April 2011 - Football Wiretap
Cadillac Hopes To Be Part Of Tampa's Plans
Cadillac Williams, who will be a free agent when the NFL lockout ends, hopes to remain with the Buccaneers.
The seven-year veteran has only played for Tampa Bay.
"Tampa is a very special place for me," Williams told The Tampa Tribune. "This is the team that drafted me. It's a team that has been through the good times and bad times with me. At the lowest point of my career, the organization was definitely behind me.
"The fan base in and out the community, dealing with different people, it's a very special place to me. I've grown accustomed to the area and living here. Tampa is a great city, great place and most of all, a really great place to play. It's definitely a place I would love to play and finish out my career, but only time will tell."
Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris has indicated that he would like the team to re-sign the running back.
Dolphins May Be Looking At Matt Moore
Panthers quarterback Matt Moore could figure into Miami's quarterback plans this coming season.
Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne indicated last week that he could have competition for the job and Moore may come cheap.
Carolina has drafted quarterbacks high in each of the last two season -- Cam Newton and Jimmy Clausen -- and they also have veteran Brian St. Pierre.
Moore also has ties to Dolphins coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland as both were on staff with the Cowboys when Dallas signed Moore as an undrafted free agent in 2007.
Andy Robustelli Dies At Age 85
Pro Football Hall of Famer Andy Robustelli, who played for the Giants and Rams during a 14-year NFL career, has died at age 85.
"He was one of the greatest players in franchise history, and one of the finest, most dignified gentlemen you could ever meet," Giants president John Mara said. "Andy was a man's man in every respect."
The reason for the death, which was first reported by THe Stamford Advocate, is unknown.
New York won the 1956 NFL championship in Robustelli's first season. They won five more conference championships during his tenure, in 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962 and 1963.
"Andy was a great leader. When he came to us from the Rams, it turned everything around defensively," fellow Hall of Famer Frank Gifford said. "He fit perfectly into Tom Landry's defense. Tom Landry was such a leader in putting defense into pro football and Andy was one of the key components of that."
Schwartz: 50 Players Attend Carolina Workout
The Panthers gathered Tuesday for their first player-organized workout since the lockout began.
Players hired a police officer to shoo away reporters from the high school where they were working out on the hot, humid morning. Cones blocked another entrance to the field at Charlotte Christian High School.
Guard Geoff Schwartz indicated on Twitter that more than 50 players attended.
"Great morning of team activities," he wrote.
Leaf Has Benign Tumor Removed
Ryan Leaf is recovering from brain surgery in California after doctors removed a benign tumor.
Leaf, a quarterback drafted in 1998, is considered perhaps the biggest draft bust in NFL history.
A statement from Leaf's publicist, Margo Myers, was released Tuesday.
It said Leaf had been experiencing dizziness and blurred vision before seeing a doctor May 18. He had surgery a week later at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif.
Supplemental Draft Planned For July, If Needed
An NFL official has told ESPN's Adam Schefter that a supplemental draft will be held sometime in July -- if there are applicants.
"So far, there have been no applicants," a league official told ESPN. The official said no deadline for applying for the draft has been set.
"If there is one, the supplemental draft would be held mid-to-late July, no later than 10 days before the first training camp opens," the official said.
Forty players have been selected in the NFL supplemental draft since its inception in 1977.
The draft is intended for players who missed the filing deadline for the NFL draft or had other issues develop that affected their college eligibility.
Haynesworth Has Case Dismissed
A northern Virginia judge has dismissed a road-rage assault charge against Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth after the player reached an agreement with the alleged victim.
A judge can dismiss misdemeanor assaults under a provision called "accord and satisfaction," in which a victim says he has been made whole, according to Virginia law.
Police say the man accused Haynesworth of punching him in a traffic altercation in Reston.
The man told investigators he made a gesture at Haynesworth for tailgating him.
NFLPA Will Hold Own Rookie Program
The NFL Players Association will stage a two-day educational program for rookies at the end of June and cover all costs.
