SB Nation - Vince Redd

Chiefs Brass Has History of Dealing With These Problems

Joel Thorman — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:53:48 -0000

Photo courtesy the Kansas City Star

In the Scott Pioli era, the Kansas City Chiefs have reacted appropriately and relatively quickly to off-the-field trouble. This is one of the reasons I expect a decision, whether it be a suspension or an out-right release, on Larry Johnson to come down by next week.

The Chiefs have had two players arrested under the Pioli regime:

Michael Merritt: On February 5th, news breaks that Merritt was arrested for marijuana possession. (I can't mention this without repeating Merritt's best line to a police officer: "All this for a little bit of weed?")

19 days later, Merritt was released.

David Macklin: On March 13th, reports surface that Macklin was arrested for DUI.

5 days later he was released.

The Chiefs have also had another release due to violation of NFL rules:

Vince Redd: On August 24th, the Chiefs released linebacker Vince Redd. Later that night we learn that he had tested positive for a banned NFL substance.

***

These are three situations that the Chiefs have acted on. LJ's situation is kind of unique since he technically hasn't broken any laws (neither did Redd). However, he is possibly in violation of the personal conduct policy which may as well be the law as far as NFL players and teams are concerned.

The Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall acted immature and disrespectful in practice and he was suspended by the team. LJ's situation isn't much different.

CBS Sports Clark Judge has an idea of how the Chiefs should react.

"So make this quick and decisive," Judge writes. "Someone needs to step in here and remind Larry Johnson that he is wrong for what he did and how he did it. I don't care that he's frustrated. I don't care that his offensive line can't open holes for him. I don't care that he's not the back he was two or three years ago. I don't even care that the Chiefs can't win. What I do care about is that he behaved in a reprehensible way, daring someone, anyone, to do something about it.

"So do something."

Former Chiefs LB Vince Redd Back from Suspension

Joel Thorman — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:01:55 -0000

More photos » by Anonymous - AP

3 months ago: FILE -- This is a 2009 file photo of Vince Redd wearing a New England Patriots NFL football team uniform. Linebacker Vince Redd has been waived by the Kansas City Chiefs, the team announced Monday Aug. 24, 2009. Redd had been claimed off waivers from the New England Patriots on Aug. 4. (AP Photo, File)

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On the morning of August 24th, the Kansas City Chiefs unexpectedly released Vince Redd, a former New England Patriots linebacker. On the evening of August 24th, we found out why.

Redd was suspended for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. More specifically, per his agent Joe Linta, he took over-the-counter Sudafed, which contains Ephedra, an ingredient on the league's no-no list.

After serving a four game suspension, Redd is now available according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Redd's part of the family tree, having previously served under Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli in New England. He was signed by the Chiefs on August 3rd and spent the majority of training camp with the team so he knows at least the beginnings of the system.

I'm certainly not dismissing the possibility of him returning to the Chiefs despite seeing little playing time in two preseason games. Like we've previously said, the Pioli/Haley/Parcells connection seems to be strong.

Another interesting name on the returning-from-suspension list includes Shaun Smith, most recently of the Cleveland Browns. Smith is a 6'2", 320 pound nose tackle out of the University of South Carolina (Maybe former SC resident Kent Babb can fill us in on him). He's also got experience in the 3-4.

The reason I bring his name up is because he's got the Chiefs Connection.

Bill Parcells ('03-'04: Signed as a UDFA and spent rookie season on the practice squad
Clancy Pendergast ('04): Claimed off waivers for five days
Romeo Crennel ('07-'08): Spent two years with the former Patriots defensive coordinator

Now, Smith doesn't come without a little baggage. Find out about that, and three other players that are returning from suspension after the jump.

There was the report last year that he cold-cocked Brady Quinn (If you're a fan of the other SC then this might be a good thing). Then came a run-in with Browns defensive line coach Bryan Cox which preceded his release from the team. Then came his release from the Detroit Lions for not buying "into the team's philosophy, attitude and direction." (Seriously, any player cut by the Lions needs to be evaluated twice.) Then came the September suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

However, he does have talent which is evidenced by the fact that six teams inquired about his services following his release from the Lions.

