NFL Offseason Thread

[mardigan]

Bengals | Prosecutor says Henry did not fail drug test
Mon, 21 May 2007 11:23:49 -0700

Updating previous items, ESPNews reports that a Kenton County prosecutor has stated Cincinnati Bengals WR Chris Henry did not fail a court-ordered drug test.


Bengals | Woman says Nicholson never hit her
Mon, 21 May 2007 10:38:04 -0700

ESPN.com reports the woman who claimed Cincinnati Bengals LB A.J. Nicholson assaulted her admitted during Nicholson's arraignment Monday, May 21, that he never hit her. "I'm embarrassed to tell you that I was extremely emotional when I contacted police and that caused me to exaggerate what had taken place between A.J. and myself," Victoria Johnson said, according to a Cincinnati television station. Johnson said she was trying to grab a cell phone away from Nicholson and struck herself below her eye.


Bengals | Henry's agent denies failed drug test
Mon, 21 May 2007 10:25:33 -0700

Updating a previous item, Mark Curnutte, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports the agent for Cincinnati Bengals WR Chris Henry, Marvin Frazier, denied a Kenton Country prosecutor's claim that Henry failed a drug test and will have to serve jail time. "The final result is negative," Frazier said. "It's all (nonsense)."

[mardigan]

NFL | Owners to vote on Super Bowl XLV site Tuesday
Mon, 21 May 2007 08:42:27 -0700

Mark Curnutte, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports league owners will hold a vote during the annual NFL Spring Meeting Tuesday, May 22, on the awarding of Super Bowl XLV in 2011. The finalists are Arizona, Indianapolis and North Texas.



Broncos | Police target Kircus in alleged assault
Mon, 21 May 2007 06:24:44 -0700

Mike Klis, of the Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos WR David Kircus has been identified as a "person of interest" in an alleged assault of a man early Sunday, May 20. Investigators were planning to bring Kircus in for a photo lineup, according to Arapahoe County sheriff Grayson Robinson. The victim suffered multiple broken facial bones in the alleged assault during a party Sunday, May 20. A warrant has not been issued for Kircus, though he was informed by team officials the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Department is seeking his cooperation in the case.




Jets | J. Miller arrested
Sun, 20 May 2007 17:20:15 -0700

ESPN's Jeremy Schaap reports New York Jets CB Justin Miller was arrested Sunday, May 20, for allegedly punching a woman in a New York nightclub. He was apprehended after a police chase and charged with third-degree misdemeanor assault. Police said Miller was swinging at a man, but hit the woman after the man ducked. The woman has a laceration on her face and swelling and pain in her knee.




Texans | A. Green strikes deal for No. 30 jersey
Sat, 19 May 2007 19:38:37 -0700

Updating a previous item, the Associated Press reports Houston Texans RB Ahman Green bought the No. 30 from FS Jason Simmons. Simmons agreed to give up the number if Green would make a down payment on a home for a single parent. Green said, " He said what he wanted to do and I said: 'Yeah I'm all on board. That's easy.' Tell me where to write the check to. So instead of putting the money into his pocket, he's going to put in into somebody else's home, house and help them get their life started."

[samikeyp]

Updating a previous item, the Associated Press reports Houston Texans RB Ahman Green bought the No. 30 from FS Jason Simmons. Simmons agreed to give up the number if Green would make a down payment on a home for a single parent. Green said, " He said what he wanted to do and I said: 'Yeah I'm all on board. That's easy.' Tell me where to write the check to. So instead of putting the money into his pocket, he's going to put in into somebody else's home, house and help them get their life started."

[mardigan]

Bills | Team signs Webster
Mon, 21 May 2007 13:40:27 -0700

WGR 550 AM reports the Buffalo Bills signed free-agent CB Jason Webster (Falcons). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.



Bengals | Team releases Nicholson
Mon, 21 May 2007 12:26:43 -0700

The Cincinnati Bengals announced they have released LB A.J. Nicholson.


Rams | Tate released
Mon, 21 May 2007 17:33:55 -0700

The NFL Network reports the St. Louis Rams have released QB Drew Tate.



