Ben Maller’s Sports Rumors & Notes

Rumors Archive for August 23, 2006

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NBA Rumors & Notes

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Ron Artest said yesterday that he would finish his career with the Sacramento Kings, ending any possibility that the Queensbridge product would suit up for the Knicks. But Artest joked that he knew how to fix the Knicks and could help Isiah Thomas - his former coach with the Indiana Pacers - run the team after his retirement. "I think (the Knicks) can turn it around, but they need some rest and less partying in New York City," Artest said with a smile at a press conference at a midtown restaurant to announce that the All-Star Classic for Wheelchair Charities will be held at the Garden on Saturday, Sept.9. "That's my bid to be a general manager." When asked if he could take over for Thomas, the Knicks' president and coach, Artest said he could "just help him out a little bit."

The remainder of the trade exception acquired in last August's Joe Johnson deal expired Monday, but the Suns' interest in adding another experienced player has not. Phoenix intends to sign another free agent to a guaranteed deal, the roster's 13th, in the next two weeks. The Suns are open to adding a player at any position. The $3.6 million trade exception, which could have offset a salary gap in a trade, expired as few teams needed to dump a contract. The candidate of late appeared to be Charlotte power forward Melvin Ely, but it was of little interest to the Bobcats. It became less appealing to Phoenix with Ely, a restricted free agent, seeking more years in a sign-and-trade deal.

Dajuan Wagner said he tried out with the Sixers last Thursday but hasn't heard from the team yet. "I'm waiting to hear from them," Wagner said last night after playing in the championship game of the John Rankin-Michael Anderson League at Drexel. "I don't know if my agent [Leon Rose] has heard from them or not. He told me a couple of other [NBA] teams are interested but he didn't say who."

Memphis radio color analyst Sean Tuohy apparently is headed toward a promotion. The Griz have asked Tuohy to switch to television for the 2006-07 season, replacing local product and former NBA player Michael Cage. Tuohy reportedly is mulling the offer while the team considers using a collection of "celebrity" guest radio analysts to work with radio play-by-play announcer, Eric Hasseltine.

Madison Square Garden boss James Dolan says he's the one being harassed - not the fired Knicks exec who charges coach Isiah Thomas asked her for sex and cursed her. "This suit is being pursued in bad faith for vexatious reasons for the purpose of harassing defendants," Dolan's attorneys wrote in court papers filed yesterday in Manhattan Federal Court. It was Dolan's first legal reply to the sensational sex-harassment lawsuit filed by Anucha Browne Sanders, which she revised last month to add the MSG chairman's name as a defendant. Browne Sanders accuses Dolan of being an "aider and abettor" of the alleged retaliation she endured after reporting Thomas' behavior to higherups.

With Vinny Del Negro's move to Suns director of player personnel, Tim Kempton will take over his role as the primary analyst for KTAR-AM (620) game broadcasts. Kempton served in that role on a portion of the schedule in recent seasons.

The transition to playing without Al Harrington will be an interesting one for the Hawks. Billy Knight acknowledged as much Tuesday, praising Harrington on his way out the door while acknowledging that the Hawks' talented, but still relatively inexperienced, forward trio of Josh Smith, Marvin Williams and Shelden Williams will be counted on to fill the void.

Why didn't the Hawks get more for one of their co-captains? Why didn't they get more for a player who averaged nearly 19 points and seven rebounds per game last season? "I definitely look at it like Indiana got over on Atlanta," Al Harrington said by phone from Las Vegas, where he has been working out this summer. "I don't care what anybody says, a draft pick can't replace 19 and seven (Harrington's scoring and rebounding averages from last season). When you talk about winning and going to the next level, you can't say one thing and do another. That's just how I feel."

The Pacers' radio team of Mark Boyle and Bob "Slick" Leonard will return next season. "It's my 40th season with the franchise; I've got to do it," said Leonard, who ran the Pacers' first training camp in the fall of 1966 and took over as coach early in the 1967-68 season. Leonard enters the final year of his contract, but leaves open the possibility of returning beyond that.

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MLB Rumors & Notes

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Eric Gagne wants to remain a Dodger because the cheers still ring in his ears. "You heard the fans," he said. "It doesn't get any better than that." Gagne wants to remain a Dodger because he's impressed by the roster. "I want to win and this team will be a winner," he said. But would Gagne, who is recovering from back and elbow surgeries, re-sign with the Dodgers for less money than he could get somewhere else? "Yes," he said. "I know any contract is going to be incentive-laden."

For the second time in 34 days, Jays manager John Gibbons received a vote of confidence from GM J.P. Ricciardi, following a physical confrontation with one of his players. That's good news for Gibbons but not so good for the Jays, who don't need that kind of attention heading into free-agent hunting season. "Gibby's a good manager," Ricciardi insisted again last night. "It's just an unfortunate incident. It happens. He went all last year and didn't have one incident. Took over the club in August the year before and didn't have one incident." The fact is that a manager should never have a physical incident with a player.

