Sporting News staff reports
The Diamondbacks have traded right-hander Dan Haren to the Los Angeles Angels for left-hander Joe Saunders, two minor league pitchers and a player to be named.
The trade was announced today during Arizona’s game against the Giants at Chase Field.
Right-hander Rafael Rodriguez and left-hander Patrick Corbin are the minor leaguers headed to Arizona along with Saunders. The Arizona Republic reports 19-year-old minor league left-hander Tyler Skaggs, an Angels supplemental-round choice last year, is the PTBN. Skaggs cannot officially be dealt until he has been in pro ball for a year. He signed last Aug. 7.
Dan Haren returns to the AL West with Sunday’s trade to the Angels.
Haren was one of the top available pitchers ahead of the July 31 nonwaiver deadline. L.A. was not considered one of the favorites to land him — the Yankees and the Phillies were — but it met one of Arizona’s reported conditions by providing a major league starter in return.
Angels general manager Tony Reagins told reporters Haren is "a top-of-the-rotation guy that’s going to help us not just this year but years down the road. … The addition of Dan gives us five guys that are really talented." Reagins spoke with reporters in Arlington, Texas, where the Angels were wrapping up a series against the AL West-leading Rangers. A loss Sunday night put L.A. seven games behind Texas in the division race.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia echoed Reagins’ statements about the long-term aspect of the deal, and he noted that Haren knows about pitching in pennant races. He made seven postseason appearances with the Cardinals (2004) and A’s (2006).
"He’s definitely a guy who has pitched in big games. He has terrific stuff and he’s a young veteran," Scioscia said. "This guy still has his stuff and it gives us a deeper front end of our rotation and that’s what every championship-caliber team is really striving to do."
Los Angeles’ acquisition of Haren helps counter the Rangers’ recent pickup of left-hander Cliff Lee, and it’s the second move in four days for the Halos. They acquired third baseman Alberto Callaspo from the Royals on Thursday.
And, Reagins said he isn’t done trying to add pieces. "There are still opportunities out there. We’re not done trying to improve our club," he said. FOXSports.com reported Sunday night the Angels may be looking at Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee and Pirates first baseman/outfielder Garrett Jones.
Haren, 29, is 7-8 with a 4.60 ERA in 21 starts this season. He leads the National League with 141 strikeouts. Saunders, 29, is 6-10 with a 4.62 ERA in 20 starts. Rodriguez appeared in one game for the Angels this season. Corbin was pitching for advanced Class A Rancho Cucamonga in the California League.
Haren is signed through 2012, at $12.75 million per year, and his contract also includes a $15.5 million club option for 2013 ($3.5 million buyout). He is making $8.25 million this year.
Arizona gets back an established starter, Joe Saunders, for Haren.
Saunders will be under the D-backs’ control through 2012. He is earning $3.7 million in 2010 and will be eligible for arbitration in the offseason.
"(Saunders) brings an element to our club that I think we need," Arizona interim GM Jerry DiPoto told reporters. "The prospects in the deal bring us talent that we need to build with. Therefore, I felt that this deal checked a lot of boxes for the Arizona Diamondbacks."
Saunders took a positive approach to leaving a contender for a team that’s on the road to rebuilding.
"I’ve been in trade talks in the offseason and stuff like that but you never really think it’s going to happen," said Saunders, who lives in Arizona. "They obviously think highly of me, so it will be a new challenge."
Haren, a Southern California native, had said he’d prefer to remain on the West Coast if the D-backs were to trade him.
"This point in my career, being on the West Coast has a lot of value for me," Haren told reporters after learning of the trade. "Being near family and going to a ballclub that’s dedicated to winning not just this year but for a lot of years, I’m very excited for the opportunity."
Haren also returns to the AL West; he pitched three seasons with Oakland (2005-07) before being traded to Arizona in December of ’07.
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Sporting News staff reports
The Diamondbacks have traded right-hander Dan Haren to the Los Angeles Angels for left-hander Joe Saunders, two minor league pitchers and a player to be named.
The trade was announced today during Arizona’s game against the Giants at Chase Field.
Right-hander Rafael Rodriguez and left-hander Patrick Corbin are the minor leaguers headed to Arizona along with Saunders. The Arizona Republic reports 19-year-old minor league left-hander Tyler Skaggs, an Angels supplemental-round choice last year, is the PTBN. Skaggs cannot officially be dealt until he has been in pro ball for a year. He signed last Aug. 7.
Dan Haren returns to the AL West with Sunday’s trade to the Angels.
Haren was one of the top available pitchers ahead of the July 31 nonwaiver deadline. L.A. was not considered one of the favorites to land him — the Yankees and the Phillies were — but it met one of Arizona’s reported conditions by providing a major league starter in return.
Angels general manager Tony Reagins told reporters Haren is "a top-of-the-rotation guy that’s going to help us not just this year but years down the road. … The addition of Dan gives us five guys that are really talented." Reagins spoke with reporters in Arlington, Texas, where the Angels were wrapping up a series against the AL West-leading Rangers. A loss Sunday night put L.A. seven games behind Texas in the division race.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia echoed Reagins’ statements about the long-term aspect of the deal, and he noted that Haren knows about pitching in pennant races. He made seven postseason appearances with the Cardinals (2004) and A’s (2006).
"He’s definitely a guy who has pitched in big games. He has terrific stuff and he’s a young veteran," Scioscia said. "This guy still has his stuff and it gives us a deeper front end of our rotation and that’s what every championship-caliber team is really striving to do."
Los Angeles’ acquisition of Haren helps counter the Rangers’ recent pickup of left-hander Cliff Lee, and it’s the second move in four days for the Halos. They acquired third baseman Alberto Callaspo from the Royals on Thursday.
And, Reagins said he isn’t done trying to add pieces. "There are still opportunities out there. We’re not done trying to improve our club," he said. FOXSports.com reported Sunday night the Angels may be looking at Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee and Pirates first baseman/outfielder Garrett Jones.
Haren, 29, is 7-8 with a 4.60 ERA in 21 starts this season. He leads the National League with 141 strikeouts. Saunders, 29, is 6-10 with a 4.62 ERA in 20 starts. Rodriguez appeared in one game for the Angels this season. Corbin was pitching for advanced Class A Rancho Cucamonga in the California League.
