Rooney's pals among NFL owners could block sale

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1 Rooney's pals among NFL owners could block sale - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 5 Rooney's pals among NFL owners could block sale By Carl Prine and Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Tuesday, August 5, 2008 In his battle to keep control of the fabled franchise his father founded 75 years ago, Steelers chief Dan Rooney might have the ultimate trump card up his sleeve -- the ability to persuade at least eight NFL team owners to scuttle a sale. Five sons of the late Art Rooney Sr. combine to control 80 percent of Pittsburgh Steelers Sports Inc. stock, and their McGinley relatives hold the rest. New York billionaire and rabid Black & Gold fan Stanley Druckenmiller has been sniffing out a McGinley sale since 2006 and recently announced that he's talking to the Rooney brothers about finalizing a deal for their stake. Steelers President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Rooney has acknowledged that he's retained PNC bank and Wall Street finance house Morgan Stanley to try to keep control of a team he manages alongside his son, Art Rooney II. Druckenmiller is talking to Dan Rooney and to his brothers, who hired the analysts at Goldman Sachs to help them navigate a potential sale worth an estimated $700 million to $1.2 billion. Even if he boxes out Dan Rooney, Druckenmiller would have to jump more hurdles to buy the team, including a vetting of his financial bonafides and character by the National Football League front office, the scrutiny of the NFL Finance Committee and garnering at least 24 votes from 32 franchise owners. "Has a prospective owner been rejected? Yes. Several times," said NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, pointing to the failed 1998 bid for the Vikings led by novelist Tom Clancy and the 1999 pursuit of the Redskins by New York developer Howard Milstein. "Often the rejection is somewhat informal. In other words, it becomes clear that there will not be sufficient support or that there are insurmountable hurdles to approval, and the prospective owner withdraws prior to a formal vote being taken." According to Article III of the NFL Constitution and Bylaws, if the Rooneys have proposed "to retain an investment bank, broker or similar agent" in connection with a sale, a meeting must occur among the family, their agent, Commissioner Roger Goodell and New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson, chairman of the NFL's Finance Committee. NFL's Aiello said this hasn't happened -- yet. But he said that Goodell has

2 Rooney's pals among NFL owners could block sale - Tribune-Review Page 2 of 5 agreed "to meet with the Rooney brothers within the next few weeks" to discuss an apparently ongoing dispute over a looming sale. Dan Rooney declined to comment for this article. Dan Rooney is uniquely respected throughout the NFL. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000, Rooney's biography at Canton boasts of his five Super Bowl wins, his patient and moderating role in negotiating collective bargaining agreements with the players' union, and his leadership on crucial committees that led to making the NFL into a multibillion-dollar business. Rooney helped sculpt blockbuster television contracts and pressed for greater minority participation in the coaching ranks. That's the sort of pedigree that gives Rooney a bit more leeway when it comes to delaying or destroying a rival offer for the team -- as long as it can be justified economically and legally. "The Packers, this organization and as myself, we would support him. Just knowing what he's brought the league is enough. But we don't know the whole picture yet. A new owner would need to show a strong case for us to vote against Dan Rooney," said Green Bay Packers President and Chief Executive Officer Mark H. Murphy. Because about 112,000 cheeseheads actually own the team -- but get no royalties from revenues -- Murphy represents the only publicly traded nonprofit club at NFL owners' meetings. During those confabs, Dan Rooney sits with two chums -- John Mara of the New York Giants and Jerry Richardson of the Carolina Panthers. How tight are they? Mara insists his loyalty to Rooney "extends to just about anything." When Rooney, Richardson and Mara gather for league meetings, the first to arrive saves seats together for the trio. Not that it's all that necessary. During the past 15 years, other owners have learned to leave three seats in a row for you-know-who. Through a spokesman, Richardson declined comment. Mara said NFL owners wanted Dan Rooney to retain control but refused to telegraph how he would vote if his pal asked. "There isn't one person in the league who wants this to happen. Everyone wants it to work out. Dan Rooney is the most respected owner in the league," said Mara, the grandson of Hall of Fame Giants founder Timothy Mara and eldest son of Hall of Fame Giants boss Wellington Mara. Other owners also are taking a wait-and-see approach. "There's no man in that room who has more respect and pull than Dan Rooney. That's period," said Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay. "At the same time, the game's bigger than all of us, and no one is going to do something that isn't consistent with what is in the best interests of the National

3 Rooney's pals among NFL owners could block sale - Tribune-Review Page 3 of 5 Football League and the sort of rules and different things that are set up. "There's always a way to tailor-make something if it's reasonable. You're going to try to make it work, but you have to understand that no one is going to do anything that blocks something that would be out of sheer friendship that would go against business practices and the good of the game and the league." Vowing to do everything he can to help the Hall of Fame Steeler keep a team his family has held since 1933, Irsay said he spoke to Dan Rooney in the middle of July about the potential sale. Irsay said he found the eldest of The Chief's sons "optimistic," but also "pragmatic enough to know that he's got his hands full." "You do the best you can. It's like anything else if you're facing 4th and 19, you try to come up with a play and you try to execute it. It's a tough deal, but I think he's looking at every avenue, and I'm sure that there's a lot of moving pieces and things to make it work," Irsay said. The Trib canvassed investment bankers, deal makers, and tax and probate attorneys across the continent to gauge the likelihood of Dan Rooney blocking a Druckenmiller bid for majority control of the team, if his brothers sold. Consensus: Slim chance. "I don't think legally you can force other members of the family to hold onto ownership. I don't think that would pass legal muster," said New Jersey MZ Sports CEO and President Mitch Ziets, an investment banker focusing on the sports industry. "Here's the way it would work in the real world: They would find another buyer, and another buyer, and another buyer and another buyer. You can't keep shooting people down. The league would get sued at some point. You can't just thwart a sale." The NFL has been sued before over allegedly tinkering with bids. In a 1999 federal lawsuit, Milstein charged Redskins and NFL officials with colluding to fix the bidding process, calling it a "charade" after learning he didn't have enough owners on board to support his $800 million offer. He reportedly withdrew the charges in exchange for $30 million from the NFL. The Redskins and their stadium eventually transferred to marketing services billionaire Daniel Snyder, an estate sale triggered by the death of legendary owner Jack Kent Cooke in The same issues that drove the Cooke family to eventually sell to Snyder are bedeviling the Rooney brothers and other scions of professional football families who want to pass teams to the third and fourth generations. Seventeen of the 32 franchises were purchased before 1990 and some, like the Bears and Cardinals, have been in the hands of relatives since early in the 20th century. Top worry: State and federal estate taxes will gobble up half the team's value in

