Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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June 19

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Offensive tackle Renardo Foster, who was released by the Falcons on Tuesday, appears headed to the St. Louis Rams. St. Louis has placed a waiver claim for Foster, according to his agent Brian Ayrault. Denver, Buffalo and Carolina were also reportedly interested in Foster. The waiver period ends on Friday for Foster. Waiver claims are awarded to a team with the worst record. The only team who could beat a claim from the Rams, who were 2-14 last season, would be the Detroit Lions, who were 0-16. If the Lions don't make a claim, the Rams will assume the last year of the two-year contract Foster signed in 2007. Foster, 6-foot-7, 340-pounds, made the team as an undrafted rookie free agent in ..."

St. Louis Rams coach Stave Spagnuolo leaves players with promise of tough camp July 29

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June 18

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo bid an inspirational farewell to the players Tuesday but left them with a warning about training camp, which begins after rookies, quarterbacks and selected veterans report July 29. "The first five days are definitely a bear, the way it's laid out, the times of practices, the length of practices," Spagnuolo said of his plans for workouts. "Typically, if you don't come in shape and in the right frame of mind, you run the risk of getting injured and not being up to speed for what we want to do. After that, it doesn't get that much easier, but it tends to thin out a little bit and they're able to survive." If the schedule he mapped out holds, no one will be spared. ..."

Young Rams receivers must grow up in a hurry

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June 17

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"After three minicamps and a couple of weeks of organized team activities, the Rams' future at wide receiver seems entrusted to Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton and Laurent Robinson. The trio has garnered the bulk of playing time with the first unit since offseason workouts began, but their pro game experience is limited. Avery and Burton will enter their second seasons with the Rams, Robinson his third in the NFL. Their combined statistics through four seasons: 108 receptions for 1,335 yards and five touchdowns. Veteran wide receiver Torry Holt eclipsed their combined career total for yardage five times in his 10 years with the Rams, and topped their touchdown total eight times. As of March ..."

Former Chiefs QB Green retires

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June 13

Kansas City Star

"Quarterback Trent Green, who produced some of the most prolific passing seasons in Chiefs history, is retiring from the NFL after 15 years. "I feel this is finally the right time," Green, 38, said in a FOXSports.com report. "I've talked about it with (the family) for a while, especially with the concussions over the last few years. We all felt it was the time to do it." Green's final season with the Chiefs in 2006 and his only season with Miami in 2007 were marred by serious concussions. He was released by the St. Louis Rams in February. Green was a two-time Pro Bowler for the Chiefs after he was acquired for a first-round draft choice from St. Louis in 2001. Brought in by coach Dick ..."

Trent Green appears to be retiring

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June 12

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"After two stints with the St. Louis Rams and a successful run with the Kansas City Chiefs, quarterback Trent Green appears to be retiring. Green, a product of Vianney High, told Jay Glazer of Foxsports.com: "I feel this is finally the right time. I've talked about it with (the family) for a while, especially with the concussions over the last few years. We all felt it was the time to do it.""

Veteran QB Green retires after 15 seasons

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June 12

Foxsports.com

"With one aged quarterback constantly in the news, another long-time vet has quietly decided to hang up the cleats. Trent Green, who began his NFL career in 1993, told FOXSports.com Friday morning that he has finally decided to retire. Green had a very strong career with the Chargers, Redskins, Rams, Chiefs, Dolphins and finally, the Rams. "I feel this is finally the right time," Green said while on vacation with his family. "I've talked about it with (the family) for a while, especially with the concussions over the last few years. We all felt it was the time to do it." Green started every game for the Chiefs from 2001 through 2005, never passing for less than 3,600 yards in any of those ..."

Running backs are battling to back up Steven Jackson

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June 11

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Asked about his preference at running back when Steven Jackson isn't in the game, Rams offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur didn't hesitate. "We want Steven in there," he said, barely cracking a smile. Well, sure. Jackson is one of the league's elite ball-carriers. But given that nearly all successful NFL teams deploy two effective backs and that because of injuries, Jackson hasn't put together a full 16-game season since 2006, the question arises: Who backs him up? The answer might not surface until late in the preseason. The current roster includes five running backs - one fewer since the trade May 7 of Brian Leonard, a second-round draft pick in 2007, to Cincinnati for defensive tackle ..."

