NFL Owners Think Solution Is Good, Trade Association Disagrees...

((HT: No Bias No Bull Sports))

New Dawg was there for the duration along with Gil Tyree for OSG

So, here's where we are...

The owners got together in one of the many airport hotels in Atlanta and discussed their future. They thought they came up with a great CBA for themselves...

NFL owners voted 31-0 with the Oakland Raiders abstaining from the ratification in favor of a tentative 10-year agreement to end the four-month-old lockout pending player approval.

The vote was here are the greatest hits...

An agreement that covers the 2011 through 2020 seasons, including the 2021 draft.

Reducing the offseason program by five weeks and reducing OTA's from 14 to 10. Full-contact practices in the preseason and regular season and increasing number of days off for players. During two-a-days, contact itself will be limited.

A rookie wage scale gets four-year contracts for all drafted players (option for five years on first-rounders) and three-year contracts for undrafted free agents.

Unrestricted free agency for players after four seasons with RFA status for players with three seasons.

Close to a billion dollars wil go to a "Legacy Fund," which will be devoted to increasing pensions for pre-1993 retirees.

Salary cap plus benefits of $142.4 million per club in 2011 and at least that amount in 2012 and 2013.

Teams have to spend in the neighborhood of 90-percent of the cap or 99-percent of league operating revenues...

Here's Jim Irsay again talking everything from the Krafts to the, ahem, settlement...


But that's where the fun started shortly after 7PM eastern time. The player's trade association said they weren't consulted on some aspects of the new CBA- and they weren't pleased...

The NFL is saying the PA has to recertify by mid-week... general counsel Richard Berthelsen said in an e-mail...

"In addition to depriving the players of the time needed to consider forming a union and making needed changes to the old agreement, this proposed procedure would in my view also violate federal labor laws..."

FOSG Mark Berman caught up with Houston Texans co-player rep Eric Winston
((HT: MyFoxHouston))

NFL Owners Ratify New CBA: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

But Chiefs boss Clark Hunt is happy it's done- even if it's really not...

KC Chiefs Not Making Fans Of Own Employees

[HT: WDAF-TV Kansas City, MO]

There's being cheap and then there's being a cheap bastard. The Kansas City Chiefs might count for the later.

WDAF-TV in Kansas City is reporting that ticket takers and parking attendants of the NFL team have been told they can no longer watch a Chiefs game for free when they complete there job thus taking away one of the few benefits of the job.

In other words, clock out and hit the road.

Here's the report from John Pepitone of Fox 4 Kansas City.

 

I got to think Lamar Hunt is looking down thinking, "What the....." Those of us at the OSG HQ think this is a very dumb move by the Chiefs and should be reversed.

Otherwise when you have your ticket scanned at Arrowhead Stadium by a ticket taker you might get this treatment from this scene from one of the HQ's favorite flicks, Christmas Vacation.

Leonard Pope Comes Up Big Off The Field

((HT: Americus Times-Recorder))

University of Georgia fans know about how Leonard Pope became "Big Pope..."
But the HQ figured we'd talk about life off the field...

Everyone knows about his desire to help in his home town of Americus, in southwest Georgia, like his efforts at Sumter Regional Hospital after the hospital was hit by a tornado a few years ago...
((HT: TheImageCompany))


Now, the story comes through that Pope has come up big again- saving a six-year-old from drowning...

The Times-Recorder tells us that Pope dove into a pool at a party over the weekend and saved Bryson Moore from drowning.

“My prayers were answered by God when Leonard jumped in and saved my son,” said Moore. “The fact that he is normally at camp and could have been in Kansas City just proved to me that he was placed here to save my son from drowning, and I thank God that he was here. He truly lived up to his nickname “Champ” because he was truly a champion for me and my son this past weekend.”

Pope is not answering any calls to respond on the matter, and it looks like Bryson will be okay...

Way to go, Big Pope...

Your Wild Card Weekend Wrapup

We know who won't be moving on to the Super Bowl now. Sunday's games didn't really produce any surprises like Saturday did. Two teams are now done for the year.

