Williams attends Argos Workout

Toronto Argonauts fans will see a new face taking handoffs in the backfield this season. Former NFL rushing leader Ricky Williams is suiting up for the Argos this year.

The deal that bring Ricky to the Argos is worth a reported $240,000. "We've brought Ricky Williams here with intention of playing him," Argos coach Michael (Pinball) Clemons told reporters on the weekend.

Williams took a few handoffs from the quarterbacks and is expected to suit up for Toronto's first pre-season game Friday against the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Bush Misses Practice

Reggie Bush's strained left hamstring limited his involvement in the New Orleans Saints' rookie minicamp for the second consecutive day.

Bush stood on the side and watched as others went through two practices, referring to a list of plays he carried in his hand and riding a stationary bike at times.

The Heisman Trophy winner and second pick in last month's NFL draft felt tightness in the hamstring as he stretched prior to the team's first workout on May 13 and worked in just a few drills in the first practice. He said after the late workout that he hoped to practice May 14, pending approval of the coaching and medical staffs, which never came.

Doug Flutie Retires

He came from Boston College and will leave a New England Patriot. After 21 seasons in pro football, 12 of them in the NFL, Doug Flutie has announced his retirement.

Los Angeles Upgrade

The city of Los Angeles is getting ready to pitch their plans to the NFL for an $800 million upgrade of the aging Los Angeles Coliseum in hopes of luring a professional football team back to town.

Williams Appeal gets Declined

The NFL has announced that the appeal by Ricky Williams to have his drug suspension lifted for the 2006/07 season had been declined. Ricky will now miss his second season in so many years.

Now his career could be over. If Williams does try to return next year, he'll be 30 years old and will have played a total of 12 games in the previous three seasons.

"Ricky is obviously disappointed," said his agent, Leigh Steinberg. "He'll need to work hard to get back to the league in 2007."

Favre Will Return to Packers

Well it's official folks. Brett Favre confirmed Tuesday (after a bit of a delay) that he would be returning to the Green Bay Pakers for the 2006/07 season.

Now obviously I am a little biased, but I think with Favre returning, if they can get their core group back with the addition of Hawk in the middle they stand a real shot this year.

Regardless of what they do today is a happy happy day!

Williams to Appeal Suspension

Ricky Williams is scheduled to meet with league officials April 10 where he will try and get his drug suspension overturned.

If the suspension doesn't get overturned it could cost him the entire 2006 season. Leigh Steinberg, Williams agent said the hearing will take place in NFL offices in New York.

2006 NFL Schedule

In just 5 minutes the NFL will release the 2006 regular season schedule and I will find out where and when my vacations will take place this year. I am a just a little excited and its only Thrursday April 6.

Leave Favre Alone!

All week this week Brett Favre has been under the gun for his inability to end his amazing career.

All I can say is this guy is without a doubt one of the best players and representatives the NFL has ever seen. Favre has bee the poster child of the NFL since very early in his career. He is now faced with probably the toughest decision of his life.

I think we owe the man some time and respect, don't you?

Vinatieri going to the Colts

If the worst NFL face slap in would be Brett Favre signing with the Bears, Adam Vinatieri signing with the Colts would have to be a close second. It doesn't feel right but should produce entertaining and uncomfortable results come the regular season and, with any luck, the postseason.

Now what will New England folks do with all those jerseys!

Commissioner Watch

Will it take 23 votes to elect a new NFL commissioner this time?

Talks started March 27th at the league's owners meeting in Orlando, Fla. to find a new NFL commissioner. Most people don't feel the search will be ending anytime soon.

The Duke Returns

NFL clubs unanimously endorsed a recommendation today to return the name of the official game ball to “The Duke” in honor of the late New York Giants owner WELLINGTON MARA, one of the most beloved figures in professional sports history.

Mara, who spent 81 years with the New York Giants and made numerous contributions to the NFL, was named Wellington by his father after the Duke of Wellington. He was given the nickname “The Duke” as a youngster by Giants players.

The NFL game ball was known as “The Duke” from 1941-69.

The official NFL Wilson football will continue to be manufactured in Ada, Ohio. Wilson recently extended its NFL contract through 2011, which will mark the 70th year of partnership, believed to be one of the longest agreements in sports history.

Tagliabue Opens Last Meeting

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue opened the 2006 NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla., with a 30-minute review of overall league affairs for a group of approximately 300 owners, club presidents, head coaches, front-office employees and league officials. This will be his last annual meeting. One of the main points of business at the meeting will be to choose a new NFL commissioner.