Team unity is St. Louis Rams' primary focus right now

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June 9

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"With the conclusion of their third and final minicamp, the long offseason is almost over for coach Steve Spagnuolo and the Rams. Over the next nine days, the Rams will sprinkle in six days' worth of practice sessions known as OTAs (organized team activities). Then, the players scatter until training camp begins at the end of July. "We have a long way to go, only in that there's still a lot of things that we've got to lay foundation-wise," Spagnuolo said. "What you really don't know until you get into those preseason games is how you stack up against the other teams." Per NFL guidelines, full pads and anything resembling full contact is prohibited during the spring minicamps and OTAs. That ..."

Laurinaitis' learning curve

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June 7

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"It's not that rookie linebacker James Laurinaitis is uncommunicative. He just prefers to let others do the talking for now. "I feel like when guys come in and they start being vocal without proving themselves, that's where they can get on the bad side of people," said Laurinaitis, the Rams' second-round draft choice (No. 35 overall). "I think you need to just be quiet and learn. These guys have been here for a while, so soak it up. "And when you put pads on and you're able to play a game, go out there and just let your actions speak. And then we'll see what happens." So, you won't hear Laurinaitis grumbling about being denied first-team reps during practices this spring. Coach Steve ..."

No. 1 pick Smith takes his tasks seriously

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June 7

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"It has been six weeks since the Rams made Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft. For most of the past five weeks, he has been plying his trade at Rams Park, in the weight room, the meeting room, and on the practice field. So when asked if he's settled in yet - to St. Louis, and to life at Rams Park - Smith answers with the world view of a 22-year-old. "Yeah, I'm settled in," Smith replied. "I'm over at the Holiday Inn right now. The bed's made up every day. The air conditioning's cold. I don't have any bills coming in. I'm loving it." So far, NFL life is good for Smith, a 306-pound bundle of energy and optimism. When asked if he eventually will buy a ..."

LA move is unlikely for Rams

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June 7

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Eli Broad, Michael Ovitz, Ron Burkle, Ed Roski and more. The names mean little or nothing to St. Louisans. But they were among the big money men, the movers and shakers, who came and went in Southern California - all determined to bring pro football back to the Los Angeles area. Eventually, they were toppled like so many tin soldiers. Along the way, there have been proposed stadiums and stadium sites with glamorous pasts and glitzy names - from the Rose Bowl to the Coliseum, to Hollywood Park, to Chavez Ravine. And some not so glitzy - from the gravel pits in Irwindale to the former toxic waste dump in Carson, to the city of Industry. Amazingly, 14 years have passed since the Rams and ..."

Rams' Jackson says he expects to be better prepared this season

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June 7

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Because of new strength coach Rock Gullickson, Steven Jackson reports that he's "definitely stronger now." Because of new running backs coach Sylvester Croom, Jackson says he's "actually understanding the details on (running a pass) route." Which all figures into Jackson's ultimate goal. "I'm working on being a complete running back," he said. "I've said that in the past, but this year I'm really getting detailed coaching." For the West Coast-style offense that coordinator Pat Shurmur has installed to perk smoothly, Jackson will have to carry a big load, both as a runner and receiver. Just three years removed from leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage, Jackson is seeking to prove his ..."

Why the Rams won't be returning to Los Angeles

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June 7

Chicago Tribune

"The owners of the St. Louis Rams have retained Goldman Sachs to line up potential buyers. Fans there are fretting that they once again will lose their NFL team, especially because the Rams' old town has been without a franchise since 1995. Is it time for their fans to pre-emptively pester the patron saint of lost things? Should St. Louis pray to St. Anthony? As compelling as that story line sounds -- the Rams returning to Los Angeles -- it isn't going to happen. Not now. And maybe not ever. There are plenty of reasons there won't be an L.A. reboot of the Rams. Here are some of them: Cost: Rams owners are hoping to get at least $850 million for the team, and a privately financed stadium ..."