The Cardinals expect to put shortstop David Eckstein on the 15-day disabled list today and general manager Walt Jocketty said he is hunting for a veteran infielder to help the team through Eckstein's absence. "We're still trying to find an infielder to give us more depth," Jocketty said Tuesday. The market for available shortstops "is not very deep. ... That's why it kind of compounds the problem." Veteran infielder Jose Vizcaino seems a target; he was designated for assignment by San Francisco last week. Another possibility is Arizona's Craig Counsell, if the Diamondbacks opt to move him instead of using him as a utility infielder with Stephen Drew at shortstop.

Texas GM Jon Daniels has begun talking with agents representing the club's impending free agents but said he doesn't want it to become a distraction in the clubhouse. The Rangers have nine pending free agents on the roster. That list includes three starters and several position players. The most expensive name on the list is Carlos Lee. He confirmed Monday that he has switched agents from Adam Katz to Scott Boras. Lee didn't want to discuss in detail his reasons for switching to Boras, but he didn't rule out a return to Texas. ... Pitching will be an area of focus for Daniels. Adam Eaton, Vicente Padilla and Kip Wells will be free agents. ... The Rangers will also look to re-sign Mark DeRosa. He's proved valuable because of his versatility. All-Star center fielder Gary Matthews Jr. is in the market for a raise and multiyear deal. Jerry Hairston Jr. wants a chance to play more for another team but said he wants to come back to Texas if there isn't a starting job out there for him.

General manager Wayne Krivsky's standard answer about the Gary Majewski controversy lately has been: "We're having internal discussions." But the Reds are doing more than simply talking. A team insider said lawyers are preparing a case to take the issue to grievance if necessary. The Reds believe the Washington Nationals should have informed them about a cortisone shot Majewski received just days before the July 13 trade.

By acquiring Shawn Green, the Mets now have three built-in outfielders for next season: Green, Carlos Beltran and Lastings Milledge. Now that Green is here, the Mets also could bring back free agent Cliff Floyd then trade Milledge, or they simply could let Floyd go without having to worry about filling left field (Milledge could play there).

There undoubtedly will be rumblings down the stretch about the future of the team's longtime stalwart in left field, Luis Gonzalez. The Diamondbacks have an option to pick up his contract next season for $10 million, but that figure is likely too high for them to consider. However, one of Gonzalez's representatives told The Republic on Tuesday that the Gonzo camp would be willing to work out a deal to keep the veteran in Phoenix. "At this point, we welcome an opportunity to sit down with the Diamondbacks and explore the possibility of Luis remaining a Diamondback before he goes through the free-agent process," agent Gregg Clifton said.

The White Sox appear destined to trade a starting pitcher this winter to make room for 23-year-old Brandon McCarthy, but they also need to fortify their depth. Mark Buehrle, Javier Vazquez and Freddy Garcia aren't signed or under control after 2007.

What is Geoff Jenkins' future with the Brewers? He has cultivated a good image, earning the Brewers' public service designation one year and last year being named the "good guy" by the local media. He is as proud of that image as he is of his ability. "The reason I signed here is I want to play in Milwaukee," Jenkins said. "I've always loved playing here, and I still do love playing here. "But I don't know if the writing is on the wall with all the young players here. It will work itself out. I've had a great career and a lot of fun playing here. "Hopefully, I will continue playing here."

Despite Eric Byrnes' success, the Diamondbacks might elect to cut ties with him during the offseason. He'd be assured of a hefty raise from the $2.25 million he's earning this season if the team elected to offer him salary arbitration. Thus, Giants fans are free to fantasize about Byrnes returning to the Bay Area with San Francisco, the team he rooted for as a youth. "Of course I'd love to play here," Byrnes said. "That's not a secret. I've said that before. But I'm very, very happy in Arizona."

According to the person familiar with the situation, the Mets also had some conversations about San Francisco outfielder Moises Alou.

According to Ruben Amaro Jr. the Phillies don’t have interest in veteran Reggie Sanders, who has cleared waivers. Sanders will make $5 million in 2007, and that isn’t a commitment the Phillies are seeking to make.

Francisco Liriano took a significant step toward a possible return this season from the disabled list when the Twins all-star pitcher began his throwing program by playing catch Tuesday afternoon. Liriano, sidelined with an elbow strain and shoulder weakness, said he felt good after he made 30 throws at 60 feet on flat ground. Pitching coach Rick Anderson summed up Day 1 of the program as "outstanding." The session went well enough that Liriano is scheduled to do the same thing again today, the medical staff said. But neither Liriano nor manager Ron Gardenhire would speculate on when the rookie phenom will step onto a mound or on a timetable for his return. Gardenhire reiterated that the team will not rush Liriano back.

It's obvious where Omar Infante stands now that Neifi Perez has been brought aboard. What happens with Infante? He almost certainly will be working for a new employer in 2007. Perez is signed through next season. The Tigers didn't trade for him because they wanted a bench presence. They want him because he plays better defense than Infante.