Also returning from suspension is:

DE Brent Hawkins: 2006 5th round draft pick by the Jags, decent I-AA player setting school sack records
S Daren Stone: 2007 6th round draft pick by the Falcons, bounced around the league
RB Cory Boyd: 2008 7th round draft pick by the Bucs, most famous for being the other participant in the Aqib Talib NFL Symposium fight last year

The Kansas City Chiefs Lead the League In...

Chris Thorman — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:59:01 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

4 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley, center, works with the offense during NFL football training camp in River Falls, Wis., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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Roster transactions! Yes!

The Kansas City Chiefs have fourteen total roster transactions since the general start of training camp in the NFL, the last day in July. That number includes trading, cutting and waiving players and does not include draft pick signings.

An excellent article by Yahoo Sports Charles Robinson brought this stat to my attention in his article yesterday.

Enter Haley and general manager Scott Pioli, two men who have seemingly gone to work on the franchise’s psyche with a blowtorch and a chainsaw. With that in mind, you need only look at the Chiefs for one afternoon to realize that the blood-letting has just begun. And by the time it’s over, there may not be a player on the roster who hasn’t had the buttons inside his head re-programmed – if he can survive long enough.

Robinson goes on:

That latter point is significant. Since the start of training camp on July 31, the Chiefs have made more roster moves than any other team – signing, cutting or trading 14 players. And that’s a tally that doesn’t include the inking of draft picks. While at their training site in River Falls, Wis., the Chiefs released five players. The previous regime had cut three players while in River Falls … in three years.

It really is a startling difference once you sit down and think about it. Fourteen players over just three in three years by the previous staff? Talk about contrasting styles.

We know that the news can come at quite a rapid pace around here sometimes so I've summed up all of those fourteen roster transactions after the jump. By next Tuesday, the team will have to trim down to 75 players so there will be more cutting and signing coming soon.

After the jump, check out the Kansas City Chiefs training camp roster transactions.

July 28th - K Connor Barth waived

And the Ryan Succop era (however long it may last) began with the release of Barth.

Total transactions: 1

August 3rd - Claimed LB Vince Redd off of waivers

A 6'6", 260 pound outside linebacker, Redd saw limited action in five games with the Patriots last season. He was signed as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2008 and appeared in five of the team's final six games accumulating two tackles.

Redd was waived on August 24th after being suspended for four games by the NFL. Ephedra containing Sudafed is reportedly to blame.

Total transactions:3

August 4th - Chiefs sign veteran WR Amani Toomer

However you look at it, it's fairly clear to me that the Chiefs would point to option one. After listening to fomer Giants GM Ernie Accorsi on 610 Sports, I'm definitely on board with this signing. He's in the same veteran mold as Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas and embodies the high character players the Chiefs have targeted.

TE Tony Curtis was released to make room for Toomer on the roster.

Total transactions:5

August 5th - QB Ingle Martin cut

My initial speculation on the waiving of Ingle Martin was that it was to make room on the roster for DE Tyson Jackson. Not so as you'll find out next.

Total transactions:6

August 5th - Chiefs sign former Patriot QB Matt Gutierrez

Yep, another New England QB. Guttierrez is looking to beat out Tyler Thigpen for the third string spot and so far, he's doing just that.

Total transactions:7

August 13th - Chiefs swap snappers

The Chiefs released long snapper Tanner Purdum in exchange for now second time Chief Thomas Gafford.

Total transactions: 9

August 17th - Chiefs sign WR Ashley Lelie; Release WR Jeff Webb

Former Bronco and journeyman Lelie took three year Chief Jeff Webb's spot on the team and so far in limited action has done more than I ever remember Webb doing. We'll see if Lelie makes the final 53.

Total transactions:11

August 24th - Chiefs trade for G Andy Alleman

This is the second time since Pioli's hiring on January 13th that he has made a trade with his father-in-law, Bill Parcells. The Chiefs traded up to acquire TE Jake O'Connell on the second day of the draft.