Rams' Jackson says he expects to be better prepared this season

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June 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Because of new strength coach Rock Gullickson, Steven Jackson reports that he's "definitely stronger now." Because of new running backs coach Sylvester Croom, Jackson says he's "actually understanding the details on (running a pass) route." Which all figures into Jackson's ultimate goal. "I'm working on being a complete running back," he said. "I've said that in the past, but this year I'm really getting detailed coaching." For the West Coast-style offense that coordinator Pat Shurmur has installed to perk smoothly, Jackson will have to carry a big load, both as a runner and receiver. Just three years removed from leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage, Jackson is seeking to prove his ..."

Safeties work on getting familiar

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June 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"In a way, free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe got a two-for-one deal this offseason. The team's new head coach, Steve Spagnuolo, is a former defensive backs coach. And one of the first things Spagnuolo did here is bring in free agent James Butler to play alongside Atogwe in the Rams' secondary. Spagnuolo, as defensive coordinator, and Butler, as the strong safety, were key components in the New York Giants' 17-14 Super Bowl victory over unbeaten New England in February 2008. The Patriots had piled up an NFL-record 589 points during the regular season. "You always want to learn from those who know more than you and know better than you," Atogwe said between minicamp practices. "James is a Super ..."

Tar Heel draftee aims to catch on at receiver

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June 5

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Far better known for producing top-shelf basketball players than NFL-caliber wide receivers, the University of North Carolina nonetheless provided an impressive bounty of pass-catchers for this year's draft. Hakeem Nicks went to the New York Giants in the first round (No. 29 overall), Brandon Tate was selected by New England in the third (No. 83), and Brooks Foster was the Rams' fifth-round pick (No. 160). That threesome piled up career totals of 324 receptions, 5,004 and 35 touchdowns for the Tar Heels. The 6-foot-2, 204-pound Foster, who contributed 97 catches for 1,237 yards and six TDs, described himself as the trio's de facto leader. "A lot of the players looked up to me," he said. ..."

Carriker looks to take big step with Rams

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June 5

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Mercifully, only two games remained for the Rams when defensive tackle Adam Carriker was asked in mid-December to describe the season. "Incredibly frustrating," he grumbled. With losses in those final two outings, the Rams finished 2-14 a year after going 3-13 in Carriker's rookie season. The lousy '08 record was compounded by shoulder and ankle injuries that severely limited Carriker's effectiveness. Five months later, the team's first-round draft pick (No. 13 overall) in 2007 is feeling frisky again. "It's a load off your mind, for one thing," he said. "Physically, you're a hundred percent. It's a huge difference, just knowing you're healthy." Carriker's problems began when he tore the ..."

Dome looms as Rams issue

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June 4

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"For an enterprising football enthusiast with wealth to spare, the sale of the Rams represents a ticket into the most exclusive club in professional sports. For St. Louis fans, it could mean opening the public coffers to fund a new or substantially refurbished stadium. Rams fans have more questions than answers with the disclosure that the owners have stepped up their efforts to unload the team. But this much is clear: Whoever buys the team, political will - or the lack of it - could play a vital role in determining the long-term future of football in St. Louis. That future will depend in no small part on the public's appetite to spend tax money for an overhaul of the Edward Jones Dome or ..."

Rams buyer will need one very heavy hitter

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June 4

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"If the potential Rams ownership group being assembled by Blues Chairman Dave Checketts becomes a reality, at least one member must have very deep pockets - to the tune of more than a quarter of a billion dollars. NFL ownership rules require that a single individual must have total voting and management control of the club. And that person must own at least 30 percent of the team. So get your calculators out, and let's do the math. Forbes recently valued the Rams franchise at $929 million. Historically, Forbes' NFL franchise valuations have been relatively close to actual sale prices when franchises change hands. But as one longtime NFL executive told the Post-Dispatch: "In this economy, ..."