Next on Mets GM Omar Minaya's to-do list: consider another backup catcher. Ramon Castro, on the DL with a sore left rib cage, hurt his left knee warming up before a rehab game with the Cyclones on Monday. An MRI showed an MCL strain and a torn medial meniscus. The Mets don't know how long Castro will be out, but Minaya said the catcher's knee will be in a brace for at least the next 7-10 days. As for whether he'll obtain another catcher, Minaya said he's pleased thus far with Mike DiFelice, but that he wouldn't rule out looking.

In another sign that GM Brian Cashman has control over every facet of the Yankees organization, long-time Tampa employee Lin Garrett will not be brought back next year. Garrett, whose contract expires Dec. 31, was informed last week he will not be retained as VP of international scouting. Reached at his Yankee Stadium office yesterday, Cashman refused comment on Garrett's future.

There was speculation the Mariners were holding Gil Meche out because they were close to a trade for him -- Meche is a free agent after the season, and it's generally assumed he won't be back -- but Meche said soreness in his right forearm was the only reason. "I told them I wasn't pitching tonight," he said. "It wasn't anything they decided. My arm hurts. I have tendinitis. It hurts just to rotate my forearm."

The Padres have “ruled out anything extremely serious” relating to pitcher Chan Ho Park's intestinal bleeding, trainer Todd Hutcheson said yesterday. Park, as expected, was put on the disabled list yesterday, but manager Bruce Bochy said Park will pitch again, perhaps this year. Park lost a third of his blood volume owing to bleeding in his small intestine, which is where Hutcheson said Park lost half his blood volume a few weeks ago.

The Baltimore Orioles could have an interesting situation when rosters expand on Sept. 1. With the likelihood that the Orioles will call up starter Hayden Penn, Manager Sam Perlozzo didn't dismiss the possibility the team could use a six-man rotation in September. Perlozzo said there wouldn't be much of a disruption to the rotation since most starters have had extra rest because of a rash of days off recently. "I guess you could," Perlozzo said. "Basically you're on that now. I think that could be a possibility."

I don't think Miguel Tejada is in the White Sox's sights right now. If they could get a shortstop who could bat leadoff, that would be great

Torii Hunter is being paid $10.75 million this season and will make $12 million if the Twins pick up his option for next season. Hunter wants to remain in Minnesota, but people close to him say there's absolutely no way that he'll accept a pay cut for 2007. The five-time Gold Glove center fielder, 31, is reluctant to discuss his contract status but did say he intends to play at least a half-dozen more years. "I want to play in the new ballpark (in 2010), and there are some good players here, and we'll be good," Hunter said. "The contract is out of my hands, though; I can't do anything about it. But if I don't play here, I'll be playing somewhere next year."

Who Knew? According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Oakland's Dan Haren became the first pitcher in American League history to win a game in which he allowed eight runs in the first two innings. The last time it happened was May 14, 1913, when Rube Marquard of the New York Giants beat the Chicago Cubs.

Twins 2B Luis Castillo, whose 2007 contract option became guaranteed when he reached 501 plate appearances in Saturday's game, said he believes he'll be able to endure one more season on the Metrodome's synthetic turf. Castillo, 30, has battled leg and hip problems in recent seasons, and he said playing his home games on artificial turf for the first time in his career has been rough. He said he is planning a more rigorous offseason training regimen.

Tom Glavine, who will take baby aspirin and other medication to improve his circulation, is expected to return in seven to 10 days. "It was a stressful day," Glavine said of undergoing the tests. "But in the end it turned out pretty well. I went in prepared for the worst and hoping for the best. "I'm relieved. There's still a little bit of anxiety after going through what I've gone through over the last few days. It's certainly a great feeling, knowing that I can go out and continue to pitch and get back on the field as soon as I can, Hopefully, from here on out there will be no more problems."

Geoff Jenkins says he never saw it coming. But now that he has not been a member of the Milwaukee Brewers' regular lineup for the past 11 games, the right fielder is doing his best to deal with it. "It has zero to do with the player I am, the player I know I can be and the player I have been," Jenkins said Tuesday in his first extensive on-the record interview since being removed from the everyday lineup by manager Ned Yost. "I'm at peace with the fact. I am not going to beat myself up over it. "I know I'm a great player."

Carlos Silva, who started for the Twins in Baltimore on Tuesday night, is approaching a contract incentive that would increase the team's option for him for next year from $4 million to $4.325 million. It could be a close finish. If Silva's 2005 and 2006 innings pitched total 360, Silva would get $325,000 more in salary for 2007, assuming the Twins exercise their option.

Arizona will pay $6.3 million of the $12.6 million Shawn Green has remaining on his contract, The Post has learned. Green earns $8 million this season and $9.5 million in 2007. For 2008, he can be bought out for $2 million or have his team option picked up for $10 million. According to a person familiar with the situation, both the Mets and D'backs compromised on the money.

