May 2007
11:43 PM Wed, May 30, 2007 | Permalink |
On May 17th, KING-5 ran a story about how the Tacoma Police Department mishandled more than 71 cases of serious violence against people.
The story showed how some of the suspects that went free as the result of the mishandled cases are still a danger to the community. In one case, an accused rapist went on to allegedly rape another woman.
The report also showed how the derelict cases eluded the attention of Tacoma Police supervisors for about 4 years.
No one from the Police Department would comment.
Digging out information wasn't easy.
So...
How did we get the story?
How did we prove it?
How could it happen?
In a first ever for the KING-5 South Bureau, we decided to produce a video blog as we shot the story.
It's a behind the scenes look at how we put the story together.
Enjoy...and comment! Click here to see the video blog.
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11:43 PM Wed, May 30, 2007 | Permalink |
On May 17th, KING-5 ran a story about how the Tacoma Police Department mishandled more than 71 cases of serious violence against people.
The story showed how some of the suspects that went free as the result of the mishandled cases are still a danger to the community. In one case, an accused rapist went on to allegedly rape another woman.
The report also showed how the derelict cases eluded the attention of Tacoma Police supervisors for about 4 years.
No one from the Police Department would comment.
Digging out information wasn't easy.
So...
How did we get the story?
How did we prove it?
How could it happen?
In a first ever for the KING-5 South Bureau, we decided to produce a video blog as we shot the story.
It's a behind the scenes look at how we put the story together.
Enjoy...and comment! Click here to see the video blog.
...
9:40 PM Mon, May 28, 2007 | Permalink |
Memorial Day. A national holiday. That usually means it's going to be a slow news day.
Or so I thought until about 8:40 this morning.
The police scanner I keep just above the computer in my office at home crackled with a disturbing report.
"Victim with a gunshot wound...scene unsecure," said the dispatcher in a most professional tone (dispatchers always sound remarkably dispassionate).
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9:40 PM Mon, May 28, 2007 | Permalink |
Memorial Day. A national holiday. That usually means it's going to be a slow news day.
Or so I thought until about 8:40 this morning.
The police scanner I keep just above the computer in my office at home crackled with a disturbing report.
"Victim with a gunshot wound...scene unsecure," said the dispatcher in a most professional tone (dispatchers always sound remarkably dispassionate).
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5:33 PM Thu, May 24, 2007 | Permalink |
In case you missed the show last night's Northwest Sports Tonight, we had legendary Hawks QB Jim Zorn on the show. The NFL Network just put Zorn in its top 10 list of mobile quarterbacks. On NWST, Zorn talked about the honor, his favorite scrambling quarterbacks, his most memorable run and pass, and QB Matt Hasselbeck's progress. Click here if you want to see the whole raw interview.
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4:49 PM Thu, May 24, 2007 | Permalink |
How about the little pop company that could. Jones Soda beat out Coke and Pepsi to be the new exclusive pop sold at Qwest Field thru 2012. Obviously, they'll sell their wares in fountain form and/or in plastic bottles not glass. Jones Soda has brought us many different types of soda including Turkey & Gravy, Peachy Keen, Pea, Berried Alive, and much more. How about a tie-in with the Hawks for some unique flavors...like "Josh Brown's Clutch Cola", "Rocky Bernard's Sugar Bear Shake" (it would have to taste Super Sugar Crisp cereal), "Pork Chop Womack's pork chops and applesauce soda", "Mo' Lemon Lime Morris", and "J-Pete's Crush" (it's got a little taste of the Cards, Rams, & Niners in it because he killed them last season). I could go on, but I won't. Sound off and give me your best ideas. Jones Soda is just down the street from KING 5. Maybe I'll drop off the best ideas after work one day.
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6:14 AM Thu, May 17, 2007 | Permalink |
The ambulance was rolling out of a gravel driveway. At the end of it, a blonde woman with mascara streaming down her cheeks was standing in a semi-hunched position. She was sobbing into a cell phone.
Even the State Patrol Troopers who were the first to greet us at the scene wore those extra sad expressions reporters know means only a handful of things. Most commonly that look means a young child is involved in a tragedy.
