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Foote says decision to leave Steelers is his
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Larry Foote played a lot of football as a starting inside linebacker for the Steelers the past five seasons, and in a strange twist, his search for more playing time will cause them to release him.

Foote said he wants to continue his career as a starting linebacker where he can play more often and asked the Steelers to accommodate him. After finding no offers in a trade over the weekend of the draft, sources on the club say they plan to release him sometime after this weekend's minicamp, which Foote will not attend.

They were going to release him this morning, then decided to wait as they pursue last-ditch efforts to trade him.

"It was my doing," Foote told the Post-Gazette. "I wanted to go. They were trying to trade me.''

This would look good in a Bengals' uniform, next to Rivers and Maualuga, Brandon Johnson, and Dhani Jones, don't ya think?

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Some really interesting stuff in the Enquirer about the Bengals' finances and operations. You'll have to read the whole thing- and Mike Brown's testimony- to get a good overall feel for the court case from which the info springs but...Here's the money quote:

"Others findings include:

• Mike Brown received millions in “general manager” bonuses, even though the team has no such title.

VonderBrink testified the team paid a “general manager” bonus of $1,237,000 in 1999 and $1,947,695 in 2001. Brown testified in the trial he received a bonus every year since he took over running the team in 1991."

Read it and weep, fellas.

With nothing left for this season but to fantasize about what's to come, this article by Michael Lewis- for the New York Times Magazine(Sept. 24, 2006), seemed appropriate. It's the story of a kid who literally came from nowhere- and now may end up back there when we draft him. Seriously, I highly recommend the piece. There's something triumphant about it.

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In a way, I almost hope that, though we need him desperately, he doesn't have the misfortune to end up here. I mean, ask Willie Anderson how that worked out for him. Guy gives ten years of his life- and way more than ten years' wear and tear on his body to this organization for what? His name on some Ring of Other Also- Rans & Misfortunates in that Monument to Mediocrity down by the river?

Talk about ambivalence. Run away, Michael Oher! Fake an injury! Tank the combine! Do whatever you must to avoid the life sentence of a Mike Brown affiliation! We'll understand and franchise Scott Kooistra!

A blast from the local past, with Mike Brown as Arthur Carlson. Marvin Lewis as Andy Travis. Chad Johnson as Venus Flytrap aka Gordon Sims. Bob Bratkowski as Herb Tarlek. Eric Ghiaciuc as Les Nessman. Ben Utecht as Bailey Quarters. T.J. Houshmandzadeh as Dr. Johnny Fever. Carson Palmer as Jennifer Marlowe. A cast of thousands of live turkeys as the product put out on the field at Paul Brown Stadium, and the long suffering fans of Bengals nation as the unfortunate parking lot at the mythical Pinedale Shopping Center. Easy on the tryptophan...

Unless something dramatic happens, and, by dramatic, I mean this putrid team suddenly becoming competent, Mikey, Marvin, and our Keystone Draft Squad will be looking at one of the top three picks in the 2009 draft. Here are a few possibilities for that pick- and lets hope to god that a trade gives us more than one in the first round:

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If there's a consensus number one floating around in the various 2009 mocks, it's Ole Miss offensive tackle, Michael Oher. The 6-5, 320lb. Oher(pictured above) is a force to be reckoned with, clearing the way for an otherwise inept Rebel offense to produce a 1000 yard rusher each of the past two years(BenJarvus Green-Ellis) and keeping new stud QB, Jevan Sneed clean this season. Running close second at this position are Virginia's Eugene Monroe(6-6, 315) and Alabama's Andre Smith(6-4, 340). One notch below- and therefore perhaps available in round two allowing us to go another way at one- are two LSU Tigers, Ciron Black(6-5 320) and Herman Johnson(6-7 360), who's actually a guard but can play either.

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Perhaps the most intriguing, given our need, offensive lineman that we might consider with our first pick is Cal center, Alex Mack(6-3 320). If there is such a thing as a stud center, Mack(above) is it, and he very well may be, pound for pound, the best O-Lineman in this draft. It would just seem kind of wrong to make a center the first overall pick in the draft- if that's what we're looking at but maybe that's just the kid in me reacting to much needed socks and underwear under the christmas tree instead of that PlayStation.

On the defensive side of the ball, the glamour picks belong to middle linebackers James Laurinaitis, who we all know, and to USC's Rey Maulauga(6-2 260). If I had to choose between the two, I'd probably go with Laurinaitis, who, while not as flashy as Maulauga, is about as instinctual and sideline to sideline dependable as they come. Maulauga's previous relationship with former Trojan, Keith Rivers might factor in here also. But, since our linebackers, with Rivers' return, seem to be in pretty decent shape- or in decent enough to not have to go with one this high, it would probably be better to go with upgrading our multimillion dollar lack of pass rush.

