SB Nation User Blog: "Mr. NC-17"

Kimbo Slice Brought a Gun to Training?

"Mr. NC-17" — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:55:27 -0000

Justin Wren, who is (obviously) a Ultimate Fighter Season 10 fighter, had an interview with Tapout Radio, in which he proclaims

"He got arm-barred and Kimbo really doesn't like to tap. He didn't tap and the guy hurt his arm so he came back in there with a gun," Wren told TapouT radio. "Cops were called and everyone went nuts."

You can listen to the Justin Wren interview here

Now if this is true, this is a huge blow to Kimbo Slice's personality. The Street Certified image was something that the UFC and Elite XC were trying to get rid of, and try to make him an MMA fighter. I mean, Kimbo says he is a professional and he is there to fight, but obviously he still has not adapted to the ground and once again blew things out of the water. You should NEVER bring a gun inside of a mixed martial arts center. That to me is a slap in the face to the people you train with, the trainers, and to himself. Kimbo needs to grow up fast in MMA since he has one of the hottest spotlights on him at all times, and if this is true, I hope the UFC does not allow him on the TUF finale and I hope he gets blacked balled from MMA gyms... but I'll wait and see if this report is fully true.

UFC 106: Dustin Hazelett vs. Karo Parisyan

"Mr. NC-17" — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:19:36 -0000

Dustin Hazelett and Karo Parysian have agreed to terms to fight per MMA Weekly.

This is a pretty odd fight, but both fighters are coming off layoffs, one for testing positive for pain killing medicine and also Hazelett who severely injured himself before his UFC 96 fight against Ben Saunders. This fight is pitting two fighters that have a lot to gain, and a lot to lose. Karo is starting to become a less known household name, and is starting to become irrelevant to the mainstream MMA fan. While he has loads of potental, his cardio and his work ethic has really derailed his UFC career as of late. Also with Hazzelett being injured, this is a tough fight for him to test his injury. Karo if he shows up at 75% will still give Hazelett a huge problem due to his incredible judo throws and relentess in your face style. Should be a very interesting match-up.

Fight News: Gouveia Out, Simpson/Herman UFC 102, Dollaway/Miller UFN 19

"Mr. NC-17" — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:13:35 -0000

Wilson Gouveia who was scheduled to fight James Irvin at UFC 102 on the Prelims, had a sudden change of opponent when James Irvin suffered a knee injury, Ed Herman (former TUF 3 runner up) left his fight against Aaron Simpson to fight Gouveia. Wilson Gouveia has dropped out of this fight against Ed Herman as confirmed by MMAMadness. Ed Herman will now go back to his fight against Aaron Simpson but instead of UFN it will be on the undercard of UFC 102. You might ask where does this leave Dan Miller? Dan Miller as confirmed by MMAJunkie will be facing off against TUF 7 Runner Up CB Dollaway.

Aaron Simpson vs. Dan Miller for UFN 19

"Mr. NC-17" — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:14:10 -0000

With Ed Herman being promoted to UFC 102 to fight Wilson Gouevia due to the injury of James Irvin, Aaron Simpson has found himself a new opponent. Confirmed on facebook, Simpson has once again been handed the Dan Miller to square off against at UFN 19. This fight should be the fight of the night when it comes to the undercard fights, Aaron Simpson has never let any of his fights go to a decision, and Dan Miller has the excellent submission games that could potentially catch Aaron Simpson if he allows his natural wrestling abilities to take down Dan Miller. Should make for an exciting fight, and it is a huge shame that we will not be seeing this on the televised portion of the card.

Mike Doss and Other Ex Bengals find same home.

