Burritos Make Cedrick Wilson Angry

When looking at what teams have done in the off-season, one team that hasn't done much to get better is the Pittsburgh Steelers. While I thought that Tomlin and Company would want to capitalize on a career year by their quarterback, you can't deny that the black and gold have lost more than they have gained. And as of today, they've lost one more after releasing wide receiver Cedrick Wilson.

Wilson, apparently longing to be accepted by Najeh Davenport, got into a little altercation with his former girlfriend. In a Mexican restaurant.

Wilson, 29, was charged with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct after allegedly hitting his former girlfriend Wednesday night. According to Northern Regional Police, Wilson struck Lindsey Paulat, 26, in the face at the Patron Mexican Grill in Pine Township.

Ced may want to think twice about this next time, as it appears that his ex-girl has been known to pack some heat from time to time.

The mother of Wilson's 1-year-old daughter, Paulat was involved in a 12-hour armed standoff with police on January 19 and currently is awaiting a hearing on charges of discharging a firearm in an occupied structure. After getting in an argument with Wilson, Paulat allegedly fired two shots from a handgun in Wilson's house. Wilson filed for a protection-from-abuse order two days later, claiming he feared Paulat would shoot him.

I would say that his "fear" has a bit of support. If I were Wilson, I'd have my agent lobbying to have me added to a team out West. Hey, I hear there's an opening in Seattle!

Steelers release Wilson after arrest [National Post]

Weeken Warriors: Link Dump

I apologize for the lack of activity this week, as the whole "real job" thing gets in the way at times. Anyone willing to pay me to do this, please email to the address in the sidebar, and I'll ensure that your RSS readers are filled up daily. Now, here's what a few others have been saying while I've been a working man...

- I wish I had more time to discuss this whole Patriots/Steelers video-taping issue. Thankfully, Ryan Wilson has loads of time and resources over at the FanHouse. Go check it out there. [FanHouse]

- I continue to love Terrell Owens. I think that this may have just made it that much better. [Awful Announcing]

- For those of you that wonder what on earth happens to all of the t-shirts for the losing Super Bowl team [JetsBlog]

- Fantasy Football fanatics may want to adjust their Tight End rankings a bit. Alge Crumpler is no longer in the ATL. [AJC]

- A quick reminder that the world is a very, very unfair place [Sports Illustrated]

- I sure hope to come up with some time in the near future. I think the upcoming NFL draft needs some more blogging [Free Press]

- And while this has nothing to do with football, and I'm a few days behind the curve, this story about Cat Gaffney (Mighty Ducks fans know what's up) deserves some love [Rumors and Rants]

Low-Balling Derek Anderson Sessions Have Commenced

All in a season's work, Derek Anderson stepped into the starting quarterback position half way through an opening week debacle against the Pittsburgh Steelers and never looked back. 3,800 yards and 29 touchdown passes later, the restricted free agent would now like to get paid.

You're talking about a guy who couldn't even use his "Player of the Week" spot outside of the Browns' training facility because he and his wife share a car. Not that I can attest, but pulling up between luxury vehicles, only to get dropped off at your place of employment cannot be very uplifting. You would think that the guy could hitch a ride with someone and allow them to park there.

But I digress as the Columbus Dispatch is reporting that the Browns have hit the ground running by offering Anderson a three-year deal, with terms unknown. After a 10-5 season, and becoming a Pro Bowl Alternate, Anderson is said to be looking for a six-year contract, with the obvious goal being job security and cashing in on a solid season. Given the fact that Cleveland also has another long-term answer at quarterback currently sitting on the bench in Brady Quinn, its unlikely that he'll be getting a six-year offer any time soon.

While General Manager Phil Savage has stated that the goal is to have both quarterbacks in tow for next season, it may be the last one as such given that if the two parties cannot agree on an extension, the team can slap a one-year tender on the Oregon native. Leverage will not be Derek Anderson's friend in the upcoming weeks, as these two sides will likely exchange up until the February 29th deadline.

NFL notebook: Browns, Anderson begin negotiations [Columbus Dispatch]

Morning YouTubeness: Josh Cribbs Came To Play

Good morning, all. Apologies for the lack of posts over the last few days - real life gets in the way sometimes.

Quite a rough weekend in Ohio as the Buckeyes dropped a home game to the unranked Illini and then the Browns cough up a halftime lead by doing absolutely nothing until the final drive, preceded by Romeo Crennel wasting two timeouts.