Broncos | Kircus could be released
Tue, 22 May 2007 06:55:14 -0700

Ivan Moreno, of the Rocky Mountain News, reports Denver Broncos WR David Kircus could be released from the team if he is found guilty of second-degree assault, according to head coach Mike Shanahan. Kircus was involved in an altercation with another man early Sunday, May 20. "Obviously, if he didn't handle himself the right way, he won't be with us," Shanahan said.



Buccaneers | Scott released
Tue, 22 May 2007 08:30:34 -0700

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Tuesday, May 22, that they have released CB Kenny Scott.



Chiefs | Allen signs tender
Tue, 22 May 2007 09:05:15 -0700

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports Kansas City Chiefs restricted free-agent DL Jared Allen signed his one-year, $2.35 million qualifying offer Monday, May 21. Allen will report for the start of organized team activities Tuesday, May 22.



Jets | Team releases Marshall
Tue, 22 May 2007 10:08:22 -0700

The New York Jets announced Tuesday, May 22, that they have released DL Keyonta Marshall.


Jets | Team signs Hicks
Tue, 22 May 2007 09:46:07 -0700

The New York Jets announced Tuesday, May 22, that they have signed free-agent DL Eric Hicks (Chiefs). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Cowboys | Ellis ready if he gets cut
Wed, 16 May 2007 12:15:27 -0700

Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports Dallas Cowboys LB Greg Ellis would not be surprised if he is released sometime during training camp or during the season.

I know it's sorta late but why would they cut him???

[LEONARD]

Keyshawn = retired

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/s...e=NFLHeadlines

[sa_butta]

Keyshawn = retired

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/s...e=NFLHeadlines

Should have gave him the damn ball.

[mardigan]

I know it's sorta late but why would they cut him???

To deep at the position coupled with his age and coming off a acl injury

[mardigan]

Chiefs | Tynes traded
Tue, 22 May 2007 13:33:11 -0700

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced they have traded PK Lawrence Tynes to the New York Giants for future considerations.

[mardigan]

Keyshawn Johnson to retire, join ESPN


(May 23, 2007) -- Keyshawn Johnson will announce his retirement May 23, ending an NFL career in which the outspoken receiver was once one of the game's biggest threats.

He will join ESPN as a sportscaster and disclose his plans at a news conference in Los Angeles at USC, where he starred in college.

"After Keyshawn's announcement that he will retire, we will announce we are signing him to a contract," ESPN spokesman Bill Hofheimer said.

Last month, Johnson worked the NFL draft for ESPN, which was impressed enough to offer him a job. He was released by the Carolina Panthers days after the draft.

The receiver told The Associated Press by phone that there would be a news conference at the USC campus. He would not say what he would announce, and laughed when told there was speculation he would be going directly from the playing field to the TV booth.

"Out of respect for the announcement I plan to make, I just want to wait until the press conference for everyone to find out," Johnson said. "If there's a lot of rumors and stuff out there, that's fun."

Johnson, who turns 35 in July, spent 11 years in the league. Last season, he became the 16th NFL player with 800 career catches.

He visited the Tennessee ans last week and met with coaches and watched film.

But the ans had not made a formal offer, and team officials had been talking with Johnson about the range and money that would be involved in any deal.

ans coach Jeff Fisher, who became friends with Johnson while he played at USC and Johnson was a ball boy, said he thought Johnson's numbers and production spoke for themselves.

"He still played at a high-level last year. He takes very good care of himself," Fisher said. "He hasn't had any injuries per se. Anytime you get a chance to bring an experienced veteran in to add to your roster then it's a good thing."

Johnson was the top pick in the 1996 draft, by the New York Jets. After a good rookie season -- 63 catches, eight touchdowns -- for a team that went 1-15, he wrote a book: Just Give Me The Damn Ball, which was well-received by the public if not by his teammates.

He eventually earned the nickname "Me-shawn" for that, but his coaches, particularly Bill Parcells with both the Jets and Dallas Cowboys, considered him a hard worker and versatile clutch player. Parcells once called Johnson one of the best players he'd coached.

But Johnson did have run-ins with Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet when they played together and, less than a year after helping Tampa Bay win the 2003 Super Bowl, Johnson's spat with Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden got him suspended for the final six games of the season.

Johnson then joined Parcells and the Cowboys, where he had two productive seasons, with 141 catches and 12 touchdowns.