Haren is signed through 2012, at $12.75 million per year, and his contract also includes a $15.5 million club option for 2013 ($3.5 million buyout). He is making $8.25 million this year.
Arizona gets back an established starter, Joe Saunders, for Haren.
Saunders will be under the D-backs’ control through 2012. He is earning $3.7 million in 2010 and will be eligible for arbitration in the offseason.
"(Saunders) brings an element to our club that I think we need," Arizona interim GM Jerry DiPoto told reporters. "The prospects in the deal bring us talent that we need to build with. Therefore, I felt that this deal checked a lot of boxes for the Arizona Diamondbacks."
Saunders took a positive approach to leaving a contender for a team that’s on the road to rebuilding.
"I’ve been in trade talks in the offseason and stuff like that but you never really think it’s going to happen," said Saunders, who lives in Arizona. "They obviously think highly of me, so it will be a new challenge."
Haren, a Southern California native, had said he’d prefer to remain on the West Coast if the D-backs were to trade him.
"This point in my career, being on the West Coast has a lot of value for me," Haren told reporters after learning of the trade. "Being near family and going to a ballclub that’s dedicated to winning not just this year but for a lot of years, I’m very excited for the opportunity."
Haren also returns to the AL West; he pitched three seasons with Oakland (2005-07) before being traded to Arizona in December of ’07.
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
The Falcons allowed an alarming 55 explosive passing plays (20 yards or more) last season — including eight for touchdowns, according to STATS, Inc. — which partly explains why Atlanta slipped from an 11-5 playoff team in ’08 to a 9-7 also-ran in ’09.
Tedd Ginn enters his fourth NFL season with the 49ers after spending three years in Miami.
Falcons officials say the addition of Dunta Robinson, a physical cornerback who played his first six NFL seasons in Houston, will help them rebound in ’10.
"Dunta has been a very effective corner in this league," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "He’s a guy who has played both left and right corner as well as what we call ‘matchup corner,’ who goes and matches a specific receiver (all over the field). And he’s a guy who has played nickel and lined up as a slot receiver as well.
"That skill set allows us to have a lot of flexibility in what (defensive coordinator) Brian VanGorder and his staff want to do in terms of trying to shore up the defense’s deficiencies from 2009."
A look at nine other players who should make big impacts on their new teams in ’10:
Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens. After playing second fiddle to Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona, Boldin is expected to be the No. 1 man in a revamped receiving corps that also includes Donte’ Stallworth.
"(Boldin) fits right in as a Raven," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "He plays smart, tough and with physicality."
Ted Ginn, WR, 49ers. A ’07 first-round pick of the Dolphins, Ginn was a bust in Miami as a receiver/returner. Once the Dolphins acquired Brandon Marshall, they were willing to trade Ginn for a fifth-round draft pick. Niners coach Mike Singletary says Ginn can add something to the team’s receiving corps.
"He can help our offense significantly by just continuing to perfect his skills and really work at the craft of being a wideout and not just a special teams guy," Singletary said.
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Bengals. Although Gresham missed the ’09 season at Oklahoma with a knee injury, Bengals coaches proclaimed him their starting tight end as soon as they selected him with the 21st pick in April’s draft.
"He has special abilities," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "He’s big, he’s fast, he’s strong, he catches the ball with strong hands and he likes contact. So he has all the things you’re looking for."
Thomas Jones, RB, Chiefs. Running backs are supposed to decline once they turn 30. Since he hit that mark, Jones has had back-to-back seasons of 1,312 and 1,402 yards rushing. Despite that production, the Jets allowed Jones to skate away in the offseason.
"He had a great year last year, and I think he’s playing with a chip on this shoulder," Chiefs coach Todd Haley said. "He wants to come in and get something done."
Gerald McCoy, DT, Bucs. Tampa Bay took McCoy, another former Oklahoma standout, with the third-overall pick in the draft because they believe the 3-technique tackle can be the linchpin of the defense.
"He has the ability to come in and lead the defense and help us get back to the dominance we have shown in the past," Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. "He is the type of player where teams really have to focus on him and game-plan around him."
Brodney Pool, S, Jets. Coach Rex Ryan says Pool, a former Browns player, has a chance to win the free safety spot, left open when Kerry Rhodes was traded to Arizona, and join arguably the best secondary in the league.
"He’ll be out there with the No. 1 defense in football and starting, so I think he’s going to be a major contributor," Ryan said. "This guy has a lot of ability in the back end, and I think he’s going to make a lot of plays for us."
Fred Robbins, DT, Rams. Although Robbins is 33 and heading into his 11th season, Rams coaches say he still can make plays. If the season opened tomorrow, in fact, he would be a starter. Coach Steve Spagnuolo also likes the leadership Robbins brings to a young Rams roster.
Patrick Robinson, CB, Saints. Although Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter formed a solid cornerback tandem last season, the Super Bowl champions struggled a bit when Greer missed seven games with a sports hernia and Porter was sidelined for four games with a sprained knee. Feeling you can never have too much depth in the secondary, the Saints selected Robinson with the final pick in the first round.
"I like the fact that he can run, and I like his size," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "He’s got good ball skills and has good range."
Lito Sheppard, CB, Vikings. With Cedric Griffin (torn ACL) expected to miss the start of training camp, this former Eagles cornerback will compete for the spot opposite Antoine Winfield.
"I’m happy to have Lito as part of the equation," Vikings coach Brad Childress said. "Lito has been around, and he has a chance to make an impact."
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
The Falcons allowed an alarming 55 explosive passing plays (20 yards or more) last season — including eight for touchdowns, according to STATS, Inc. — which partly explains why Atlanta slipped from an 11-5 playoff team in ’08 to a 9-7 also-ran in ’09.
Tedd Ginn enters his fourth NFL season with the 49ers after spending three years in Miami.
Falcons officials say the addition of Dunta Robinson, a physical cornerback who played his first six NFL seasons in Houston, will help them rebound in ’10.
"Dunta has been a very effective corner in this league," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "He’s a guy who has played both left and right corner as well as what we call ‘matchup corner,’ who goes and matches a specific receiver (all over the field). And he’s a guy who has played nickel and lined up as a slot receiver as well.
"That skill set allows us to have a lot of flexibility in what (defensive coordinator) Brian VanGorder and his staff want to do in terms of trying to shore up the defense’s deficiencies from 2009."