4 Rooney's pals among NFL owners could block sale - Tribune-Review Page 4 of 5 the event of a death. Rocketing franchise values mean that it's hard for minority owners like Dan Rooney to raise the capital necessary to buy out the other partners to pass the franchise to his heirs. Each of the Rooney brothers holds a 16 percent stake in the franchise. Their investments in increasingly lucrative casino gambling operations in New York and Florida are at odds with NFL rules against wagering, but that's not their only problem. NFL bylaws mandate that a controlling owner hold at least 20 percent of a team's stock. Some clubs owned by longtime football families, like the Steelers, are grandfathered in -- a "controlling owner" must hold at least 20 percent of the franchise stock, with another 10 percent kept by his or her immediate family. Just to comply with the NFL's rules, Dan Rooney must convince his brothers or their McGinley relatives to let him increase his stakehold, while praying they don't sell more to a rival offering more cash. Then, he must convince a brother to retain that crucial 10 percent cut. Depending on the market value of the team, that means Dan Rooney first must find between $28 million and $48 million. "The problem is that if you're a minority shareholder, you believe you deserve a minority discount," said Schneider Downs managing partner Donald A. Linzer. "But the others might not agree." If Rooney can't find that kind of scratch or fails to persuade his relatives to help him keep the club, he reaches what Linzer calls a "strategy by default" -- one or more white knight investors must arrive to buy shares at high prices and let him or his heirs keep running things. "Find someone you can live with," said Linzer. Al Davis finagled that in November when he sold 20 percent of the Oakland Raiders to three East Coast investors for a reported $150 million. Druckenmiller declined to comment on whether he wants a little of the Steelers or a whole lot. He apparently can live with Dan Rooney. The hedge fund billionaire publicly has praised the Steelers' exec and vowed if he buys the Black & Gold to keep Rooney in the front office. When it comes to living well with investors, NFL owners and franchise execs pointed the Trib to two franchises they admire for doing just that -- the Packers and the Giants. Green Bay Packers, Inc. isn't held to the same rules. While there are nearly 112,000 shareholders in the franchise, they don't earn a dividend because the team is really a public nonprofit corporation. Four times in its history, fans have been asked to invest to save the team. They always came through and today hold 4.2 million shares.

5 Rooney's pals among NFL owners could block sale - Tribune-Review Page 5 of 5 With about $240 million in annual revenues and very little debt, the Pack "would be up there" as one of the most expensive transactions if it ever sold, Green Bay CEO Murphy said, but the team can't be traded without all the proceeds going to charity. "Our shareholders never benefit financially from it," Murphy said. The Packers took $21 million from a 1998 stock offering to help revamp Lambeau Field. Since the $295 million facelift finished in 2003, new revenue streams from expanded club seating, luxury boxes, pro shops and retail outlets flooded Packer coffers. That kept the team competitive enough vying for players that the Packers won three NFC Division North titles since the renovation. A former star safety for the Redskins and member of the players' union, Murphy said the Packers are churning profits into a special "preservation fund" in case of labor strife after the collective bargaining agreement with players ends in If the NFL families could raise cash by selling shares of non-voting stock to diehard fans like the Packers and three Canadian Football League teams do, small-market franchises could stick around for a long time. Or at least that sort of "hybrid community ownership" is what U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins, D-NY, has asked the NFL to allow Buffalo to pursue to keep the Bills in town, instead of bolting to Toronto in case 89-year-old owner Ralph C. Wilson dies. NFL rules forbid the practice, except for Green Bay. So that leaves the Giants' model. In 1991, Bob Tisch was a billionaire whose conglomerate included holdings in finance, hotels, resorts, real estate, oil, luxury brands, tobacco manufacturing and insurance. The Maras were one of the founding families of professional football and ran the reigning Super Bowl champs "like a mom and pop operation," recalled CEO John Mara. Tisch bought half the team and the end result was "a good marriage" that strengthened the franchise by mixing institutional football knowhow with modern business practices, according to Mara. Tisch revamped the team's budgeting and purchasing procedures, brought his expertise in travel and insurance to bear on the Giants' bills and instilled financial discipline. Three Tisch relatives remain on the Giants' board. "It worked out very, very well. It's been a great relationship with the Tisch family and one of the reasons I think it has been so successful is because it's based on a mutual friendship and a great deal of mutual respect," Mara said. Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

6 Goodell requests Rooney meeting - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 1 Goodell requests Rooney meeting By The Associated Press Tuesday, August 5, 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney and his four brothers will meet soon at the request of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to help resolve the team's unsettled ownership situation. A date for the meeting has not been announced. At least three Rooney brothers want to share their shares -- each owns 16 percent -- to avoid costly future inheritance taxes for their children and grandchildren. The NFL also wants one owner to control a majority stake, although Dan Rooney -- who has run the team since the early 1970s -- owns only 16 percent himself. Dan Rooney and son Art Rooney II, the team president, are attempting to buy enough shares to be the primary owners, but their two previous offers were for much less money than the Rooney brothers could sell for the open market. Those brothers apparently want to sell to Stanley Druckenmiller, a billionaire investor and Steelers fan who wants to buy into the team only if he has the majority stake. If Druckenmiller becomes the primary owner, the Steelers will not be owned by the Rooney family for the first time since founder Art Rooney Sr. briefly sold the team in 1941 before repurchasing it a few months later. Goodell asked for the meeting last weekend after being briefed on negotiations by former commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who is working as a consultant on the sale at Goodell's request. Several Rooney brothers have decided to sell partly because they own shares of racetracks that now offer casino gaming not permitted by the NFL. Brothers Tim and Pat Rooney, who are involved in the family's racing business, have resigned from the Steelers board of directors and brother Art Rooney Jr., a former Steelers scouting director, has sold off most of his race track shares. The other brother, John, is believed to want to sell his shares. The other 20 percent stake in the Steelers is owned by the family of the late Barney McGinley, who helped Art Rooney Sr. reacquire the Steelers in 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

7 Goodell requests Rooneys meet to discuss Steelers' possible sale - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 1 Powered by Goodell requests Rooneys meet to discuss Steelers' possible sale LATROBE, Pa. (AP) Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney and his four brothers will meet soon at the request of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to help resolve the team's unsettled ownership situation. Advertisement A date for the meeting has not been announced. At least three Rooney brothers want to sell their shares each owns 16 percent to avoid costly future inheritance taxes for their children and grandchildren. The NFL also wants one owner to control a majority stake, although Dan Rooney who has run the team since the early 1970s owns only 16 percent himself. Dan Rooney and son Art Rooney II, the team president, are attempting to buy enough shares to be the primary owners, but their two previous offers were for much less money than the Rooney brothers could sell for the open market. Those brothers apparently want to sell to Stanley Druckenmiller, a billionaire investor and Steelers fan who wants to buy into the team only if he has the majority stake. If Druckenmiller becomes the primary owner, the Steelers will not be owned by the Rooney family for the first time since founder Art Rooney Sr. briefly sold the team in 1941 before repurchasing it a few months later. Goodell asked for the meeting last weekend after being briefed on negotiations by former commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who is working as a consultant on the sale at Goodell's request. Several Rooney brothers have decided to sell partly because they own shares of racetracks that now offer casino gaming not permitted by the NFL. Brothers Tim and Pat Rooney, who are involved in the family's racing business, have resigned from the Steelers board of directors and brother Art Rooney Jr., a former Steelers scouting director, has sold off most of his race track shares. The other brother, John, is believed to want to sell his shares. The other 20 percent stake in the Steelers is owned by the family of the late Barney McGinley, who helped Art Rooney Sr. reacquire the Steelers in 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.