Dominic Douglas tries to gain spot on St. Louis Rams' roster

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June 4

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Their careers never overlapped at Mississippi State, but Quinton Culberson and Dominic Douglas formed a quick bond in St. Louis. They have more in common than their alma mater. - Both are linebackers. - Both grew up in the Jackson, Miss., area. - Both were undrafted out of college. There is one major difference between them, though: Culberson has spent two seasons in the NFL after beating the odds and making the Rams' roster as a rookie in 2007; Douglas still is facing that hefty challenge as the team's third, and final, spring minicamp kicks off today at Rams Park. Culberson's achievement "gives me a lot of inspiration, just knowing that somebody from where I come from did it," Douglas ..."

Rams keep focus on the job

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June 3

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The focus on the fields Tuesday at Rams Park was dealing with the first real heat during a practice this offseason, while also finishing preparations for the team's third, and final, spring minicamp later this week. The subject of the possible sale of the team wasn't much of a consideration, cornerback Ron Bartell stressed after the two-hour workout. "You can't really worry about what's going on as far as that's concerned," he said. "We have a job to do, and our job is to come out every day, practice hard, work hard and get ready for the '09 season. We can't worry about things that are out of our control." The team announced Monday that it had retained investment banking firm Goldman Sachs ..."

St. Louis Rams, for sale, Chip Rosenbloom, NFL, National Football League rules, 30 percent, Dave Checketts, St. Louis Blues owner, NHL, cross-ownership rules, Blues chairman, St. Louis Rams, for sale,

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June 3

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"If the potential Rams ownership group being assembled by Blues Chairman Dave Checketts becomes a reality, at least one member must have very deep pockets - to the tune of more than a quarter of a billion dollars. NFL ownership rules require that a single individual must have total voting and management control of the club. And that person must own at least 30 percent of the team. So get your calculators out, and let's do the math. Forbes recently valued the Rams franchise at $929 million. Historically, Forbes' NFL franchise valuations have been relatively close to actual sale prices when franchises change hands. But as one longtime NFL executive told the Post-Dispatch: "In this economy, ..."

Rams owners turn up search

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June 2

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The St. Louis Rams' decision to retain the investment banking firm of Goldman Sachs signals that owner Chip Rosenbloom is moving more aggressively to seek potential buyers of the franchise, including non-local suitors. However, one potential local ownership group emerged Monday when Blues Chairman Dave Checketts told the Post-Dispatch that he is putting together a local group that has the financial wherewithal to own the Rams and meets NFL ownership requirements. Whether Checketts' group meets NFL muster remains to be seen. The lack of potential local investors stepping forward over the last year was a major reason why the Rams decided to accelerate the process by retaining Goldman Sachs. ..."

St. Louis Rams soon will be put up for sale

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June 1

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Here's an early heads-up for any wealthy individuals, families or potential investor groups in the St. Louis area who dream of owning an NFL franchise: You're in luck. But you might want to act fast, because the Rams are likely to hit the open market in the near future, officially offered for sale by majority owners Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia Rodriguez. After inheriting control of the Rams in early 2008 from their late mother, Georgia Frontiere, Rosenbloom and Rodriguez have concentrated on reorganizing the football operation. And they've had to deal with complex estate-tax issues in the aftermath of their mother's death. With substantial progress made in those areas, the timetable for a ..."

As sale looms, Rams fans can do their part

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June 1

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

columnist Bernie Miklasz

"If the Rams eventually move from St. Louis, it won't be because of the fans. The customers have stayed loyal during hard times, buying up about 95 percent of the seats at the Edward Jones Dome over the last two seasons. That's outstanding support for a team that has won only five of the last 32 games. With the franchise for sale, which opens up all sorts of possibilities, the best thing Rams fans can do is stick by the team and continue to attend games until help arrives. That way, no Rams owner will have an excuse to pull the team out of here because of a lack of support. And with sellout crowds filing into home games, perhaps this will rally the business community and motivate potential ..."

