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			<title>Ex-NFL RB Jamal Lewis Reportedly Over $10.5M In Debt, Files Bankruptcy</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190970</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 27 May 2012 14:51:10 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Former Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis has filed for bankruptcy in Atlanta with debts of more than $10.5 million, TMZ.com reported on Sunday. The website cited court papers in reporting that Lewis, 32, claimed assets of $14,455,854 and debts of $10,566,764. Lewis rushed for 1,364 yards as a rookie with the Ravens in 2000, when the team won the Super Bowl. In 2003 he became the fifth man to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season when he totaled 2,066. Lewis also set the NFL single-game rushing mark that year with 295 yards against the Browns (it was broken by the Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson, who rushed for 296 yards in a 2007 game).

Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8295fd42/article/jamal-lewis-reportedly-over-105m-in-debt-files-bankruptcy)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Former Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis has filed for bankruptcy in Atlanta with debts of more than $10.5 million, TMZ.com reported on Sunday. The website cited court papers in reporting that Lewis, 32, claimed assets of $14,455,854 and debts of $10,566,764. Lewis rushed for 1,364 yards as a rookie with the Ravens in 2000, when the team won the Super Bowl. In 2003 he became the fifth man to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season when he totaled 2,066. Lewis also set the NFL single-game rushing mark that year with 295 yards against the Browns (it was broken by the Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson, who rushed for 296 yards in a 2007 game).<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8295fd42/article/jamal-lewis-reportedly-over-105m-in-debt-files-bankruptcy" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Lions DT Nick Fairley Arrested On DUI, Eluding Charges</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190978</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 27 May 2012 16:51:56 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley was arrested early Sunday morning for driving under the influence and attempting to elude police. He was charged with DUI and attempting to elude police, but troopers also said Fairley was ticketed for reckless driving, no proof of insurance and having an open container. He posted $1750 bond and was released shortly after 9:00 Sunday morning. This is Fairley's second arrest in less than two months. He was arrested on April 3 for marijuana possession.

Source: Fox10TV.com (http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/local_news/mobile_county/football-star-fairley-arrested-again)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley was arrested early Sunday morning for driving under the influence and attempting to elude police. He was charged with DUI and attempting to elude police, but troopers also said Fairley was ticketed for reckless driving, no proof of insurance and having an open container. He posted $1750 bond and was released shortly after 9:00 Sunday morning. This is Fairley's second arrest in less than two months. He was arrested on April 3 for marijuana possession.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/local_news/mobile_county/football-star-fairley-arrested-again" target="_blank">Fox10TV.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
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			<title>Former NFL K Mike Vanderjagt Investigated For Grabbing Kid Who Taunted Him</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190908</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 20:34:11 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Former NFL place-kicker and part-time coach for Marco Island’s Charter Middle School Mike Vanderjagt has been suspended and being investigated after he was accused of grabbing and screaming at a student. The incident took place on March 12 when Marco Island Police responded to a call the dean of students at the school, who reported an adult male grabbed a student by the throat. According to the police report, a student was taunting Vanderjagt by yelling “wide left, wide left,” and Vanderjagt walked up to him, grabbed him by the throat and started cursing at him. Both the student involved and another student who witnessed the incident told police the same story.

Source: Cheryl Ferrara, The Naples News (http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/may/24/prep-football-marco-charter-school-mike-vanderjagt/)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Former NFL place-kicker and part-time coach for Marco Island’s Charter Middle School Mike Vanderjagt has been suspended and being investigated after he was accused of grabbing and screaming at a student. The incident took place on March 12 when Marco Island Police responded to a call the dean of students at the school, who reported an adult male grabbed a student by the throat. According to the police report, a student was taunting Vanderjagt by yelling “wide left, wide left,” and Vanderjagt walked up to him, grabbed him by the throat and started cursing at him. Both the student involved and another student who witnessed the incident told police the same story.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/may/24/prep-football-marco-charter-school-mike-vanderjagt/" target="_blank">Cheryl Ferrara, The Naples News</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
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			<title>Bears LB J.T. Thomas Expected To Have Drug Charge Dropped</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190984</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 27 May 2012 19:06:04 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Chicago Bears linebacker J.T. Thomas likely will be cleared of a misdemeanor drug possession charge before the regular season begins, provided he completes the terms of a deferred sentence. Thomas was arrested Feb. 13 and charged with possession of less than 15 grams of marijuana after being pulled over for driving the wrong way on a one-way street in Morgantown, West Virginia. He paid a $165.80 fine and has to complete Morgantown Area Youth Services Project classes — typically an eight-hour obligation. A motion to dismiss the charge can be filed Aug. 29 on Thomas' behalf if he has completed the classes. He was a sixth-round draft pick in 2011 and spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve with a back injury.

Source: Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0525-bears-brite-chicago--20120525,0,5826724.story)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Chicago Bears linebacker J.T. Thomas likely will be cleared of a misdemeanor drug possession charge before the regular season begins, provided he completes the terms of a deferred sentence. Thomas was arrested Feb. 13 and charged with possession of less than 15 grams of marijuana after being pulled over for driving the wrong way on a one-way street in Morgantown, West Virginia. He paid a $165.80 fine and has to complete Morgantown Area Youth Services Project classes — typically an eight-hour obligation. A motion to dismiss the charge can be filed Aug. 29 on Thomas' behalf if he has completed the classes. He was a sixth-round draft pick in 2011 and spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve with a back injury.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0525-bears-brite-chicago--20120525,0,5826724.story" target="_blank">Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Vikings' Naming Rights Deal Could Be Worth $15 Million Annually]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190946</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 May 2012 19:08:25 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>The Minnesota Vikings, with aid from the NFL, are expected to pay about $477 million for their new stadium. Over the course of the 30-year lease, owner Zygi Wilf could get nearly that much back in a naming rights deal. According to Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Wilf could get as much as $15 million a year in a naming right fee. Add that up and it would be more than $400 million over 30 years. The hope is the Vikings will be able to open their new building in 2016. 