Sam Perlozzo says his Oriole starters are finally picking up Leo Mazzone's program of working low and outside. "I think it's starting to show now," he said. "You see Adam Loewen, even Rodrigo [Lopez] is pounding the outer half low and away. [Erik] Bedard's been pounding down and away. Daniel Cabrera was starting to hit a lot of down-and-away strikes. They're going after strike one. It's starting to show, and hopefully, we can finish out strong with our pitchers and our young guys throwing the ball well, getting more consistent. We've got something to shoot for next year." The Orioles still rank second to last in the American League in ERA at 5.31 going into last night, but they have lowered the figure in recent months.

Did You Know? According to Elias Sports Bureau, the 1989 Detroit Tigers are the only team other than the Mariners to go winless on a road trip of 11 games or longer since 1977. The Tigers, who lost 103 games that season, came up empty on an 11-game trip.

The White Sox hold an affordable $6-million option on Jermaine Dye that they should pick up. Josh Fields needs more work in the outfield before he's considered a serious candidate to play there.

Three weeks after arriving from the Dodgers, Cesar Izturis strained his right hamstring and became the 12th Cub to go on the disabled list this season. The Cubs have used the DL 17 times, including twice each for Derrek Lee, Kerry Wood and Glendon Rusch and three times for Mark Prior. "It's been something that was there before he got here," manager Dusty Baker said of Izturis' injury. "It's been bothering him some, on and off. It's mild, but you don't want to turn it into something major."

The White Sox won't send their pro scouts on the road to evaluate potential playoff opponents as early as they did last September. But that's no reflection on general manager Ken Williams' faith in his scouts or his team's chances of reaching the postseason. The scouts have been spending more time this summer evaluating minor-league pitching talent from other organizations in anticipation of an off-season deal.

The Rays are taking no chances with 3B B.J. Upton, who was a late scratch from Tuesday's game after he reported more soreness in his left shoulder after batting practice. "It was just a little sore," Upton said. "We'll see about [today]." Upton said the injury has happened before, prior to this year, and he had always recovered within one to two days. Manager Joe Maddon is optimistic that Upton can play today, but is handling the highly touted prospect, who turned 22 Monday, with care. "There is a concern about [the injury recurring]," Maddon said. "You want to be overly cautious. If he feels anything [today] I'm going to say no. He's way too important to this organization to try to force him back into a game on Aug. 23."

The Phillies bought the contract of infielder Joe Thurston and recalled outfielder Michael Bourn from triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to replace closer Tom Gordon and Rowand on the 25-man roster. Because of a flight delay from Orlando, Fla., Bourn, who was recalled July 30 and optioned July 31, didn't even put on a uniform this time. He was optioned immediately after the game because the Phillies had acquired infielder Jose Hernandez from Pittsburgh. In fact, Bourn arrived at Wrigley about 15 minutes after the game only to find he would be leaving today.
"I think we literally made the trade when he was in the air," assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "I told him the good news was that he got to see me for five minutes," Manuel said.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia is returning to the Arizona Fall League for a second year, and he'll have a lot of the Braves' other top prospects playing with him. The switch-hitting catcher will be joined on the Peoria Javelinas by pitchers Anthony Lerew, Joey Devine, Will Startup and Sean White, infielder Yunel Escobar and outfielder Josh Burrus.

Who Knew? Brad Ausmus has caught 865 innings, most in the National League this year.

Pirates GM Dave Littlefield will not make a move to replace Jose Hernandez on the 25-man roster until today. Most likely to be summoned is catcher Ryan Doumit, who has been on a rehabilitation stint with Class AA Altoona] and is due to return soon, anyway.

Florida Marlins Manager Joe Girardi said Tuesday that he does not instruct his players to stay in the way of breaking pitches to get on base, an accusation levied by Washington Nationals Manager Frank Robinson following Monday night's 3-1 Florida victory. "I'm not teaching our hitters to dive into the ball," Girardi said before Tuesday night's game. "I'd like to. A lot of times, I see hitters with the bases loaded and you say, 'Oh, let it hit you.' But your instinct is to get out of the way, and guys do."

Rockies trainer Keith Dugger described the bruise on Jason Jennings' left thigh as "legendary." It is the size of a basketball, yet there's no concern about Jennings making Saturday's start. "He's one of the toughest players I have ever been around," Hurdle said.

After telling a gathering of people at Shea Stadium on Tuesday how he listened to Cardinals baseball as a boy in Arkansas, former President Bill Clinton stopped in for a pregame clubhouse visit with manager Tony La Russa and the players. "We grew up with the Cardinals," Clinton said as he stopped outside of the visitors' clubhouse. "I go way back. I'm so old, I remember Harry Caray calling the Cardinal games. There weren't any baseball teams in Texas back then. So we had KMOX and (a Chicago station). I remember I did all my homework listening to the Cardinals."

Perhaps an heir to the Ripken legacy exists in Baltimore: Nick Markakis, who has six home runs in six games since being moved to the second spot in the lineup last week. Roommates Markakis and Adam Loewen could emerge to lead the Orioles out of their losing ways. The two played together in the minors "We knew we'd both be here one day together," Markakis said. "We didn't know it was going to be so soon."