Total transactions:12

August 24th - G/T Ikechuku Ndukwe also included in the trade

And the Chiefs weren't done on the 24th, adding another guard from the Dolphins in the trade and releasing G Brian De La Puente to make room on the roster.

Total transactions:14

Poll

Have the Chiefs made....

Too many roster moves

15 votes

About the right amount

162 votes

Not enough moves

337 votes

Not sure yet

153 votes

667 votes | Poll has closed

Sudafed to Blame for Former Chief Vince Redd's Suspension

Joel Thorman — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:35:53 -0000

More photos » by Anonymous - AP

(AP Photo, File)

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I can barely count my carbs no less check the ingredients in an over the counter drug. But I'm not an NFL player. Vince Redd is (or was), however, and Sudafed is what got him suspended for four games by the NFL.

Per Joe Linta, Redd's agent (via Adam Caplan of Scout):

"If you check the ingredients of Sudafed, it has Ephedra in it. Vince said he took Sudafed around the time of a league administered test, so it was an honest mistake.

I don't think he realized what was in Sudafed, which really is a cold medicine. He looks forward to continuing his career this season."

Honest mistake or not it looks like Sudafed cost Vince Redd the first four games of the NFL season and perhaps a spot on the Chiefs.

Since Redd is "part of the family tree" with Pioli and his former colleagues in New England, it's possible he could return to the Chiefs following his suspension.

Horse Tracks 8/25/09 - Transactions all across the AFC West; Broncos waive WR Travis Shelton and claim DB Antwain Spann

Douglas A. Lee — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:47:47 -0000

DB - Broncos Claim Spann Off Waivers - Gray Caldwell

DB - Mile High Debut - Patrick Smyth
Fun facts about this week's matchup versus the Bears.

DB - Steps Forward - Mike Rice
Rice offers his even-keeled thoughts on the Broncos and their progress through two preseason games.

DP - Coaching breaks Nalen's silence - Terry Frei
Tom Nalen is thrilled to be coaching the O-Line at Denver South High. Obviously, he wanted to retire with zero fanfare, but hopefully there will be some sort of ceremony at the Big IF for Nalen. How fast can they put him into the Ring?

DP - Turnover margin troubling for Broncos - Lindsay Jones
It's the same story, every year. Hopefully 2009 is when it changes?

DP - Mailbag: Who's the real Kyle Orton? - Mike Klis

DB - The Marathon Hasn’t Even Begun - Jim Saccomano

CSG - Cutler's return brings an edge to Bears-Broncos preseason game - Frank Schwab
Jay Cutler is coming to town this week? Wow, who knew?!?!

DP - Broncos' starters busy with plenty of preseason work
The first teamers have logged plenty of minutes thus far. Meanwhile, Robert Ayers is still catching up in learning his assignments within the defense.

DP - Teammates' praise enough for Wright - Irv Moss
Moss profiles Broncos legend Louis Wright.

CSG - Broncos nose tackle offers life lessons to Liberty football squad - Justin Pederson
Chris Baker visited Liberty High in CO Springs.

AP - Broncos Have Troubles As They Prepare For Cutler - Arnie Stapleton

KDVR - Denver Broncos vs. Chicago Bears Preview: Jay Cutler Week - Chris Tanaka

ESPN - Broncos in tough spot with Marshall - John Clayton
Although he was impressed by the Broncos' offense on Saturday, Clayton apparently didn't think much of the defense. Oh, and he thinks the Broncos should trade BMarsh.

ESPN - Breaking down the Broncos' game - Bill Williamson
This is rich...Pork Chop says Matt Prater's FG on Saturday "could go a long way in helping him make the team." As the only PK on the team, I'd say Prater's chances were already pretty good...

AFC West News

SDUT - Rivers happy to get long-term deal done - Kevin Acee
Phil Rivers will receive $38.5 million in guarantees as part of a six-year, $92 million deal which extends his contract through 2015. Just remember, folks - guy's started three seasons and won three division titles. Oh, and he led the NFL in passing last year.

