06/29/05
- [Seattle Seahawks] Grant Wistrom: Back in Action
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Shields Has One More Left
- [CFL] The Edmonton Eskimos are flip-flopping their return men for Thursday's game against Winnipeg. Tony Tompkins comes on to the roster in place of Keyuo Craver. Craver handled punt return duties last week.
However, don't read too much into the switch, warns Esks head coach Danny Maciocia.
"We're going to try and give Tony an opportunity here," Maciocia said. "That's the reason we kept them both here. They both have qualities as far as returners are concerned.
"Craver, I think, will play for a number of years in this league as a defensive back. Tony had a reputation in college that he could definitely make big things happen once the football was in his hands." (Edmonton Sun)
- [Carolina Panthers] Panthers safety Mike Minter will be a host on the NFL Network's signature show, "NFL Total Access," for one week, next Tuesday through July 8 at 7 p.m. Philadelphia's Dhani Jones and Minnesota's Jermaine Wiggins will join Minter as hosts. (Charlotte.com)
06/28/05
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Warfield awaits decision after DUI
06/27/05
- [Oakland Raiders] Video: Raiders rookie CB Washington on camp life
- [Tennessee Titans] Vanden Bosch brings leadership to young line
06/25/05
- [MLB] The San Francisco Giants optioned outfielder Adam Shabala to Fresno after signing Alex Sanchez who was claimed on waivers Thursday from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Shabala hit .222 (2 for 9) with four RBIs in three games.
- [Athletics] Ottey Out For Season
06/21/05
- [CFL] The Globe and Mail (Canada) listed "Rookie kicker Sandro DeAngelis impresses in preseason" as the story of training camp. DeAngelis was 100% on field goals for the Calgary Stampeders during the CFL preseason.
- [MLB] Erstad in the Zone
- [MLB] Dan Johnson hits first major league home run in Oakland's 4-1 win over Seattle
- [Etc] 06/05 - Ourlads.com reports the Huskers are tied with Texas A&M for the Big 12 lead in NFL players with 39 total, 17 Huskers are starters compared to 12 for A&M. The numbers directly counter an article on SI.com that pegged Nebraska as #1 worst in producing NFL players. Kansas State, which SI placed as #3 worst, is ranked third in the Big 12 with 38 players (12 starters), three more than fourth place OU with 35 players.
The rest of the Ourlads.com list is as follows, 5th-12th: Colorado, 31; Texas, 25; Texas Tech, 19; Missouri, 17; Oklahoma State, 15; Baylor, 13; Iowa State, 10; Kansas, 10.
Nationally, Nebraska ranks 12th along with A&M and Wisconsin. FSU dominated the list with 62 players, nine more than second place Miami (53). (Thanks to an email)
Of note, Ourlads roster of NFL Huskers is missing two rather obvious players- Dejuan Groce of the St. Louis Rams and the recently signed Jay Foreman of the Raiders. Chances are they may have miscounted other programs as well. Two missing players is not that bad when compared to an offical list released by the Big 12 Conference last year which under-counted Nebraska's total by five.
- [CFL] The Scott Frost-to-Toronto rumors (or rumours) proved untrue but the Argos are still after another Husker QB: Toronto Argonauts still leaving door open for Heisman Trophy winner Crouch
- [Tennessee Titans] Defensive line coach Jim Washburn isn't worried about his defensive tackles, and is grateful general manager Floyd Reese signed Kyle Vanden Bosch, who played in 35 games over four seasons with Arizona despite knee injuries that kept him out of most of his rookie year and all of 2003. Vanden Bosch worked with the first team of Haynesworth, Starks and Odom on Monday with Schobel excused for personal reasons.
"He's tough, and he plays hard, has got some skills and he's smart," Washburn said. "He's a better athlete than I thought. I thought he was just a tough player, but he's a lot more than that."
Head coach Jeff Fisher said they believe Vanden Bosch's knee problems are history and think he will be a perfect fit for a defense that rotates its linemen.
"He's also been around the block. His practice tempo, technique and approach to things are going to help with the young guys," Fisher said.
- [Seattle Seahawks] The Seahawks have reconfigured their college-scouting department under president Tim Ruskell, who was hired in February. Eric Stokes, a former safety for the team, is the new area scout for the Midwest. He served most recently as pro-personnel assistant. (News-Tribune)
- [Carolina Panthers] What to do with Minter?
06/20/05
- [CFL] As expected, the Edmonton Eskimos re-signed Keyuo Craver and Patrick Kabongo to the 40-man roster. Demoine Adams, who played with the Eskimos last season, is still a free agent after being cut by Edmonton.
