Timmons seems poised to oust Foote at inside LB

Transcription

1 Timmons seems poised to oust Foote at inside LB Page 1 of 3 Timmons seems poised to oust Foote at inside LB "My time might be winding down at that position. It's just a matter of when the coaches throw him in there." -- Larry Foote Wednesday, June 11, 2008 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Matt Freed/Post-Gazette Steelers 2007 No. 1 draft pick Lawrence Timmons. As Big Brown discovered, nothing is a sure thing in sports, not even a 1-7 shot. The closest, though, might be this: If you're drafted in the first round by the Steelers, you will have a starting job no later than your second pro season. Only one of their first-round draft choices did not become a regular starter by at least his second season since the infamous Huey Richardson in That was offensive tackle Jamain Stephens, a monumental bust of a pick in '96. Stephens did not become a regular until '98 and was cut the night after he collapsed, out of shape, during running drills on the first day of training camp the next season. Those are the cold, hard facts that face Larry Foote as he tries to hold onto his starting job at inside linebacker this spring and summer. Foote has been the Steelers' starting mack inside linebacker the past four seasons, lining up next to James Farrior. During that time, he started all 64 games and led the team with 123 tackles in 2005, despite not playing in their dime defense on passing downs.

2 Timmons seems poised to oust Foote at inside LB Page 2 of 3 Looming large behind him on the spring depth chart is Lawrence Timmons, the Steelers' first-round choice in 2007, the 15th overall pick and the first under Mike Tomlin's watch. The result of the competition going on at the mack linebacker looks inevitable. "I don't think it's competition," Foote said after another spring practice. "I really think it's just a matter of time until they throw him in there, just because of the politics of the game -- and it looks like he can play." That's a major difference between Timmons and Stephens/Richardson, each of whom showed a stunning inability to play on the pro level right from the start. Timmons played mostly on special teams last season and has displayed great speed and quickness in practices. He must show he knows the defense and has the football instincts that mesmerized Tomlin when he saw him at Florida State. "We don't know yet because he hasn't been out there," Foote said of Timmons' limited play in games, "but it looks like he can get it down. "My time might be winding down at that position. It's just a matter of when the coaches throw him in there." Foote won't give up his four-year hold on the job without a fight, despite his words that merely reflect an understanding of the situation. "My whole career has been up and down. I've been in this spot before. You can't worry about that stuff. When they feel like he's ready, I'm quite sure he's going to be in there." Farrior was a first-round draft choice of the New York Jets who had trouble finding a regular position until he signed with the Steelers as a free agent in 2002 and flourished here. He, too, believes Timmons can handle the job, but will have to pry it away from Foote's grasp first. "It's not going to be an easy win if he's trying to take the spot," Farrior said. "We all want to win and we all want to do what's best for the team. Whatever that is and whatever the coaches ask us to do we have to do." It's feasible that ultimately Timmons could play the buck linebacker position, the one Farrior holds. Barring injuries, that won't happen this season, but Farrior, 33, enters the final season of his contract, and Timmons' abilities seem suited more for the buck than the mack. The buck must drop and cover receivers more often, must be quick and fast -- it's a more athletic position. The buck usually stays on the field in the dime defense as the lone inside linebacker; he's the one who calls the defensive signals, and Farrior will wear the helmet with the radio receiver in it this season. Tomlin does not publicly analyze the various competitions on his team this spring, but he's known to be excited about Timmons' possibilities. He's having a much better time of it than he did as a rookie, when his hamstring was injured in the first minicamp practice and he missed the rest of the spring drills with his new teammates. "He's healthy, for one," Farrior said. "And I think this offseason gave him some time to reflect and look back on the defense and try to really understand it. I think he's coming along just fine."

3 Timmons seems poised to oust Foote at inside LB Page 3 of 3 NOTE -- Instead of putting his players through practice yesterday, Tomlin took them bowling. They practice today and wind up their spring sessions tomorrow. Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com. First published on June 11, 2008 at 12:00 am

