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Roddy White & others dealt

The South Whore Jibbers & the Fightin' Irie have consummated a uniquely PAFFL style deal.

NFL Free Agency Kicks Off in a Frenzy...

This past Friday the NFL's annual free agency period kicked off with a flurry of activity.  However it wasn't until today that the first big fantasy changing signing occurred with the Atlanta Falcons signing former Chargers RB Michael Turner to a 6 year, $34.5 million contract with reportedly $15 million in guaranteed money. 

Thanksgiving Day Football

With all the holiday planning, don't forget that there are 3 NFL games this year on Thanksgiving.  The traditional two with Detroit playing Green Bay in the day's most interesting game, then Dallas hosting the New York Jets in what likely will be a blow out and the NFL Network showcasing a night game between the Indy Colts and Atlanta Falcons.  For all of you with fantasy players on those teams (ok, you shouldn't need to worry about Atlanta or Jets but the Colts, Packers, Cowboys and Lions have plenty of fantasy talent to go around), don't forget to set your respective lineup. 

Brett Favre for Cedric Benson, Joey Harrington, Jake Delhomme and a future pick

Team Kitty and the LA Isotopes completed a trade during our fellow owner's wedding this past weekend in Seattle.  This was consummated after several inappropriate phone calls & text messages at all hours of the day & night. 

Team Kitty receives QB Brett Favre & WR Brandon Jones ($2, 2008) from LA Isotopes for RB Cedric Benson ($55, 2007), QB Jake Delhomme ($55*, 2007), WR Ike Hillard, QB Joey Harrington, Team Kitty's next 9-16 rookie pick and the option of either a topper/holdover or a cut next year OR if Team Kitty makes the playoffs this year then both the next year Team Kitty does not make the playoffs.

Michael Vick Sued for $63 Billion

Ok, by now just about everybody is tired of hearing news about Michael Vick (well everybody except Pacman Jones) but this has got to be one of the wackier and funny things to come out on this.  Apparently a current inmate in the South Carolina penitentiary system is suing Vick for allegedly stealing his pups and selling them on eBay for huge profits which were then used to purchase arms for Iran. 

Sophomore RB Analysis

Sportsline.com did a review of all the NFL running backs entering their 2nd seasons in the NFL.  It's an interesting look at them and provides a rookie style overview and perspective on their individual opportunities entering 2007. 

Vick and the history of civil rights in Atlanta

ESPN published an interesting cover story last night on the history of civil rights and its legacy in Georgia, and Atlanta in particular as it relates to Michael Vick's situation.  They did a nice job of weaving the various elements of the Civil Rights movement from the 1960's into the culture of the region.  Which they use to make their point, that Atlanta, home to the largest group of upper middle class African Americans in the US, is still very much segregated and thus its citizens see issues like Vick being targeted by Federal authorities thru a racial lens. 

Maurice Jones-Drew for Hines Ward & Jerious Norwood?

I.M.T. and the Salem Beavercats consummated a 6 player trade. 

I.M.T. receives RB Jerious Norwood ($36, 2010), RB Ahman Green rights, K David Akers ($7, 2008), WR Hines Ward ($46, 2007) , $10, & the #11 rookie pick by dealing to Salem Beavercats RB Maurice Jones-Drew ($26, 2008), WR Santonio Holmes ($22, 2008) and the #10 rookie pick. 

7 Shaky QB Situations

The SportingNews wrote an overview of seven quarterback situations that entering camp appear to be shaky or unsettled.  The teams range from playoff contenders like Jacksonville to teams simply looking for respectability such as Cleveland and Oakland. 

Vick Will Not Take A Snap This Season

If Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick takes a leave of absence, this immediately raises the value of backup QB Joey Harrington, although he is still not the sure fire replacement for Vick in the event that Vick does not play.  There have been rumors that veteran free agent QB Daunte Culpepper may get a shot at replacing the legally troubled QB.  Culpepper just interviewed with the Buccaneers, but given the backlog of signal callers already set to start training camp in Tampa Bay, it is unlikely that the Inferno will sign in central Florida. 