06/19/05
- [CFL] CB Keyuo Craver was released by the Edmonton Eskimos, the third Husker to be released by the team this month. However, Craver and Patrick Kabongo "are slated to be returned to the roster today." (Edmonton Sun)
- [CFL] In Calgary, Stampeders' placekicker Sandro DeAngelis and punter Burke Dales have done quite well, with DeAngelis perfect through pre-season. (Canoe.ca)
- [Kansas CIty Chiefs] Warfield back on first string
06/18/05
- [MLB] Shabala makes MLB debut
- [CFL] CFL teams needed to set their 40-man roster on Saturday by 3pm ET, and Edmonton surprised many by releasing Patrick Kabongo, a Canadian defensive lineman (turned offensive lineman) who scouts have raved about. (CBC Sports)
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats released K Chuck Tack.
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Temporary demotion for Warfield
06/17/05
- [MLB] Brohawn added as Salisbury pitching coach
- [CFL] Former Husker kicker Chuck Tack had a 26-yard field goal for the Hamilton Ti-Cats in his lone field goal attempt in a 34-31 loss to Toronto. (CP)
- [CFL] With veteran Chris Morris resting his knee, Patrick Kabongo drew the start at right tackle for Edmonton. Kabongo arrived in Edmonton from Ottawa last season billed as a defensive tackle. The six-foot-six, 315-pound Kabongo was flagged twice for procedure in the second quarter. (Edmonton Sun)
06/16/05
- [CFL] Week 1: In Winnipeg, Edmonton's Keyuo Craver had two punt returns for 20 yards, including a 13-yard effort in the Eskimos' win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The former New Orleans Saint Craver also had a couple of kickoff returns or 18 and 27 yards as well as another that sailed over his head. (CP)
- [CFL] Barron Miles' BC Lions defeated the Calgary Stampeders 32-16. Stamps' rookie kicker Sandro DeAngelis hit on field goals of 26, 48 and 41 yards in the loss. (Canadian Press)
- [Atlanta Falcons] As the Falcons wrapped up their on-field workouts Thursday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution listed Demorrio Williams as one of the Falcons' 'Big Movers': "The fleet-footed, second-year player can get to the ball in a hurry. Though his wiry frame may indicate he's a little light for the position, he's weighed in between 225 and 230 pounds. Concern about his ability to fend off blocks has waned. Free agent veteran Ike Reese will challenge for the starting job, but Williams has created a buzz."
06/15/05
- [MLB] Shabala happy to be in Big Leagues
- [San Diego Chargers] Chargers reserve outside linebacker Carlos Polk tore his left Achilles tendon during the final off-season coaching session on Wednesday, the team announced Thursday. Polk, 28, is in his fifth season with the Chargers. Last season Polk made only one special teams tackle in one game, and missed 15 games with a shoulder injury. The Chargers medical staff said a six- to nine-month recovery is not uncommon for an injury of this nature, so it could put Polk out for the upcoming season. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
- [MLB-Boston] Outfielder Adam Stern, claimed by the Red Sox from Atlanta in the Rule Five draft, hopes to report to Triple-A Pawtucket next week after spending the season on the disabled list. The Red Sox have 20 days from the time Stern starts playing to decide whether to keep him or offer him back to the Braves. (AP)
- [MLB-Seattle] Center fielder Jamal Strong is hitting .342 since his return to the lineup (for Tacoma) and boasts a .422 on-base percentage over the same time span. Finally 100 percent healthy, Strong’s leadoff skills are at its peak and ready to be challenged at the next level. After a slow start in April, Strong has been sensational at setting the table for Tacoma.
"We lowered his hand position to create a little bit more quickness in his stroke," said Rainiers hitting coach Terry Pollreisz. "Since then the ball is jumping off his bat a lot better. The holes that he had have been diminished."
Strong has been a step away from the big leagues for three years and received just a cup of coffee in 2003. Will this year be any different for the 26-year-old, and if so, is he ready?
"If he maintains his consistency," said Pollreisz. "When the opportunity arises if he takes that same consistency with him he’ll be prepared do the things he needs to do." (InsideThePark.com)
- [MLB] Erstad staying healthy
- [Carolina Panthers] Minter and Charlotte a natural fit
06/14/05
- [Coaches] Frazier to lead Doane program
- [Transactions] Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL waive DL Demoine Adams; Minnesota Vikings release LB Ira Cooper.
06/13/05
- [Carolina Panthers] Rucker looking to put 2004 behind him
- [Tennessee Titans] Sporting News lists Vanden Bosch as an AFC Impact Newcomer: Titans defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch has made his presence known during minicamps. He has been involved in numerous scuffles with offensive linemen, who have been somewhat irritated by his practice pace. But the defensive coaches like Vanden Bosch's aggressive, energetic style of play. Hampered by knee injuries in Arizona, Vanden Bosch is close to 100 percent now. He might not start but should contribute to the rotation.