One, the Phildelphia Eagles. They got beat. At home. By the Green Bay Packers, in a really good, old fashioned slobberknocker. Though it took at Tramon Williams interception of a Michael Vick pass in the end zone with 33 seconds left in the game to secure the win.

Your newspaper wrapup, from Packersnews.com (Part of the Green Bay Press-Gazette) RIGHT HERE

Next up for the Pack. A trip to a currently snowbound Atlanta and a date with the top seeded Atlanta Falcons. The two teams played just a few weeks ago, with the Falcons winning a nail-biter 20-17 at the Georgia Dome. Kickoff is set for Saturday night at 8.

How the Packers beat the Eagles, Courtesy of some guy on YouTube doing his own sportscast. This video may not last very long so watch it while you can.



As for the AFC game....the Ravens did what seemingly always do, win their 1st Playoff game on the road. They squared off with the upstart Kansas City Chiefs, in KC, and took care of business. 30-7, a relatively easy win for them.

The game story from the Baltimore Sun RIGHT HERE

It was an emotional day for the Ravens and safety Ed Reed. Reed's brother had gone missing the day before after supposedly jumping in the Mississippi river. His brother has yet to be found.

More about that from the Sun RIGHT HERE

The Ravens will square off Saturday afternoon with their arch rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Here are your Ravens/Chiefs highlights, from the same guy. Let's see if they'll stay here...

Charlie Weis goes to Florida...Not as odd as you'd think

Charlie Weis

It's official now. Charlie Weis, now former offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs and former Notre Dame head coach is now the offensive coordinator for Will Muschamp at the University of Florida.

The story, which started leaking out late last week, is in some ways very odd. Not so much that Weis will go to UF, but rather that he'd leave the Chiefs. It was disclosed that he'd wait until the Chiefs are beaten in the playoffs before he leaves for Gainesville.

Read more from the Palm Beach Post RIGHT HERE

And the official version from Gatorzone.com (UF Athletics) RIGHT HERE

While there are a few questions here, we can't fault Weis who has a son down in Gainesville. It's somewhat of a step-down for him, but a chance to be closer to family is understood.

The bigger question is can anyone be work with Chiefs coach Todd Haley. Haley has now gone through 2 offensive coordinators in two seasons having fired Chan Gailey two weeks before the start of the 2009 season. Haley is a smart offensive guy, we just are beginning to wonder how "Offensive" he is appearing to be.

Already there is speculation that former Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels will take over Weis' role. While not discounting the dust-up Haley and McDaniels had after a Kansas City win earlier in the season, the two know each other as they worked together in New England and are disciples of the Bill Belichick coaching tree.

Check out video of Weis getting his knee blown out while the coach at Notre Dame:



PM UPDATE: Florida also hired Seattle Seahawks defensive line coach Dan Quinn as DC and D-line coach. Quinn spent the past 10 years in the NFL and has seven years of college experience.

Frank Verducci was added as O-Line coach and running game coordinator ((The HQ thinks that the two are fairly linked in the first place, right...?)). Verducci coached at Notre Dame in 2009 after eight seasons with four NFL teams.

George Wynn will be director of football operations in Boomtown. He spent the past six seasons as assistant AD for football operations at Texas.

DEVELOPING: Cassel Has Emergency Appendectomy

((HT: NBCActionNews))

The Kansas City Chiefs said Wednesday afternoon that QB Matt Cassel missed practice because of an appendectomy. A doctor close to the situation says that Cassel might not be cleared to play for four weeks.

Head coach Todd Haley unfortunately wouldn't provide any other details. He wouldn’t confirm if Cassel would be ready to play against the San Diego Chargers Sunday.

Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle took the first-team snaps at practice. The Chiefs on Wednesday also signed quarterback Tyler Palko to the 53-man roster.

Here's NBC/KSHB-TV's coverage of the emergency...

Eric Berry is one reason there is hope for athletes....

Berry Autograph/Courtesy:ajc.com/eric berry foundation

Despite the occasional snarkiness and reporting on the goofy, strange and often bad things that athletes do, we really, honestly would rather tell you about some of the good things that they do.