The Tigers' pasting of Jose Contreras on Monday night means every White Sox starter's ERA is over 4.00, a fact not lost on manager Ozzie Guillen. "If we don't start pitching better, we're not going to make the playoffs," said Guillen, who was thrown out of Tuesday night's game in the second inning. "It's as simple as that. We've been all year long winning a lot of games, but we've been winning with a lot of inconsistency. "We're inconsistent in the way we make plays. We're inconsistent in our starting pitching. There's no doubt. Everyone knows about it."

In acquiring Shawn Green, the Mets also receive the best of a handful of Jewish players. The Mets have had few Jewish players in their 44-year history, with perhaps the most prominent one being Art Shamsky, who was part of a right-field platoon for the 1969 World Series champions. Green made headlines two years ago when, while playing with the Dodgers, he chose to play in one of two games on the holy day of Yom Kippur. This season, Yom Kippur begins on the evening of Oct. 1, the regular-season finale in Washington, and will not intrude on the postseason. Green is owed $9.5 million next season with a $10 million club option for 2008 or a $2 million buyout.

The Wichita Wranglers took a step closer to moving to Springdale, Ark., for the 2008 season. The owners for the Wranglers met with Springdale city officials Tuesday. A proposed contract was unveiled for the move in 2008. The Wranglers would pay $325,000 annually to start, with annual adjustments tied to the consumer price index. If ticket sales exceeded 300,000 over the 70-game season, the Wranglers would pay 50 cents more per ticket sold.

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NFL Rumors & Notes

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Holdout wide receiver Deion Branch broke his silence in an interview with Ch. 4’s Steve Burton last night, saying he’s “pretty sure everything will work out” between himself and the Patriots. “I’ve got a great feeling that we’re both going to do what’s right,” Branch said. “We’re going to make sure everything works out.” Burton caught up with Branch at the TD Banknorth Garden, where he was a celebrity coach for the AND1 Mixtape basketball tour. Wearing a Bill Russell Celtics jersey and flashing his trademark smile, Branch said the holdout has been tough, but he stands by his decision. “I have days,” he said. “I’m human. I have my ups and downs. At the same time, I understand this is a business and I understand what they’re doing. They also understand what I’m doing.” Branch talks to quarterback Tom Brady daily and also keeps in touch with Daniel Graham, Benjamin Watson, Rodney Harrison, Troy Brown and Richard Seymour. ... Branch said he’s working out daily and just completed his own two-a-days. He refused to address the issue of not wanting to be franchised next season, a sticking point in the negotiations. Brown reiterated that he’s hopeful of returning but stopped short of guaranteeing it. “They’re going to do what’s best for the team,” Branch said. “I’ll do what’s best for me.”

One NFL general manager said the Pittsburgh Steelers have been shopping running back Duce Staley, trying to see if any team would be willing to trade for him before the team would have to release him. It makes sense. Pittsburgh's backfield is chock full with Willie Parker entrenched as a starter, Verron Haynes as his backup, and running backs John Kuhn, Brandon Jones and Cedric Humes also vying for roster spots. Pittsburgh's depth at the position makes it possible for it to deal Staley. Yet if Staley is sent packing from Pittsburgh either through a trade or a release, one possible landing spot would seem to be the Philadelphia Eagles who, to date, have not had any trade conversations with the Steelers. Should Staley be released, and it is within the realm of possibility, the Eagles could be on the list of teams interested in his services.

If the Detroit Lions are smart, they'll trade receiver Charles Rogers next week. ... By most accounts, Rogers and the Lions are going to severe their relationship. ... The Lions must make sure that when Rogers leaves, he goes as far away as possible. If they don't, and Rogers ends up in a place like Chicago, Minnesota or Green Bay, the Lions might live to regret it. Some Lions officials will tell you they're convinced Rogers will not succeed in football; others will tell you that while they're convinced Rogers is done in Detroit, a new start might revive his career.

Manny Wright might get his wish of leaving the Dolphins after all. The Dolphins have recently contacted several teams, offering Wright in trade, in what is an apparent attempt to divest from the AWOL player while also fulfilling his wish to be traded or released. Miami officials began making calls to other teams Monday, with the Tennessee Titans among the teams they contacted. The Titans are struggling along the defensive line, with nearly half of their 14 linemen missing practice this week. In what is bad news for the Dolphins, however, interest in Wright has been lukewarm at best. The Titans, unfazed by their need, told Miami they were not interested in Wright.

The Falcons have agreed to three-year contract with free agent defensive tackle Grady Jackson on Tuesday, according to his agent, Angelo Wright. "He'll be in there [Wednesday]," the San Francisco Bay Area-based agant said. Jackson, 6 feet 2, 355 pounds, is considered a run stopper, and he played for Falcons defensive coordinator Ed Donatell in Green Bay. The a nine-year veteran has to pass a physical, and if successful could possibly take part in practice Wednesday. The Falcons don't comment on free agent negotiations until a contract is signed. Jackson would play in obvious running situations with the hopes that he'd take up two blockers and penetrate into the backfield.

