6.30.2008

NFL Players in Prison - Football Players in Jail - Esquire

The Playbook Commentary:

The case has been made in this piece by Chuck Klosterman...although he states the problem and offers no solution, the fact still remains that there is a serious problem within the professional sports community. These young athletes, men more than women, are given narrow views of what success can look like....Sports.But, they are not taught the responsibility that comes with that form of success, or for that matter, any type of success.


They are also not given healthy alternatives, just in case they don't make it.....letting them know they can be successful with or without a professional career in sports.


Instead of continuing to illuminate the problem, I wish folks would take the energy and put it where it needs to be....in prevention and problem solving initaitives....like The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative. The professional sports brand will continue to be tarnished until a sincere effort is made to address this issue, and not continue to allow the mighty dollar to influence their decisions and efforts.


When will that happen?



The 2008 NFL Prison Football Preview

Michael Vick and countless other promising young football stars are currently doing jail time. Which is unfortunate, to be sure. But they’d make one hell of a football team.
By Chuck Klosterman


FormerPro Bowl quarterback Michael Vick is in Leavenworth. Rae Carruth, currently serving a nineteen- to twenty-four-year sentence for conspiring to kill his girlfriend, made the NFL all-rookie team in '97. Arena League linebacker Darion Conner got fifteen years for running over a bicyclist. In 2006, Michigan State defensive back Cole Corey was sentenced to two to ten years for sexual assault.


Last January, an offensive tackle and a defensive end for Texas A&M were indicted for felony robbery. And this is only a sampling of the guys who got media coverage; there's no telling how many teenage criminals went to jail before they had a college career. If we selected the forty-four best football players in the U. S. penal system, how much ass would they kick?

Right now, 2.3 million people are incarcerated. This is a social travesty. But -- hypothetically -- if we were to draft and train the best talent from that pool, I bet they could win the SEC or the Pac-10. They could maybe beat the Dolphins in an exhibition. Obviously, the Vick-to-Carruth connection would be key, but I have to believe prisons contain some of the most intimidating, hardest-hitting role-players on the planet. These dudes would make the '77 Raiders look like Tibetan monks.

You know, I don't like The Longest Yard. I don't think it's funny. But this I would watch.


Photo credit: James D. Smith/WireImage.com

6.27.2008

Athletes and Endorsements: A New Way of Doing Business - AccessAthletes :: The Real Athlete Blog

Athletes and Endorsements: A New Way of Doing Business
by Dean Fisk

06-26-2008

Even with the current economic downturn, business opportunities for professional athletes remain plentiful. And the truth is off-the-field success doesn’t just happen to “star” players. There are numerous examples of athletes with average-at-best playing stats that have secured lucrative endorsements and other post-career opportunities. Business success for these athletes is determined by the strength of their personal brand image and the size of their fan base. And while it’s fairly obvious that as an athlete you can maintain control of your own brand, you can also positively impact your fan following through creative Web marketing techniques.

In the business world, the terms “viral marketing” and “social marketing” are buzzwords used to describe methods of a reaching a broad number of people through very personal communications methods. These concepts, used by virtually all Fortune 500 companies, can also be used successfully by today’s athletes. The fact of the matter is today’s sports fan wants their information up to the minute and on demand. No longer is it acceptable to talk to target audiences from the top down. Today, you need to hold virtual conversations with your key audiences, which includes fans and potential sponsors. By doing so, you can not only increase the size of your fan following, but also create a stronger bond with those fans.

Contemporary ways to reach out to your fans include writing a blog, having your own Website, participating in social marketing sites such as Facebook and MySpace and posting videos on sites like YouTube. All can be successful and all can be essentially meaningless without a business plan in mind.

When developing your personal business plan, you need to start by asking three basic questions:

(1) What are the companies I should target as potential sponsors;
(2) Who are the consumers that these target companies care about; and,
(3) How do I best connect with these consumers?

