We haven't forgotten you

So, you're probably wondering why it's been so quiet around here, with nothing posted for a couple days.

Well, the answer is myself and my colleague Rick Stroud have been drafted to help cover the NCAAs here in Tampa. So, I'm doing my best to become an expert on Siena, San Diego, Western Kentucky and Villanova.

In the meantime, there's actually a feature on Jeff Faine in today's paper that you might want to take a look at.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still around. And keep in mind, the next few weeks are going to really heat up. We've got the NFL owner's meetings coming up as well as the draft, which barely a month away. So, there will be lots to talk about. Let us just get the basketball responsibilities out of the way first.

Comments

[Guano]

These are my favorite types of articles on blogs... the "we haven't forgotten about this blog, neither should you" article.

[DR]

Superman wears Rick Stroud pajamas.

[The Man]

Some people look under their bed for the boogie man. The boogie man looks under his bed for Jeff Garcia.

[CHARLIE]

LOOKING FORWARD TO SOME FOOTBALL NEWS

[DR]

They were going to carve Jeff Garcia's face into MT. Rushmore, but the granite wasn't strong enough to hold his image.

[DR]

Stephen, with all these rumors of Chad Johnson wanting out of Cincy, is there anything he can do to help Cincy help him out? It would be idiotic for Cincy to trade away CJ AND take a $9M cap hit, but the question that came up is, could CJ pay Cincy back his signing bonus so that Cincy wouldn't take a cap hit? Is that even possible?

[DR]

Sorry about these weird people who spend their free time writing stupid blogs under my abbreviated name. I know I go over the top sometimes, but this reaction is just pathetic.

[SJ]

The Bucs Desperately need a playmaker on offense unless they do just do not want to advance beyhond the first round. Why are we not talking about trading for Chad Johnson? Somebody tell me why PLEASE. Happy Easter.

[DR]

SJ, if the Bengals get rid of CJ, they will still take a $9M salary ca hit. The offer would have to be amazing for them to get rid of CJ and lose that much salary cap.

[DR]

Really the Bucs should trade for Romo, since they like collecting QB's and he hasn't done squat for Dallas anywhoo...

[Joe]

5 1/2 months until the first Bucs blackout...

[SJ]

DR,I believe the Bucs can make them an amazing offer(like their 1st and 2nd round draft picks this year to start) considering 9 million hit or not, they are not going to want to put up with this distraction/headache all year. CJ makes the Bucs a NFC Championship contender.

[Stephen_Holder]

DR, I understand your question regarding Chad Johnson and whether he could make the cap hit more acceptable for the Bengals. My answer is that I'm not absolutely sure there's any provision that would make that possible, but even so, I can't imagine Drew Rosenhaus sitting by and watching Chad set what most will probably see as a terrible precedent. I would think there's no way that would happen.

[Justin M]

The Bucs have learned what happens when you trade first day draft picks for players. Its not worth it in the long run. Giving up picks for Chad Johnson, a WR, is senseless.

[Simby]

Jeff Garcia actually died 10 yrs. ago...too bad death is too scared to tell him

[aaron]

Stephen, i have seen some reports/rumors around the net that the bucs are interested in trading for Pacman Jones. Considering the following factors i don think is is that far fetched: Gruden will take in almost anybody (david boston, antonio bryant, jeremy stevens), we desperatly need a starting caliber CB, and we desperatly need a legitimate kick/punt returner.
It may sound crazy, but it would make sense. have you heard anything about these rumors?

[DR]

Stephen, I don't think CJ and, especially, Drew Rosenhaus, would be willing to do anything considered to be unselfish for an organization, unless it was the last resort and they thought they could recoup some of the money with another team. In my opinion, it would be a waste to give up first day draft picks and a young promising player for CJ. He's a good receiver, but is not an elite one. He disappears far too often against good defensive teams. The self proclaimed hall of famer is disappointed with the Bengals who have a lot of talent on offense and one of the better QBs in the league, how is he going to come to Tampa and expect better things?
CJ wouldn't make Tampa a better contender in the NFC, he'll just put Tampa on Sportscenter more often with his selfish antics. You all didn't like Me-shawn so you more than likely won't like his cousin.

[SJ]

Stephen, please do not blog if your going to write ignorant comments. CJ is a good receiver and not an elite one??????? 27 years old; last five year averages: 80 catches; 1374 yards; 9 TDs. Name 3 receivers with better 5 year averages.

[Matt]

The NFL Commissioner would give Pacman Jones a 1 year suspension just for signing with Tampa. Come on there would have to be 50 Strip Clubs within walking distance of the stadium.

[DR]

SJ, that was me who said that, and you have to look at the stats more thoroughly. His best games are always against the worst teams or defenses. The Bengals have been a huge disappointment the last few years and their home playoff appearance, despite a major injury to Palmer, CJ still had a subpar game. CJ is NOT a Moss, Owens, Harrison, Holt, Fitzgerald type receiver. He is not one of the elite in my opinion. I'm not sure why the media gives him a pass on his selfish antics that is a poison in his locker room. Win a playoff game before throwing signs up or putting on a Hall of Fame 20?? over coat on after a touchdown.

[Mike]

DR,
CJ is not Keyshawn's cousin. That's a farce. Anyways, He is ALMOST an elite receiver IMO but we certainly don't need to mortgage the future of this team on him. With the last few years giving up draft picks on Keyshawn, Walker, & Gruden, we are finally able to use these draft picks build this team.

I dont think Jeff Garcia is hiding under the bed. Maybe you should check the closet....

[Stephen_Holder]

Matt, I hadn't thought of that. That's definitely true. Tampa is no place for Pac Man!

[DR]

Yeah, I heard Mons Venus and Odyssey are expecting rain in the future.

[aaron]

Mike, actually Keyshawn IS Chads cousin. In addition to Keyshawn, Samari Rolle is also. If you dont believe it goes to Chads official website, chadjohnson85.com.

[Mike]

You're right aaron. I heard that Keyshawn denied that they were related last year while interviewing Chad.

[Stephen_Holder]

Samari and Chad went to the same high school, for what that's worth. That much I'm sure of. I grew up in the same neighborhood as Samari and we are about the same age. Somehow these things tend to never get settled. Remember years ago when T-Mac and Vince Carter supposedly were cousins. I think that turned out to be an embellishment.

[DR]

I wear Tony Romo panties.

[Travis Henry]

I am Keyshaun, Chad and Samari's daddies

[Shaun Kemp]

no you aint Travis --- I AM !

[The King]

I AM!