Walsh to testify about Patriots Taping procedures

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Matt Walsh, the former video assistant with the New England Patriots, has agreed to discuss the Patriots taping producers with Commissioner Goodell on May 13. He has agreed to turn over any video to support his potential allegations.

The agreement also requires Mr. Walsh to return any tapes and other items in his possession that belong to the Patriots. In return, the NFL and the Patriots have promised not to sue Mr. Walsh. They also will indemnify him for any expenses, including legal fees that he incurs in connection with the interview. (ESPN)

I am not sure if Commissioner Goodell is investigating this further because he believes there might be more to the story than what he was told or if he is doing this to keep congress off of his back. Senator Specter did blister the Commissioner for destroying evidence. Specter also has stated that he wished he could have seen the tapes.

Either way this story is not going away until Walsh testifies and presents evidence before Goodell. Even then, Congress could do their own investigation. What happens if there is support for the rumors of taping of the Rams final practice before the Super Bowl? Could the Patriots or Bill Belichick receive more discipline than the slap on the wrist from the Jets taping? What if the Patriots have been cheating for years and using it in games? We will have to wait and see.

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Late starting draft frustrates

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In years past, the NFL Draft would start in the late morning. The first 2 rounds would end by early evening. I expected this trend would continue.

I did know the section times had decreased this year. I expected that I could watch the first two rounds and still have the evening open. I made plans with my wife to attend a fancy restaurant for next Saturday night. I thought I would be able to live blog the first round with no problems.

Earlier in the week, I came to the sad realization that the draft is not starting at its usual early time. It begins at 3:00pm central daylight time. I am going to miss a good portion of the draft because I failed to check the time of the draft. You know what assuming does. My DVR will be recording it and I will watch it when I get home.

Why did we have to change the time? Oh well.

The Counselor is OUT:

Skipping your pick strategy

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There is some discussion that the Tuna might not select anyone with the Dolphins’ number one pick. Miami could hold onto the card and let the Rams go on the clock. Then they can jump in front of any team after that to make their selection. This could save them a bundle of cash and they could still get a top pick.

This strategy is not only possible but very much in line with the rules. This has been verified by the NFL front offices. The question remains if Bill Parcels would really want to use this. It comes across as very bush league.

If the Dolphins do this, I could see other teams using it also during this draft. The Kansas City Chiefs would love to trade down if OT Jake Long is not there. They might use this strategy to pick later and still get a good OL without having to pay number 5 money for them. Other teams might also consider it.

If Parcels and the Dolphins use this strategy, I can see the rules committee changing it completely next year.

If it does happen, there might be a discussion on a rookie contract salary cap, like in the NBA. A rookie really should not make as much as a top 5 veteran player at their position but often this is the case with these early pick contracts. These top pick contracts can destroy a team if that player does not work out

It could get very interesting on Draft Day.

The Counselor is OUT.

Hold steady with struggling studs

The Counselor is IN:

We are a couple of weeks into the fantasy baseball season. Many of the stud players are currently struggling. I know that many of my players are. Here are just a few examples.

The consistent .300 hitting SS Michael Young is only hitting a .2083 so far this season. Pudge Rodriguez is batting an under the Mendoza line with .1951. Super DH- David Ortiz is hitting a meager .0698 (yes that is a 0 in front). There are many other examples of studs that are not hitting yet.

There are also plenty of top pitchers flailing mightily. The A's Closer, Huston Street, has an inflated 6.429 ERA. Phil Huges, the 2nd year Yankee's stud, has an ERA of 9.00. Then there is Cleveland's Ace, C.C. Sabathia, who has an ERA 11.571 and a WHIP (Walks + Hits/ Innings Pitched) of 2.357.

Over the past several years, I have owned Johan Santana. He usually struggles in April for some reason. But by August he is always a top pitcher. That is par for course with Santana. No one remembers his early season challenges when he is winning another Cy Young.

It is not time to panic. Hold onto your studs that are having an early season woos. They usually will bounce right back. It is way too early to dump players. I would even hold onto your struggling flyer players at this time. There is a lot of games left (only 10% have been played) and things have a way of balancing out.

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Updated Mock Draft @ CP

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The NFL mock draft at Cowboys Pride has been updated. Check out who your favorite team might be selecting. Also check out their on going GM NFL Mock Draft where regular members are drafting for teams.

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