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Chiefs G Will Shields Garners an Iba
06/12/05
- [Atlanta Falcons] The Falcons are encouraged by second-year OLB Demorrio Williams, who they believe is a good fit for coordinator Ed Donatell's defense. Williams was a good tackler last year and was more productive than expected. After adding 15 pounds in the offseason, Williams could be primed for a big season. His first mission will be to beat out free-agent pickup Ike Reese. (Dan Pompei- Sporting News)
- The CFL's Blue Bombers release LB Tony Ortiz
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Tickets are going fast for annual NFL Hometown Weekend (Warfield)
- [San Diego Chargers] Apologetic Fonoti has bad ankle upon arrival
- [Etc] Redemption for Retzlaff
- [New Orleans Saints] Another safety who turned heads during the Saints' coaching sessions and weekend minicamp is second-round draft pick Josh Bullocks. Bullocks, a 6-1, 207-pounder from Nebraska, has displayed a quick burst and tremendous closing speed.
Bullocks made his latest nifty interception Saturday. He has been working with the first-team defense in several situational groups, especially in third-down packages.
"I'm a ballhawk, man. I like to go get the football," said Bullocks, who had 13 interceptions in three years at Nebraska, including a Big 12-record 10 as a sophomore. "That's my main goal, no matter where it's at, I just go and get it." (Times-Picayune)
06/11/05
- [Philadelphia Eagles] ...all of the players who were part of last season's Super Bowl run will keep one thing in mind: getting back and winning it this time.
"We haven't attained our goal yet," said Dawkins, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and nine-year Eagle. "Until that time, I don't see how you can be lackadaisical."
"I know at least four guys who are very hungry: myself, (Jon) Ritchie, (Shawn) Andrews and (Correll) Buckhalter," Kalu said of several of his teammates who missed the Super Bowl because of injuries. "As much as we enjoyed going to the Super Bowl and cheering them on, standing on that sideline in sweats didn't do it for us. We really want to get there and feel the experience of being players in the Super Bowl. That's going to motivate us."
- [Etc] Crouch finds spot on couch
- [San Diego Chargers] Fonoti arrives at minicamp, apologizes to team
- [San Diego Chargers] Fonoti missing as Chargers open minicamp
- [New England Patriots] Boston Herald: The coaches tried out a different combination on the first offensive line yesterday, installing veteran Russ Hochstein at left guard (where rookie Logan Mankins played Thursday) and Tom Ashworth at right tackle (where Brandon Gorin took snaps the day before). Be prepared to see more of that rotation, as Mankins vs. Hochstein and Ashworth vs. Gorin figure to be two of the most hotly contested training camp battles.
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Rod Hood is currently the Eagles "main" return man but they are currently working "some other guys in with him" according to special teams coach John Harbaugh.
"We've got a lot of other guys that are interested in doing it." Harbaugh said. "Correll Buckhalter is working back there, doing a nice job. Bruce Perry is a veteran; he's doing a nice job back there. Of course, Reno [Mahe] has been back there working. So, lots of guys want to do it." (PhillyBurbs.com)
06/10/05
- [Carolina Panthers] Minter agrees to 4-year extension
- [Kansas City Chiefs] In anticipation of some kind of NFL suspension, the Chiefs ran starting cornerback Eric Warfield with the No. 2s on Thursday. Vermeil said the move is temporary, and that the team needs to look at other options "for coordination purposes."
Warfield recently finished house arrest after his third DUI. He could face a suspension of up to four games for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. The Chiefs have yet to hear a word from the league on any possible punishment.
Vermeil said he’s been pleased with the progression of the secondary with and without Warfield.
"I think we’re going to do a much better job preventing the big plays that we’ve had trouble with over the last four years," Vermeil said. "We have speed on defense." (KC Star)
- [St. Louis Rams] DeJuan Groce is a favorite to land one of the spots (at cornerback) if for no other reason than his punt return prowess. He is not a slam dunk to make the roster though. (StLouisRams.com)
06/09/05
- [MLB] The Seattle Mariners acquired pitchers R.D. Spiehs (Hukser alum) and Michael Bumstead from the San Diego Padres for SS Wilson Valdez (USA Today). Spiehs has been assigned to AA-San Antonio of the Texas League.
- [New Orleans Saints] Second round pick Josh Bullocks plays extremely fast an is a ballhawk in practice, but won't see the starting lineup this season barring injury. He will get a lot of playing time on passing downs, he's just too good to keep out of dime sets.
