Charles Woodson left Denver today without a contract, meaning the chances of Woodson playing for a contender were drastically reduced. Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Late this evening, the Denver Post reported that former Green Bay Packers S/CB Charles Woodson visited with the Denver Broncos today, but left town without a contract.

Here’s what the paper reported:

Woodson spent much of the day with Broncos coaches, personnel and a few players at the team’s Dove Valley headquarters.

Although, the Oakland Raiders and Carolina Panthers also are interested in signing the versatile defensive back, the Broncos were likely the leading candidate for Woodson because they have the best chance to win a Super Bowl this year.

It seems that Woodson’s window of opportunity to play for a contender is closing quickly once again. Though Woodson’s agent stated yesterday the Raiders had a deal already on the table, his client hadn’t made a decision and wanted to visit the Broncos before acting on any contract.

Woodson has been vocal about the lack of interest he has drawn since the Packers cut him just after the season ended. At one point he stated that teams across the league viewed him as “ancient” and that it was disappointing he hadn’t found a home.

Clearly, that disappointment has multiplied for Woodson.

When asked yesterday whether the Packers would have any interest in bringing Woodson back to Green Bay, Packers President Mark Murphy said “probably not,” but left the door open a crack by saying that they had to wait and see how things played out with Woodson – almost making it sound like the Packers might be interested if they have a need and they could get him to come back under their terms.

The Packers didn’t draft a safety and team officials have said they were satisfied with the players they have in-house to play the position … Morgan Burnett, Jerron McMillian, and M.D. Jennings. Though woefully thin at safety, the Packers haven’t made any moves to bring in players to bolster the position and add some competition.

Charles Woodson playing one-on-one against Calvin “Megatron” Johnson of the Detroit Lions.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Whether they might have an interest in Woodson won’t play out for a while and even if they did bring Woodson back, there’s no guarantee he would even make the team.

Woodson must now decide between playing for a team with no chance of winning a title or waiting for a contender to call. For now, unless Woodson jumps on the Raiders contract, he’s destined to ride the couch until a contender calls.

Whether that contender is the Packers remains to be seen.

I guess one should never say never.

Charles Woodson may be headed to either Oakland or Denver.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Mid-afternoon tweets today, Tuesday, May 14, are indicating that former Packers S/CB Charles Woodson has already been offered a contract to return to the team where his professional career began, the Oakland Raiders.

Earlier today, it was reported among several sources that Woodson had been invited to a visit to the Denver Broncos and it seems that is still on, but according to other tweets, Woodson had already been offered a contract by the Raiders.

Here are a couple of the tweets:

#Breaking: Per his agent, the #Raiders have made a contract offer to former #Packers DB Charles Woodson, he will also visit the #Broncos.

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_RealUpdates) May 14, 2013

Charles Woodson’s agent says Raiders have offer on the table wp.me/p14QSB-8VY1

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 14, 2013

This has got to be good news in the Woodson camp. Earlier this spring, Sir Charles couldn’t keep his disappointment from showing when he said that teams had not been calling and that he thought many around the league thought he was “ancient.”

So, today’s developments have got to be an encouraging sign for the longtime Raider and Packer.

No doubt the Raiders’ Reggie McKenzie, a longtime Packers front office guy, has had an influence in the pursuit of Woodson. Also of note, you can bet that Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson, though they made the decision to part ways with Woodson, are probably counting their blessings that he is considering a move to the AFC West and not a team in the NFC.

We will keep on top of the situation and report any other news as it becomes available.

Stay tuned …

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

When Hall of Fame-bound former Green Bay Packers linebacker Dave Robinson announced the franchise’s second round selection of Eddie Lacy last Friday, there were many who felt the pick should have been Wisconsin alum and favorite Montee Ball.

But Packers fans soon realized that Ted Thompson had once again locked in a player who was considered one of the best at his position – and probably a better value at the 61st spot than was Ball, who was selected with the 58th pick by the Denver Broncos.

So, which team got the better of the deal – Packers or Broncos.

Well, if you’re the Broncos, who came out like the Steelers and raised the injury issues with Lacy, Ball was the better deal. If you also ask Vincent Salaz, the author of a piece on the subject over at predominantlyorange.com, Ball was by far the better pick.

Wisconsin Badgers running back Montee Ball
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

As Salaz points out, his reasons are these:

• Lacy ran behind what was widely regarded as the best O-Line in the NCAA and was still not as productive as Montee (who also ran behind a stellar line, but was still able to produce more.)

• One thing I love about him is that this kid loves Terelle Davis. He grew up idolizing him and modeling his game after him. He runs a lot like TD did and I’m sure that that was at least a small factor in the decision making process.

