New England Patriots Respond To Goodell's Press Conference

The New England Patriots have responded to the details Roger Goodell provided in his press conference regarding the conversation he had with Matt Walsh.

"We want to address the allegation that the Patriots taped the Rams' walkthrough prior to Super Bowl XXXVI. For the past three-and-a-half months, we have been defending ourselves against assumptions made based on an unsubstantiated report rather than on facts or evidence.

"Despite our adamant denials, the report ran on February 2, 2008, the day before Super Bowl XLII. That game was the second-most watched program in television history and it is unfortunate that today's news will not also reach an audience of that size.

"We hope that with Matt Walsh's disclosures, everyone will finally believe what we have been saying all along and emphatically stated on the day of the initial report: 'The suggestion that the New England Patriots recorded the St. Louis Rams' walkthrough on the day before Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002 is absolutely false. Any suggestion to the contrary is untrue.' "

The Patriots sound appropriately indignant. They, as much as anyone, want this story to go away.

However, that may not be the case. With Walsh's assertion that he was not the source for the Boston Herald's February 2nd report that the Patriots filmed the Rams walk-through before the 2002 Super Bowl, the Herald may have just found itself a lawsuit.

Matt Walsh's meeting with Arlen Specter has ended. It was reportedly done by 4 PM (CST).

Per Walsh, Patriots Knew They Were Cheating

Bill Belichick's first public statements after the Spygate story was broken were rooted in ignorance of the law. He claimed that he "misinterpreted" the rules regarding the practice of filming during games.

Lost in the shuffle of today's news was that the Patriots knew they were cheating. Goodell expanded on this particular part of the discussion between he and Walsh.

"It was very clear that he had to be careful that nobody discovered what he was doing. That he was very cautious about when he did it, who was watching, and there were certain places he did not get access. A lot of teams said, 'We're not going to allow another camera up here on the third level or the end zone level. Matt believes they believe they were well aware of the fact that this was something that shouldn't be done."

Many media outlets and league insiders called bullshit on Belichick's excuse that he didn't understand the rule. This revelation by Matt Walsh further manifests the defiant attitude of Belichick and the New England Patriots towards this issue.

Arlen Specter Press Conference Delayed Until Wednesday

The press conference that was to follow the meeting of Matt Walsh and Senator Arlen Specter has apparently been pushed back until tomorrow.

The meeting between the Commissioner and Walsh lasted over 3 hours, causing a delayed start to the Specter meeting.

Matt Walsh will presumably speak to the media following the meeting as well. Walsh's lawyer released the following statement following the meeting with Commissioner Goodell.

"Mr. Walsh is pleased to have been able to assist the National Football League in its investigation of the New England Patriots' videotaping practices. Senator Arlen Specter has waited quite a while to meet with Mr. Walsh, and we are heading immediately to Washington, D.C., for an appointment this afternoon with Senator Specter. Out of respect for Senator Specter, neither Mr. Walsh nor I will speak with the media prior to meeting with the Senator."

He specifically says they will not speak to the media "prior" to the meeting so we could properly speculate that Walsh will be available after the Specter meeting.

Make sure to check The Football Wire tonight or tomorrow morning (or both) for the latest on the Specter press conference.

UPDATE: The Senator Specter press conference is set for 11 AM (CST) tomorrow.

REPORT: Seattle Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu Arrested For DUI

It's being reported (via PFT) that Seattle Seahawks 3-year veteran linebacker Lofa Tatupu has been arrested for driving under the influence. Tatupu allegedly blew a .15 BAC.

At this point in time there are no more details. This story is still in the rumor stages as it's yet to be confirmed by Tatupu or the Seahawks.

Tatupu was the Seahawks 45th overall selection in the 2005 draft. He has proved to be quite the steal in the 2nd round. He has 262 tackles and 8 INTs in his short career. He has also been to the Pro Bowl all 3 years of his career.

He signed a 6-year, $42 million contract extension this off-season. That's a lot of money but according to ESPN Hashmarks, Tatupu was driving a Hyundai Accent, worth about $11,000. We can see why the team would want to build a team around Tatupu. Before this incident, his image was that of a hard working, blue collar guy.

Stay tuned to The Football Wire for updates on this developing story.

UPDATE: The arrest has been confirmed. It occurred on Saturday morning.

T.O. Doesn't Want Looming Contract Negotiation To Be A Distraction

There's something strange going on in the Dallas Cowboys complex at Valley Ranch. Terrell Owens is in the last year of his contract and he isn't in fatigues lifting weights in his driveway boycotting the team to get a new deal.