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6:14 AM Thu, May 17, 2007 | Permalink |
The ambulance was rolling out of a gravel driveway. At the end of it, a blonde woman with mascara streaming down her cheeks was standing in a semi-hunched position. She was sobbing into a cell phone.
Even the State Patrol Troopers who were the first to greet us at the scene wore those extra sad expressions reporters know means only a handful of things. Most commonly that look means a young child is involved in a tragedy.
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5:43 PM Mon, May 14, 2007 | Permalink |
Northwest Sports Tonight and KING 5 favorite Sam Adams was released by the Bengals today. Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis called it a difficult decision, but wanted to release him so he had time to make another club. Adams is a big dude. He'll help someone stop the run even though he's in his 14th season. I know the Seahawks could use a run-stopper like Adams, but I don't see it happening. He's too costly and that shipped past a while ago. Sam usually makes a trip to our studios during the summer. So I'm sure we'll hear the inside scoop in the near future.
QB Brett Favre seems a little miffed about Green Bay's inability to make Randy Moss a Packer. It was reported that Favre even wanted a trade. I guess cooler heads have prevailed. He's backtracked and says he wants to retire as a Packer. On the positive side, it's good to know that Favre still has a competitive streak in him...enough to get fired up about a lost opportunity
The Chicago Bears are moving All Pro return specialist and part-time DB Devin Hester to offense. During mini-camp, he's worked as a wide receiver. On the Bears website, coach Lovie Smith explains why they're making the switch. Hester should be an impressive addition to the offense, on the condition that Rex Grossman can get him the ball.
Finally, I know this is a Seahawks blog, but I've gotta comment on the Bruce Bowen issue. The NBA says it won't suspend the Spurs' defensive stopper. To me this smacks a little bit of hypocrisy from NBA commish David Stern and executive VP Stu Jackson. They'll fine and suspend Kobe Bryant for flailing his arm after a shot, but won't do the same when Bowen takes a jab step right in the direction of Phoenix point guard Steve Nash? Or steps or kicks Amare Stoudemire's heel/achillles from behind. Hmm... You'd figure a guy who has a reputation for doing what's perceived as "dirty" would get something more than a fine. C'mon, you tellin' me that Ray Allen, Vince Carter, Stoudemire, and Isiah Thomas (people who've called Bowen a dirty player) are making this up? (and I sure the list could go longer if everyone spoke up) You know the saying, "where there's smoke, there's fire." There has to be some sort of truth to what these guys are saying. I guarantee you that if the league suspended Bowen for these types of incidents, you would hear fewer complaints that Bowen is a dirty player.
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5:58 PM Thu, May 10, 2007 | Permalink |
The News Tribune's Mike Sando will join us in studio tonight on Northwest Sports Tonight. Sando talks about the Shaun Alexander's foot, Matt Hasselbeck's camp, the improved play of the secondary, and the "Hawks window of opportunity." Here's the link to the un-cut version of Sando's segment. Don't forget to check Sando's Seahawks Blog on the News Tribune's website. It's one of the best in the business. Again, catch Sando on Northwest Sports Tonight at 9:30, 11:30 or 12:30 on Northwest Cable News or 10:30pm on KONG.
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4:59 PM Thu, May 10, 2007 | Permalink |
Seahawks cornerback Kelly Jennings will take part in Saturday's Niketown 5K. 100% of the entry fees go to programs to help the school of your choice with their PE programs. The entry fee is $20, which includes a t-shirt. For entry information, go to www.niketown5k.com or call (206)447-6452. KING 5's Joyce Taylor will be there to emcee the event. It's Saturday morning at Niketown in downtown Seattle. The 5K starts at 8AM. The one mile run begins at 9AM. For the whole rundown, click on the jump below.
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9:09 AM Wed, May 09, 2007 | Permalink |
As journalists, we often find ourselves in the middle squabbles, skirmishes or debates. We sort through fact and fiction, tell both sides of the story and ultimately let you the viewer decide.
So it was recently, when I reported on the feuding inside Ferndale City Hall. Mayor Jerry Landcastle riled some on the council, when he angrily confronted a newspaper reporter who called him at home. He swore at the reporter and the City Council decided to censure Landcastle.