• Montee has just about the most beautiful one-cut move I’ve ever seen. If you take a look at the 3:09 mark in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vk7aLzbwBb8 You’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.

• The kid has about the best vision of any player in this draft which is great on its own, but he also has the football IQ to know how to use it which will make his transition into the NFL much easier.

• Lacy was unable to improve his stock at his pro day after not being able to work out at the combine. Ball on the other hand (who blamed his ‘poor’ combine numbers on a sinus infection) Posted better numbers in every single exercise. The most tangible of which for most is the 40. At his pro day he posted between 4.43 and 4.49 depending on where you read. Can’t tell me that’s not some top end speed.

• Last but not least, the kid is smart, well spoken, very articulate and hard working. The Denver bronco organization likes people that fall under those categories.

It’s great that Ball is smart, well spoken, articulate and hard-working – in fact anyone who has followed Wisconsin football as most Packers have – we knew that already.

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

What we’re interested in is what the statistics say.

As a word of caution, statistics don’t tell the entire story and can be deceiving – like comparing apples to oranges – but they do illustrate the amount of success each of these player have had in their college careers. However, how that translates into success at the next level is difficult to measure.

In my opinion, both of these players will see success in 2013, but what might give Lacy an advantage, in my opinion, is that the Packers also drafted a guy by the name of Johnathan Franklin out of UCLA.

Franklin, who also runs hard between the tackles, can also provide, like DuJuan Harris, a different look than Lacy will bring to the field. The “Thunder and Lighting” look could give the Packers the most dynamic backfield tandem in years, maybe decades.

But in the meantime, we will let the statistics speak for themselves. At first blush, Hall holds the advantage in sheer numbers, but again, how that translates into success in the NFL remains to be seen.

You be the judge. Who got the better pick?

So here’s a look at Montee Ball’s stats over four years with the Badgers:

Here are Ball’s statistics by game in 2012:

West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith has received subjective criticism from the media that could impact his livelihood. Is it warranted or just another bashing of a black quarterback? Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

By P.J. Root

Special to Lombardiave.com

There are topics that are inherently difficult to broach in our society and in sports – namely the NFL – even as the world becomes more tolerant.

However, two major topics continue to raise their heads – the stigmas of both black quarterbacks and homosexuality in the game of football.

An overwhelming abundance of criticism directed toward black quarterbacks, in addition to the evolving culture change have polarized the league on multiples levels.

Each expanding discussion has turned ugly , oftentimes underhanded, or in some cases blatant concerning both topics in either approval of stereotypes or prejudice of sexual preference.

Rush Limbaugh

Lighting-rod radio host, Rush Limbaugh, years ago dove into the unspoken ideal that African-Americans cannot grasp the quarterback position.

“I think what we’ve had here is a little social concern,” Limbaugh said on ESPN in 2003. “I think the media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well.”

The quarterback Limbaugh was singling out happened to be Donovan McNabb.

Was it based on McNabb’s merit as a mobile and efficient playmaker? Was it based on his Pro Bowls or consistent performances in the brutal NFC East?

No.

It was based on the color of his skin.

McNabb would eventually lead the Philadelphia Eagles to the NFC Championship that very year, and eventually the Super Bowl, yet these words cheapening McNabb’s achievements have lingered.

Cam Newton.
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

These evaluations have become combative concerning attitude with black quarterbacks, especially by Nolan Nawrocki of Pro Football Weekly.

“Very disingenuous — has a fake smile,” Nawrocki wrote. “Comes off as very scripted and has a selfish, me-first makeup.”

There has been a sophomore slump,  but Cam Newton has ignited a franchise by having the ability to create yards through a haymaker arm and punishing feet. None which was mentioned by Nawrocki for the future NFL and Offensive Rookie of the Year.

When speaking of West Virginia’s first round draft prospect Geno Smith, Nawrocki continues down the same path of assessment.

“Nonchalant field presence,” Nawrocki wrote.  ”Does not command respect from teammates and cannot inspire.”

Pretty bleak there – almost brutal.

Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel further expressed viewpoints from unnamed scouts that Redskins QB Griffin  had a “selfish streak,” and questioned the Baylor star’s interpersonal skills.

Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Was Griffin selfish when hobbling against the Seahawks in the dead marshes of FedEx Field? Battling through constant stabbing pain, Griffin ignored his own security up until his knee finally buckled in his final game of last season. The image of Griffin grasping his lineman’s hand and screaming in pain, fulfilled every cliché about leaving every ounce of one’s self on the field.

Not to mention he was Rookie of the Year.

White quarterbacks, in comparison, have received far less scrutiny in a majority of cases. Jay Cutler of the Chicago Bears, for starters, is not the warmest or best postured of field generals in the league.