A look at nine other players who should make big impacts on their new teams in ’10:
Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens. After playing second fiddle to Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona, Boldin is expected to be the No. 1 man in a revamped receiving corps that also includes Donte’ Stallworth.
"(Boldin) fits right in as a Raven," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "He plays smart, tough and with physicality."
Ted Ginn, WR, 49ers. A ’07 first-round pick of the Dolphins, Ginn was a bust in Miami as a receiver/returner. Once the Dolphins acquired Brandon Marshall, they were willing to trade Ginn for a fifth-round draft pick. Niners coach Mike Singletary says Ginn can add something to the team’s receiving corps.
"He can help our offense significantly by just continuing to perfect his skills and really work at the craft of being a wideout and not just a special teams guy," Singletary said.
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Bengals. Although Gresham missed the ’09 season at Oklahoma with a knee injury, Bengals coaches proclaimed him their starting tight end as soon as they selected him with the 21st pick in April’s draft.
"He has special abilities," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "He’s big, he’s fast, he’s strong, he catches the ball with strong hands and he likes contact. So he has all the things you’re looking for."
Thomas Jones, RB, Chiefs. Running backs are supposed to decline once they turn 30. Since he hit that mark, Jones has had back-to-back seasons of 1,312 and 1,402 yards rushing. Despite that production, the Jets allowed Jones to skate away in the offseason.
"He had a great year last year, and I think he’s playing with a chip on this shoulder," Chiefs coach Todd Haley said. "He wants to come in and get something done."
Gerald McCoy, DT, Bucs. Tampa Bay took McCoy, another former Oklahoma standout, with the third-overall pick in the draft because they believe the 3-technique tackle can be the linchpin of the defense.
"He has the ability to come in and lead the defense and help us get back to the dominance we have shown in the past," Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. "He is the type of player where teams really have to focus on him and game-plan around him."
Brodney Pool, S, Jets. Coach Rex Ryan says Pool, a former Browns player, has a chance to win the free safety spot, left open when Kerry Rhodes was traded to Arizona, and join arguably the best secondary in the league.
"He’ll be out there with the No. 1 defense in football and starting, so I think he’s going to be a major contributor," Ryan said. "This guy has a lot of ability in the back end, and I think he’s going to make a lot of plays for us."
Fred Robbins, DT, Rams. Although Robbins is 33 and heading into his 11th season, Rams coaches say he still can make plays. If the season opened tomorrow, in fact, he would be a starter. Coach Steve Spagnuolo also likes the leadership Robbins brings to a young Rams roster.
Patrick Robinson, CB, Saints. Although Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter formed a solid cornerback tandem last season, the Super Bowl champions struggled a bit when Greer missed seven games with a sports hernia and Porter was sidelined for four games with a sprained knee. Feeling you can never have too much depth in the secondary, the Saints selected Robinson with the final pick in the first round.
"I like the fact that he can run, and I like his size," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "He’s got good ball skills and has good range."
Lito Sheppard, CB, Vikings. With Cedric Griffin (torn ACL) expected to miss the start of training camp, this former Eagles cornerback will compete for the spot opposite Antoine Winfield.
"I’m happy to have Lito as part of the equation," Vikings coach Brad Childress said. "Lito has been around, and he has a chance to make an impact."
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan reports the Rangers are making a push to acquire Marlins infielder Jorge Cantu or Orioles infielder Ty Wigginton before the trading deadline to bolster their bench.
Cantu and Wigginton are both right-handed hitters with power who can play multiple positions. Sullivan reports Texas is looking for someone to primarily back up first baseman Chris Davis, a left-handed hitter, Sullivan reports.
Sporting News staff reports
MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan reports the Rangers are making a push to acquire Marlins infielder Jorge Cantu or Orioles infielder Ty Wigginton before the trading deadline to bolster their bench.
Cantu and Wigginton are both right-handed hitters with power who can play multiple positions. Sullivan reports Texas is looking for someone to primarily back up first baseman Chris Davis, a left-handed hitter, Sullivan reports.
Sporting News staff reports
A source tells ESPNBoston.com the Tigers are a suitor for Red Sox infieleder Mike Lowell. Detroit may be looking to Lowell as a short-term replacement for injured third baseman Brandon Inge.
"Tigers are interested" in acquiring Lowell in a trade, the unnamed source told the website. "Not sure how serious the interest since Inge’s injury is not as severe as they thought."
CBSSports.com reports the Tigers have "some" interest in Lowell.
Inge is on the disabled list with a broken hand suffered Tuesday. Lowell is on the DL with a hip injury. He was 4-for-4 with two RBIs Saturday in a rehab game for Triple-A Pawtucket.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he has gotten good reports on Lowell from Pawtucket manager Torey Lovullo.
"Torey said [Lowell] took a bunch of ground balls at third the other night, and actually looked really good," Francona said. "He moved around real well and threw real well."
Sporting News staff reports
A source tells ESPNBoston.com the Tigers are a suitor for Red Sox infieleder Mike Lowell. Detroit may be looking to Lowell as a short-term replacement for injured third baseman Brandon Inge.
"Tigers are interested" in acquiring Lowell in a trade, the unnamed source told the website. "Not sure how serious the interest since Inge’s injury is not as severe as they thought."
CBSSports.com reports the Tigers have "some" interest in Lowell.
Inge is on the disabled list with a broken hand suffered Tuesday. Lowell is on the DL with a hip injury. He was 4-for-4 with two RBIs Saturday in a rehab game for Triple-A Pawtucket.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he has gotten good reports on Lowell from Pawtucket manager Torey Lovullo.
"Torey said [Lowell] took a bunch of ground balls at third the other night, and actually looked really good," Francona said. "He moved around real well and threw real well."
The Rams will go into training camp with one of the youngest and least experienced corps of wide receivers — unless they sign a veteran, such as Terrell Owens.
ESPN.com reported on Saturday that the Rams have intensified discussions about Owens, who has been on the market since the start of free agency in March. How serious are they about signing Owens?
"Next question," GM Billy Devaney told Sporting News, parroting a reply that Drew Rosenhaus, Owens’ agent, made famous.
"We’ve been looking at a lot of guys, like everybody does, at different positions as we head into training camp, and Owens is one of those guys. I don’t want to get too deep into it, but sure; I think he’s on a lot of people’s radar."
