Houston Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson was fined $25,000 for writing the words “Pay Me, Rick” on his shoes during last Sunday’s NFL Kickoff Weekend 2009 season opener against the N.Y. Jets. The message was aimed at Texans general manager Rick Smith and the fine was explained by the Texans as “conduct detrimental to the team.” Anyway, it backfired.
Dunta has been upset about not being able to reach a long-term contract with the team, so he thought a public expression of his displeasure would solve the problem. Unfortunately for Dunta, the stunt didn’t generate more income. It achieved just the opposite. …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Franchise player designations were announced today for the 2009 National Football League free agency signing period that begins on February 27. A club can designate one “franchise” player or one “transition” player among its veteran free agents. The salary offer by a player’s club determines whether the franchise player designation is exclusive or non-exclusive. An “exclusive” franchise player — not free to sign with another club — is offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position for the current year as of April 17; or 120 percent of …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
A year after Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor’s death, NFL players are still living scared. And with good reason. There’s an interesting article in the 11.24 Dec 01 2008 ESPN Magazine that features seven current NFL players discussing their own concerns and experiences with crime and the issue of safety in their own lives — Clinton Portis, Ben Roethlisberger, Dunta Robinson, Kevin Mawae, Derrick Brooks, Branden Albert and Fred Taylor. In the “special report,” ESPN senior writer David Fleming writes:
“When asked about their fears, players cite the same frightening flashpoints: New Year’s Day 2007, when …read more