INDIANAPOLIS -- Wednesday at the 2014 NFL combine turned into a big day for the Patriots. Not only did the Patriots announce the hiring of Michael Lombardi but Bill Belichick will speak at the combine.
The Lombardi hiring is the big news of course, with the former Browns GM getting surprisingly ousted from Cleveland along with President Joe Banner just about a week ago. He joins the Patriots as an "Assistant to the Coaching Staff."
Which might sound odd for a GM, but that probably means Lombardi gets to double dip with his Cleveland paycheck while with New England and the Patriots get him at a low, low cost.
Belichick, presumably, will address the addition of Lombardi when he speaks to the media at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday.
The addition of the Pats coach to the list of speakers should draw a big crowd: Belichick hasn't spoken at the combine since 2009 and even then he busted out a 13-minute intro that essentially derailed all the questions folks could ask him.
Belichick pressers are one of my favorite things about the NFL season. Hopefully his combine appearance will not disappoint.
NFL Hot News
Ravens RB Rice arrested for casino altercation with fiancee
According to espn.com's Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Ravens RB Ray Rice and his fiancee were both arrested and charged with simple assault following a physical altercation over the weekend in an Atlantic City, N.J. casino. The police report stated that the two, "struck each other with their hands", but that no injuries were reported. Both were released, but ordered to appear in court at a later date.Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome was reluctant to weigh in on the matter just yet, saying, "I don't know the situation. I've only gotten what has been written. I've not had a chance to talk to Ray. I really don't know the situation. Up until I get all the answers, then that's when we make decisions within this organization".Rice is coming off his worst seaon in Baltimore, rushing for only 660 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Well, if you owned Rice in 2013, you probably spent a first round pick on him and cursed him all year long. If you're in a keeper league, this news probably isn't making you feel any more confident in bringing him back next year.As reported by our Brian Murphy Saturday morning, the Ravens would like for Rice to remain a focal part of their running attack, while also keeping Bernard Pierce involved. However, neither of them tore it up last season, with Rice averaging only 3.1 yards per carry amp; Pierce 2.9.Rice has been a favorite RB of mine for several years, after leading me to multiple fantasy titles. However, depending on how this legal matter plays out, it's quite possible that Rice's fantasy value could continue to drop during the off-season. It had already taken a hit based on his performance in 2013, and rarely do off-field, personal issues lead to on-field improvement. We can only hope that RIce uses this as a wake-up call and refocuses his priorities.
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