Owens, 36, is sixth in NFL history in receptions (1,006), third in receiving yards (14,930) and fifth in touchdowns (147). He has played a total of 14 seasons, for the 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys and Bills. He caught 55 passes for 829 yards and five TDs last year, his only season with the Bills.
Laurent Robinson, a fourth-year player who missed most of the ’09 season with an injury, is the most experienced receiver on the Rams roster. Of the other nine, three are going into their third seasons, three are going into their second seasons and three are rookies.
The ESPN story said the Bengals also are interested in Owens.
Rosenhaus could not be reached for comment.
The Rams will go into training camp with one of the youngest and least experienced corps of wide receivers — unless they sign a veteran, such as Terrell Owens.
ESPN.com reported on Saturday that the Rams have intensified discussions about Owens, who has been on the market since the start of free agency in March. How serious are they about signing Owens?
"Next question," GM Billy Devaney told Sporting News, parroting a reply that Drew Rosenhaus, Owens’ agent, made famous.
"We’ve been looking at a lot of guys, like everybody does, at different positions as we head into training camp, and Owens is one of those guys. I don’t want to get too deep into it, but sure; I think he’s on a lot of people’s radar."
Owens, 36, is sixth in NFL history in receptions (1,006), third in receiving yards (14,930) and fifth in touchdowns (147). He has played a total of 14 seasons, for the 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys and Bills. He caught 55 passes for 829 yards and five TDs last year, his only season with the Bills.
Laurent Robinson, a fourth-year player who missed most of the ’09 season with an injury, is the most experienced receiver on the Rams roster. Of the other nine, three are going into their third seasons, three are going into their second seasons and three are rookies.
The ESPN story said the Bengals also are interested in Owens.
Rosenhaus could not be reached for comment.
Sporting News staff reports
Although the Diamondbacks say no team has the lead in the chase for Dan Haren, it’s clear they plan to move the right-hander, and soon. According to reports, Arizona wants to trade Haren before his next scheduled start, which would be Tuesday
The Yankees, Twins, Tigers, Phillies and Cardinals, who traded Haren to Oakland in 2004 for Mark Mulder, appear to be the teams with the most interest.
According to SI.com, the Yankees rejected a request from the D-backs to include right-hander Joba Chamberlain. Arizona also reportedly asked the Tigers for young pitchers Andy Oliver and Jacob Turner.
The Cardinals and Phillies seem, for the moment, more focused on acquiring Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt, although there was little movement on that front Saturday. AOL FanHouse’s Ed Price reported scouts from both teams, as well as from the Yankees and Dodgers, were in Houston on Saturday to watch Oswalt’s start against the Reds. Oswalt allowed six runs in five innings and took the loss in a 7-0 Astros defeat.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the Astros rejected a proposal from the Cards earlier this week that would have sent Brendan Ryan and one other player to Houston.
Astros owner Drayton McLane told MLB.com’s Brian McTaggert on Saturday, "Nothing’s imminent right now. We’re having a lot of discussions."
Sporting News staff reports
Although the Diamondbacks say no team has the lead in the chase for Dan Haren, it’s clear they plan to move the right-hander, and soon. According to reports, Arizona wants to trade Haren before his next scheduled start, which would be Tuesday
The Yankees, Twins, Tigers, Phillies and Cardinals, who traded Haren to Oakland in 2004 for Mark Mulder, appear to be the teams with the most interest.
According to SI.com, the Yankees rejected a request from the D-backs to include right-hander Joba Chamberlain. Arizona also reportedly asked the Tigers for young pitchers Andy Oliver and Jacob Turner.
The Cardinals and Phillies seem, for the moment, more focused on acquiring Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt, although there was little movement on that front Saturday. AOL FanHouse’s Ed Price reported scouts from both teams, as well as from the Yankees and Dodgers, were in Houston on Saturday to watch Oswalt’s start against the Reds. Oswalt allowed six runs in five innings and took the loss in a 7-0 Astros defeat.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the Astros rejected a proposal from the Cards earlier this week that would have sent Brendan Ryan and one other player to Houston.
Astros owner Drayton McLane told MLB.com’s Brian McTaggert on Saturday, "Nothing’s imminent right now. We’re having a lot of discussions."
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Something has to give
The second half hasn’t been kind to the Mets and Dodgers, both of whom continue to see their respective division deficits climb. But there has to be a winner when the teams go head to head in the third game of their four-game set tonight at Dodger Stadium. The game will be especially critical for the Mets, as righthander Mike Pelfrey will attempt to bounce back from his nightmare outing Monday. Pelfrey allowed six earned runs in 1 1/3 innings against Arizona, throwing a whopping 74 pitches in the process. Since improving to 10-2 with a 2.71 ERA on June 25, Pelfrey is 0-3 with a 12.88 ERA.
A possible farewell
Righthander Roy Oswalt, the center of plenty of trade speculation, will make perhaps his final start for the Astros this evening at Minute Maid Park. And it could be memorable for another reason: Oswalt needs one win to tie Joe Niekro for the franchise’s all-time lead at 144. That win won’t come easy against the high-scoring Reds, who beat Oswalt in April. In that outing, Oswalt surrendered only three earned runs in seven innings while striking out seven. The big blow was Joey Votto’s two-run, two-out homer off Oswalt in the seventh inning.
Latos intolerant?
The "no pepper" rule definitely will be in effect at PNC Park tonight when Padres righthander Mat Latos takes the mound. Latos will be making his first start since coming off the disabled list with a sore side; he suffered the injury when he stifled a sneeze. The 10-game winner certainly has a favorable matchup in his return, as the Pirates rank near the bottom of the majors in runs scored, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. Latos leads all major league starters with a .193 batting average allowed.
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Something has to give
The second half hasn’t been kind to the Mets and Dodgers, both of whom continue to see their respective division deficits climb. But there has to be a winner when the teams go head to head in the third game of their four-game set tonight at Dodger Stadium. The game will be especially critical for the Mets, as righthander Mike Pelfrey will attempt to bounce back from his nightmare outing Monday. Pelfrey allowed six earned runs in 1 1/3 innings against Arizona, throwing a whopping 74 pitches in the process. Since improving to 10-2 with a 2.71 ERA on June 25, Pelfrey is 0-3 with a 12.88 ERA.
