Packers Daily Links: Aaron Rodgers Contract Negotiation Denied by Source
Claims that the Packers and Aaron Rodgers are taking part in contract negotiations have been denied by a source at ESPNMilwaukee.com. That and more in today's Daily Links...
In response to a social media message from former Packers player LeRoy Butler that the Packers were nearing a contract extension with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Jason Wilde cites an anonymous source saying, “100% false. There have been zero negotiations. Nothing.” Given that Rodgers is underpaid compared to his counterparts in the NFL, it makes sense that a contract negotiation could be taking place. But unless further news were to surface, this issue isn't likely to gain further traction. At this point, it's difficult to put much stock into either source, Butler and an anonymous one.
On the eve of defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove's appeal to the NFL of his eight-game suspension for taking part in a bounty program as a member of the New Orleans Saints, Hargrove's agent took to the media to question the NFL's evidence such a bounty program ever existed. "The agent for suspended defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove says the NFL has used semantics, but not hard evidence, as the basis for punishing current and former Saints players in its bounty investigation," reads a report from the Associated Press. Hargrove's agent, Phil Williams, also characterizes the NFL as singling his client out as an "easy target" because of his past yearlong suspension by the NFL for drug use. This is a multi-layered issue that won't go away any time soon. Even after today's appeal, I can easily see lawsuits being filed, which will extend the matter several more months.
More on Anthony Hargrove comes from Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com who provides further statements from Hargrove's agent. Seifert also dives into the topic more deeply in a column on the NFC North blog.
Teammates and coaches of undrafted linebacker Dezman Moses spoke glowingly about the rookie in an article by Zach Heilprin at ESPNMilwaukee.com. “That kid is good,” linebacker Desmond Bishop is quoted as saying. “Run stopping, rushing the passer, getting his calls in. Everything. He’s smart. He’s a good player.” Cornerback Tramon Williams and outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene also weigh in on the rookie who's been turning heads during the Packers' offseason program.
An interview with former Packers wide receiver Phillip Epps led to an article published on the Packers official website.
Growth is expected from several young players on the Packers roster, writes Tom Oates in a column at the Wisconsin State Journal.
A look at how Aaron Rodgers is re-writing the Packers record book comes from Bob Fox at Bleacher Report.
Every position on the Packers roster was looked at over the weekend at the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Packer Report published articles on D.J. Smith and the running backs over the weekend.
Vic So'oto is the focus of a column by Kris Burke at AllGreenBayPackers.com.
Video: From Fox 11 in Green Bay, area high school players took part in a camp at the Packers' Don Hutson Center over the weekend...
Brian Carriveau is a writer for Cheesehead TV. To contact Brian, email [email protected].
Comments (6)
June 18, 2012 at 08:31 am
Diondre Borel's game reminds me a lot of Victor Cruz.
June 18, 2012 at 11:21 am
I was actually hoping Hargrove's eight game suspension would supply the Pack with fresh legs at mid-season, but it appears he's going to be able to push it off indefinitely. Strangely enough, I think this might hurt the Pack in that they would have been able to give one of the other d-lineman an extended audition. Now they'll have to make that cut-down decision earlier.
June 18, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Outside of an unexpected training camp injury to the competition, I'm not sure how they could hang onto Hargrove if the suspension is reinforced?
I don't believe he can practice, attend any meetings or even be in the facility during his suspension. That's 8 weeks of no film study, being privy to schematic adjustments or working out with the team. Even if you believe he will have 'fresh legs', would you trust him? Unless he blows up camp, assuming the suspension is reinforced, I can't see how they keep him? (Unless injuries happen prior to the close of pre-season and the 'street options' aren't appealing?).
June 18, 2012 at 12:42 pm
I'm not sure how you couldn't hang on to him. He doesn't count against the roster until after week eight. There's no telling if the D line gets bit by the injury bug in that time, if so, we would like to have a pair of fresh legs whether they've been in the loop or not, I would think.
June 18, 2012 at 01:05 pm
Right Fitz. Also, IMO of all the positions on offense or defense, the easiest to plug-in in regard to a lack of coaching is d-line (go chase the guy with the ball)(this should get a response from all the d-lineman out there). The Packers have nothing to lose by giving Hargrove a look after 8 weeks (if he's suspended) if the players already on the roster have sucked. He does need to keep in shape though.
June 18, 2012 at 03:08 pm
Playing on the D-Line is not rocket-science. All he's got to be is in-shape.