He is entering the 3rd and final year of his 3-year, $25 million deal he signed with the Cowboys. Yet, Owens has been very quiet regarding his contract situation.

"I definitely want to end my career with the Dallas Cowboys, and go into the Hall of Fame as a Dallas Cowboy," Owens said. "I'm going to let God fight this battle for me. There was a situation where the contract didn't work out in Philly. With this, I'm going to let it play out and not try to be a distraction. I'll let it take care of itself. I'm a firm believer that things will work out for the best."

Owens was eventually shipped out of Philadelphia because he demanded more money just one year into a 7-year, $49 million deal.

At 34 years old, T.O. is certainly in the 2nd half of his career. He estimates he has "3-5 years" left in the game. He holds a wicked workout regimen that keeps him in shape, despite his age. Here's a quick sample of the workout he created himself.

Former Carolina Panther Curtis Whitley Found Dead At Age 39

Curtis Whitley, most recently with the Oakland Raiders in 1997, was found dead in Texas where he lived. He was only 39 years old. Details of his death are unknown.

Although we hate to speculate on a topic like this, Whitley's size could be a factor in his death. He was last weighed at 295 lbs, which is about right for a center.

A Scripps Howard News Service study found that players born after 1955 are dying at a rate that is very alarming to officials. Most causes of death are related to their weight, such as coronary disease. Several decades ago it was rare for a player to weigh over 300 lbs. Nowadays, over 500 NFL players tip the scales at over 300 lbs.

Whitley was drafted in the 5th round of the 1992 draft by the San Diego Chargers. He played in all 16 games of the Panthers inaugural season in 1995. He appeared in only 8 games the following year due to a suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. It was presumed Whitley's suspension was due to alcohol but it was later revealed to be crystal meth.

Willis McGahee Impressed By Baltimore Ravens Newest Addition

Ray Rice is too small. He isn't fast enough. His athleticism isn't great either. But even without the size, speed or athleticism, he established himself as a premier runner in the NCAA ranks.

Incumbent Willis McGahee realized quickly why the team drafted Rice. “That kid can flat-out play. Man, he’s quick.”

He won't burn anyone in the open field but he knows how to cut and hit the holes. He won't flash anyone with his strength but if you're trying to stop him on 3rd down you'll get as good of an effort a 5'8" 200 lb. man can give.

His work ethic is impeccable, as evidenced by the fact that he never missed a game in college while racking up 4,926 rushing yards and 49 TDs, both Rutgers school records. Despite his previous records, Rice is still adjusting to the speed of the pro game. “Everything moves so fast. Without pads, you see how fast the defense is moving and how fast the game is that you have to learn."

Like Emmitt Smith, Rice's small stature might be just the motivation he needs to succeed in the NFL.

Roger Goodell Holds Spygate Press Conference

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell held a press conference following his meeting with Matt Walsh. It's being reported (by Goodell via NFL.com) that there isn't enough new evidence to punish the Patriots anymore.

Two new pieces of evidence came up regarding the Patriots cheating allegations since 2000. First, Walsh told Goodell that the Patriots used a player that was on IR in practice in 2001. The normal punishment for such an infraction is normally a fine, which Goodell won't impose on the Patriots at this point.

The second new piece of evidence was that Walsh helped scalp Super Bowl tickets. It's unknown to whom or for how much he sold the tickets.

Goodell also professed that Walsh knew of no taping going on during the Rams 2002 Super Bowl walk-through. The Boston Herald broke the news a day before the Super Bowl that an anonymous source said there was taping going on during the walk-through. Walsh (and his lawyer) deny he was the one responsible for the story. Walsh contends he was on the sideline going about his business during the Rams' walk-through.

Also, Walsh told Goodell that the game tapes that were confiscated were not used during the same game. It was reported that a Patriots employee (presumed to be Ernie Adams) was using the game tapes during the same game to decipher defensive signals.

Adams is a very secretive part of the organization. Many Patriots employees can't even tell you what he does. He's viewed as an X's and O's genius that would be able to decipher defensive signals quickly enough so that they could be used against the opposing team in the same game.

Goodell has to be content that no new evidence that relates directly to Spygate was found.

Now, it's Arlen Specter's turn to grill Walsh. Stay tuned to The Football Wire for the latest updates regarding the story.

Buffalo Bills Release TE Kevin Everett So He Can Collect Disability

The Buffalo Bills have released TE Kevin Everett from the roster.

Everett was paralyzed in a collision last season. He received a career ending cervical spinal cord injury. But Everett's release isn't bad news because he can now collect disability.