4 NFL Notebook: Bentley returns to Browns' camp Page 1 of 1 NFL Notebook: Bentley returns to Browns' camp Wednesday, June 11, 2008 From wire dispatches Center LeCharles Bentley practiced with the Cleveland Browns yesterday in Berea, Ohio, the first time he has been on the field with the team since his left knee was injured at the start of training camp in Bentley passed a physical and running test Monday and was cleared by the Browns to return. Bentley will participate in individual drills during the three-day minicamp that started yesterday but doesn't know when he can take part in contact drills. Bentley, a two-time Pro Bowl center with New Orleans, signed a six-year, $36 million freeagent contract in March 2006 with the Browns. His dream of playing for his hometown team ended quickly when his left patellar tendon was torn on the first full-contact play of training camp that year. He hasn't played since. After surgery to repair the tendon, he developed a staph infection and needed three more operations. Eagles Quarterback Donovan McNabb is sitting out passing camp with shoulder tendinitis. Kevin Kolb, a second-round pick last season, worked with the first-team offense. Seahawks Coach Mike Holmgren, 60, missed a second day in a row of minicamp in Kirkland, Wash. The team says he was out with a minor, but undisclosed, medical condition. Elsewhere The BBC will offer live television coverage of the Oct. 26 regular-season game between the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints at London's Wembley Stadium. The live telecast last year of the first NFL regular-season game played outside North America, between the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins, was only on Sky Sports -- a satellite subscription channel. First published on June 11, 2008 at 12:00 am

5 Dwight White's funeral at noon - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 1 Funeral at noon for Super Bowl Steelers' star Dwight White By The Associated Press Wednesday, June 11, 2008 Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Dwight White, a member of the team's four Super Bowl championship squads in the 1970s, is being laid to rest. White died Friday at age 58 of complications following back surgery. He was a member of the team's Steel Curtain defense and scored the franchise's first-ever Super Bowl points when he tackled Minnesota Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton for a safety in Super Bowl IX. Funeral services begin at noon at Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh. The Associated Press can be reached at or. Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

6 .: Print Version :. Page 1 of 1 Print Page WEDNESDAY JUNE 11, 2008 :: Last modified: Wednesday, June 11, :07 AM EDT Steelers skip practice to go bowling By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff PITTSBURGH Mike Tomlin likes to reward the Steelers every so often when he feels they re working extra hard. So that s what the coach did Tuesday by bussing them to a bowling alley. Instead of doing football drills at team headquarters, the Steelers played two games at Brunswick Playmor Bowl in West Mifflin. Instead of sweating on the practice field in an organized team activity, it was a day of laughing and joking as the Steelers took to the bowling lanes. There were plenty of strikes and spares. There were plenty to gutter balls, too. Man, it s a good thing we don t get paid to bowl, Steelers free safety Ryan Clark said. But it was fun. It was a good day. It was awesome, added defensive tackle Chris Hoke. Just a great experience. With close to 100 players, coaches and other team employees bowling, punter Dan Sepulveda led with a high game of 237. Hoke rolled games of 97 and 139. Guard Chris Kemoeatu had a 139 and an 80. I don t even want to tell you what I bowled, tackle Marvel Smith said. But most importantly, it was a good time. The scores were definitely better than last year when we did this. Guys must have been practicing their bowling because they were so embarrassed by their scores last year. Today, the Steelers get back to work in earnest for another OTA. The last of those voluntary workouts is Thursday. Then the team is off until training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe. The Steelers must report to camp on Sunday, July 27. Their first practice is Monday, July 28.

7 Strahan Flashes a Smile as a Giant for the Last Time - NYTimes.com Page 1 of 3 June 11, 2008 Strahan Flashes a Smile as a Giant for the Last Time By JOHN BRANCH EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. After a year of seriously contemplating retirement, the most difficult part for Michael Strahan came at the end. He woke up in California on Monday morning and called the Giants. I was shocked, Strahan said Tuesday during a farewell news conference at Giants Stadium. Oh, I did this. I did it. I absolutely made the call that just ended my career. Befitting his personality and persona, Strahan was relaxed and funny, occasionally introspective without being saccharine. He shed no tears and routinely unveiled his familiar gap-toothed grin, setting off the clicking shutters of cameras every time. He admitted that, at 36 and coming off his career s lone Super Bowl victory, he feels good enough physically to continue playing defensive end. But he found himself wondering just why he would continue a sign he took to mean that it was time to stop. I think after 15 years, the man upstairs said: Michael, I let you stick around for 15. I gave you a ring. Now don t be stupid, Strahan said. So I m trying not to be stupid. The Giants dining room, windowless and charmless, was set up as it usually is after a game. Folding chairs were lined in rows for reporters, backed by 15 television cameras. A dais was placed in front of a Giants banner. The only differences between the postgame and the postcareer setup were two Strahan jerseys (home and away) hung from the banner, and a No. 92 helmet resting on a stand in front. Coach Tom Coughlin entered wearing a dark suit and gave a sermon-like send-off, listing accomplishments and extolling the virtues of Strahan as a player and as a locker-room leader. He put team above self, Coughlin said. And that s the greatest thing he did. Strahan took the podium wearing a gray pinstripe suit coat, an unbuttoned white shirt and a smile. After that speech, I m wondering if I m in a box and they re burying me or something, he said. He punctuated the moment with a wide-mouthed ha-ha, and cameras clicked audibly from all sides of the room. And that is the side of Strahan that may be the most difficult to replace the one with the magnetism to