When identifying potential sponsor companies a good starting point is to think about the things you are passionate about. This can include products that you use or activities that you enjoy. For example, a hardcore video game player may consider targeting the game makers and the manufacturers of the game consoles. In this scenario the consumers of interest are most likely young males in the 14- to 35-year-old range. Reaching these consumers may be best achieved through participating in gaming-related blogs and Websites, or by posting viral video clips that feature the athlete and appeal to the gaming community.

A player’s agent once told me the best way for his client to market himself was by playing well. I agree that performance on the field is vital to a player’s overall success. However, I ask you this – if you have two players with similar on-the-field achievements, who is a sponsor company more likely to contact, a player who rests on his stats or a player that finds ways to portray his positive image and already has established relationships with the fans the sponsor covets?

The mistake made all too often by today’s athletes is that they wait for opportunities to come to them. The better approach is to create the opportunity yourself, strengthen your fan following and present a “no-brainer” business proposition to the sponsor company.

As an athlete, you are given a “stage” that is viewed by many. However, the spotlight can quickly disappear once your playing days are over. Don’t let the opportunities slip away. Look at the new ways of doing business that can lead to better off-the-field success.


Dean Fisk is president of X Factor Sports Media and has over 17 years of experience developing communications programs that strengthen brand awareness for athletes, athletic organizations and Fortune 500 companies. X Factor Sports Media is a unique communications agency focused on helping athletes understand and benefit from the numerous opportunities offered by today's new media and social marketing outlets. Dean can be contacted at dean@xfactorsportsmedia.com.


Athletes and Endorsements: A New Way of Doing Business - AccessAthletes :: The Real Athlete Blog

The Playbook: SAD Example...Humphrey dismissed from UGA basketball team | ajc.com

The Playbook Commentary:
A sad ending to what could have been a future professional athlete. And, what The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative TM wants to help prevent.

About The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative TM
A mentoring initiative created by MWPR │Presents, a division of MWPR, Inc., The Playbook looks to bring productive, positive and purpose-driven solutions to the real-life needs that occur during the natural lifecycle of a professional athlete. It will be accomplished through a specified curriculum, presentations, personal player testimonies and extended professional services; all created to address the immediate and long-term needs of the aspiring and current professional athlete, like no other initiative currently available.


Prevailing Assumptions
· A player’s athletic skill is all that is needed to have a successful career in sports.
· There is an effective and organized transitional process, available at all schools, for players leaving high school/college and entering professional sports.
· The player’s agent and team organization provide all the necessary tools/expertise needed to maintain, manage and keep the momentum needed throughout a player’s professional career and beyond.

The Playbook’s formula is “positive personal life = professional success”.



Humphrey dismissed from UGA basketball teamPlayer was arrested Tuesday for DUI and other charges
By CHRIS VIVLAMORE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/27/08



In the aftermath of an arrest for DUI and other charges, Billy Humphrey has been kicked off the Georgia men's basketball team.

Humphrey, 20, was arrested Tuesday morning in Gwinnett County for DUI, failure to maintain his lane and purchasing alcohol while under age. Friday afternoon, Georgia coach Dennis Felton announced his decision to dismiss Humphrey.

"We've worked really hard with him in the past to see that he succeeds, but I feel that it's now best for our program to move forward without him."

Humphrey, who was to be a senior in the 2008-09 season, was Georgia's second-leading scorer last season and helped the team to the NCAA Tournament.

A guard, Humphrey played in 30 of 34 games last season, starting 28. He averaged 12.2 points per game, second-best on the team.

According to the police report of his drunk driving arrest obtained by the Journal-Constitution, Humphrey pleaded with police not to arrest him and was later warned that he could be tasered.

Also according to the report, Humphrey said "Please, please, please. I am begging you not to do this. You will ruin my career." The report indicates that Humphrey made the statement after acknowledging that he had "a few drinks" and was responding to the officer's question on what he had been drinking.

