Despite that bad news for Pendergraph, he received good news on Tuesday when the Blazers signed him to a contract. The surgery will likely be much easier to swallow with the contract in hand.

The 6-foot-9 power forward played his college basketball at Arizona State. As a senior, he averaged 14.5 points per contest.

Pendergraph played with the Blazers summer league team in July. In five games he averaged 10.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in 27.6 minutes. He shot 55.3% from the field and 85.7% at the free throw line.

With the Blazers this year, a healthy Pendergraph would have a chance at winning minutes at backup power forward.

Jeff Pendergraph - Portland Trail Blazers

Post from: EveryJoe

Jeff Pendergraph to Undergo Hip Surgery

Approximately $38 million of the $63 million is guaranteed. Prior to signing this contract, Suggs was had Baltimore’s franchise player tag and was scheduled to make more than $10 million next year.

The 26-year-old has spent the last six years with the Ravens after playing his college football at Arizona State. He has played all 96 games in his career and has record 53 sacks. He also has 369 tacks, 17 forced fumbles and five interceptions in his career.

Last season, Suggs had a career-high 53 tackles to go along with eight sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions.

Suggs is confident that the Ravens won’t regret this contract.

Said Suggs: “I’m going to continue to be the dominant player I’ve always been. My best years are ahead of me.”

Terrell Suggs - Baltimore Ravens (Image: Zuma Press)

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Terrell Suggs Gets $63M from Ravens

Or, rather, former member.

John Elway, Image: Newscom

Jack Elway was a redshirt freshman quarterback for the Sun Devils and would have been part of a five-way battle for the starting quarterback position for 2009. Most experts considered the likely starter to be senior Danny Sullivan, with Elway just behind on the depth chart. He says that the probable lack of playing time again this season had nothing to do with it – he’s just sick of football.

Dennis Erickson, Arizona State’s head coach, said that they all understand the decision, but he notes that the star’s son would have played eventually. I’m sure that this is a real blow to the athletic program in terms of donor support from Papa Elway and in terms of the press it would have generated.

Elway’s choice of school, however, makes me think that he was always on the fences about football in the first place. With his father behind him, he could have gone anywhere, so why not a school with a bigger name in the football world if you’re really devoted to the game? It wasn’t like he needed to go to the school that made him the best offer, as I’m sure the Elway family could pay for his tuition anywhere in cash. Well, there were some family ties to the coaching staff…but really, if you can play anywhere…

I, for one, and happy for him. He plans to remain a student at the school, finishing his degree and pursuing other interests. If football isn’t what he wants to do with his life, getting away from it now is the smart choice. Beside, he doesn’t need to be the college’s quarterback. Saying that he’s John Elway’s son is enough of a chick magnet.

Post from: EveryJoe

Elway’s Son Quits Football