Report: Wiggins trade boosts Wolves’ tix sales

Andrew Wiggins is bringing good times to Minnesota. (USATSI)

The Minnesota Timberwolves have discovered a new, exciting formula for selling season tickets:

1. Trade superstar for Canadians

2. Bring Canadians to state fair

3. Profit!

After sending Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-way trade that returned Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and Thaddeus Young, Minnesota experienced a surge of ticket sales, per Nick Halter of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

In the five days following the official announcement of the Kevin Love-Andrew Wiggins trade, the Timberwolves said they have sold 300 new full-season-ticket packages. That's on top of 200 new packages in the 30 days leading up to the trade, when most fans knew Wiggins would be the centerpiece of the deal.

The last week was the busiest for season ticket sales for the Wolves in three years.

…

Because management had a 30-day head-start, it was able to plan a media blitz to introduce the new players that included Sunday newspaper ads, a State Fair tour and a website takeover.

The Timberwolves had a base of 7,400 season tickets last season. After losing 20 percent of the packages, the level has rebounded to 6,800.

Wolves fans were in a peculiar position at the end of last season, as was the team. Minnesota wasn't that far away from the playoffs, but it was nowhere near a contender and Love obviously wanted out. After that disappointing year, there wasn't a lot to be excited about heading into the offseason.

Now, with Wiggins, Bennett and rookie Zach LaVine, the Wolves can sell hope. Which is exactly what they've been doing. They will almost assuredly be worse than they were last season, but they could be more fun. Everyone involved has been talking about their youth, athleticism and potential, for good reason. There will be growing pains, but Minnesota seems pumped about the return for Love and the franchise's new direction.

Also, I'm going to take this opportunity to share this great photo of Wiggins and his sisters at the state fair:

A favorite image of ours from yesterday, @22wiggins riding "The Tornado" w/ his three sisters. #EyesOnTheRise pic.twitter.com/JpogvdjgRa

— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) August 27, 2014

Topics: Anthony Bennett, Kevin Love, Thaddeus Young, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

Basketball Hot News

James Harden’s four-point play vs. Turkey (VIDEO)

I’m generally not a fan of the PUJIT (pull up jumper in transition) but it works here for James Harden late in Team USA’s win over Turkey on Sunday.

For you kids at home, that is not how you close out on a three-point shooter (take shorter steps as you get close to the shooter to slow your momentum, sometimes move to the shooting hand side, or the side your coach prefers to force the shooter to help, usually forcing him baseline). What you don’t do is extend your arm into his chest and run into him.

James Harden’s day wasn’t perfect by far (we’ll get to that) but he finished with 14 points on seven shots as Team USA got the win.

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Report: Chiefs, QB Smith reach $68M contract

Alex Smith got real paid on Sunday. (USATSI)

On the eve of the 2014 season starting in the coming week, Alex Smith and the Chiefsagreed to a deal that will reportedly pay the quarterback $68 million over four years.

Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star first reported the deal, which will pay Smith $17 million a year over the next four years.

“It was a priority of ours to get this deal done and keep Alex in a Chiefs uniform long-term,” Chiefs GM John Dorsey said. “Alex is a proven leader on and off the field. He is a special individual with a lot of ability, and we are fortunate to have him here.”

Smith was entering the final year of his contract and set to make $7.5 million in the final year of his deal. Substantial hand-wringing and heated debate's taken place over whether or not Smith is worthy of "franchise quarterback money."

“John and his staff along with Tom and his group have worked hard to get this deal done. They've done a nice job,” Andy Reid said. "Alex is a smart, talented football player that has adapted well to our offensive scheme. He also, obviously, has had a tremendous amount of success as a quarterback in this league. We as a team are very happy to have Alex as our quarterback moving forward."

This deal will certainly put Smith in that zone: $17 million a year would make him the 10th-highest paid quarterback on an average basis (via OverTheCap.com).

But, like, with Andy Dalton's deal, there's some asterisks that are warranted and caveats that apply. Let's see the guaranteed money involved for Smith and the guaranteed money per year -- Dalton makes a ton of money but his average guarantee per year is more "average" than it is "elite."

Especially when you factor in his current salary; he ultimately now makes $76 million over the next five years, which works out to $15.2 million per season.

Smith is a very good quarterback and underwent a renaissance while playing for the 49ers. Colin Kaepernick ultimately took his gig and necessitated a trade to Kansas City, but he's a quality starter who doesn't make mistakes.

NFL Hot News

Browns show faith in young backfield, cast off RBs Dion Lewis, Chris Ogbonnaya



Browns running back Ben Tate better do something he has never done over three full seasons: stay healthy. If he doesn't, the only insurance Cleveland has for him are a couple of rookies. That's because the Browns released RBs Dion Lewis and Chris Ogbonnaya on Saturday.Ogbonnaya, who is entering his sixth season, had spent the past three years with the Browns and started 12 games. Lewis is entering his third year and is a typical undersized, change-of-pace runner. But with them gone, third-rounder Terrance West and undrafted free agent Isaiah Crowell are the only two backs currently on the Browns' RB depth chart behind Tate.



Obviously, the team will make a depth add at this position before the season begins. Ogbonnaya isn't special in any area of the game, but he's serviceable in many. He and Lewis should land with other teams soon.Crowell was a top-ranked recruit in 2011 but was dismissed from the University of Georgia after just one season due to a pair of felony charges and a misdemeanor. He played the next two seasons at Alabama State. He is an intriguing dynasty prospect because of his pedigree, but he is buried right now.West posted what can be described only as video-game numbers in his final college season -- 413 carries, 2,509 rushing yards, 41 touchdowns. He scored 86 times in three collegiate seasons. He will enter the year as Tate's direct backup and is a worthy late-round pick considering how often the Browns are expected to run the ball this season (You've seen their receiving corps). Tate is a risk-reward sixth-round pick.

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Tony Gonzalez: Not returning to play ‘probably’

Tony Gonzalez retired last season after 17 years. (USATSI)

After 17 seasons of putting together what likely will be a Hall of Fame career, former tight end Tony Gonzalez has joined the CBS team this year as an NFL analyst.

But that didn't stop multiple teams from calling him this offseason to see if he was interested in trying to win his first Super Bowl ring. While Gonzalez declined to name those squads during a CBS conference call on Thursday, it's interesting (and not at all surprising) that the 38-year-old still would draw interest.

But Gonzalez also made it clear that he doesn't want to play. Probably.

"There is probably no chance of me coming back to play," Gonzalez said. "I don't want to play anymore, to tell you the truth. I've had my fill."

Asked specifically about the Patriots possibly contacting him, Gonzalez -- even if he feels healthy after finishing last season with an 83-catch, 859-yard, eight-touchdown performance with the Falcons -- said he wasn't interested in chasing a ring.

"If it didn't happen up to this point," Gonzalez said, "it's not going to happen now."

Not everybody necessarily believes Gonzalez, though.