SDUT - Chargers' window of opportunity just got clearer - Tim Sullivan

SDUT - Cornerback Cletis Gordon released - Kevin Acee

SDUT - Quotes from Rivers press conference - Kevin Acee

NFL - Chargers lock up Rivers with six-year, $92 million extension

KCS - Haley says nobody has officially made the Chiefs team yet - Adam Teicher

KCS - Chiefs make trade to bolster offensive line - Kent Babb
The Chefs acquired OGs Andy Alleman and Ikechuku Ndukwe from the Dolphins for an undisclosed 2010 draft choice; to make room, they released OT Brian de la Puente and LB Vince Redd.

SFC - Walker tests his knee - David White

CCT - Raiders notebook: New linebacker long ago gathered the Moss - Steve Corkran
Jokeland brought back LB Napoleon Harris after Kirk Morrison dislocated his elbow. To make room, they released recently-signed CB RIcky Manning, Jr.

NFL Results

NFL - New York Jets 23 at Baltimore Ravens 24
Mark Sanchez tosses one TD and one INT while struggling in his starting debut.

NFL News

NFL - 49ers will go with Hill as starting QB to open season

NFL - Seahawks add Edgerrin James, part ways with T.J. Duckett

NFL - Shawn Andrews says he'll be ready to play opener

NFL - Godfrey has surgery for broken hand; Beason sits out practice

NFL - Vikings' Favre expected to see more playing time vs. Texans

NFL - Bengals, Palmer cautious with ankle injury in preparation for opener

NFL - Rams DE Little hurts knee, but injury not considered serious

Y! - Unemployed Marvin Harrison generating little interest - Jason Cole

ESPN - Plaxico Burress says club security knew he had a gun the night he shot himself in the leg

NFL Opinion

NFP - NFL Notebook: time for Bucs to pick a QB - Matt Bowen
Bowen was impressed by Kyle Orton's performance on Saturday.

NFP - Diner morning news: A look at odds - Mike Lombardi
Lombardi thinks Vegas is a little too down on the Broncos

Y! - Freeman impresses as Bucs start new era - Jason Cole

NFL - Hasselbeck, Romo impress, but Browns' QB situation harder to clear up - Pat Kirwan

NFL - Health, age could prevent storybook ending for Favre - Jason La Canfora

Y! - Steven Jackson not ready for extinction - Charles Robinson

NFP - Tavern talk: almost blue list - Mike Lombardi

FOX - Mailbag: Glazer on Warner, Favre, Romo and more - Jay Glazer

PFW - Harvin adds versatility, excitement to Vikings

FOX - CAMP SIGHTS: Could Peterson catch Emmitt? - Alex Marvez
Seriously? Isn't it at least 5 years too early to even think about this?

NYT - Lab Results, Atlanta Falcons - KC Joyner

CBS - 49ers camp report: Counting on Gore to end running joke - Clark Judge

ESPN - Bengals mired in mediocrity - Elizabeth Merrill

NFP - First-rounders are cashing in - Andrew Brandt
Tell me you can look at the picture of B.J. Raji without laughing...

CBS - Hey governor, right this wrong: Please pardon Plaxico - Mike Freeman

SI - Cris Collinsworth ready for comparisons to John Madden - Richard Deitsch

NFP - 2009 NFP scouting series: Georgia Tech - Wes Bunting

Report: NFL Suspends Former Chiefs LB Vince Redd Four Games

Joel Thorman — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:56:26 -0000

Another twist to the story.

OLB Vince Redd, who was waived by the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, has been suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for four games beginning with the first week of the 2009 regular season, Scout.com has confirmed through a league source.

With the Chiefs set to acquire two players from the Dolphins in this morning's trade, two players had to be released.

Vince Redd was one of them.

It was presumed that he was released because, well, he hasn't really done anything during the preseason. No tackles, no assists in two games. But this development of an apparent violation of some sort of league policy is intriguing.

So that begs the question of whether the Chiefs about Redd's potential suspension this morning. Perhaps the Chiefs knew what the violation was and released him before it became official. Or perhaps it's a coincidence.

As Adam Caplan noted, Redd can still be signed by a team should he pass through waivers. His four-game suspension would begin after the September 5th cut down to 53 players.