A possible farewell
Righthander Roy Oswalt, the center of plenty of trade speculation, will make perhaps his final start for the Astros this evening at Minute Maid Park. And it could be memorable for another reason: Oswalt needs one win to tie Joe Niekro for the franchise’s all-time lead at 144. That win won’t come easy against the high-scoring Reds, who beat Oswalt in April. In that outing, Oswalt surrendered only three earned runs in seven innings while striking out seven. The big blow was Joey Votto’s two-run, two-out homer off Oswalt in the seventh inning.
Latos intolerant?
The "no pepper" rule definitely will be in effect at PNC Park tonight when Padres righthander Mat Latos takes the mound. Latos will be making his first start since coming off the disabled list with a sore side; he suffered the injury when he stifled a sneeze. The 10-game winner certainly has a favorable matchup in his return, as the Pirates rank near the bottom of the majors in runs scored, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. Latos leads all major league starters with a .193 batting average allowed.
Before Pete Carroll goes into his first training camp as Seahawks coach, he is sharing what he has learned on the sidelines from previous work in the NFL and his tenure at USC in his book, Win Forever: Live, Work and Play Like a Champion. Carroll talked with Sporting News‘ Vinnie Iyer on Thursday afternoon about the book and the new challenges facing him in Seattle.
Coach Pete Carroll says the Seahawks are lucky to have a veteran quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck.
Q: Was there any concern over the book coming out now with all that’s been going at USC?
A: The book had to come out now. It turned out to be an opportune time to be singing the praises of the history, standards and expectations of the ‘SC program. So people who want to know can hear the truth of what’s going on and not the perception of what they’re hearing.
Q: What are the biggest things you’ve learned since you were last in the NFL in 1999?
A: The inspiration came from reading coach John Wooden’s book. Jobs before, I thought I had my act together but the book tells the story of how I didn’t. Once I realized what I needed to do to get my philosophy and system in order, I looked back and said, "How could I have got it done without all of this understanding?" The energy that I coach with and the way I communicate, that stuff is the same. We have confidence we can be successful here in due time.
Q: How much has the NFL changed in the decade or so you were gone?
A: The league has evolved, but we’ve always stayed with the league schematically. In the offseasons, we always studied the NFL. I don’t feel that we’re out of that loop at all. The game has just grown, but that’s something we’ve always stayed connected with.
Q: How does rebuilding an NFL team compare to building a consistent winner at USC?
A: The process is a little bit different, but it’s still the acquisition of your personnel and talent. You’re trying to build your team. We have a real, strict, long embedded philosophy—the evaluation process never ends.
Q: What is your biggest initial challenge in Seattle?
A: Reconstructing the mentality. A lot of players on this team have had two really tough seasons. It’s a belief in themselves and the belief we can challenge for a division championship, to get our mindset going so we go in with guns blazing. We’ve had a highly successful offseason that’s only worth something if we can back it up.
Q: What will it be like coaching against some of your former star players, such as facing Cardinals QB Matt Leinart twice this year?
A: I’ve always liked to beat the guys I know more than anybody. The more I know somebody, the more I want to beat him because we’re great friends and care so much. It’s like watching your own kids; they’re grown up and out there doing it. We’ll play with some guys and play against a lot of other guys. Hopefully, we’ll get the better of them and then shake their hands after the game.
Q: You’ve coached some great linebackers at USC, including Lofa Tatupu. What’s it been like having both him and Aaron Curry in Seattle?
A: Lofa is as good and as effective as a player as anyone we ever coached at SC in those nine years—the most savvy. Lofa helps players around him play well. He can give them all the calls and adjustments that make them play at their best. When Aaron Curry and Lofa were playing side by side last year, Aaron was playing great. When Lofa got hurt, Aaron struggled a bit. As a young guy, you need a guy next to you to show you the ropes. I see Lofa being one of our leaders. That familiarity has already given us a great start in how we’ve been received by the team.
Q: What are your impressions of veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck?
A: They’ve had an experienced quarterback who’s been an NFC champion and a Pro Bowler, and I just thought that was a great asset. Matt is a kid I have known since the New England days. He took on the challenge to make (this year) the offseason of his life, working and studying hard. He’s in great shape and physically fit—now we just need to protect him and keep him healthy. All the while, he’s holding off the challenges of Charlie Whitehurst.
Q: Your drafting of offensive tackle Russell Okung is a huge step in rebuilding the line. How critical is improving the blocking in the running game?
A: Our ability to run the football will affect more things than anything else. It will help us with our play-action game and pass protection-wise. If we can work the clock, it will help our defense. So what happens up front and with the running backs who can take on heavy duty is huge. I think of Alex Gibbs as the best running coach who’s ever been in the NFL; I’m so thrilled he’s on our staff. That’s where it all begins. When we take Russell with our first pick, it’s another statement to back up our running philosophy.
Q: What’s the biggest hurdle facing a coach returning to the NFL after several seasons away?
A: It’s all getting back to hard work, building relationships with your staff so everyone can communicate effectively and also transferring that language and principles to our players. It’s a racehorse pace for us to catch up with the other teams.
Q: What’s the difference between coaching high-paid veterans in contrast to young, hungry college kids?
A: We have to stay ahead of them and make sure we challenge our learners with the information, tips and advice that we have so they keep coming back for more.
Q: What’s some of the best coaching advice you’ve picked up along the way?
A: Be yourself, something that I was reminded by George Seifert and Bill Walsh when I was going through the New England years. Don’t try to please people by being someone else. From Bud Grant, it’s so important to be a great observer. So you see, watch and pick up all the information you can get from all the people and experiences in the game.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Before Pete Carroll goes into his first training camp as Seahawks coach, he is sharing what he has learned on the sidelines from previous work in the NFL and his tenure at USC in his book, Win Forever: Live, Work and Play Like a Champion. Carroll talked with Sporting News‘ Vinnie Iyer on Thursday afternoon about the book and the new challenges facing him in Seattle.
Coach Pete Carroll says the Seahawks are lucky to have a veteran quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck.
Q: Was there any concern over the book coming out now with all that’s been going at USC?
A: The book had to come out now. It turned out to be an opportune time to be singing the praises of the history, standards and expectations of the ‘SC program. So people who want to know can hear the truth of what’s going on and not the perception of what they’re hearing.