The Panthers signed Johnson last year after he was released by Dallas in a salary cap move so the Cowboys could sign Terrell Owens. While Owens had 85 catches for 1,180 yards and 13 TDs last year as the focal point of the passing game in Dallas, Johnson had 70 catches for 815 yards and four touchdowns as the No. 2 receiver behind Steve Smith in Carolina.

[John Patrick]

Rams | Berlin signed
Thu, 17 May 2007 14:55:35 -0700

Bill Coats, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports the St. Louis Rams have signed unrestricted free-agent QB Brock Berlin (Cowboys). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.


Lions | Lenon is the starting MLB
Thu, 17 May 2007 14:21:19 -0700

Mike O'Hara, of the Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Joe Barry said LB Paris Lenon is the team's starting middle linebacker.

That should have been David Harris.

[John Patrick]

ANd Vince Young contiues to get ed over.

The ans wanted Michael Turner very badly if they were willing to risk their franchise QB offensive weapons for his safety buddy from college, but isnt he moving to CB?

So they were replacing Pacman, I guess.

[mardigan]

Cardinals | Breaston struggling
Thu, 24 May 2007 12:45:03 -0700

Darren Urban, of the East Valley Tribune, reports Arizona Cardinals WR Steve Breaston has been struggling as a receiver during the team's practices.


Panthers | Jenkins still on market
Thu, 24 May 2007 12:25:13 -0700

Charles Chandler, of the Charlotte Observer, reports agent Drew Rosenhaus said he believes Carolina Panthers DT Kris Jenkins is still on the trading block and can be had for the right price. General manager Marty Hurney said there have been no discussions about Jenkins.

[mardigan]

Dolphins | Wright signed
Thu, 24 May 2007 14:47:19 -0700

Harvey Fialkov, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports the Miami Dolphins have signed seventh-round draft pick LB Abraham Wright to a four-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Dolphins | Fields signed
Thu, 24 May 2007 14:46:24 -0700

Harvey Fialkov, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports the Miami Dolphins have signed seventh-round draft pick P Brandon Fields to a four-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Dolphins | Booker signed
Thu, 24 May 2007 14:45:36 -0700

Harvey Fialkov, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports the Miami Dolphins have signed third-round draft pick RB Lorenzo Booker to a four-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Redskins | Rogers released
Thu, 24 May 2007 14:24:53 -0700

The Washington Redskins have announced they have released OT Cornelius Rogers.


Redskins | Mitc signed
Thu, 24 May 2007 14:22:57 -0700

The Washington Redskins have announced they have signed undrafted free-agent WR Terry Mitc (Grand Valley State).


Eagles | Hunt signed
Thu, 24 May 2007 13:54:49 -0700

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced they have signed third-round draft pick RB Tony Hunt to a four-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Eagles | Bradley signed
Thu, 24 May 2007 13:54:07 -0700

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced they have signed third-round draft pick LB Stewart Bradley to a four-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

[mardigan]

Falcons | Dogs at Vick's property not abused according to prosecutor
Fri, 25 May 2007 20:16:59 -0700

The Associated Press reports Surry County Commonwealth attorney Gerald Poindexter said dogs found at a house owned by Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick appeared to have been well cared for, and that just one required immediate veterinary care for a broken leg because of a birth defect. Poindexter pointed out erroneous reports that have surfaced since the raid on Vick's house that said the dogs were malnourished and that many had scarring and injuries consistent with dog fighting. He added there has been difficulty finding someone who specializes in canine forensics, and an absence of eyewitnesses who can confirm that dog fighting took place at the property. However, Poindexter remains confident that charges will be brought, but he did not say who will be charged. He also declined to give a timetable for when evidence will be ready to present to a grand jury.

[mardigan]

NFL | Nicholson in jail for allegedly violating probation
Sat, 26 May 2007 11:04:48 -0700

Len Paquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports free-agent LB A.J. Nicholson (Bengals) is being held at the Leon County, Fla., jail for allegedly violating the terms of his probation. The Cincinnati Enquirer first reported Saturday, May 26, that Nicholson had been jailed. A spokesperson said Nicholson will be held in the jail until a probation revocation hearing is convened, but could not say when the hearing is scheduled.

