Archives for March 2009

‘It was, of course, the professional media that finally squashed it. No news stations or papers in the area were duped. But that didn’t stop people (myself included) from rushing to speculation – and text messaging. Funny how I would never have put a note on the paper’s Web site about a rumor, but I felt just fine text messaging it to friends.’

‘Jauron told the skeptical reporters that things will be different for T.O. in Buffalo. "We’re not planning on this going the way you’re saying it’s going to go," Jauron said. "We’re planning on it working." Nobody will be surprised if it doesn’t.’

‘Perhaps the fact Wilson had suffered a shoulder injury recently fueled the rumors. He did have to make a trip to the hospital Friday to have the shoulder checked out. But Wilson was fine. No mainstream media ran with the rumor Friday night.’

‘"I know whole-heartedly he wanted me there," Owens said. "There were some people I know who got in his ear that pressured him to make that decision. For that, it’s sad. You let two or three people conspire to get me out of the situation."’

‘When he asked how many of the students thought that NFL players only work on Sundays during the season, countless hands flew up into the air. He chuckled and said, “We work about 55 to 70 hours a week.”‘

‘Hicks, 31, played in 11 games on special teams last season with Minnesota. He didn’t register a carry playing behind the standout rushing tandem of NFL rushing leader Adrian Peterson and backup Chester Taylor.’

‘None of this year’s $2.9 million in improvements has gone past the wish-list stage. And the Bills still are waiting for almost $2 million worth of capital improvements – that were supposed to be done last year.’

Packers acquire lineman (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Packers sign offensive lineman Preston (Green Bay Press Gazette)

‘McDole always had problems with his weight and Saban established a fine if he didn’t make his assigned poundage. One year, at training camp, Saban held a weigh-in and, incredibly, McDole made weight. Suspicious, the coach held a surprise weigh-in the next day and McDole was 20 pounds over his assigned number. His defense to Saban? “It must have been those two 20-pound cookies I ate."’

‘There’s no question Owens will show up in shape… but this is about attitude. Chemistry with a new team and in particular THIS offense, and THIS quarterback is important.’

‘Owens received the Alzheimer’s Association’s first Young Champions Award during the gala for raising awareness in the fight against the disease. Owens’ support of the charity is inspired by the fact his grandmother has the disease. His grandmother, Alice Black, was diagnosed in 1996. She now is in an assisted-living home in Alabama, unable to recognize loved ones. "She’d been very, very instrumental in my upbringing," Owens said. "This is definitely a tribute to her."’

‘With rehabilitation for ACL surgeries typically running six to nine months, Hardy should be right at the nine month mark in the middle of August. What his level of participation will be remains to be seen.’

‘Invincible tight end Tony Gonzalez has reportedly asked for a trade. Although he hasn’t demanded one, the Bills should demand the Chiefs send the best ever at his position their way.’

‘”I feel there were some things blown out of proportion after the season and misrepresented as far as our locker room. Those things happen when you don’t live up to expectations,” he said. “Chemistry is always important, but production is the most important. Just give me a player that works hard, tried to win and has great talent and produced. I think the one thing you’ve got to look at in players is production, and [Owens] has been probably the most productive receiver in the last several years.”‘

‘"I talked to coach (Dick) Jauron prior to the start of the workouts about that," said Owens, who was honored Wednesday evening with an award at an Alzheimer’s Association gala. "Right now if there’s nothing mandatory that I have to be a part of, then I won’t intend to be there."’