One of those, is about someone we have been familiar with ever since he lit up the metro Atlanta High School football scene, Eric Berry. To say that Eric gets what it means to be successful, would be an understatement.

We came across two entirely different stories this morning, talking about two different acts, both done by Berry which reinforces our thought and belief that he truly is one of the good guys.

The first, happened back in Atlanta. In late July, he got a bunch of people together and helped renovate the Fairburn, Georgia park that he grew up playing football in.

Read the story from AJC.com RIGHT HERE

Berry made these kids very happy/Courtesy: arrowheadpride.com

I think the best quote in the story is at the very end...said Berry "I don't want to be someone like, 'He made it, but he didn't come back'". "I want them to see they can reach a goal...I don't want to just be from here, someone they see on TV and not in the community or the park".


The other story comes from Berry's NFL team, the Kansas City Chiefs. Berry was their 1st Round Draft pick and has already done some things that have made him standout in that community as well.

He did something for a couple of kids after a long day of practice that floored both the kids and a writer for the Arrowhead Pride sports blog.

Read about it RIGHT HERE

None of this surprises us. We've covered and interviewed Berry multiple times from when he was a standout at Creekside High to his days at the University of Tennessee. His family played a large part in bringing him up right and sure, he is enjoying the role that he is playing.

The important thing is recognizing that without others you can never be what you want to be. No, you don't need to do things because you need to be loved. You need to do good and nice things because it's who you are and because you enjoy doing it. Young Mr. Berry seems to recognize this and for that we...we say thank you.

Here is some video of young Mr. Berry in High School. Thanks CBSSports and YouTube:

Weis Lands In Kansas City...

((HT: ESPN))

Anyone with any kind of football acumen knew that former Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis would not be on the unemployment line for long...

The HQ had figured that he would end back up in New England with the Patriots so he could be reunited with The Hoodie...

Same church, different pew...

He's heading to Kansas City- which, really is New England West these days with Scott Pioli in charge upstairs and Matt Cassel at quarterback. Todd Haley has decided that calling the plays and being head coach of the Chiefs was too much and is turning over the keys to Weis for the 2010 season.

Haley and Weis were assistants together in the Jets organization in their early days.

A lot of dots connected here... and Romeo Crennel may be another one added to the staff very soon.

Chris Mortensen checks in with Dari Nowkha over the telephone to discuss...


Here's WNDU-TV's Jeff Jeffers' version of events from South Bend...

Dwayne Bowe, take a seat

Wither poor Dwayne Bowe, Wide Receiver on the rather poor Kansas City Chefs (not a typo). He gets to take a mid-season vacation from work. The NFL has decided to grant Bowe his vacation due to his violation of the league's policy on performance enhancing drugs.

The story from the Kansas City Star is RIGHT HERE

((Dwayne Bowe Photo//Courtesy: Jaime Squire/Getty Images))

Really, at this point there isn't much to add to the story since the Chiefs have declined to comment on it. One has to assume at this point that we won't be hearing much from Mr. Bowe either. Bowe was the leading receiver for the 2-7 team with 33 catches and 4 touchdowns on the season. He would be eligible to return on December 20th, when the Chiefs face the equally bad Cleveland Browns.

Chiefs Release Larry Johnson

The Kansas City Chiefs have had all they can stands... they can't stands no more...

Running back Larry Johnson, 75 yards short of Priest Holmes team rushing record has been let go- presumably over GM Scott Pioli and Head Coach Todd Haley's lack of patience with the trouble-making tailback.

This was Johnson's ((pictured, thanks John Sleezer/KC Star)) first day back from his two-week suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.

Johnson's blog, as of early this morning, has had no official retort to the Chiefs action.

Johnson has made more news with his mouth and his tweeting skills this football season. He called out Haley, and used a couple of gay slurs toward some local reporters in a post-game press conference.

Missing the Jacksonville game cost LJ about $330K.

There was talk on the Sunday morning pregame shows that Johnson would not initiate filing a grievance over his suspension and fine since he wanted the whole thing to die down. LJ's hope there being that a fresh start could be picked up with another team.