"Mr. NC-17" — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:15:17 -0000

UFL DRAFT 2009

Honestly, it seemed like last month in which we had the hard hitting Safety from Ohio State playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. Mike Doss who was cut because of injuries and roster space, has ended up in a new home. The United Football League. Drafted by Jim Haselett and the Orlando franchise, Mike Doss became 1 of 4 ex bengals players to be selected by Coach Haselett. Joining Mike Doss in fellow ex bengals are:

Running Back: Quincy Wilson

Linebacker: Anthony Schlegel

Cornerback: TJ Wright

So congrats to these 4 players on still having the chance to play and live out the dreams of being a pro football player, and hopefully we can see these guys back on an NFL field down the road.

Mike Golic vs. Chad Ochocino Coming to a ring near you!

"Mr. NC-17" — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:29:38 -0000

Oh it's on again, I want to fight Mike Golic now, always got something negative to say, how about this, you've gained all that weight you lost back!!!!

From Chad Ochocino's Twitter: Ocho vs. Golic Round 1

Chad is right, Mike Golic has always said negative things about the Cincinnati Bengals, but on the behalf of Mike Golic, why should he say anything positive about the Bengals, when this has been a bad franchise for multiple years, he just voices his opinion just like Warren Sapp, Marshall Faulk, Boomer Easison and multiple talk show hosts. But if this the new Chad Ochocinco, who has a fire underneath his butt and wants to prove to Golic and all of the other optomistic hosts out there, then you know what, long live the rebirth of one of the greatest wide recievers the Bengals have ever witness take the field on Sundays.

Bobby Lashley's next fight confirmed.

"Mr. NC-17" — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:51:18 -0000

via www.matratz.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTwTNc30D60

In the link provided above, Bobby Lashley has confirmed his next opponent. The TNA Wrestling business. That is correct, Bobby Lashley has signed a contract (details unkown at this time) to be apart of Total Non-Stop Action's Wrestling business. I am not saying this will 100% effect his MMA training considering TNA only wrestles about 5 total days out of the month, but, this should once and for all take Bobby Lashley's name out of The Ultimate Fighter hat. Great advice management......

My Intensive Mock Draft 1.0

"Mr. NC-17" — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:06:40 -0000

Cincinnati Bengals Pick Round 1:
Michael Oher T/Ole Miss

Other Possibilities:
Eugene Monroe T/Virginia
Andre Smith T/Alabama
Chris "Beanie" Wells RB/Ohio State
Jeremy Maclin WR/Missouri

Comments on Michael Oher:
- Michael Oher is no doubt a very gifted left tackle. There is no doubt in my mind that he can prevail and be a LT in the NFL. He has very good technique in the pass blocking area, but where he lacks is this ability to run block, and his ability to make plays in a continuous fashion. He tends to get high in his stance, and will get beat by speed rushers. But he has all the pure natural talent to be a bonafide pro bowl tackle. He just needs to be more consistant. He is being taken over Andre Smith, because of weight influxuations, possible drug suspicious, and his abilility to stay in the weight room. If this was pure on the field talent, Andre Smith would be the first tackle off the board. But Bengals take Oher.

Cincinnati Bengals Pick Round 2:
Eric Wood C/Louisville

Other Possibilities:
Connor Barwin LB/Cincinnati
Donald Brown RB/UConn
LeSean McCoy RB/Pittsburgh
Max Unger C/Oregon

Comments on Eric Wood:
I personally do not see Connor Barwin, Donald Brown or Max Unger being there with our second round pick. I see them being swiped off the board in the second round all right before we pick. Eric Wood is apart of a very depthed center class. But he is a guy we have worked out, who we are very high on, and we have got to know on a personal basis via the senior bowl. Eric Wood is a Richie Braham replica. He is smash mouth with an ability to be very consistant with his starts, and he can help Palmer with protection schemes and changes.