Prior to submitting to field sobriety tests, the police report states "the driver told me that he knows that he had been drinking and that he was only gong two more lights up the road and then he was going to his mom's house. The driver then asked me if I could just follow him home."
After agreeing to and failing several sobriety tests, the report states the Humphrey, who is from Dacula, was "slightly hesitant" when asked to turn around to be placed in handcuffs. "The driver was advised that if he did not turn around, he would be shot with a taser," according to the police report. Humphrey was placed in double-locked handcuffs.

According to the police report, an inventory of the silver Chevy Monte Carlo that Humphrey was driving discovered a half-full quart bottle of rum in a back pack on the back seat.

It was Humphrey's second arrest on alcohol-related charges since February. Humphrey was also placed on probation for 18 months and entered into a pretrial diversion program as result of a November felony weapons charge for having a butterfly knife in his dorm room. He was suspended for a total of four games last season for the two incidents.

Humphrey dismissed from UGA basketball team ajc.com

6.25.2008

The Playbook: ESPN - Sources say Heat looking to trade out of No. 2, take guard later - NBA

The Playbook Commentary:
Now here is an example of how your off-the-court (field) personality, attiitude and actions, could neatively affect your professional future, before it even gets started. Beasley's stats speak for themselves. On paper, it is a done deal, he would be your logical pick. However, just like in any job, a potential employer has to see if a potential employee can not only put action behind his words, but also positively "represent" the company he would be working for. And, in this day in age, with the professional sports industry getting hit left & right, non-stop, it makes sense for Riley to pause in deciding if they should take Beasley, if he shows any potential of bringing drama. Again, like in any employment situation, there are other candidates to chose from. And, if they seem to not have the element of drama in them...you more than likely will lean on the side of a safe pick.

So, this needs to serve as an example for all aspiring professional athletes...that you have to bring more than just your game to the table. Who are you when you are not playing? What are your goals in life? What do you stand for? How do you look to grow and progress as an athlete and a person over the years to come? These things are now becoming more important than just your stats. And, need to be taken seriously by these athletes.

The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative is designed to address these areas and more.





Sources say Heat looking to trade out of No. 2, take guard later
By Chad Ford
ESPN.com(Archive)

If the Miami Heat's recent activities are any indication, they are not going to select Kansas State forward Michael Beasley with the No. 2 pick in Thursday's NBA draft.

With the first selection, the Chicago Bulls are leaning strongly toward drafting Memphis point guard Derrick Rose. While the Bulls say they won't announce their decision until draft night, Bulls GM John Paxson admits that Chicago is "probably leaning a certain way."

ESPN.com has been reporting since the draft lottery that Heat president Pat Riley has reservations about Beasley. While Beasley is a talent, Riley seems to be uncomfortable with his personality and seems dead set on finding a point guard to pair in the backcourt with Dwyane Wade.

To that end, Riley staged two separate secret workouts in Miami on Tuesday. The first, a source told ESPN.com, was for Arizona point guard Jerryd Bayless. The second was for USC guard O.J. Mayo, who confirmed to ESPN.com that he worked out for the team.

In conjunction with the workouts, the Heat have been actively shopping the second pick in the draft with an eye on selecting Mayo or Bayless lower while acquiring another asset.

If the Heat don't find any takers, sources told ESPN.com's Andy Katz on Tuesday night that Mayo was told by Heat brass -- which included Riley, general manager Randy Pfund and coach Erik Spoelstra -- that he is in contention to be selected outright at No. 2.

After the Heat were informed that Shawn Marion would not opt out of his contract, sources said Riley began calling teams looking for serious offers for the second pick.

The Heat then brought in Mayo and Bayless. Both workouts lasted about 90 minutes. It's the second time the Heat have worked out Bayless and Mayo, and according to sources, Riley believes both are special talents.

Bayless had an "amazing" workout, according to the source. He "shot the lights" out and performed even better than he had in his first workout for the Heat. They believe he can be a full-time point guard in the pros, similar to Chauncey Billups.

The source said Mayo was also "great," and in addition to shooting the ball well, he performed well in some of the ballhandling drills. The Heat believe Mayo could be a Gilbert Arenas-type point guard.

The same source said Riley is enamored of Mayo's and Bayless' shooting ability and believes both can be a point guards in the NBA.