That's what he's down to now...

More when we know more...

KC Chiefs To Chan Gailey, You're Dismissed

This morning when the Kansas City Chiefs took to the practice field Chan Gailey was no where to be seen. That's because Gailey was "relieved of his duties" as the Chiefs offensive coordinator Monday.


Haley also said that making himself offensive coordinator while still finding his way as a head coach was the most difficult decision he's faced. He was offensive coordinator the past two years at Arizona.

"I think the world of Chan as a coach, have the greatest amount of respect for him as a coach, as a person," said Haley. "But ultimately, the fate of this team, the accountability, falls to me."

The Chiefs are 0-3 in the preseason and have scored only two offensive touchdowns. The injury to Cassel on Saturday raises even more questions about how ready the Chiefs -- who were 2-14 last year -- will be for their season opener.

"After going through three preseason games and a lot of OTAs and a lot of practices in training camp, it became more apparent to me that I had to be more involved," Haley said.

No word on QB Matt Cassel's injury as of yet...

((Photo Courtesy: DAVID EULITT/The Kansas City Star))

Here's how the story broke on NBC41/NBCActionNews this morning...

Gone, Gone, Gonzalez...

Well, the rumors were true. The Kansas City Chiefs have decided to part ways with their all-pro, the one pillar that was left in the franchise, one Tony Gonzalez.

The Chiefs traded Gonzalez to the Atlanta Falcons for a 2nd round draft pick...in 2010. Somewhat of an odd price, but for the Falcons...a steal.

The story from the Kansas City Star here

((photo courtesy: David Eulitt/KC Star))

Atlanta's side from D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC here

The move was not a total surprise as stories have leaked out over the past several days saying that Gonzalez would end up either in Atlanta or Philly. The Falcons, rumored to be picking a Tight End in this years draft, now obviously don't have to worry about it any more. They can concentrate on what they need, which is defense.

From the Chiefs perspective, it was understandable that they made this deal...to an extent. They are in the midst of a huge rebuilding process and Gonzalez would probably not be around to see the end result. So Chiefs GM Scott Pioli did him a favor and sent him to a contender, yes another young team, but one that made the playoffs in 2008 and with a huge upside.

Falcons fans have to be salivating at the thought of Matt Ryan running an offense with not only Michael Turner and Roddy White, but Gonzalez. While they may lack some defense, they will certainly be good enough offensively to compete with just about anyone, we just hope that they have lots of big numbers to put on the scoreboard at the Georgia Dome.

7PM UPDATE:Chris Landry was a guest on the "Myers and Hartman Show" this afternoon, eastern time, on Fox Sports Radio. Landry said that the Chiefs and the Falcons may not be done dealing. 2008 first-round pick of the Chiefs, Glenn Dorsey, may be moved to the Falcons for draft picks. Landry believes that Chiefs GM Scott Pioli may be willing to take the cap hit and move his defensive lineman that will not fit in the schemes on the books right now in Kansas City.

Landry believes Dorsey would be a better fit in the Falcons defensive playbook.
More when we know more...

Cassel And Vrabel To Chiefs

((HT: Boston Globe))

Scott Reiss of the Boston Globe and boston.com fills in the details of the initial Mike Vrable-to-KC deal. Here's the other part...

The New England Patriots traded quarterback Matt Cassel ((pictured, thanks Matthew J. Lee/Boston Globe)) and linebacker Mike Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs today in exchange for a 2009 second-round draft choice (34th overall).

Cassel, who turns 27 in May, will be reunited with former Patriots Vice President of Player Personnel Scott Pioli, the Chiefs' first-year general manager.

“I have a long history with both players,” Pioli said in a statement. “Mike and Matt are men that I respect both personally and professionally. I look forward to having them as new members of the Chiefs family.”

Cassel was one of the NFL's surprise stories in 2008. Despite having not started a regular-season game since high school, he stepped in for the injured Tom Brady in the Patriots' season opener against the Chiefs, and ultimately led the team to an 11-5 season.

