Smith: Union won't back down over Brees treatment, or anything else Many are wondering why Drew Brees still hasn't reached a long-term deal. Is Brees being punished for his labor stance? Mike Freeman says NFLPA chief DeMaurice Smith is ready to take up that cause ... or any other that crosses his radar. Players oppose pads, but Goodell's plan worth shot if injuries decline The NFL wants more padding in hopes of slowing the game some to quell injuries, particularly concussions. Mike Freeman says players hate it, even if it protects them, because they like the speed and the look. Control issues: Lions could contend if they ever get act together The Lions could be contenders with all that talent, but what they lack is discipline. Mike Freeman says until Jim Schwartz figures out how to domesticate this wild bunch, Detroit is destined to underachieve. Some 'Bountygate' Saints still fighting mad: Railroaded by NFL? Still steaming over their tough punishments from the NFL, Saints players say off the record they've been 'railroaded' in the 'Bountgate' case. Mike Freeman hears them out and wonders: Will we ever know the whole truth? Concussion lawsuit plaintiffs an eye- opening cross section of NFL past Here are the faces of lawsuits against the NFL: One of the dirtiest players in history. A highly respected Hall of Fame receiver. Retirees who became successful in business. Mike Freeman says it pays to know the plaintiffs. Vilma's lawsuit against Goodell underscores Saints' arrogance After being suspended for the upcoming season for his role in Bountygate, Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma has filed a lawsuit against Roger Goodell for defamation. Mike Freeman says it reeks of more Saints arrogance. Ex-Packer Koonce gives inside look at player trauma, transitions How do NFL players transition from warriors to civilians? Handle lingering injuries after leaving football for the real world? Ex-Packer George Koonce shares his experiences and current work with Mike Freeman. Roddy White & Co. must understand price veterans like Csonka paid The concussion issue is driving a wedge between some of today's NFL stars like Roddy White and some of its veterans like Larry Csonka. Mike Freeman says today's players need to gain some perspective and respect. Ten ways to fix the NFL's growing concussion crisis The NFL has a gigantic problem with concussions and the deteriorating health of its former players. Mike Freeman, in conjunction with CBSSports.com staff and league officials, compiles 10 ideas to make the NFL safer. NFL isn't in danger of dying soon, but you can hear whispers The NFL is the life force of the American sporting landscape, dominated with bone-jarring hits. But as lawsuits stack up from current and former players, Mike Freeman says the league is in for its biggest fight ever. Before hard questions arise, remembering Seau as great and fun Junior Seau is among the NFL's greatest linebackers and revered by all who played with him. Mike Freeman remembers a fun-loving future Hall of Famer before the inevitable questions about his suicide dominate his story. Goodell's suspension of Saints players proves this is a new NFL Roger Goodell's punishment for Saints players is harsh, but Mike Freeman says the commissioner had no other choice. Not if he wanted to end bounties for good, or put a Saints organization living above NFL law back in line. Irrational Harbaugh aside, titles of Patriots, Saints aren't tainted Ravens coach John Harbaugh diminishes New England's championships as stained because of Spygate. Then he apologized to Bill Belichick. Mike Freeman says the Pats and Saints may have been tainted but their titles weren't.
April
NFL Draft highlights brainpower gap between haves, have-nots The Redskins take two QBs early, the Browns are shaky and the Rams roll the dice. The Patriots build a D, the Giants fill needs and the Steelers draft well. Mike Freeman says this draft isn't doing anything to help parity. Fisher stumbling down same Pacman road with Jenkins pick Jeff Fisher thinks he can handle Janoris Jenkins, who's had his fair share of off-the-field trouble. Mike Freeman says this draft pick is Pacman: Part II, and the sequel will be just as disappointing. Once-proud Browns franchise still appears rudderless, incompetent Sure, the Browns eventually picked the player the wanted, but did they have to give up three picks to move up one spot for Trent Richardson? Mike Freeman says they didn't and wonders if the Browns know what they're doing. NFL Draft is as entertaining, unpredictable as any TV sitcom Once again the NFL Draft proves to be must-see TV. The most top-10 trades in NFL history, owners tweeting picks and breaking news. Mike Freeman says this is the new world of the NFL: you sit still, you lose. Following legend, Luck walking into toughest spot in Indy Andrew Luck isn't just following legend Peyton Manning with the Colts, he's taking over a team in complete tear down mode. And in an impatient era, Mike Freeman says the Stanford QB faces a mission impossible. Acceptance of campus pot smoking altering NFL's drug compass It wasn't long ago that getting flagged on a drug test for pot smoking was a big deal in evaluating an NFL prospect. But Mike Freeman says more prevalent smoking on campus is leading to different perspectives in the pros. Late criticism of RG3 merely the annual trip in the time machine A week before the NFL Draft comes last-minute criticism from anonymous scouts of Robert Griffin III's skills and character. Mike Freeman says it's an annual rite, and of course it's just a coincidence that RG3 is black. Payton, Petrino needed bosses who could save them from themselves Except football, there wouldn't seem to be a lot in common between the cases of Sean Payton and Bobby Petrino. But Mike Freeman says both had become bigger than their bosses, and that paved the way to disaster. Tannehill a top-10 draft pick? Only when the annual madness sets in Ryan Tannehill had a decent career at Texas A&M and might be a fair NFL quarterback. But Mike Freeman says if the Dolphins think he's worth the No. 8 pick in the upcoming draft, they should remember: Wishing doesn't make it so. Saints penalties only half the story; player sanctions to be contentious Now that Sean Payton and Joe Vitt got theirs, Roger Goodell will turn Bountygate punishment sights on the players. Mike Freeman says the NFLPA is bracing for battle if and when Goodell tries to drop the hammer. Much made of Williams' injure-the-Niners audio, but it does us a favor What Gregg Williams told the Saints before a game vs. the Niners is reprehensible. No question. But Mike Freeman says such speeches are common and Willams is a necessary reminder of football's violent nature. Should Saints hire Parcells, Rooney Rule will get mocked once again Rooney Rule? What Rooney Rule? That seems to be the Saints' sentiment as they plan for Sean Payton's year-long absence. Mike Freeman says hiring Bill Parcells will send a rotten message to black coaches and the league.