One week after the league canceled its annual rookie symposium because of the lockout, the NFLPA has set up what it calls "The Business of Football, Rookie Edition" for Washington on June 28-29.
All drafted rookie is invited.
Kyle Shanahan Making Washington's QB Decisions?
The Redskins appear primed to hand their starting quarterback job to John Beck, who has just four NFL starts on his resume.
" ... heading into Shanahan's second season running things, are kicking veteran Donovan McNabb to the curb in favor of Beck, whose only starts came in 2007 with the Miami Dolphins," writes Pete Prisco of CBS Sports.
"Credit that one to the Shanahan family -- son, Kyle, is the team's offensive coordinator. Inside the team's building, there are plenty who wonder why McNabb won't be around to be the starter.
"'I'll tell you why,' one source said. 'The son doesn't like him.'"
Tressel Unlikely To Make Jump To NFL
Jim Tressel is out at Ohio State, but that doesn't mean he'll make the jump to the NFL.
"He likely has no future now in college," writes Gil Brandt of NFL.com. "He might at a much lower level, but not in the big conferences. As for the NFL, I think there's a tremendous difference between the two levels. You look at all the highly successful college coaches and not many of them seem to translate that to the NFL. I don't think the NFL is for Jim.
"In the end, I think he'll end up at some small school in an unpaid type of capacity in which he helps young coaches and young people. That's what he always loved doing."
Cardinals Still Have Questions About Kolb
The Cardinals have questions about Kevin Kolb's decision-making and his fit in their offense.
Collie Never Considered Retirement
Austin Collie suffered a pair of scary concussions within weeks last season.
Tannenbaum Thought Hard Knocks Helped Jets
Some believe players perform better when they are camera around.
Vikings Players To Hold Own 'Minicamp'
Christian Ponder and an estimated 10 to 15 players will work out together in Florida.
Report: Terrelle Pryor Facing Significant Inquiry
The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that the NCAA and OSU are looking into whether Terrelle Pryor received cars and other extra benefits.
Tressel Departs A Damaged OSU Program
Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel resigned Monday amid NCAA violations.
Jaguars Looking To Add Defensive Starters
Starters will likely be acquired at linebacker and safety.
McNeill Is Fully Recovered From Knee Surgery
Marcus McNeill underwent a minor surgical procedure on his knee in February, but has fully recovered.
Indianapolis Waiting And Watching Labor Progress
The city of Indianapolis is keeping their eyes on the labor negotiations between the NFL owners and players.
Football Pioneer: Today's Players Driven By Money
Sherman Howard said young players today seem to have little interest in learning about their elders, who played for meager salaries.
Tebow Organizes Denver's Workouts
Tim Tebow has flown in Denver's receivers and put them up to work out in Jacksonville.
Gruden Linked To Ohio State
Jon Gruden very much wants to returning to coaching.
Carroll Unlikely To Reunite With Leinart?
A team insider doesn't know how much stock Pete Carroll puts into USC connections.
Eagles Like Tight End Pairing Of Celek, Harbor
Clay Harbor's role with Philadelphia could expand next season.
Many Were Surprised By Moore's Departure
Longtime Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore's departure was a sudden surprise.
Agent: Gilyard Didn't Ask For Trade
There were rumors that Rams wide receiver Mardy Gilyard had requested a trade.
Foote Rips Owners For Employee Layoffs
The Steelers aren't issuing pay cuts and furloughs, but Larry Foote is upset nonetheless.
Jones Believes Bryant Is On Right Course
Some within the Cowboys organization are worried about Dez Bryant's behavior, but Jerry Jones isn't one of them.
Collie Works Out, Not Thinking About Concussions
Austin Collie has been running routes for Peyton Manning.
Morris Says He Has No Issues With Lewis
The Bengals were reportedly upset because the Buccaneers signed a player they had hoped to add to their practice squad.