NFL FanHouse

Mike Williams No Longer Morbidly Obese: 'I'm Finally Doing What I Was Picked to Do'

Michael David Smith — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 08:15:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, Titans, Detroit, Nashville

Detroit Lions fans will be thrilled to know that Mike Williams, the team's 2005 first-round pick who ballooned up to 270 pounds and never contributed anything to the offense, is suddenly taking his job seriously.

Jim Wyatt of the Tennesseean reports that Williams, now with the Titans, is so devoted to his job that he's down to 242 pounds and deflecting praise by saying he's just doing what was expected of him coming out of USC. When someone told Williams he was looking good, he replied:

"I was the No. 10 pick (in the draft),'' he said. "I'm supposed to look like that. It just so happens that I am finally doing what other teams picked me to do.''

Isn't that great, Lions fans? How come high-priced rookies so rarely look how they're supposed to look when they play in Detroit?

Mike Williams No Longer Morbidly Obese: 'I'm Finally Doing What I Was Picked to Do' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 08:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Do the Steelers Want Kevin Jones?

JJ Cooper — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:44:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, Steelers, AFC North, Detroit, Pittsburgh

A day after they cut Najeh Davenport because of the team's glut of running backs, the Steelers had a scout at ex-Lions' running back Kevin Jones' workout.

There's something said for being thorough, as the Steelers now have another scouting report on Jones to stick into his file. But beyond that, I can't think of any logical explanation for why the Steelers would bother to show up, when 28 other teams didn't.

Jones would be no better than the team's No. 3 running back (behind Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall) if he signed, and because Mewelde Moore will return punts, Jones would likely not even dress on gamedays. Even if he's struggling to find a job, some team should be able to do better than that.

There are instances where the Steelers have taken unwanted guys and turned them into something--Charlie Batch is a great example. But in Jones' case, it's hard to think of any reason the Steelers would be interested. Hopefully Steelers scouts are even more thorough when it comes to scouting offensive linemen.

Do the Steelers Want Kevin Jones? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steve Mariucci Open to Coaching Again, Won't Move Away From Bay Area

Michael David Smith — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, Lions, NFL Coaching, Detroit, San Francisco

I think Steve Mariucci is a very good coach, one who deserves another chance at running an NFL team. He was successful with the 49ers, and although he was unsuccessful with the Lions, let's face it: Vince Lombardi couldn't win with the collection of stiffs Matt Millen has assembled in Detroit.

So I was glad to see that Mariucci hasn't shut the door on returning to coaching, even though the possibility may be remote:

"The right situation may never present itself again," Mariucci said, "because we've decided as a family not to move anymore. We are back in northern California in our home and we settled back in. I've moved my wife 18 times, and I don't want to move again, nor does she. Our home base is going to be in the Bay Area. It's that simple.

"For me to coach again, it either has to be on the West Coast or I would have to commute."

I'm not even sure what "commute" would mean for an NFL coach. Coaches hardly see their families even when they live in the same city. So if Mariucci is serious about not uprooting his family and doesn't want to be apart from them, his options are basically a return to Cal or the 49ers, or the Raiders, or Stanford. I hope one of those options presents itself.

Steve Mariucci Open to Coaching Again, Won't Move Away From Bay Area originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Only 4 Teams -- Dolphins, Packers, Steelers, Lions -- Show Interest in Kevin Jones

Michael David Smith — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 07:15:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, Lions, Packers, Steelers, Detroit, Miami, Pittsburgh

Former Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones, a free agent recovering from a serious knee injury, invited the entire NFL to a workout Saturday. Only four teams showed up.

Among those four teams -- the Lions, Dolphins, Packers and Steelers -- the best option might be for Jones to sign a deal to return to Detroit, assuming the Lions offer him one. In Miami, Green Bay and Pittsburgh he'd have almost no shot of rising any higher than third on the depth chart, and third-string running backs who don't play special teams don't have much job security.

In Detroit he'd at least have a shot at the starting job, although the Lions don't seem particularly interested in bringing him back -- they've even given away his jersey number.