Just ask the Chicago offensive line if Cutler exudes selfish, aloof or communication deficiencies. Better yet, ask future Hall of Famer John Lynch. ESPN columnist Rick Reilly wrote that Lynch was forced to hurl Cutler’s phone jut to receive the basic pleasantry of Cutler’s eye contact.

Even Brett Favre in his rowdy early days never encountered the microscopic lens applied to his black counterparts. Stories of late nights, and hung-over mornings are legend around the city of Green Bay, yet stories, if they were written were buried in the hinterlands of newspapers, barely reaching the light of day.

Jay Cutler is known for being aloof.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Cutler and Favre may have been scrutinized for their actions, but those criticisms came long after the draft, instead of during the period of time where every action could and does bring calamitous consequences for future income.

Sometimes skill and personality is not even considered when critiquing a minority QB. Take former ESPN commentator Rod Parker, and his comments about Redskins QB Robert Griffin III.

“Is he a (black) brother, or is he a cornball brother,” Parker said on ESPN First Take. “He’s not one of us.”

The sound byte originated around Griffin’s fiancé, (who happens to be white) which was evidence enough for Parker that Griffin did not fulfill the unwritten requirements of being an African American.

Parker is black.

The level of criticism and constant barrage of commentary creates mirroring parallels to the struggle of a gay teammate in football. Instead of pundits screaming from soapboxes, the passive-aggressive attitude of silent slights and clamped mouths have been just as loud as any publicized denouncement.

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The collective mindset of NFL locker rooms can be seen between the lines in commonly abbreviated answers meant to settle the minds of future investments or advocacy groups. Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski illuminates the majority in his recent interview with ESPN.

“Everyone has their own ways to live their life,” Gronkowski said. “…as long as he’s respecting me, keeping distance … I’ll respect him back.”

When referring to distance, what is Gronkowski alluding to? Personal distance? Sexual distance? Emotional distance?  Does the distance apply to QB Tom Brady?

No one is looking for Freudian discoveries from Gronkowski, but when keeping distance is applied to a team member in a sport which demands constant contact and participation, toleration is not enough (e.g. Terrell Owens).

Maybe Gronkowski wanted the distance that Notre Dame Linebacker Manti Te’o wanted when asked if he was gay.

“Faaaarrrrrrr from it.”

Two players known for doing the dirty work on their respective teams, linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo and punter Chris Kluwe, have advanced social awareness of acceptance and understanding of gay players. Both players going as far as becoming involved with overturning California’s Proposition 8, which prohibits same-sex marriage.

Yet, players who also participate in similar advocacy are not as passionate or willing to share their image with the homosexual community as are Ayanbadejo and Kluwe.

Ahmad Brooks of the 49ers and Isaac Sopoaga now of the Eagles appeared in a viral video for the “It Gets Better Project” combatting bullying. When asked about how important the message was for LGBT kids, Brooks and Sopoaga denounced their participation.

San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

“I didn’t make any video,” Brooks said. “It was an anti-bullying video, not a gay video.”

Sopoaga simply said he was never there.

Well, Sopoaga and Brooks were there, and so was teammate Donte Whitner.

“The San Francisco 49ers are proud to join itgetsbetter.org to let all LGBT teens know that it gets better,” Whitner says in the same video. “On behalf of the entire 49ers organization, we are on your side. And we promise: It gets better.”

The two stigmas attached to each subject create interesting conversations. On one hand African Americans are past the “Jackie Robinson” barrier, meaning that the acceptance in the league is real. Homosexuals have reached that barrier, but will the community have to encounter the same baseless criticisms the African American QBs are currently encountering?

Menander once wrote,  “Conscience is a God to all mortals.”

Here is to hoping the NFL and its’ affiliates believe.

Jeff Saturday (left, 63) worked with Peyton Manning as the Colts' center for more than a decade. Having to tell Manning that he chose the Packers over his Broncos was difficult. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

When Jeff Saturday made his decision to join the Green Bay Packers, the first person he reached out to was his longtime Indianapolis Colts teammate and friend, Peyton Manning.

“Peyton is a close friend and I loved playing with him,” Saturday told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I loved the time we spent together. It was the most difficult call I’ve ever made. I told him before anyone else that I was going to Green Bay.”

Manning had pushed hard to get Saturday signed on to play in Denver with his new team, the Broncos.

But Saturday was rightfully looking out for himself. The fit, he said, in Denver just wasn’t right. He admitted that he felt like he would be second fiddle in the Mile High City and realized that he was highly appreciated and sought after by the Packers’ brass.