Cincinnati Bengals Round 3:
Shonn Greene RB/Iowa

Other Possibillities:
Paul Kruger DE/Utah
Mike Mickens CB/Cincinnati
Derrick Williams WR/Penn State
Gerald Cadogan T/Penn State
Rashad Jennings RB/Liberty

Comments on Shonn Greene:
He is bar non the best running back still on the board here in Round 3. There is a chance Bengals take Rashad Jennings here because he is different than Cedric Benson. Shonn Greene provides the fist to the punch, and could be a deadly combo with Cedric Benson. The Cincinnati Bengals supposedly are scrapping the playbooks to become a more physical team in the run area. I'll believe it when I see it.

Cincinnati Bengals Comp Pick Round 3:
Mitch King DE/DT/Iowa

Other Possibilities:
Gerald McRath ILB/Southern Miss
Dannell Ellerbe ILB/Georgia
Jason Williams LB/Western Michigan
Trevor Canfield OG/Cincinnati
Andy Levitre OG/Oregon

Comments on Mitch King:
He is bar none a player. He is an NFL Player, that has heart, speed, strength, everything a team wants. The only problem is, he is too small to play DT in the NFL, he might be undersized for a 4-3 DE position. He reminds me a lot of Justin Smith, who the Bengals drafted a long time ago. He has a motor, he never quits, and he has a bull rush. The Bengals need pass rushers. They need somebody to attack the QB. We have Rucker and Fanene entering a back up rotation, and both are below average players. Mitch King, provides a spark to a line that needs it terribly.

Cincinnati Bengals Pick Round 4:
Fenuki Tupou OG/Oregon

Other Possibilities:
Keenan Lewis CB/Oregon State
Xavier Fulton OG/Illinois
Cody Brown OLB/UConn
Scott McKillop ILB/Pittsburgh
Kraig Ubrik OG/Wisconsin

Comments on Fenuki Tupou:
The Bengals really like him. With Bobbie Williams entering his final year of his contract, the Bengals could possibly be willing to let him go, which is extremely sad. We need offensive line depth, we need people that can play multiple positions when the situation occurs. Tupou has NFL blood inside of him, with two of his cousins playing and succeeding in the NFL. He posses strength and size, that could lead him to be a very solid guard in the NFL.

Cincinnati Bengals Pick Round 5:
Joe Burnett CB/UCF

Other Possibilities:
DeAngelo Smith CB/Cincinnati
Kaluka Miavai LB/USC
Kevin Huber P/Cincinnati

Comments on Joe Burnett:
The Bengals need a CB. We have Hall, Joesph (who is injury prone) Jones and Castille. Does not sound like the best CB line in the NFL. We need depth. We need somebody to be able to make plays for the Bengals when the time is needed. Burnett is that guy. He could be classified as a late round steal in some books with his ability to make plays with Speed and Punt Returns.

Cincinnati Bengals Pick Round 6:
Quan Cosby WR/Texaas

Other Possibilities:
Ian Campbell DE/LB/Kansas State
Andy Kemp G/Wisconsin
Phillip Hunt OLB/DE/Houston

Comments on Quan Cosby:
We released Glenn Holt, we have Chatman who has not played in all 16 games with the Bengals once. We have Caldwell who can return kicks and punts, but yet we are trying to add him more into our playbook, which should limit his returns. While, I took Burnett for his skills, he also fills a need. Cosby is a player that could break open a game due to his returning abilities. While we are stock piled at WR, there is a chance Marcus Purify could be cut, leaving Cosby an outside shot to make the team as a ST guy.

Cincinnati Bengals Comp Pick Round 6:
Lee Robinson OLB/Alcorn State

Other Possibilities:
Corey Smith LB/Cincinnati
Hunter Cantwell QB/Louisville
Antonio Appleby ILB/Virginia

Comments on Lee Robinson:
He is a beast of a man. He can play ILB and OLB. He can really help the Cincinnati Bengals with ST depth, and his frame fits our scheme perfectly. He comes from a small school, which pushes him back, but he can make plays. Pure and simple. Just must question his ability to play at a higher level of competition.