A few weeks later, Landcastle drew more criticism when he fired outgoing Planning Director, Tom Black. In a resignation letter, written just days before he was fired, Black blasted Landcastle's management style. According to Landcastle, Black indicated the letter was given to only him. Actually, the letter had been given all the City Council. Feeling he had been lied to, Landcastle terminated Black just days shy of his resignation.
Once again, some Council members were upset.
One of the more vocal, was Councilor Keith Olson. In an interview with KING 5, Olson described Landcastle's management style as "tyrannical." After the story aired, Landcastle tried to get the Council to censure Olson for his comments. In his defense, Olson told a Bellingham newspaper that KING 5 had taken what he said out of context. He claimed we had edited what he said down to a "convenient sound bite."
Further he claimed my question to him that ellicited his response was, "what would happen if the allegations against Landcastle regarding Black’s letter are true."
Olson said his response was, "If they are found to be true after an investigation by an independent third party, then he’s like a tyrant. It’s his way or the highway."
After reading Olson's comments, we pulled the raw tape of our interview with him. It is now posted here on KING5.com, unedited as we shot it.
The tape tells a very different tale.
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9:09 AM Wed, May 09, 2007 | Permalink |
As journalists, we often find ourselves in the middle squabbles, skirmishes or debates. We sort through fact and fiction, tell both sides of the story and ultimately let you the viewer decide.
So it was recently, when I reported on the feuding inside Ferndale City Hall. Mayor Jerry Landcastle riled some on the council, when he angrily confronted a newspaper reporter who called him at home. He swore at the reporter and the City Council decided to censure Landcastle.
A few weeks later, Landcastle drew more criticism when he fired outgoing Planning Director, Tom Black. In a resignation letter, written just days before he was fired, Black blasted Landcastle's management style. According to Landcastle, Black indicated the letter was given to only him. Actually, the letter had been given all the City Council. Feeling he had been lied to, Landcastle terminated Black just days shy of his resignation.
Once again, some Council members were upset.
One of the more vocal, was Councilor Keith Olson. In an interview with KING 5, Olson described Landcastle's management style as "tyrannical." After the story aired, Landcastle tried to get the Council to censure Olson for his comments. In his defense, Olson told a Bellingham newspaper that KING 5 had taken what he said out of context. He claimed we had edited what he said down to a "convenient sound bite."
Further he claimed my question to him that ellicited his response was, "what would happen if the allegations against Landcastle regarding Black’s letter are true."
Olson said his response was, "If they are found to be true after an investigation by an independent third party, then he’s like a tyrant. It’s his way or the highway."
After reading Olson's comments, we pulled the raw tape of our interview with him. It is now posted here on KING5.com, unedited as we shot it.
The tape tells a very different tale.
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4:16 PM Tue, May 08, 2007 | Permalink |
Seahawks center Chris Spencer will not have to have another shoulder surgery. The P-I reports that Spencer is in Alabama being checked out by Dr. James Andrews. This is definitely good news for the Hawks, especially if he's able to rehab his shoulder enough to play. Spencer probably won't do much, practice wise, until training camp. The team will need him to start at center. G Chris Gray is filling in, but the Hawks would rather have Spencer there. Bonus article: Here's the News Tribune's blog by Mike Sando.
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12:12 AM Tue, May 08, 2007 | Permalink |
Now to the final team in the NFC West, the Seattle Seahawks. I call it the "mixed bag" draft, but "glass half empty/half full" may be the more appropriate title. A lot of the so-called experts are doggin' their draft. I think it's all on how you look at it. So let's get to the breakdown:
2nd round (55th overall) - CB Josh Wilson
Seattle's first pick of the draft is a "need" pick. As most fans can remember, the Hawks ran a little thin at DB at the end of last season. Plus, the team can always use a kick returner. Wilson will make his money on special teams and possibly in dime packages on defense in his first season. He's fast (4.39 40), but lacks ideal size (5'9" 189 lbs.). Wilson has a great attitude and is the son of a former NFL running back (Tim - who blocked for Earl Campbell).