Teams have expressed interest in LaDell Betts this summer, according to league sources, and while the Redskins have begun exploratory negotiations aimed at re-signing him -- Betts is in the final year of his contract -- Washington could still end up dealing a running back, with the deadline for the final cutdown to the 53-man roster about two weeks away.

The Colts made no announcement, but an individual close to Jamed Mungro said Tuesday the Indianapolis Colts' versatile running back will miss the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Sunday's preseason loss to Seattle. Mungro, 28, was entering his fifth season with the team. His loss weakens the depth in the backfield behind starter Dominic Rhodes and rookie Joseph Addai, and extracts a key contributor on special teams.

Former 49ers running back Kevan Barlow lashed out at Coach Mike Nolan and the direction of the franchise in a series of phone calls to the Contra Costa Times on Tuesday, two days after being traded to the New York Jets for a 2007 fourth-round draft pick. ``Nolan just doesn't know what he's doing. He's a first-time head coach with too much power,'' Barlow said from New York. ``He has too much power as a first-time head coach. He walks around with a chip on his shoulder, like he's a dictator, like he's Hitler. People are scared of him. If it ain't Nolan's way, it's the highway.'' Two phone calls later, Barlow softened his stance and blamed some of his statements on the emotional whirlwind he endured the previous 48 hours. ``I was kind of harsh on him, saying he's a dictator. That's bad. Saddam Hussein is a dictator,'' Barlow said three hours after his initial call. ``I was speaking on emotion.''

Stephen Davis passed the physical the Eagles administered Monday, a league source said yesterday. The running back worked out for the Eagles in the morning, but he left the NovaCare Complex without signing a contract. He remains an option for the Eagles if they feel they need help at the running back position down the road. At the moment, the Eagles are comfortable with their situation at running back and confident that Brian Westbrook will be ready to open the season Sept. 10 against the Houston Texans. Westbrook is recovering from a sprained left foot he suffered in the preseason opener against Oakland.

Remember these words from Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor: "I'll be in Pittsburgh." Taylor, 26, was speaking of next season and beyond, even though he can become an unrestricted free agent after this season and could potentially attract a big offer from another team. Taylor is currently on a one-year, $1.57 million deal he signed as a restricted free agent and is believed to be seeking an eight-figure signing bonus on a new contract -- not a figure the Steelers likely would be willing to satisfy.

Time grows short for Cory Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers wide receiver who is on the verge of a distinction that no rookie would ever want. A fourth-round draft choice from Texas Christian, Rodgers has done next to nothing as a receiver or returner. Despite a signing bonus of $465,120, it's possible that Rodgers could be the odd man out at the position when general manager Ted Thompson picks his 53-man roster on Sept. 2. "No, I'm not worried about that at all," Rodgers said Tuesday night. "If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't. I come to practice every day just thinking that I'm here." It isn't often that players drafted as high as the fourth round don't hang around with their original team for at least one season.

Speculation around the league persists that Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens has a "chronic" hamstring problem, just as he did in San Francisco. Owens rarely missed a game in San Francisco -- only seven in eight seasons -- but he did miss practice time with a hamstring problem. In Philadelphia, Owens missed plenty of practice time with a "chronic" groin problem.

Rodney Harrison has repeatedly cautioned against predicting if he’ll return for the Pats opener and stuck to that mantra yesterday. “I’m not making any promises. Just that I’ll play hard when I get the opportunity,” he said.

There apparently has been a Priest Holmes sighting, at least by the San Antonio police. According to San Antonio television station WOAI, Holmes arrived on the scene of a fight between the mother (Stephanie Hale) of Holmes’ two children and a woman (Jennifer Sanchez) who claims to be the mother of another child of Holmes. The altercation between the women led to the arrest of Sanchez, who is facing assault and criminal mischief charges. Holmes, who lives in San Antonio, left the scene with Sanchez’s 2-year-old daughter. Chiefs public-relations director Bob Moore said the Chiefs were unaware of the incident and had not heard from Holmes recently. Holmes, who officially is on the physically unable-to-perform list, could not be reached for comment.

Hines Ward went through individual drills with the rest of the receivers early in practice, but had to beg off on other work after the hamstring did not respond when he planted and tried to cut. He was visibly upset with the setback, and the only physical thing he did the rest of practice was some light jogging under the supervision of trainer John Norwig. "I just have to be smart," Ward said. "It's about the regular season. I'm not concerned with anything else. I'm not going to step foot [out here] unless I'm 100 percent. I don't want to keep re-aggravating it. That's not going to get me anywhere."

Who Knew? Eagles Donovan McNabb has the second-best interception percentage in league history. He has been picked off just 66 times in 2,943 career passing attempts, for a percentage of 2.24. Only former Steelers/Jets/Bengals/Titans quarterback Neil O’Donnell (2.11) threw INTs less often among those with 1,500 attempts.