In his opening address he added "In 2005, you set a paid attendance record for the third year in a row; your stadiums were filled again to 90 percent of capacity; and television ratings continued to deliver unmatched audiences. The Super Bowl was the second most-watched program in television history with 141 million viewers. For the season, ratings for NFL games on broadcast television were 60 percent higher than the primetime average for the broadcast networks. In December, the Harris Poll showed pro football's lead as the No. 1 sport continuing to widen."

Henderson returns to Green Bay

The Packers faithfull (myslef included) are very happy today to find out that William Henderson has signed on for a 12th season with the beloved Green Bay Packers.

Henderson has played all 11 of his seasons with Green Bay and is sixth in the franchise's history with 174 games played. He played in all 16 games last season, starting eight, and had 264 yards receiving.

Owners Start Search

Paul Tagliabue has announced his retirement as commissioner of the NFL. Now the owners will go about the long process of putting someone in that important position. The current consensus is you won't be seeing white smoke for a while.

"I think we have to make sure everybody is included," said Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots. "I'm not sure that was done the last time."

Think you know who will succeed Paul Tagliabue as NFL commissioner? Now you can bet on NFL online.

Bears' Azumah Retires

Bears cornerback Jerry Azumah retired because of neck and hip pain the past two seasons, ending a seven-year career with Chicago in which he made the Pro Bowl in 2003.

2006 Draft Order

This is where your crappy season actually pays off, or should pay off.

1 Houston Texans
2 New Orleans Saints
3 Tennessee Titans
4 New York Jets
5 Green Bay Packers
6 San Francisco 49ers
7 Oakland Raiders
8 Buffalo Bills
9 Detroit Lions
10 Arizona Cardinals
11 St. Louis Rams
12 Cleveland Browns
13 Baltimore Ravens
14 Philadelphia Eagles
15 Atlanta Falcons
16 Miami Dolphins
17 Minnesota Vikings
18 Dallas Cowboys
19 San Diego Chargers
20 Kansas City Chiefs
21 New England Patriots
22 Washington Redskins
23 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
24 Cincinnati Bengals
25 New York Giants
26 Chicago Bears
27 Carolina Panthers
28 Jacksonville Jaguars
29 Denver Broncos
30 Indianapolis Colts
31 Seattle Seahawks
32 Pittsburgh Steelers

Peterson Newest Hawk

The Seattle Seahawks added Julian Peterson to one of the most dominant linebacker core’s in the NFL today. The deal is said to be for seven years and $54 million, with approximately $18.5 million in guaranteed money, including $10 million in 2006.

The deal comes shortly after Seattle decided not to match the Vikings' $49 million, seven-year offer for All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson.

Terrell Owens to Dallas

I don't want to make this a long post, because I feel Terrell Owens gets much more press than he deserves. I just can't understand why these teams openly invite a cancer like Terrell into their dressing room. We all know that six months from now Terrell will be in the news again, he hates his coach, his team is lazy and then Dallas will have to spend more time dealing with Terrell and the media then playing football. I hate to say I told you so, but I’m sure Philly will have no problem saying it.

Backus Gets Franchise Tag

Right tackle Jeff Backus was designated the Detroit Lions ' franchise player, allowing the Lions to match any offer that he gets.

Backus will be offered a one-year contract worth the average of the top five salaries at his position, or $6.98 million. The team can continue to negotiate a long-term contract, while Backus is not required to attend team activities until he signs the franchise tender.

The NFL Combine

The combine is one of the rare win-win situations the NFL offers. The teams go and check out every player at the invite-only workouts … one-stop shopping for the draft.

But for the players that go, it's even more valuable because they can show off what they can do in workouts for all the decision-makers (head coaches, general managers, personnel directors and owners) from all 32 teams.

It's the biggest job fair any college prospect could ever imagine having. And every player could "move up" the draft boards thanks to their workouts.

Abraham Franchise Player

The Jets designated defensive end John Abraham as their franchise player, as expected.

Abraham was named the team's franchise player last year and was unhappy with the situation. He waited quietly until the end of training camp to sign his one-year tender, then played in all 16 games and had 10.5 sacks. Because he played an entire year without getting hurt, Abraham hoped the team would give him the long-term deal he wanted.

But instead, the team opted for the franchise tag again at a cost of $8.33 million for 2006, nearly $2 million more than last year. However, his chances of being on the team are up in the air. Because the Jets are going to be so far over the salary cap, they will explore the option of trading Abraham.

Brees in the air

When my friend Ryan called me last night and told me the Chargers where planning on letting Drew Brees test out free agency I could not believe it. He was pissed and I was shocked.

I really can't image what they are thinking. Do they honestly think Rivers has what it takes? Do they honestly think no one will show any interest?

This should get very interesting, if Brees is still a charger after March 3rd I will be very surprised. I am very sure more than one head coach in the NFL just circled March 3rd on their calendars.