Fells' stock rises at tight end for Rams

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May 31

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The subject was tight end Randy McMichael and his return to the Rams after missing most of last season with an injury. Unprompted, quarterback Marc Bulger added this: "Daniel Fells is also playing lights out. I think we'll have a couple tight ends that can do some things." Apprised of that assessment, Fells smiled broadly and said, "That's good to hear. When your quarterback gives you a shout out, it's always a good feeling." A year ago, Bulger probably never had heard of Fells, who had bounced around the NFL for a couple of years. Undrafted out of California-Davis, Fells was inactive for all 16 games with Atlanta in 2006, then spent 2007 on Oakland's practice squad. He made Tampa Bay's ..."

Rams general manager makes changes

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May 30

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The landscape continues to change at Rams Park. In the latest moves, three scouts have been replaced, as has the longtime director of security. Rams general manager Billy Devaney let go three of the Rams' eight field scouts: Cary Conklin, Dick Daniels and Mel Foels had a total of 20 years with the team. "I didn't make any changes when I first came in last year (as player personnel chief). I wanted to go through the process in the whole season, and I did that," Devaney said. "After the draft, there were some guys available that I'd worked with before, and I just decided to bring them in." The new scouts are Drew Casani, Jonathan Gannon and Joel Patton. Brad Holmes was promoted from combine ..."

Vobora now seen as relevant for Rams

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May 29

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"A year ago at this time, Rams linebacker David Vobora was irrelevant, as in "Mr. Irrelevant," the last player taken in the draft. On the afternoon of April 26, Vobora relinquished that title to former South Carolina kicker Ryan Succop, a Kansas City Chiefs selection in the final spot this year. Vobora acknowledged experiencing mixed feelings: He's not unhappy to jettison what some might regard as an ignominious label, but he conceded that he "had a blast" during the Irrelevant Week festivities last June in Newport Beach, Calif. "And you know what? (The distinction helped) get me here," Vobora said. "So, I'm proud to have been Mr. Irrelevant." Vobora and Chris Chamberlain came to town last ..."

Rams' Incognito looks to repair image with fans

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May 27

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Among the goals he's listed for the 2009 season, Rams guard Richie Incognito wants to become "a more mature player." If he were to be successful in that mission, the final piece of the Incognito puzzle probably would be in place. Last season, over 15 starts at right guard, the former Nebraska standout established himself as a solid NFL performer. Interim head coach Jim Haslett declared that Incognito was "our best offensive lineman all year, no question about it." New Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo, the former Giants defensive coordinator, also is an unabashed Incognito fan. "He's the kind of offensive lineman you want to have; tough and physical," Spagnuolo said. "He could play on the New ..."

WR Tim Carter works to catch on with St. Louis Rams

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May 24

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"It's doubtful whether wide receiver Tim Carter, who is trying to land a spot on the Rams' roster after coming to town on a tryout basis, has many fans in St. Louis. But a group of young men in Houston are rooting hard for him. They're "Carter's Kids," residents of a treatment center for at-risk youths that Tim and his wife, LaShell, opened last year. They hope eventually to expand throughout Texas. "I have 24 teenagers that are amazing that I work with now," Carter explained. Getting the center up and running was a big-time commitment, and it partly explains why Carter was out of football last year. In addition to "Carter's Kids," he opened two Popeye's chicken franchises last year in his ..."

Rams Mark Setterstrom willing to do whatever's necessary to earn spot

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May 22

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Felled twice by major knee injuries, Rams offensive lineman Mark Setterstrom has established modest goals for the 2009 season. "I just want to contribute in whatever fashion that is. I just want to help this team to be a better team. I just want to be a part of the team," he said. Setterstrom's No. 1 priority is staying healthy. Nearly two years have passed since his improbable rise into a starting role was scuttled by a double-dose of bad luck. Setterstrom, a 6-foot-4, 314-pounder from the University of Minnesota, was a seventh-round draft pick in 2006. He was among the inactives for the first nine games of his rookie season, finally suiting up for the 10th in a reserve role. As ..."

