http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/home Recent rawsports Posts en-us Tyrann Mathieu, a.k.a., the Honey Badger, dropped I to the 3rd round of the NFL Draft due to a few "off the field" issues. He was selected by the Arizona Cardinals and a local business (a head shop) had quite the interesting welcome for one of their new players.... Mon, 06 May 2013 07:06:58 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/phoenix_business_has_interesting_welcome_for_honey_badger/13557656 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/phoenix_business_has_interesting_welcome_for_honey_badger/13557656 Phoenix Business Has Interesting Welcome for Honey Badger http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/phoenix_business_has_interesting_welcome_for_honey_badger/13557656 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png While the Browns are being extremely secretive about their new Head Coaching search, I do have a new report about outgoing team President, Mike Holmgren. A source inside the Browns has reported that prior to his departure, Mike Holmgren approached new owner Jimmy Haslam III & new CEO Joe Banner & offered his services to be Head Coach. Haslam & Banner reportedly declined the offer which may have lead to Holmgren's sudden departure (he was expected to leave following the end of this season). Mon, 31 Dec 2012 14:42:32 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_mike_holmgren_offered_to_coach_browns_was_denied/12548083 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_mike_holmgren_offered_to_coach_browns_was_denied/12548083 Report: Mike Holmgren Offered to Coach Browns, Was Denied http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_mike_holmgren_offered_to_coach_browns_was_denied/12548083 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The circus that is the Cleveland Browns keep chugging along. As reported by The Huffington Post, Browns LB, Tank Carder got himself into a bit of a mess (below).  He also deleted the initial tweet where he threw out an anti-gay slur at someone. No bueno.      Tue, 27 Nov 2012 12:20:34 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/browns_lb_tank_carder_tweets_anti_gay_slur/12305101 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/browns_lb_tank_carder_tweets_anti_gay_slur/12305101 Browns LB, Tank Carder Tweets Anti-Gay Slur http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/browns_lb_tank_carder_tweets_anti_gay_slur/12305101 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Cleveland Browns have announced that today is Mike Holmgren's last day with the Browns. Following Jimmy Haslam III's appointment of Joe Banner as the new CEO, Holmgren previously announced this season would be his last in Cleveland. Everyone believed he would finish out the season though and the timing is certainly odd. Holmgren has been met by much criticism due to the team's performance, Holmgren's interaction with the fans and media (and at times lack thereof), and most recently due to his open attempts to vie for the Cowboys coaching job. A job which happens to be filled for the time being. Fans are especially irritated with this due to the fact that Holmgren showed zero interest in coaching the Browns after firing Eric Mangini. If that weren't bad enough, he subsequently hired Pat Shurmur after assembling what most would call a weak pool of candidates. While I can't say for sure what prompted the timing of this decision to happen now, it wouldn't surprise me if his ant Sun, 25 Nov 2012 19:22:06 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/mike_holmgren_done_in_cleveland/12292249 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/mike_holmgren_done_in_cleveland/12292249 Mike Holmgren Done in Cleveland http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/mike_holmgren_done_in_cleveland/12292249 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png As if it weren't bad enough that Joe Haden reportedly missed the Browns meetings and most of the Special Teams portion of practice on Thanksgiving morning, a new report comes out this morning.  I'm told by someone with knowledge of the situation that both Joe Haden and TJ Ward were not in their rooms when the Browns performed their routine "bed check" last night.  The Browns stay at a Cleveland hotel the night before home games to help keep players focused and to ensure they are doing what they are supposed to be doing. As a part of this routine, they also enforce a curfew (they do the same for away games as well).  When the 10 PM deadline came last night and Browns personnel performed the "bed check" for Haden and Ward, they were not in their rooms. At this point I do not know where they were or when they returned, but I know they were not there at the deadline.  The players are not required to be in bed by 10 PM, but they are required to be on the floor by 10 PM and acc Sun, 25 Nov 2012 11:34:31 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_joe_haden_and_tj_ward_missed_browns_bed_check/12289357 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_joe_haden_and_tj_ward_missed_browns_bed_check/12289357 Report: Joe Haden and TJ Ward Missed Browns "Bed Check" http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_joe_haden_and_tj_ward_missed_browns_bed_check/12289357 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png After much criticism, the Cleveland Browns have decided to cancel their much maligned white flag giveaway for tomorrow's game against the rival Steelers.  As everyone in the free world (aside from decision makers within the Cleveland Browns) knows, a white flag is a widely known symbol for surrender. Something that may not be well received for a fan base which has lost 16 of the last 17 games to the Steelers.  Honestly, in my opinion, the Browns look even worse canceling the promotion now. They were either completely unaware of what an idiotic idea it was or they are so swayed by the fans that they can be that easily influenced.  