Cassel completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 3,693 yards, with 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Said Patriots coach Bill Belichick of Vrabel: "When Mike arrived in 2001, we knew we were adding a solid outside linebacker. But where Mike took it from there exceeded our highest hopes. Mike Vrabel epitomizes everything a coach could seek in a professional football player: toughness, intelligence, playmaking, leadership, versatility and consistency at the highest level. Behind the scenes, Mike's wit and personality is one of the things we have all enjoyed about coming to work every day. The toughest aspect of my job is the day I stop coaching people like Mike, who did everything in his power to contribute to team success. Of all the players I have coached in my career, there is nobody I enjoyed working with more than Mike. In the same way people recognize guys like Troy Brown, we appreciate and thank Mike Vrabel. He is one of the very special Patriots champions."

Of Cassel, Belichick said: "It is very easy to root for guys like Matt Cassel, who do everything the right way and flourish as a result. As much as we would have loved to continue working with Matt, we wish him nothing but the best as he takes this next step forward in his career."

We hope Cassel has his full medical paid up...

Worst Kept Secret In KC Comes True: Haley To Chiefs

Scott Pioli was looking for a partner to be his new head coach, and according to Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star, Batman's new Robin is Todd Haley of the recently-tackle-football-title game-losing Arizona Cardinals.

Haley ((pictured, thanks Jamie Squire/KC Star)) proved that you could give the illusion of being somewhat one-dimensional until you needed to show your whole poker hand.

Now, if only he's gone hurry-up sooner against the Stillers...

The two first crossed paths in the Meadowlands when Pioli and Haley were with the Jets. Haley worked with the offense and Pioli was the director of player personnel.

From the Teicher piece:

"Details of Haley’s contract were unavailable. It was also unclear when the Chiefs would make the announcement. The Chiefs would not confirm Haley’s hiring.

While The Star learned this week that the Chiefs planned to speak with Haley, the other candidates they interviewed have not been publicly identified.

A representative with the Fritz Pollard Alliance, an organization that promotes NFL teams providing equal opportunities to minority candidates, said the Chiefs complied with the league’s Rooney Rule, which requires a team to interview at least one minority candidate for its head coaching vacancy."

The biggest hold over from Haley's tenure will be the sideline tete-a-tete he had with disgruntled WR Anquan Boldin, and if that same flaring of temper will be there as a head coach. We bet if Larry Johnson is let go and all-world TE Tony Gonzalez is shown the door as well, then the first-round QB from the 2009 draft ((are you listening Matthew Stafford...?)) will need to make sure his Medical is up-to-date...

Tyler Thigpen may be the luckiest man around...

Your Friday Tackle Football Update

Herm Edwards ((pictured, thanks David Eulitt/KC Star)) is out in Kansas City, can Mike Shanahan be next in... ((KC Star))

Dan Reeves is interviewing in San Francisco for their OC gig...??? Yup... already has...((SF Chronicle))

Scott Linehan is the new OC in Detroit... ((Detroit Free Press)) and Gunther Cunningham is the new DC. No word yet on whether or not former Denver DC Bob Slowik will be the secondary coach.

More when we know more...
Carry on...

You Play To Win The Game- Herm Edwards Apparently Didn't

After a 2-14 season, and to no one's surprise, the Kansas City Chiefs fired head coach Herm Edwards. This was, probably, the first act of many by new head honcho Scott Pioli.

Edwards tried to create miracles at QB with Tyler Thigpen and Brody Croyle, had to deal with a moody tailback in Larry Johnson, and tried to keep all-world TE Tony Gonzalez happy.

Now, it's Pioli's issue and there's talk that Pioli wants Arizona OC Todd Haley after the game at the end of the season in Tampa to take over as his new head coach.

But, really, there is only one reason to post this story...
((HT: FSN/the youtube))

Great Scott: Pioli To Chiefs

((HT: KC Star))

Since the whole Scott Pioli-to-Cleveland thing didn't work out ((pictured, thanks/Jim Davis- Boston Globe)), the current-soon-to-be-ex Patriots Vice President for Player Personnel is heading to the Kansas City Chiefs to become their new General Manager. The press conference is scheduled for 6PM Wednesday.