Bulger is grateful for new support

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May 22

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Steve Spagnuolo didn't want to leave any doubt in Marc Bulger's mind. Soon after he was hired as the Rams' new head coach, Spagnuolo sought out Bulger and assured him that he was his quarterback. Period. End of discussion. Given the struggles that Bulger - and the Rams - had experienced recently, there might have been some question about that. But Spagnuolo pledged to Bulger that he, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, quarterbacks coach Dick Curl "and the rest of this team have all the confidence in the world in him." After a two-hour practice Thursday during organized team activities at Rams Park, Bulger acknowledged that Spagnuolo's words provided considerable relief. "Any time a new ..."

Bulger is grateful for new support

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May 22

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Steve Spagnuolo didn't want to leave any doubt in Marc Bulger's mind. Soon after he was hired as the Rams' new head coach, Spagnuolo sought out Bulger and assured him that he was his quarterback. Period. End of discussion. Given the struggles that Bulger - and the Rams - had experienced recently, there might have been some question about that. But Spagnuolo pledged to Bulger that he, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, quarterbacks coach Dick Curl "and the rest of this team have all the confidence in the world in him." After a two-hour practice Thursday during organized team activities at Rams Park, Bulger acknowledged that Spagnuolo's words provided considerable relief. "Any time a new ..."

St. Louis Rams Mark Setterstrom willing to do whatever's necessary to earn spot

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May 22

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Felled twice by major knee injuries, Rams offensive lineman Mark Setterstrom has established modest goals for the 2009 season. "I just want to contribute in whatever fashion that is. I just want to help this team to be a better team. I just want to be a part of the team," he said. Setterstrom's No. 1 priority is staying healthy. Nearly two years have passed since his improbable rise into a starting role was scuttled by a double-dose of bad luck. Setterstrom, a 6-foot-4, 314-pounder from the University of Minnesota, was a seventh-round draft pick in 2006. He was among the inactives for the first nine games of his rookie season, finally suiting up for the 10th in a reserve role. As ..."

St. Louis Rams Mark Setterstrom willing to do whatever's necessary to earn spot

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May 21

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Felled twice by major knee injuries, Rams offensive lineman Mark Setterstrom has established modest goals for the 2009 season. "I just want to contribute in whatever fashion that is. I just want to help this team to be a better team. I just want to be a part of the team," he said. Setterstrom's No. 1 priority is staying healthy. Nearly two years have passed since his improbable rise into a starting role was scuttled by a double-dose of bad luck. Setterstrom, a 6-foot-4, 314-pounder from the University of Minnesota, was a seventh-round draft pick in 2006. He was among the inactives for the first nine games of his rookie season, finally suiting up for the 10th in a reserve role. As ..."

Rams' Long remembers rookie rituals

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May 17

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"In addition to the crash course he's undergoing in the transition from college football to the NFL, first-round draft choice Jason Brown is taking on some extra chores at Rams Park. "I don't know who's coached that young man up, but he's already saying 'Hey, let me get your shoulder pads,' " veteran center Jason Brown noted. "As soon as we get (to the locker room), he's getting us towels and stuff like that. ... He's coming along very well." Though he was the No. 2 overall selection and soon will become a multimillionaire, Smith, an offensive tackle from Baylor, knows his place. "That's what you're supposed to do as a rookie. You're supposed to come in and do what's asked of you," he ..."

It's a no-brainer: Put Jim Hanifan back in Rams radio booth

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May 15

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

columnist Dan Caesar

"The yanking of Jim Hanifan from the Rams radio booth has caused quite a stir among listeners who loved his blunt, no-nonsense analysis. Gone will be his blistering criticism when players on the home team messed up, something that was immensely refreshing to listeners who endured a team that was 5-27 the last two seasons. Gone too probably will be the delay-system that was implemented on the broadcasts in case Hanifan became infuriated and uttered a word that he often used on the sidelines when he was coaching. The shift of Hanifan from the booth to the pre- and postgame shows this season is tied to the move of the broadcasts from KLOU (103.3 FM) to WXOS (101.1 FM), the area's newest ..."

