I think it's safe to say who WON'T be winning the man of the year

After getting pulled over by police in Arizona just three days ago, the Chicago Bears have released defensive tackle, Tank Johnson. Johnson who had been released from jail after spending two months in prison for gun charges that were filed after police raided his home and found a plethora(ha now I feel smart for saying "plethora") of guns. Two days after the raid, Johnson's bodyguard and close friend was shot and killed at a night club that the two men had attended.

"We are upset and embarrassed by Tank's actions last week," general manager Jerry Angelo said in a statement. "He compromised the credibility of our organization. We made it clear to him that he had no room for error. Our goal was to help someone through a difficult period in his life, but the effort needs to come from both sides. It didn't, and we have decided to move on."

Johnson had already been suspended for the first eight games of the season after having a meeting with the NFL's new commissioner, Roger Goodell. Johnson told Goodell that he wouldn't have anymore run ins with the police and he had intentions on winning the NFL's Man of the Year which goes to the player that shows excellent behavior on and off the field. I think it's pretty safe to say good ole Tank won't be taking that award home anytime soon.

Some words of advice for mister Nicholson

Davey asked me to do a guest post for him over at Blowncoverage. So here it is.

Jay was the first one to step up to the plate for a guest post on the wasteland, and he drops a beauty for former Bengals linebacker A.J. Nicholson. So, without any further delay, here's Jay from My Sports Talk and my partner in blog crime over at Hokies and 'Canes.

While in my absence, Davey did a post for me about how troubled linebacker, A.J. Nicholson had been released from the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday leaving the former Florida State standout unemployed. Well now he's no longer unemployed, no it's not what you're thinking, he didn't sign with someone. He's actually going to making license plates and serving what is said to be "chili" in the Leon County Jail.

Officials at the Leon County, Fla., jail confirmed Saturday afternoon that Nicholson is being held there for allegedly violating the terms of his probation. The Cincinnati Enquirer first reported Saturday that Nicholson had been jailed in Florida.

A spokesperson said Nicholson will be held in the jail until a probation revocation hearing is convened, but could not say when that hearing is scheduled.

Back in 2006, Nicholson was placed on two years' probation in Florida after he served 60 days at a work camp on charges that he broke into the apartment of former Seminoles teammate, Lorenzo Booker, who is now with the Miami Dolphins, while still in college. And then last week he was charged with a misdemeanor assault charge after allegedly striking the mother of his two-year-old son, Victoria Johnson.

This shit is getting ridiculous, I mean all the arrests and suspensions, it really takes a toll on your loyalty to your team. I'm just glad we got this cancer out of the organization, and hopefully we can start to get some of our dignity back in Cincy. We seem to be on the right track as of right now, I mean we released Nicholson, we won't have Chris Henry for majority of the season which is great for the locker room but it sucks on the field because the kid has immense talent and according to reports, Ahmad Brooks has been doing great both off the field and on the field. Some may remember Brooks was kicked off of Virgina's football team for countless run ins with the law. And he may even earn a starting job if he keeps on progressing.

Here is a small list of necessities that everyone should have before going to jail....um...so I heard.

1. Soap on a rope- For Obvious reasons









2. Funny glasses- No late night escapades can happen if they think you're still awake.













3. A Do Not Enter tattoo- Everyone gets prison tattoos, why not get one that gets the message across, use your imagination on placement of this ink.











Ok, I think that about does it prison rape for one day. Good luck A.J. on the whole federal bust me in the ass prison thing.

- Jay

Marcus Vick is unemployed again.

The Miami Dolphins aren't done cleaning house yet, they just released the one player that would bring them back to glory help them take over the league lead in team arrests. Today the Dolphins released Marcus Vick, who was mostly on the team's practice squad, but did manage to make one appearance for the Phins, week 15 against the New York Jets.

Vick, signed last season as a free agent receiver after a troubled career as Virginia Tech's quarterback, was among three players waived by the Dolphins on Tuesday.

Vick was kicked off Virginia Tech's team following his junior year after repeated brushes with the law and other misbehavior. Last December, a 17-year-old girl who claimed she had a two-year sexual relationship with Vick filed a $6.3 million lawsuit against him, alleging sexual battery upon a minor, infliction of emotional distress, fraud and other charges.