8 Hartwig brought in as free-agent center after Mahan struggles with vital role Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL Hartwig brought in as free-agent center after Mahan struggles with vital role Steelers Training Camp / Day 9 Saint Vincent College, Latrobe Tuesday, August 05, 2008 By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Peter Diana / Post-Gazette Center Justin Hartwig looks for the defense during morning workouts yesterday at Saint Vincent College. Hartwig is the newest free agent brought in to play the tradition-rich position in the Steelers' offensive line. The position is one of the grandest in team history, manned by just a few in the past four decades, but performed with such excellence that historians can't even come up with a better lineage at one position in the annals of the National Football League. Playing center for the Steelers is like singing tenor in Carnegie Hall -- not many get to do it but those who have are the best at what they do. For 31 seasons, from , the Steelers employed only three centers -- Mike Webster, Dermontti Dawson and Jeff Hartings -- players who combined to make 14 All-Pro teams and be selected to 18 Pro Bowls. Now they are looking at having that many different centers in the past three seasons. The latest candidate is Justin Hartwig, signed as a free agent in the offseason after two injury-riddled seasons with the Carolina Panthers. He was brought in because the Steelers were dissatisfied with the performance of the center they signed to a five-year, $17 million contract after the 2006 season to replace the retired Hartings -- Sean Mahan. The coaches think Hartwig is bigger (6 feet 5, 310 pounds) and tougher than Mahan, and better equipped to handle the bigger nose tackles that gave the Steelers so many fits last season. "He's a bigger guy who has some strength and anchors pretty well," offensive line coach Larry Zierlein said. "He's a strong guy, a pretty physical guy." The Steelers hope this experiment will work with Hartwig, who was signed to a two-year deal for $3,725,000. Like Hartings, a former guard who signed as a free agent in 2001 after playing five seasons with the Detroit Lions, Hartwig is a former tackle who spent six seasons in the NFL (four with the Tennessee Titans, two with the Panthers) before joining the Steelers. For now, Hartwig has spent the first week of training camp alternating series with Mahan, who started all 17 games last season and usually begins practice as the first-team center. But, remember, the same thing happened last season when Mahan, despite his big contract, came to training camp as the No. 2 center and spent the first week playing behind Chukky Okobi.

9 Hartwig brought in as free-agent center after Mahan struggles with vital role Page 2 of 2 "They basically told me they would open the spot back up for competition, that's why they brought me in," Hartwig said. "They watched me play, I started in the league the last five years, and they thought I could help the team out and potentially start. They didn't make me any promises. I was given an opportunity to come in and start, that's what it is. I felt good about what coach [Mike] Tomlin said. I'm not afraid of competition. That's the way it is every year." Since Dawson, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, retired after the 2000 season, the Steelers have attempted to man the center position through free agency. They haven't drafted a center who became a full-time starter since Webster, a fifth-round pick in Dawson was a guard at Kentucky when he was selected in the second round in 1988 and actually played alongside Webster on the offensive line his first season with the Steelers. Since 1988, the Steelers have drafted only four centers -- Chuck Lanza (1988), Kendall Gammons (1992), Okobi (2001) and Drew Caylor (2004) -- none of whom were full-time starters. "The center has a lot of responsibility on this offensive line," Hartwig said. "We're responsible for calling out the defense and the defensive personnel, the linebackers, who's doing what, declaring the defense, we're pretty much responsible for all the blocking calls. Everybody has their own individual calls, but the center sets the tone and decides how we block the play." The Steelers will settle for Hartwig merely blocking the nose tackle -- something they weren't always able to do last season. The problems began in Week 10 against the New York Jets when nose tackle Dewayne Robertson had 2 1/2 of the seven sacks against Ben Roethlisberger. Worse, the Steelers and their No. 1 running attack managed only 112 yards rushing on 33 attempts against the Jets, who, statistically, had the league's worst rush defense. After the game, Tomlin was critical of the way his team failed to handle Robertson. Later, he noted that opposing nose tackles were creating problems for the Steelers by lining up directly over Mahan, making it difficult to get double-team blocks on them. The Steelers are hoping Hartwig won't need double-team help. He has added 15 pounds since signing with the Steelers and he said his body feels good after two surgeries in his first season with the Panthers -- one for a hernia a month before the start of the regular season and another in November for a torn abductor that ended his season. "I have watched some film with coach Zierlein in meetings, and we need to get better all the way around," Hartwig said. "Sean was in his first year last year and they had different breakdowns all over in protection. "The thing people don't realize about the offensive line, when there are a lot of sacks, they want to blame it on the five guys up front. Obviously, there are times when guys get beat, but we have to protect as an offense. Every single person on offense has a responsibility. It's the collective group that needs to get it done." But, with the Steelers, it all starts with the center. Gerry Dulac can be reached at gdulac@post-gazette.com or First published on August 5, 2008 at 12:00 am

10 Steelers Notebook: Kemoeatu returns to practice field; 9 players held out Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL Steelers Notebook: Kemoeatu returns to practice field; 9 players held out Faneca's replacement makes first appearance Tuesday, August 05, 2008 By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Peter Diana / Post-Gazette Steelers lineman Chris Kemoeatu returns to workouts with a large brace on his left triceps for the afternoon practice yesterday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. With so many players standing on the sideline with injuries, the Steelers were glad to take an injured player from the sideline and welcome him back to the practice field. Chris Kemoeatu, the heir apparent to Alan Faneca's starting left guard position, was taken off the physically unable to perform list and practiced with his teammates yesterday for the first time since training camp began. Kemoeatu practiced wearing a protective brace on his left triceps and said his arm felt fine after a 90-minute afternoon practice. "It was good," Kemoeatu said. "I'm glad practice was short [because] I still got to get in some cardio and get in shape. Other than that, I felt good. I felt out of whack from not being out there, but give it a couple days." Kemoeatu was injured shortly before reporting to training camp when he was running steps in a workout with his brother at home in Hawaii. Kemoeatu said he tripped on one of the steps and landed on his elbow against a railing. Kemoeatu said the brace, which arrived at training camp yesterday morning, prevents his elbow from locking. "It's not so much the arm [that bothers me]," he said. "I just haven't been setting and hitting anyone or putting a lot of pressure on it. As far as the pain, it feels OK." Injuries and more injuries Nine players, including five starters, did not practice because of injuries that coach Mike Tomlin said were day to day. The starters were Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison (groin), cornerback Deshea Townsend (groin), defensive end Brett Keisel (groin), guard Kendall Simmons (shoulder) and left tackle Marvel Smith (back). Tomlin said Simmons and Smith sat out for precautionary reasons and should practice today. The list does not include quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (groin), who did not participate in the morning workout and was limited for a third day in a row in the afternoon. Roethlisberger did not take part in team drills and threw only in 7 on 7. Afterward, when asked about the injury, Roethlisberger playfully said, "What injury? I don't know what you're talking

