Funny

This picture was sent to me in an email at work this week:

Payback is...

The Seahawks have struck back against the Vikings. They signed WR Nate Burleson to an offer sheet on Friday. Minnesota can match the offer sheet, but they won't because it will cost them too much. Why? "Poison pills" in the agreement. An example: if Burleson plays more than 5 games in Minnesota any season of the contract, the entire $49 million becomes guaranteed. I can personally confirm that the Vikings are still in Minnesota, so this becomes an impossible deal to match. Of course, the Vikings should recognize this strategy, since they did exactly the same thing to the Seahawks with Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson earlier in the week. Their poison pill said that if Hutchinson wasn't the highest paid lineman on the team, his $49 million salary was guaranteed. Not a problem for the Vikings, but Seahawks tackle Walter Jones would have been paid more. These poison pills have held up in arbitration, so this could change the way restricted free agents are treated in the NFL. Obviously, what the Vikings and Seahawks have done is against the spirit of the rules, and quite dirty. But it's unlikely anything will change until there's a new CBA, and since the ink isn't dry on the current one, that will be a while. It does beg the question: What's the strangest poison pill you can imagine?

Behind the Scenes

So, what exactly happened that Joey Harrington went from being the starting QB in Detroit, supported by coaches, to headed out of town? That's what this article in the Freep asks. It seems that it boils down to that Harrington wasn't willing to give total devotion to the team because the players who basically tried to stir up a rebellion against him last year, like Dre' "Useless Apostrophe" Bly, were still around. Interesting reading.

Free

Download old movies and other stuff, free and legal. Not sure if registration is required, I haven't tried it yet. Lots of bad old movies ( the killer shrews), and a few that are even recognizable (Nosferatu).

Na na na na...

...Na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye Joey. ESPN is reporting that the Lions have signed free agent QB Josh McCown. Despite public support from Martz and Marinelli, this move almost certainly spells the end of Harrington's run in Detroit. So, who will be the new starter: McCown or Kitna?

Tourney Challenge

In case you haven't looked, I've started a Tourney Challenge group on ESPN as well as Yahoo. The one on ESPN is as usual, you should have an email about the Yahoo one. If not, let me know and I'll hook you up.

QB Shuffle

Free agency really heated up today. First, Jon Kitna agreed to a four-year deal with the Lions. Next, the Dolphins gave up on Drew Brees and acquired Daunte Culpepper for a 2nd-round draft pick. Apparently seconds later Drew Brees signed with the Saints. Got all that? The Lions also re-signed Kalimba Edwards.

The Lions now have 4 QBs on the roster: Joey Harrington, Jon Kitna, Shaun King, and Dan Orlovsky. Now the big question is whether Kitna, who had a great 2003 season before Carson Palmer became the starter, will unseat Harrington. Also, Orlovsky would seem to be in jeopardy of even making the team.

Finally, these moves will make the draft much more interesting. Most experts expected the Saints to draft Leinart with the #2 pick, but now it seems quite possible that they might trade down or take someone else. This could lead to one or two of the QBs, like Vince Young or Jay Cutler falling further than anticipated.

Grant: The Action Figure

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be immortalized in plastic? To join the likes of Samuel L. Jackson or Harrison Ford? Well Grant no longer has to wonder:


Okay, you might not be able to see as well in that pic, maybe this one will help:


If you're not convinced, I've seen it in person, so you'll have to take my word for it, the figure bears a strong resemblance to Grant, especially at the right angle. Sure, it doesn't have xylophone action, but it is still pretty cool. Two questions though: 1) Why is he Army infantry, and 2) will Noah be jealous? You can see more pics here.

NFL Moves

Roster moves in free agency are flying fast and furious. There's been many moves so far this weekend, but I'll only bring up the most notable. First, Edgerrin James has signed with the Cardinals. That loud thump you just heard was his fantasy stock hitting the floor. I guess we now know whether Edge wanted to win or to get paid. Good luck. I'm sure the Cardinals will be a trendy pick in the preseason, and then will be terrible. They have a nice new stadium though. Antwaan Randle El, the biggest name at WR in free agency, has reportedly signed with the 'Skins. Maybe Dan Snyder is trying to build a team rather than just buy one? Finally, Ron Dayne has elected to stay with the Broncos, making him the current favorite to be the starter at the most valued position in fantasy football, Denver RB. That could mark a big turnaround for Dayne, who's been a disappointment since he came into the league in 2000.

Mmmm... doughnut burger.

Now I'm not even attracted by the idea of a doughnut burger, but apparently the Gateway Grizzlies think their fans will be. The burger, which is a pattie topped with sharp cheddar and two slices of bacon between a Krispy Kreme doughnut, will have 1000 calories and 45 grams of fat. The team plans to sell it for $4.50, and it will only be available in the stadium. I guess the real question is: Will it be a match for the Roethlisburger?

Finally

The NFL, showing it was actually paying attention when the NHL nearly killed itself with labor problems, extended its CBA when the owners agreed to the players' proposal. Free agency will begin at 12:01 am Friday.

Brick

Yesterday I had a package arrive from home. It was a "flat rate" shipping box from the USPS, which means you pay one price for the box, no matter how much weight you put in it. There were assorted goodies, cookies, a shirt, etc. But none of those really took full advantage of the lack of weight restrictions. So what did my family find to put in it? A brick. But not just any brick:


Okay, it might not be THAT brick, but it is a brick from Sparty's pedestal. Maybe I'm just silly, but I think it's pretty cool.

RE: Motion Denied

That is awesome. Here's the footnote for those of you that are clicking impaired:

Motion Denied

because you're an idiot

-fed judge cites Adam Sandler in ruling.

The funniest thing I've seen all day...

...is right here. Check it out, you won't be sorry.

She's still around

You know the sadest part of the Olympics ending? No more Melissa Stark sightings. Oh wait, never mind. She just did a 4 minute "Sports Report" on NBC during the 3rd round coverage of Golf's Ford Championship. Whew! Well, I should probably stop posting for the day. I only have a 2 post limit for a week.

Actually what's sad is I spelled "saddest" wrong.

(Not) Hot Off The Press

Well, sorry it took so long to put up the infamous Tourney Bracket results. I know you've been wondering since filling out all your office pools. So, exactly one month later (and one reformated computer later) I can finally scan things back on my PC. Of course this was the #1 priority.

Optimistic about China?

Don't be. Unperforming loans, goverment control of industry, massive corruption. I wouldn't rush out to stake my long term financial plans on Chinese stability. Of course, many major companies dissagree and are falling over themselves to pour cash in (GM, call your office). End result: when China adjusts itself to whatever end, we all feel it. I may be doing some work over there in the near future, but we're selling to a foreign company, no long term involvment, basically grabbing some cash now and letting the Belgians worry about it.

Not on the Nightly News

Read this. Too bad no one will find out, as the news won't bother to report it. Even Fox news will probably be too busy with the latest pretty young woman getting murdered/disappearing.