Cincinnati Bengals Pick Round 7:
P.J. Hill RB/FB Wisconsin

Comments on P.J. Hill:
He was pretty dominant at Wisconsin. But yet he did not compete in the Combine, nor his pro day. He has a lot of issues coming into this draft, and a lot of people... okay everybody says he should of stayed in the college ranks one more year. He is this years Mario Urrutia, and he could be a huge steal for the Bengals if used correctly.

Cincinnati bengals Comp Pick Round 7:
Fui Vakapuna FB/BYU

Comments on Fui Vakapuna:
Bengals need a fullback, you want a yard, he'll get you 3. The bengals are really sold on him, so it makes it the perfect pick.

Cincinnati bengals Comp Pick Round 7:
Chase Daniel QB/Missouri

Comments on Chase Daniel:
Ryan Fitzpatrick is gone. He is the best replica to him

I think it looks beter is quotes

Zimmer: Looking to Improve Defense

"Mr. NC-17" — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 19:53:40 -0000

With most of the attention this offseason focused on upgrades and changes to the Bengals' offense, things around the defense have been mostly quiet. But that doesn’t mean that coordinator Mike Zimmer hasn’t been trying to tinker with improvements.

While the team has not made any free-agent signings since quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan on March 6, it has had notable visits from two former Dallas defensive players -- Roy Williams two weeks ago and Tank Johnson on Thursday.

“The visit was fine. It was more of a get to know each other session,” Zimmer said.

After being released by Chicago in 2007 following a run of off-the-field incidents, Johnson has played in Dallas the last two seasons. Last year Johnson saw action in all 16 games and had 45 tackles with a sack, three tackles for loss and nine QB pressures.

Regarding the visit, Jerrold Colton, who is Johnson’s agent, said that the visit went well and that he was impressed with the team and the coaching staff.

Johnson played in a 3-4 with the Cowboys and struggled as a nose tackle. With the Bengals’ 4-3 scheme, Johnson could play either the right or left side and would be more of the pass-rushing tackle like he was with the Bears.

There’s also the question of where Johnson might fit if he was signed. Domata Peko who finished third on the team in tackles last year, has established himself at left end while Pat Sims, who was drafted in the third round last year, did a solid job during the second half of the season after John Thornton was injured. There is also the albeit slight chance that the Bengals may try to re-sign Thornton, who is an unrestricted free agent.

Whatever the case is, both sides are doing their due diligence before continuing.

“I called a lot of players in Dallas and talked to former players, front office people and former D-line coaches about what type of guy he is,” Zimmer said. “I also encouraged him to call former players about me. Sometimes I’m not the easiest guy to get along with and they need to understand what I am about.

“We’ve got a good nucleus of guys who know how to do things. That’s been one of the positive things so far and we don’t want a guy coming in here disrupting the chemistry.”

The Bengals are still trying to make a couple of signings, but it is likely that they will wait until after the draft, which is three weeks from today, before making a move.

Johnson and Williams are also garnering interest from other teams, so that timetable might move up if someone makes a move to sign.

Besides the tackle spots, there is also some concern about the ends. Robert Geathers is still rehabbing from a knee injury and won’t be back on the field until the June minicamp.

When it comes to pressuring the quarterback, the Bengals have fallen short in that area the last couple years, seeing their sack totals drop from 35 in 2006 to 22 in 2007 to 17 last year.

But pressure does not mean sacks alone. The Bengals have to become better at collapsing the pocket, creating negative-yardage plays and also forcing opposing offenses into mistakes.

“We emphasized a lot last year about guys being in the right place,” Zimmer said. “Maybe I stagnated some of the progress last year because I was harping on getting them to stop run, then working on the pass rush and then the blitz. Now that we have a little better understanding of lining up and where we need to be, I can turn them loose a little more.”

More pressure by the line could also free up linebackers Rashad Jeanty, Dhani Jones and Keith Rivers to rush a little more. Typically in Zimmer’s scheme, Jeanty at the strongside spot would get the majority of opportunities.

