NFL Player news

[SD_Eagle5]

Coughlin partially responsible for Tiki's retirement

Tiki: Coughlin's demanding style pushed him into retirement
On a day when Tiki Barber began his new career, he couldn't help but take a final shot toward his old boss: Giants coach Tom Coughlin.

During his press conference in New York today to announce his deal with NBC, Barber said his decision to retire from the NFL was due to the constant pounding his body took because of Coughlin's demanding style.

"He pushed me in the direction (of TV)," Barber told reporters after his press conference. "He kind of forced me to start thinking about what I wanted to do next. And I went after it."

Barber and Coughlin clashed on numerous occasions, including after the playoff loss to the Carolina Panthers last January. Barber said the Giants were "out-coached" by Carolina – a comment he never took back despite his efforts to clarify in the days afterward. Barber also questioned the game planning and play calling after multiple games during Coughlin's tenure.

Today, Barber spoke about the Coughlin regime – the three best years of his career in which Coughlin helped cure his fumbling problems and turn him into a Pro Bowl player.

"But at the same time, the grind started to take its toll on me, the principles of our head coach started to take its toll on me so I started looking for the next thing," Barber said.

Giants VP of communications Pat Hanlon said the team and Coughlin had no comment.

Pressed on what he meant by Coughlin's principles, Barber said he wasn't referring to the coach's rules but to the physical demands he placed on his players.

"Coach Coughlin is very hard-nosed, and I didn't get a lot of time off," Barber said. "I couldn't sit down and rest myself. It was a constant grind, a physical grind on me that started to take its toll. While it didn't show up on Sundays, because I had my best three seasons under him – and I give him a lot of credit for that – I could feel a difference.

"I knew it was time to start thinking about the other things, so I started putting more concerted efforts into doing things at FOX News, and taking trips in the off-season as opposed to staying here and working out, and preparing myself for what would be my next career," he said.

Contributed by Mike Garafolo

[MURP]

3 cheers for Coughlin.

[BlueHeart]

Yes, they did cut Morton, too, and Ol' Cross Eye retired.

I don't give a rat's patoot about Emmons and Morton hittin' the skids, but, I am one unhappy bitch in regards to Petitgout and Arrington.

Diehl is more than capable, but, he played better, when filling in, on the right side. I'm hoping, come June, they re-sign Luke's ass with his money dumped into a signing bonus. I'm not buying that crap about his leg not healing fast enough. His cap hit would've been roughly 6.9mil...

There was alot of talk re: Briggs a couple of weeks ago, but, didn't he get tagged? Or am I thinking of someone else?

[PhillyPhanInDC]

Lions | Give Bly permission to seek trade
Wed, 14 Feb 2007 08:19:00 -0800

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions president Matt Millen and head coach Rod Marinelli have given CB Dre' Bly permission to seek a trade this offseason. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Matt and Rod allowing me the opportunity to find a home for Dre' Bly that is more conducive to his Pro Bowl skill set," Bly's agent, Kennard McGuire, said Tuesday Feb. 13.

[Diomedes]

McGuire comes off as a real douche in that quote.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

McGuire comes off as a real douche in that quote.

all lawyers are douches
all agents are lawyers

therefore, all agents are douches

[SD_Eagle5]

Ravens | J. Lewis to be released
Thu, 15 Feb 2007 08:52:02 -0800

Jamison Hensley, of the Baltimore Sun, reports the Baltimore Ravens are expected to release RB Jamal Lewis before he is due a $5 million roster bonus in March. If the Ravens cut Lewis, they are expected to save $3.3 million in salary cap room.

[PhillyPhanInDC]

Ravens | J. Lewis to be released
Thu, 15 Feb 2007 08:52:02 -0800

Jamison Hensley, of the Baltimore Sun, reports the Baltimore Ravens are expected to release RB Jamal Lewis before he is due a $5 million roster bonus in March. If the Ravens cut Lewis, they are expected to save $3.3 million in salary cap room.

I could go for the Westy/Lewis combo.....

[SD_Eagle5]

I hope he stays in the AFC, I'd hate to see him land with a team like the Giants.

[MURP]

Lewis hasnt dont much to scare anyone since his great 2003 season.

[Diomedes]

Lewis hasnt dont much to scare anyone since his great 2003 season.

A season which wouldn't have been nearly as daunting without two HUGE games against Cleveland (500 yards in two games).  You can't take them away...it was a great season.  But it was only one great season.  Fluke is the word for that.

[shorebird]

Lewis is done.

[Diomedes]

He had more yards rushing in '03 (16 games) than he did in '05 and '06 combined (31 games).

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Lewis is done.

*ding*

[MDS]

As a complement to Westbrook and for the right price? It beats Buckhalter. But by no means should fatso be salavating at the mouth to sign this guy.