first-five Whitiaua Black gone for the season (pectoral tear) and hooker Bryn Templeman injured a knee after a few minutes.

OBM were minus Sean O'Connor (neck) and later lost Ryan O'Connor injured.

Prop Isaac Tupai had another burly game but their star and maybe a Turbos prospect was wing Waisea Qiokata who scored two tries and saved another with a tackle in the corner on Paul Tietjens.

Again Taufui was lethal for Kias as he chopped through. Kilisimasi was aggressive until binned and David Towers found gaps from the OBM wing.

At Bill Brown Park: Kia Toa 29 (Vaha Kilisimasi, Bethel Fauolo, Jason Osborne, Tevita Taufui, tries; Paul Tietjens 3 con, pen) OB-Marist 20 (Waisea Qiokata 2, Chris Long, tries; Jason Temara, con, pen) HT 22-12.

Freyberg 44 Dannevirke 17

Freys did the double against Dannevirke, scoring seven tries to three, belying a closer game than that.

Possession and territory were shared and Freyberg led only 10-5 at halfway and 17-10 before the final quarter.

Dannevirke backchat didn't help them and Freys scored four tries in the last 10 minutes, 34 points in the second half.

Their men who had played for the Bs, including coach Koli Sewabu, began making the breaks, most from inside their own half.

For Freys, Iliesa Salusalu and Viliami Fakava were strong in midfield and sound games from Willie Liuvaie, Hese Lomu, Josh Mackey, Taha Wihongi and Willy Doctor.

Dannevirke made breaks but couldn't finish, notably wing Wilton Atkins and centre Josh Roberts and lock Vaughan Wrenn prominent in a strong scrum and lineout.

 

 

Donald Penn Gets Apology from Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM

You can almost imagine something akin to the scene from the first Rocky movie, when the aged Mick is praising Rocky, telling him how great he is, how much he reminds him of another Rocky, Rocky Marciano.

Of course, Mick had found out that Rocky was about to fight for the heavyweight championship with Apollo Creed. He groveled and praised Rocky, to which Rocky simply responded:

"Yeah, but I ain't got no locker."

Perhaps you can visualize Tampa Bay Buccaneer general manager Mark Dominik meeting awkwardly with his left tackle, Donald Penn, prior to last weekend's FanFest at Raymond James Stadium.

"Uh, Donald, listen, about that comment I made, you know, about you being fat and all of that, well, shucks, I was just trying to entertain those suckers, er, I mean season ticket holders and well, I really didn't mean that. I mean how the heck was I to know that some hayseed was in there recording what I said? Heck, I was just joshin, you know. Listen Donald, I'm sorry, I really didn't mean it, I apologize."

And can't you just imagine Donald Penn's response, straight out of the Rocky Balboa school of wit:

"Yeah, but I still ain't got a contract, do I?"

No Donald, there will be no contract for you. Mark Dominik has bigger fish to fry.

Mandatory minicamp goes today through Wednesday, and then you've got basically 39 days to Tampa Bay Buccaneer Summer Training Camp, 2010 version.

There are 39 days to try and sign the likes of Gerald McCoy, Brian Price, and Arrelious Benn. Those guys won't come cheap like the latest signings of seventh rounders Dekoda Watson and Eric Long.

No, Dominik has bigger fish to fry, and Penn goes directly to the back burner.

While Dominik was in a mood to eat crow and apologize to Penn, perhaps he should apologize to his bosses, the goodly Glazer clan.

The great Angelo Crowell experiment—and the approximate $2,756,000 of Glazer money that was wasted on the useless linebacker—has ended. Crowell is done, gone, released.

Geez, that took a lot of research, didn't it?

So things are heating up at One Buccaneer Place. That's usually the way it is in July.

There's a lot of hot air outside in Tampa—same on the inside at One Buc Place