“I told him [Manning] I don’t think the Broncos wanted me as much as he did. They’ve got things going on that they’re happy with and are moving forward with and I didn’t think it was an exact fit. I always felt like in Green Bay I was their very first choice.”

And right he is. With the loss of starter Scott Wells to the St. Louis Rams, Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy faced a huge hole right in the middle of their offensive line. Signing a player like Saturday was crucial to the team. Thompson and McCarthy knew that drafting and developing for such an important position wasn’t the right way to go. They needed to fill the position with someone who had experience … and they needed to fill it immediately. Saturday was the perfect choice.

It was a win-win for the Packers and for Saturday. Not only do the Packers get a player with 13 years of experience, a perennial all-pro and an individual who will lead by example on the field and in the locker room, but Saturday gets to play for a team where he’s wanted; a team that continues to be on the rise.

Not only that, but the Packers got him signed to a two-year deal that will pay him adequately, but far less than the inflated salary Wells accepted in St. Louis. Thompson hit a home run on this one. He was smart in letting Wells move on and he gets an equal, if not better player while having the luxury of still drafting for the future. If the Packers can get two years out of Saturday, it could turn out to be one of Thompson’s best deals ever.

“They have a great offensive line and some really good, young players,” Saturday said. “They won 15 games last year; it’s not like I have to add a lot to it. But I think I can offer leadership, and being a veteran I can help the offensive line blossom into players they want to be.”

Amen, Jeff, Amen.

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Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (15) gestures during an AFC Divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

According to published reports, the Green Bay Packers‘ interest in Denver Broncos former starting quarterback Tim Tebow is legitimate.

However, given Ted Thompson’s methodical nature, it’s not a deal that is expected to be completed any time soon. That means that if another team comes along and offers a deal the Broncos can’t refuse, most likely the Packers will be left out. Thompson, if interested, will most likely move slowly on this one and given that there has been other work to do on the free agency front (center Jeff Saturday was in Green Bay for a visit and the Packers have reportedly expressed interest in Cincinnati linebacker Manny Lawson), it doesn’t figure that the Tebow issue is at the top of the list.

However, the Packers seemingly need to make some type of move to solidify its quarterback position. While the team has arguably the best quarterback in the league in Aaron Rodgers, the confidence level in automatically moving former third-stringer Graham Harrell to number two is low. With former backup Matt Flynn signing with Seattle last weekend, the position is thin, to say the least.

Many argue that bringing Tebow to Green Bay would only bring his circus along with him.

In my opinion, if there’s a place in the league where the circus could become a minor sideshow, it would be in Green Bay. While Tebow certainly carries with him a media entourage, his place as a second- or even third-stringer would dampen the need to focus on him.

So, would Tebow be a good fit in Green Bay? Well, let’s say he would be a huge project for new quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo and head coach Mike McCarthy. Tebow’s mechanics and lack of accuracy would be significant obstacles to overcome if he were to play in McCarthy’s system. But that’s why professional coaches get the big bucks.

How it all plays out will be interesting to watch and should Tebow land in Green Bay, look for the circus tents to be erected early … but don’t look for them to stick around for long.

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Jeff Saturday could be snapping for the Packers next season. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Ok, so the Denver Broncos, because of their Reggie White-sized signing of Peyton Manning, get an A for their grade in free Agency.

The Miami Dolphins – well, they have just flopped and failed, so yeah they get an F

The San Francisco 49ers have landed some big names – Manningham, Moss and possibly Mike Wallace, but their handling of quarterback Alex Smith has this team in purgatory. Yeah they get an incomplete until the Smith situation is resolved. If he comes back to the team, they get a B-minus; if he goes somewhere else, we may have to throw them the big F. Placing all their eggs into the Manning basket was a bad move, pissed off their QB and have so far left them without a starting quarterback. Do you think Jim Harbaugh has placed a call to the Broncos for Tim Tebow?

But let’s get to what we all like to talk about – the Packers.

Free Agency? Free Agency? Did you say Free Agency? Ted Thompson where are you?

Yes, it seems there may be have been some phone calls made, but so far nobody on the other end has been listening.

At least until now … it seems that with the loss of center Scott Wells, the Packers have made an overture to Indianapolis Colts longtime center Jeff Saturday. Though the chances of him signing with Green Bay at this point is remote, but hey, stranger things have happened.

According to some sources, the Packers have a visit set up with Saturday, but nobody seems to know when that will take place. Saturday has also been wooed by the Titans and of course, the Broncos. The beauty of rejoining the battery tandem of Saturday and Manning is appealing, but the Broncos already have a solid offensive line anchored by a talented young center, J.D. Walton.