Tony Gonzalez translated: "Yes, I'd come back in Week 10 for a team that looks like they could win a Super Bowl"

— Danny Kelly (@FieldGulls) August 28, 2014

2014 Thursday Night Football schedule
Date	Week	Game	Time (ET)	TV	Location
Sep. 4	1	Green Bay at Seattle	8:30 p.m.	NBC	CenturyLink Field
Sep. 11	2	Pittsburgh at Baltimore	8:25 p.m.	CBS/NFL Network	M&T Bank Stadium
Sep. 18	3	Tampa Bay at Atlanta	8:25 p.m.	CBS/NFL Network	Georgia Dome
Sep. 25	4	N.Y. Giants at Washington	8:25 p.m.	CBS/NFL Network	FedEx Field
Oct. 2	5	Minnesota at Green Bay	8:25 p.m.	CBS/NFL Network	Lambeau Field
Oct. 9	6	Indianapolis at Houston	8:25 p.m.	CBS/NFL Network	NRG Stadium
Oct. 16	7	N.Y. Jets at New England	8:25 p.m.	CBS/NFL Network	Gillette Stadium
Oct. 23	8	San Diego at Denver	8:25 p.m.	CBS/NFL Network	Sports Authority Field
Oct. 30	9	New Orleans at Carolina	8:25 p.m.	NFL Network	Bank of America Stadium
Nov. 6	10	Cleveland at Cincinnati	8:25 p.m.	NFL Network	Paul Brown Stadium
Nov. 13	11	Buffalo at Miami	8:25 p.m.	NFL Network	Sun Life Stadium
Nov. 20	12	Kansas City at Oakland	8:25 p.m.	NFL Network	O.co Coliseum
Nov. 27	13	Seattle at San Francisco	8:30 p.m.	NBC (Thanksgiving night)	Levi's Stadium
Dec. 4	14	Dallas at Chicago	8:25 p.m.	NFL Network	Soldier Field
Dec. 11	15	Arizona at St. Louis	8:25 p.m.	NFL Network	Edward Jones Dome
Dec. 18	16	Tennessee at Jacksonville	8:25 p.m.	NFL Network	EverBank Field
There are no Thursday games in Week 17.

NFL Hot News

Packers RB Eddie Lacy could lead the league in yards 'without a doubt'



In a statement made by Sam Gash, the Green Bay Packers' running back coach, he believes Eddie Lacy is, "Without a doubt," perfectly capable of leading the NFL in rushing this season. He also went on to say, "I think he's a bell cow." In the 2013 season, Lacy showed flashes of league-leading potential, racking up 1,178 rushing yards as a rookie, the eighth-most rushing yards in the NFL. He also totaled 11 touchdowns.



Lacy is in a position to succeed from every aspect. The Packers' passing attack is formidable enough to keep the defense honest, allowing Lacy to ravage opponents between the tackles. Lacy has very little competition and will therefore take nearly all of the goal-line carries. Lacy also has a monster-sized motor that keeps his legs churning until the whistle. Although the cost seems high, he is an extremely safe option with support from all ends of the field. You can't go wrong with Lacy as an RB1.

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Colangelo says USA looks to Harden as leader

James Harden is starring for Team USA this summer. (USATSI)

Houston Rockets guard James Harden is the leader of Team USA, according to USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo. From the Washington Post's Michael Lee:

“Right now, I think I would look to Harden as that leader,” USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said as his team continues to prepare for the tournament in which the winner earns an automatic berth in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. “Harden is kind of a natural leader and he seems to be willing to accept that role. And you can just kind of feel it and sense. He's the one.”

…

Colangelo said Harden has been one of the team's most vocal players and has helped elevate practices with his effort and tenacity.

“I don't know if he's been waiting [to lead]. It's evolved,” Colangelo said. “He came in as a pretty high draft pick. Got off to a great start in Oklahoma City. Whether he was disappointed or surprised by what transpired, he found himself in another uniform and that's part of life in pro sports and the NBA, and I think he's adjusted to that and his numbers get bigger and he's being recognized more and more as the player he is. And this is a great platform for him to come out as a leader.”

Considering the other guys on the roster, this is a rather striking set of statements. Harden is only 25 years old, and he has only been a starter in the NBA for the past two seasons. He's not known as a big rah-rah guy, and his lackadaisical defense has attracted so much attention over the past few months that his offensive brilliance has become underrated. As Lee pointed out in his Harden profile, he's the only first-team All-NBA guy left for Team USA after Kevin Durant pulled out.

While Anthony Davis is establishing himself as a true superstar and Derrick Rose is working his way back from injury, perhaps this summer can be just as valuable for Harden. He's been showing more effort on defense, and he's been extremely assertive with the ball in his hands. If he's learning how to lead, too, that's a bonus for Houston. The Rockets lost some depth this summer, and some growth from their star shooting guard could have a huge impact.

The 2014 FIBA World Cup begins on Saturday.

Topics: James Harden, Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets, NBA

Basketball Hot News

Michael Carter-Williams still not ready for game action

Michael Carter-Williams had shoulder surgery last May, and though no timetable was given for his return, it seemed likely he’d recover in time for the upcoming season.

There was no clear cause of the injury, perhaps indicating it wasn’t too, too serious. Plus, he’d have a full offseason to recover.

But, though the reigning Rookie of the Year has made progress, he’s not yet ready to play a game.

76ers general manager Sam Hinkie on Carter-Williams, via Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Dailey News:

“Things are coming along. I haven’t seen the full report of late and haven’t seen the most recent checkup. He can shoot and is working hard. He is not ready for full five-on-five contact.”

There’s still time for Carter-Williams to finish rehabbing. Training camp doesn’t open for a month and the regular season doesn’t begin for another month after that.

But if he needs more time than that, he’ll get it.

Philadelphia gave Nerlens Noel all season to recover last year, and they’ll be just as patient with Joel Embiid. There’s no rush when you’re tanking.

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Gordon banned one year

Josh Gordon has been suspended for a year. (USATSI)

At last, we know.

More than three months after reports surfaced that the NFL was suspending Browns receiver Josh Gordon for a year for violating the substance abuse policy, the league upheld that suspension Tuesday.

"I'd like to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Cleveland Browns organization and our fans," Gordon said in a statement through the NFLPA. "I am very disappointed that the NFL and its hearing office didn't exercise better discretion and judgment in my case. I would like to sincerely thank the people who have been incredibly supportive of me during this challenging time, including my family, my agent, my union, my legal team, and the Cleveland Browns staff."

Notice this line in Gordon's statement: "I am very disappointed that the NFL and its hearing office didn't exercise better discretion and judgment in my case."

That must stem from the NFL deciding that Gordon's appeal wasn't convincing. Gordon reportedly told the league that the positive drug test was the result of second-hand marijuana smoke. He also pointed out that his failed "A" sample was only one nanogram per milliliter above the league's threshold of 15 nanograms per milliliter while the "B" sample measured below the threshold at 13.63.

Gordon was suspended last year for two games for breaking the league's rules -- Gordon said he used a cough medicine that contained codeine -- but he still managed to lead the NFL in receiving yards. In May, though, it was reported that Gordon had failed yet another drug test and would lose a year.

On Wednesday, the league confirmed it.

"Appeals officer Harold Henderson has upheld the suspension for the 2014 NFL season of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. The suspension is effective immediately," the league said in a statement.

The Browns have to be worried about Gordon's future without the structure of his team around him, particularly since he's failed multiple drug tests and was charged with a DUI this offseason.

Don't Miss Twitter reacts to Gordon news

"While we may have strong feelings on the timing and the process of this decision, we have also consistently communicated that we will focus on what we can control in our day to day approach," Browns general manager Ray Farmer said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. "Right now that is preparing our team for the 2014 season and at the same time, supporting Josh however we are able under NFL guidelines during his suspension."

Said coach Mike Pettine: "We will continue to support Josh and we understand that there is accountability for one's actions. Our job and that of the team is to focus on what we can control. Our philosophy in building this team and the mentality we're establishing is that we're going to have to overcome challenges and situations throughout the course of a season. We'll continue to be relentless in our approach, in how we work and focus on our goal of returning winning football to Cleveland."



Reportedly, the team tried to convince the league that Gordon should still be allowed to be around team headquarters during the ban, but NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the league denied that request.