3rd round (85) - DT Brandon Mebane
Mebane is a run stopper who'll have to add some weight. Seattle is unsure if former 1st round pick DT Marcus Tubbs will be healthy. Tubbs has been nicked up since entering the league. So the team needs a run stopper on the D-line. He should see some snaps this season...for if nothing else, he's fresh legs to rotate in and out on the line.
4th round (120) - DE Baraka Atkins
Here's a guy with potential. Atkins played every position on the line at Miami. Although, he'll probably play defensive end in the NFL due to his size (271 lbs.). I would venture to guess that Atkins will be a practice squad player, unless the team is hit with injuries.
4th round (124) - OG Mansfield Wrotto
Fair or not, Wrotto's name will always be attached to Darrell Jackson. The former Hawks wideout was traded to San Francisco for this pick. Wrotto started out as a defensive tackle at Georgia Tech. 2006 was his first full season on the offensive line. So he's a little raw, but in time, he could play for the Hawks...just not this season.
5th round (161) - LB Will Herring
Obviously, he's a little small by NFL standards. Herring is 6'2" 229 lbs. The former safety switched to linebacker last season. He's good at pass coverage, but needs help learning to play LB. Herring will have to learn how to shed blockers better because he's more in the mix of things as an LB than a safety. He's highly competitive which will serve him well on his first job in the NFL...special teams.
6th round (197) - WR Courtney Taylor
The Hawks dip into the Auburn well, again (last year, they drafted WR Ben Obomanu from Auburn). He has size (6'2" 205 lbs.), but needs strength and has durability questions. Taylor is considered a nice little find in the 6th round. Scouts say he's quick but not fast...which could help him in the Seahawks offense. He'll work well in the intermediate routes. Bad news for Taylor...the Hawks are incredibly deep at WR.
6th round (210) - WR Jordan Kent
Here's the most intriguing player drafted. He's only played two seasons of football. Both seasons came at the college level. Kent's letter in three sports in one season (football, basketball & track). In 2006, he caught 2 TD's versus Wazzu. I still have nightmares of the 68-yard bomb he caught against the Cougs in 2005. Obviously, he'll need to work on his routes because he's so raw. Today it's "Hello practice squad"...tomorrow it could be "Hello starting lineup." This is my favorite Hawks pick.
7th round (232) - OL Steve Vallos
Of course, the Seahawks can always use O-line depth. According to NFL.com, Vallos started 48 straight games at Wake Forest. I know the Demon Deacons aren't know for their football program, but it's still 48 straight starts. He played every spot on the line except center. Vallos lacks proper technique, but that can be taught by the Hawks. Sometimes you have to roll the dice and hope someone develops into someone like a Robbie Tobeck (undrafted) or Chris Gray (5th round pick).
Final Analysis:
You have to put Deion Branch as the Hawks #1 pick. Sure, he was in the league already, but the Hawks traded their top pick for him. He'll probably make a larger impact on Seattle's team in 2007 than anyone that was available with the 24th overall pick. Plus, Branch will have a full off-season to work with a healthy Matt Hasselbeck. Overall I give them a B- I'm giving them a higher grade than most. I think Branch will help make people forget D-Jack this season. I believe Coach Mike Holmgren will utilize him more this season as the starting flanker (he played split end last year). Plus, the team added depth where they needed depth. Realisticly, was the team going to draft anyone who'd crack the starting lineup with the 55th & 85th pick? No. Around the web, experts grade the Hawks draft between a C and a D. The average is a C- to D+. Hawks fans have to trust Ruskell and Holmgren. Their recent track record shows they've earned it. Let me know what you think of the team's draft. Leave your comments here on the blog.
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5:57 PM Mon, May 07, 2007 | Permalink |
Darryl Tapp is no longer a rookie and he doesn't look like one either! On day one of veteran's camp, Tapp was THE defensive end to be reckoned with. He's explosive off the line, much improved in the pass rush department, and had complete command of his assignments.
Darryl has been working out with new Seahawk and former Falcon, Patrick Kerney, and he couldn't pick a better guy to buddy up with. Patrick has an outstanding reputation for his work ethic and already, Darryl has added five pounds of muscle. Tapp says they've quickly become like brothers...Kerney went to Virginia, while Tapp went to Virginia Tech. Kerney has taken the time to watch Tapp on film from last season and has been telling him and showing him how to get better. It's the perfect teammate situation and Tapp says he's following Kerney's footsteps where ever he goes. Hopefully, that will land him in the Pro Bowl, like Kerney was in 2004.