If there's any silver lining, it's this run back by Josh Cribbs, who had another run stopped at the opposing four yard line, and a nice punt return called back due to a penalty. Watch the tip-toeing down the sideline. Dare we call him the AFC's Devin Hester? Enjoy.

Morning YouTubeness: "Hines" Rhymes With "Fines"

Morning, all. While I agree with AA that Hines Ward is one of the best blocking wide receivers in the history of the NFL, I have to take the opposing side on this one.

Leading with the helmet and blocking a defensive back are two totally different things. It isn't the first time that Ward has been guilty of such, it just so happens that this one was before the whistle as opposed to the play against Cleveland.

It wouldn't surprise me if the NFL laid down another fine on the wide out despite being "legal" during the course of play. Judge for yourself.



Ed Reed Meet The Best Blocking Wide Receiver In NFL History [Awful Announcing]

Morning YouTubeness: Step Aside, Steely

Morning, folks. The Steelers have seemed to overcome the adversity of Steely McBeam thus far, but can they overcome this?



Is anyone really surprised that this Steelers fan has pierogies and a bottle of Jack Daniels? Really, the only thing missing is the moustache...but we can blame that on poor lighting.

Afternoon Delight: Pick 'Em

A 16.5 point spread with this guy running the ball? No thanks.
We're in the home stretch of Friday afternoon, and it wouldn't be such without a few gambling thoughts sent to the readers.

This will be the third installment of my "picks," and I must say that with a 7-for-8 going on right now, I'm feeling pretty confident. Of course, if I get blanked this week, I'll just tell you that it was house money to begin with and to quit your bitchin'. On to this week's games...

Kansas City (+2.5) over OAKLAND
I was very close to taking Cincy giving last week, but sure glad I didn't after the barrage that Larry Johnson and company put on the Bengals. This week, I expect Herm Edwards to stick to the ground. With Warren Sapp and possibly Gerard Warren missing the contests, the Raiders will be throwing third-string D-Linemen at the Chiefs. I'll take the points on the road.

Pittsburgh (-3.5) over DENVER
When you take one of the league's biggest run-first teams and pair them up against the league's worst rush defense and add in a bit of surgery for the latter team's main receiving threat, something tells me that not even a last second timeout can stop the Steelers from working the Broncos.

Indianapolis (-3) over JACKSONVILLE
Man, I'm not liking all of these road teams. But what I am liking is the Peyton Manning on Monday Night Football bit that seems to always work out pretty well. Joseph Addai is returning and the Jags main receiver is still Dennis Northcutt. That should be worth four points right there.

MIAMI (+16.5) over New England
Yea, this one I'm not too sure about. Regardless of the record, you're giving a team a three-score lead, at home, before the game even begins. Couple this with the fact that New England could be handing the ball to a white guy for the majority of the contest, and we could be in for a close one. And by close, I mean at least 14 points.


Good luck!

Najeh Davenport Goes Brett Myers

...And he's been busted for it.

The back-up running back of the Steelers reportedly opted to celebrate his two-touchdown weekend by choking the mother of his child, and throwing her to the ground. The incident took place on the East side of Cleveland, and was picked up first by Fox 8.

Cleveland police have charged the back with three misdemeanors stemming from the domestic dispute: Domestic violence, endangering children and unlawful restraint. Quite the trifecta.

The "Dump Truck" could face up to up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 in fines if convicted of the first two charges and up to 60 days in jail and $500 in fines for the third.

He's been given the chance to turn himself into the police, and with the Steelers currently on a bye, Davenport will have a few days to weigh the options. No word on if he called anyone at the scene a "retard."

Steelers' Najeh Davenport charged in domestic dispute in Cleveland [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
Can Brett Myers Spell "Retarded?" [AOL Fanhouse]

Morning YouTubeness: Here We Go

Happy Columbus Day, Folks. Many of you will likely be checking this out tomorrow, but for all of the non-bank holiday people, here's a little somethin' somethin' for you to drink your coffee too...especially if you like dog porn.

Now, being a Browns fan, this one hurts a bit, but since I have a sense of humor and thought it was pretty funny, we'll go with it. The Steelers owned the Seahawks yesterday, with the Browns putting up some decent points - just not more than the Patriots. One quick thing...Not to get all "Sports Guy," but that "Here We Go _______, Here We Go" is totally a Cleveland Browns thing. Does Pittsburgh still bark at the end as well?

Without further adieu, check out this dog going all Steely McBeam. Enjoy.