So, could Saturday be the big fish in the shrinking pond of available free agents that may be hooked onto Ted Thompson’s line?

I hope so. Here is a durable, smart, and passionate player who would not only be a fine addition to the Packers locker room, but a solid fill-in for Wells. If there’s one player that Thompson should focus on before the conclusion of this free agency period, it’s Saturday. Landing an immediate starter through the draft is problematic and filling this hole in the Packers offensive line is one that will require immediate attention.

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Dec. 22, 2011; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday (63) points to the defense during the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium.Indianapolis defeated Houston 19-16. Mandatory credit: Michael Hickey-US PRESSWIRE

Chicago Bears new wide receiver Brandon Marshall speaks at a press conference at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-US PRESSWIRE

Brandon Marshall likes to talk big … some might say his actions on the football field should allow him to do so.

But in the end for the Chicago Bears, who just this past week gave away two third round picks for the former Miami Dolphins receiver, may require their new player to eat his words … maybe even without his participation in a single play for his new team.

That’s all dependent on how the league handles discipline for his alleged involvement in striking a woman this past weekend. We all know that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been consistent in carrying a big stick when it comes to meting out penalties, especially for repeat offenders. Marshall has had several brushes with the law during his career and has been suspended once already – back in 2008 for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Marshall, when he was playing for the Denver Broncos, was also involved in the incident that resulted in the shooting death of teammate Darrent Williams – but that significant occurrence is just the tip of Marshall’s brushes with the law. If there’s a loose cannon in the NFL, Marshall is it. He’s become the poster boy for “trouble.” And the Bears seem to have bought into it.

“In due time, the truth will be out, and we’re excited about that,” Marshall is quoted as saying at his introductory press conference today in Chicago. “Given my history, I definitely understand the concern and the questions.”

“Once it has taken its course, I think you will see things totally different, and we’re excited about the process,” Marshall said. “I understand and I get the perception out there. Those are the seeds that I’ve planted early on in my career up until last year.”

He also said that despite the allegations that he punched a woman at a nightclub over the weekend, he believes that when the facts come out he will not be facing any legal problems, or any NFL discipline.

Sure. Where have we heard that before? From just about any and every person who’s ever been accused of a wrongdoing.

This is not an isolated incident. Marshall’s checkered past follows him like stink on a skunk and if he thinks the commissioner is going to take pity on him, he’s in for a rude awakening … and probably a fine at a minimum or possible suspension.

I don’t write this because I’m a Packers fan and he’s been signed by the Bears. I write this because he’s a player that has given the NFL a black eye, much like he allegedly did to the woman last weekend. He’s poison and if the Bears think he’s the answer to their problems at wide receiver, then the organization has issues.

Take a look at Marshall’s Wikipedia page. There is an entire section entitled “Legal,” which details his run-ins with the law. Whether or not he is guilty or not guilty of any of these incidents isn’t the issue – the incident illustrates his character. Does anyone have any reason to believe the Dolphins didn’t unload him because he is a head case? If the Bears think he will be a positive influence in their locker room, maybe they should bring back Sam Hurd to help him out.

Below is the information pulled from his Wiki page.

Legal

According to Orlando-Orange County public records (case 48-2004-MM-012392-O), on Halloween 2004, while a student at UCF, Marshall was arrested in Orlando on charges of assault on a law enforcement officer, refusal to obey, disorderly conduct and resisting an officer.^[57]

On January 1, 2007, Marshall was present at “The Shelter,” a nightclub in Denver, Colorado, along with teammates Javon Walker and Darrent Williams. The trio was attending a birthday party held for and by Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin. As the players were leaving the club in a limousine, Williams was fatally shot in the neck after an unknown assailant opened fire on the vehicle. Willie Clark was later charged with the murder.^[58] Walker has stated in interviews that the shooter was likely a nightclub patron whose motive was retaliation after being involved in an altercation with Marshall’s cousin earlier that night.^[59][60]

On March 26, 2007, Marshall was arrested in the Highlands Ranch suburb of Denver on suspicion of domestic violence after his girlfriend reported that following a domestic dispute, Marshall prevented a taxi she was in from leaving his house.^[61] Charges from the incident were later dismissed on May 25, 2007, after Marshall completed anger management counseling.^[62]

In the early morning of October 22, 2007, Marshall was arrested in the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area at the intersection of 14th and Blake St. for driving under the influence of alcohol.^[63] A trial was scheduled for September 16, but Marshall instead agreed to a plea bargain four days earlier; he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving while ability impaired.^[64] He was sentenced to one-year probation and 24 hours of community service.