Still, all hope is not lost for Gordon

While technically a year suspension, NFL will usually grant reinstatement before training camp if it sees progress/rehab/etc.

— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) August 27, 2014

But obviously, he won't be of any help to a Browns squad that could really use the offensive support this season.

“We support him," quarterback Brian Hoyer said last month, via the Akron Beacon Journal. “We know the type of person Josh is on and off the field and what he's capable of, and we're here for him. When someone does something wrong, you can't cast them to the side. We know how important he is to the organization. I'm sure if you ask any of these guys, we're here to support him in any way possible."

>> Want more Gordon ban? La Canfora -- Career in peril

NFL Hot News

Packers RB Eddie Lacy could lead the league in yards 'without a doubt'



In a statement made by Sam Gash, the Green Bay Packers' running back coach, he believes Eddie Lacy is, "Without a doubt," perfectly capable of leading the NFL in rushing this season. He also went on to say, "I think he's a bell cow." In the 2013 season, Lacy showed flashes of league-leading potential, racking up 1,178 rushing yards as a rookie, the eighth-most rushing yards in the NFL. He also totaled 11 touchdowns.



Lacy is in a position to succeed from every aspect. The Packers' passing attack is formidable enough to keep the defense honest, allowing Lacy to ravage opponents between the tackles. Lacy has very little competition and will therefore take nearly all of the goal-line carries. Lacy also has a monster-sized motor that keeps his legs churning until the whistle. Although the cost seems high, he is an extremely safe option with support from all ends of the field. You can't go wrong with Lacy as an RB1.

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Jets indefinitely suspend AWOL CB Patterson

The Jets have indefinitely suspended Dimitri Patterson. (USATSI)

When word filtered out that Jets cornerback Dimitri Patterson hadn't shown up for the team's preseason game vs. the Giants this past weekend, nobody in the organization seemed to know where he had gone.

Though Patterson returned to the squad after 48 hours and met with team officials on Sunday, the team announced Monday it was suspending him indefinitely.

"That will allow us to gather more information to what led to his behavior," general manager John Idzik said in a statement.

Patterson was in line to start at cornerback for a Jets squad that currently has a shortage of healthy defensive backs, especially considering cornerback Dee Milliner (ankle) and safety Antonio Allen (concussion) might have to miss the season opener.

Patterson's absence was strange. He attended New York's walk-through before the game, and he even ate at the pregame meal. But after that, he went missing. The only information the team had on Patterson was through his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who told the Jets that Patterson physically was fine.

As for Patterson briefly going AWOL, this what he had to say to ESPN.

#Jets CB Dimitri Patterson just text me this: "Yes, I'm ok and I'm not going AWOL either. Comical."

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 25, 2014

The Jets apparently didn't think the stunt was so funny, though. As for how long we might not see Patterson ...

Idzik says he thinks current suspension will be "brief," but #Jets will issue further discipline after going over all facts, etc

— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) August 25, 2014

NFL Hot News

RB Eddie Lacy finds paydirt on one-yard touchdown leap



Green Bay Packers RB Eddie Lacy played only one series Friday night versus the Raiders, rushing six times for 36 yards and notching a 1-yard leaping TD. Lacy routinely broke arm tackles and showed great burst in the impressive outing. The Packers play the Kansas City Chiefs next week, but Lacy is likely to sit out and rest up for the regular season.



It was as good a performance as we've seen from Lacy in this preseason. He might have even looked better than he did last year. We have him ranked as our No. 4 RB for good reason; he's going to score a ton of fantasy points for your team this year. Feel free to draft him as your RB1.

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Jim Kelly ‘not happy’ with any of Buffalo’s QBs

Jim Kelly isn't impressed with the Bills quarterback situation. (USATSI)

Former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly was at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Saturday to see Buffalo play Tampa Bay and it doesn't sound like he was too impressed with what he saw. What he saw was Bills quarterback EJ Manuel go 9 of 18 for 67 yards in the first half of Buffalo's 27-14 loss.

Kelly was asked about the Bills quarterback situation during an interview with Sirius XM NFL Radio on Monday and he didn't sound overly confident in Manuel -- or any other quarterback on the roster for that matter.

"To be honest, I'm not happy with any of them," Kelly said, via ESPN.com. "I would love to see EJ come on. I've heard him before talk to the press. Number one, he's a great guy. He's a great leader. I've heard him speak to the team, I've heard him speak to the receivers before they take the field. His leadership is there. Everything is there but I have not yet seen what we all want to see."

Although Kelly hasn't been impressed with Manuel, the former Hall of Famer still wants to see the second-year quarterback succeed.

"I'm pulling for him, and I'll continue to pull for him," Kelly said. "But that is a position without a doubt that is going to determine how the Buffalo Bills do this year. We have a good defense, great receivers, good running backs. It's up to EJ. He'll take us as far as he can, and I just hope he starts playing better."

It's not just Manuel who has struggled either, coach Doug Marrone hasn't been happy with the play of backup quarterbacks Jeff Tuel, Thad Lewis and Dennis Dixon. Dixon was cut on Monday and the same thing might happen to Tuel and Lewis if they keep playing the way they are.

"They either have to play better or we have to look to see if there's someone that can better that position, like we would any other position," Marrone said on Monday. "If we feel at the end of the day that it's not good enough to win with -- which we haven't seen that yet -- there's only two ways to go."

The Bills added a quarterback on Monday in Jordan Palmer, according to ESPN.com. The addition of Palmer could mean either Lewis or Tuel won't be around much longer.

As for Kelly, he thinks the Bills can win with Manuel, but the 24-year-old has to play better. "EJ has all the potential, he just needs to step up and do it," Kelly said.

Manuel's next chance to step up and do it will be on Thursday. Marrone said he plans to start Manuel in the Bills preseason finale against Detroit.

NFL Hot News

Rams QB Sam Bradford out for season with torn ACL



Rams quarterback Sam Bradford re-tore his left ACL in Saturday night's preseason game versus the Browns, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Bradford missed half of the 2013 season after tearing the same ligament. Shaun Hill is considered the team's starting QB for now.



In a preseason that's so far been blissfully devoid of major injuries, this is a bombshell. Bradford's absence will affect the value of the entire Rams offense. Hill's career stats suggest he won't be terrible, but Rams WRs Kenny Britt, Brian Quick and Chris Givens should all be downgraded substantially. It's harder to say how Bradford's injury will affect the Rams' running game. They're likely to lean on their power run scheme even more now, but defenses will also respect the pass less and may stack the box against the run. RB Zac Stacy's stock should remain relatively unchanged, while No. 2 RB Benny Cunningham's value may rise somewhat. He'll likely see more usage as this offense grinds its way through the season.

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Sterling fails to stay sale of Clippers to Ballmer

ESPN reports Wednesday that the Donald Sterling saga, at least in regards to his ownership of the Clippers, is over. An appellate court has struck down Sterling's writ of mandate to stay the sale of the team to Steve Ballmer after a court ruled against him last week and the NBA approved the sale Monday.

Now it's officially over. Court of appeals turns down Donald Sterling's writ of mandate

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) August 13, 2014

Appelate court rules: "The evidence before this court indicates the sale of the Los Angeles Clippers to Steven Ballmer has closed."

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) August 13, 2014

Appelate judges said: "Petitioner [Donald Sterling] has failed to show otherwise. Thus, there is nothing for this court to stay"

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) August 13, 2014

The ruling confirms that though Sterling will likely continue to pursue suit against Ballmer, his ex-wife Shelley Sterling, and the NBA, those suits will be over damages and not sale or control of the team.