[mardigan]

Coast Guard searching for Patriots DE Hill in Lake Pontchartrain
ESPN.com news services

Updated: May 28, 2007, 3:00 PM ET


NEW ORLEANS -- U.S. Coast Guard rescue crews continued searching Lake Pontchartrain on Monday for New England Patriots defensive end Marquise Hill, who was reported missing following a jetski accident.

"We searched throughout the night," said Petty Officer Tom Atkeson.

According to WDSU-TV, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said they are no longer on a search and rescue mission. Now their mission is one of search and recovery and Hill is presumed drowned.

Hill's agent, Albert Elias, said he had been told Hill and a young woman were jetskiing Sunday in the lake when both of them went into the water, which had a strong current. Elias said the woman was able to make it to a pylon and hang on until she was rescued, while Hill was last scene floating away from the scene.

"I'm an optimistic guy," Elias told WWL television in New Orleans. "He's a strong kid and a fighter."

Hill played on LSU's 2004 national championship team and was drafted in the second round by New England.

"We are all shocked," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. "We can only hope and pray that the search and rescue is successful. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marquise and his family. We know that Marquise is a strong young man and will remain optimistic while continuing to pray for his rescue."

The Coast Guard was using both boats and a helicopter search the shoreline, Atkeson said. Wildlife and Fisheries was using a recovery line that drags the bottom of the water.

A call came in around 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Atkeson said. The woman, whose iden y was not available Monday morning, was rescued and sent to Tulane Medical Center where she told them Hill had tried to keep her calm even as the two were drifting away from each other.

Neither Hill nor the woman wore a life preserver, Atkeson said.

"It's so important to have a life jacket and a signaling device," Atkeson said. "One keeps you afloat and the other helps us find you."

Elias said Hill has spent much of his time since Hurricane Katrina helping family members rebuild their homes.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[IceColdBrewski]

Never understood people who go jet-skiiing without a life jacket. They're not expensive, and it only takes a few seconds to put one on.

Pretty stupid.

[mardigan]

Broncos | Team could meet with Adams
Mon, 28 May 2007 06:57:47 -0700

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports the Denver Broncos may meet with free-agent DL Sam Adams (Bengals).


Texans | Adams could meet team Tuesday
Mon, 28 May 2007 06:56:40 -0700

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports free-agent DL Sam Adams (Bengals) could visit the Houston Texans as early as Tuesday, May 29.


Cowboys | Players like changes in new 3-4 defense
Sun, 27 May 2007 20:15:05 -0700

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports players from the Dallas Cowboys are excited about the changes head coach Wade Phillips has made to the team's 3-4 defense. LB Bradie James said, "We got excited defensively, because they were running some things that we have always wanted to do. There is just pressure coming from everywhere. When I watched the film, I still didn't know who was (blitzing). When you go from a base defense, basically what we ran last year, to something like this, it makes you more excited to go play some football."


Falcons | Source claims Vick is a heavyweight in dog fighting
Sun, 27 May 2007 10:59:53 -0700

Kelly Naqi, writing for ESPN.com, reports a confidential source says he's been involved in dog fighting for over 30 years and has trained and fought around 2,000 pit bulls. He was poised to tell "Outside the Lines" about the time in 2000 when his dog squared off against a dog owned by someone he referred as one of the "heavyweights" of the dog fighting world. "He's a pit bull fighter," the source said of Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick. "He's one of the ones that they call 'the big boys:' that's who bets a large dollar. And they have the money to bet large money. As I'm talking about large money -- $30,000 to $40,000 -- even higher. He's one of the heavyweights." The source has helped law enforcement by supplying information on dog fights that has led to dozens of felony arrests. The source said Vick is known in the dog fighting community as "the man that comes with all the money" and his reputation is "[that] he brings a good dog and he's going to bet and he's going bring a nice sum of cash."