I still have high hopes for incoming owner Jimmy Haslam III, but I've been less than impressed with some of the things that continue to occur since he's taken over. It's early and he still gets the benefit of the doubt in my book, but things need to change in this organization. Quickly.      Sat, 24 Nov 2012 18:30:22 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/browns_cancel_white_flag_giveaway/12285991 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/browns_cancel_white_flag_giveaway/12285991 Browns Cancel "White Flag" Giveaway http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/browns_cancel_white_flag_giveaway/12285991 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Joe Haden, who has taken a lot of heat this year for his mistake that lead to a 4 game suspension (reported here first) and most recently for being seen "out all night" during the week in which he was battling an injury, is at it again. He ultimately pulled himself out of that game last week against the Cowboys too, by the way. Today, the Browns' meetings started at 7:15 AM. At the time of this post, Haden has still not arrived at the facility in Berea according to reports. Keep in mind, practice begins at 10 AM... As a side note, Greg Little was significantly late for the meetings as well, but he ultimately showed up. If these reports are accurate, and they've never been wrong, I honestly don't understand how the team allows this behavior to persist. And, oh by the way, it's Steelers week... and the team is 2-8! As we approach the beginning of practice, I'll keep you posted when I hear when and if he actually decides to grace the team with his presence. I suppose it's p Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:22:01 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_joe_haden_missing_for_thanksgiving_morning_meetings/12272965 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_joe_haden_missing_for_thanksgiving_morning_meetings/12272965 Report: Joe Haden Missing For Thanksgiving Morning Meetings http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_joe_haden_missing_for_thanksgiving_morning_meetings/12272965 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png As if the Browns weren't enough of an embarrassment to the people of Cleveland, their latest idea is even is worse than usual. Pictures above, someone thought it'd be a good idea to hand out these white flags at this week's game against the rival Steelers. Maybe they don't know the universal meaning of "waiving the white flag".... Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:14:54 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/cleveland_browns_to_hand_out_white_flags/12268684 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/cleveland_browns_to_hand_out_white_flags/12268684 Cleveland Browns to hand out "White Flags" http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/cleveland_browns_to_hand_out_white_flags/12268684 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png This has been circulating, but I wanted to share the Buckeyes' new Nike uniforms for this year's Michigan game. Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:55:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/ohio_states_nike_uniforms_for_michigan_game/12265945 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/ohio_states_nike_uniforms_for_michigan_game/12265945 Ohio State's Nike Uniforms for Michigan Game http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/ohio_states_nike_uniforms_for_michigan_game/12265945 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Josh Cribbs is undoubtedly a special return man and special teams player. After negotiating what most people in the league believed to be too high of a contract for a special teams player, Cribbs and the Browns attempted to get more value out of him by utilizing him at WR.  It has not worked out very well for a variety of reasons. My sources inside the Browns have confirmed that Cribbs is just as much to blame, if not more so than anyone else. Until very recently, he has not taken being a WR very seriously, skipping offensive meetings or leaving them early, not putting in the extra work to learn the playbook or to improve route running, etc. In fact, I'm told that at this point, he still routinely runs the wrong routes/yardages and makes it nearly impossible for a QB to get the proper timing down with him.  With that said, Cribbs is once again making noise about his offensive production, or lack thereof.  Josh Cribbs told the Cleveland Plain Dealer the following yesterday: "I feel like I' Sat, 17 Nov 2012 08:17:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/josh_cribbs_feels_caged_in_browns_offense_criticizes_coaching_staff/12234313 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/josh_cribbs_feels_caged_in_browns_offense_criticizes_coaching_staff/12234313 Josh Cribbs Feels "Caged" in Browns Offense, Criticizes Coaching Staff http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/josh_cribbs_feels_caged_in_browns_offense_criticizes_coaching_staff/12234313 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Alabama has a history of being loaded across the board. Perhaps no more so than at RB with players like Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson sharing the same backfield. This strength at the RB appears to be continuing as Alabama who already has great young talent at the position on the roster and has a ridiculously strong recruiting class coming in.  Recent commit Derrick Henry of Yulee Florida had a record setting night last night in a playoff victory against Perry Florida. Henry finished with a ridiculous 482 yards and 6 TDs on 58 carries. This effort broke a national career rushing record of 11,232 yards previously held by Ken Hall for 60 years.  