11 Steelers Notebook: Kemoeatu returns to practice field; 9 players held out Page 2 of 2 about." Players, especially key ones such as Roethlisberger, are instructed by Tomlin not to discuss injuries with the media. Also missing practice were wide receiver Limas Sweed (hamstring), linebacker Mike Humpal (hamstring), tight end Dezmond Sherrod (neck) and linebacker Anthony Trucks (back). Linebacker LaMarr Woodley returned to practice after missing the past two days with a groin injury. Hampton update Casey Hampton said he doesn't know how much weight he has shed because he hasn't been on a scale since being placed on the physically unable to perform list for reporting overweight. "I don't really get on a scale," Hampton said yesterday after another morning workout session with conditioning assistant Marcel Pastoor. "That's not my thing. I play ball. That's my thing. Weight really don't matter to me. My thing is being in condition. As long as I'm in shape, it don't matter." But it matters to Tomlin, who was angry when Hampton, a four-time Pro Bowl nose tackle, showed up at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe nearly 40 pounds overweight. Tomlin was upset -- and still is -- because he warned Hampton about his weight and told him he would place him on the PUP list if he didn't conform. Tomlin said yesterday he doesn't know when Hampton will be allowed to practice. "I don't think it's about weight," said Hampton, who is listed at 325 pounds. "I can play heavy. It's just about getting in shape. "I'm out there to try and get right and get ready for [the season opener on] Sept. 7. That's my main goal -- to be ready to play. I've been in this league a long time. Preseason, that's more for young guys anyway. It doesn't really matter. "I can play anytime. It don't matter to me. I always feel like I can play. That's coach's decision." Hines Ward, a four-time Pro Bowl receiver, said Hampton's situation is not a distraction to the team. "As long as we have him opening day, we're fine," Ward said. "I don't care about camp. He's the heart and head man in that defense. He plays two or three plays, and he comes out on third down, anyway. I'm not concerned about Casey. He'll be all right when it's time to go." Lewis impressive One of the rookie standouts in training camp has been cornerback Roy Lewis, an undrafted free agent from Washington. Tomlin thought he was a standout in the goal-line drill Sunday because of his physical style. And Lewis (5 feet 10, 190 pounds) followed that by breaking up passes for wide receiver Santonio Holmes and tight end Heath Miller in the morning practice yesterday. "I like the way Roy Lewis showed up in the goal-line drill; he showed up very nice," Tomlin said. "A guy in his position, showing that capability of being physical, is a window of what he's potentially capable of doing." Quick hit Former Pro Bowl return man Eddie Drummond, signed last week to improve special teams, did not look the part in the morning. Getting ready to field a punt, Drummond slipped and fell to the ground as the ball ricocheted off his body. First published on August 5, 2008 at 12:00 am

12 NFL Notebook: Panthers cornerback puts positive spin on punch Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL NFL Notebook: Panthers cornerback puts positive spin on punch Tuesday, August 05, 2008 From wire dispatches David T. Foster III/AP Ken Lucas -- Believes his scuffle with Steve Smith might help the team. Ken Lucas stood in front of reporters yesterday with a black eye and swollen nose. Then, in his first public comments since getting punched in the face by teammate Steve Smith Friday at practice, Lucas insisted that the incident could end up being good for the Carolina Panthers. "I feel like what happened was a blessing in disguise," Lucas said. "This is something I think has brought this team closer together. You may think [I] sound crazy for saying that, but I really think this is bigger than me and Steve." Lucas, the Panthers' starting cornerback, said he'll need surgery to repair his nose and will be out two to three weeks after the incident. Still, Lucas said he forgives Smith, who apologized to him in a face-to-face meeting. "I think that was a big step for this team to accomplish the goals we wanted to accomplish," Lucas said. "Because I felt like if I didn't forgive him, then it would divide the team up and we could pretty much throw this season away." Lucas acknowledged he has had a running feud with Smith since shortly after Lucas signed with Carolina in They've gone against each other in practice almost daily. "He expects to catch every ball and I expect to defend every ball," Lucas said. "When you have those two types of individuals, something has to give. When it's 100 degrees out there and you're tired and you're frustrated, sometimes emotions get involved." Saints Deuce McAllister and Jeremy Shockey are among several projected regulars that coach Sean Payton has decided to keep out of the lineup when New Orleans plays its first preseason game at Arizona Thursday. Cornerbacks Mike McKenzie and Tracy Porter, as well as wide receiver Devery Henderson, will sit out as well. Most of the players are resting as a precaution. Eagles Guard Shawn Andrews is battling depression and might arrive at training camp this week. In an exclusive interview from his Arkansas home, Andrews said his depression started a year ago and has worsened. Dolphins

13 NFL Notebook: Panthers cornerback puts positive spin on punch Page 2 of 2 Josh McCown is listed as Miami's No. 1 quarterback, for now. The Dolphins released their first depth chart of the season per NFL policy, putting the seven-year veteran at the top. Dolphins coach Tony Sparano pointed out that the depth chart is ever-changing, and that second-year man John Beck and rookie Chad Henne haven't been ruled out to start at quarterback. Giants Halfback Ahmad Bradshaw said he has to serve another 30 days in jail after the season for violating terms of a probation he received as a 15-year-old. Bradshaw served the first of two 30-day sentences in June and July at the Abingdon Regional Jail in Virginia. Cardinals Wide receiver Anquan Boldin will miss the preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints Thursday with a right hamstring injury. Rookie receiver Early Doucet also will miss the game because of a hamstring injury. Bills Linebacker Alvin Bowen is scheduled for surgery next week on a torn right knee ligament, likely ending his rookie season. The Bills' fifth-round pick will need months to recuperate. The team hasn't determined whether to place Bowen on injured reserve. If he returns, it will be late in the regular season. Patriots Offensive lineman John Welbourn, who started every game at right guard last season for the Kansas City Chiefs, signed with New England. First published on August 5, 2008 at 12:00 am