Chiefs | J. Allen makes changes over offseason
Sun, 27 May 2007 09:39:27 -0700

Jason King, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs DE Jared Allen has made some changes this offseason. He's lost 15 pounds, hired a personal trainer, sticks to a strict diet and is no longer drinking alcohol. Allen, who is suspended for the first four games of the 2007 season, said he has not had a drink in eight months. "You've got to play on the edge to be a great player, but you don't have to live on the edge to be one. I've always lived and played football the same way. I was playing on the edge and living on the edge. Now I can separate work from reality," Allen said.


ans | V. Young confident in wide receivers
Sun, 27 May 2007 09:09:56 -0700

The ans Radio Network reports Tennessee ans QB Vince Young is confident in his receivers and said they have played well enough through the first month of minicamps. He also said WR Keyshawn Johnson's (Panthers) decision to retire instead of playing with Tennessee did not discourage him. "I feel like [the guys we have] are going to be alright, it's just everyone else that is doubting them. That's the good part about it. It keeps motivating those guys to show that they can do this or that. We don't need [Keyshawn Johnson] to come in to make us better. The young guys are going good. I'm proud of them," Young said.

[mardigan]

Never understood people who go jet-skiiing without a life jacket. They're not expensive, and it only takes a few seconds to put one on.

Pretty stupid.

Patriots | Hill's body recovered
Mon, 28 May 2007 13:07:17 -0700

Updating a previous report, ESPNews reports a search team has recovered the body of New England Patriots DL Marquise Hill. Hill had been missing since Sunday, May 27, after a jet ski accident. KFFL send its condolences to Hill's family and friends.


He was 24 years old

[samikeyp]

What a waste.

[mardigan]

Bengals | L. Jones may sue Porter
Thu, 31 May 2007 10:14:55 -0700

Geoff Hobson, of Bengals.com, reports Cincinnati Bengals OT Levi Jones is still trying to decide whether he will pursue a civil suit against Miami Dolphins LB Joey Porter. Jones was attacked by Porter and some of his acquaintances in March.


Bengals | C. Johnson to participate in strange race
Thu, 31 May 2007 10:09:01 -0700

Geoff Hobson, of Bengals.com, reports Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Johnson will be involved in a race against a horse June 9. Johnson will have to run about 110 yards while the horse, Restore The Roar, will be running 220 yards. The money raised by the event will go to charity.

[mardigan]

New rule pertains to players, coaches, owners, guests
Associated Press

Updated: May 31, 2007, 2:11 PM ET


NEW YORK -- NFL clubs may no longer serve alcohol at team functions or on buses or flights, extending a ban that until now applied only in locker rooms.

NFL owners and executives were told Thursday by commissioner Roger Goodell that the rule pertains not only to players but also to owners, coaches and guests.

"I believe that no constructive purpose is served by clubs continuing to make alcoholic beverages available, and that doing so imposes significant and unnecessary risks to the league, its players and others," Goodell wrote to all 32 teams in a letter obtained by The Associated Press.

The commissioner's letter separates him from, among others, baseball commissioner Bud Selig. After St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Josh Han died a month ago in what was ruled an alcohol-related auto accident, Selig said a decision on banning beer in clubhouses was a team matter, not a league one.

Goodell's letter is in keeping with his policy of setting strict standards for behavior by players, coaches and officials after a year of numerous arrests, many of them for alcohol-related offenses. He has imposed strict suspensions on those who violated those policies, including a yearlong suspension for Tennessee's Adam "Pacman" Jones, which is currently under appeal.

The letter is addressed to chief executives, club presidents, general managers and head coaches.

"Effective immediately," it reads, "clubs are prohibited from providing alcoholic beverages, including beer, in any club setting, including in locker rooms, practice or office facilities or while traveling, including on team buses or flights.

"This prohibition extends not only to players but to all team personnel, as well as to other guests traveling with the team or who have access to club facilities," it said.

The ban was sent with the approval of the NFL Players Association and the player advisory council, a group of veterans appointed in early April to advise Goodell on player issues.

That group includes union president Troy Vincent, currently a free agent; safety Donovin Darius of Jacksonville; fullback Tony Richardson of Minnesota; center Jeff Saturday of Indianapolis; linebacker Takeo es of Philadelphia; and wide receiver James Thrash of Washington.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

[mardigan]

Source: Vick probe receiving increased attention from feds
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Updated: May 31, 2007, 3:04 PM ET


Two law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation have told ESPN.com they believe there is sufficient evidence to indict Michael Vick in connection with a suspected dogfighting ring that was run on property the Falcons quarterback owned in Virginia.