Jones once looked like one of the league's up-and-coming young running backs, rushing for 1,133 yards and 4.7 yards a carry as a rookie. Since then he's never had even 700 yards or four yards a carry. At age 25, there's a chance that he's done.

Only 4 Teams -- Dolphins, Packers, Steelers, Lions -- Show Interest in Kevin Jones originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 07:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lions' Gosder Cherilus, Chargers' DeJuan Tribble Each Get 1 Year Probation

Michael David Smith — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Chargers, Lions, Detroit, NFL Police Blotter, San Diego

Detroit Lions rookie Gosder Cherilus and San Diego Chargers rookie DeJuan Tribble were both ordered to serve one year of pretrial probation yesterday in connection with an incident that happened last year when they were Boston College teammates.

Cherilus and Tribble were both charged with assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with a fight at a bar. Cherilus, who was the Lions' first-round draft pick, was ordered to pay $52,000 in medical bills for a man who was injured in the fight; it's not clear whether he was ordered to pay the bills because he was more culpable than Tribble or because he will make significantly more money than Tribble, who was a sixth-round pick.

For the Lions, this news is particularly embarrassing coming on the heels of the revelation that second-round pick Jordan Dizon was arrested for drunk driving just before the draft. When your players are losers on the field and trouble-makers off it, that's not a good combination.

Lions' Gosder Cherilus, Chargers' DeJuan Tribble Each Get 1 Year Probation originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Joey Harrington the Worst Quarterback of All-Time?

Tom Mantzouranis — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, Falcons, Lions, Atlanta, Detroit, Miami

I think the obvious answer to that question is no. Realistically speaking, there have been far worse quarterbacks in the NFL than the piano man, I mean, there's got to be a reason guys are sitting below him on depth charts even though we're far removed from any semblance of hope that he'd live up to his draft status. But what if you take into account the whole statistical shebang, including the amount of opportunities with which to suck? That might be a different story.

Or at least that's what Pro Football Reference thinks, as they've compiled their list of worst quarterbacks in the league's history, which -- if your surname isn't Imus -- you should be smart enough to realize is headlined by Joey Harrington. The reasoning is a stew of numbers and equations (here's the method behind the madness). It's definitely worth checking out for the comprehensive perspective it takes, even if it took me three reads and the assistance of a Mensa member to understand.

That being said, I'm a firm believer in the eyeball test, and I stand by my very ~~subjective~~ scientific opinion that Harrington isn't the worst. There are surely a couple of inferior quarterbacks in history. There are even a couple of current quarterbacks who are worse. Hell, there are a couple of quarterbacks currently on the Chicago Bears who are worse than Harrington.

Or maybe I've just got a soft spot for someone who can tickle the ivories.

Is Joey Harrington the Worst Quarterback of All-Time? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-Lion Lem Barney Says Matt Millen Has Had Some Ups and Downs (He's Half Right)

Michael David Smith — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:13:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, Detroit

Although most football fans younger than 40 don't know who he is, Lem Barney is one of the all-time great Detroit Lions. He played his entire career in Detroit, from 1967 to 1977, he made seven Pro Bowls, and he had a Deion Sanders-like flare, scoring seven touchdowns on defense and four on special teams.

Barney is also extremely diplomatic in his assessment of the current state of his old franchise. Here's what he said in a Q&A with the Detroit Free Press:

What is your opinion of Matt Millen? Hey, that's not a fair question. You are going to get me in trouble. It's hard for me to say. I will be a Lion the rest of my life.
But? I think he has the capability to be a good general manager. He's just had some ups and downs. ... You can't just blame Matt. Players have to want to win, too. You have to be hungry enough.

Well, actually, Millen hasn't really had his ups and downs, unless you consider a 7-9 season an "up." And as for having players with a hunger to win, isn't it Millen's job to acquire such players?

It's understandable that Barney doesn't want to bash Millen, because he views himself as an ambassador for the franchise. But maybe if a few people would offer a few honest assessments of just how badly Millen has damaged the team, Lions owner William Clay Ford would finally make a change.

