Did Weis oversell Brady Quinn to Browns?

There's a huge perception among fans in Cleveland that Brady Quinn is a quality starting quarterback in the NFL. Fueling this fire is Charlie Weis and his evaluation of Quinn. But what Weis thinks, and what others who worked for and with Weis at New England think, are vastly different. And no matter how close they may be, there's nothing that Weis can say to change their mind. In fact, when Josh McDaniels was on the staff at New England, the Patriots did not have Quinn very high on their board, regardless of the wisdom stemming from Weis' evaluation. Taking this one step further, there were some well-respected personnel men in the NFL who did not want to take the Browns job (prior to Eric Mangini becoming the main man) because they didn't feel Quinn could be the starter. The expectations of the fans with regard to Quinn are enormous, and sometimes this can burden a franchise.

Salty's Thoughts: If you're an NFL GM, Coach, Scout, you shouldn't allow yourself to be "sold" by a College Coach. My 2 cents.

Blockbusted?

NEW YORK -- Movie rental company Blockbuster Inc. said Monday the risk that it may not complete financing deals raises "substantial doubt" about its ability to continue as a going concern. Dallas-based Blockbuster, which has struggled amid the rising popularity of DVD-by-mail services like Netflix, disclosed the warning in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company had already cautioned last month that its auditor was likely to raise doubts about its ability to stay in business. A going-concern qualification refers to an auditor's assessment of a company's ability to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. Last week, Blockbuster said its revolving and term loan agreement was amended, giving it a $250 million revolving loan refinancing that matures on Sept. 30, 2010. Lenders including JPMorgan also agreed to waive any default that could result if auditors attached a "going concern" classification. But on Monday, the company said its lenders' obligation to fund the $250 million credit facility is subject to meeting certain conditions, and there can be no assurances that these conditions will be met. Even if the loan is funded, the company said it "may not have sufficient liquidity to finance the ongoing obligations of our business, which raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern." Blockbuster said it believes that it will be in a position to close the amended credit facility by around May 11, though "there can be no assurance regarding these matters." Shares fell 3 cents to 85 cents in after-hours trading, having closed earlier at 88 cents.

Salty's Thoughts: Their prices are too high. Late fees are for the Half Gumps.

Yet another NFL player arrested

HOUSTON -- NFL receiver Reggie Williams was charged with drug possession after off-duty policemen used a Taser to subdue him when he refused to leave a bar. Houston police spokesman Kese Smith said Williams was impaired when he refused to leave a bar Sunday night. He struggled with two off-duty officers who tried to escort him out and one of them used a Taser on him. Police said jail officials later found a small bag believed to contain cocaine in Williams' back pocket. He was charged on Monday with possession of a controlled substance and freed after posting a $2,000 bond. In February, the 25-year-old unrestricted free agent was arrested in Houston on DWI and possession of marijuana charges, which were later dropped. He played for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. A call to Williams' agent was not immediately returned.

Salty's Thoughts: Typical.

photo courtesy of Indmix.com

More Trade Talks?

The Giants have called the Browns about Braylon Edwards, who reportedly would welcome playing for the Giants if he was traded. Arizona still hasn't signed Anquan Boldin to a new deal, although he has two years remaining on his old one. Cards coach Ken Whisenhunt said at the league meetings the two sides are talking. And there's always the possibility the Bengals will finally get tired of Chad Ocho Cinco - and it would be great fun to watch Tom Coughlin deal with him.

New York Daily News

Salty's Thoughts: Does anyone even care?

Dear NFL...

Being a Season Ticket Holder (which sometimes is more punishment than it it is fun), I want to voice my displeasure with you, the NFL Scheduling Committee.

Due to the fact that I am forced to purchase Preseason Tickets to (2) Home Games every year, I would hope that you would at least give us a decent match up. Then I receive the Preseason Schedule. Cleveland (joke of the NFL) vs the Detroit Lions (winless?). I mean, seriously? This has to be a joke. Where's Ashton, I know I've just been punked. Show me the camera. Please? Demi? Anyone?

Maybe I can trade my tickets to someone on the street and have them kick me in the marbles. At least the kick will be free. The kicks I receive for the (8) Regular Season Home Games this year aren't so cheap.

Whatever.

- Disgruntled Cleveland Fan #1,540,919

Teammates Defend Stallworth

Cleveland Plain Dealer

By now, you've got Browns receiver Donte Stallworth all figured out, right? The braids, the Bentley, the history of substance abuse, the DUI manslaughter charge. Just your typical, spoiled, rich, partying athlete who has little regard for others or the law. But those close to him say that's not the case. "Donte is the complete opposite of the image you may believe right now," said former Browns center LeCharles Bentley, who has known Stallworth since they were both rookies in New Orleans in 2002. Stallworth's friends and team- mates say he's devastated over the death of pedestrian Mario Reyes, 59, whom Stal lworth struck and killed with his Bentley on the morning of March 14 in Miami Beach, according to authorities there. He will be arraigned April 23 on charges of DUI manslaughter and faces four to 15 years in prison if convicted. He also faces a probable suspension by the NFL for violating its conduct and substance-abuse policies. In one fateful moment, Stallworth ended a life and altered the course of his own. "Of course, Donte made a poor choice, and you can never get back a life," said Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson. "No one knows that more than Donte. But people should know that Donte is a great person who made a terrible mistake, not a terrible person." Stallworth had a blood-alcohol level of .126 -- over the legal limit in Florida -- according to the toxicology report. Four days after the tragedy, he returned to Cleveland to resume working out in the Browns' off-season program. His mother, Donna, and brother Larry joined him in Cleveland for support.

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Salty's Thoughts: I like how they are defending the man, and not attempting to sugarcoat his decision making skills or lack there of. That being said, my last two posts have been from the PD. Remember when the News Herald had decent stories? RIP Hal, we miss you. I tried to find Donte's mug shot, posted the closest I could snag.

Quinn still tradebait?

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Brady Quinn fans shouldn't relax just yet. The possibility of a trade to Denver still exists. Kyle Orton, the quarterback the Broncos received in Thursday's trade of Jay Cutler to the Bears, is not the answer. Josh McDaniels, Denver's coach, has got to know that. Neither is Chris Simms, whom the Broncos signed before this brouhaha with Cutler became a daily story. As soon as the dust settled after the trade of Cutler to Chicago, the question became: So who's Denver's next quarterback? Speculation in Denver and elsewhere is that the Broncos might use their two first-round draft picks -- No. 12 and No. 18 -- to move up high enough to select Mark Sanchez of Southern California. Seattle, sitting at No. 4, already is giving signals it suddenly loves Sanchez, perhaps to sway a deal with Denver. The reality of the NFL is that nobody wants to be in the top five on draft day. And that includes Denver. So there's Quinn, still not endorsed by the Browns as their starting quarterback as he enters his third season. And there's McDaniels in Denver, filled with positive feedback about Quinn from Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, whom McDaniels adores as an offensive football coach. If McDaniels can't trust Weis, then who can he trust?

Salty's Thoughts: Browns season hasn't started and I feel kind of burnt out. Or I feel like I've been screwed over by someone I cared about. That being said, if they're going to do something, just do it. Rip the band-aid off fast, it hurts less that way.