The sources, however, cautioned this week that, based on the current evidence, it might be difficult to successfully prosecute Vick, who has denied knowledge of dogfighting at the property in Surry County.

"There is probably enough there to bring a bill [of indictment]," said one source, "but how some of [the evidence] would play out at trial, or if it even reached a trial ... I just don't know. These kinds of prosecutions are tough. There are some holes, definitely, and that's why [investigators] are digging for more information. You want more than just smoke. You're always looking for the smoking gun.

"I mean, what you think you know and what you know you know, and what you can prove to other people you know ... well, they aren't always the same. But this is a fluid thing, so we'll see where it goes."

It would help [the case], obviously, if someone stepped up with something concrete. A figure in a shadow, with a Darth Vader-type voice, that's fine, but sooner or later someone has to put their hand on a Bible in front of a jury.
Law enforcement official

On Wednesday, Surry County Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald G. Poindexter told ESPN that he recently received a call from a person whom he deemed credible, and that the informant gave him information regarding the ongoing investigation. Television station WAVY of Portsmouth, Va., reported Wednesday that informants have come forward who have said that they can link Vick to dogfighting.

"We have people who are volunteering to make those allegations," Poindexter said. Asked if there was evidence that placed Vick at dogfights, Poindexter said, "Yes."

Poindexter told ESPN's Kelly Naqi that he is convinced dogfighting took place on the property, saying he is continuing to pursue a strong case.

"If he did anything, he won't get away with it, if we can prove it. But it's not easy," Poindexter said. "That's why we're moving carefully, slowly. We're trying to build a strong case."

Poindexter referenced a 2000 case which involved dogfighting and which was dismissed over Fourth Amendment issues. He said he will forward affidavits to the State Attorney's Appellate Division to have officials there review it in terms of its admissibility for court. He cited the same Fourth Amendment issues as the reason he did not permit officials to move forward with a warrant to search the Vick property earlier this week.

One ESPN.com source acknowledged that at least one federal agency beyond the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which was represented at a recent meeting with local investigators, has taken "a pretty serious interest" in the investigation in recent days.

One of the sources has first-hand knowledge of the evidence that was presented May 21 during a two-hour meeting that included Poindexter and a representative from the USDA. The other was frequently apprised of what is included in the evidence, but has not yet directly reviewed it.

Both sources were reluctant to discuss the evidence in detail. But one said that, beyond forensic evidence and also the dog-training paraphernalia that has been shown in various television reports, there are also "some do ents" that suggest dogfighting was taking place. Queried about the do ents, which were seized from the property, the source would only say while "there is paperwork" that includes Vick's name or what are said to be references to him, it appears none bear his signature.

"There are some dots," said the source, "but it's putting them all in a straight line that's been a challenge. There's a lot of stuff to look at and consider. But preponderance doesn't always equal proof, so they're trying to dot I's and cross T's."

Vick's attorney, Larry Woodward, did not return messages.

On Wednesday, the Atlanta Journal-Cons ution reported that Poindexter could convene a special grand jury to consider the case. The regular grand jury is not scheduled to meet until July 24, Surry County clerk of courts Gail P. Clayton said. The grand jury meets on the fourth Tuesday of every other month, beginning in January.

The Journal-Cons ution reported that two people claiming to have information that might aid the investigation have contacted law enforcement authorities, and that Poindexter was performing due diligence on the background of one of the two. Both of the sources who spoke to ESPN.com said claims that people have possible information that might strengthen the case is consistent with their understanding of the progress being made.

Those people, their credibility and the value of the information that they claim to have are being scrutinized.

"It would help [the case], obviously, if someone stepped up with something concrete," one ESPN.com source said. "A figure in a shadow, with a Darth Vader-type voice, that's fine, but sooner or later someone has to put their hand on a Bible in front of a jury."

ESPN's "Outside the Lines" on Sunday interviewed a confidential informant, speaking on camera with his face hidden and his voice disguised, who alleged Vick is a "heavyweight" in dogfighting circles. He claimed that Vick owned and fought dogs and bet heavily on them.