Ex-Lion Lem Barney Says Matt Millen Has Had Some Ups and Downs (He's Half Right) originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bobby Ross Thinks Barry Sanders Wasn't a Leader, Will Have to Settle for Best Ever

Tom Mantzouranis — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, NFC North, Detroit

Ah, Barry Sanders, you left us too soon. Your retirement altered the future of the running back record book, robbed us of precious highlights, tormented a city, gave Ricky Williams a justifiable precedent for ditching Miami, and might have been the reason your coach, Bobby Ross, lost his job. Luckily, Ross isn't bitter. Right.

"I don't know if Barry really loved the game, but he worked hard at it," Ross said. "He did what he was supposed to do. I always wanted him to be a leader, but he didn't really want that role.

PFT explains quite thoroughly why Sanders was, in fact, a tremendous leader, and illustrates the absurdity in the designation. I can't quite pen it as well as Florio, so check out what he has to say (after you finish here, that is).

But even if Sanders wasn't a leader, as Ross said, so what? Barry Sanders wasn't paid to be a leader. He was paid grab a ball and bring it to a particular destination. And he did that quite well, no matter where on the field he was.

The idea that the most talented players should also be team leaders always seemed bizarre to me. You can't force guys into that role -- either they are or they aren't -- and putting pressure on Sanders to be more than he could be might have been the primary reason one of the greatest players in the game's history gave it up and never looked back, leaving a city clinging to hopes of a comeback years after the fact.

Bobby Ross Thinks Barry Sanders Wasn't a Leader, Will Have to Settle for Best Ever originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vikings Wisely Uninterested in Charles Rogers

Michael David Smith — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, Vikings, Detroit, Minnesota

I noted this morning that Charles Rogers' high school coach claimed that the Minnesota Vikings were interested in Rogers' services. And I expressed skepticism that the Vikings would actually want the former Lions draft bust.

Now Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Rogers' high school coach was wrong: The Vikings have no intention of bringing in Rogers for a workout.

At this point, it would be a huge shock if Rogers ever set foot on an NFL field again. Although he's only 27 years old, he's had a two-year layoff, he was widely described as lazy and lacking motivation, and he was never any good in all the chances the Lions gave him. He had undeniable talent at Michigan State, but that was six years ago. Unless he wants to go to Canada, he's done as a professional football player.

Vikings Wisely Uninterested in Charles Rogers originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Minnesota Vikings Allegedly Interested in Detroit Lions Draft Bust Charles Rogers

Michael David Smith — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, Vikings, Detroit, Minnesota

I always think people overlook Charles Rogers when they list the all-time biggest busts in the history of the NFL draft. Sure, he always makes the list, but he's never at the top, and really, how was he any better than Tony Mandarich or Ryan Leaf? At least Mandarich and Leaf caught on with other teams after they washed out with the Packers and Chargers. Rogers didn't do that.

At least, he hasn't yet. But some people still think it's possible. He said this about his future:

''When I know, you guys will be the first to know,'' Rogers told The Saginaw News. ''That's all I'm saying right now.''

And his high school coach said this:

''He's had a couple workouts with some teams and has a workout with the Minnesota Vikings. He's getting caught up (with playing in the NFL again). I tell him to play where he can play and enjoy it. People get caught up on where the best spot for him is."

I suppose it's possible that the Vikings will really give Rogers a tryout, but color me skeptical that he'll actually be invited to training camp, and extremely skeptical that he'll ever play another regular-season down in the NFL. Rogers wasn't good enough to help the Lions win when they cut him in 2006. What makes anyone think he's good enough to help a team win after a two-year layoff?

Via PFT.

Minnesota Vikings Allegedly Interested in Detroit Lions Draft Bust Charles Rogers originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caleb Campbell Criticized for Leaving West Point for NFL While Classmates Go to Iraq

Michael David Smith — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:46:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, Detroit

In the seventh round of last month's NFL draft, the Detroit Lions selected Caleb Campbell, a safety who played college football at Army. And thanks to a new U.S. military policy, Campbell will get to play in the NFL, assuming he makes the Lions' roster, while his West Point classmates have to serve active duty, many of them in Iraq.