Donald Sterling's attorney's say: "We are confident Donald will be completely vindicated in his federal case against the NBA. "

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) August 14, 2014

Donald attorney's: "We believe that the “popular” ruling in the Probate matter is a serious blow to the Privacy rights for all Americans."

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) August 14, 2014

Where Sterling turns to next is any guess, beyond the federal suit against the league, but as far as the Clippers are concerned, Steve Ballmer is their owner, and Donald Sterling is a thing of their past.

Topics: Donald Sterling, Los Angeles Clippers, NBA

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Browns’ Pettine says Manziel improving quickly

Mike Pettine says the Browns are 'very pleased' with where Johnny Manziel is.(USATSI)

More NFL: Photos | Videos & GIFs | Stories | Training Camps | Manziel watch

Saturday night featured the highest-rated NFL preseason game of all time, a mildly fierce battle between the Browns and the Lions. It was all about Johnny Manziel who, despite denials from Browns coach Mike Pettine, clearly closed the gap on incumbent starter Brian Hoyer.

Pettine, speaking on ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike Wednesday, acknowledged Manziel has "been impressive" and said he's "slightly ahead" of where the Browns expected him to be.

"He's been impressive. He's probably slightly ahead of the learning curve where we figured he would've been," Pettine said. "I think a big part of it for him is it's essentially him getting the playbook and it has been for a while. And I think he's finally starting to settle down with it."

Pettine praised the increase in Manziel's vocabulary and his ability to process more and more information, adding he has to know what other guys on the offense are doing as well.

"It's just a lot of information to process. And he's done a good job of it," Pettine said. "We're very pleased with where he is."

Manziel obviously hasn't progressed far enough for Pettine to do anything crazy like name him the starter. Pettine said all along the plan was for Cleveland to name a starter before Week 3 of the preseason, which means Manziel and Brian Hoyer are in a dead sprint to win the starting job for Week 1.

The process for picking that starter will involve four people in the organization and, potentially, some fierce debate. But no "external pressure," Pettine claims.

"I have two guys that know quarterback play really well in Kyle Shanahan and Dowell Loggains. And we'll sit down, the three of us, probably include Ray Farmer as well so he can hear us debate it back and forth," Pettine said. "It's all going to come down to who can give us the best chance to win a football game. And we're not going to feel pressure -- I know there's the external pressure of a lot of people want to see the rookie out there. We understand that. But we're in the football business here and we have to make the decision we feel is best for the Cleveland Browns.

"I think it's a good problem -- I know it's a good problem to have because we have two quarterbacks we feel are capable enough to make plays to win football games," Pettine said.

Pettine may have put himself in a wee bit of a corner while trying to give himself a little freedom; he used the phrase "week-to-week" when discussing his starting quarterback situation (as well as all his position players).

"When you declare a starter -- this for all positions, not just quarterback -- it's a week-to-week basis," Pettine said. "Our guys have to feel there's competition there. Once they earn a job Week 1, that's not guaranteed through Week 16 or Week 17, let alone Week 2. It's a fine line. You don't want guys thinking 'Hey, if I make one mistake I'm out,' and you might have a little bit more leeway with the quarterback position.

"You name a starter, and I think you have to be very shortsighted with your view that this is for the first game and we'll always be in evaluation mode."

NFL Hot News

Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin is the 'star' of training camp



ESPN's David Newton says that WR Kelvin Benjamin is the "star of Panthers camp." The rookie receiver will be the Panthers' WR1 this year, after impressing coaches and fans in the teams first preseason game. In that game, versus the Bills, Benjamin's highlights included a 29-yard touchdown catch. The 6-foot-5 rookie will line up alongside veteran WR Jerricho Cotchery and TE Greg Olsen as the team's primary receiving threats.



Benjamin is being drafted 42nd among wide receivers, and could end up being one of the best the sleeper picks of the year. He's flown below the radar so far, as owners opt for other rookie receivers like Bills WR Sammy Watkins and Buccaneers WR Mike Evans ahead of Benjamin. But with the playing time he'll be seeing, as the top option in QB Cam Newton's offense, he holds tremendous value. Strongly consider taking the rookie ahead of his current 11th -round ADP.

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Lions DT Fairley demoted to the second team?

Has Nick Fairley been relegated to the second team defense? (USATSI)

More NFL: Photos | Videos & GIFs | Training Camp updates | Manziel

When Detroit declined to pick up the fifth-year option on Nick Fairley's rookie contract this offseason, the team hoped he could use that slight as motivation to have a better 2014 season.

So far, it doesn't seem to be working.

As noted by the Detroit News, it appeared that Fairley, who started all 15 games he played last season, was practicing with the Lions second-team defense on Monday.

Fairley's reaction to questions afterward about the move to the second team as C.J. Mosley and Jason Jones took over his place among the starters?

Wrote the newspaper: "Nick Fairley silently and perplexedly raised his hands when asked why he was playing with the second-team defense ..."

Coach Jim Caldwell didn't have much to say about it either.

“Who said he was playing on the twos?” Caldwell said. “Was there a depth chart that said anything about it? ... What you see more so than anything else is we decide how we rep guys. It doesn't necessarily mean they're one, they're two, they're three, whatever it might be. It just depends on the situation. Don't read a whole lot into it.”

Fair enough, but it's still enough to make you wonder, particularly since Fairley didn't have a great performance in the team's first preseason game. You also have to wonder if the team is unhappy with Fairley's perpetual weight problem.

“One of the things about him, he's a big man,” Caldwell said. “He's got some strength and ability. He can probably carry more weight than most people at his size because of his strength, and he's working to get to a comfortable weight, I think, and I think he's on his way.”

NFL Hot News

Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley quick to change tune on WR Marqise Lee



On Saturday, Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley was critical of rookie WR Marqise Lee's effort on plays saying "Run your routes every time [as if it is] coming to you. You can't change speeds. You can't choose when and when not to." After sitting down with Lee to get an explanation of the lackluster performance, Bradley was quick to recant his previous statement on Monday, "A couple of things that came up where he was unsure of positioning of the defense and the route in terms of how he should attack it. So, there was confusion on his part that we got cleared up. He is extremely focused, really competitive, really driven." Lee was taken No. 39 overall in the 2014 draft and is expected to start opposite WR Cecil Shorts.



It was a bad attempt to get his rookie WR motivated and Bradley is simply backtracking on his comments. Lee has been noted for his work ethic and has had a decent training camp so far. Lee might be the best talent in the wide receiving corps with the exception of Justin Blackmon, who might never play another game in the NFL. He is a WR4 with upside, and a nice dynasty stash.

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Patriots acquire Worthy from Packers in trade

Jerel Worthy was traded from the Packers to the Patriots. (USATSI)

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The Packers traded defensive lineman Jerel Worthy to the Patriots on Tuesday afternoon, according to Worthy's agent.

Pending physical @packers DT @I_AM_Worthy99 traded to @Patriots! Will help Pats D-line right away.

— Chafie Fields (@ChafieFields) August 12, 2014

Worthy was a second-round pick by the Packers in 2012 out of Michigan State, with Green Bay moving up eight spots to nab the defensive lineman.

He clearly hasn't met expectations, compiling just 2.5 sacks in 16 career games over the past two years.

For the Packers, it's another disappointment from a rough draft class featuring only Nick Perry, Casey Hayward and Mike Daniels on the roster. (Hayward, for what it's worth, was a steal and saves this thing from being a total disaster.)

According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, the Packers will receive a "future pick" from the Pats, but only if Worthy ends up making the roster.