14 Taylor turns to receiver for tips - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 Taylor turns to receiver for tips By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Tuesday, August 5, 2008 Ike Taylor has made six interceptions since becoming a starter in The Steelers cornerback said that total should be closer to 25. "At least eight a year," Taylor said of how many interceptions he could have made the last three seasons. Exaggeration or not, Taylor went on the offensive to correct perhaps the one thing that has prevented the sixth-year veteran from taking the next step in a solid career. In an effort to improve the hands that have too often failed him, Taylor crossed over, if only briefly, to what has to be considered the dark side for defensive backs. Instead of shadowing Santonio Holmes during workouts that preceded the start of training camp, Taylor became the Steelers wide receiver's shadow. He ran the same routes as Holmes, joined the third-year man in various passcatching drills and essentially trained as if we were a wide receiver. Holmes may be four years younger than Taylor, 28, but he became the latter's mentor when the two were in Orlando training with a handful of other Steelers players at the Tom Shaw Performance Enhancement center. "With Ike, I was telling him some of the keys and techniques I use as a receiver on attacking the ball, to never blink when the ball's coming at you," Holmes said. "Most DBs are taught to knock the ball down." Attacking the ball is simply getting one's hands out in front of their body instead of waiting for the ball to come to them. It does not come easily to cornerbacks simply because, as Holmes said, of the nature of their position. "(Taylor) always talked about how much trouble he had catching the ball," Holmes said, "so we just continued to have conversations about it." It is not uncommon for cornerbacks to have trouble catching, and not just because suspect hands landed more than a few of them on the defensive side of the ball. When cornerbacks are in coverage, they are usually watching a receiver and

15 Taylor turns to receiver for tips - Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 not the opposing quarterback. As such, they might not see a ball until well after it has left the quarterback's hand. Catching such balls, consequently, is comparable to trying to catch them in the dark. That explains a drill that is part of Steelers cornerback Deshea Townsend's offseason training regimen. Townsend, who starts opposite Taylor, will stand with his back to someone holding a football. When he hears "Ball!" Townsend turns around and tries to catch the football that has been thrown. He never knows whether it is going to be high or low or left or right, and Townsend said it simulates the adjustments cornerbacks often have to make in games. "A lot of us don't catch many balls," Townsend said, "so we've got to get out there and work to make our hands better." Taylor said too many balls have bounced off his hands in recent seasons. That is why the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder worked so closely with Holmes and why he has been focusing on pass-catching fundamentals such as watching the ball all of the way into his hands. "It will take care of itself," Taylor said of his struggles with dropped balls. "I promise you that." If it does, Taylor, who led the Steelers in interceptions (three) last season and finished second in tackles (90), could snag a Pro Bowl selection. "I expect big things from him," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "He's a veteran, but he always comes out here looking for a winning edge." Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

16 Prisuta: Heavy tactics won't move Hampton - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 Heavy tactics won't move Hampton By Mike Prisuta TRIBUNE-REVIEW Tuesday, August 5, 2008 Two more practices came and went Monday at St. Vincent College, and Casey Hampton continued to go one-on-one with a stationary bicycle. Since opening training camp on the physically unable to perform list, Hampton has worked with conditioning assistant Marcel Pastoor rather than his Steelers teammates. Eight days into the exile, Pastoor was looking svelte. Hampton was still looking like Hampton. He has yet to morph into the Incredible Shrinking Nose Tackle. "He's a big man," defensive end Aaron Smith said. "They could run him for 18 hours a day, and he'd still probably be a pretty big man." Hampton remains too big in the eyes of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who declared him overweight and out of shape at the outset of camp and still unfit for football yesterday. "When he's down to an acceptable weight, we'll proceed," Tomlin said. There's no telling when that might be. Hampton said yesterday he didn't know if he'd lost a pound so far because he hadn't gotten on a scale. "I don't really get on the scale," Hampton said. "That's not my thing. I play ball. "It ain't about weight. I can play heavy. I can play anytime. It doesn't matter to me. I always feel like I can play. It's coach's decision when he wants me back out there." So there you have it. Hampton has always been massive, but that hasn't stopped him from becoming a four-time Pro Bowl nose tackle and, more significant, "the heart, the head man of that defense," according to wide receiver Hines Ward.

17 Prisuta: Heavy tactics won't move Hampton - Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 It also never stopped Hampton from becoming as popular among his teammates as he is revered for his prowess, as much of a leader as he is the focal point of the Steelers' run defense. "He's a freak of nature," Smith said. But if Training Camp 2008 is about anything, it's about Tomlin asserting more authority and more control. After inheriting a team that was just a season removed from winning a Super Bowl, Tomlin wisely stayed the course as a rookie head coach. The result was a 10-win season and a division championship. But the Steelers also lost four of their last five games, including a home playoff encounter with Jacksonville, and those memories from Ford Field faded that much further in the process. The timing, thus, is finally right to remake the Steelers in Tomlin's image. Subtle changes in the schedule and in the way practices are conducted are examples of that ongoing transformation. So is Tomlin's handling of Hampton, which hasn't yet caused the still-massive nose tackle to regret his offseason or doubt what he'll contribute beginning Sept. 7. "I just work here, man," Hampton said. "He's the boss man, so I'm going to do whatever he says, get right and get ready to help my team win." Now would seem an appropriate time to let Hampton begin doing so in a helmet and pads. Tomlin's point has been made. Belaboring it isn't in anyone's best interest, especially the Steelers'. Mike Prisuta can be reached at mprisuta@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

18 Inside the ropes - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 1 Inside the ropes By Mike Prisuta TRIBUNE-REVIEW Tuesday, August 5, 2008 An inside look at Steelers training camp... Two-minute mania: Quarterbacks Dennis Dixon and Mike Potts got their shots at running the two-minute offense on Monday afternoon at St. Vincent College. Dixon's drive came up short. Trying to move the offense 60 yards for a touchdown against the clock, Dixon completed a pass to tight end Heath Miller and passes for first downs to Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and Ward again. But on two occasions, Dixon scrambled and ran up the field for first downs rather than out of bounds, which cost the offense timeouts. Head coach Mike Tomlin said Dixon was operating under the assumption that first downs would stop the clock, as they did when he played at Oregon. Dixon's final attempt for Miller on fourth down with three seconds left was batted away by linebacker James Farrior. Potts fired incomplete to Willie Reid to start his two-minute session. He then hit Marvin Allen for a first down, missed Reid again, found Allen for consecutive first downs, hit Dallas Baker and missed Micah Rucker. Potts threw a thirddown attempt away but got the ball to Reid for a touchdown over safety Grant Mason on fourth-and-two from the 17-yard line with 12 seconds remaining. Prior to both of the fourth-down attempts that ended the drives, defensive players on the field called for noise, and the crowd on the surrounding hillsides responded. Prior to Potts' fourth-down try, Ben Roethlisberger countered the defense's call for noise by signaling the crowd to be quiet. The crowd cheered, anyway. Back in the saddle: Not only was Chris Kemoeatu back yesterday afternoon, he was back with the first-team offensive line at left guard and back with the first-team place-kick team. Due to injuries and days off, the first-team offensive line consisted of left tackle Max Starks, Kemoeatu, center Sean Mahan, right guard Darnell Stapleton and right tackle Willie Colon. The transition wasn't quite as smooth as Kemoeatu would have preferred. He committed a false start after just a handful of snaps in 11-on-11 drills. Catch of the day: Nate Washington took advantage of a blown coverage and hauled in a long pass from Charlie Batch that went for an 86-yard touchdown. Mike Prisuta can be reached at mprisuta@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

