Mungro decides not to go west: Colts running back James Mungro told the
Pocono Record that he had offers from some teams out west,
but he didn't want to move his family. He and his wife are expecting their first
child and currently live in Indianapolis. Mungro believes he can compete now for
the Colts' starting role at running back. "With Edgerrin leaving I know
this a once in a lifetime opportunity," Mungro said. "This doesn't
happen to many people. This season is such a big motivator and I feel I'm going
to have my best season ever."
No love for Pacman: Houston Chronicle sportswriter John McClain did an interview
with Jeff Fuqua at GoTitans.com where he didn't hold anything back
on his opinion of Adam "Pacman" Jones dividing the Titans last year
with his behavior. He said he would have brought back hard-working RB Eddie George and given him responsibility for mentoring the brash rookie. "And if
I were Jeff Fisher, I would have told Eddie that if he had to, just go ahead and
beat the crap out of Pacman to get his attention," McClain said. "Pacman
can play, and I wouldn't cut him. I'd just have a player to beat the hell out of
him every time he screwed up." You
can read the entire interview here.
Jeff Saturday update: Wonder what Colts center Jeff Saturday did
during his offseason? You can find out by reading
his journal entry at nflplayers.com.
Jags draft prospect: Bob Thomas, of the Florida Times-Union, reports Florida State DL Kamerion Wimbley might fit into the Jacksonville Jaguars' plans. Wimbley is projected by
many NFL teams to switch to outside linebacker. He might be available when the
Jaguars pick with the No. 28 overall selection in the 2006 NFL Draft. Wimbley
could fill in for free agent LB Akin Ayodele, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
Former Colts grouses at players' union: Tom Matte, a former Colts first-round draft choice who played running back
for Baltimore in 1961-72, told
the Hartford Courant that he doesn't think the NFLPA is doing enough for the
players who helped lay the foundation for the union and as a result the
big-money deals that players now enjoy. The former players get medical coverage
for just five years after they retire. And pension money for former players
represents just 2% of the league's $3 billion in television revenue. "In football, you don't know what's going to happen to your body five years down
the line," said Matte.
"I've nearly died seven times." Matte has three knee operations, two foot
operations, needs a third stomach surgery (for bleeding ulcers) and has had
appendicitis. He reportedly receives a $1,500 a month pension from the NFL. Back
in 1961, he received a $4,000 signing bonus and $10,000 salary as the Colts' top
pick. The 66-year old Matte works six different jobs in broadcasting, public speaking and marketing. By contrast, former Orioles third-baseman Brooks Robinson reportedly receives a $10,000 per month pension from Major League Baseball.
Scheduling could get chaotic: USA Today's Michael Hiestand does a
nice job of outlining the league's flexible schedule change for 2006 to help
ensure better prime-time matchups for the networks late in the season. Take
a look at how it might impact you and other fans here.