April 2010 - Football Wiretap
Jets Audition Brown With Folk Struggling
The Jets were scheduled to workout free-agent kicker Kris Brown on Tuesday amid Nick Folk's struggles, according to a source.
Folk, who played a major role in two of New York's first six wins, has missed five of his past 10 field-goal attempts.
NFL Keeps Cowboys-Eagles In Primetime
The Cowboys and Eagles will be broadcast in prime time on Dec. 12 despite the struggles of Dallas this season.
The NFL could have moved a different game into the Sunday night slot under its flexible scheduling rules.
The league said Tuesday the Patriots-Bears game in Week 14 will shift from 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. ET.
Brees Named SI's Sportsman Of Year
Saints quarterback Drew Brees is being honored as Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year for his championship on the field and his charity off it.
Brees became the award's 57th recipient when the magazine made the announcement Tuesday on the "Today" show.
The quarterback led the long-suffering New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl title in February, lifting the spirits of the hurricane-battered city.
NFL Will Refund Tickets If Lockout Occurs
The NFL will offer full refunds to fans with general admission tickets if games are canceled next season because of a lockout.
Each team will determine its policies for club seats, suites and payments for personal seat licenses, the league announced.
Season-ticket holders can choose to receive a refund or credits toward future games.
Roethlisberger Wearing Walking Boot
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is walking around in a walking boot, but he's still expected to face the Ravens on Sunday night.
Roethlisberger sprained his right foot in Pittsburgh's overtime win over Buffalo on Sunday.
Baltimore and Pittsburgh both have 8-3 records, and the winner will own the division lead with four games remaining.
Reid, Jackson 'All Squared Away' Following Confrontation
Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson and coach Andy Reid are "all squared away" following a locker room confrontation Sunday, according to a high-level team source.
Jackson was distraught after being chewed out by Reid in full view of his teammates following the Eagles' 31-26 loss to the Bears on Sunday, according to The Wilmington News Journal.
A source told The News Journal that Jackson had agitated Reid with his casual attitude before the game and during pre-game drills.
Jackson had just two catches for 26 yards in Philadelphia's loss to Chicago.
McDaniels Appears Safe For 2010
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen made it clear that the team's 3-8 record isn't acceptable.
Bowlen also indicated that coach Josh McDaniels is on a very short leash, but also paved the way for him to finish out the 2010 season.
"This has been a very trying and disappointing season for all of us," Bowlen said in a written statement, according to The Denver Post.
"We haven't had the success we had hoped to achieve. Josh McDaniels is the head coach of the Broncos, and you always strive for stability at that position. However, with five games left in the 2010 season, we will continue to monitor the progress of the team and evaluate what's in the best interest of this franchise."
TCU Accepts Invitation To Big East
TCU has accepted a bid for full membership to become the 17th member of the Big East Conference, effective July 1, 2012.
"Having BCS automatic-qualifying status was a priority for our football program and a great reward for the success we've had the last decade," TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte said in a statement.
The conference change allows TCU to play in an automatic BCS-qualifying league beginning in the 2012-13 school year.
Giants Remain Short-Handed At WR
The Giants defeated the Jaguars on Sunday without their top two wide receivers.
It appears as though they'll have to go at least one more game with Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith, according to Ralph Vacchciano of The New York Daily News.
"Hakeem Nicks is still expected to be out two more weeks. Steve Smith says he's targeting a Dec. 12 return," Vacchciano wrote on his Twitter page.
Teammate: Vincent Jackson Wasn't Faking Injury
Chargers running back Mike Tolbert defended teammate Vincent Jackson on Monday, saying the wide receiver got hurt in practice last week and didn't fake an injury in his first game back following a contract dispute.
Jackson started Sunday night's victory at Indianapolis but limped off the field after two plays with a strained right calf.
"I've played with him for two, going on three years now. I mean, he has so much heart that if he could play with it, he would," Tolbert said. "I saw him when he did it in practice a couple of days ago. It didn't look good but he was still out there trying to fight through it. Actually, some of the coaches had to tell him to calm down.
"Luckily we didn't need him yesterday, but there's going to come a point in time when we will and he'll be ready," said Tolbert.
Agent Neil Schwartz confirmed that Jackson got hurt in practice late last week.
"It's totally absurd that he would fake an injury," Schwartz said.
Johnson, Finnegan Fined Not Suspended
Andre Johnson and Cortland Finnegan received $25,000 fines for their on-field fight on Sunday.
Derek Anderson Sounds Off After Loss
Derek Anderson lost it when repeatedly asked why he was seen laughing late in Arizona's loss to San Francisco.
49ers Crush Cardinals, Lose Gore For Season
The 49ers beat the Cardinals 27-6 on Monday night, but lost Frank Gore for the season with a fractured right hip.
Wade Phillips Wants To Coach Again
Dallas fired Wade Phillips on Nov. 8.
Ryan: Jets Are Built For Super Bowl
Rex Ryan thinks the Jets added what they needed to in order to play in the Super Bowl.
Romo Throws During Practice
Tony Romo is still hoping to return near the end of September.
Officials: Death At Solider Field Ruled An Accident
A man fell 35 feet onto the roof of a storage building on Sunday afternoon during the Eagles-Bears game.
Roethlisberger Suffered Foot Injury In OT
The Steelers have a huge game coming against the Ravens.
McDaniels: Job Status Out Of My Hands
The Broncos are just 3-8 this season despite Kyle Orton's eye-popping numbers.
Vincent Jackson's Return Lasts Two Plays
Vincent Jackson started for San Diego, but he lasted just two plays.
Reid Chews Out Jackson After Loss
DeSean Jackson had just two catches on Sunday against Chicago.
Bills Already Looking At Andrew Luck
Buffalo general manager Buddy Nix flew to North California last week to watch Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
Samuel Hopes To Face Texans
Jay Cutler threw four touchdown passes against the Asante Samuel-less Eagles on Sunday.
NFL Close To Ending Favre Probe
Jenn Sterger gave the NFL visual evidence last week and a ruling is expected soon.
Risdon's $.10 After Week 12
The Falcons cemented their status at the top of the NFC, followed closely by the Bears, while the Colts and Josh McDaniels are in two types of trouble.
Stanford, Wisconsin All But Lock-Up BCS Bids
Stanford and Wisconsin were the big winners in the latest BCS standing released Sunday.
Gruden 'Committed' To MNF
Jon Gruden said Sunday night that he isn't leaving ESPN.
RealGM's Week 12 Rundown
The Patriots and Jets remained hot on Thanksgiving, while the Falcons, Bears, Chiefs and Ravens all made a statement on Sunday in Week 12.
Harrison Flagged For Hit On QB
James Harrison will likely face a fine after leading with his helmet on a sack against the Bills.
Bettis, Faulk, Sanders Headline HOF Nominees
Three of the top ten rushers in the NFL history are among the nominees for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.