On the season, in 11 games Henry has not been held below 200 yards rushing. He has run for 3,752 yards and 50 touchdowns. Henry now has 11,612 yards and 148 TDs for his career. And counting... Henry is physically imposing listed at 6'3" and upwards of 240 pounds. He will likely be a force to be reckoned with once Alabama has put him through their worko Sat, 17 Nov 2012 07:53:12 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/alabama_rb_commit_henry_runs_for_482_yards_breaks_national_career_rushing_record/12234175 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/alabama_rb_commit_henry_runs_for_482_yards_breaks_national_career_rushing_record/12234175 Alabama RB Commit, Henry, Runs for 482 yards, Breaks National Career Rushing Record http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/alabama_rb_commit_henry_runs_for_482_yards_breaks_national_career_rushing_record/12234175 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Browns CB, Joe Haden is known as much for his nightlife activities as he is for his immense talent. Joe is beloved across northeast Ohio for his friendly demeanor, fan interaction & support of local teams. His extracurriculars, while loved for many reasons, may however be turning into a problem. Earlier in the season, I reported weeks before anyone that Haden had failed an NFL drug test. The information I received and which was reported by others indicated that Haden failed the test due to taking Adderal (a stimulant) so he could stay awake to party all might in Vegas. This cost his team 4 games. After I mentioned yesterday morning that Haden has been battling an injury this week that threatens his chances of playing against the cowboys Haden ended up missing practice because of it. I'm told this morning that many people have reported seeing Haden "all night long" at the new Horseshoe Casino in Cleveland. For those familiar, this is one if Joe's favorite spots. I'm also told Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:01:10 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_joe_haden_spotted_at_cleveland_casino_all_night_long/12226747 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_joe_haden_spotted_at_cleveland_casino_all_night_long/12226747 Report: Joe Haden Spotted at Cleveland Casino "All night long" http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_joe_haden_spotted_at_cleveland_casino_all_night_long/12226747 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Chicago Bears All-Pro linebacker Brian Urlacher isn't doing anything to help the NFL with it's "player safety" image and war against concussion related lawsuits.  When asked today about the NFL's concussion problem he responded with the following: "If you don't want to play and get concussed, then don't play. "It's your career, it's your life. "You have to make that decision on your own." Concussions are certainly one of the main topics of discussion as the Bears prepare to face the 49ers. Both starting QB's Jay Cutler and Alex Smith respectively, were forced to leave last week's games due to concussion and their status for this week is up in the air.  While I agree to a point with Urlacher, he's doing no one any favors by speaking out about it. Although he was asked, and I certainly respect the candor.  Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:28:12 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/urlacher_dont_play_if_you_dont_want_a_concussion/12223474 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/urlacher_dont_play_if_you_dont_want_a_concussion/12223474 Urlacher: Don't play if you don't want a concussion http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/urlacher_dont_play_if_you_dont_want_a_concussion/12223474 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Texas A&M WR, Thomas Johnson was reported missing on monday and has now reportedly been located in Dallas according to the Washington Post.  Johnson's mother, Linda Hanks was told by Texas A&M University Police that Johnson has been found and is unharmed. Police traveled to Dallas with the Texas Rangers and located Johnson at around 2:30 AM on Thursday morning.  University police are not releasing any further details as to the nature of his disappearance, but everyone is relieved that he's ok.  Thu, 15 Nov 2012 18:49:29 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/texas_a_m_wr_thomas_johnson_found_safe/12223144 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/texas_a_m_wr_thomas_johnson_found_safe/12223144 Texas A&M WR, Thomas Johnson Found Safe http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/texas_a_m_wr_thomas_johnson_found_safe/12223144 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png As the Cleveland Browns come off their bye week and prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys, there is some potentially troubling news in Berea. I've been told from a reliable source that Joe Haden is battling a rib injury & has been struggling at practice. At this point, he's still likely to play against the Cowboys, but facing a prolific offense like Dallas could be problematic with the team's best corner banged up. Additionally, another Browns CB, Buster Skrine reportedly tweaked his ankle this week. His injury appears less serious & he's expected to play as well, but this is certainly not great news for the Browns. If you have Dallas offensive players on your fantasy team, you may want to start them. **Update** Haden was held out of Thursday practice and Cleveland Plain Dealer Browns beat reporter, Mary Kay Cabot confirmed my report of Haden's injury later in the day. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:14:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_browns_cb_joe_haden_injured_misses_practice/12218095 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_browns_cb_joe_haden_injured_misses_practice/12218095 Report: Browns CB, Joe Haden Injured - Misses Practice http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/report_browns_cb_joe_haden_injured_misses_practice/12218095 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png