http://www.rtsports.com/ RealTime Fantasy Sports Fantasy Football News en-us Mon, 12 May 2008 09:37:00 GMT 2008 RTSports.com 60 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025896 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025896 CANTON, Ohio (AP) -A ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday marked the opening of the $4 million renovated wings at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Former Cleveland Browns star Dante Lavelli helped do the honors as the new wings were shown to the public. Renovations to the hall's enshrinee mementos, unchanged for nearly 30 years, include video and audio to help bring the game's greatest players and moments to life. A bench features nine lifelike figures in uniform. RTSports.com 2008-05-10T23:04-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025895 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025895 ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) - Darren McFadden burst through the middle during a drill and slowed up as he reached the secondary only to be scolded by offensive coordinator Greg Knapp for not running hard for 40 yards. Tom Rathman got on McFadden's case another time when he carried the ball back to the huddle with his elbow not tucked in close to the body to secure the ball. The NFL education of McFadden began at the Oakland Raiders rookie minicamp this weekend, when the fourth overall pick in the draft got his first taste of professional football. RTSports.com 2008-05-10T19:46-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025894 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025894 HOUSTON - Steve Slaton fumbled a pitch on one play and got his helmet knocked off on another during the second day of Houston Texans minicamp on Saturday. Later, he dodged three would-be tacklers and sprinted down the field. The former West Virginia star, drafted by the Texans in the third round, is getting plenty of snaps to show coach Gary Kubiak what he can do. Now if he can only memorize the complicated playbook. ``I'm just trying to learn the system, trying to get the plays down so that I can make an impact right now,'' said Slaton, the 89th overall pick. ``The pass plays and the pass protections, that's where my biggest trouble is coming from.'' RTSports.com 2008-05-10T18:44-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025893 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025893 ST. LOUIS (AP) -Two injury-plagued years haven't hurt Orlando Pace 's sense of humor. The Rams' former Pro Bowl tackle said on Saturday during the second day of St. Louis' minicamp that he is feeling good and looking forward to training camp. ``I'm just getting ready for training camp,'' said a smiling Pace, who missed three camps earlier in his career when he was designated as a franchise player. ``I'm not going to complain about missing some of training camp, but we'll see what the doctors say.'' RTSports.com 2008-05-10T17:18-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025892 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025892 FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) -There were signs Saturday that No. 7 jerseys may become yesterday's fashion for Atlanta Falcons fans. Some fans attending the Falcons' opening day of minicamp wore No. 2 jerseys in early tribute to the team's new hope at quarterback, rookie Matt Ryan . The Falcons used a committee approach to replace Michael Vick during the 2007 season, but the team is hoping Ryan will be his long-term replacement and its new franchise player. RTSports.com 2008-05-10T16:56-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025891 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025891 OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -The Baltimore Ravens are doing more than merely fighting for jobs at their first mandatory minicamp under new coach John Harbaugh. They're fighting each other, too. Nearly all 85 players in camp were involved in a squabble Saturday that began when offensive tackle Oniel Cousins and defensive tackle Amon Gordon threw punches after running back Allen Patrick was taken down hard on a burst up the middle. All the players surged toward the middle of the field, and it was nearly two minutes before peace was restored. RTSports.com 2008-05-10T16:08-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025890 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025890 ATLANTA (AP) -The early reports that Herschel Walker's new book would reveal he has lived with a multiple-personality disorder sparked a wave of surprise and even disbelief from many who know the former football star. Family members, including Walker's father and brother, said they had no hint he had a multiple-personality disorder. Walker's former University of Georgia coach, Vince Dooley, also was surprised Walker has been found to have what also is called dissociative identity disorder. Some critics have said Walker just wanted to bring attention to himself. Others said he was just weaving a creative element into the book ``Breaking Free'' to make money. RTSports.com 2008-05-10T15:54-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025889 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025889 EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -Receiver Mario Manningham and quarterback Andre' Woodson were sidelined by injuries Saturday during the New York Giants' minicamp for rookies and free agents. A third-round draft pick from Michigan, Manningham suffered a hip flexor on his left side running a pull-up pattern early in the morning workout. Manningham said the injury happened because he did not run his pattern right. RTSports.com 2008-05-10T14:28-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025888 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025888 BOISE, Idaho (AP) -He's a 25-year-old mechanical engineer who hasn't rushed a yard in his life. But the machine Seth Kuhlman built could provide the NFL with some of the most comprehensive information available on how and why turf-related injuries occur, and if changes in footwear or artificial turf could result in fewer injuries for NFL players. The NFL gave Boise State researchers a $115,000 grant last year for the project. Kuhlman designed and built the machine in a lab that sits about 500 miles from the nearest NFL stadium. RTSports.com 2008-05-10T13:24-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025886 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025886 CINCINNATI (AP) - Chad Johnson 's dustup with the Cincinnati Bengals hasn't hurt his multimillion-dollar endorsement deals so far, but his long-term prospects could suffer if things get ugly. The high-profile receiver is threatening to sit out the season if the Bengals don't trade him. The Bengals have refused and called his bluff, telling him to go ahead and stay away if that's how he feels. Sitting out would cost Johnson his $3 million salary for 2008. It also would force advertisers to scramble. RTSports.com 2008-05-10T11:48-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025885 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025885 CINCINNATI (AP) -A year ago, it was unthinkable. Fans were invited recently to exchange their Chad Johnson jerseys for minor league hockey tickets. Nineteen fans accepted the offer, and another gladly relinquished a Chad bobblehead. A small number, of course. But the fact that anyone would even think of holding such a promotion underscores how far Johnson's image has slipped in the last few months. RTSports.com 2008-05-10T11:44-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025884 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025884 PHOENIX (AP) -Former NFL lineman Luis Sharpe was sentenced Friday to six years in prison and four years' probation for a series of drug offenses. The 47-year-old Sharpe played for the St. Louis and Arizona Cardinals from 1982-94 and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection. In a pre-sentence report, Sharpe admitted that he first started using cocaine when he was a 21-year-old rookie in the NFL and it was ``the worst mistake I ever made.'' RTSports.com 2008-05-10T01:24-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025883 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025883 RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -The older brother of New York Jets safety Abram Elam was fatally shot, the third sibling in the family to die by gunfire since 1987. Riviera Beach police officers were called to the scene of a shooting at about 12:35 p.m. Friday, and found Donald Charles Elam shot in the lower back, according to a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office news release. Donald Elam, 33, was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead. RTSports.com 2008-05-09T23:18-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025881 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025881 EARTH CITY, Mo. (AP) - Chris Long learned pretty quickly that his status as the St. Louis Rams' No. 1 pick in this year's draft does not disqualify him from rookie chores. In his first day as a pro, the 6-foot-3, 279-pound defensive end from the University of Virginia was forced to lug the helmet of veteran defensive tackle La'Roi Glover from the indoor practice facility to the locker room at the beginning and end of the Rams' two-hour workout. ``It's one of those things,'' Long said. ``Rookies got to do it.'' RTSports.com 2008-05-09T19:52-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025880 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025880 ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) - Darren McFadden 's spot on the Oakland roster was assured the minute the Raiders used the No. 4 overall pick on him in last month's draft. For most of the other players at the team's rookie minicamp Friday, it was time to prove to coach Lane Kiffin and his assistants that they too were worthy of NFL careers. Because of a variety of trades, the Raiders' second pick in the draft didn't come until the fourth round, when they selected safety Tyvon Branch out of Connecticut. They also added receivers Arman Shields (fourth round, Richmond) and Chaz Schilens (seventh round, San Diego State), and defensive end Trevor Scott in the sixth round from Buffalo. RTSports.com 2008-05-09T19:22-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025879 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025879 HOUSTON (AP) -The start of Houston Texans minicamp on Friday was more than just a practice to Charles Spencer . The 6-foot-4, 338-pound offensive lineman took the field with his team for the first time since breaking his left leg nearly two years ago, a severe injury that doctors thought could end his career. It's a minor miracle that he's even playing again, but Spencer's goal now is earning back his job. RTSports.com 2008-05-09T18:44-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025878 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025878 GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -The Green Bay Packers released Koren Robinson on Friday, the latest setback for the veteran wide receiver trying to resurrect his career after serving an NFL suspension and jail time. Not long after Green Bay signed the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Robinson in 2006, the league suspended him for a year for alcohol-related problems. He sought treatment that included attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and taking a drug that would make him sick if he drank alcohol again. RTSports.com 2008-05-09T18:16-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025877 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025877 LOWELL, Mass. (AP) -New England Patriots defensive back Willie Andrews entered a plea to a marijuana possession charge, but won't face any prison time. The 24-year-old Andrews admitted in court Friday there was enough evidence to convict him at trial, but did not plead guilty. Lowell District Court Judge Neil Walker continued the case without a finding for a year. During that time, Andrews must speak to student athletes about the dangers of narcotics, pay a $1,000 fine and complete an NFL substance abuse program. RTSports.com 2008-05-09T17:52-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025876 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025876 OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) - Joe Flacco dropped back in the pocket, scanned the field, cocked his arm and tossed a spiral far downfield. Mark Clayton sprinted under the ball and made the catch in stride, one step ahead of the defender. Ah, if only playing quarterback in the NFL was that easy. Instead of pumping his fist or showing any outward sign of pleasure, the first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens simply walked away from the line of scrimmage and awaited another opportunity. ``I'm just moving onto the next play. The last thing I'm thinking about is the play I just completed,'' Flacco said. ``This is a new offense for me, and I'm worried about the next play and making sure I know what to do.'' RTSports.com 2008-05-09T17:46-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025875 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/0800025875 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -The Tennessee Titans have been criticized for not drafting a wide receiver in the first round to help Vince Young . Asked for his thoughts on that subject, the quarterback said Friday he has enough help. Now the challenge is for him to improve. ``If I don't pay attention, that's my fault. If I do, with the talent that I have and the chemistry I have and all the guys and the weapons I have around me, all I have to do is stay focused and work hard and I feel I'll be all right,'' Young said after a minicamp session. RTSports.com 2008-05-09T17:44-04:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/rtfs-361 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/rtfs-361 The free agency period kicks off tonight (Thursday) at midnight. Teams will be free to start making offers and signing players. This normally makes for some exciting times in the NFL. But to be honest, the free agent crop this season isn't too exciting. There are a few guys that will be difference makers, but for the most part, many big names won't be changing teams - at least through free agency. This doesn't mean some big-name players won't get cut or traded in the weeks or months to come, though. Below is a breakdown of the top unrestricted free agents at each offensive position. We'll give you our favorites and also a few of the top restricted free agents, which are less likely to change teams. Let the fun begin! Quarterbacks RTSports.com 2008-02-28T14:08-05:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/rtfs-357 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/rtfs-357 Now that the season is officially over (Pro Bowl doesn't count), it is time to hand out our fantasy awards. We'll go over the top and flop players from each position as well as picking our Player of the Year , Surprise of the Year , Bust of the Year and Rookie of the Year . Some of the choices were tougher than others, but there are definitely some guys that got overlooked in some of the categories. It will happen, though, and we are sure some guys were more valuable to your team than others. Hopefully, you had a good season and had many of the guys mentioned on your team - except for the flops. Player of the Year RTSports.com 2008-02-08T11:27-05:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/rtfs-356 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/rtfs-356 Wow, what a game! The catch by David Tyree late in the fourth quarter summed up the game. Tyree got little action at receiver much of the season, but much like his team, came up with a big, unexpected play at a crucial time. The Giants did that all game, making plays when most didn't give them a chance. New York's defensive line was the difference in the game, though, harassing Tom Brady all day, and holding Laurence Maroney to 36 yards rushing. Who would have thought the Patriots would score just 14 points? The Patriots had scored 20 or more points in every game this season. Their offense seemed unstoppable. The Giants didn't do a whole lot offensively, but managed 14 fourth quarter points to pull out the victory. Eli Manning engineered two great drives in the quarter. The first drive was 80 yards and the game-winning drive was 83 yards. New York's offense made the plays when needed. It was just enough to win the game. RTSports.com 2008-02-04T10:52-05:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/rtfs-354 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/rtfs-354 There are just five injuries of note for the Super Bowl, which is a good thing. You want both teams at or near full strength for the big game. It makes for a better game - most of the time. Plus, it puts the best team out there for both teams. And of the players hurt, there is a good chance all will be able to play Sunday. Tom Brady was the talk of the town, but his ankle injury isn't even on the injury report. Good stuff. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots . The most talked about injury at the Super Bowl is not even listed on the injury report. That is right, Brady's ankle injury isn't on the injury report. He is on the injury report as probable because of a shoulder injury, but that has been the case for the last several years. So his ankle doesn't seem to be a huge issue at the moment. Brady seems to be moving around well in practice and doesn't seem limited much by the ankle. He should be fine for Sunday. RTSports.com 2008-01-31T14:14-05:00 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/rtfs-353 http://www.rtsports.com/football-news/rtfs-353 Kind of sad, but this is our last Lineup Tips for the season. But everything has to come to an end. And believe me, the '08 season will be here before you know it. The offseason seems to get shorter and shorter every year. So enjoy the Super Bowl. It is a great day, whether you like the teams involved or not. Eat some great food. Spend time with family and friends. Maybe partake in a few games of chance. And don't forget to watch some good football. I know I'm looking forward to the day. Hopefully, you have a happy and safe Super Bowl Sunday. As for the game, we have a detailed preview posted on the site. We give our game prediction as well as a breakdown of the entire game position by position. Check it out. RTSports.com 2008-01-30T11:08-05:00