We assume you’ve been spending your day reading about all manner of NFL draft selections and their sordid pasts.
But we have some fun stuff on former USC offensive lineman Sam Baker, the first round pick of the Atlanta Falcons, we know you haven’t read: While at USC, he got himself some parking tickets. Lots and lots and LOTS of parking tickets. And tows. And boots (actually, that sounds a lot like us during our days at the University of Georgia).
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Arthur Blank has been keeping in touch with Michael Vick. And the Falcons owner tells the NEW YORK DAILY NEWS that his former meal ticket has found a hobby while harbored in the hoosegow - playing football.
Vick’s currently serving a 23-month sentence after pleading guilty to dogfighting charges. But Blank says his prison pen pal has been passing time in the federal pen by passing the pigskin around:
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You’ve probably heard the conflicting stories regarding the current status of Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor. Jason Cole of YAHOO SPORTS initially reported last night that Taylor was done playing for the Fins.
Upon seeing the report by Cole, Bill Parcells immediately contacted ESPN’s Chris Mortensen to lash out at the Yahoo report, saying it was false and that “This latest report is just another example of journalistic irresponsibility.”
Mortensen must’ve gritted his teeth when he took the call from The Tuna about Taylor, considering how Parcells treated Mort the last time he was involved in NFL transactional intrigue. Read more…
The ASSOCIATED PRESS (via SCORES REPORT) notes today that “Jailed quarterback Michael Vick can keep nearly $20 million in bonus money he received from the Atlanta Falcons following a ruling Monday by a federal judge.”
The Falcons were trying to get back “roster” bonuses paid to the canine aficionado from 2004-2007
U.S. District Judge David Doty of Minneapolis correctly ruled that “once Vick made the Falcons’ 80-man roster, he earned the roster bonuses and the team cannot demand their forfeiture.”
Vick has 22 months left on his nearly 2-year jail sentence. But of course, he will likely be out earlier.
The head coach openings in the NFL are slowly slamming shut, as another perplexing position has finally been filled.
The ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION reports that the Falcons have hired Mike Smith to replace the gone-but-not-forgotten Bobby Petrino. The former Jaguars defensive coordinator has signed a 4-year contract reportedly worth up to $8-$10 million to bring his no-name act to the Georgia Dome.
While the Dirty Birds’ choice of coach won’t exactly be turning fashionable heads, the Redskins are reportedly close to hiring a more marquee name in ex-Giants coach Jim Fassel, which make some ‘Skins fans *very happy*.
Well not really. But Falcons QB D.J. Shockley’s Dad is at least keeping us entertained (and Michael Vick-free) with his slap-happy antics at an Atlanta High School.
(Poor Fella)
The ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION gets us up to speed: “North Clayton football coach Donald Shockley, the father of Falcons quarterback D.J. Shockley, has resigned after a school board investigation found he kept photos of an assistant principal in lingerie and sexually suggestive poses on a school computer.“
A student was working on Shockley’s computer at school when he discovered the photos, taken by Shockley. The student then downloaded the pics to his iPod and showed them to fellow students. He also, OF COURSE, uploaded them onto the internet (no, we haven’t looked. gross.)
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As usual, Scott Wolf of the L.A. DAILY NEWS has the best perspective on USC football news. Wolf reports today that Pete Carroll “spoke to the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday about their vacant head-coaching position.“ This despite Carroll “denying any contact with the Falcons.”
Wolf also notes several sources saying that “Carroll spoke to the Falcons on Wednesday by phone from his vacation house in Haleiwa, Hawaii. Sources said the Falcons did not offer him the job.”
Much more interesting (and amusing for that matter) are comments Wolf recorded Carroll saying before the Rose Bowl - in which he essentially trashed the quality of the Falcons head coaching position.