In addition to any questions about attitude, a number of high-ranking NBA sources told Katz that one of the main reasons the Heat wouldn't select Beasley is the hope that they will land Utah's Carlos Boozer in a year when he can opt out of his contract. Boozer has a home in Miami.

With the Heat now identifying two lottery picks whom they would be comfortable with, and with questions about Beasley, it's looking more and more likely like they are going to trade their pick.
So the question is … who is going to win the Michael Beasley sweepstakes? After talking to numerous sources around the league, here are the top four contenders:

1. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have a huge hole at the power forward position (since trading away Pau Gasol) and see Beasley as an elite talent to pair up with Rudy Gay.

The Grizzlies can offer a number of deals that could entice Miami. They could include the No. 5 pick, Mike Miller and the Heat's choice of either Kyle Lowry or Mike Conley. Adding Miller and a point guard would allow the Heat to be very flexible with whomever they draft at No. 5. They could add another guard such as Bayless or they could go big with a player such as Brook Lopez or Kevin Love.

2. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers can offer the Heat someone Riley desperately covets: Elton Brand. A swap of the No. 2 pick and Marion for Brand and the No. 7 pick works under the salary cap and helps both teams with their needs. Why would Riley pull the trigger on that trade now, when he could just make a run at Brand in free agency next summer? Sources said the Heat would like to get Brand to Miami as soon as they can and lock him up to a long-term extension this fall. At No. 7, it's possible the Heat could still get Bayless.
The Clippers like Marion and Beasley, but they could actually use the No. 2 pick to grab Mayo. Mayo has been coveted by the Clippers for a while.

The Heat would have to weigh their interest in Brand against their desire for Boozer in 2009 in this scenario, however.

3. Seattle SuperSonics
Kevin Durant covets Beasley as a teammate. They were best friends growing up and want to play together. The Sonics think Beasley is the perfect complement to Durant. They'd be willing to take back more salary to make it happen.

Sources say the Sonics are offering the expiring contract of Chris Wilcox, Johan Petro and the No. 4 pick to Miami for the No. 2 pick and Mark Blount. The move would save the Heat some serious money, putting them well below the cap in the summer of 2009.

The Heat would prefer Jeff Green in the deal instead of Wilcox and Petro, but it doesn't appear the Sonics are willing to go that far, even if the Heat dropped Blount from the equation.
A source close to Seattle told Katz that Miami hasn't called about a deal as of Tuesday.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves have been hoping and praying that Beasley somehow falls to them at No. 3. While he's not a perfect fit, they could move Al Jefferson to the 5 and have one of the highest-scoring front lines in the league. However, Beasley falling to No. 3 looks unlikely -- unless the Heat do pull the trigger on Mayo outright at No. 2. Can the Wolves put together a package that works if Beasley doesn't fall?

The Wolves have a few assets that could entice Miami. They actually hold the Heat's 2009 first-round pick, which is top-10 protected. They also have a player who the Heat have interest in: last year's lottery pick, Corey Brewer. If the Wolves really want Beasley, perhaps a return of the Heat's first-round pick and/or Brewer could make it happen.

A source close to Minnesota told Katz, however, that the Heat and the Timberwolves have talked but there was no deal that worked for both teams as of Tuesday night. Sources close to both Seattle and Minnesota also said they would take Mayo if he was on the board when they selected.

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider. Andy Katz covers college basketball for ESPN.com. ESPN - Sources say Heat looking to trade out of No. 2, take guard later - NBA
Photo Credits:
Photo 1:Beasley/Peter Aiken/Getty Images
Photo 2: Mayo/Jamie Squire/Getty Images

6.15.2008

ESPN - Rookies' exploration of game's past should enhance futures - NFL

Ken Blaze for ESPN.com
Miami Dolphins tackle Jake Long, the top overall pick in the 2008 draft, admired busts in the Pro Football Hall of Fame -- especially Dan Dierdorf's. "He's a legend at Michigan and a legend in the league," said Long, a former Wolverine.