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11:02 AM Mon, May 07, 2007 | Permalink |
I think when most people pass a cop, two things happen: their head looks down at the speedometer and their right foot comes up from the accelerator. Nobody wants a ticket.
The moment usually lasts for a second or two. Then by the next intersection, no lights, no problems; the cop is forgotten.
But if Friday taught us anything, it is the importance of remembering police officers.
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11:02 AM Mon, May 07, 2007 | Permalink |
I think when most people pass a cop, two things happen: their head looks down at the speedometer and their right foot comes up from the accelerator. Nobody wants a ticket.
The moment usually lasts for a second or two. Then by the next intersection, no lights, no problems; the cop is forgotten.
But if Friday taught us anything, it is the importance of remembering police officers.
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12:55 AM Sat, May 05, 2007 | Permalink |
In case you missed the 5pm sports segment on KING 5, Hawks DB Jordan Babineaux has signed his one-year tender. If you want to see our 5pm roundup of the first day of camp, click here for the video. Plus, everyone should be happy with QB Matt Hasselbeck's quick return from shoulder surgery. He looked good. Mike Sando's blog on the News Tribune's website has Hasselbeck talking about former Seahawks TE Jerramy Stevens. It's kind of interesting.
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11:43 PM Fri, May 04, 2007 | Permalink |
Here's the cream of the NFC West draft crop. San Francisco is slowly building their team into a contender. Last weekend's draft gives them another good group of players.
1st round (11th overall) - LB Patrick Willis
A great selection for a linebacker starved 49ers team. He should start right away at the inside/middle linebacker position (depending if San Fran will play a 4-3 or 3-4). This Mississippi State tackling machine who's a better person off-the-field than on. Willis exudes character. If someone were to nitpick, he needs to work on his pass coverage (but most rookies do) and he's had a few injuries in college. But he's quick as heck (4.51 40) and loves to be a leader.
1st round (28) - OT Joe Staley
Some of the experts are bashing San Fran for this pick for two reasons. First, they traded next year's #1 pick and change for the New England's second 1st round pick. The bashers say that's too high of a price, considering the Niners could have a better draft position next year. Second, other haters say that coach Mike Nolan may have reached on this pick. I disagree on both counts. They've potentially drafted their left tackle for the next 10 seasons plus. This 306 pound tackle runs a 40-yard dash in 4.81 seconds. ZOINKS! San Francisco O-line manhandled the Seahawks last year. With this pick, potentially, it doesn't look like much will change for another 10 seasons.
3rd round (76) - WR Jason Hill
OK, I'm a little biased here. I'm a Coug. But putting that aside, I like this pick, especially at the bargain basement price of a third round pick. Hill ran a 4.32 40. Plus, he caught 158 balls at Wazzu, 111 were for 1st downs, and 32 counted for 6 points. I don't know about you, but in the sports office, we call that a play maker. Double bonus for Hill, he'll play pro ball in the same city where he went to high school. Who knows, if he stays healthy, Hill could start here and there during the season.
3rd round (97) - DE Ray McDonald
Not a bad pick either. Although, he may have knee problems. No matter, somewhere down the road, he should contribute. On talent alone, McDonald should have been drafted higher. Another reason to like this pick, d-line is a "need" pick for San Fran.
4th round (104) - DE Jay Moore
Sounds like the Niners are going to try Moore at Outside Linebacker. Although, he may not have the speed or quickness to play the position. Apparently, Coach Nolan saw Moore at the Senior Bowl and fell in love with him.
4th round (126) - CB Dashon Goldson
It's difficult for me to say this as a Cougar, but this is a great pick. He'll probably clock time on the practice squad, but he has the potential to play in the nickel and dime coverages in the near future. He's a good tackler with good size (6'2" and 205 lbs.).