8 Strahan Flashes a Smile as a Giant for the Last Time - NYTimes.com Page 2 of 3 capture everyone s attention, whether teammates, reporters or fans. As Strahan spoke, Giants players were out of view, lined up down a side hallway that leads toward the locker room. Strahan spoke for about 10 minutes before taking questions for another 20. I ve played hard, I ve played well, I ve always played my best, said Strahan, with Coughlin standing behind him and John Mara, the team president, and Jerry Reese, the general manager, seated along a side wall. And at some point you have to realize that you ve done just about all you can do and need to do. And then it s time to move on. That s why I m here before you today: To say that it s over. Strahan was selected by the Giants in the second round of the 1993 draft, and he admitted that, at the time, he hoped to last three years. To do the things that I ve done just doesn t seem real, he said. He became the franchise s leader in games played (216 in the regular season and 10 in the playoffs) and sacks (141 ½). He made the Pro Bowl seven times, and is likely to be inducted into the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible in While he will always be regarded as one of the great pass rushers in history (he is fifth on the career sacks list; the N.F.L. did not recognize sacks as a statistic until 1982), Strahan provided a little-known secret amid his retirement announcement: He liked playing against the run more than rushing the passer. He is most proud of his all-around ability at a time of increased specialization in the league. Strahan became the rare Hall of Fame-caliber player to spend an entire career with one team and end it with a Super Bowl victory. The Giants, underdogs throughout the playoffs, beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, Some friends told Strahan that he should try for another championship. For me not to search for another, I don t see any shame in that, Strahan said. There could hardly be a better script for the end of any playing career, and the Giants seemed to appreciate it, too. They did not try to talk Strahan into staying, recognizing a rare and appropriate chance for a player to make a grand exit. The Giants did offer Strahan more than the $4 million salary he was due to make this season, but Strahan said that money was not an issue. The issue was passion for the game. There is nothing like it, Strahan said of football. You come out of that tunnel and you have the cheers, or you have the boos and in some stadiums worse. There is nothing, absolutely, like that. And if I didn t have the passion to feel that, then money couldn t buy the passion. Strahan spent a few months letting the emotions from the Super Bowl and the nagging possibility of retirement slow to a simmer.

9 Strahan Flashes a Smile as a Giant for the Last Time - NYTimes.com Page 3 of 3 He leaned toward retirement, then gave himself a deadline of Monday, because the Giants will hold a threeday minicamp beginning on Wednesday. Strahan, always the center of attention, no longer wanted to be a distraction. That was why he picked up the phone and made the most difficult of phone calls, to announce that he was retiring, when he really did not have to. Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company Privacy Policy Search Corrections RSS First Look Help Contact Us Work for Us Site Map