On June 12, 2008, Marshall was ticketed for an illegal lane change, then found to be without his license and proof of insurance.^[65] The case was eventually dropped as part of a plea bargain for the October 22, 2007 driving incident involving alcohol.^[64]

According to an article published in the Rocky Mountain News on July 28, 2008, Douglas County deputies fielded “about 11″ calls to Marshall’s home since January 2006. The article stated that one call resulted in Marshall being arrested (the March 26, 2007 domestic dispute), and some did not involve him at all.^[66]

A September 17, 2008 article on CompleteColorado.com stated that the solicitor’s office in Fulton County, Georgia filed misdemeanor battery charges on September 10 for an alleged incident on March 4, 2008, in Atlanta, Georgia. Marshall was booked on March 6, then released the next day after posting a $1,000 cash bond.^[67] The case was assigned to Judge John Mather in Georgia state court.^[68] On August 14, 2009, a jury in Atlanta found Marshall not guilty.^[69]

On March 1, 2009, Marshall was arrested in Atlanta for disorderly conduct after allegedly being involved in a fight with his fiancee, Michi Nogami-Campbell. Marshall was released on a $300 bond.^[70] The charges were dropped the following day.^[71]

On April 23, 2011, Marshall was stabbed near his stomach by his wife, Michi Nogami-Marshall. He was taken to a hospital and was released two days later. He is expected to make a full recovery.^[72][73]

It was later revealed by police that Marshall’s wife did make a brief 911 call, but it only described an unspecified emergency and no mention of a stabbing ever took place. She is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and is free on $7,500 bail.

In a South Florida Sun-Sentinel article published on July 30, 2011, it was revealed that Marshall was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder at Boston’s McLean Hospital after his incident with Nogami-Campbell.^[74] He is currently pursuing treatment for his mental illness and filming a documentary about his struggle.

On early Sunday, March 11, 2012, two days before his trade to the Bears, Marshall was accused of hitting a woman in the face at a New York club and being involved in a melee. The New York Post stated that Marshall, his wife and some friends were at Marquee when a brawl ensued, and Marshall punched the woman below her left eye, although he may have been attempting to hit the woman’s friends.^[75]

Enjoy your TV Dinner with friends from across the globe while watching the Packers vs. Giants today

Here is an exciting, new way to enjoy today’s big NFL Divisional Playoff games between the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants with a select and exclusive group of fans utilizing a new iPad application called TV Dinner.

TV Dinner is one of the most unique social experiences to come along in a long time. Utilizing some of the best aspects of Twitter and Facebook, TV Dinner allows you to join other fans from across the world to watch and discuss television events in real time, be it it sports, award shows and the like.

TV Dinner simply cuts out through the noise that is the chatter we wade through on Facebook and Twitter. The beauty is that you will interact only with those who are watching the same event, such as today’s NFL Playoff offering.

Here is today’s offering:

Dinner: Giants v. Packers
Date: Sunday, January 15th
Time: 4:30pm to 5:15pm Eastern
Network: Fox

See how it works after the jump:

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I’m hoping that today’s match-ups between the Giants and Falcons and Steelers and Broncos instill a bit more interest.

Yesterday’s Bengals vs. Texans was entertaining for one half before Houston literally ran away from Cincy. And as for the Lions vs. Saints … we all knew deep down how that game was going to turn out. The Lions are missing many pieces … and Mr. Suh was completely invisible. Clearly, the New Orleans was the best team playing yesterday and will probably show that, with the Packers, stand head and shoulders above the rest of the field.

So, with the Giants getting set to kick-off with the Falcons, I have a feeling that somehow Mr. Manning will find a way to win this one … but does it matter to the Packers? Probably not. I feel they will be ready next weekend for whichever team steps on the Lambeau Field turf.

So, without any more hype, who wins today?

Take the poll and enjoy the games.

Aaron Rodgers threw for more than 400 yards, four touchdowns, while running for two touchdowns Sunday against the Broncos ... the first time that's been done in team history. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Oh, to be a Packers, Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers fan this past weekend!

Can things get any better?

We all know they could get worse, but for the time being we won’t dwell on that point.

Let’s recap: The Badgers dominate another top 10 college football team in the Nebraska Cornhuskers … maybe dominate is too kind. It was more like obliteration; The Brewers continue their roll off of their last 165 games and continue to pound the baseball into oblivion in the first two games against the Arizona Diamondbacks; and of course the Packers pummel the Denver Broncos into submission yesterday by putting up a near 50-burger, embarrassing the Mile High City’s NFL team and the entire AFC West in one fell swoop.

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I can’t remember any October when the world’s sports fans have turned their collective eyes to the Badger State quite like they have this particular weekend.
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If you're headed to Lambeau Field this weekend to watch Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, you might want to check out this road report. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is right on the ball … in fact there must be a few Packers fans in the department.

