Horse Tracks - 6/18/10

Woody's Mailbag: Conference realignment at stop sign for now - The Denver Post
As a student at Oklahoma State, I am following the conference shuffle. My Big 12 has turned into a picking ground for other conferences. The Buffs were the first to bail ship to the Pac-10. Why has the Big 12 suddenly gone into chaos? We all knew Nebraska would bail, but why did CU? We could have pulled TCU to the Big 12. Where are the rest of the Big 12 teams (including my OSU Cowboys) headed? Will we see a Pac-16 super conference?

Draft pick Walton signs deal - The Denver Post
Walton becomes the fourth player from the Broncos' 2010 draft class to agree to a contract. Seventh-round picks Jammie Kirlew and Syd'Quan Thompson signed last month, while cornerback Perrish Cox, a fifth-round choice, also recently agreed to a deal.

Has the OTA practice gone too far in the NFL? | National Football Post
The issue here is simple: you put a helmet on and it becomes violent. Forget shorts and jerseys, because most players don’t wear anything but shoulder pads on game days. That helmet leads to collisions and guys going that extra step and playing through the whistle. No, it isn’t the same hitting that we will see across the league during training camp, but there is still contact.

Mailbag: CBA breakthrough, Haynesworth and more | National Football Post
What do you think of this talk about an extended season in the latest collective bargaining session? I think this changes the game and gives hope for a new agreement. Here’s why: the owners have asked for a rollback of – depending on whom you believe – anywhere from nine to eighteen percent from the current CBA. Playing a couple of extra games, if accepted by the NFLPA, could be a tradeoff to the owners to bring the shared-revenue equation back to at or near where it is today.

The dark side of football | National Football Post
The penalties that the NCAA recently imposed on the USC Trojans for the Reggie Bush infractions are harsh and hurtful. This move proved the sad fact that one individual can wipe away the success and hard work of an entire program. It’s a stark reminder that there are still plenty of dark dealings and issues at work in the shadows of the game we love so much.

Titans' Derrick Morgan arrested for driving with suspended license | National Football Post
The Tennessee Titans' first-round draft pick is in trouble with the law.

Steve McNair case will remain closed | National Football Post
The Steve McNair case will remain officially closed.

Ken Hamlin: 'This is a great opportunity for me' | National Football Post
In need of a proven insurance policy with Ed Reed recuperating from hip surgery and expected to be sidelined at the launch of training camp, the Baltimore Ravens acquired former Pro Bowl safety Ken Hamlin to reinforce the secondary.

Packers president Mark Murphy discusses proposed 'enhanced season' | National Football Post
Green Bay Packers team president Mark Murphy discussed the NFL's proposal for an 18-game regular season, an idea met with skepticism from the NFL Players Association and their constituents such as Ray Lewis and Tom Brady.

Browns cut Shaun Suisham, John Bowie | National Football Post
The Cleveland Browns terminated the contract of veteran kicker Shaun Suisham only a few weeks after signing him and cutting rookie kicker Leigh Tiffin.

Full minicamp not mandatory for Samurai Mike? | National Football Post
Unless Mike Singletary can be in two places at one time, the San Francisco 49ers coach will not be present on the final day of minicamp Saturday.

Source: Seahawks agree to deal with E.J. Wilson | National Football Post
The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to a four-year deal with rookie defensive end. E.J. Wilson, according to a league source.

Broncos sign J.D. Walton, cut two others | National Football Post
The Denver Broncos signed third-round center J.D. Walton to a $2.58 million contract and waived rookie defensive lineman Jaron Baston and fullback Kyle Eckel.

Source: Walt Harris declined Ravens' contract offer | National Football Post
Veteran cornerback Walt Harris declined the Baltimore Ravens' contract offer this week, according to a league source.

Dolphins sign Dobbins to two-year extension | National Football Post
Veteran linebacker Tim Dobbins wasn't an afterthought in the draftday trade that allowed the San Diego Chargers to pick Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews and sent Dobbins to the Miami Dolphins.

Michael Oher to receive Congressional Gold Medal award | National Football Post
Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael is being honored by Congress with the Congresional Award Gold Medal in Washington, D.C., on June 23 as well as 251 other recipients.

Haynesworth's self-centered actions may alienate many in NFL
As bothered as some of Albert Haynesworth's Redskins' teammates are about him stiffing the organization because of the changed defensive scheme, he could -- and maybe should -- be facing more animosity from players around the NFL.

Fans should have realistic expectations for rookie QBs
A few months ago it was time to calm down the expectations surrounding the high picks for the 2010 NFL Draft at defensive tackle: Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy.

Improved Heyward-Bey, McFadden have Raiders on the up and up
Would you believe it? I continue to hear good things about the progress of the Oakland Raiders

NFL makes presentation on 'enhanced season' concept
The NFL made a presentation to the NFL Players Association during a collective bargaining session in New York on Wednesday espousing the merits of moving to an 18-game season. The session took place at the league offices in New York City and included top officials from both sides, with the crux of the roughly two hours devoted to the concept of the "enhanced season," as the NFL is calling it.

Doctor: Favre undecided about 2010 after successful ankle surgery
Brett Favre's doctor said Wednesday that the quarterback's recent ankle surgery went well and Favre has a few more weeks of rehabilitation before he will decide if he will return for a 20th NFL season.

Report: Jets could make Revis highest-paid DB in history
As several key members of the New York Jets remain unsigned, the team appears ready to make cornerback Darrelle Revis the richest defensive back in NFL history with a contract offer worth over $100 million, sources tell Newsday.

Tom Coughlin faces season of uncertainty - NFC East Blog - ESPN
Is New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin on the hot seat this year?