(Photo credit: Boston.com)

Chiefs Release a Guard to Complete Trade with Dolphins

Joel Thorman — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:32:08 -0000

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced G/C Brian De La Puente has been released. This move completes the trade with the Miami Dolphins that was reported by Adam Caplan of Scout and Jeff Darlington of the Miami Herald this morning.

So, to recap here are the roster moves today:

Chiefs Trade with Dolphins

Chiefs received G/C Andy Alleman and G/T Ikechuku Ndukwe
Dolphins received undisclosed draft pick in 2010 NFL draft

Chiefs released two players to make room for two new players

G/C Brian De La Puente
LB Vince Redd

Poll

Do you approve of the trade with the Dolphins today?

Yes

663 votes

No

20 votes

Depends on the draft pick

506 votes

1189 votes | Poll has closed

Chiefs Waive Former Patriots LB Vince Redd

Joel Thorman — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:20:49 -0000

via Photo Source

Update 7:56 PM: The NFL has suspended Redd for the first four games of the '09 season. Read more.

The Kansas City Chiefs waived former New England Patriots LB Vince Redd.

Redd was picked up by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent on May 2nd, 2008. He appeared in five of the team's final six games in 2008.

The Chiefs signed him exactly three weeks ago to the day on August 3rd.

(Edit: The Chiefs actually signed him on August 4th. Initial reports of his signing came out on the 3rd.)

Redd's name rarely came up in our training camp reports. In two preseason games with the Chiefs, he recorded zero tackles and zero assists.

With little to go on, I can't figure out why A) the Chiefs signed him or B) why he didn't see much time. A far-out-there theory could be that the Chiefs wanted to kick the tires on him a little bit to keep his name at the top of the waiver wire. Similar to Todd Haley working out David Terrell, who hadn't been in the NFL in several years.

This isn't really related, but Adam Caplan of Scout says a source has told him that the Patriots originally released Redd because they planned to use more 4-3 defensive fronts this season.

Anyway, this leaves the Chiefs with 79 roster spots meaning it's likely they will soon be signing someone else. The Chiefs can hold 80 players until September 1st.

Odds that it's a wide receiver or offensive linemen?

Chiefs Claim OLB Vince Redd Off Waivers from the Patriots

Joel Thorman — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:04:53 -0000

Chiefs signed #47 Vince Redd via Patriots.com

The Kansas City Chiefs have claimed outside linebacker Vince Redd off of waivers from the New England Patriots according to Adam Caplan of Scout.

From what I can gather, he's a special teams guy. Here's what Pats Pulpit had to say about him:

A productive special teamer, Vince saw action in 2008 as a reserve. With a year in the system under his belt, he'll be a nice reserve option when called upon and a necessary guy on special teams.

The irony here is that he was thought to be one of the candidates to try and replace Mike Vrabel, who was sent to Kansas City in a trade.

Here's the deal with the roster number. This makes 82 players on the official roster. 80 is the maximum for training camp. One, Tyson Jackson hasn't signed so his spot doesn't count. Two, players on the PUP list do not count towards the 80 man roster (for now).

I'm still keenly watching the roster list to determine if anyone has or will be cut.

The Chiefs are third in the waiver wire so the Detroit Lions and St. Louis Rams passed on him.

Redd went to Liberty and hails from Elizabethton, TN.

Edit: I added a few links and quotes after the jump

Pre-draft interview with Vince Redd

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a football player and what area do you feel you need to improve in?
Vince Redd: Strengths are my vision and my wingspan and I need to work on my overall strength.

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe: Vince Redd Analysis

As a sturdy player who runs well enough to play on the punt team, the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Redd had shown promise toward the end of the 2008 season.

"I just think where we are defensively, there are probably other teams that he might fit a little better schematically, with the skills that he has," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said.

Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Mini-Camp Edition, Day 2

Marima — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:11:03 -0000

WR Randy Moss with a spectacular one-handed catch along the sideline during practice at Gillette Stadium on 06/11/09

View full size photo »

OBSERVATIONS

Mike Reiss lists his five observations from the Patriots 2nd mini-camp. Here's one of them on special teams.