Vick also stomped on current Denver Broncos defensive end, Elvis Dumervil back in 2006 during the Gator Bowl. In which the Hokies made an impressive comeback, just thought i'd throw that in there. It isn't known right now, but I would be surprised to see him back on a team's roster anytime this year, he had a great junior season at Tech, but hasn't really shown much that would leave teams to believe he could be a solid number four receiver at best. Some team with special team problems could take a chance on him, but I just don't know.

Breaking News: The Houston Texans have released David Carr.

According to ESPN's, Michael Smith is reporting that the Houston Texans have released quarterback, David Carr. This makes no sense to me, obviously they were going to get rid of him one way or another, but David Carr still had some value, they could have traded him for at least a late round draft pick, 5th or later to a team like Miami, Oakland or Cleveland.

Now I expect Miami to end the talks with acquiring veteran quarterback, Trent Green from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2007 7th round pick and just sign Carr. The Dolphins are still $10M under the salary cap but you have to anticipate at least $5M going to sign draft picks, so about $5M, and that is more than enough to sign Carr.

Since being the #1 overall pick in 2002, David Carr hasn't been the player he was projected to be. Now say what you want to about him, I think he still can be a solid starter in the NFL if he can find a team with a decent offensive line. He has been able to put up decent enough numbers in Houston despite being put on his ass hundreds of times throughout his career in Houston. Houston's offensive line has been horrible and I feel that played a big part on why Carr has been a failure in NFL thus far. Let him move onto Miami where their offensive line is better than Houston's and lets see what he can do. Last season, David Carr threw for 2,767 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and 2 rushing touchdowns.

Ladies and Gents, I present to you, The 2007-08 Super Bowl Champion...

The NFL Fanhouse is reporting that the New England Patriots and Donte' Stallworth have agreed to a 6-year $32 million deal that would give the 25-year old wide receiver almost $12 million guaranteed. Although they did update with reports that the deal is premature.

I had mentioned earlier that the Patriots were still desperately searching for the elusive "#1 receiver" and if this deal has legs, they may have just found him. Although Stallworth only played in 12 games last season, he racked up 725 yards on just 38 receptions, 5 touchdowns and an impressive average of 19.1 per catch. Meaning he is a HUGE big play threat and if he can stay healthy he can be an All-Pro wide out and then add Tom Brady in the mix, the Patriots are going to be awfully hard to beat, no matter what Davey says.

The New England Patriots have been very busy during the past week, here's their moves.

Added:

1. Adalius Thomas- Outside Linebacker(BAL)
2. Wes Welker- Wide Receiver(MIA)
3. Sammy Morris- Runningback(MIA)
4. Kyle Brady- Tight End(Jacksonville)

Lossed:

1. Corey Dillion- Runningback
2. Daniel Graham- Tight End

Free-Agency is now open.

Top 15 unrestricted free-agents

1. Nate Clements CB (BUF)

Clements is widely regarded as the top FA this year. This is one of the few times a top corner in his prime hits the free-agent market and you can bet that a lot of teams are going to be looking to add him.

Projected: Tennessee
Darkhorse: Cleveland

2. Adalius Thomas OLB (BAL)

The best hybrid linebacker in the NFL, he can played nearly every position on the 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. He has averaged 9.3 sacks over the past 3 season including 11 sacks in 2006. He is a superior athlete with, size, speed and power.

Projected: San Francisco
Darkhorse: Miami

3. Eric Steinbach OG (CIN)

He is a very durable linemen who has only missed 1 game in the last 4 seasons. Some teams believe he could be a standout tackle and several teams have said they feel he could be a Pro-Bowl center. Being only 26, Steinbach still has room to improve and could develop in to a top player at multiple positions on the line.

Projected: Cleveland
Darkhorse: none

4. Kris Dielman OG (SD)

An undrafted rookie that didn't play that much in his first two years, but over the past two seasons he has really developed into a great inside lineman. He is very strong, young and has great size standing at 6'4" 310 pounds.

Projected: Seattle
Darkhorse: Miami

5. Cato June OLB (IND)

He was a safety at the University of Michigan but switched to outside linebacker with the Colts. He is a bit undersized and has an issue with broken and missed tackles. But he is very good in the cover 2 scheme and is capable of covering most receivers.