In a profile in the Boston Globe, Campbell talks about the harsh criticism he has faced from people who think he's doing the wrong thing by going to the NFL instead of serving on active duty:

"The worst was a handwritten letter," says Campbell, a native of Perryton, Texas. "It said, 'Please don't do this. How can you look your classmates in the eyes when they are serving their country and going to Iraq and you're taking the easier way out?' That hit me . . . But I'd be a fool not to take advantage of this opportunity."

I disagree with anyone who suggests that Campbell shouldn't be able to look his classmates in the eye. But I also disagree with Campbell when he says he'd be a fool not to take the opportunity. By that rationale, Pat Tillman is a fool. I certainly hope Campbell isn't suggesting that.

The bottom line, though, is that the Army decided to make this choice available to Campbell. How many people wouldn't do what he's doing if they were in his shoes?

Caleb Campbell Criticized for Leaving West Point for NFL While Classmates Go to Iraq originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 31 May 2008 16:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High School Wrestling Coach Fired Because Assistant Converts Muslim Kids to Christianity

Michael David Smith — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit, High School

Jerry Marszalek, the wrestling coach for at Dearborn Fordson High School for the last 35 years, has lost his job because parents of Muslim students complained that one of his assistants tried to convert their children to Christianity.

The Detroit News reports that assistant coach Trey Hancock, who is a minister at the Dearborn Assembly of God church, attempts to convert Muslim youths to Christianity, although he says he does not do so on school grounds or at events affiliated with Fordson, which is a public school. Dearborn is home to one of America's largest Muslim communities.

Whether Hancock tried to convert Muslims or not, it's hard to see why Marszalek should be fired over it. And when the school's principal, Imad Fadlallah, won't explain the decision publicly, it's hard not to think Marszalek is getting a raw deal.

Via Sports by Brooks.

High School Wrestling Coach Fired Because Assistant Converts Muslim Kids to Christianity originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 30 May 2008 15:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lions' Roy Williams Skipping Workouts

Michael David Smith — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:35:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, Detroit

We've thoroughly covered the fact that Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams has skipped some of the team's voluntary workouts, that Williams isn't happy in Dallas and that some in Dallas aren't happy with him.

But there's another Roy Williams who's skipping voluntary workouts and who apparently is unhappy and on a team that's unhappy with him: The Roy Williams who plays wide receiver for the Lions.

The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press both note Williams' absence today, but it's surprising that both portray the news as if it's not particularly significant. Yes, it's true that these things are voluntary, but the vast majority of NFL players choose to attend, and given the hints from both sides that a trade could be in the offing, it seems somewhere between possible and likely that Williams won't be a Lion in 2008.

That would be a shame for Lions fans, as Williams is one of the few players who consistently performs like a professional both on the field and off. But I guess that makes him the kind of player Matt Millen doesn't want to have around.

Lions' Roy Williams Skipping Workouts originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 30 May 2008 08:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kevin Jones Will Beast the Lions Whenever He Gets the Chance

Tom Mantzouranis — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:26:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, NFC North, Detroit

If it didn't bother the Lions that jettisoned buffet-hogger Shaun Rogers was waltzing around Cleveland like a new (read: motivated, less morbidly obese) man, this might be worrisome:

Five months after surgery to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, Kevin Jones was running. And he wasn't just jogging on flat grass. He was bursting up hills. He was changing direction - left, right, backward, forward. He looked far ahead of schedule in his recovery, and you had to wonder if he would make the Lions regret cutting him.

An ACL tear isn't nearly the death bell it once was, but five months is still incredible turnaround time for such progress. The Lions released Jones this offseason, ostensibly because of his lengthy injury history. But was it wise? Considering that they had already paid Jones his roster bonus, and with a salary at a palatable $2.37 million, the only thing the Lions saved with the release was some paltry cap space -- wouldn't it have been worth it to hold onto Jones until training camp before making any decisions?

For his part, Jones has turned the other cheek. Or not.