Starting today, he can apply for a long-term disability payment of $224,000 a year over the life span of his injury. An injured player is not eligible for this benefit while he’s on an active roster.

Everett also can apply for a onetime payment of $75,000 as part of the Player Health Reimbursement Plan.

Everett wasn't available for benefits while he was still a member of the team. The Bills and the league collectively agreed upon the best decision for him. Because he is a 3-year veteran, Everett can receive a full NFL pension ($1,410 monthly payout based on number of years in the league). A committee rules on these types of injuries but it is a virtual certainty he will receive the qualified amount.

“The Buffalo Bills continue to be moved by Kevin Everett’s heartwarming story of his recovery,” the team said in a release Monday. “His progress from September 9th of last year through today is nothing short of a miracle and is a tremendous example of faith, family and hard work."

Everett's progress was well-documented as he was able to regain some motor skills.

Walsh/Goodell Meeting Over; Press Conference Coming

Matt Walsh is on his way to Washington DC as we speak for a meeting with Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA). He has concluded his meeting with Roger Goodell.

The league has apparently released to the media several of the tapes that Walsh turned over to the league. We're not yet sure as to why the league released the tapes now.

Goodell's press conference will be available on NFL.com.

Walsh figures to land in Washington within the next couple of hours and conduct his meeting with Specter, at which point the Senator should hold a press conference as well.

Steve Slaton Showing Houston Texans What He Can Do

Steve Slaton was a star at West Virginia the moment he stepped onto the campus. Accumulating over 1,000 yards his freshman year, then becoming the 4th leading rusher in the nation the next year catapulted him onto the national scene.

Unfortunately for him, he's only 5'9" and 197 lbs, which relegates him to the status of a 3rd down back. Smaller backs like Slaton are considered situational because their bodies can't handle 20+ carries per game over a full season.

Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak is feeding Slaton more and more information from the 300+ page play book everyday. Kubiak, and the rest of the Texans front office, hope Slaton can complement Ahman Green and Chris Brown, #1 and #2 on the depth chart, respectively.

Many figured the Texans would select Reggie Bush #1 overall in the 2006 NFL draft. Instead the team opted to go address the defensive end position with Mario Williams. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan recently addressed the reasons behind Slaton falling to the 3rd round.

"When you look at a guy that people are projecting as a third down type guy or a change of pace guy I believe a lot of teams have more important needs that go early in the draft. One exception is Reggie Bush; he is the highest guy that I’ve seen go that is a third down type player. The third round is when these guys start popping out.”

This is a clue, 2 years later, as to why the team chose Williams over Bush with the #1 overall selection. This is showing to be a wise decision by the Houston Texans.

Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden Looks To Cure Fumblitis

Oakland Raiders running backs coach Tom Rathman is focusing on curing Darren McFadden's fumbling problem, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Rathman made the most important step in pinpointing the origin of his fumbling problems. "A lot of times his elbow wasn't locked to the side, and obviously if you don't have that point, which is the most critical point in my opinion, as far as the four points of pressure, you're going to have some issues."

McFadden fumbled 23 times in 3 seasons at Arkansas. Running backs can not succeed in the NFL with that type of fumbling rate. The Raiders offense isn't good enough to overcome an increased turnover rate brought on by their #1 draft selection.

Lane Kiffin, however, sees a different story with McFadden's fumbling problem. He noted, "It's very important with (McFadden), but as you look at his fumbles, over half were at quarterback or on kickoff returns." (On a side note, McFadden was actually taking snaps at QB during the Raiders mini-camp.)

The reason a lot of folks have difficultly curing fumbling problems is that they're being asked to change how they've been carrying the ball for "14, 15 years", as McFadden noted. McFadden is getting lessons in switching the ball between hands while running and garnering more leverage.

This is a big problem, even if McFadden claims it is "easily corrected". Many of players haven't been given a chance because of fumbling problems. If McFadden can get over this, he'll have a chance to be one of the more dynamic players in the league.

New England Patriots Brought Former Detroit Lions RB Kevin Jones In For A Visit

The New England Patriots don't want anyone to know how much they liked former Detroit Lions RB Kevin Jones, currently a free agent.

Last week, New England very quietly hosted a visit -– and no team can do things as quietly as the Patriots -- with former Lions running back Kevin Jones, whom Detroit released in March.

Why the secrecy? Oh, yeah, the Patriots are secretive about everything.

Jones is a dual threat, both rushing and receiving the ball. The Patriots love players that can do more than one thing so that explains the interest.