Falcons coach Jim Mora, appearing as a guest on FSN's Best Damn Sports Show Period, on why the media is so hard on Falcons QB Michael Vick: “Because he isn’t Johnny Unitas or Peyton Manning. He’s not a 6’4”, blond hair, blue-eyed, stand back in the pocket quarterback.”

Ashley Lelie will be the Falcons' No. 3 wide receiver behind Michael Jenkins and Roddy White. Coach Jim Mora has said it will be made clear that any receiver the team acquires will not leapfrog White and Jenkins and that disruption over the pecking order will not be tolerated. With Lelie being in the last year of his contract, that not might put him in the most advantageous situation to put up big numbers to increase his appeal. However, he is getting the chance to play, which probably was not going to be the case in Denver because of the acrimony between Lelie and the team.

Agent Peter Schaffer, said Ashley Lelie was happy with the outcome. "Ashley is pleased the deal was consummated," Schaffer said. "And he is certainly grateful (for) the professionalism shown by the Denver Broncos organization throughout this entire process. Ashley has nothing but good memories from his time in Denver and he's looking forward to the next chapter in his life." Schaffer had been trying to secure a deal for weeks and had formal discussions with the 49ers, Bears, Eagles and Titans before Tuesday's deal. The Bears have been known to have offered the Broncos a fourth-rounder for Lelie in recent weeks.

It is possible if the Dolphins find no takers for Manny Wright, they could keep him on the current exemption, maintaining their rights to him practically indefinitely. They could also opt to cut Wright. Wright was a fifth-round selection in the 2005 supplemental draft. It is unclear what the Dolphins would hope to get in return for Wright.

Did You Know? Cowboys WR Terry Glenn led the conference in yards per catch last season. His 18.3-yard average was the best of his 10-year career, and it tied for tops in the league with Denver’s Ashley Lelie. Glenn had 62 receptions for 1,136 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns. (He posted similarly impressive numbers in last night’s 30-7 preseason win over New Orleans: 4 catches, 71 yards, 17.8 average, 1 TD.)

When Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri sprained his ankle at practice last week, Indianapolis listed him as day-to-day. But it's going to be about a month's worth of days before Vinatieri kicks again for the Colts. Vinatieri is expected to miss Indianapolis' final two preseason games to rest the ankle he sprained while running during practice last week. He is expected to return for the Colts' Sunday night regular-season opener against the Giants in the Manning Brothers Bowl. But by that time, Vinatieri will have been sidelined nearly a month with his sprained ankle, an indication that his ankle injury was more serious than Colts fans knew.

Cardinals rookie Matt Leinart will be the first quarterback off the bench against Chicago on Friday, but Dennis Green isn't ready to name him the No. 2 quarterback. "At some point we'll say what our lineup is, but we don't need to be in a hurry for that," he said.

Jared Lorenzen will take his shot at the Giants' backup quarterback job when he replaces Eli Manning sometime in the second half of Friday night's preseason game against the Jets. The 6-4, 285-pound Lorenzen has had a terrific training camp in his second season with the Giants. Known more in his first NFL season for his weight than for his ability, he's surprised many by mounting a challenge to Tim Hasselbeck and Rob Johnson for the backup job.

When Giants veteran cornerback Sam Madison strained his hamstring last week, he anticipated he'd be nudged - gently or not-so-gently - to get back on the field as quickly as possible. Madison, though, missed the preseason game with the Chiefs on Thursday and has slowly returned to practice. "They're kind of like babying me right now," Madison said yesterday. "I feel I can go out there and do things, but they're giving me that pacifier." Tom Coughlin babying one of his players? "Babying is usually not a word he's usually associated with," Madison acknowledged. "It's kind of frustrating for me because I wanted to be out there and every time I try to go out there he'd be like, 'Ah . . . no.' It helps you a lot because it allows you to get healthy and you don't have to worry about future reoccurring injuries and it shows you they're trying to take care of you."

Broncos RB Mike Bell said he has to improve, particularly at protecting the quarterback in blocking the blitz. "It's very complicated and I have a long way to go," the Arizona product said. "This isn't college anymore. Guys are flying at you. I think I'm getting better at it. The plays are slowing down, but I still have to work every day on it."

Miami's inquiries don't seem to bother Olindo Mare. He said worrying about his future with the team is nothing new. ''You wonder every year,'' said Mare, starting his 10th season with the Dolphins. Mare said he was confident he would return because Mike Vanderjagt ''was a free agent and probably expecting some money.'' Mare is also one of the top kickoff specialists in the league. Vanderjagt isn't known for being really strong in that department. ''I know how we are here as far as special teams go,'' Mare said, ``and how important field position is.''

Chargers LB Donnie Edwards, who has not practiced since July 30, went through a second day of agility drills on the sideline. He appears – as he has for a while – close to returning.