Just letting me go when I was hurt kind of pissed me off. But I don't have any animosity. I'll see them again someday on the field or something. I'll take it out then. ...

Before a couple of sprints, Jones yelled out "Colletto," referencing new Lions offensive coordinator Jim Colletto. He said it wasn't personal, but it was motivating to prove someone wrong.

"Before I got let go, the weeks leading up to that, I would hear him on the Internet or on the Web site saying that, 'We need a back who can make people miss. We need a back who can take it the distance,' " Jones said. "Well, I'm on the team. I'm the starting running back. He's basically saying you don't need me, you need somebody else. So I'm going to show him that I am that back, that I can do those things."

I don't know, Kevin. Screaming someone's name as motivation to train towards extracting revenge sort of sounds personal to me. Anyhoo, Jones has already received some offers but is waiting until an open workout in late June, when teams can see exactly how far he's come. In a vacuum, this is big news -- when Jones is healthy he's an excellent back. But it's not just about this ACL tear. It's about his entire malady-prone career. When will the next shoe drop? Still, right now he looks good and healthy. Whether he'll stay healthy long enough to take down his former team remains to be seen.

Kevin Jones Will Beast the Lions Whenever He Gets the Chance originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 29 May 2008 15:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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News Flash: Charles Rogers is Irresponsible

Tom Mantzouranis — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, NFC North, Detroit

I think it's safe to say we all have a little chuckle when a former NFL star (or supposed-to-be) treks it up to Canada, because we all like to watch other people's lives fly off the rails to compensate for our own personal disappointments (or maybe that's just me).

Many of these athletes take advantage of the lessened competition and lenient stance on marijuana -- Josh Howard might want to consider a summer home in Montreal -- to get back on the field and out of the squad car, to sort of regain their life (or at least slow the self-destruction). Others ... well, you know what they say about old dogs.

Ex-Lions and Spartans receiver Charles Rogers was close to playing for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. Now, it's unclear whether he will actually play there.

The Toronto Globe and Mail reported that Rogers verbally agreed to terms with Montreal several weeks ago, and was sent a contract by the Alouettes shortly thereafter. But not only was the contract not sent back to Montreal, Rogers and his representatives have not returned phone calls from the team recently.

Who knows what's going on with Rogers these days, let alone what's going on in his head. But at least there's a comforting precedent -- if any of you think this is Rogers' last chance, kindly refer to the Quincy Carter Career Model.

News Flash: Charles Rogers is Irresponsible originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 29 May 2008 11:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lions Say Team Wasn't Threatening Reporter

Michael David Smith — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:24:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, Detroit

Following up on the story that Detroit Lions executive vice president and chief operating officer Tom Lewand told a reporter "I will come after you," Lions vice president of administration Bill Keenist called me today to offer what he said was a clarification.

According to Keenist, Lewand was only telling Oakland Press reporter Pat Caputo that the Lions would use legal means to respond if a story libeled the team.

"There was no threat," Keenist said.

In his article, Caputo wrote:

Do I feel threatened by Lewand? No. Am I angry he said those things. No. They were said out of loyalty and emotion -- and I understand and respect that.

But it doesn't change my opinion. And I don't believe I'm exactly a club of one in this town when it comes to believing Lions leadership is inept and insensitive.

The words "I will come after you" still strike me as threatening, but I'm prepared to believe Keenist that Lewand wasn't making any kind of physical threat. I'm also inclined to think Caputo is being very reasonable, both when he says he respects Lewand's loyalty and emotion, and when he says he thinks Lions leadership is inept.

Lions Say Team Wasn't Threatening Reporter originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 19 May 2008 14:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Lions Executive Threatens to 'Come After' Reporter if He Writes a Negative Story

Michael David Smith — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:15:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, NFL Media Watch, Detroit

Pat Caputo is a reporter at the Oakland Press, a newspaper based in Pontiac, Michigan. When Caputo learned that a Detroit Lions fan who canceled his season tickets received a profane e-mail from a Lions employee, he decided to write a story about it.

