Michael Vick, Daunte Culpepper and other random thoughts

Ok, first I must say that it has been quite some time since I've posted here (Monday night pool league has been keeping me pretty busy since I made my return to Maryland), but I have to comment on everything that has been going on lately in the league. First off, we come to Michael Vick. It's not bad enough that The Artist Once Known As Ron Mexico gave someone herpes, then was detained at Miami International Airport for a water bottle with a 'secret compartment' -- was later found 'not' to have marijuana residue -- he is now facing federal indictment for dog fighting and cruelty to animals in Virginia. The 18-page indictment lists his name some 50 times in relation to the events that took place. In accordance with the new NFL Player Conduct Policy put in effect by Commissioner Roger Goodell back in April, Vick should not play another down on an NFL field anywhere. Remember, the NFL policy is different from a court of law. Even a hint of indiscretion can be grounds for a suspension or any other kind of disciplinary action from the league office. If I never see him on a football field again, it'll be too soon for me. I sure as hell hope that he actually finished school at Virginia Tech or at least picked up some kind of skill while he was there, because he's going to need it.

In other league news, Daunte Culpepper was finally granted his wish when the Dolphins gave him his release last Tuesday. So the Fins sent a 2nd round pick to the Vikings and spent a few millions dollars for a man who knee was not -- and still not -- 100% and got a handful of games out of him before Nick Saban benched him. The Falcons have flat out said that they are not looking at him and even the Jaguars aren't interested even with offensive line coach and former Vikes head coach Mike Tice has been campaigning for the team to sign his one-time signal caller.

Looks like Marc Bulger and Tony Romo are going to get long-term extensions as they are the best bets at QB for their respective teams. Lance Briggs has decided to sign his franchise tender with the Bears. The deal maker was a $1 million in advance and a promise from the Bears not to slap him with the franchise tag before the 2008 season. Charles Tillman was also given a contract extension as well, which will give their defensive backfield stability for the time being.
Tarik Glenn has announced his decision to retire, which will have the Colts shuffling to find someone to protect Peyton Manning's blindside. The odds on favorite to take over is right tackle Ryan Diem. Their defense has taken some hits in free agency and now one of the anchors on the offensive line is calling it a career. They will have some difficulty in repeating as Super Bowl champions.

I'm glad to see that my Steelers inked Troy Polamalu to a four-year extension worth over $30 million, making him the highest paid Steeler player ever. He has certainly earned every bit of it too, with a couple of Pro Bowl appearance in his first four years and being a very integral part of the Super Bowl team two seasons ago. I'm also glad that the all of the draft picks have been signed before the start of training camp for the third straight year, which is a good thing, especially with Mike Tomlin's first training camp with the Black and Gold. As for Alan Faneca, I guess that there are some people you just can't reach. He'll finish out his year with the Black and Gold and then move on to another team to most likely finish out his career. While I certainly appreciate everything that he has done for the team, he has made it clear that he is done with the Steelers after his contract expires at season's end and I respect that. Guess that will be a position that the Steelers hope to fill in next year's draft.

Well, that's it for now. I hope to post more often.