Morning YouTubeness: Close The Barn Doors, Terry

Thank the good lord that it is Friday. This weekend could not come fast enough.

Thankfully, to get us there we have a little clip of Fox Football's Terry Bradshaw on the Jay Leno show. You'll see that Terry forgot to finish the job in the dressing room prior to his appearance. You have to give the guy credit for his "we'll be right back" segway.

But you do not have to give Leno credit for checking out Bradshaw's crotch. That's a bit odd. Either way, enjoy!

Cheaters Never Prosper?

With everyone gearing up for the start of the NFL season, I had the chance to have some watercooler discussions with co-workers of mine. One person brought up the Rodney Harrison news regarding the recent HGH-based suspension. A story in and of itself, and a definite blow to the Patriots defense - at least for four games.

This, of course, led into the suspension of Wade Wilson and how the steroid and substance-abuse policies stretch on to the coaching staffs of NFL teams. This suspension has rubbed a few people the wrong way, as it was reportedly used for health reasons - as opposed to trying to beat the system, as it was in Harrison's case.

What very few people are talking about, but I think should be held in the same light is the recent revelation by Jerome Bettis. NBC Sports reported that Bettis had admitted to lying about an injury simply so he wouldn't be cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He even used the words "acting" and "fooling" simply so he would be able to further his career in football. When interviewed by Jim Rome, Bettis went on to say that he would do it again if given the chance.

Bettis claims that his lying actually bettered the franchise of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and that it "worked out in the end." My question is, do the ends justify the means? Yes, Harrison may have gained an advantage by using banned substances, but Bettis in fact gained an advantage over the player that was cut so that Bettis himself could have a roster spot. Bettis also bettered his wallet, as he would have had to relinquish his salary if cut.

They're both wrong. They both knew they were wrong. While I didn't necessarily give an opinion last time I discussed the Bettis story, I've sort of come around to this belief. You may think otherwise, but just because one lie ends in a ring, it doesn't make it better than another. If Bettis was still in the NFL, are his actions punishable? To what extent? Why or why not? Because he's a good-will ambassador of the game, a lot of people are letting this slide. And this shouldn't be the case.


Patriots Harrison Suspended [ESPN]
Cowboys Coach Wade Wilson Suspended [AOL Sports]
What's Wrong With the Harrison and Wilson...? [Lion In Oil]
Bettis: I Faked Injury... [NBC Sports]

The Teacher Becomes The Student

As the Pittsburgh Steelers roll in to the 2007 season with a new coaching staff, their former coach may be found in a local recital hall playing some advanced form of chopsticks. Thanks to Lion in Oil, we've been educated on the new hobby of one Bill Cowher: The Piano.

The Chin discucsses his teacher, Kim Russ, and how hard she is on him. Now I don't think it's reached Tiki Barber whining about Tom Coughlin type levels, but apparently Russ rides Cowher pretty hard when he doesn't tickle the ivories enough each week.

"I walk out of there, my back's hurting, my neck's knotted up, and my fingers are really sore. I told her I had a bad pinkie, she said she wanted to hear results -- she doesn't want excuses."

When asked about his love for the piano versus his love of coaching, Cowher extended his feelings that he can always return to the sidelines. Like the abovementioned Barber, it looks like Cowher will be wearing his analysis hat as a part of the CBS crew with Shannon Sharpe, Boomer Esiason, and Dan Marino.

While I'm a big believer that Cowher will join the extended list of former coaches to jump back into the game when the time is right (or not-so right, Art Shell), it looks like he's pretty content with his life right now and will have to pull for the Steelers when the cameras are turned off.

Bill Cowher: Piano Man [Lion In Oil]

Hines Ward Goes Plastic

The same Sunday night Steelers-Eagles game that brought us this, also forced Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward to the sidelines for next day's practice with his leg wrapped in ice.

Typical injuries that involve a leg wrapped in ice could be a hamstring pull, a quadriceps bruise or worst-case-scenario, a knee injury.

When asked why Ward had missed the practice, coach Mike Tomlin replied with, “Hines is Hines.” Great, coach. Thanks for the straight-laced answer.

Well, today, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reveals that it was nary the aforementioned injuries. In fact, it didn’t even have to do with his legs.

He broke his nose.

Yes, his nose. Apparently, Ward didn’t mention the injury to anyone and had no discoloration to indicate such. I'm no doctor, but shouldn't there be some visible evidence of a break in something as fragile as a beak?