Rookies' exploration of game's past should enhance futures

By James WalkerESPN.com(Archive)

CANTON, Ohio -- There is an undeniably nostalgic feel around these parts.
When entering Stark County, Ohio, there's a large bridge overhead that reads HOME OF THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME.
Canton is the gatekeeper of football's history. Close your eyes: You almost can hear Vince Lombardi's voice and Dick Butkus' brutal hits. Open your eyes: You see their legacies and so much more.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is where football's past meets football's present. In this shrine, the game's all-time greats are permanent residents of this Northeast Ohio town of about 79,000 people. Today's players hope to become enshrinees some day.
This offseason, the NFL is sending every incoming player for a special tour of the Hall of Fame. Former Dallas Cowboys receiver and 2007 Hall of Fame inductee Michael Irvin came up with the idea last summer to increase rookies' awareness and help them recognize the value of their opportunity.
"When I was inducted into the Hall, I told the commissioner that guys coming out of college don't appreciate the game," said Irvin, who went through the tour with Cowboys rookies on Friday. "They don't have an understanding of the game's history. They've been playing football to get away from their history.

"So I told Commissioner [Roger] Goodell that the first thing he should do is bring them here and give them a sense of history. It's impossible to go there and not come away with something."
The NFL gets most things right and, by following Irvin's suggestion, nailed this one.
Seeing wide-eyed rookies like Jake Long of the Miami Dolphins and Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons take the tour this week convinces you that this is a great thing for the league.
"I've never been to the Hall of Fame before and to come here and see all the different stuff, it definitely puts things in perspective," Ryan said after Atlanta's tour.
"It makes you realize that you got a great opportunity, and I think that's what they intended to do with this trip, and I think it worked out pretty well."
The image of the NFL has taken a hit recently with high-profile cases involving Michael Vick, Odell Thurman, Chris Henry and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam (Pacman) Jones. Their well-documented stories likely had a hand, directly or indirectly, in getting this objective passed so quickly.

Troubled players such as Vick, Henry, Thurman and Jones could have used this tour. Although every situation is different, they share a common thread in that there was a general lack of appreciation for their responsibilities inherent in the privilege to play in the NFL.
"I think it would've helped some of them understand that if you make a mistake at 22, you could end up regretting it at 42," Irvin said. "You got Google and everything out there now, so if you get in trouble, it never goes away. Your kid is going to end up Googling it, too."
There is no guarantee that these tours will help steer more players away from trouble, but there's no way they can hurt, either. At the very least, the tours are a positive step in the right direction.
The educational value was tremendous.
Rookies got to see the old leather helmets and the contracts that paid as little as $4,000 per season. They learned that Bill Willis and Marion Motley broke the NFL's color barrier in 1946, a year before Jackie Robinson did it in major league baseball. And most were surprised to hear that Jim Thorpe was Native American.
At the end of the tour, every rookie received a lifetime pass to the Hall of Fame and special memories to take home.
Ryan was ecstatic to see game-worn artifacts of his favorite player: former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. Falcons offensive lineman Sam Baker, who grew up with Jackie Slater's son, took a picture next to Slater's enshrinement statue. Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne did the same with the bust of fellow Pennsylvania native Dan Marino, and Long took pictures next to the replica of former offensive lineman Dan Dierdorf.
"[Dierdorf is] a legend at Michigan and a legend in the league," said Long, a Michigan alum. "And being able to see him here is pretty cool."
Long also was enamored with the display of every NFL Super Bowl ring -- most notably the two given to the New England Patriots during their back-to-back championships in 2003 and 2004.
The 2004 ring is the biggest in league history, weighing one-quarter of a pound, and the 2003 ring is not far behind in size.
"Can you imagine having those two rings?" Long said to his teammates. "That's sweet."
For the length of the two-hour tour, it was easy to forget that some of these rookies are multimillion-dollar athletes. Seeing artifacts from players they idolized growing up produced a humbling level of respect mixed with childlike admiration.
The NFL has yet to decide whether Hall of Fame tours for incoming players will go beyond this year. But that decision should be a no-brainer.
Every rookie can benefit from looking at the game's past before going out and have an impact on its future.