The pace of the investigation and the timing of any possible indictment against the embattled Vick, who is playing under a $130 million contract and is the face of Atlanta's franchise, could be critical to his plans for the 2007 season and to any potential sanctions by the NFL. If a grand jury in Surry County does not meet until late July, it would be right about the time Vick and the Falcons are to report to training camp.

There are, some observers feel, enough potential maneuvers to perhaps delay a trial -- if the case reaches that point -- until after the season. Such trials have typically lasted eight months or more. The NFL, which has offered the services of its security department to assist local authorities in the investigation, continues to closely monitor the proceedings.

It is not known if commissioner Roger Goodell would consider sanctions against Vick if he is merely indicted. Goodell emphasized last week, at the NFL's spring meeting in Nashville, that the recent severe suspensions of Tennessee cornerback Pacman Jones and Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Henry were based in part on their status as repeat offenders of the league's personal conduct policy.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

[mardigan]

NFL has 103 potential candidates for Alzheimer's aid

Updated: May 30, 2007, 4:29 PM ET


NEW YORK -- Gene Upshaw was taken aback when he first saw the list of retired NFL players applying for financial help under a new program to help those with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

"I played with or against quite a few of these guys," the executive director of the NFL players' union said Wednesday. "I knew one or two were having problems, but I never knew the extent."

Upshaw, a Hall of Fame guard for the Oakland Raiders from 1968-82, is one of four people being honored Thursday night by the Alzheimer's Association of New York for helping start the "88" plan. It provides up to $88,000 from the NFL and the union to help with the care of players afflicted with dementia or related brain problems.

Since the plan took effect Feb. 1, 35 retired players have been approved for aid, with 19 more applications pending. That's up from 21 players two months ago, when the league and union were still trying to go beyond what Upshaw called "word of mouth" in identifying players.

Now the identification is being done through the Bert Bell retirement fund, which handles pensions for more than 9,000 retired players, with the money coming from a trust fund administered by the league and union. So far, according to the NFL, 103 potential candidates for aid have been identified. There are 54 applications, and no one has been turned down. The applications of 19 players who have not yet been certified are to be reviewed.

But it's still hard to know many ex-players need help.

"A lot of people are embarrassed to talk about it or to acknowledge they have a problem," says Dan Rooney, the Pittsburgh Steelers owner and a member of the NFL committee that oversees the plan. "They can have lucid moments when they think things are going all right."

The plan is part of the labor contract agreed upon in March 2006 by the league and union and is administered by Upshaw and Harold Henderson, an NFL senior vice president. The "88" is the number of Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey, one of the first former players who qualified. His wife, Sylvia, was instrumental in persuading Upshaw and former commissioner Paul Tagliabue to include aid for dementia in the new contract.

NFL and union officials say the correlation between NFL players and Alzheimer's is anecdotal rather than scientific, and experts in the field agree.

But the heightened interest in the subject follows the death of Andre Waters, who committed suicide last November at 44. Reports concluded he had brain damage that resulted from multiple concussions during 12 years as an NFL safety. In addition, The Boston Globe and The New York Times reported in February that 34-year-old Ted Johnson, who spent 10 years as a linebacker with the New England Patriots, shows early signs of Alzheimer's.

Activists view the NFL/NFLPA program as a landmark.

"This is the first union and industry program of its kind and it's the first that recognizes the burden the disease puts on families," said Lou-Ellen Barkan, president and chief executive of the New York Alzheimer's Association. On Thursday, that group will honor Upshaw and Henderson as well as Sylvia Mackey and Dr. Eleanor Perfetto, wife of Ralph Wenzel, the only other former player who has been publicly identified as part of the program.

Under the program, players can receive up to $50,000 a year for home care and up to $88,000 if they are ins utionalized. Barkan said that's part of an ignored part of the burden of Alzheimer's -- those with dementia or Alzheimer's need full-time care, and spouses or children must quit jobs to give full-time care.

"Something like this allows them to hire help," Barkan said. "It allows them to keep jobs without the burden of also being a full-time caregiver.

Those involved with the program say they can't demonstrate clearly that dementia among football players correlates with football.

"I'll leave it for the doctors to decide that," Upshaw says. "A lot of the guys we're talking about are pretty much up in age, so it's hard to know why they have the problem."

Barkan agrees but notes: "Just from what doctors tell us, there is a strong correlation from multiple concussions and the onset of problems."