The department issued this report below pertaining to road construction in Northeast Wisconsin. You might want to take a look at what you might be facing … In fact, you may want to leave a few minutes early to avoid any slowdowns or delays.

Check it out:

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Aaron Rodgers’ league best passer rating of 120.9 is impressive and the Packers’ 3-0 record highlights one of the franchise’s best starts, but it doesn’t feel that way, does it?
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The kicker made the best of it as time ran out in the first half. Janikowski was set to kick a field goal to extend the Raiders’ lead.

What was unusual was the distance … 63 yards – a distance matched only twice before by Tom Dempsey and Jason Elam.

With his record-breaking kick, Janikowski matched Tom Brady and Chad Henne in the record books as the first weekend comes to a close. The New England and Miami quarterbacks combined to throw for 906 total yards … The most ever in a single NFL game.

Great way to conclude the league’s first weekend.

Chicago Bears
The Bears brought in a franchise quarterback during the offseason in Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos in a massive trade.  The Bears now have a face to the franchise on offense to go with Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs on defense.  Although I said that Bears receivers are bad a few posts ago (a statement I still stand behind), Cutler makes them a bit better, while the presence of Cutler takes the pressure of Matt Forte and the running game.  So would you throw Vick in this mix?

The Bears already have one gimmick player on offense in Devin Hester.  Hester is the main decoy on many plays and the Bears love to use his vertical speed to stretch the defense and give the coordinators headaches.  Adding Vick would give the Bears two potentially explosive players on offense at the same time.  Putting Vick into the offense without a full offseason and training camp to get everything to work between him and Hester would be a burden for Cutler, who’s learning a new system, and the offense in general.

Also, owner Jerry Angelo and head coach Lovie Smith are classy guys.  While I think Vick should be allowed back in the league as soon as commissioner Roger Goodell can approve of him and I don’t think he’s a threat to society, Angelo and Smith would want to avoid any backlash.  Vick could really work in Chicago, but I feel that Angelo and Smith wouldn’t run the risk of the backlash and something going wrong.

Detroit Lions
It doesn’t seem like things can get any worse for the Detroit Lions.  With last year’s debacle, there is really nowhere for the Lions to go but up.  With Matthew Stafford and revamped linebacking corps, there is hope in Detroit for a few wins here or there.  But would Vick be a fit in Detroit?

The first thing you have to look at his playmakers.  Who are the Lions playmakers?  Stafford isn’t even the starter yet, as he’s behind Daunte Culpepper.  Kevin Smith guaranteed the playoffs this year for Detroit and he does give them a steady option at running back, but he’s nothing too special yet.  Calvin Johnson is the closest thing the Lions have to a star player.  After Johnson, there’s a mess with Keary Colbert, Ronald Curry, Bryant Johnson, Dennis Northcutt, and rookie Derrick Williams.  Those guys are all going for the spots behind Calvin Johnson.  Is there room for Vick in here?  I’d say yes.

The Lions could definitely use Vick’s playmaking ability.  However, Stafford is the quarterback of the future and coach Jim Schwartz wants to use Culpepper as the stop gap.  Vick would be relegated to a Wildcat role and basically be a gimmick player.

Image-wise, the Lions can’t really get that much lower after the 0-16 season.  Getting Vick would show that they are serious about making an attempt to get better.  But then again, they might look as a risk for getting their reputation dumbed down even more.  They could use his talent, but will stay hands off, as there is enough work to do on that team already.

Green Bay Packers
First off, I don’t see Vick in a Green Bay Packer uniform.  Sure, if he was more of a traditional quarterback, I could definitely see Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy run the risk and sign him to back up Aaron Rodgers if Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn can’t improve.  But the fact that Vick is all over the place with his play, I don’t see it happening.  Vick could also serve the purpose of a Wildcat in the Packers offense, but the team has been prolific enough the last few years that they should (and will) stay with what works.

Also, I can’t see Vick meshing too well in Green Bay.  He’s done his time and deserves to be back in, but Green Bay doesn’t seem to be the town to take him.  This is a big year for the Packers, so anything to upset the balance could gain the ire of the stockholders, which the team does not want.

Minnesota Vikings
Finally, the Minnesota Vikings.  There are three reasons why I think the Vikings are the least likely to land Vick in the division: 1) Brett Favre; 2) Percy Harvin; 3) Tarvaris Jackson.

Favre.  Right now, the Vikings are waiting for Favre to notify Brad Childress and the team whether or not he will be returning to football and joining the Vikings on July 30 (or sooner).  If the Vikings get Favre, it can give them a quarterback that can hand off to Adrian Peterson and get the ball down the field and make plays if necessary.  No need for Vick there.