The Pats already have Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly starting on the interior, along with rookie Dominique Easley. But Worthy can battle for a backup spot there depending on whether or not he stays healthy. At the price it cost the Patriots, there's certainly nothing wrong with taking a flier on him.

NFL Hot News

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski takes part in 7-on-7 drills



Rob Gronkowski participated in 7-on-7 drills today, according to CSN's Tom Curran via Twitter. This is the first time Gronkowski has participated in group drills during training camp. Previously he'd been working on the sidlelines individually or with Darrelle Revis. Gronkowski is recovering from a combination ACL/MCL tear. He's unlikely to play this preseason, but hopes to be back for Week 1 of the regular season.



This is good progress for Gronkowski, but also a reminder of how far he still needs to progress to be ready for the season. He's being taken as the second TE overall right now, ahead of Broncos TE Julius Thomas. So owners are not factoring in the risk that Gronkowski misses time at the beginning of the season. Whenever he does return, he'll have gone about nine months without playing live football, so there may be some rust at first. When he's on the field, Gronkowski is a must-start. But if you plan on taking him, make sure to monitor his progress closely.

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Celts’ Olynyk downplays severity of wrist injury

Kelly Olynyk isn't too worried after tweaking his wrist. (USATSI)

Offseason: Free Agency | Latest from Ken Berger | Rumors

Boston Celtics forward Kelly Olynyk left the Canadian national team in the middle of a series of exhibition games because of a wrist injury, but he downplayed the severity of it to ESPN's Chris Forsberg:

Olynyk was coy on the injury, but downplayed concerns. He wasn't wearing a brace and didn't seem cautious while distributing high-5s to the kids as they bounded off a bus in front of Canobie (one of them attaching themselves to Olynyk's leg and seemingly unwilling to let go).



“It'll be alright,” Olynyk said of his wrist. Told how even minor injuries tend to become big stories in these parts, he playfully added, “It's not career-ending.”



Olynyk said he was previously scheduled to return to the area this week (Canada played its 11th and final exhibition in Spain today) and returning early after the wrist injury was merely precautionary. He talked of being ready to go when Celtics players start filing back to Boston in early September in advance of training camp.

Before Team Canada's trip to Europe, Olynyk averaged 17.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game for Boston's summer league team in Orlando, though he shot just 40 percent from the field. The 7-footer had a decent rookie year for the Celtics, but he didn't dispel doubts about his ability to protect the rim and battle stronger players for rebounds. While it was worth spending time with the national team in advance of his second season, it wasn't worth aggravating a minor injury.

(HT: PBT)

Topics: Kelly Olynyk, Boston Celtics, NBA

Basketball Hot News

Report: New Clipper owner Ballmer to talk contract extension with Doc Rivers

Doc Rivers already is just one of a handful of coaches with the power position to have say over players and personnel too. Gregg Popovich has it (although that’s a unique relationship with R.C. Buford). Stan Van Gundy has it. But the list is short.

Often when a new owner comes in the coach and team president should feel nervous about their job security — owners want the people they trust in the positions of power.

It’s going to be the opposite for Rivers with new Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.

In the wake of owner Steve Ballmer gaining governorship control of the Los Angeles Clippers, discussions on a contract extension for Doc Rivers are expected to commence soon, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Ballmer and Rivers had been eager to forge a long-term partnership, and a California court confirming the authority of Shelly Sterling to sell the franchise on behalf of the Sterling Family Trust has cleared the way to work toward a new deal.

Rivers already was making $7 million a year, making him one of the highest paid coaches in the NBA. He’d be happy to extend that, I imagine.

When the Donald Sterling situation, um, hit the fan last playoffs, Rivers did his best to stand in front of the team and deflect as much of the storm as he could off the players. He shouldered as much as could be asked, and it wore on him and the team.

This sale is a parting of the clouds. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are happy. Rivers has a real contender on his hands and a team with a very underrated offseason pickup in Spencer Hawes (remember in the playoffs last year Glen Davis was the first big off the bench, Hawes is lightyears ahead of him).

For a few years now the Clippers have been doing things right off the court in spite of their owner (because he stepped back and let others make the decisions on the basketball side). Ballmer is smart not to fix what isn’t broken. Keep Rivers in the big chair.

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Dolphins reportedly sign QB Quinn as backup

Brady Quinn has a new team with the Dolphins. (USATSI)

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It was less than two weeks ago when Brady Quinn was supposed to be done as an NFL quarterback and was set to help cover college football and the NFL for Fox Sports.

Looks like Quinn isn't done after all, as he reportedly signed with the Dolphins, according to NFL.com's Jeff Darlington.

That means he'll likely compete with Matt Moore and Pat Devlin for the right to back up starter Ryan Tannehill, though both of those backup quarterbacks are currently dealing with injuries. Quinn also simply could be a camp arm that won't have a job after Moore and Devlin return.

Miami also reportedly worked out Rex Grossman and John Skelton before ultimately selecting Quinn, who also tried out for the Patriots earlier this month.

While Quinn was on the rosters of the Jets and Rams last year, he hasn't thrown an NFL pass since he started eight games for the Chiefs in 2012, going 1-7 in the process.

NFL Hot News

Redskins WR DeSean Jackson nearing return after injury



The Washington Post is reporting Redskins WR DeSean Jackson is healed up after suffering a mild ankle injury in an August 6th practice. The newly acquired Washington deep-threat hasn't practiced since that day, but ran full speed on Monday, catching several TD passes from quarterback Robert Griffin. Jackson is ready to go for the second preseason game versus the Cleveland Browns next week, saying "Yeah. I'm going to be out there, flying around with my teammates."



It seemed to more of a precaution holdout of Jackson by the coaches. There was no need to rush him back for the first preseason game where he might only play a few snaps anyway. Jackson can be considered a low-end WR2/high end WR3 this year, and has an ADP in the early 5th round.

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NBA could veto Love trade over future deal?

If Kevin Love and Cavs have a future agreement, this trade could be vetoed. (USATSI)

More Offseason Analysis: Coaching changes, news | Free Agency | Draft

With roughly two weeks until a trade between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves can be completed, there is still plenty of speculation about what could happen between now and then to prevent the trade from happening. The Wolves would be sending Kevin Love to the Cavs in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a 2015 first-round pick from Miami.

Fantasy keeper rankings How does Love stack up?

Nothing can happen until Aug. 23 due to contract stipulations that Wiggins can't be dealt for a month after signing his rookie deal.

One thing that could get the NBA to veto this trade is the "firm agreement" between Love and the Cavs on a future deal that was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports. Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com are reporting league officials are closely monitoring the process and completion of this transaction due to the possibility of an illegal agreement between Love and the Cavs.

But sources say the Cavs and Wolves, knowing that league officials are monitoring this transaction closely, have been careful not to make any public acknowledgments that trade details have already been agreed to. That's because Wiggins remains ineligible to be moved until 30 days pass from the signing of his rookie contract.

The Cavs were granted permission last month by Minnesota to speak to Love and his representatives in an introductory fashion, sources say, while James and Love have also been in direct contact in recent weeks about their long-term intentions of playing together.

On Thursday, Yahoo! Sports reported that the Cavs and Wolves have agreed to a trade in principle and that Love has an agreement to re-sign with the Cavs next summer for five years, $120 million after opting out of his contract.

But sources insist that no agreement for Love to sign an extension in Cleveland next summer -- when he can become a free agent -- is in place.

In addition, under NBA rules, such an agreement would be illegal, and, if proven, it potentially could be grounds for the league to block this trade and dole out punishment to both teams.