4th round (135) - DT Joe Cohen
I've talked about players like Cohen before in previous blogs. He'll work well as a rotational defensive lineman. Everyone needs these type of players. Plus, this is also a "need" pick as San Fran needs to add talent to the line. He played at Florida, so he knows big-time football.
5th round (147) - CB Tarell Brown
Here's a guy that fell because of character issues. Brown could have gone higher, maybe even in the second round, but if red flags come up, you'll like fall. The Longhorns CB was a 3-year starter at Texas. Not bad. The Niners just doled out a ton of dough to upgrade their d-backs. Brown could help in the future.
6th round (186) - RB Thomas Clayton
Much like Brown, Clayton has some skeletons in the closet. He's had a few brushes with the law. Not exactly sure why they wasted a pick on him. Clayton's not overly fast (4.63 40), successful (demoted to 3rd string last year at Kansas State), or possess the intangibles needed to play (reads holes poorly and fumbles). I could be way off, but this looks like Nolan's first and only whiff of the draft.
Final Analysis:
San Fran traded their fourth 4th round pick to Seattle for WR Darrell Jackson. You include that, and the 49ers should have been smiling from ear to ear. Overall I give them an A+. Former Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner left the team to be San Diego's head coach. If the Niners can overcome that loss, combined with QB Alex Smith's continued improvement, they could challenge for the NFC West crown for years to come. Around the web, experts give them a grade between an A and a B. It averages out to be an A-. For the next 3-plus seasons, the NFC West should be a 3-horse race. I still think the Seahawks are the cream of the crop, but the Cards and Niners are on their trail.
Next up: Seahawks "mixed bag" draft
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7:32 PM Fri, May 04, 2007 | Permalink |
The Seahawks secondary is totally revamped and completely recharged. With the additions of Josh Wilson, the Hawks top draft pick, and Jim Mora, the new secondary coach, the workouts on the first day of minicamp were electric. Wilson says learning the defense and trying to play it at the same time is hard, but he was all smiles today as Mora high fived him and praised him while he improved from rep to rep. And he did actually get better as the day went on. After the rookie was burned deep on a lofty toss from Seneca Wallace, the very next play his timing and read was perfect. Jim Mora screamed and ran at the rookie to shake him and give him a 'good ole' buddy' hug. To say the least...he was a bit excited about his "young buck" (which is what his new teammates are calling him).
While the former Maryland standout is only 5'9 (and a half!), he has a 36 inch vertical and clocked a 4.39 forty yard time at the combine. Seriously...lightning fast. So look for this guy to crack into the Hawks lineup in the nickel package and/or as a kick returner. And he could do it quick...the words most used to describe Wilson today was "smart and competitive." Not bad qualities to have goin' for ya!
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7:05 PM Fri, May 04, 2007 | Permalink |
While Darrell Jackson is one of the most productive wide receivers in Seahawks franchise history, he wasn't happy...and neither were the Hawks. The trade resulting in a fourth round draft pick for Seattle and D-Jack winding up on the 49ers roster, is one that comes with mixed feelings for many. At minicamp today, Bobby Engram said initially he was "shocked" to hear about the trade but after some thought he knew it was right. As a former athlete myself, I do appreciate the invaluable intangible of team chemistry. While Darrell added tremendous productivity on the field, he was not "a team player" off the field. He was difficult to deal with, opted not to practice at times, and second guessed Seahawks experts regarding his knee injury. After the acquisitions of Deion Branch and Nate Burleson last season, Darrell all but felt the door hit his behind. He knew his fate, saying, "I'm not one of Tim Ruskell's guys. It's that simple." But the bottomline is, D-Jack did not want to be in Seattle anyway and you didn't have to look hard to know it. The unfortunate thing is that he was SO good for the Hawks and had a career year last season with a team-high 10 touchdowns. So maybe the timing is bad (he looks to be in his prime) but it was time to part ways....it's just too bad the Hawks division rival is the one who picked him up.