At the league meetings last week, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis liked the way Jones played last season as he led the team in tackles with 165. Lewis also thinks that a healthy Rivers, who played in only seven games last year, will also help improve the group.

As for the secondary, Zimmer has been pleased with how the unit played last year and expects more improvement this season.

“One thing about the guys on the back end, they showed they are good competitors and not back down from certain situations,” Zimmer said.

While the Bengals did finish 12th in the league in total defense, Zimmer knows that the expectation levels this year are higher. Those goals were spelled out on Monday when the team began offseason conditioning at Paul Brown Stadium.

“It’s important that the players know that we as coaches consider this an important time of the year and do things correctly,” Zimmer said. “We have to be stronger and healthier. If our good guys aren’t playing all the time it puts us at a disadvantage.”

Zimmer to Improve D

Bengals Team Report: 4/3/09

"Mr. NC-17" — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 14:15:30 -0000

Bengals Team Report
14 hours, 13 minutes ago

Inside Slant
Since he was the top overall pick by the Bengals in 2003, quarterback Carson Palmer has been the face of the franchise. And as the Bengals began offseason workouts last Monday it was clear that he was ready to become the voice.

“I have no problem being the leader of this team if that’s what I am called to do,” Palmer said. “I feel like I’ve got enough experience under my belt to be that guy and we’ve got a great locker room of guys with different types of leaders. I’ll grab the bull by the horns and run with it.”

Always willing to give interviews, Palmer has been making more frequent appearances the past couple weeks. He recorded a message to season ticket holders either thanking them for renewing or reminding those who had not about the upcoming deadline. He also made the rounds on radio during the first day of workouts.

He also had a message for his teammates, getting up in front of them and telling them to “seize the moment”. After playing in only four games last year and entering his seventh season, Palmer knows that his window of opportunities is not as open as it used to be.

“There’s no more ‘Well hopefully next year and next year we’re going to be better. We’re going to be this, we’re going to be that,’” Palmer said. “It’s going into year seven and I feel like I haven’t really played any football yet. I definitely haven’t played in any significant games.

“I realize the more years you put in, the more you can’t look to next year at any point in the season. The time is now. It’s something once you hit years four, five, six years and guys in the NFL realize you can’t look to the future anymore. You need to seize the moment and the year and hopefully this is our year.”

As for the elbow, Palmer says it is 100 percent and had the same offseason routine that he has had as past seasons - throwing three times a week. And like the knee injury three years ago, he said the elbow actually feels stronger than before. However, his throws will be limited during training camp.

“I can already tell my arm has gotten stronger from all the rotator cuff exercises and the small muscles in your shoulder that fire the ball and the forearm muscles,” Palmer said. “I think it’s already stronger now, I just have to keep it up during the season.”

Notes, Quotes
Preseason dates have been announced. It’s one Friday and three Thursday preseason games for the Bengals. They will open at New Orleans on Friday, Aug. 14 at 8 p.m. followed by three straight Thursday night games at 7:30 at New England (Aug. 20) and then home to St. Louis (Aug. 27) and Indianapolis (Sept. 3).

Cincinnati has not visited the Superdome for a preseason game since 1989 and hasn’t gone to Foxboro for an exhibition since 1990. It also marks the first time since the 1988 Hall of Fame game that the Bengals have faced the Rams in the preseason. They will close against the Colts.

• When asked about his thoughts of the NFL expanding the schedule, Palmer said he liked it at 16 games. With most teams under a gag order to not talk about anything to do with a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, Lewis quickly turned the discussion back to the offseason program.

• After the Vikings matched the offer sheet on Fahu Tahi, it looks as if the Bengals will now look to fill their need for a fullback in the draft, where they should be able to get one in the middle rounds. The Bengals had kept contact with the agent for Packers fullback John Kuhn, but it looks as if they have lost interest.