Tim Couch trying to return to the NFL

WKYT-TV reports former Cleveland Browns No. 1 overall draft pick QB Tim Couch will try one more time to catch on with an NFL team. Couch said he’s in the best shape of his life and has contacted every team in the NFL, looking for work. Couch, who will turn 30 this month, said he’s up to 245 lbs., more than 20 lbs. over his playing weight when he was drafted by the Browns in 1999, and has lowered his body fat content from 13 percent to five percent. "I know it’s cliché, but I’m doing it for the love of the game. It’s what I love to do, it’s who I am," Couch said. "I want to walk away on my terms." Couch has been working with a personal trainer, rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder in Miami. Couch says he’s been throwing pain free for the better part of the past year.

Vick Likely to 'Take a Leave of Absence'

ESPN's Len Pasquarelli and Chris Mortensen report Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick could be urged to take a voluntary leave of absence as soon as today to focus his energies on the legal challenges from a federal indictment stemming from dogfighting allegations. The NFL, the NFLPA, and the Atlanta Falcons are collaborating in this effort. There are, however, two critical components that must be resolved: Falcons owner Arthur Blank must be on board with a plan that has generated considerable discussion at the league level the past two days. And Vick, who might be reluctant to accept even a paid hiatus from the game, might have to be convinced that the leave could be his best option right now.

Vick likely facing jail time

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Falcons QB Michael Vick's career in crisis after he was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury over his role in a dogfighting operation at property he owns in Surry County, Va. That the investigation, ongoing for over two months, yielded charges was not a surprise. That typically meticulous federal investigators moved so quickly — just 6 1/2 weeks — to make their case was stunning. Though Vick was indicted on one count of conspiracy to sponsor federally outlawed dogfighting, the 18-page indictment gruesomely detailed the operation of his alleged involvement in Bad Newz Kennels, located behind a house he owned in Smithfield, Va.

NFL QB Team by Team Analysis

NFL.com's Michael Fabiano analyzed all 32 NFL team's Quarterback position for fantasy production.  He didn't go into as much detail as some may like but for the majority (AKA no keeper leagues) of fantasy leaguers it'll be a good overview by team. 

Michael Vick unlikely to be indicted

ESPN's Chris Mortenson reports federal authorities have filed court documents outlining an alleged dogfighting operation at a property owned by Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick, The Associated Press reported Friday. Vick is not named in the documents. Additionally, Vick is unlikely to be indicted in the dogfighting federal investigation, according to information gathered by the NFL and Atlanta Falcons, sources tell ESPN's Chris Mortensen. The authorities have told the Falcons and league that there has not been any evidence that can be tied to Vick with the alleged dogfighting ring, the sources said. The law enforcement authorities have privately told league and team officials that at least three people are expected to be indicted but the identities of those individuals were unknown.

Michael Vick will be indicted?

ESPN reports when asked, "At this moment in time, do we have any evidence that puts [Atlanta Falcons QB Michael] Vick at dog fighting?" Surry Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald Poindexter replied, "Yes." Poindexter said there are people who will make those claims. "We have informants. We have people who are volunteering to make those allegations." Poindexter has come under fire for a perceived dragging of the feet in a possible Vick prosecution. Poindexter said he is reminded every day of Durham, North Carolina Prosecutor Mike Nyfong who went public with accusations of rape against three Duke lacrosse players that turned out to be untrue. "I go back to that. He was pushed by politics. I'm not going to be driven by that," explained Poindexter. A Surry County grand jury may get the case July 24th. Poindexter also could request a special grand jury before then.

No charges for Michael Vick, yet....

Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick hasn't been charged with any crimes related to the discovery of 66 dogs and dog fighting materials at a home owned by him in Surry County Virginia.

   "I know everybody is saying, 'When are those fools in Surry County going to get up off their butts and do something?"' Poindexter, the Surry County Prosecutor, told The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk on Wednesday. "But what are we going to do?"

   Poindexter said there are no eyewitnesses who say they saw dog fighting at the home where 66 dogs were seized along with equipment that could be associated with dog fighting. The discoveries were made during a drug raid at the home on April 25.

Michael Vick has 'an affinity for dog fighting'

SI.com's Don Banks reports multiple sources who have known Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick well for years say his troubling pattern of recent behavior belies a penchant for questionable judgment, an unwillingness to distance himself from the wrong crowd, and a long-standing belief that the rules don't apply to him.  In particular sources, reportedly 'friends' of Vick, have disclosed to Banks and others that Vick knew about the dog fighting and had an 'affinity' for it. 

