By John Sarianides
Ten thoughts from the world of football.
1. I hope Arthur Blank does the right thing and signs Michael Vick to a one day contract so that he can retire as a Falcon.
2. I don’t care what Josh Norman thinks of Odell Beckham Jr. and Dez Bryant! Why is it even a story? Norman babbling about them is nothing more than a publicity stunt on his part.
3. Sorry Raiders fans. Calvin Johnson is not coming out of retirement to play for your team. A. He’s under contract with the Lions still. B. He’s beat up physically.
4. Speaking of the Lions. I think Matt Asiata is a terrific pick up for them. Their running game was garbage last season. Asiata might actually give it some juice.
5. The Jets have been contacted by the Seahawks, Cowboys and Colts in regards to Sheldon Richardson‘s availabity. If the Jets were going to trade Richardson, wouldn’t they have done it by now? I think Richardson starts the season in New York but may get dealt at the trade deadline in October.
6. Speaking of Sheldon Richardson. He and former teammate Brandon Marshall once again exchanged barbs this week. I think this is a non-story. Marshall is a selfish primadonna. Everyone that has played with him knows that.
7. Lane Kiffin’s first camp at Florida Atlantic will have some serious coaching star power. Kiffin has gotten commitments from Jim Harbaugh as well as several other high profile coaches and staffs to work the June 5th camp in Boca Raton, Florida. Kiffin getting these coaches together speaks to the respect they have for him but more importantly, the amount of talent in Florida.
8. Speaking of Harbaugh. Former New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs ripped into Harbaugh in a radio interview last week. Jacobs played for Harbaugh with the 49ers his last year in the NFL.
Jacobs threatened to expose Harbaugh and predicted that Harbaugh would get fired after he was done. This developing feud has the potential to be comedy gold. I will write a separate piece on it in the next couple of days.
9. Kudos to Illinois coach Lovie Smith for dismissing three players last week who were arrested and charged with residential burglary and aggravated robbery. It is so important to set an example of expectations when players violence program and school rules or break the law.
Smith did that by dismissing these players. They failed to live up to the expectations of the University of Illinois and the football program.
10. Take some time today and tomorrow and think about those who sacrificed their lives so that we can live ours.