St. Louis Rams' McMichael is eager to contribute again

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May 13

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"During a seemingly innocent passing drill at the Rams' recent minicamp, tight end Randy McMichael got his legs tangled with the defender's and fell awkwardly to the turf. "That scared me a lot," said McMichael, who rose slowly and spent a few minutes on the sideline gathering himself before returning to the field. "I woke up (the next) morning a little sore, but it's nothing that's going to keep me down." After two years of discontent, McMichael is tired of being down. "You really take (success) for granted until you don't have it," he said. "I'm just glad to be back out here with these guys." A prolific pass-catcher in Miami, where he averaged 56 receptions and 619 yards over five ..."

Dallas-Fort Worth venues announced for Super Bowl XLV ancillary events

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May 13

Dallas Morning News

"The Super Bowl XLV Host Committee announced today the locations of eight major events and venues - from the NFL Experience to the headquarters hotel - for the 2011 game in Arlington. Dallas will get the largest share of marquee events and venues. The NFL Experience, an 850,000-square-foot theme park, football museum and memorabilia show, will be held at the Dallas Convention Center. That announcement was expected since there are no other indoor venues large enough to accommodate it. In warm weather states, such as Florida or Arizona, the NFL Experience is sometimes held outdoors. The event is booked indoors in regions where cold weather is likely. The Hilton Anatole was chosen as the NFL ..."

Newark's Harris hopes St. Louis isn't just a stop

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May 10

Camden Courier-Post

"Orien Harris doesn't mind the constant packing up and moving out. That's life in the NFL. But he'd eventually like to find a place to call home, and that's what the Newark native is hoping for in his most recent stop. Harris, a defensive tackle, is headed to St. Louis to help the Rams' rebuilding effort after the Bengals dealt him for former Rutgers running back Brian Leonard. For Harris, it's his fifth different team since the Steelers drafted him in 2006 out of the University of Miami in the fourth round. He also played for the Saints, Bills and Browns, though he didn't suit up for any of those teams and didn't play his first NFL game until last season with Cincinnati. "It always feels ..."

Harris happy to join Rams

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May 10

Camden Courier-Post

"Orien Harris doesn't mind the constant packing up and moving out. That's life in the NFL. But he'd eventually like to find a place to call home, and that's what the Newark, Del., native is hoping for in his most recent stop. Harris, a defensive tackle, is headed to St. Louis to help the Rams' rebuilding effort after the Cincinnati Bengals dealt him recently for former Rutgers running back Brian Leonard. This is Harris' fifth team since the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted the University of Miami product in the fourth round in 2006. He has also played for the New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns, although he didn't suit up for any of those teams and didn't play his first NFL ..."

Hanifan is out of Rams' booth

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May 9

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Jiminy Christmas. "Hanny'' is gone as the analyst on Rams radio broadcasts. Jim Hanifan, the outspoken and passionate analyst who was the most animated man broadcasting a team in this market since the days of Harry Caray more than four decades ago, is being replaced by D'Marco Farr. Hanifan will appear on the pregame and postgame shows this season but Farr will be the analyst alongside play-by-play broadcaster Steve Savard, who will be in his 10th season. Farr has a featured slot on the afternoon drive-time show on WXOS (101.1 FM), the team's new radio home, and program director Jason Barrett wants to showcase the man he hired in January. Plus Farr has been a member of the Rams' radio ..."

Rams release linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa

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May 9

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa bid a gracious adieu to the Rams after being released Friday. "I really like the direction they're going," he said. "Because the team wasn't winning, you knew this year was going to be different, and a lot of faces would be different. I didn't really honestly think it would involve me. But the change is here, it's come, and I think it's a good change. If something isn't working, you've got to figure things out." Tinoisamoa, 27, led the Rams in tackles in four of his six seasons but didn't fit the mold of coach Steve Spagnuolo, who prefers bigger linebackers. Neither Spagnuolo nor general manager Billy Devaney was available for comment Friday, though Spagnuolo ..."