WR Laurent Robinson, #75 Overall Pick, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons selected Illinois State WR Laurent Robinson with the #75 overall selection (#11 in the 3rd round) in the 2007 NFL draft. Robinson, a Division I-AA player, had an outstanding Junior season but faded some Senior year.  He likely needs time to develop before he can contribute in the NFL. 

Atlanta Falcons selected Illinois State WR Laurent Robinson with the #75 overall selection (#11 in the 3rd round) in the 2007 NFL draft. Robinson, a Division I-AA player, had an outstanding Junior season but faded some Senior year.  He likely needs time to develop before he can contribute in the NFL. 

Atlanta Falcons selected Illinois State WR Laurent Robinson with the #75 overall selection (#11 in the 3rd round) in the 2007 NFL draft. Robinson, a Division I-AA player, had an outstanding Junior season but faded some Senior year.  He likely needs time to develop before he can contribute in the NFL. 

Atlanta Falcons selected Illinois State WR Laurent Robinson with the #75 overall selection (#11 in the 3rd round) in the 2007 NFL draft. Robinson, a Division I-AA player, had an outstanding Junior season but faded some Senior year.  He likely needs time to develop before he can contribute in the NFL. 

Atlanta Falcons selected Illinois State WR Laurent Robinson with the #75 overall selection (#11 in the 3rd round) in the 2007 NFL draft. Robinson, a Division I-AA player, had an outstanding Junior season but faded some Senior year.  He likely needs time to develop before he can contribute in the NFL. 

Joey Harrington joins Atlanta to backup Vick

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with free agent QB Joey Harrington on a two-year contract to backup starter Michael Vick.  The agreement is reportedly for 2 years & $6 million, a nearly identical sum that the Carolina Panthers agreed to with former #1 overall selection David Carr last week to backup Jake Delhomme.

Matt Schaub Traded to Houston

ESPN & NFL.com's Adam Schefter reports by day's end, the Atlanta Falcons will trade backup QB Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans, according to NFL sources. The Texans will reportedly swap 1st round choices with Atlanta this year and surrender a second-round draft pick both this year and next. 

Justin Griffith signs with Oakland Raiders

ESPN reported the Oakland Raiders reached agreement Friday evening with Atlanta's free-agent FB Justin Griffith on a three-year, $3.8 million contract, completing a whirlwind day of activity in Oakland. The deal is contingent upon Griffith passing his physical.

Falcons RB Platoon?

According to ProfootballWeekly, new Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino seems clear that he would like to add a power RB to complement veteran RB Warrick Dunn and 2nd year man Jerrious Norwood. However, Dunn, who is coming off his third straight 1,000-yard rushing season, will be the workhorse in Atlanta for at least one more season.

Falcons sign Ovie Mughelli to largest FB deal ever

The Atlanta Falcons official website reports the Falcons have signed free-agent FB Ovie Mughelli (Ravens).  ESPN's John Clayton adds the contract is a six-year, $18 million deal that included a $5 million signing bonus.  This signifies that the Falcons will focus on a power running game, likely meaning the end of Justin Griffith's tenure in Atlanta and signaling a lighter load for the smaller Warrick Dunn in 2007. 

Michael Vick - an Idiot?

Atlanta Falcons star QB Michael Vick showed the world why he may never have the intelligence to play quarterback successfully in the NFL this past week when he attempted to bring a water bottle on a plane this past week.  Though that wasn't the dumb part, it was that he went well out of his way to conceal a substance in the water bottle when boarding a plane. The bottle was found to have a compartment that contained "a small amount of dark particulate and a pungent aroma closely associated with marijuana," a Miami police report said. The compartment was hidden by the bottle's label so that it appeared to be a full bottle of water when held upright, police said.

Petrino expected to be named Atlanta Falcons new HC

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to announce the hiring of Louisville's Bobby Petrino as their new head coach.  Petrino is expected to receive a five year $24 million contract, and is known for innovative offensive schemes.  Until a coaching staff is finalized its too early to speculate how it may effect fantasy performances but the initial hire is a good sign.