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For this, Georgia Tech's DE, Michael Johnson(6-7 260). Johnson(above) is Jevon Kearse but, perhaps, even faster. He'll need some seasoning to be an every down player but could actually give us a legitimate threat on the edge. My personal favorite- because bigger is better is Alabama NT, Terrence Cody(6-5 370). You talk about jamming the middle, tying up two linemen at a time, the behemoth Cody(below) is the man. Others that figure in to the conversation; Ole Miss end, Greg Hardy(6-4 265), South Florida's George Selvie(6-4, 255), and Brian Orakpo(6-4 260) from Texas.

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Of course, lovers of aesthetics will gravitate towards Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree(6-3 220), who's this year's Andre Johnson- you'll remember him from yesterday, grimace...And, in the just in case category, the just in case the gimpy wheeled, tragically immobile and, now, bum-winged Carson Palmer is really through category, there's Georgia QB,  Matt Stafford(6-3 235) or at least a good quality backup like Texas Tech's Graham Harrell.

I would like it to be known that, er, somebody...okay, it was me, saw Marvin Lewis at Ikea with a fat, older white man in a cheap suit. I'm pretty sure that he was there to feed his addiction to prefab Swedish furniture- which is totally not what I was doing there at all...No, I'm serious.... It's also possible that the man in the suit was his CIA contact there to show him the dead drop he arranged in a display hutch.

One never knows, do one?

First off, I wasn't expecting much. A virtually nonexistent offense versus a ferocious Giants D, a porous O-line versus perhaps the league's best pass rush, and a suspect defense versus a lineman-sized back and an efficient- if not spectacular, passing game with Manning the Lesser at the helm, the answer was clear even to the magic eight ball.

Still, because I am a glutton for punishment- goes with the territory, I sat down to watch what surely would be carnage. Right?

What I saw was this previously lifeless team rise from the ashes and go toe to toe with one of the best teams in the league for four quarters. And I honestly don't think it was a case of the Giants playing poorly. They played like the Giants play. Their pass rush was relentless but, despite six sacks of The Franchise, at the most crucial moments of the game, our line and backs gave Carson just enough time to engineer two masterful* second half drives mainly through the air.

David Jones got beat several times but with little consequence and he came up with a few really good hits- including one to force a punt. Simeon Castille, despite a couple rookie penalties, also showed up well. Brandon Johnson and Marvin White insured that Eli will need some soak time in the hot tub this week. Manning getting that last pass to Toomer- the one that set up the winning FG, was as much luck on Eli's part as it was a defensive shortcoming. I didn't hear Rivers mentioned much, Dhani got his hat in on a couple good hits, Geathers would be more fearsome if he could wrap up when he finds the ball carrier behind the line. Though Ward gashed us a couple times, Brandon Jacobs was, for the most part, contained. Leon Hall played a heck of a game. Once again, the defense kept us in the game.

Freed up to go outside, Chris Perry reminded us why we drafted him so high, why we stuck by him through the injuries. Carson(27/39/286/1TD) reminded us that, given just a little breathing room, he can thread that needle like nobody else. Antonio Chatman, for the first time maybe ever, provided a really welcome spark at the three position. Reggie Kelly made a couple big catches. Levi Jones needs to live in fear of Collins replacing his sorry, penalty gettin', sack givin' up ass- Ghiaciuc is safe because there isn't anyone waiting in the wings, unfortunately.

We didn't turn the ball over. Neither did they.

Two main reasons why this was a loss and not a win. Last drive of the game, we give up probably 15-20 seconds either trying to get lined up or getting the play in before Carson hit TJ at the 6- resulting in no shots at the end zone when we probably should have had at least two. Second, after a great job by the defense forcing the Giants punt at the beginning of OT, we come out and try two straight off tackle Perry runs, even as we had the hot quarterback and a line that had figured out how to protect him over the last quarter. Inex-fucking-cusable. Carson was finding seams in that Giants zone. We hadn't been able to run between the tackles all game. What fucking genius made those calls- and why is he still employed?

Overall, I'm about as happy as one can be after a loss because at least we competed this week.

I missed the liveblogging- obviously. Probably a good thing, considering the grunts, groans, and sputters associated with watching this game wouldn't have translated to type at all well.

First, I think it's important to give props to the defense because, with the exception of inconsistent pocket pressure, they played a whale of a game. I'd single out JonJo for being all over the field, Frostee Rucker for showing us some of that potential we've all heard about, Jonathan Fanene for some good end work, along with Domato Peko, Geathers and the rest of the d-line for run stopping. Yeah, that's right, I said props for run stopping on a day they gave up almost 230 yds on the ground. Considering the busted play bootleg and the double reverse to Clayton counted for 90 of those yards and that the last 50 yards or so came in the last five or six minutes of the fourth quarter when they were gassed by being on the field all day, I call it a good day. They did all I could expect of them, all the other side of the ball should expect of them. Jeanty, Jones, Rivers, and Brandon Johnson looked impressive, making sure tackles, flying to the ball.

Unfortunately, we seem to have brought the pre-season offense with us to Baltimore- minus Ryan "Crazy Legs" Fitzpatrick. Some specifics to our purportedly potent offense:

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One of the guys trying out for the Bengals this weekend. Meet Alabama State grad, Jay Peck, RB, 5-11, 202, 4.6 40.