19 Kemoeatu makes debut - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 Kemoeatu finally practices By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Tuesday, August 5, 2008 Wearing a left elbow brace, Chris Kemoeatu practiced Monday afternoon for the first time since the Steelers started training camp. Kemoeatu, who is No. 1 at left guard on the depth chart the Steelers released yesterday, had been on the physically unable to perform list because of a triceps injury he sustained before the start of camp. "I've got to do some cardio and get into shape, but other than that everything felt good," the fourth-year veteran said. "I still feel kind of feel of whack, but give it a couple of days." Kemoeatu hurt his triceps, he said, when he was training in his native Hawaii with his brother Ma'ake Kemoeatu, who plays for the Carolina Panthers. The two were running steps, Chris Kemoeatu said, and he missed one and landed on a railing and on his left elbow. The 6-foot-3, 344-pounder said he would have to wear the protective brace for "the next couple of weeks." Kemoeatu, who is expected to replace seven-time Pro Bowler Alan Faneca, will have to play catch-up over the next couple of weeks. "He's a professional," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said, "and I'm sure he'll catch up relatively quickly." A number of Steelers didn't practice yesterday because of minor injuries. They included starters outside linebacker James Harrison (groin), defensive end Brett Keisel (groin), guard Kendall Simmons (shoulder), offensive tackle Marvel Smith (coach's decision) and cornerback Deshea Townsend (groin). Wide receiver Limas Sweed (hamstring), linebackers Mike Humpal (hamstring) and Anthony Trucks (back) and tight end Dezmond Sherrod (neck) also didn't practice. It may not have been the same as missing in a real game, but it sure felt like it to Jeff Reed. The Steelers kicker had a chance to end yesterday afternoon's practice almost a half hour early, but his 50-yard field-goal attempt sailed just left of the goalpost at Chuck Noll Field. Reed redeemed himself 15 minutes later, as he made the 50-yarder that ended practice 10 early. "I am glad I came through for (his teammates) a little bit," said Reed, who made 23 of 25 field-goal attempts last season. "It is still frustrating, missing that first one. What makes me most mad is that I don't like to miss anything." The Steelers had one of their best practices of training camp yesterday

20 Kemoeatu makes debut - Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 afternoon. It followed a two-hour morning session in which Tomlin said the players were in "survival mode." "Hopefully there's a feeling that we may have crossed a threshold where they were enjoying it and not enduring it and we're thriving," Tomlin said. "We'll see what it's like (today) but I love the energy and enthusiasm of (yesterday) afternoon. Guys came and competed, and that's what training camp is about." Tomlin said there is no change with strong safety Troy Polamalu and nose tackle Casey Hampton, each of whom is on the physically unable to perform list.... Mewelde Moore is listed No. 1 at both kickoff and punt returner on the depth chart the Steelers released yesterday. Hampton, who was banished to the PUP list after reporting to camp overweight and out of shape, is listed as the starter at nose tackle. Digits yard rushers the Steelers have allowed in their last 66 games, postseason included Games last season in which the Steelers lost the time of possession battle. Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

21 .: Print Version :. Page 1 of 1 Print Page TUESDAY AUGUST 5, 2008 :: Last modified: Monday, August 4, :34 PM EDT Kemoeatu returns to practice By Mike Bires Times Sports Staff LATROBE Chris Kemoeatu, one of three Steelers who ve been on the PUP list since the start of training camp, practiced for the first time Monday afternoon. Sidelined due to a triceps injury, Kemoeatu got the OK to practice after a protective device he must wear arrived at St. Vincent College around 10:30 a.m. After missing the morning practice, Kemoeatu moved into the starting left guard spot in the afternoon practice. The other two players on the PUP list nose tackle Casey Hampton and strong safety Troy Polamalu still have yet to practice. No news regarding those guys, coach Mike Tomlin said.

22 Kemoeatu takes a first step in replacing Faneca at guard Page 1 of 2 Kemoeatu takes a first step in replacing Faneca at guard By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer dlolley@observer-reporter.com LATROBE - It took a week, but the man expected to replace one of the best players in Steelers history finally took the practice field at St. Vincent College. Guard Chris Kemoeatu, who will replace Alan Faneca at left guard, was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list Monday afternoon and practiced for the first time. Kemoeatu was under the watchful eye of head coach Mike Tomlin. "It's great to get him back, of course," said Tomlin. "This is a guy who likes to work. He came in very prepared and had a nice offseason. He came in great condition." The 6-3, 344-pound Kemoeatu went through the conditioning test last Sunday, but was placed on the PUP list with nose tackle Casey Hampton and safety Troy Polamalu after complaining of weakness in his left triceps. Kemoeatu apparently suffered a tear in the triceps while working out with his brother, Ma'ake, a nose tackle for the Carolina Panthers. "I was working out back at home with my brother and we were doing steps," said Kemoeatu, a native of Hawaii. "I kind of tripped and landed on my elbow." The Steelers were waiting for a special elbow brace for Kemoeatu, who will wear it until the injury heals. The brace arrived Monday morning and Kemoeatu began the task of replacing Faneca, who was named to the Steelers' 75th Anniversary Team last year. Faneca, a seven-time Pro Bowler, signed a free agent contract with the New York Jets after last season and the Steelers immediately named Kemoeatu the starter at left guard. It was a bit of a surprise, considering Kemoeatu, a sixth-round draft pick in 2005, has just two career starts. "There's some big shoes I've got to fill and big expectations, not just from the coaches, but from the older guys I'm trying to play next to," Kemoeatu admitted. He's a little behind because of the missed practices but Kemoeatu expects to quickly get back into the swing of things. "I've got to get my cardio level back up," Kemoeatu said. "I still kind of feel out of whack and that will be the way it is for a couple of days. "The brace kind of helps keep my elbow from locking up. It feels all right." Veteran Trai Essex was filling in for Kemoeatu at left guard. Even with Kemoeatu's return, the Steelers still haven't gotten a look at their starting offensive line as a group yet. On Monday, right guard Kendall

23 Kemoeatu takes a first step in replacing Faneca at guard Page 2 of 2 Simmons and left tackle Marvel Smith took the day off with shoulder and groin injuries, respectively. Neither injury is considered serious. They were among five starters - cornerback Deshea Townsend (groin), defensive end Brett Keisel (groin) and linebacker James Harrison (groin) - also took the day off Monday. Odds and end zones Linebacker LaMarr Woodley returned to practice after missing the previous two days with a groin injury.... Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger continued to work despite a minor groin injury.... Wide receiver Limas Sweed (hamstring), tight end Dezmond Sherrod (neck), linebacker Anthony Trucks (back), safety Anthony Smith (groin) and linebacker Mike Humpal (hamstring) were out Monday.... The Steelers will practice twice today. The second practice (5 p.m.) is open to the public. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