Q: What are the biggest things you’ve learned since you were last in the NFL in 1999?
A: The inspiration came from reading coach John Wooden’s book. Jobs before, I thought I had my act together but the book tells the story of how I didn’t. Once I realized what I needed to do to get my philosophy and system in order, I looked back and said, "How could I have got it done without all of this understanding?" The energy that I coach with and the way I communicate, that stuff is the same. We have confidence we can be successful here in due time.
Q: How much has the NFL changed in the decade or so you were gone?
A: The league has evolved, but we’ve always stayed with the league schematically. In the offseasons, we always studied the NFL. I don’t feel that we’re out of that loop at all. The game has just grown, but that’s something we’ve always stayed connected with.
Q: How does rebuilding an NFL team compare to building a consistent winner at USC?
A: The process is a little bit different, but it’s still the acquisition of your personnel and talent. You’re trying to build your team. We have a real, strict, long embedded philosophy—the evaluation process never ends.
Q: What is your biggest initial challenge in Seattle?
A: Reconstructing the mentality. A lot of players on this team have had two really tough seasons. It’s a belief in themselves and the belief we can challenge for a division championship, to get our mindset going so we go in with guns blazing. We’ve had a highly successful offseason that’s only worth something if we can back it up.
Q: What will it be like coaching against some of your former star players, such as facing Cardinals QB Matt Leinart twice this year?
A: I’ve always liked to beat the guys I know more than anybody. The more I know somebody, the more I want to beat him because we’re great friends and care so much. It’s like watching your own kids; they’re grown up and out there doing it. We’ll play with some guys and play against a lot of other guys. Hopefully, we’ll get the better of them and then shake their hands after the game.
Q: You’ve coached some great linebackers at USC, including Lofa Tatupu. What’s it been like having both him and Aaron Curry in Seattle?
A: Lofa is as good and as effective as a player as anyone we ever coached at SC in those nine years—the most savvy. Lofa helps players around him play well. He can give them all the calls and adjustments that make them play at their best. When Aaron Curry and Lofa were playing side by side last year, Aaron was playing great. When Lofa got hurt, Aaron struggled a bit. As a young guy, you need a guy next to you to show you the ropes. I see Lofa being one of our leaders. That familiarity has already given us a great start in how we’ve been received by the team.
Q: What are your impressions of veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck?
A: They’ve had an experienced quarterback who’s been an NFC champion and a Pro Bowler, and I just thought that was a great asset. Matt is a kid I have known since the New England days. He took on the challenge to make (this year) the offseason of his life, working and studying hard. He’s in great shape and physically fit—now we just need to protect him and keep him healthy. All the while, he’s holding off the challenges of Charlie Whitehurst.
Q: Your drafting of offensive tackle Russell Okung is a huge step in rebuilding the line. How critical is improving the blocking in the running game?
A: Our ability to run the football will affect more things than anything else. It will help us with our play-action game and pass protection-wise. If we can work the clock, it will help our defense. So what happens up front and with the running backs who can take on heavy duty is huge. I think of Alex Gibbs as the best running coach who’s ever been in the NFL; I’m so thrilled he’s on our staff. That’s where it all begins. When we take Russell with our first pick, it’s another statement to back up our running philosophy.
Q: What’s the biggest hurdle facing a coach returning to the NFL after several seasons away?
A: It’s all getting back to hard work, building relationships with your staff so everyone can communicate effectively and also transferring that language and principles to our players. It’s a racehorse pace for us to catch up with the other teams.
Q: What’s the difference between coaching high-paid veterans in contrast to young, hungry college kids?
A: We have to stay ahead of them and make sure we challenge our learners with the information, tips and advice that we have so they keep coming back for more.
Q: What’s some of the best coaching advice you’ve picked up along the way?
A: Be yourself, something that I was reminded by George Seifert and Bill Walsh when I was going through the New England years. Don’t try to please people by being someone else. From Bud Grant, it’s so important to be a great observer. So you see, watch and pick up all the information you can get from all the people and experiences in the game.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Andre Dawson is the only player who will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this weekend and will join 202 players who came before him with a bust in Cooperstown.
Dawson certainly deserves to be in the Hall of Fame based on the current criteria. In fact, if you compare his numbers to those already in the Hall, it’s a wonder it took the voters this long to get him in. But there’s just something about 203 players in the Hall of Fame – 292 members if you include managers, umpires, owners and other contributors – that seems a bit over-inflated. Can we compare everyone in baseball to Babe Ruth? Of course not, and I wouldn’t expect you to read something that in any way tries to make that argument. Certainly a player can be great without being the greatest.
The problem, of course, is that the run of inductees will never stop. There are 292 members now, and that number will certainly break 300 in the next two or three years. By the time our kids are bringing their kids to Cooperstown, we could be celebrating 500 people in the Hall of Fame.
Again, the point of this is not to suggest that the current 292 or the theoretical 500 won’t be worthy of honors and won’t be part of the very best in the history of the sport. But how many becomes too many to be considered historically "great"?
Baseball isn’t the only offender of the idea of opening up Hall of Fame doors for something less than the greatest of the great. The Hockey Hall of Fame boasts 244 players, 98 builders and 15 referees and linesmen. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has 290 members, which includes men and women’s players and all the Harlem Globetrotters. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has 260 members. That’s nearly 1,100 Hall of Famers in the four major sports, and that’s not including niche-specific halls like the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame – which introduced its 2010 class this week – the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame or any of the college halls of fame.
We sure do like to celebrate our athletes.
But maybe that’s the point of the Hall of Fame. It’s not, actually, the The Hall of Great. It’s the Hall of Fame, which means the criteria for induction could be nothing more than being the best at getting noticed. Heck, Chad Ochocinco may not have the numbers to be considered an all-time great wide receiver, but nobody can deny he’s made himself one of the most "famous" personalities of his generation. Keep in mind that Dick Vitale is in the Basketball Hall of Fame, after all. It’s semantics, perhaps, but it’s still worth noting that greatness is not necessarily a prerequisite for induction into a museum that celebrates "fame."
That sure felt like 450 words of complaining, didn’t it? How then, to turn this into something more than just writing a column to steal Andre Dawson’s thunder on a weekend when he absolutely deserves to be celebrated?