The odds of this being vetoed aren't great because it would be pretty hard to prove that Love and the Cavs have actually agreed to the reported five-year, $120-plus million contract that was reported. That doesn't mean it can't or won't happen though. The Wolves once had an illegal agreement with Joe Smith to sign for a small contract with the agreement that they'd make it worth his while in the future when they had the flexibility to pay him more. The league caught wind of that and punished the Wolves by voiding Smith's contract and stripping four first-round picks from the organization.

Love and the Cavs can't agree to a deal next summer right now, especially with the trade not even being a done deal. There seems to be a lot of tiptoeing around league rules with LeBron James sort of discussing Love being on the Cavs during his "Welcome Home" rally in Akron, Ohio, on Friday night; the trade being virtually a done deal during this month long moratorium; and now the potential contract.

It's more than likely the Wolves and Cavs complete this trade on Aug. 23 and the league allows it to go through. But we've seen deals vetoed in the past for both trades (Chris Paul to the Lakers anyone?) and contracts (Joe Smith). Everyone will need to keep a tight lip for the next couple weeks.

Topics: Anthony Bennett, Chris Paul, Kevin Love, LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

Basketball Hot News

Report: Company played it safe, never made pre-ordered Andrew Wiggins Cavaliers jerseys

Andrew Wiggins was selected with the number one overall pick in this summer’s draft by the Cavaliers, and was forced to conduct awkward interviews in his new team’s jersey, even though the likelihood of him ever playing in Cleveland seemed to be diminishing on a daily basis.

Wiggins, of course, will be involved as a primary piece in Cleveland’s trade-to-be with the Timberwolves for Kevin Love. But because it can’t be official for 30 days after the signing of his rookie contract, his jerseys were being sold (for the most part) as if he’d be with the Cavaliers by the time next season began.

But we all knew that was a long shot, and the company responsible for actually manufacturing these jerseys decided to hedge its bets.

From ESPN.com:

A spokesman for Fanatics, which also services the NBA’s online store, said Thursday that the company — which specializes in on-demand customization — actually never made the No. 21 Wiggins Cavs jerseys that fans ordered from the sites.

Spokesman Meier Raivich said the site had up until a month after Wiggins signed (until Aug. 23) to deliver the jerseys, but as reports swirled that Wiggins could be traded in a deal for the Timberwolves’Kevin Love, as was confirmed Thursday, the company decided to be cautious and not print the replicas.

That’s what appeared to be going on when the jerseys were briefly said to be “discontinued,” but the NBA said that wasn’t the case.

Regardless of what the reality is (i.e., whether or not the manufacturer had a tip that Wiggins would in fact be dealt), this was a smart business decision. Anyone who ordered a replica jersey would have received one eventually, and those who ordered custom ones that have already shipped are eligible to return them for a full refund if that’s what they choose to do.

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Dolphins’ Jones suspended 4 games over PEDs

Reshad Jones signed a four-year, $30 million deal last August. (USATSI)

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The NFL suspended Dolphins safety Reshad Jones four games for violating the league's policy against performance-enhancing drugs, the NFL announced Friday.

The fifth-year player out of Georgia will be eligible to return Monday, Sept. 29, following the team's Week 4 game against the Raiders.

"The NFL recently informed me that I tested positive for a substance that is banned under the NFL performance enhancing substances policy," Jones said in a statement. "I worked closely with the union to investigate what happened, and I learned that a supplement I took caused the positive test. I deeply regret not investigating the supplement carefully before I took it, and I will never again take a supplement without having it checked. I am very sorry for the effect of my mistake on my teammates and coaches. I apologize to them, Stephen Ross, the Dolphins organization and fans. During the time away from the team, I will maintain an intense training program so that I can help my team as soon as I return."

Miami coach Joe Philbin added: "I was very disappointed when we found out about Reshad's suspension. When we talked to him, Reshad pledged to learn from this situation. Our secondary as a unit, including Reshad, has performed well this offseason and I have complete confidence in the group as we progress through training camp and into the regular season."

Jones, a starter who signed a four-year, $30 million deal last August and ranked 66th among all safeties last season (via ProFootballFocus.com), now joins 2013 first-round pick Dion Jordan on the bench. In July, Jordan was suspended four games for PEDs violation.

NFL Hot News

Falcons RB Devonta Freeman gets third-string duties



Playing his first preseason game Friday night with the Atlanta Falcons, rookie Devonta Freeman had third-string duties, running behind Jacquizz Rodgers and Antone Smith. While reports have come out of camp that he's had a slow start in training camp, many expected him to be the starter with injury-prone RB Steven Jackson sitting out. Against the second and third-string defense of the Dolphins, Freeman was able to put up 10 carries for 50 yards and one catch for 57 yards.



It's frustrating to see his current position on the depth chart. He's been touted as one of the best handcuffs to own this year because of Jackson's constant injuries and age, yet Freeman won't get much of a look if he stays in his current position on the depth-chart. It's encouraging that he did well when he got his chance, but it means very little against non-starters. Freeman has 3 more preseason games to improve.

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Sam makes debut in Rams’ preseason opener

ST. LOUIS (AP) Michael Sam got an extended look at defensive end in the St. Louis Rams' preseason opener.

Coach Jeff Fisher said that's where the first openly gay player drafted in the NFL will have his best shot at making the team.

''Michael is a defensive end, OK? He plays defensive end with his hand down,'' Fisher said after a 26-24 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Friday night.

''There's a lot of talk with Mike being a `tweener,' maybe a standup pass rusher. It's rare to find a defensive end playing special teams in the NFL.''

Sam said his introduction to the NFL was ''awesome,'' recalling thinking during the national anthem, ''Wow, this is the big stage.''

But not too big.

Sam, who was credited with one tackle and one quarterback hit, emerged with confidence.

''You know, I can play in this league,'' Sam said. ''I can play in this league.''

Sam was a seventh-round draft pick and he's attempting to launch his pro career a two-hour drive from where he starred on a 12-win Missouri team that played in the SEC title game last season.

Sam shed weight to 257 pounds coming into training camp so he'd be a viable special teams option on a team that already has a strong pass rush.

Mark Ingram had eight carries for 83 yards and a 22-yard touchdown in the first half.

''We wanted to come out here and start fast,'' Ingram said. ''The line was just physical up front, got a lot of movement off the ball and created a lot of seams and holes for us to run through.''

Luke McCown started in place of Brees, limited by a left oblique injury for a week. First-round pick Brandin Cooks caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from third-stringer Ryan Griffin in the third quarter and had five receptions for 55 yards.

''I know what I'm coming into,'' Cooks said. ''I'm coming in with a great group of receivers. I've got to come in and find my spot.''

Coach Sean Payton was non-committal about Brees' chances of playing next Friday at home against the Titans.

''We'll be smart with his recovery. He certainly is smart enough, too,'' Payton said. ''Look, it is an area that is affected every time that you throw, so it's important that it is 100 percent.''

Bradford was held out as a precaution coming off knee surgery. Shaun Hill got the start and threw two touchdown passes in the first half.

Greg Zuerlein was barely wide left on a 59-yard field goal attempt on the final play after missing a 46-yard attempt with just under six minutes remaining.

The Rams started both of their first-round picks, offensive lineman Greg Robinson and defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Robinson, the second overall pick of the draft, started at left guard and also played left tackle.

Attendance was announced at 54,850, about 12,000 shy of capacity at the Edward Jones Dome.

The stadium appeared to be at less than half capacity not long after the opening kickoff and dwindled to perhaps one-third by the finish for the matchup between the Rams, who've had consecutive seven-win seasons under Fisher, and the 11-win Saints.

Chris Long, the longtime starter at left end for St. Louis, intercepted McCown on the opening series to set up Cory Harkey's 16-yard touchdown catch.