Bengals trade for running back

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May 7

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Roy Williams' is officially a Bengal while the team might've found a backup at running back. Williams, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, officially signed his contract this afternoon with a 2:30 press conference scheduled at Paul Brown Stadium. He arrived in town today and will be reunited with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who was his coordinator in Dallas from 2003-06. However the Bengals' wheeling and dealing was not done. They made a trade with St. Louis, sending DT Orien Harris to the Rams in exchange for RB Brian Leonard. Leonard started in seven games as a rookie in 2007 and finished with 303 yards on 86 carries. His best game came on Oct. 7, 2007, against Arizona when he had 102 ..."

Commissioners of the big four sports gather to discuss 'The Future of Sports'

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May 7

New York Daily News

"They are portrayed as having the job security of a Supreme Court justice or the president of North Korea, but even the commissioners of the four major North American sports have to occasionally answer questions about the future of their sports at a time when, as one of them said, the economy is in the greatest downturn since the Great Depression. Wednesday, Bud Selig of Major League Baseball, Roger Goodell of the National Football League, David Stern of the National Basketball Association and Gary Bettman of the National Hockey League assembled at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Midtown Manhattan to discuss some of the issues facing an enterprise with a combined revenue of $21.2 billion. ..."

Jason Bell bulks up for Rams offensive line

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May 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"To his right is a new center, Jason Brown. To his left is a new left tackle, Alex Barron. Eventually, rookie Jason Smith will take over at right tackle. Although the Rams' offensive line has undergone a major overhaul, Jacob Bell remains the left guard. For a time, however, it looked as if he, too, would be part of the shake-up. "They had me at right tackle for a day" in April at the team's first minicamp, Bell said. "Maybe they didn't like what they saw." Actually, the Rams' brass very much liked what they saw in Bell this spring. That's because they saw more of him - he has put on at least 15 pounds and checked in at 297 during the second minicamp, which wrapped up Sunday. "I want to be ..."

Rams making progress as team after minicamp

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May 5

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"With the draft behind him, most of the roster shaping complete, and two minicamps under his belt, Steve Spagnuolo is feeling more and more like a football coach these days. "The makeup of the team starts to formulate a little bit clearer," he said. "Because unless something really dramatic happens between now and training camp - or the opening game against Seattle - this is the team." The Rams will continue to tinker with personnel, and the bottom fifth of the roster may churn over even after the regular season starts. But most of what constitutes the final 53 - the opening-day roster - was on the field over the weekend at the Rams' May minicamp. It would be easier for Spagnuolo to nurture ..."

Little is in new role ... St. Louis Rams' elder statesman

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May 4

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"As reporters approached, Leonard Little requested that no one ask about his status as the oldest Rams player. He was kidding, and, of course, the subject came up. "It goes by fast … I never thought it was going to happen," said Little, 34. "But it is here, and I've got to lead the young guys as much as I can and try to bring them along." Little also has been with the team the longest - he's put in 11 seasons since the Rams selected him in the third round of the 1998 draft. He was a linebacker then and didn't crack the lineup until he was switched to defensive end in 2001. "What people don't realize, this is like my eighth year in the league because I didn't really play my first three ..."

Laurinaitis seeks to become leader for St. Louis Rams

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May 4

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"When the time came for the Rams to make their second-round pick in the draft, they were in an enviable position. Granted, all the top-rated wide receivers were gone. But both of the top middle linebackers in the draft - Ohio State's James Laurinaitis and Southern California's Rey Maualuga - were on the board. The Rams decided to take Laurinaitis, sparking a debate and discussion among Rams fans that still is going on, and might continue for some time: Did the Rams take the right guy? Coming off a season in which the Rams yielded a franchise record for rushing yards allowed, wasn't Maualuga the best run stuffer of the two? Wasn't Maualuga bigger and more of a collision player? After the ..."

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