New Orleans Saints and NFL: Top News and Video Clips
By Keith Null
"The bounty scandal isn’t the only problem hanging over the New Orleans Saints. Team officials were accused in a 2010 lawsuit of covering up the theft of the prescription narcotic Vicodin from team headquarters, an allegation that triggered an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. While it is unlikely the feds would prosecute Saints executives for paying players to injure opponents, officials could face criminal charges or civil penalties for covering up the theft of the powerful pain medication."
"If Alex Smith wants to remain a 49er, and the team has consistently said it wants its quarterback to return, what’s the holdup?After all, head coach Jim Harbaugh last month reiterated the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent “is our guy” and “we’re all in lockstep as an organization” to retain Smith, who had his finest season in 2011. The NFL Network has reported the Niners have had an offer in Smith’s hands for quite some time. The sticking point, apparently, reports Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, who cites sources, is the length of the deal the Niners have offered."
"Rodgers was sacked twice and hit a total of five times, according to the official NFL play-by-play, while throwing for 312 yards and finishing with a passer rating of 132.1. My digital copy of that game has disappeared, so if anyone wants to take a second look at the hits Rodgers took in that game, by all means do so and let us know what you find in the comments section below."
"We’ve heard the rumor that the Falcons are going to pursue Houston Texans defensive stud Mario Williams. There is no way the Falcons can comment on it because that would be considered tampering and a hefty fine would be in order. The Falcons would end up in Commissioner Roger Goodell’s doghouse along with the New Orleans Saints if they commented on Super Mario."
"Yet for me, the real question is not where Peyton Manning will play, but rather which teams should be interested. Even teams with a starting quarterback might want to consider a trade-in. The fundamental question an executive must ask himself when a free agent hits the market: “Is this player better than who we have?” If the answer is yes, then he must attempt to improve the team. This is his duty to the franchise. Sometimes financial restrictions burden the executive, but when money is not an issue, the executive cannot let emotions play a role in improving the franchise. Loyalty to the winning is the only loyalty that matters."