Clark Hunt sayeth quote:

“We are very excited to welcome Scott to the Chiefs. With his proven track record of success, Scott is the finest player personnel executive in the NFL, and we look forward to his leadership in building a championship organization.”

No word on whether or not current head coach Herm Edwards will become an ex when Pioli's job title becomes current.

Mike Reiss has the flip side from his piece in the Boston Globe...

"To sum up in words everything Scott Pioli has meant to this organization and to me personally would be difficult, if not impossible," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. "From the day I met him, he has demonstrated a passion for football and respect for the game that is second to none.

"On a personal level, the Belichick-Pioli bond runs far deeper than our workplace, as we and our families have shared countless memories away from football. Working side by side with one of my best friends for almost two decades is special enough in itself. But to help each other achieve success beyond our dreams is a blessing and something I will always remember and appreciate."

The Patriots are also expected to lose Dom Capers, possibly to be the DC in Denver, and special teams coach Brad Seely- probably to Eric Mangini in Cleveland.

Tuesday PM Pro Tackle Football Update

Only two things...

Larry Johnson tells the Kansas City Star that he wants out...
Adam Teicher delivers the shocking news alert.

According to the four-letter, we now know what's been wrong with "4" these days- other than the 2TD, 9 INT finish he gave the Jets so they could miss the playoffs.

"Jets quarterback Brett Favre reportedly has a torn biceps tendon in his right arm that will not need major surgery to repair.

The 39-year-old Favre routinely underthrew receivers and appeared to lose some velocity on his throws late in the season as the Jets went 1-4 down the stretch and failed to make the playoffs. ESPN, citing unnamed sources, reported that Favre would need arthroscopic surgery to repair the injury, but could also play without having an operation.

After the Jets’ season-ending 24-17 loss to Miami on Sunday, Favre said he’s been feeling discomfort in his strong right arm “for quite a while.” He also complained of pain in the back of the shoulder, the biceps and sometimes in his neck.

Favre, who also reportedly has some calcification in the area of the injury, is expected to take several weeks to decide whether he will return to the Jets, ESPN reported."

Well, there you go... now we get to wait for another few weeks or more to see if "4" will decide on 2009, or decide not to decide.

Remember, if you choose not to decide you still have made a choice...
We will choose free will...

L.J. Charged With Assault

Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson punishes defenders and judging from his behavior off the field, treats women the same way.

Johnson has been charged with simple assault for spitting his drink in a women's face.

Kansas City Police spokesman Darin Snapp said Johnson was charged Monday and turned himself him. He was later released on $500 bond.

The incident happened October 10th at a Kansas City nightclub. The victum reported that Johnson threatened to kill her boyfriend before spitting his drink in her face. Really classy Larry.

It's the 4th time in 5 years Johnson has been accused of assaulting women.

Ladies, stay far away from this Johnson.... and Larry too.

Photo Courtesy: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

On Second Thought, I'm Not Feely-ing It...

Jay Feely's ((pictured, thanks AP)) tenure as a Kansas City Chiefs kicker lasted all of, oh, one day.

Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star lets us in on just how long a one-year contract can last- 364 days short of the number...

Nick Novak and Connor Barth are back to the front of the line.

Here's the reason why... in a two-day kicking competition, here are the numbers:
Barth- 28 of 30
Novak- 27 of 30
Feely- 23 of 30

“We’re shocked, baffled, disappointed,” said his agent, Glenn Schwartzman. “It was not our understanding that they were just going to give the job to Jay. We in no way thought that. We knew he would have to win the job.

“While no one promised him the job, we were under the impression he would be given a better opportunity to win it. If they’re going to base it off two days of kicking, they probably shouldn’t have signed him. It makes no sense to make a decision about Jay without letting him kick in the preseason game.

“Had we known he wasn’t even going to get that chance, we never would have signed with the Chiefs.”

Um... yeah...

Feely had hit 21 of his 23 kicks last year with the Miami Dolphins, who released him during training camp.

An explanation from the Chiefs on Feely's cameo has yet to come to us media types...