24 The Herald Standard - Sports - 08/05/ Rookie quarterback shines in camp Page 1 of 2 08/05/2008 Rookie quarterback shines in camp By Jim Wexell, For the Herald-Standard LATROBE - Every three years or so, the Steelers draft a quarterback in the fifth round and let him rot on the bench before cutting him. Tee Martin threw one pass in two seasons. Brian St. Pierre threw one in four seasons. Omar Jacobs never made the team. But Dennis Dixon is different, according to the Steelers, who like the 6-3, 195-pounder so much they drafted him four months after he underwent surgery to repair a torn left ACL. They like him even better after Monday's practices. Dixon was hot in the morning, and in the afternoon he directed the first team smartly down the field in the one-minute drill before stalling inside the 10. Coach Mike Tomlin was asked if Dixon was lost with the offense, and Tomlin said, "That would be a stretch." Lack of understanding proved to be Jacobs' undoing two years ago, but Dixon appears to be well ahead of the curve. "Dixon's further along than Omar was," said receiver Hines Ward. "He has a better feel and a better knowledge of the coverages. Omar just had a hard time distinguishing the different coverages. "Yes, our defense is hard for any quarterback, but Dixon's doing a helluva job. He's still making mistakes, but when he's on point he's on point." Dixon was on point Monday morning. With Ben Roethlisberger limited by a sore groin, the rookie received more repetitions and made the most of them with his best practice at camp. In the red zone drill, Dixon threw touchdown passes to Dallas Baker, Willie Reid and Matt Spaeth, which was a gold rush for a team that was blanked in the same drill Friday night. Dixon was asked after practice if he's feeling a little comfortable. "I'm feeling a lot comfortable," he said. "I'm ready for the true test of a preseason game, as far as getting hit, as far as contact. That's when I put the knee to the test for sure." Dixon tore the ACL in his left knee last Nov. 3. He hid the injury from coaches and started the next game, but had to leave in the first quarter. He underwent surgery in December, but recovered in time for his pro day April 4. On Monday, August 4, Dixon marked his ninth month of recovery. Except for the large ice pack attached to his knee, it was impossible to tell he's still in recovery mode. "I'm totally confident in my knee and I'm going a hundred percent right now and I'm liking it," he said. Dixon needed all of his vast mobility early in camp when the Steelers threw an array of blitzes at him. He struggled with his passing - and his release point is still too low - but he didn't show any lingering effects of the injury, and now he's beginning to understand the offense and become an effective quarterback. "Things are starting to slow down a little bit, but there's always room for improvement," he said. "I've always been a bit of a quick learner. This level is real fast, so it's all about the mental aspect." With Roethlisberger not expected to play in the preseason opener Friday, Dixon will see extended time. He said he'd be ready. "Charlie (Batch) is helping me out a whole lot, as far as reads, what to do after looking at the defense, the safeties, whatever. It's giving me a quick edge before the snap," he said. "Ben helps in the film room. He's real talkative. When he's out there on the field he's serious and takes everything to heart and I try not to get into his little mix over there. That's when I just try to take my mental reps." Dixon had plenty of down time Sunday night. It was Family Night at Saint Vincent College, and being from Eugene, Oregon, he didn't have any visitors. "Ooohh, the West Coast, man, that's a long way from home - a long way," he said. But even a 3,000-mile journey begins with one step. Dennis Dixon took that step Monday.

25 The Herald Standard - Sports - 08/05/ Rookie quarterback shines in camp Page 2 of 2 The Herald Standard 2008

26 The Herald Standard - Sports - 08/05/ Brace helps Kemoeatu come off PUP list Page 1 of 2 08/05/2008 Brace helps Kemoeatu come off PUP list By Jim Wexell, For the Herald-Standard LATROBE - Chris Kemoeatu's protective device arrived Monday at 10:30 a.m. and by 3 p.m. he was off the PUP list and running first team left guard. "In one-on-ones I felt a little out of whack," said the 344-pound Kemoeatu. "And I've got to do a little bit more cardio. I've been running, but it's different from game shape, actual playing shape and running out here." Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Kemoeatu reported to training camp in good condition, but had suffered a triceps tear while running steps with his brother Ma'ake back home in Kahuku, Hawaii. Chris tripped and landed elbow-first on a railing and it landed him on the PUP list to start camp last week. "I can't put a lot of pressure on it, but as far as pain it's OK," he said. "The brace kind of help me from my elbow locking out. I probably have to wear it for the next couple weeks." Kemoeatu is vying for his first full-time starting job since being drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round in His grasp of the offense has held him back in the past. "It's changed a lot. It's real easy for me now," he said. "Some stuff is still confusing, like week to week with different teams, but other than that it's basic stuff." HURRY UP ROOKIES With Ben Roethlisberger still nursing a groin injury, rookie quarterbacks Dennis Dixon and Mike Potts ran the one-minute drills. Dixon was 4-for-4 and scrambled for a first down (without getting out of bounds) before throwing two incompletions from the 8-yard line. The defense asked the crowd for noise, and the crowd responded, perhaps helping the incompletion in the end zone to a covered Heath Miller. Potts directed the second-team offense, and, on fourth-and-1, threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Willie Reid, who took a hit from safety Ryan Mundy. Tomlin said that Dixon should've run out of bounds instead of diving for a first down, which doesn't stop the clock as it does in college. When asked if Potts played well, Tomlin said he did. "He's a William & Mary man. What do you expect?" said Tomlin, a William & Mary man. REED FAILS IN CLUTCH With 20 minutes left in practice, Tomlin called the team together just before the end of a special-teams segment. He said that if Jeff Reed makes a 50-yarder, practice would be over. Reed's kick was left by a foot, but some thought it was good. Tomlin ruled otherwise and practice continued. "It wasn't clearly down the middle so I just wanted to continue the practice," Tomlin said. Reed did come back to make a 50-yarder to cut two minutes off the end of practice. "I thought we had a significant day today," Tomlin said. "(Monday) morning, as a football team, I thought we were in survival mode. Hopefully we crossed the threshold this afternoon where they were enjoying it and not enduring it, and were thriving. I loved the energy and enthusiasm this afternoon. Maybe it was a significant afternoon. We'll see." INJURY REPORT The following players missed Monday afternoon's practice and are day-to-day: James Harrison (groin), Limas Sweed (hamstring), Deshea Townsend (groin), Mike Humpal (hamstring), Dezmond Sherrod (neck), Anthony Trucks (back), Brett Keisel (groin), Kendall Simmons (shoulder-precautionary), and Marvel Smith (coach's decision).