The veteran receiver had surgery to correct the issue on Tuesday, and is reportedly going to be perfectly fine to start the opening week game against the Cleveland Browns.

This leads me to believe two things. One, Hines Ward had a nose job. And two, it’s going to be a VERY long season in terms of coaches and their injury reports. Looks like Bill Belichick has rubbed off on a few people, aside from this woman. Take note, Las Vegas. Take note.

Morning YouTubeness: Wrong Place, Wrong Time

Welcome back to another work week. I couldn't wait to post this one as I was fortunate enough to see this take place live. One guy who wasn't so fortunate? This referee.

All I know is that Ed Hochuli wouldn't have been phased. Just more proof that the DVR may be the best invention ever. Big props to the defender for using the line judge, Ron Marinucci, as a screen. Enjoy.

History Has Cruel Jokes

While contemplating a feature that I'd like to run on here regarding the evolution of NFL team helmets, I stumbled upon said history of the Cleveland Browns.

Now, we all know that the Browns skipped town for a few seasons in the late nineties. And if it seems like this team hasn't changed up their look very much, well, it's because they haven't.

I-NFLHelmet.com says that the Browns have had the same "logo" since 1961. Oddly enough, this logo isn't a logo at all. They're the only team in the league without a logo on either side of their helmet.

Now, if you click on the above link, you'll not only be directed to the Cleveland Browns helmet page, but you'll see the following picture as their helmet, dating all the way back until 1961:


Now, obviously this is just a mistake. Or is it?

Of all of the helmets to label "Browns2.gif," it's the one from Pittsburgh? Talk all you want about the new Steelers rivalry being with Cincinnati, or even Baltimore now as they're had resurgence. A team that struggles to go .500 rarely has a rivalry, but the one between the Browns and the Steelers just had a little fuel added to the fire.

And The Emmy Goes To...

I typically do not write at this hour but there's big news to report.

NBCSports has reported on the book of soon-to-be Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis. In said book, Bettis discusses a little bit of acting that he did to not get cut by the Steelers back in 2000.

"Man, did I do a nice job of acting," Bettis wrote in the book, "The Bus: My Life in and Out of a Helmet." "The thing is, I wasn't faking that I had an injury. I was just faking that the injury happened on that short-yardage play. I had to fool the coaches and the team's medical department into thinking the injury had occurred on that play. Otherwise, the Steelers would have had their reason to cut me and my salary."

Apparently, teams cannot part ways with injured players in camp without reaching some sort of settlement.

While I'm sure this revelation will not be thought of highly, does anyone really think that hindsight would prefer the Steelers keep Richard Huntley instead? If anything, Pittsburgh should be thanking Bettis and starting some sort of scholarship for students that dream of a career in acting.

Weekend Wrap-Up

I haven't really decided what I'm going to do about the weekends. I, for one, would rather be outside with a beer - nowhere near a computer - but maybe that's just me. So for now, I think I'll just sprinkle a few links regarding what went on over the last 48 hours or so. Suggestions are definitely welcome.

In a love story for the ages, Chris Cooley will be marrying his longtime girlfriend. She just so happens to be an ex-Redskins cheerleader, who was booted from the squad for dating the tight end. I love that they call him Captain Chaos in D.C.

Romeo Crennel took a huge stance by electing to have his starting quarterback decided by a coin toss. No, really.

Despite all of the hype and youtubness about PacMan Jones' wrestling debut, it appears that the Titans want nothing of the sort. This comes as a big surprise considering he was a first round slection and all.

The Jaguars apparently had a rough night. Tim Couch is likely second-guessing that whole contract thing. (h/t to the Fanhouse)

A few suspensions were handed down.

No Michael Vick? No problem, as that Joey Harrington guy did alright. Yes, the Falcons lost to the Jets, but hey...think positive.

And finally, Steely McBeam. The Steelers new mascot with the questionable-at-best name. Yea, well it appears that Pittsbugh isn't a big fan. I'm sure pictures like this don't help much.

That's all she wrote folks. Until tomorrow...

It's That Time Again

While this is the premier post for "Inches," I'm feeling pretty lazy on this Monday afternoon. So, you know what? You get a video.



The release of Madden 2008 is actually more important than the Hall of Fame Game to most fans, so instead of talking about Bill Cowher, Jerome Bettis and Joe Horn, we'll just go with Maddden.

What? They're not on those teams anymore? Oh...then just watch the video and ignore that last part. Queue the NFL Films music...