NFL News & Notes

posted on 04/24/04 at 10:25:31 pm by Joel Ross

Today is the NFL draft, and it's quite interesting this year. Here's some headlines:


Eli Manning says he won't play for the Chargers. What does he expect? If you are the best player available, then most likely, you'll end up on a bad team (the Pistons last year with the #2 pick in the NBA draft was an exception). That's how it works. The bad teams get good picks. Eli Manning is a good pick. But it's more than that. The Chargers are the one who leaked this story. Why? Because if they trade him away (they did), and it doesn't work out, they can point to this and say, "We were forced to do it!" But does that help them? Did the Giants lower their offer knowing the Chargers had to trade him? Who knows what they might have gotten if this remains silent. Maybe they're did it to expose Manning? He did look a little childish having his dad speak for him, even if his dad was in the NFL. I think the Chargers should have kept him, and if he wants to sit, so be it. You take the good with the bad (yeah, because making 6 mill, with a 15 mill signing bonus is bad!).


Clarrett and Williams were not eligible to be drafted. I think this will get turned over and there will be a supplemental draft for these two. I don?t think the NFL will be able to justify being able to limit someone's ability to be employed based on age, as long as they are over 18. It's discrimination. And the NFL's worry about diluting the talent pool? Well, this year, two people opted to try it. One is ready (Williams) and one doesn't have any other choice. Yeah, the talent of the NFL would be way too diluted for me to watch if these two play next year! If they don't get in, I feel bad for Williams. He didn't declare eligible and sign an agent until a judge said it was okay for him to enter. Now, the courts say no, and he can't go back to college (an appeal may work because of the circumstances). If there's no supplemental draft, he gets the shaft. As for Clarrett, he burned his own bridges.


Pat Tillman was killed yesterday fighting for his country. For those who are unaware, Tillman gave up his contract with the Cardinals to join the Army Rangers and fight for the freedom of this country. First, let me say this: Pat Tillman is a hero. Absolutely, he is. He gave up his life for a greater purpose. And because he is well known, he is getting a lot of press. But every man and woman that is fighting for our country, or lost his or her life defending it is just as much a hero as Pat is. Every one of them is giving up a lot for us. And, while Pat is getting a lot of press right now, every one of them is a hero in my eyes. So when you here about Pat, think of him as a representative for every one of the men and women who have given up everything so that you and I can enjoy the freedoms that we currently have.


On a lighter note, Detroit picked up another wide receiver this year - Roy Williams - and got a needed running back in Kevin Jones. Their defense was pretty good last year. Now if Harrington can get his act together, and the offense can stay healthy, they could be pretty good. I have my doubts, but who knows. The Tigers are 11-7 right now, so anything is possible!

Categories: Sports, Football