March
McCarthy, Packers content to keep offseason FA splash to a minimum The Packers rarely make big, loud free agency moves because Mike McCarthy and the Pack like the offseason volume low. Mike Freeman says the Packer way of quiet development wins games, not springtime press conferences. Payton addresses Parcells as Saints coach rumors, possible ban appeal Sean Payton sounds as if Bill Parcells taking over as Saints' coach could happen. A contrite Payton adds he's mulling an appeal of his Bountygate ban. Mike Freeman sees the 17-minute media session as eye-opening. At NFL meetings, many important issues -- but talk all about Tebow Gathered in Palm Beach for their annual meetings, NFL owners, coaches and officials have a lot on their plate. But Mike Freeman says as the week starts, the only menu item being talked about is the Jets' new backup QB. By backing Payton, Brees forgets those who should matter to him most When the NFL came down hard on the Saints for their far-reaching bounty system Wednesday, one of the first to come out in support of coach Sean Payton was Drew Brees. Mike Freeman says it was a low in Brees' NFL career. Goodell, NFL hammer ringleader Payton, and they're right on target For years, Sean Payton has operated as if he were above NFL law. Well the law caught up with Payton on Wednesday, and Mike Freeman says his one-year suspension as part of multiple punishments for the Saints was much deserved. In landing Manning, Elway all-in on biggest gamble of his life In landing Peyton Manning, one of John Elway's selling points was this: One Hall of Fame quarterback talking to another. Mike Freeman says it worked, and now Elway has pushed all his chips in on a bet that will define his post-playing career in Denver. Glory years long past, Dolphins slip deep into mediocrity Fewer and fewer football fans even remember the feats of Don Shula and his perfect Dolphins. Dan Marino is even becoming a distant memory. Mike Freeman says this humbled Miami franchise keeps drifting farther from its glory days. NFL facing unprecedented week with both Manning, bounty decisions Which team will Peyton Manning choose? How hard will the NFL hit the Saints and Gregg Williams for running an outlaw bounty program? Mike Freeman says those two mega stories make this a week like no other. Old lions Wilson, Adams trying to beat clock with game-changing action At 93 and 89, Ralph Wilson and Bud Adams are two of only three men to own NFL teams more than 50 years. Neither is going to leave quietly, with each making or attempting bold moves to make their Bills and Titans winners again. Winning offseason often for losers, but Bucs may be different The Redskins have often been the ones to make the big offseason splash, or more recently the Jets and Eagles. Mike Freeman remembers all those failures but says the focused Bucs look like they're bucking that trend. Bears land talented Marshall, take on great risks at same time The Bears get their big-time wide receiver in Brandon Marshall for the price of two third-round picks. Chicago takes on risks Miami clearly no longer wanted in a trade Mike Freeman says is far from a no-brainer. Redskins, Cowboys latest to feel wrath of iron-fisted Goodell Players have long resented Roger Goodell enforcing one set of rules for them and another for coaches and execs. Mike Freeman says it was never true, and big hits Monday to the Redskins and Cowboys underline the point. Free agency's split personality: Manning, Moss at opposite ends Both have been the NFL's best, and both are trying to prove they have productive careers left. But Mike Freeman says as they tour prospective teams, the tales of Peyton Manning and Randy Moss couldn't be more different. Wherever Manning lands can alter course of team, division, league Flown into Denver in a private jet, Peyton Manning hears out the pitch of John Elway and the Broncos. Whether the former Colts QB alights at Mile High or elsewhere, Mike Freeman says it will likely change everything. Luck will need plenty of good fortune taking over for a legend The Colts haven't even drafted Andrew Luck yet, and Mike Freeman says the heat is already on. With Peyton Manning being shown the door, Indy's future rests with the likely No. 1 pick. Good luck, indeed.