I can answer that with this: I worked in an athletic department for a major college for 10 years, and there were some years that way too many people got into the Hall of Fame. It was ridiculous, and started to marginalize the award for people who actually deserved to be in there. So, about seven or eight years ago, I suggested we create a universal roundtable for the elite Hall of Famers. If there are 292 people in the Hall of Fame, reboot the sucker and pick the 10 best and give them their own room. If someone comes along and deserves to be sitting at that table, they can be added to the room. Then, continue voting in those who deserve to be in the regular Hall of Fame under the current criteria, knowing that the absolute elite won’t get lost in the growth.
Of course, the politics at a college never allowed this idea to happen – mostly centered around the potential slight to those HOFers who may be willing to donate back to the department – but it could work for the professional sports.
Then again, when I suggested this idea to some friends in the industry it was met with "that’s a terrible idea" and "the Hall of Fame is fine how it is" and "didn’t Bill Simmons suggest this a few years ago?" Those points may all be true; it may be nothing more than a terrible idea that’s a re-tread of what’s already been written. Or, maybe you’ll remember the idea in 50 years when you take your grandkids to the Hall of Fame for the first time and have to walk past 498 other plaques to get from Hank Aaron to Ted Williams. (Note: I anticipate that in 50 years all old people will get around in some sort of space-age hover chair, but that’s a totally different column. The point is still germane.)
The greats deserved to be honored – and Dawson deserves his day – but we need to make sure it’s not eventually at the expense of the elite.
You can read/listen to more from Dan Levy at OntheDLpodcast.com and follow him on Twitter @onthedlpodcast
Andre Dawson is the only player who will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this weekend and will join 202 players who came before him with a bust in Cooperstown.
Dawson certainly deserves to be in the Hall of Fame based on the current criteria. In fact, if you compare his numbers to those already in the Hall, it’s a wonder it took the voters this long to get him in. But there’s just something about 203 players in the Hall of Fame – 292 members if you include managers, umpires, owners and other contributors – that seems a bit over-inflated. Can we compare everyone in baseball to Babe Ruth? Of course not, and I wouldn’t expect you to read something that in any way tries to make that argument. Certainly a player can be great without being the greatest.
The problem, of course, is that the run of inductees will never stop. There are 292 members now, and that number will certainly break 300 in the next two or three years. By the time our kids are bringing their kids to Cooperstown, we could be celebrating 500 people in the Hall of Fame.
Again, the point of this is not to suggest that the current 292 or the theoretical 500 won’t be worthy of honors and won’t be part of the very best in the history of the sport. But how many becomes too many to be considered historically "great"?
Baseball isn’t the only offender of the idea of opening up Hall of Fame doors for something less than the greatest of the great. The Hockey Hall of Fame boasts 244 players, 98 builders and 15 referees and linesmen. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has 290 members, which includes men and women’s players and all the Harlem Globetrotters. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has 260 members. That’s nearly 1,100 Hall of Famers in the four major sports, and that’s not including niche-specific halls like the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame – which introduced its 2010 class this week – the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame or any of the college halls of fame.
We sure do like to celebrate our athletes.
But maybe that’s the point of the Hall of Fame. It’s not, actually, the The Hall of Great. It’s the Hall of Fame, which means the criteria for induction could be nothing more than being the best at getting noticed. Heck, Chad Ochocinco may not have the numbers to be considered an all-time great wide receiver, but nobody can deny he’s made himself one of the most "famous" personalities of his generation. Keep in mind that Dick Vitale is in the Basketball Hall of Fame, after all. It’s semantics, perhaps, but it’s still worth noting that greatness is not necessarily a prerequisite for induction into a museum that celebrates "fame."
That sure felt like 450 words of complaining, didn’t it? How then, to turn this into something more than just writing a column to steal Andre Dawson’s thunder on a weekend when he absolutely deserves to be celebrated?
I can answer that with this: I worked in an athletic department for a major college for 10 years, and there were some years that way too many people got into the Hall of Fame. It was ridiculous, and started to marginalize the award for people who actually deserved to be in there. So, about seven or eight years ago, I suggested we create a universal roundtable for the elite Hall of Famers. If there are 292 people in the Hall of Fame, reboot the sucker and pick the 10 best and give them their own room. If someone comes along and deserves to be sitting at that table, they can be added to the room. Then, continue voting in those who deserve to be in the regular Hall of Fame under the current criteria, knowing that the absolute elite won’t get lost in the growth.
Of course, the politics at a college never allowed this idea to happen – mostly centered around the potential slight to those HOFers who may be willing to donate back to the department – but it could work for the professional sports.
Then again, when I suggested this idea to some friends in the industry it was met with "that’s a terrible idea" and "the Hall of Fame is fine how it is" and "didn’t Bill Simmons suggest this a few years ago?" Those points may all be true; it may be nothing more than a terrible idea that’s a re-tread of what’s already been written. Or, maybe you’ll remember the idea in 50 years when you take your grandkids to the Hall of Fame for the first time and have to walk past 498 other plaques to get from Hank Aaron to Ted Williams. (Note: I anticipate that in 50 years all old people will get around in some sort of space-age hover chair, but that’s a totally different column. The point is still germane.)
The greats deserved to be honored – and Dawson deserves his day – but we need to make sure it’s not eventually at the expense of the elite.
You can read/listen to more from Dan Levy at OntheDLpodcast.com and follow him on Twitter @onthedlpodcast
When reports emerged in the days preceding that 2006 draft that would-be marketing agents had provided USC running back Reggie Bush’s family with rent-free housing, no one could have imagined that the case eventually would threaten to revolutionize the manner in which we think about amateur athletes who earn millions for American universities, with the vast majority of the money never being paid to any of them.
Reggie Bush was awarded the Heisman Trophy on Dec. 10, 2005.
More than four years after the fact, following a dreadfully slow NCAA investigation hampered by the fact the organization has no ability to issue subpoenas for testimony or documents, the NCAA has concluded that Bush did indeed receive money, and the NCAA apparently has decided to embark on a more aggressive effort to smoke out situations in which would-be agents and financial advisers have funneled money or other benefits to players with remaining eligibility.
So what changes should be made going forward? Let’s consider the possibilities from the perspective of the various players in this sordid tale.