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5:17 PM Fri, May 04, 2007 | Permalink |
The first day of mini-camps is in the books. Over at Seahawks headquarters, Coach Mike Holmgren had a chance to see his players work. Click here...if you want to see his interview on king5.com. Holmgren says QB Matt Hasselbeck looked rusty, but good. He didn't compete in any of the drills that could hurt his non-throwing arm. Hasselbeck had surgery on his left shoulder in the off-season. The biggest news came from the offensive line. Coach Holmgren says that C Chris Spencer may need a 2nd shoulder surgery, but he's not quite sure yet. In the meantime, G Chris Gray moved to center and Ray Willis takes Gray's spot. Don't read too much into this...if Spencer returns, he'll play center.
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3:44 PM Thu, May 03, 2007 | Permalink |
The Seattle Times reports that S Jordan Babineaux has not signed his tender yet. Big Play Babs has a one-year deal on the table. Babineaux is set to earn $1.3 million this year.
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3:36 PM Thu, May 03, 2007 | Permalink |
Former Seahawk special teams/kick returner Josh Scobey is a just a Bill (schoolhouse rock reference). He signed with Buffalo. The rumor is that Scobey can also play runningback. He never did in Seattle. Apparently, the only time he carried the ball was back in '04 with the Cards. Scobey went 27-89 on the ground.
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11:36 PM Wed, May 02, 2007 | Permalink |
The Arizona Cardinals had potentially a banner draft weekend. They only had 5 picks, but all 5 should contribute at sometime in their careers.
1st round (5th overall) - OT Levi Jones
Some experts feel they reached on Jones. But they lost starting LT Leonard Davis...and this fills a big hole for them. Plus, QB Matt Leinart and RB Edgerrin James will be very happy. Another reason to draft Jones...new coach Ken Whisenhunt brings over the Steelers smash mouth offensive philosophy to the team. Jones is an excellent run-blocker who'll need a little polishing on pass-blocking. Maybe the Cards should have taken RB Adrian Peterson. RB James doesn't have too much tread left on his wheels. But Jones is a Whisenhunt type of player.
2nd round (33) - DT Alan Branch
Great value with this pick. Branch could have been a top 10 pick. His value went down when some were worried about his motor and the shin splints in both his legs. He left as a junior and played in every game at Michigan. He's a big dude that should eat up space. If he's motivated, he'll start. WOW, 2 starters on both sides of the line for Arizona with their first 2 picks.
3rd round (69) - LB Buster Davis
A definite need pick. He's little small (5'10" in shoes). But he played at a high level at Florida State. Hawks President Tim Ruskell would like him. Davis looks good on gameday film. Maybe somewhat like the undersized Lofa Tatupu, if Davis is put in the right defensive scheme, he succeed as a starter. If nothing else, the Cards need help on "D".
5th round (172) - WR Steve Breaston
He played at Michigan with Mario Manningham and was a little overshadowed. But he has 4.46 40 speed. On a team like Arizona, he can learn from the best. WR Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and former 1st round pick Bryant Johnson means Breaston will have time to develop or sit...depending on your perspective. Now that reminds me, why did they draft a receiver? I know he can return kicks, but they should gone with a DB like WSU's Eric Frampton. You can never have enough D-backs in the NFC West. Have you seen how stacked the division is with quality receivers?
7th round (215) - TE Ben Patrick
I really like this pick. Leonard Pope is their starter. Former Cougar Troy Bienemann is the backup. But Patrick has good size, hands and the ability to block. The Delaware grad could eventually start for the Cards. Patrick was one of the top TE's in the draft. Arizona finds a nice little nugget in the 7th.
Final Analysis:
Whisenhunt and his crew did a great job maximizing their 5 picks. My only complaint is that they could have gone more with defense. Overall, I'd give them a A-. Man, the NFC West will be tough for the next few seasons. The Cardinals will improve with these picks. Around the web, the experts are giving them a grade between an A and B-. The average seems to be a B+. Give Arizona a season to learn Whisenhunt's philosophy and then they'll compete for the NFC West crown.
Tomorrow: 49ers "Best in the West" Draft
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11:57 AM Wed, May 02, 2007 | Permalink |
Attending the memorial services of late Edmonds Police Chief David Stern, I remembered a piece of advice someone once gave me.
Say "thank you."
They are two simple words that mean a lot to people who don't often hear them - police officers, teachers and other public servants. Most of those people get into their respective professions to make a difference, not for money. Arguably, many of them are underpaid for the work they do.