Harvin.  Harvin fills the role of Minnesota’s Wildcat.  He can run with the ball, he can catch the ball, and the Vikings have had him throwing in practice.  If he can do all that, why do they need Vick?  Plus, they’re waiting on Favre; why wait on Vick too?

Jackson.  The Vikings have been dealing with the mobile quarterback with shoddy decision making over the past few years with T-Jack.  Vick is an exponentially better version of Tarvaris, but do the Vikings and their fans really want to go through this ordeal all over again?  I don’t think so.  Small chance of Vick in Viking purple.

Lions, Bears, Packers, Vikings.  That’s the order (from most likely to least likely) of teams in the NFC North going after one Michael Vick.

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The Green Bay Packers’ Best Running Back Is Not Who You Think… (The Bleacher Report)

The Whitewashing of the Indiana Pacers (Fan Addict)

What If America Had Won The Confed Cup? (Pacman Jonesin’)

Recap of the Weekend’s Royals Related News Items (Kings of Kauffman)

Santonio Holmes Really Misses Michael Jackson (Nice Pick, Cowher)

Logano Makes Magic, History At Loudon (Stock Car Spin)

Michael Jackson And Sports: An Incredible Combo (Predominantly Orange)

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Even more absurd, Favre’s agent, Bus Cook, apparently doesn’t even know anything about the Vikings and Favre’s talks.  According to this USA Today article, Cook had no knowledge of Favre’s desire to return.  This is incredible hard to believe for the man who pushed for Favre’s return in 2008 and successfully orchestrated Jay Cutler‘s trade from the Denver Broncos to the Chicago Bears had no idea of his star clients desires.  From the article:

Brett Favre’s agent James “Bus” Cook says that the quarterback is not reconsidering his second retirement in as many offseasons.
Cook told USA TODAY Wednesday that, after speaking with Favre late Tuesday, “As far as I know, he is retired.”

When asked about ESPN reports on Tuesday that the iconic quarterback plans to sit down this week with Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress to discuss a comeback following February retirement from the New York Jets, Cook said emphatically, “To my knowledge, that is not true.”

But it is difficult to know for sure with the indecisive Favre, who began changing his mind about his March 2008 retirement from the Green Bay Packers around this time last spring.

“As far as I know he is retired and he’s not told me he’s changed his mind,” Cook said Wednesday morning. “I’m on the golf course (Tuesday) and my phone was blowing up with all these messages.

“I said what in the world is all this stuff about Brett coming back?

“I talked to Brett yesterday. I said, ‘What’s all this about?’ He said, ‘I don’t know. I don’t know where that’s coming from.’”

“I would think the first order of business would be that Brett would tell me, ‘Bus, I want to play again.’ That hasn’t happened.”

That’s pretty unprofessional of Cook not to know that.  He isn’t my favorite person ever, but come on, can you be that stupid not to know what’s going on?

Also, Shaquille O’Neal has tweeted his opinion on the whole ordeal:

Hey brett favre, dnt retire bro, retire when I retire in 4 yrs, and o yea I will sack u , keep playin You are legend

I already put my opinion on the state of tweeting yesterday with Nick Barnett‘s post, so I won’t get on that again.  Although I’m not sure what O’Neal means when he says, “o yea I will sack u.”  Probably take care of that ruptured biceps tendon.

Over at Pacman Jonesin, they examine Favre’s vocabulary and how a key word isn’t present in it.  I totally agree with this sentiment as well.  Inside the Iggles says that everyone should be fearless of Favre.  They pose the question, “Why should anyone fear a bitter 40-year-old with a messed up shoulder?”  Good point.

 The one thing I’m really wondering about this is how much more absurd this can get.  We’ll have to wait and see.

16 San Diego Chargers
(8-8) Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
17 New York Jets
(9-7) Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
18 Denver Broncos
(9-7, Pick via Bears) Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(9-7) Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
20 Detroit Lions
(9-7, Pick via Cowboys) Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
21 Philadelphia Eagles
(9-6-1) Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
22 Minnesota Vikings
(10-6) William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
23 New England Patriots
(11-6) Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
24 Atlanta Falcons
(11-5) Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
25 Miami Dolphins
(11-5) Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
26 Baltimore Ravens
(11-5) Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
27 Indianapolis Colts
12-4) Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
28 Buffalo Bills
(Pick via CAR, PHI) Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
29 New York Giants
(12-4) Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
30 Tennessee Titans
(13-3) Larry English, OLB, Northern Illinois
31 Arizona Cardinals
(9-7) LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh 32 Pittsburgh Steelers
(12-4) Alex Mack, C, Cal