More Shockey news today. Nothing really of substance, just more speculation and furtherance of the trade rumors. Michael David Smith over at The Fanhouse wrote a little article just giving his opinion really. Basically, he is just taking all the information that has been out there-all of which I have given you-and coming to his own conclusion that Shockey will be traded.
it all adds up to sound a lot like he will be gone. The biggest deal in draft weekend may involve a player who's long out of college.
The Times-Pic came out with a follow-up article on Deuce McAllister today. The article consisted mostly of info we already knew, particularly about the contract negotiations.
Neither side played the role of martyr in this deal; both the team and player were looking out for their own best interests. McAllister didn't exactly want to be thrown into the free-agent pool at a time when his value is at a low point.
"I don't know if it's necessarily a loyalty deal," McAllister said. "It's just both parties trying to work out an agreement that's in the best interest of both parties involved."
As far as a time-line for Deuce's recovery, this is what they told us...
He has begun to do some running in his workouts, with occasional cutting and planting. He still is taking it easy, but he's hoping he might be able to participate in the team's summer minicamp (usually around June 1).
"We want to be able to say we participated in some of that minicamp," said McAllister, who had surgery on his left knee to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament, plus microfracture surgery on his right knee to stimulate cartilage growth. "By training camp we want to be either at 100 percent or close to 100 percent. And obviously by the season, you want to be 100 percent."..."I'm not necessarily full speed, but I am doing some running, just trying to push myself as far as possible," McAllister said. "There (have not been) necessarily any setbacks or anything that's not foreseen. There's going to be the normal soreness and stiffness or whatever, but we're able to work through it and still get some good work in."
The Saint's Official Website gave us some Facts and Figures on the upcoming draft next week including where, when etc. Check them out here. The most important thing to note are the changes being made this year...
The NFL Draft has been streamlined. On Saturday, the first two rounds will be conducted, rather than Rounds 1-3 as in the past. Clubs will be allowed 10 minutes to make their selection in Round 1, rather than 15 minutes as in the past. Each pick in Round 2 will be allocated seven minutes, rather than 10. The draft on Saturday will commence at 3:00 PM ET, rather than at noon.
On Sunday, Rounds 3-7 will be conducted, with each selection allocated five minutes. Sunday’s draft will begin at 10:00 AM ET, rather than at 11:00 AM ET.
In religious news, the Saints Official Website also had an article on Tom Benson and his visit to see Pope Benedict XVI in Washington.
Mr. and Mrs. Benson and Ms. Benson LeBlanc were among a select group of dignitaries, business and political leaders, as well as key bi-partisan political officials to welcome just the second Pontiff to visit The White House..."We elected to make the trip to The White House and embraced the opportunity to witness The Pontiff because of our family’s deep commitment to Faith," said Mr. Benson. "Faith is a very important part of our lives and the opportunity to see Pope Benedict XVI touched us deeply. We were honored to be in his presence, particularly at such a prestigious place such as The White House."
And the Benson's got hooked up!
The Bensons, amongst the most ardent world-wide philanthropic supporters of Catholic Charities, were seated in chairs of honor close to the podium where both President Bush and Pope Benedict XVI spoke.
The Pope also gave a shout out to us...
"Before leaving, I would like to pause and acknowledge the immense suffering endured by the people of God in the Archdiocese of New Orleans as a result of Hurricane Katrina, as well as their courage in the challenging work of rebuilding,"
As a final note, the Times-Pic just announced it's coverage of the NFL draft all next week.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Monday
- Dave Gladow offers his sleeper picks and provides some insight into how the top of the first round is liable to break down.
Tuesday
- NOLA.com Mock Draft -- A panel of experts make their NFL picks ... while you get to offer your own commentary in a live chat (Noon CT).
Wednesday
- Saints Chat -- Join Saints beat writers Mike Triplett and Jimmy Smith as they answer all your NFL draft questions (Noon CT).
Friday
- Sports Chat -- Dave Gladow, Jude Young and the guys from WGSO take a closer look at the draft ... with the help of the fans (Noon CT).
Saturday
- Pick analysis -- The Times-Picayune will offer breaking coverage of all the Saints' picks and local selections, while NOLA.com provides pick-by-pick analysis of the first round.