Sam began playing on the next series and made two nice plays in the second quarter, pressuring Griffin into an incompletion and getting a tackle.

''He's unpolished like a lot of rookies,'' Long said of Sam. ''But he pleasantly surprised you when he went out in a game situation and played pretty well.''

Saints kicker Shayne Graham botched an extra-point kick from the longer distance being used the first two weeks of the preseason, hooking it off the left crossbar in the second quarter.

NOTES: Rams TE Mason Brodine fractured his left ankle and is out for the season. ... Saints S Jairus Byrd, recovering from back surgery, did not play. Byrd attended high school in suburban Clayton when his father, Gill Byrd, was an assistant coach with the Rams. ... Saints RB Pierre Thomas did not play because of an undisclosed injury. ... Both teams hit triple digits in penalties, the Saints whistled 10 times for 104 yards and the Rams whistled 14 times for 118 yards.

---

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

NFL Hot News

Falcons QB Matt Ryan goes 7-for-7 in preseason win



Falcons QB Matt Ryan had a good opening drive versus the Miami Dolphins,going 7-of-7 for 53 yards. He showed patience and chemistry, hooking up with WR Roddy White four of the seven times. Atlanta receiver Julio Jones did not play, yet WR Harry Douglas and TE Levine Toilolo filled in the gap, catching a pass each from Ryan.



He looked good and did it with ease. If main targets White and Jones stay healthy, Matty-Ice can put up great fantasy numbers this year. He currently has an ADP of QB9 and can be had in the 6fh round.

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Broncos RB Ball (appendectomy) targets Week 1

An appendectomy is going to keep Montee Ball out of action for the next few weeks. (USATSI)

More NFL: Photos | Videos & GIFs | Training Camp updates | Manziel watch

It's a good thing the Denver Broncos are loaded at running back because they might have to use that depth early. Starting running back Montee Ball will undergo and appendectomy on Monday and will miss the next few weeks of the preseason.

Broncos coach John Fox is hoping Ball's missed time doesn't leak over into the regular season. Fox said he's hopeful that Ball will be back in time for the team's Sept. 7 regular season opener against Indianapolis.

"Montee Ball has been diagnosed with an appendicitis and will have an appendectomy," Fox said. The Broncos coach also added that it's "kind of a blessing that Ball's appendicitis was diagnosed when it was. Target is for him to play Week 1."

Ball played in the team's scrimmage on Saturday, but then started feeling ill on Sunday. When things got worse on Monday, the team figured something was up and it turned out to be the appendicitis.

With Ball out, that means the first-team reps in Denver will go to Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson, who have spent training camp battling for the No. 2 running back spot on the Broncos' depth chart.

Ball was bumped up to starting running back after the Broncos let Knowshon Moreno leave via free agency in March.

NFL Hot News

Texans RB Arian Foster pondered retirement after back injury



Texans running back Arian Foster gave a very honest and interesting interview to ESPN's Hannah Storm recently. In it, Foster admitted that his 2013 back injury scared him, and he wasn't sure if he would return to the NFL."Any time an athlete goes through an injury like that -- a back, a neck, even knees or hips, something that puts you out for the entire season -- you kind of re-evaluate your life," Foster said. "You see what's really important. Is getting paralyzed more important than playing with your grandkids when you're 50, 60 years old? People die on the football field. This is a really brutal sport. Going through an injury like that, being 27 years old, I'm young, still I'm at the prime of my career. Is it worth it to try to come back?Foster decided that it was and underwent a microscopic lumbar discectomy in November.



It's an insightful read about a player who, like David Wilson, seems to fully understand that a player must live most of his life after football. I'm sure some people will turn this around as evidence that Foster's heart isn't in the game. That's hogwash. If it really wasn't, you get the impression that Foster would walk away to other, greater interests. He's all about football right now, at least professionally.Now, the bigger immediate concern for Foster and his fantasy owners is a hamstring injury that has kept him out of most practices in camp. It's not something to be too worried about at the moment, but we must keep an eye on it. Foster hasn't practiced since Wednesday.

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Senators chime in

Several U.S. Senators think Ray Rice's two-game suspension wasn't enough. (USATSI)

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Now that everybody on Capitol Hill has weighed in on the Redskins name controversy, the men and women elected to represent the people have moved on to a new sports-related target: the NFL and Ravens running back Ray Rice.

U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) sent letters to commissioner Roger Goodell calling for Rice to face a harsher punishment beyond the two-game suspension handed down by the league and considered too lenient by many critics.

“The decision to suspend Mr. Rice for a mere two games sends the inescapable message that the NFL does not take domestic or intimate-partner violence with the seriousness they deserve,” the letter read.

“Mr. Rice's suspension reflects a disturbingly lenient, even cavalier attitude towards violence against women. We therefore urge you to take two steps immediately. First, reconsider and revise Mr. Rice's suspension to more adequately reflect the seriousness of his offense. We are also writing to the Baltimore Ravens to request that they impose additional discipline under their own authority, but it is imperative that the NFL itself makes clear that this conduct is truly unacceptable.”

Earlier this week, NFL vice president Adolpho Birch called Rice's punishment "appropriate," and Ravens coach John Harbaugh said “I love the way (Rice has) handled it" but "I hate what happened."

On Thursday, Rice spoke to the media for the first time since training camp opened and called the altercation with his wife "my lowest low," adding that "I made a huge mistake."

And on Friday, commissioner Roger Goodell said of Rice's two-game suspension, "We have to remain consistent. We can't just make up the discipline. It has to be consistent with other cases and it was."

NFL Hot News

Giants RB Andre Williams taking first-team goal line reps



Williams has been taking the first-team goal line snaps at training camp, according to the New York Daily News. The rookie Williams was drafted by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2014 draft, and looks set to contribute in the goal line package immediately. Williams is currently third in line behind starting Giants RB Rashad Jennings and RB Peyton Hillis.



While Williams is unlikely to have value as a fantasy starter this year, this news does affect the value of Jennings. Jennings has been talked up as a three-down back in the Giants new system. But if he loses the goal line work to another back, his touchdown potential takes a serious hit. Jennings' value was boosted this week with the news that Giants RB David Wilson may not return to the team this season, but the apparent development of a touchdown vulture on the Giants roster should cause fantasy owners to temper their expectations.

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Suns owner: We gave Eric Bledose ‘fair offer’

Phoenix wants Eric Bledsoe back at the lowest possible price. (USATSI)

Offseason: Free Agency | Latest from Ken Berger | Rumors

Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver called into a local radio show to comment on Eric Bledsoe's unresolved situation in restricted free agency on Friday. The Suns have reportedly offered Bledsoe a four-year, $48 million deal, and a recent report quoted an anonymous source saying the team's relationship with the point guard was being damaged by how far apart they are in negotiations. Sarver wanted to throw cold water on that one, via Arizona Sports 98.7 FM:

"We think it's a fair offer. I think you could argue, you know, I mean some would say it's maybe a little high; some would say it's low," the owner said. "What's fair is important to us, and also important to him -- him and his agent. It's not necessarily us to determine what he thinks is fair; it's him to determine that."

…

"We think we gave him a fair offer, and (we would) be more than happy to sit down with him and continue to negotiate it. We're happy to do that," he said.

…

"I think Eric's a great guy. And he'll be happy here when he gets here, whether that's for one year or for four years or five years," he said. "I think his agent's trying to do the best job he can, too. And I have a pretty good relationship with his agent. It's just part of the process. I wish it would have been resolved earlier, but it is what it is."