6.07.2008

The Playbook Argument: SportingNews.com - Your expert source for NCAA Basketball stats, scores, standings, and blogs from NCAA Basketball columnists

The Playbook Commentary:

So, it is not just a football problem....it is obviously a sports problem. This young man just experienced what many aspire to do, go into the NBA draft early AND be given the chance to practice with a NBA team.

And, how does he show his thanks and humility for such an opportunity....by driving around NC BLASTING his music, drawing attention to himself that would eventually get him caught drinking and driving. Now, he has no agent yet, because he wanted to keep his options open...that was a wise move. However, possibly, in one big swoop, he might have closed the door to all opportunities because of the poor choices he made one Friday night.

There is truly a missing link here....it is one thing to teach the student-athletes about proper training, skills, endurance, even the importance of a good education. However, what is missing, and is evident, is the lesson on character development, actions/consequences, long-term vs. short-term goals and personal assessment.

This is what The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative looks to provide these student-athletes...to enhance what they are already getting, in order to help them avoid the pitfalls that so many have fallen victim to, before they get out of the gate.

Our formula is "a positive personal life = professional success."

Contact theplaybook@mwprinc.com to learn more.

Drinking lands trouble for Tar Heels' Lawson

Posted: June 6, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson was charged Friday with driving after consuming alcohol following an early morning traffic stop.

Lawson was stopped in downtown Chapel Hill because of the loud music coming from the car, said Chapel Hill Police Capt. Jackie Carden. The car smelled of alcohol and a field sobriety test led the officer to file charges, she said.

Because Lawson is not 21, he could be charged with driving after consuming alcohol. He was also charged with violating the city's noise ordinance and driving with a suspended or revoked license, police said. He was taken into custody and later released. Lawson is scheduled to appear in court July 8.
Neither Lawson nor coach Roy Williams will comment until the legal process runs its course, a school spokesman said in a statement.

He was one of three North Carolina players who declared for the 2008 NBA draft. Lawson has not hired an agent, meaning he could return to school for his junior season.

Lawson attended the NBA pre-draft workouts last week in Florida with teammates Wayne Ellington and Danny Green. On Wednesday, he worked out for the Indiana Pacers.

Lawson helped the Tar Heels reach the Final Four, where they lost to eventual national champion Kansas in the semifinals.

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

SportingNews.com - Your expert source for NCAA Basketball stats, scores, standings, and blogs from NCAA Basketball columnists

6.06.2008

Ex-NFL Player Charged After Dog Attack
AP
Posted: 2008-06-05 20:55:13
RICHMOND, Texas (June 5) - Former NFL linebacker Steve Foley was charged with a felony after his pit bulls bit a woman and killed her puppy.


Sports Figures Legal Woes
June 4, 2008: Former NFL player Steve Foley is charged with a felony for failing to secure his dogs after his pit bulls attacked a woman and killed her puppy.

June 4, 2008: Patriots lineman Nick Kaczur was arrested in April on a charge of illegal possession of oxycodone, according to the Boston Globe. The report said Kaczur then helped federal authorities in a sting operation that resulted in the indictment of a supplier.

June 1, 2008: Buffalo police are trying to find out if Bills running back Marshawn Lynch was behind the wheel during a hit-and-run incident in the nightclub section of the city.

May 29, 2008: The former Minnesota football player is sentenced to a year in the county workhouse after being convicted of criminal sexual conduct.

May 25, 2008: Authorities in Florida charge Chicago Bulls forward and former Florida star Joakim Noah with possession of marijuana and having an open container of alcohol.

May 23, 2008: Former NFL lineman Rich Tylski and his wife admit they abused their adopted daughter. Charges against Tylski will be dropped after he completes a program for first-time offenders.

Getty Images

May 23, 2008: Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda settles a plea deal with the county's Deputy District Attorney over marijuana possession.