And when Caputo contacted Lions executive vice president and chief operating officer Tom Lewand in preparation for writing the story, Lewand didn't take kindly to it. According to Caputo, he told Lewand (pictured with Lions President Matt Millen) that he planned to write a piece about the e-mail and about the larger issue of the Lions being a badly run franchise, and this was Lewand's response:

"If you write that, it will be factually incorrect and bordering on slander," Lewand said. "And I will come after you."

And that, in a nutshell, is why the Lions are the laughingstocks of the NFL. A reporter decides to write a completely legitimate story about something seriously stupid that a Lions employee did, and instead of focusing his energy on fixing the stupid thing his employee did, a Lions executive threatens the reporter. The football field on Sundays isn't the only place where the Lions are a mess.

UPDATE: Lions Say Team Wasn't Threatening Reporter

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Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Michael Roos, born in Estonia, practices Tuesday, May 13, 2008, in Nashville, Tenn. Roos handles his business quietly. Even after signing a new six-year, $43 million deal, the left tackle didn't start bragging to his fellow Tennessee linemen. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Detroit Lions Executive Threatens to 'Come After' Reporter if He Writes a Negative Story originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 18 May 2008 20:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Free Press Asks Readers: Who Should Resign, Corrupt Mayor or Matt Millen?

Michael David Smith — Sun, 18 May 2008 06:32:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, NFL Media Watch, Detroit

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been charged with perjury after he swore under oath that he didn't have an affair with one of his aides, only to have sexually explicit text messages between them uncovered. Many in Detroit, including a majority of the City Council, want him to resign.

But does that make Kilpatrick the most loathed man in Detroit? Or does Lions President Matt Millen, who took over a team coming off a 9-7 record in 2001 and promptly turned them into the worst team in the NFL, still hold that title?

To find out, the Detroit Free Press has encouraged its readers to sound off on whom they would rather see resign, Millen or Kilpatrick. As it turns out, based on the comments posted, it actually seems that most of the people who answered pick Kilpatrick. When you're a politician who's less popular than Millen, it really is time to resign.

Detroit Free Press Asks Readers: Who Should Resign, Corrupt Mayor or Matt Millen? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 18 May 2008 06:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patriots Visit With Ex-Lion Kevin Jones

Michael David Smith — Tue, 13 May 2008 05:41:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, Patriots, Boston, Detroit, NFL Free Agency

The New England Patriots had one of the best offenses in NFL history last year, but that doesn't mean they aren't trying to add more playmakers.

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports (via PFT) that free agent running back Kevin Jones, who was released by the Detroit Lions in March, recently visited with New England.

Jones looked like one of the league's best young running backs in 2004, when he gained 1,133 yards on 4.7 yards a carry as a rookie. But since then he has never had even a 700-yard season or four yards a carry, and he's struggled with injuries.

The most recent injury is the torn ACL he suffered in 2007, and the fact that he left New England without a contract may be a result of that injury. But he's expected to be ready to play by the start of the season, and if the Patriots remain interested, he'd at least provide depth in a backfield that also includes Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk.

Patriots Visit With Ex-Lion Kevin Jones originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 13 May 2008 05:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can Mike Williams Ever Make It in the NFL?

Michael David Smith — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:23:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, Raiders, Titans, NFL Draft, Detroit, Oakland, Nashville

When the Detroit Lions drafted wide receiver Mike Williams with the 10th pick in the 2005 NFL draft, most people thought it was stupid because the Lions had used Top 10 picks on wide receivers in the last two drafts.

As it turned out, it was stupid because Williams wasn't any good. He caught 37 passes in two seasons in Detroit, had some crucial drops in key moments, got morbidly obese and horribly out of shape, and was shipped to Oakland last year.

Now Oakland has let him go, and he's in Tennessee, where he says he's in good shape and down 30 pounds to 242, or only about 10 heavier than he was at USC. New offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger says he's excited about what Williams can bring to the offense.

I just don't buy it, though. The last time Williams looked like a good football player was at the 2004 Rose Bowl. I think Williams' football talent has atrophied.

Can Mike Williams Ever Make It in the NFL? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 10 May 2008 09:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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