He is coming off a torn ACL late last season. It's unclear exactly how far along he is in the rehabbing process but obviously far enough to warrant a peek from the Pats.

This particular writer thought Jones was the next star of the NFL when he came into the league as the 30th overall selection. He could run the ball, which he showcased his first season in Detroit by going for 1,133 yards (along with 5 TDs). Injuries to his knee have brought our unrealistic views on Jones back to Earth.

Steven Jackson Expects To Be 'Rewarded' By St. Louis Rams

Steven Jackson has been a pleasant surprise for the St. Louis Rams. The team was looking to replace Marshall Faulk. They got the opportunity in the 2004 draft with the selection of Jackson 24th overall.

Since then, he has been nothing short of outstanding. Jackson missed 4 games last season. He has posted immensely impressive numbers in spite of the wear and tear his body has been taking with the amount of touches he gets. Over 3,500 yards rushing, 26 rushing TDs, 171 receptions, 1,375 receiving yards. All on over 1,000 touches.

Only coming off his rookie contract at the end of the 2008 season, Jackson seems poised to stay healthy and post hearty numbers to earn a new contract. Recent backs of his caliber of have received guaranteed money anywhere from $19 million (KC-Larry Johnson) to $21+ million (SD-Ladainian Tomlinson).

And Jackson is no different. He expects to get paid.

"I think I've been a good person on and off the field, so I expect to be rewarded. It's been a pretty big offseason around here, with the coaching changes and Ms. Georgia (Frontiere) passing," Jackson said. "I'm pretty sure that we'll get something done. This is definitely where I want to be."

But is it worth it? Larry Johnson and LaDainian Tomlinson are two examples of running backs that were given a big contract. Their current situations couldn't be more different from each other.

Larry Johnson signed his contract after holding out prior to the 2007 season. LJ was coming off a year in which he rushed the ball 416 times, an NFL record. The Curse of 370 suggests that any player that carries the ball more than 370 times in one season will suffer a major injury, or somehow be ineffective, the following year (except for Eric Dickerson). LJ hit this curse in the 2007 season, the first in his new contact.

At this point, does signing Larry Johnson to a long-term deal seem to be a mistake? Yes. LJ is inching towards 30 years old, known in football circles as the death of running backs.

LaDainian Tomlinson has proved to be worth every penny of his $30+ million guaranteed money. He has regularly carried the ball 330+ times, including another 50+ touches in receptions. In fact, the last 2 years he has led the league in rushing. This all coming when he will turn 29 before training camp. He, like Eric Dickerson, doesn't have any signs of slowing down and is certainly the exception, not the rule.

At this point in Tomlinson's career, a contract only worth $60 million over 6 years is a bargain.

So, do the Rams believe Jackson will become the next LJ or LT?

Now, what we say next might burn us later, but we're going to go ahead and say it. Trade Steven Jackson while you still have only a minimal amount of money ($7 million over 5 years) invested in him. History suggests he will break down if he continues his current trend.

Teams must remember that they took the risk in drafting the player. They gave him millions of dollars without playing a down in the NFL. They don't owe the player anything. The players have been paid for services rendered. It's important not to get emotionally attached to a player.

Jackson has been a workhorse for the team and expects to be rewarded. But is the team going to reward him for the work he's done in the past or for the work he (despite history) will do in the future?

Buffalo Bills Rookie James Hardy Allegedly Pulls A Gun On His Father

James Hardy was a 2nd round draft pick for the Buffalo Bills in April's NFL Draft. At 6'7", he's exactly the big target the team was coveting for their 2nd year quarterback Trent Edwards.

Now, Hardy is making waves for a different reason. He allegedly pulled a gun on his father during an argument, according to a police report filed Sunday. Only there's one problem. Hardy's name has been edited out of the police report.

He does have a permit to carry a gun, but not, you know, point it at people.

According to police chief Rusty York, a woman saw the younger and the older Hardy arguing in the front yard. The woman screamed at the younger Hardy to stop, at which point he pulled out a gun. Police arrived at the scene with the younger Hardy nowhere to be found.

York contends that because the father showed no signs of bodily injury, the alleged crime is not being pursued by police.

Hardy is ridiculously lucky he's not being charged with a crime. Roger Goodell wouldn't have a problem making an example out of a player that hasn't even played a snap in the NFL.

Hat Tip PFT

UPDATE: PFT has another scoop that this isn't the first charge for Hardy. 2 years ago, he was charged with domestic battery after allegedy hitting his girlfriend and his baby, then ripping the phone out of the wall when the police were being called.