Ezra Shaw, Getty Images

May 20, 2008: Saints defensive end Charles Grant is indicted on a charge of involuntary manslaughter stemming from a February incident where a woman was stabbed in a nightlclub.

G. Newman Lowrance, Getty Images

May 20, 2008: Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton is sentenced for an assault near McDonald's.

Paul Thomas, AP

He surrendered at the Fort Bend County Jail on Wednesday and was released on a $10,000 bond, sheriff's spokeswoman Terriann Carlson said.

A grand jury indicted Foley, accusing him of failing to secure the dogs. The two adult pit bulls attacked neighbor Twana Schulz on March 26, causing serious bodily injury when they bit her on the arms and face, according to court documents.

Foley was not home when the attack occurred, said his lawyer, Paul Nugent. A conviction on the third-degree felony charge could result in two to 10 years in prison, Nuggent said.

The 32-year-old Foley played with the Cincinnati Bengals (1998-02), Houston Texans (2003) and San Diego Chargers (2004-06).

His career ended after he was shot by an off-duty police officer in San Diego in 2006. The Chargers released him in March 2007 with two years left on his contract. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of drunken driving and was sentenced to five years' probation.

Schulz, 36, was walking to the corner to pick her daughter up from the school bus when she and the puppy were attacked. Foley's dogs were seized by animal control officers and put to death.

Nugent said Foley kept two adult pit bulls and some puppies as pets. He said the pit bulls were "show dogs and pets, not fighting dogs" and had no previous history of attacks.

"It's a tragic accident," Nugent said. "Mr. Foley feels very sorry that it happened. He had no prior problems with the dogs."

http://sports.aol.com/nfl/story/_a/ex-nfl-player-charged-after-dog-attack/20080605181809990001?feeddeeplinkNum=0

6.03.2008

The Playbook Example: ESPN - Bowman, Taylor sentenced to 1 year of probation, community service - College Football

Bowman, Taylor sentenced to 1 year of probation, community service
Associated Press

BELLEFONTE, Pa. -- Two Penn State football players pleaded guilty Friday to a misdemeanor charge in connection with an on-campus fight last year, resolving the last of the major legal problems for current team members.

Linebacker Navorro Bowman and defensive tackle Phil Taylor pleaded guilty Friday to a disorderly conduct charge in exchange for prosecutors' dropping more serious assault charges.

"You're never pleased to have to plead to anything," said Taylor's defense attorney Ron McGlaughlin. "But from the standpoint that the matter is finally over with, I think it worked out appropriately."

The players were sentenced to one year of probation and 100 hours of community service by Centre County Judge Bradley P. Lunsford, who gave the players a stern lecture about being role models.

Taylor, who will be a junior in the fall, and Bowman, who will be a redshirt sophomore, had been kicked off the team while their cases were pending.

Sports information director Jeff Nelson said he has not received any update that would indicate either players' status with the team had changed.

Bowman and Taylor are among a number of Penn State football players who have been charged over the last year in connection to assaults.

"A lot of kids look up to them," McGlaughlin said, recounting Lunsford's talk. "When they act or engage in problems they obviously cause more problems than they realize."

Bowman's attorney, Stacy Parks Miller, said her client is eager to move on.

"My client's pleased to put this behind him, get on with his life, play football again and get back to school," Miller said.

Although authorities said more than a dozen players were seen on video surveillance near the altercation, police ultimately charged three players with beating a Philadelphia man who was attending a party at the campus student center Oct. 7.

Defensive tackle Chris Baker pleaded guilty to simple assault earlier this month and was sentenced to probation. Cornerback Knowledge Timmons -- who was charged for an altercation after the fight -- was placed in a probation program that will allow his record to be expunged upon completion.

Together, Bowman and Taylor must also pay more than $750 in restitution to the victim, and to the university for costs related to the clean up from the fight.

The cases were the last involving current football players being handled by Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira.

Former receiver Chris Bell still faces charges for threatening another player with a knife in a campus dining hall, but he was kicked off the team shortly after being charged.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3418962&campaign=rss&source=NCFHeadlines