Here is the NFL weekly recap for last weeks pro football stories. With Michael Vick leading the way there was actually quite a bit of NFL news last week. All be it mostly off the field issues as usual.
Vick could be in trouble
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, who was originally not a person of interest in a shooting that occurred outside the club where he celebrated his 30th birthday, could be in trouble. Video footage shows that the quarterback left the club only three minutes before the shooting occurred.
Vick initially went on record to say that he was long gone before shots were fired, but the video seems to prove him wrong. On top of that, the shots seem to come from the direction Vick and his friends drove off in, and police don’t rule the quarterback out as a suspect.
Vick is has been under a close watch by the league following his involvement in a dog fighting ring. An involvement in these events could lead to another suspension. Quanis Phillips, one of Vick’s co-defendants in the dog fighting case, was reportedly the shooting victim. It remains to be seen if Vick’s apparent contact with Phillips violated any of the conditions of his reinstatement.
Favre flinging the pigskin again
Brett Favre has started throwing passes to Oak Grove High School receivers in Hattisburg, Miss. While Favre has yet to come out and say that he will return to the Vikings for a 20th season in the NFL, this is another strong indication that the quarterback will be back with the team.
Jackson suspended for three games
Chargers’ wide receiver Vincent Jackson has been suspended for three games. The NFL states a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy as the reason for the suspension. It three game ban comes following Jackson’s guilty plea to DUI charges in February.
Jackson has been planning to not take part in the Chargers’ training camp unless he is offered the long-term contract he wants. He didn’t sign his tender and is holding out for the contract. This might lead to his missing more than just the three games.
Bly signs with Lions
Cornerback Dre’ Bly has signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Lions. The 33-year-old played for the Lions from 2003 to 2007. He was traded to the Denver Broncos after the 2007/07 season and is now back in Detroit.
The Lions needed help at corner and will most likely start Bly opposite of Chris Houston as the team’s No. 2 cornerback.
Browns’ Smith charged for carrying a gun
Cleveland Browns’ defensive end Robaire Smith has been charged with carrying a gun at Bishop Airport in Flint, Mich. If found guilty, Smith could face up to a year in jail. The case is similar to teammate Shaun Rogers’ charge for carrying a gun in his carry-on bag in April. Rogers said he was unaware of the gun in his bag and pleaded not guilty.
Westbrook acquitted of DUI charges
Washington Redskins’ cornerback Byron Westbrook has been acquitted of DUI charges. He failed field sobriety tests after being pulled over in Waldorf, Md. in February. Westbrook had pleaded not guilty and was cleared of the charges Friday.
Benson arrested for assault
Bengals’ running back Cedric Benson was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault Tuesday. He allegedly punched an employee at Annie’s West bar in Austin, Texas in the face in early June. Benson is out on bail, but the arrest could trigger a suspension for the troubled running back.