10 Paper: Late steroids dealer said he supplied Titans' Fowler - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 2 Powered by Paper: Late steroids dealer said he supplied Titans' Fowler DALLAS (AP) Convicted steroids dealer David Jacobs told reporters before his death last week that he supplied Tennessee Titans linebacker Ryan Fowler with performance-enhancing drugs before and after the 2006 season, a newspaper reported Tuesday. Advertisement The Dallas Morning News story came after it was revealed Monday that Fowler is under investigation by the NFL in an apparent steroids case. Peter Ginsberg, Fowler's attorney, told the Associated Press on Monday that he assumed the investigation stemmed from the death of Jacobs, who police say killed himself and his girlfriend in their Plano home. Ginsberg also denied Fowler took steroids. "He's never tested positive for any banned substance," the lawyer told the AP. "The accusations are without any basis." In comments Jacobs made to the newspaper, which the Morning News did not made public until now, he said Fowler credited him for helping get a four-year, $11.5 million contract from the Titans after two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. "After he got his big contract, he came back, knocked on my door and hugged me," Jacobs said. "He said, thanks, I just got $12 million." The bodies of Jacobs, 35, and Amanda Joe Earhart-Savell were found Thursday in the master bedroom of Jacobs' home. His death was ruled a suicide, and police have said a.40-caliber Glock was found next to Jacobs. Jacobs was sentenced to three years probation and fined $25,000 May 1 after pleading guilty last year in federal court in Dallas to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids. Jacobs previously told the Morning News he did not want to publicly implicate Fowler, whom he said was a "nice guy." He said he did not work out with Fowler. He told the newspaper earlier this year that Fowler didn't know if it was fair to take steroids, but "when he talked to his buddies... he found out they were all doing it, so he didn't feel bad anymore." Fowler allegedly met Jacobs through Bob Johnson, an amateur bodybuilder in suburban Dallas. Johnson said Fowler just wanted some vitamins and was "real adamant" about not taking anything illegal. "I don't believe anything Jacobs said," Johnson said. "He died the way he lived his life always taking somebody down with him." Jacobs met twice with NFL security officials and gave them names of players he said bought steroids from him. He has said he sold tens of thousands of dollars worth of performance-enhancing drugs to former Cowboys' offensive lineman Matt Lehr in 2006 and Lehr's attorney has denied his client used banned substances after a four-game suspension in The NFL said last week it is evaluating information provided by Jacobs.

11 Paper: Late steroids dealer said he supplied Titans' Fowler - USATODAY.com Page 2 of 2 Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Find this article at: Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

12 ESPN.com - Holmgren misses second straight day of Seahawks' minicamp Page 1 of 2 ESPN.com: NFL [Print without images] Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Holmgren misses second straight day of Seahawks' minicamp Associated Press KIRKLAND, Wash. -- Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren missed a second consecutive day of minicamp Wednesday with what a team spokesman continued to emphasize was a minor but undisclosed medical condition. Holmgren, who turns 60 Sunday and is entering his 10th and final season as Seattle's coach, is expected on the field Wednesday. He had been expected back Tuesday. Instead, longtime offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Gil Haskell has been running practices during the Seahawks' final minicamp before training camp begins late next month. Assistant head coach Jim Mora, whom the Seahawks have already signed to a five-year contract to be Holmgren's successor beginning in 2009, has remained in his role as the team's defensive backs coach. Holmgren is still scheduled to address the media at the end of practice Thursday, when the minicamp ends. Holmgren's agent, Bob Lamonte, was traveling Tuesday and did not return a message from The Associated Press. "If it was serious, we would have made sure you already knew about it," a Seahawks spokesman said of Holmgren's issue. In June 2005, Holmgren missed a day of a minicamp when he went to a hospital after feeling discomfort in his chest, but tests showed no problems. He has repeatedly talked of how thankful he's been for having fine health throughout his 16 years as an NFL head coach. And he has hinted he may want to move into an executive's role with an NFL team once his Seattle contract ends following this season. At the end of last season he playfully expressed envy for the cushier lives of friends and former coaches Bill Cowher, now a TV analyst, and Bill Parcells, now an executive with the Miami Dolphins. Also Tuesday, a clerk for the Kirkland Municipal Court said Pro Bowl linebacker Lofa Tatupu is scheduled to be arraigned June 17 on a drunken driving charge. Tatupu, who is expected to plead not guilty, was arrested May 10 after an officer reported seeing him driving about 50 mph in a 35 mph zone near team headquarters in suburban Kirkland. The police report said Tatupu registered blood-alcohol levels of.155 and.158 in breath test readings -- nearly twice the.08 legal intoxication threshold in Washington. Those readings came about two hours after Tatupu was stopped in the drive-thru lane of a fast-food restaurant. Starting defensive tackle Rocky Bernard is scheduled to have a hearing Monday in Seattle Municipal Court. Bernard has pleaded not guilty to a domestic violence assault charge. The 29-year-old, in the final

13 ESPN.com - Holmgren misses second straight day of Seahawks' minicamp Page 2 of 2 year of his contract, is accused of hitting his girlfriend in the head in April at a Seattle nightclub. Tatupu and Bernard are not commenting on their cases until they are resolved. ESPN.com: Help PR Media Kit Sales Media Kit Report a Bug Contact Us News Archive Site Map ESPN Shop Jobs at ESPN Supplier Information 2008 ESPN Internet Ventures. Terms of Use (Updated 5/6/08) and Privacy Policy and Safety Information/Your California Privacy Rights are applicable to you. All rights reserved.