Projected: Carolina
Darkhorse: Detroit

6. Leonard Davis OT (ARI)

He hasn't really played up to his potential after being the 2nd overall pick in 2001 but if he can tap into his potential he is easily one of the best left tackles in the NFL. He is versatile, playing every position on the line except center and is absolutely huge, 6'6" 365 pounds.

Projected: Miami
Darkhorse: Washington

7. Daniel Graham TE (NE)

Although he hasn't had more than 38 receptions in a season, he is an extremely talented pass catcher as well as a blocker. He has been overshadowed in New England's two tight end system and could easily be a Pro-Bowl type tight end on most teams.

Projected: Denver
Darkhorse: Seattle

8. London Fletcher-Baker OLB (BUF)

Although he is 31 years old, he is still a high energy tackling beast that is great at stopping the run in between the tackles. He will also provide instant veteran leadership to whatever team he lands with.

Projected: Washington
Darkhorse: none

9. Donte' Stallworth WR (PHI)

He is a speed receiver that can stretch the field and has good hands. He has been riddled by injuries and inconsistent play for majority of his short career. With that said, you can not over look his big play potential or the fact that he averaged a touchdown every 8th reception. He is expected to get a lot of intention this off-season.

Projected: Houston
Darkhorse: San Francisco

10. Ken Hamlin SS (SEA)

Hamlin overcame a serious head injury last season and returned to form making 96 tackles and 3 interceptions. He is fantastic against the run and is a big hitter that is most effective playing close to the line. He's a player that I like a lot and would really like it if the Bengals made a run at him.

Projected: Houston
Darkhorse: Carolina

11. Dewayne White DE (TB)

White is a very good pass rusher and some say he is capable of being a double-digit sacker if he gets to be a full-time starter. Expect him to get paid well from someone and should pay off if he is in the right situation. I think it would be wise for teams to try and pick this guy up, he just seems like he is ready to explode on the scene, watch out for Dwayne White in 2007.

Projected: Detroit
Darkhorse: Cleveland

12. Deon Grant FS (JAX)

Although he isn't a huge hitter, he is a veteran and has 18 career interceptions. He is still young, being only 27 years old and he is very reliable playing in all 16 games in his 7 year career. A lot of teams will show interest in signing him and whoever invest in him should get what they payed for, a solid safety that has a knack for being around the ball who is very durable.

Projected: Dallas
Darkhorse: New Orleans

13. Patrick Kerney DE (ATL)

He is very powerful and always seems to get to the quarterback, evidence to his 58 career sacks. He tore his pectoral muscle and missed majority of the year last season but this shouldn't discourage teams from attempting to sign him because he is well ahead of schedule in rehabilitation.

Projected: Minnesota
Darkhorse: Denver

14. Nick Harper CB (IND)

For years he has been the Colts' most reliable corner that plays the run well and has 15 career interceptions. He defends the pass very well and is often tested by opposing quarterbacks, but has came out well as evidence to his 42 pass deflections.

Projected: Arizona
Darkhorse: Minnesota

15. Kevin Curtis WR (STL)

Although he has been the slot receiver for his entire career in St.Louis he is easily a top 2 receiver on most teams. He has great speed and has a lot of teams drooling at his big play potential. He runs routes very well and has good hands to boot. A reunion is expected with Mike Martz in which he should flourish in his pass first schemes.

Projected: Detroit
Darkhorse: none

On the outside looking in:

Jeff Garcia QB (PHI) - Denver or Oakland
Derrick Dockery OG (WAS) - Miami
Drew Bennett WR (TEN)- Tennessee
Jamal Lewis RB (BAL) - Baltimore
Napoleon Harris ILB (MIN) - Minnesota

Recent NFL Cuts:

Joey Porter OLB (PITT) - Miami or San Francisco(depends on who gets Thomas)
Joe Horn WR (NO) - Atlanta???
Fred Smoot CB (MIN) - Washington
Donnie Edwards ILB (SD) - New Orleans
Antonio Bryant WR (SF) - Kansas City(they need a receiver...bad)
Erron Kinney TE (TENN) - Seattle
Jay Feeley K (NYG) - Dallas