27 The Herald Standard - Sports - 08/05/ Brace helps Kemoeatu come off PUP list Page 2 of 2 The Herald Standard 2008

28 Favre Arrives and the Plot Thickens in Green Bay - NYTimes.com Page 1 of 2 August 5, 2008 With the Packers, the Plot Thickens By PAT BORZI GREEN BAY, Wis. Three floors above the vast atrium at Lambeau Field, Packers Coach Mike McCarthy dressed in a gray long-sleeved shirt, green Packers shorts and sneakers waited for an elevator. The elevator platform was open aired, and if McCarthy looked down, he would have seen more than 100 Packers fans walking around, some on a stadium tour. At least seven wore replicas of the No. 4 jersey belonging to McCarthy s newest and oldest quarterback, Brett Favre. In the parking lot outside, another half-dozen No. 4s milled around and tossed footballs. The return of Favre, their iconic quarterback, ended a messy tug of war that mesmerized football fans coast to coast and appeared to bring sunshine on a gray, drizzly Monday. Even McCarthy seemed strangely upbeat for someone navigating the mother lode of all quarterback controversies. Got a full plate today, McCarthy said as he headed to a meeting. Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Favre as expected Monday, and Favre slipped into Lambeau Field without being spotted by reporters or fans at several entrances. Favre passed a physical and took a conditioning test. The Packers added him to their 80-man roster so Favre could be on the field for practice Tuesday afternoon. McCarthy postponed a news conference Monday night because he and Favre were still in a meeting that had lasted more than two and a half hours. Multiple news media reports suggested the Packers would allow Favre to compete with Aaron Rodgers for the starting job. The Packers did not practice Monday, While Favre rejoined the Packers, the Minnesota Vikings denied a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report that the Packers had called them last Friday to let them know that Favre might be available in a trade. We haven t had any contact with them, Coach Brad Childress said at the Vikings training camp in Mankato, Minn. Later, Goodell ruled that the Vikings did have direct contact with Favre earlier in the off-season, but it did not constitute tampering, as the Packers had alleged. Goodell s decision cleared the Vikings of any violations of league policy. Favre and the Vikings agreed that Favre had repeated telephone conversations with Vikings coaches, including Childress, but Goodell found that none of those conversations suggest that Favre was soliciting a job or that other teams were soliciting his services.

29 Favre Arrives and the Plot Thickens in Green Bay - NYTimes.com Page 2 of 2 In a statement, the Packers said they considered the case closed. One thing that remains open, however, is who will start at quarterback for the Packers in the Sept. 8 season opener against the Vikings. McCarthy has maintained that Rodgers would be the starter, even if Favre came to camp, but that appeared to have changed. Whether Rodgers, a fourth-year pro with one career touchdown pass in seven games, can handle this sudden turn of events remains to be seen. In Sunday night s annual Family Night intrasquad scrimmage, with Favre and his wife, Deanna, watching from a luxury suite, Rodgers completed only 7 of 20 passes for 84 yards, with one end-zone interception and several drops. Rodgers heard primarily cheers and scattered boos from a Lambeau Field crowd announced as 56,600. Through the first week of camp, Rodgers has been mostly approachable and open as Favre and the Packers met. Now that Favre has shown up, Rodgers says he understands the task in front of him proving himself against a fan favorite who is the N.F.L. s career leader in touchdown passes, passing yardage, completions and victories by a starting quarterback. Rodgers may be the only person in Green Bay who believes he can beat out Favre, a three-time most valuable player who took the Packers within a victory of the Super Bowl last season. I know if they do open it up to competition, not a lot of people give me a chance, Rodgers told reporters after Sunday s scrimmage. But I believe in myself, and I m going to be the best I can be and let Coach decide from there. Judy Battista contributed reporting from New York. Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company Privacy Policy Search Corrections RSS First Look Help Contact Us Work for Us Site Map

30 Eagles G Andrews tells paper he's battling depression - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 2 Powered by Eagles G Andrews tells paper he's battling depression PHILADELPHIA (AP) Philadelphia Eagles guard Shawn Andrews is battling depression and might arrive at training camp this week, the two-time Pro Bowl selection told two newspapers Monday. Advertisement In interviews with The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News from his Arkansas home, Andrews detailed his struggle with depression. Andrews said his depression started a year ago and has worsened. "I'm willing to admit that I've been going through a very bad time with depression," Andrews told the Daily News in his first public comments about his training camp absence. "I've finally decided to get professional help. It's not something that blossomed up overnight. I'm on medication, trying to get better." The Eagles did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment about Andrews' admission. Andrews didn't detail the origins of his depression in comments posted on the newspapers' website. "I really was kind of at my end," the right guard said. "I've really had a lot on my mind, really (been) contemplating a lot of things." Andrews missed the final week of the Eagles' voluntary workouts in June for personal reasons and has been a no-show in the first weeks of training camp. "In the state that I'm in, (had he reported), I would be at training camp physically, but mentally, I could have gotten myself hurt or gotten one of my teammates hurt," he was quoted as telling the newspaper. Andrews said he is scheduled to see a doctor Thursday and could return to the team shortly after. "After finally deciding to get professional help, I felt like maybe talking about my situation could be a blessing to someone else going through the same things," Andrews told the Inquirer. "Regardless of whether you're a celebrity or you play for the Philadelphia Eagles and you're in the limelight, you still go through problems."

31 Eagles G Andrews tells paper he's battling depression - USATODAY.com Page 2 of 2 The fifth-year veteran also confirmed to the Daily News that he is being fined $15,000 per day by the team because his absence is not excused. He said his mental health is more important than football. "Football is important, it's a means to an end, but my mental health, I feel like, is a lot more important," Andrews said. "That's a helluva lot of money... Money's good, money's a necessity, but it's not everything. I can't put a price tag on my mental state." Andrews said he hopes to speak to his teammates when he does rejoin the Eagles. "I just want to look 'em in the eye and let 'em all know this wasn't BS, this was for the mental health of me, I could have gone out there and gotten any one of you hurt" by not being focused," he said. 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.

32 ESPN.com - Bengals WR Johnson practices after missing first week with sore ankle Page 1 of 1 ESPN.com: NFL Training Camp 2008 images] [Print without Monday, August 4, 2008 Bengals WR Johnson practices after missing first week with sore ankle ESPN.com news services Bengals Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson took part in his first full drills of training camp Monday in Georgetown, Ky., having sat out the first week with a sore ankle. Johnson, who underwent an ankle procedure in June to have it surgically cleaned out, declined comment to reporters but was heard yelling to receivers coach Mike Sheppard that he felt great. "We're working him slow. He's got some things to work on," offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said, according to WLW-Radio in Cincinnati. "When you've been away from it, playing the real game out here is different than the rehab he's been doing. He's got a good start out of it. We're going to work him in slowly, bring him along a little at a time." Bratkowski said it was possible the eighth-year, five-time Pro Bowler could play in Monday's preseason opener at Green Bay. Johnson is coming off his best season statistically, having recorded a career-high 1,440 yards with 93 receptions for a 15.5 yards-per-catch average in He scored eight touchdowns. The radio station reported that Johnson practiced with the first team and pulled in a long pass over cornerback Leon Hall from Carson Palmer. Chad Johnson, watching practice last week, may play in the Bengals' preseason opener, offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said. "He looked good, he's got a lot of work to do to get back in shape and just get ready for the long season ahead of him," Palmer said, according to the station. "It's always good to get your returning starters, especially one of the best players on the team, get him working and get ready for the season." 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 and Privacy Policy and Safety Information/Your California Privacy Rights are applicable to you. All rights reserved.