Sometimes a simple "thank you" can make their work seem worth it.
And at a time when we're losing teachers and law enforcement can't fill jobs - we need to keep all the good people we have.
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11:57 AM Wed, May 02, 2007 | Permalink |
Attending the memorial services of late Edmonds Police Chief David Stern, I remembered a piece of advice someone once gave me.
Say "thank you."
They are two simple words that mean a lot to people who don't often hear them - police officers, teachers and other public servants. Most of those people get into their respective professions to make a difference, not for money. Arguably, many of them are underpaid for the work they do.
Sometimes a simple "thank you" can make their work seem worth it.
And at a time when we're losing teachers and law enforcement can't fill jobs - we need to keep all the good people we have.
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4:34 PM Tue, May 01, 2007 | Permalink |
Over the next few days, we'll rank the NFL Draft from the NFC West's perspective. First off, the Rams...Here's who they drafted:
1st Round (13th overall) - DE/DT Adam Carriker
A great pick. The Kennewick High School grad is a workout warrior and drive to match. He'll push DE Leonard Little & James Hall. Who knows, with all of Little's off-the-field problems, Carriker could be his replacement sooner rather than later. Carriker has a lot of Grant Wistrom-like qualities. Which is probably why the Rams liked him. It's also possible that he'll play D-tackle.
2nd Round (52) - FB/RB Brian Leonard
He's kind of a wild card. Not really sure why they drafted him this early. Running back wasn't really a need. Plus, Leonard, although talented, wasn't even the best back on his Rutgers team. It seems like they would have been bettered suited taking the next guy in the draft, the one-time troubled but talented CB Eric Wright. Or go with OSU's S Sabby Piscitelli. You can always use DB's in the NFC West. Even C Ryan Khalil could helped their line depth at C or G. Still, Leonard could a valuable role as a 3rd down back to block or catch the pass in the flat.
3rd Round (84) - CB Jonathan Wade
Former college receiver made the transition to corner at Tennessee. Only played one season as a full-time starter. Obviously, the negatives are inexperience at the position. He has the speed, but it'll take time to develop...like a couple of seasons before he receives consistant and meaningful playing time.
5th Round (139) - C Dustin Fry
Good 5th round pick. He started quite a few games at Clemson. He's got a mean streak too. Think former Husky Olin Kruetz. Once he learns the pro game and works on his technique, he should be a solid lineman for the Rams.
5th Round (154) - DT Clifton Ryan
The Rams addressed one of their needs here. St. Louis needs some rotational defensive tackles. At 6'3" and 310 pounds, Ryan should help plug the holes.
6th Round (190) - OT Ken Shackleford
Every team can use offesive line depth. Not sure if Shackleford is the answer for the future, but who knows. He's got size.
7th Round (248) - DT Keith Jackson, Jr.
You can't go wrong with drafting a son of former NFL player. Pops was an All-Pro tight end in the league (Keith Jackson, Sr.). He's fast for a DT (4.85 40), but short (6'). With that speed, he can create some havoc. Rams hope Jackson or Ryan can develop on the D-line.
7th Round (249)- WR Derek Stanley
One of 2-7th round compensatory picks. Stanley can return kicks. One of the knocks on Stanley is that he played at a lower level of competition for the Univ. of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Final Analysis:
You have to include KR-WR Dante Hall in this draft. The Rams traded a 5th rounder for him. Former Husky and Rams head coach Scott Linehan still has a ways to go to rebuild that team. Overall, I'd give them a C+. They did a lot to add depth on the O-line & D-Line. But they need some help at LB. Plus, with their aging receivers, Isaac Bruce (34) & Torri Holt (30), they could use some fresh blood at the wideout position. Around the web, the experts hover between B+ to a C. The average seems to be a round a B.
Tomorrow: the Cards are a changing
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4:27 PM Tue, May 01, 2007 | Permalink |
6:30pm Update: The Seattle Times reports that K Josh Brown has in fact signed his tender. He'll be ready for this weekend's mini-camps.
Mike Sando's blog from the News Tribune is reporting that K Josh Brown is set to sign his tender. Sando reports that it's just another step towards working on a long term deal.
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