The agents
The obvious targets for punishment are the people who attempt to recruit future NFL players by giving them something now that their schools won’t — money. Whether it’s contract agents, marketing agents, financial advisers, or the "runners" who deliver the clients to the professionals, these folks are jeopardizing the ability of the players to continue to hone their skills at the college level, and they’re also potentially undermining the ability of many more current and future players with that same program to make the most out of their talents via the loss of scholarships and/or eligibility for bowl games.
The players
Far too often, tales emerge from major college programs of players and family members who perpetually have their hands out, looking from money for anyone who’s willing to give it up.
Though the fact that the system takes from the players and gives them back pennies in comparison to the contributions they make helps justify at a visceral level the desire for players to get paid by someone/anyone/everyone, the basic fact remains that the players who accept money violate the rules, regardless of the inequity of the system that crafted them.
As to players like Bush, an apparent desire to take whatever anyone will give and an alleged refusal to pay back the folks he opted not to hire as his agents created the problem that led to major sanctions for the Trojans program. And even if taking money can be justified, not hiring the agents and not paying back the money remains wrong, under any plausible view of the situation.
The union
The NFLPA has the ability to suspend or decertify contract agents and financial advisors who break the rules. The union has not yet targeted marketing agents, who ply their craft with little or no oversight or regulation.
The NFLPA needs to broaden its net and devote resources to comprehensive and fair enforcement of the rules. Previously, actions taken by the union against agents has been criticized as inconsistent and/or incomplete. Significant funds must be committed to creating and maintaining an enforcement mechanism that weeds out those who would ignore the rules, and deters everyone else to avoid similar behavior.
The NCAA
Speaking of the need to devote funds to enforcement, the NCAA and its member schools must peel off some of those millions that the players earn to ensure that the rules are followed, and those who break the rules are punished.
But a deeper effort also should be undertaken to counter the basic sense that the players deserve something more than room, board, and tuition. Perhaps the time has come to compensate players, via stipends or other devices aimed at giving them something for their efforts and physical risks that begins to approach the revenue generated by college football programs throughout the country.
Maybe if the players were receiving tangible compensation from the schools, they wouldn’t be so quick to put their hands out.
The NFL
On the surface, the NFL occupies the position of bystander in this process. With no power over players who have yet to leave college and no ability to regulate agents, the league’s only role under the current system would be to encourage the NFLPA to better do its job, and to direct the teams to cooperate with any enforcement efforts.
That said, the NFL should look for more ways to get involved. One possibility would be to suspend players whom the NCAA has determined to have taken money while still eligible. Another possibility would be to work with the union to fund an external mechanism for investigating and disciplining agents. The league also could assist the NCAA in lobbying efforts targeted at passing legislation that would make it easier for the NCAA to investigate cases of abuse, and to punish the responsible parties.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
When reports emerged in the days preceding that 2006 draft that would-be marketing agents had provided USC running back Reggie Bush’s family with rent-free housing, no one could have imagined that the case eventually would threaten to revolutionize the manner in which we think about amateur athletes who earn millions for American universities, with the vast majority of the money never being paid to any of them.
Reggie Bush was awarded the Heisman Trophy on Dec. 10, 2005.
More than four years after the fact, following a dreadfully slow NCAA investigation hampered by the fact the organization has no ability to issue subpoenas for testimony or documents, the NCAA has concluded that Bush did indeed receive money, and the NCAA apparently has decided to embark on a more aggressive effort to smoke out situations in which would-be agents and financial advisers have funneled money or other benefits to players with remaining eligibility.
So what changes should be made going forward? Let’s consider the possibilities from the perspective of the various players in this sordid tale.
The agents
The obvious targets for punishment are the people who attempt to recruit future NFL players by giving them something now that their schools won’t — money. Whether it’s contract agents, marketing agents, financial advisers, or the "runners" who deliver the clients to the professionals, these folks are jeopardizing the ability of the players to continue to hone their skills at the college level, and they’re also potentially undermining the ability of many more current and future players with that same program to make the most out of their talents via the loss of scholarships and/or eligibility for bowl games.
The players
Far too often, tales emerge from major college programs of players and family members who perpetually have their hands out, looking from money for anyone who’s willing to give it up.
Though the fact that the system takes from the players and gives them back pennies in comparison to the contributions they make helps justify at a visceral level the desire for players to get paid by someone/anyone/everyone, the basic fact remains that the players who accept money violate the rules, regardless of the inequity of the system that crafted them.
As to players like Bush, an apparent desire to take whatever anyone will give and an alleged refusal to pay back the folks he opted not to hire as his agents created the problem that led to major sanctions for the Trojans program. And even if taking money can be justified, not hiring the agents and not paying back the money remains wrong, under any plausible view of the situation.
The union
The NFLPA has the ability to suspend or decertify contract agents and financial advisors who break the rules. The union has not yet targeted marketing agents, who ply their craft with little or no oversight or regulation.
The NFLPA needs to broaden its net and devote resources to comprehensive and fair enforcement of the rules. Previously, actions taken by the union against agents has been criticized as inconsistent and/or incomplete. Significant funds must be committed to creating and maintaining an enforcement mechanism that weeds out those who would ignore the rules, and deters everyone else to avoid similar behavior.
The NCAA
Speaking of the need to devote funds to enforcement, the NCAA and its member schools must peel off some of those millions that the players earn to ensure that the rules are followed, and those who break the rules are punished.
But a deeper effort also should be undertaken to counter the basic sense that the players deserve something more than room, board, and tuition. Perhaps the time has come to compensate players, via stipends or other devices aimed at giving them something for their efforts and physical risks that begins to approach the revenue generated by college football programs throughout the country.
Maybe if the players were receiving tangible compensation from the schools, they wouldn’t be so quick to put their hands out.
The NFL
On the surface, the NFL occupies the position of bystander in this process. With no power over players who have yet to leave college and no ability to regulate agents, the league’s only role under the current system would be to encourage the NFLPA to better do its job, and to direct the teams to cooperate with any enforcement efforts.
That said, the NFL should look for more ways to get involved. One possibility would be to suspend players whom the NCAA has determined to have taken money while still eligible. Another possibility would be to work with the union to fund an external mechanism for investigating and disciplining agents. The league also could assist the NCAA in lobbying efforts targeted at passing legislation that would make it easier for the NCAA to investigate cases of abuse, and to punish the responsible parties.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