Sarver said repeatedly that he wasn't concerned about the ongoing negotiations harming the relationship between the organization and Bledsoe, or the organization and his agent, Rich Paul. "What takes place before a contract is signed usually doesn't have a lot of bearing on what takes place after a contract is signed," he said.

We've covered how restricted free agency is putting Bledsoe in a difficult position compared to some of his peers, and how Phoenix scared other teams away by promising to match any offer. While the NBA world is reeling from Paul George's injury on Friday night, that incident was also a reminder of why players and agents want to sign long-term contracts rather than gambling with short ones. Bledsoe doesn't want to sign for significantly less than what he'd get on the open market, and he'd rather not play next year on a qualifying offer, either. Sarver actually hit on that a little bit in the interview, but the fact that he understands the player's perspective doesn't mean he's going to stop using the leverage he has here.

Topics: Eric Bledsoe, Paul George, 2014 NBA Free Agency, Phoenix Suns, NBA

Basketball Hot News

Report: Clippers nab Sam Cassell from Wizards

Doc Rivers already hired former Knicks coach Mike Woodson to join the Clippers’ coaching staff, and Lawrence Frank and Larry Drew also came up as possible additions.

With Alvin Gentry (Warriors) and Tyronn Lue (Cavaliers) departing, Rivers had two vacancies to fill.

But rather than settling on a former head coach like Frank or Drew, Rivers succeeded in his bid to pry Sam Cassell off the Wizards’ bench.

J. Michael of CSN Washington:

Sam Cassell has been allowed out of contract to join coach Doc Rivers staff w/ #Clippers, @CSNwashington has confirmed #WizardsTalk #NBA—

J. Michael (@JMichaelCSN) August 02, 2014

Tho Cassell was under contract, Wiz arent expected to receive anything in return. Anticipated this since for 2 weeks #WizardsTalk #NBA—

J. Michael (@JMichaelCSN) August 02, 2014

This deal isn't "official" yet but should be announced soon. Wiz already prepared to fill the void #WizardsTalk #Clippers #NBA—

J. Michael (@JMichaelCSN) August 02, 2014

Waiting for more details but if team lets Cassell out of his contract he's a free agent.Thats why nothing back #Clippers #WizardsTalk #NBA—

J. Michael (@JMichaelCSN) August 02, 2014

Cassell, a former point guard, earned rave reviews for helping John Wall develop, but Chris Paul doesn’t require that kind of personal attention. In Los Angeles, Cassell can spread his wings and establish himself as an all-around coach – key for one day becoming a head coach.

The Wizards might not get a draft pick in return, but they’ll gain credibility among future assistant-coaching candidates. By letting Cassell leave, Washington establishes itself as a franchise that won’t stand in the way of its employees’ personal development.

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Suns’ Thomas: Kings execs never embraced me

Isaiah Thomas is moving on. (USATSI)

Offseason: Free Agency | Latest from Ken Berger | Rumors

Isaiah Thomas, now of the Phoenix Suns, is back in Sacramento for his youth camp, and he spoke with Sactown Royalty's Blake Ellington about how free agency went down. You're surely already aware that the Kings chose Darren Collison to be their starting point guard instead of the younger, much more productive Thomas, and you can probably guess that he wasn't a huge fan of that decision. An excerpt of the Q&A:

What was going through your mind when you heard the Kings were going to sign Darren Collison?

When they did that, I knew I wasn't coming back. Going into my fourth year, I felt like I kind of proved myself to be a starter, especially on the Sacramento Kings and like I told them, coach Malone, who was one of my biggest fans and the best coaches that I have had in my three years in the NBA, I told him if you bring somebody in better than me I'm just going to compete, I understand if you bring somebody like Chris Paul that's somebody that I'm not going to start over no matter what, I'm going to play my role and I'm going to compete. But if you bring in somebody, a draft pick or somebody that's just not better than me I feel like it is disrespectful. When they picked Darren Collison, I felt like it was time for me to move on.

So say the Kings had matched the Suns' offer and ended up keeping you, would you have been OK coming back to Sacramento given the circumstances?

If it was competition, if it was training camp starts and the best man may win, I would be happy. I'm a professional though, so no matter what happens, I'm going to stay professional, I'm going to do my job and I'm going to play my role, but I would have definitely been upset if it wouldn't have been no competition, especially if it's somebody who is not better than me.

Thomas was never fully embraced as a starting point guard in Sacramento until this past season when Greivis Vasquez was traded to the Toronto Raptors in December. He praised head coach Mike Malone for believing in him and wanting him back, but it's clear that the front office didn't feel the same way.

The crazy thing isn't just that the Kings let him go; it's that they let him go on a fair contract (four years, $27 million) and that they signed Collison, who has never been able to establish himself as a starter, to a questionable one (three years, $15 million). They could have made the argument that the ball-dominant Thomas wasn't the type of point guard they wanted next to Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins, but Collison is no better as a distributor. This was arguably the strangest decision of the offseason in the NBA.

In three years in Sacramento, Thomas developed from the 60th pick in the draft to a 20-points-per-game scorer. He was definitely disrespected at the end of his tenure, but he still appreciates the time he spent there:

Do you have a favorite memory on the floor as a King?

I don't think it's just a specific game, just the whole experience. It was different from I think anybody else's because three different coaches in three years, front office changing, the arena situation, us maybe moving to Seattle, all of that plays a part in the whole experience and I wouldn't change it for anything. I tell everybody I love Sacramento, I always will love Sacramento, but when we play them I'm going to kill Sacramento.

Topics: Darren Collison, DeMarcus Cousins, Greivis Vasquez, Isaiah Thomas, Rudy Gay, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, NBA

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John Wall’s goal for Wizards next season: ‘The Finals’

The Wizards built a playoff team before last season and then declared the playoffs their primary goal.

It was so short-sighted, maybe even detrimental to the franchise’s long-term future. That roster should have viewed the postseason as the bare minimum.

But it’s also understandable how a team in a five-season playoff drought would become fixated on ending it above all else.

Nobody bought into Washington’s postseason-or-bust mantra more than John Wall, who wrote “playoffs” on his shoes before each game. The All-Star point guard certainly did his part to lead the Wizards into the postseason with a controlled game that, more than ever, eliminated mistakes.

Now, though, Wall is ready to strive for more.

Wall, via Michael Lee of The Washington Post:

“The Finals. All you can ask for now is the Finals,” Wall said from Team USA training camp in Las Vegas when asked for his goals for the upcoming season. “We’ve been to the second round. We know what it takes to win. We know what we need to do. We know everybody needs to get better individually, and I think [the front office] just did a great job of adding pieces, great veteran guys that know what it takes to win.”

With LeBron James heading to Cleveland, the East is much more open the last four seasons, when the Heat won each year.

In the new order, LeBron’s Cavs should rank highest. Adding Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic and a healthy Derrick Rose should help the Bulls. Beyond those two top contenders, the Pacers, Raptors, Heat, Bobcats and Nets have fighting chances.

And so do the Wizards.

They were the youngest Eastern Conference team, weighted by playoff minutes, to win a postseason series. And for the most part, they kept the squad together, swapping Paul Pierce for Trevor Ariza. Wall and Bradley Beal are also still young and growing as team leaders.

The Wizards certainly shouldn’t be considered Finals favorites or anything near that, but it’s possible – and encouraging to see Wall aspire to such a high goal.

And hey, last year, merely meeting their goal of making the playoffs didn’t cause the Wizards to rest on their laurels. They upset the Bulls in the first round and challenged the Pacers in the next. If the Wizards somehow make the Finals, there’s no reason they can’t keep going and win the whole darn thing.

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