Lions coach Rod Marinelli 's travel plans for Friday night's exhibition game at Oakland don't leave time for sightseeing -- unless it's done at 36,000 feet. The Lions depart Friday morning and return after the game. Kickoff is 10 p.m., Detroit time. The team will spend a few hours in a hotel after landing. Total flying time is about 10 hours and more than 4,000 miles. When asked about the trip after practice Tuesday, Marinelli would not discuss in detail his reasoning for taking the team to Oakland the day of the game.

Mike McMahon, who appears to have fallen from backup Vikings quarterback to No. 3, might not be the equal of J.T. O'Sullivan, who is No. 4.

Former Jets LB Bryan Cox, an assistant defensive line coach, is doing an excellent job working with the young guys. He uses the same trash-talking style and brutal honesty that served him well as a player to motivate his guys.

Browns coach Romeo Crennel said he has not decided whether Braylon Edwards would play against the Bills in Buffalo on Saturday. Edwards got a lot of work in Monday's two practices as he continues his comeback from knee surgery, but he scaled back Tuesday. Monday, Crennel held out the possibility Edwards might get a few plays. He seemed a little more restrained Tuesday. ``We feel good about his progress, but we're going to be cautious and conservative as far as he's concerned,'' Crennel said.

Did You Know? Last season, only four rookies in the National Football League who were drafted within the first four rounds were waived in camp. The list included two third-round choices, Carolina defensive tackle Atiyyah Ellison and Denver running back Maurice Clarett, and two fourth-round wide receivers, Craphonso Thorpe of Kansas City and Fred Gibson of Pittsburgh. In 2004, the only selection in the first four rounds who was out of football by the start of the regular season was defensive tackle Anthony Maddox of Jacksonville.

Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was excused from practice Tuesday to attend the funeral of a former college teammate in Suffolk, Va. "He is just at a funeral," Falcons coach Jim Mora said. "He will be back later today [Tuesday]." Vick attended the funeral of Derek Sadar Carter, 29, of Dunwoody, a former teammate at Virginia Tech, according to Reggie Roberts, Falcons vice president of football communication. Carter was murdered Aug. 14 in Lawrenceville during a drug deal that erupted into a shootout, police said.

Carolina veteran Kris Mangum, expected to be the starting tight end again this year, has instead missed virtually all of camp with plantar fasciitis. He is making progress, though -- he no longer wears the protective boot; he was able to discard it late last week.Tuesday, Mangum worked on agility drills and pass routes during practice, although he is still not ready to return to full participation. "It's day by day, really," he said. "Just come out and run, and then run again tomorrow and see what happens."

Who Knew? 30.75 - Average age of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks. Ben Roethlisberger won it at age 23, the youngest ever.

When Daunte Culpepper plays against Carolina, it will mark his return to Bank of America Stadium, where he tore three ligaments in his right knee Oct. 30. He sustained the injury on the final play of the first quarter after running for 18 yards. Dolphins coach Nick Saban isn't worried about how playing in Carolina could affect Culpepper. ''I do think him getting banged around a little bit last week probably is beneficial to him,'' Saban said. ``Certainly if that's something that is psychologically affecting him that would be something we need to manage."

Bears RB Cedric Benson's comment hints at an issue as big as his transgression, because the published report that brought the incident to light said two players volunteered information about his absence. "I just think it [stinks]," Benson said. "I was talking to [coach] Lovie [Smith] once, and he said, 'I know you don't trust people. But you should let your guard down a little because there are people you can trust.' "But damn. I'm afraid to let my guard down because the moment I do is the moment somebody will ... you know what I mean?"

Backup quarterback Jim Sorgi watched from the sidelines and had his right arm in a sling but did not take part in Tuesday’s practice. Sorgi injured his right shoulder in the second quarter of the Colts’ 30-17 preseason loss to Seattle. Although the results of a magnetic resonance imaging test haven’t been made public, Dungy is optimistic that the third-year signal-caller won’t be out for very long. ... Dungy said that the team will hold off looking for another quarterback for the time being. “I think we probably will, yes,” he said. “It doesn’t look like it’s going to be anything long-term debilitating, down the road, so that was good to hear.”

The phone rang on that Tuesday morning, just 16 hours after Junior Seau had announced his retirement in San Diego. He had plans to surf. The caller identified himself as Bill Belichick. Seau snorted. “Honestly, I thought my brothers were crank-calling me,” Seau said yesterday before his first full practice with the Patriots. “It was Belichick and the boys, Scott Pioli. It was a great call. It really was.” The result was Seau delaying for at least a year his “graduation” into life without football. The Patriots had a need at linebacker they thought Seau could fill. So at age 37 he took a spot in the middle of the defense of the Super Bowl contenders.

The Bucs have several issues to resolve before the start of the season, including who will be QB Chris Simms' backup, what will the first-team offense look like and who will be the backup fullback. There's even an issue on defense. The safety position is one in particular coaches will closely monitor Saturday night. "It's a position we're going to isolate carefully in this next game and the last two weeks of [the preseason]," Coach Jon Gruden said. Starters Jermaine Phillips and Will Allen may be the youngest players on the defense, but they both have starting experience. That experience, however, could be more extensive had they stayed healthy.