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Chiefs head coach Dick Vermeil expects at least six NFL Europe players to arrive next week. Former Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch isn't expected to be on that list. Crouch, a quarterback-turned-safety, was slowed by a hip injury in his football comeback attempt. Asked whether Crouch will be in Kansas City next week, Vermeil said: "Chances are, no. We haven't finalized those decisions. We have to make decisions of which guys we're going to bring back and put on the field and which guys we won't." (KC Star)
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Ruud to stay in middle
06/08/05
- [Carolina Panthers] Possible safety switch for Minter?
- [Kansas City Chiefs] It Could Boil Down to Love or Money for KC Guards
- [Kansas CIty Chiefs] For the first time since offseason workouts started last month, veteran guard Will Shields practiced Tuesday, temporarily squashing retirement speculation.
Shields told Vermeil in April that he would be back for 2005, but he reversed direction Monday, telling reporters that it's not a given he'll play and that he's still contemplating retirement. When told of Shields' comments later in the day, Vermeil said he still expected the 10-time Pro Bowler to return.
When asked about Shields' status again Tuesday, Vermeil said: "I'm not going to get into that. He's never said that to me. All I'm going to do is assume that he's going to play. Because the timing would be very poor for him to all of the sudden decide he wasn't."
Shields, who has battled arthritic knees, will work out sparingly during offseason practices. Vermeil said Shields wants to pace himself so he'll be ready for training camp. (Kansas City Star)
06/07/05
- [Etc] Brothers Bullocks separated for first time
- [MLB] Score one for Erstad
- [MLB] Erstad delivers knockout blow to Estrada, Braves
- [MLB] 06/05 - Commentary: Charge by Erstad goes past gritty to dirty
- [MLB] Five Huskers Chosen in first 18 rounds of MLB Draft
- [MLB] Royals select Gordon with first pick
06/06/05
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Q&A G Will Shields
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Dean: Will Will be back for KC's offensive line?
- [San Francisco 49ers] The 49ers have released PK Chace Long. (SF49ers.com)
06/05/05
- [New Orleans Saints] Josh Bullocks has "opened eyes in coaching sessions this week". Bullocks has shown great speed and instincts in center field, while impressing coaches with his aptitude in the playbook. (NOLA.com)
- [NFL Europe] Rhien Fire RB Joe Smith ran for 1,028 yards on the season, the second highest total in the history of NFL Europe. Dahrran Diedrick was supposed to share time at running back for the Fire saw far less playing time than Smith. Rhein head coach Pete Kuharchek explained why: "Joe Smith carried the ball a lot of times and that added to his 1,000 yards deal because our other running back Dahrran Diedrick got hurt."
In fact, all three Huskers allocated to Europe this year missed games due to injuries. Hamburg's starting safety Eric Crouch only returned to the field last week after sitting out with a hip injury and K Chace Long was placed on injured reserve before the start of the season. (NFLEurope.com)
06/04/05
- [CFL] DeAngelis battles for a spot with the Stampeders
- [CFL] Calgary Stampeders Minicamp: On special teams Sandro DeAngelis showed a very strong leg, connecting on his last two field goal attempts from plus 40 range. (OurSportsCentral.com)
06/03/05
- [New Orleans Saints] Pete Prisco, of SportsLine.com, reports New Orleans Saints rookie S Josh Bullocks has impressed the Saints coaching staff during offseason workouts. There is a chance he could be the opening-day starter at strong safety. He'll need to beat out S Jay Bellamy to garner the starting job. (KFFL)
- [MLB] For Nebraska star Gordon, is Royals treatment next?
- [MLB] Staying Strong, Waiting For Call
- [Dallas Cowboys] The Dallas Cowboys announced they have released S Clint Finley.
- [Green Bay Packers] Ahman Green savors bit part in independent film
- [Etc] Wistrom part-owned hockey club moves a few miles north: The North American Hockey League Board of Governors approved the move of the Springfield Spirit from Springfield, Missouri, to Wasilla, Alaska, for the 2005-06 season. The ownership of the team will remain with the partnership of Andy Brickey, Dr. John Putman, Robert J. Smith and Grant Wistrom, who have owned the Spirit since January of 2004. (OurSportsCentral.com)
06/02/05
- [NFL Europe] Eric Crouch Diary
- [Jacksonville Jaguars] On Tuesday, May 31, all of the Jaguars rookie players visited Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville. Players talked with and signed autographs for the children. Rookie free agent defensive end Benard Thomas said, "I love doing stuff like this. It's amazing that by just showing up here and visiting with the kids, so many of these young people just cannot stop smiling." The visit was so heart-warming that many of the players left with smiling faces as well. (Jaguars.com)
- [Carolina Panthers] Panthers make a ‘Ruckus’ for children’s sake (Rucker,Minter)
- [New England Patriots] Hochstein honored in hometown
06/01/05
- [MLB] Prognosis on Stern: A turn for the worse
- [MLB] Dan Johnson getting a chance to show he belongs