• The following is a rough list of prospects who are visiting the Bengals: Ole Miss offensive tackle Michael Oher, Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith, Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, Connecticut running back Donald Brown, Auburn guard Tyronne Green, Liberty running back Rashad Jennings, Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry, Louisville center Eric Wood and BYU fullback Fui Vakapuna.

University of Cincinnati defensive end Connor Barwin, defensive backs DeAngelo Smith and Mike Mickens and punter Kevin Huber will visit on April 14 when the Bengals have workouts for local players.

Quote To Note: “Anytime you have the season that we did last year, everyone you should be embarrassed. It makes you want to come back this offseason and this year and shove it back in everyone’s face.”—Bengals running back Cedric Benson on the mood of the team.

Strategy And Personnel

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY
After a spending spree of nearly $14.5 million against this year’s salary cap during the first seven days of free agency, the Bengals are done with any major signings. They will see about making minor additions at fullback and to add depth on the offensive line before next month’s draft.

Another thing to watch is if the team will entertain trade offers for wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Offensive tackle: Stacy Andrews departed for the Eagles and Levi Jones is injury prone. With the Bengals having the sixth pick in the draft, highly rated prospects Eugene Monroe of Virginia and Mississippi’s Michael Oher could be available.

2. Center: Three-year starter Eric Ghiaciuc is a likely departure in free agency, and the Bengals’ backups are unproven. An extremely intriguing pick in the second round would be Louisville’s Eric Wood, a Cincinnati native. Wood, along with Oregon’s Max Unger and Cal’s Alex Mack, are the top center prospects available in the draft.

3. Defensive line: The Bengals had only 17 sacks last season and were inconsistent in pressuring the quarterback. John Thornton, who was one of the leaders, is expected to depart in free agency.

Medical Watch: No updates.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: PK Shayne Graham: Tendered at $2.483M.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

• CB Jamar Fletcher signed with the Bengals after Week 3 and made two starts. He is best suited as a nickel corner and is not a high priority to re-sign.

• C Eric Ghiaciuc started all 16 games for the first time in his career. He is a good pass blocker but has been overmatched against nose tackles in the AFC North. He is not expected to return.

• DT John Thornton has been one of the emotional leaders of the defense during his six-year stay with the club. The team is looking at the possibility of bringing him back in a reserve role.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)

• S John Busing (not tendered as RFA) saw most of his action on special teams and limited action in the secondary.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

• LB Rashad Jeanty (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) made 15 starts and was fourth on the team in tackles and second on special teams. He is a disruptive pass rusher and good tackler.

• LB Brandon Johnson (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) started the last nine games after rookie Keith Rivers was injured and was second on the team in tackles. He is very quick and an effective pass rusher.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

• WR Laveranues Coles: UFA Jets; $28M/4 yrs, $3M SB/$4.75M RB; 2009 cap: $7.45M.

• QB J.T. O’Sullivan: UFA 49ers; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

• P Ryan Plackemeier (waivers Redskins).

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

• RB Cedric Benson: UFA; $7M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.

• LB/DE Darryl Blackstock: Potential UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• FB/TE Daniel Coats: Potential ERFA; terms unknown.

• S Chris Crocker: UFA; $10M/4 yrs, $3.5M SB.

• RB DeDe Dorsey (not tendered as RFA); terms unknown.

• DT Orien Harris: ERFA; terms.

PLAYERS LOST

• OT Stacy Andrews: UFA Eagles, $40.98M/6 yrs, guarantees unknown.

• QB Ryan Fitzpatrick: UFA Bills; $6.9M/3 yrs, guarantees unknown.

• WR Glenn Holt: Not tendered as RFA/Vikings; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh: UFA Seahawks; $40M/5 yrs, $15M guaranteed.

• S Dexter Jackson (released().

• LB Corey Mays: Not tendered as RFA/Chiefs; terms unknown.

Per: Bengalsroar