The Patriots devoted practice time to their kickoff return unit. Some have asked the question how the NFL’s new wedge rules might affect special teams coaches – teams can no longer run wedges of three players or more -- and I took a closer look at that area in today’s session. I think the rule change will possibly lead teams to using some different personnel on the wedge – less linemen and more linebackers/tight ends. In no particular grouping, the Patriots had tight ends Benjamin Watson, Chris Baker, David Thomas and Alex Smith; defensive linemen Mike Wright and Le Kevin Smith; offensive linemen Stephen Neal, Russ Hochstein and Rich Orhnberger; and outside linebacker Vince Redd working in the wedge.

Christopher Price notes today's practice was relatively subdued, but there was still a clear focus on the job at hand.

In scout team drills, [Julian] Edelman was used extensively in a number of different roles in hopes of giving the No. 1 defense some different looks. The former Kent State quarterback — who has been utilized as a wide receiver almost exclusively while in camp with the Patriots — was shuffled around the field like a chess piece throughout the scout team session. I firmly believe New England will do whatever it takes to try and keep him on the roster for the 2009 season for several reasons, not the least of which being he can do multiple things. I’m not saying he’s going to be a starter in the league right away, but his tremendous versatility can’t be denied.

Andy Hart offers his "humble observations" of the practice action. Below is one of them regarding Darius Butler.

Rookie cornerback Darius Butler had what I thought was his strongest workout to date. The second-round pick made a number of very impressive breaks on the ball. He made a nice break to knock away a short Brady pass intended for Moss. On the next play Brady tried to go deep to Moss down the right side with the rookie Butler (who may have been a bit "hands-on" had their been officials) running stride for stride with the All-Pro. Moss got his outstretched hand on the ball, but it fell incomplete and Butler’s coverage made it a nearly impossible completion even though he didn’t actually touch the ball.

Erik Scalavino provides his own news and notes from today.

Moss appeared to be in very high spirits Thursday, laughing it up with teammates throughout practice, and it showed in his play. Moss had several spectacular catches in both individual drills and team exercises. He made a particularly impressive play on a pass that appeared to be thrown wide of him toward the sideline. But he extended his arm and tipped the ball with his left hand, then secured it with the same hand without having to bring the ball back to his body.

More Observations after the jump...

Mike Reiss talked with CB Shawn Springs about Terrell Owens.

"It’s probably too early [to be looking at cut-ups of Terrell Owens], but I actually don’t have to look at a cut-up of him. I can bring a notebook about this thick on him," Springs said as he stretched his thumb and index finger apart.

Springs was then asked to detail more about his notebook on Owens.

"I keep notes on all receivers over the years. These guys are too good to go out there and not know them," he said. "When I played Randy [Moss], I had a game-plan against him. Whether it was Marvin Harrison or going back to Jimmy Smith, or Chad Johnson. That’s one of the things – I’m a big note taker."

New Pats cornerback Shawn Springs tries to rip the ball away from Tom Brady during a drill yesterday in Foxboro.

Shalise Manza Young posted these tidbits from today and more on her projo blog.

Terrence Wheatley had himself a pretty good day, and most of it came at Greg Lewis' expense. He broke up a pass from Matt Gutierrez intended for Lewis in 7-on-7 work, and in 11-on-11 work, he batted down a pass from Kevin O'Connell that was intended for Lewis.

Conversely, Jonathan Wilhite wasn't as sharp. He was in coverage on two long completions in 11-on-11 work -- a 40-plus-yard strike from Tom Brady to Moss and a deep ball from O'Connell to Lewis.

Karen Guregian shares her highlights on the Herald's Point After blog.

Running back Sammy Morris was on hand and taking part in the workout. Morris had missed the team's Organized Team activities (OTAs) as well as the first day of minicamp yesterday. Still, he was there today, taking part in all facets of the practice. He declined to talk to the media afterward.

Photos from Thursday's mini-camp at Patriots.com.
Shawn Springs addresses the media. (4.49 min. audio)
Patriots Today! (10.00 min. video)
PFW In Progress. (1:57:25 audio)