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12/21/07 - 2007 All-SWAC First-Team, SWAC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: RB Jay Peck, Alabama State, 5-11 200 Sr., Columbus, Ohio, was selected All-Southwestern Athletic Conference First Team for the 2007 college football season. Peck was arguably the conference's top individual play this season. He led the league in rushes, rushing yards and 100 yard rushing games. The senior from Columbus, Ohio - who has already graduated with a degree in marketing - finished his career with 2,399 rushing yards, behind only Brad Baxter (3,732) and Rico White (3,470). "Jay has been named 1st team All-SWAC in back to back seasons, and not a lot of guys can say that," Barlow said. "He is not only a great football player, he's a great guy. "Jay just gets it", Barlow continued. "When we sat down as a staff and said what kind of characteristics we wanted in our players, we wrote them all down and then realized we were describing Jay Peck." - Alabama State Football

On film , the kid's got real good hands out of the backfield. Not breakaway speed but good field vision, utilizes his blockers well, and is not afraid of getting hit.

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From Bryant-Jon Anteola at the Fresno Bee (Thursday):

'A chance. That's all Jason Shirley wants. A chance to get selected this weekend during the NFL draft.

A chance to keep playing.

But the former Fresno State football player knows he severely hurt those chances in October when he was charged with three misdemeanors, including driving under the influence.

The incident led to Shirley's third suspension of the season, and essentially ended his senior year.

"I know NFL teams frown upon those types of incidents," Shirley said. "It's always a big deal when you did something like I got involved in.

"They don't want guys who get in trouble. I just tell them: 'It was a mistake; it's unfortunate. I've moved on, and I've learned from it.' "

Most mock drafts project Shirley as a late-round selection or a free-agent signee.

At 6 feet, 5 inches and 329 pounds, and capable of running a 40-yard dash in 5.02 seconds, Shirley is one of the biggest and fastest defensive tackles in the draft.

He ranks 22nd overall at his position, according to NFLDraftScout.com, which cites his size and potential as positives but his stamina, off-the-field issues and maturity level as negatives.

Shirley said life hasn't been the same after his senior season was limited to three games because of the suspensions.

Shirley was suspended the first two games for conduct detrimental to the team. Stripped of his starting role, he returned to play three games and contributed immediately as the Bulldogs' primary run stopper.

He was suspended a second time after he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Police say he crashed a car into an apartment complex on Oct. 8. Shirley was charged with three misdemeanors: driving under the influence, driving with a blood-alcohol content of .08% or higher, and hit and run.

Shirley appealed the suspension and provided medical documents that detailed a concussion he received days before the car crash. He soon was back on the team.

But a few days after he was reinstated, Shirley was charged with driving with a suspended license and expired registration. He was suspended again, this time for the remainder of the season.

Shirley said he became depressed, embarrassed and confused. The structure of football always had helped him manage his time, forced him to stay disciplined with his grades, and most importantly, gave him a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

When around his teammates, Shirley often pulled little pranks, like the time he sprayed a water bottle all over fullback Reynard Camp.

"Do you ever stop playing?" Camp yelled at his teammate.

Without football, Shirley was distant and kept to himself.

During his suspension, Shirley didn't watch another Fresno State game until the Bulldogs' Humanitarian Bowl victory.

"Watching them play was like putting salt on the wound," said Shirley, his eyes filling with tears. "I was proud of my former teammates. They showed a lot of heart. I just wish I could have been a part of it."

Shirley said he snapped out of his funk when he began playing football again in two senior all-star games: the Hula Bowl and the Texas vs. The Nation Bowl.

"I felt good to be back in pads, be back around the guys," he said.

Shirley took this semester off from school to prepare for the draft. He performed well last month at Fresno State's Pro Day, where NFL hopefuls run drills in front of scouts.

Among Shirley's more impressive marks were his 40-yard time, vertical jump (35 inches) and broad jump (9 feet, 10 inches). In comparison, USC's Sedrick Ellis, considered the second-best defensive tackle available, ran the 40 in 5.26, had a vertical jump of 26-1/2 and a broad jump of 8-7.

Still, ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper called Shirley an enigma.

And then there are Shirley's court issues.

Shirley appeared before a Fresno County Superior Court judge Wednesday for his DUI case, with his lawyer ready to go to trial. But the prosecutor from the District Attorney's Office asked for a delay, and the trial start was pushed to May 21.

Shirley's lawyer, Charles McGill, said a handful of NFL teams have called his office to find out details of Shirley's case. McGill said he couldn't recall how many teams or which specific teams called, except for the Cincinnati Bengals.

"I have a good feeling that Jason's going to get drafted," said McGill, who is representing Shirley in his legal case, but is not his sports agent.

Shirley said he plans to watch the draft from his parents' home in Fontana.

"Life is good," Shirley said. "I feel blessed. I'm excited. I'm a little nervous about this weekend. I'm not depressed anymore.

"I'm just ready to move on with everything, get back to playing football."'

I'm ready to give this guy a shot because he could really wreak havoc at the point of attack and lord knows we need that.