Source: National Football Post (http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Report-Vikings-naming-rights-deal-could-be-worth-15-million-annually.html)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Minnesota Vikings, with aid from the NFL, are expected to pay about $477 million for their new stadium. Over the course of the 30-year lease, owner Zygi Wilf could get nearly that much back in a naming rights deal. According to Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Wilf could get as much as $15 million a year in a naming right fee. Add that up and it would be more than $400 million over 30 years. The hope is the Vikings will be able to open their new building in 2016. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Report-Vikings-naming-rights-deal-could-be-worth-15-million-annually.html" target="_blank">National Football Post</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Former NFL WR Bobby Sippio Faces Charges Of Kidnapping, Attempted Murder, And More</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190958</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 May 2012 21:55:25 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Former NFL and current Orlando Predators wide receiver Bobby Sippio was arrested Friday after his girlfriend's brother, Sergio Moore, told deputies Sippio and another man kidnapped him, beat him and threatened to kill him. Moore claims that Sippio and an accomplice picked him up at his apartment to help move furniture. Instead, Moore says they allegedly threatened him with a gun, held him against his will, and broke his nose. Sippio spent time with the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, and Detroit Lions before landing in the AFL.

Source: Susan Jacobson, The Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-05-25/news/os-predators-bobby-sippio-arrest-20120525_1_bobby-sippio-orlando-predators-murder-charge)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Former NFL and current Orlando Predators wide receiver Bobby Sippio was arrested Friday after his girlfriend's brother, Sergio Moore, told deputies Sippio and another man kidnapped him, beat him and threatened to kill him. Moore claims that Sippio and an accomplice picked him up at his apartment to help move furniture. Instead, Moore says they allegedly threatened him with a gun, held him against his will, and broke his nose. Sippio spent time with the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, and Detroit Lions before landing in the AFL.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-05-25/news/os-predators-bobby-sippio-arrest-20120525_1_bobby-sippio-orlando-predators-murder-charge" target="_blank">Susan Jacobson, The Orlando Sentinel</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
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			<title>Ex-Chiefs WR Bobby Sippio Charged With Attempted Murder</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190945</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 May 2012 19:06:22 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Former NFL wide receiver Bobby Sippio was arrested Friday on charges that he allegedly attempted to murder the brother of his girlfriend, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Sippio, 27, and Santana Coats, 30, are accused of attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated battery and kidnapping against Sergio Moore, the newspaper reports. According to an Osceola sheriff's report, Sippio and Coats picked up Moore, 27, late Thursday and drove him to a rural pasture, where Moore was punched and kicked by the two men while Coats pointed a gun at him. Authorities say Sippio and Coats continued to terrorize Moore, who is a roommate of Sippio's, on the drive back home. Moore suffered a broken nose and lacerations to his hand and cheek.

Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8295ccd5/article/former-nfl-wr-sippio-charged-with-attempted-murder)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Former NFL wide receiver Bobby Sippio was arrested Friday on charges that he allegedly attempted to murder the brother of his girlfriend, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Sippio, 27, and Santana Coats, 30, are accused of attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated battery and kidnapping against Sergio Moore, the newspaper reports. According to an Osceola sheriff's report, Sippio and Coats picked up Moore, 27, late Thursday and drove him to a rural pasture, where Moore was punched and kicked by the two men while Coats pointed a gun at him. Authorities say Sippio and Coats continued to terrorize Moore, who is a roommate of Sippio's, on the drive back home. Moore suffered a broken nose and lacerations to his hand and cheek.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8295ccd5/article/former-nfl-wr-sippio-charged-with-attempted-murder" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Bengals Rookie LB Brandon Joiner Sentenced To Three Years In Prison</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190905</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 20:25:14 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Cincinnati Bengals rookie Brandon Joiner was sentenced to three years in prison for a 2007 robbery that occurred when he was a freshman at Texas A&M,  according to Maggie Kiely of the Bryan College Station Eagle. Joiner was indicted for two counts of aggravated robbery and one charge of felony drug possession in January 2008, about a month after police said he and another former A&M player broke into a College Station apartment and robbed a drug dealer at gunpoint. Joiner was already serving probation for the first count of aggravated robbery — a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison — when he was sentenced this week. The second count was reduced to robbery, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison, and Joiner also was given three years in prison for the drug conviction, the two terms will run concurrently. Jay Granberry, Joiner’s defense attorney, said he worked out a plea deal with prosecutors that would allow his client to graduate before going to jail. “Since this incident, Brandon has conducted himself in an exemplary fashion and I’m sure he will continue to do that,” he said. “There are a lot of people rooting for Brandon and I’m convinced he’s not going to let anyone down.”

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26527)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Cincinnati Bengals rookie Brandon Joiner was sentenced to three years in prison for a 2007 robbery that occurred when he was a freshman at Texas A&amp;M,  according to Maggie Kiely of the Bryan College Station Eagle. Joiner was indicted for two counts of aggravated robbery and one charge of felony drug possession in January 2008, about a month after police said he and another former A&amp;M player broke into a College Station apartment and robbed a drug dealer at gunpoint. Joiner was already serving probation for the first count of aggravated robbery — a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison — when he was sentenced this week. The second count was reduced to robbery, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison, and Joiner also was given three years in prison for the drug conviction, the two terms will run concurrently. Jay Granberry, Joiner’s defense attorney, said he worked out a plea deal with prosecutors that would allow his client to graduate before going to jail. “Since this incident, Brandon has conducted himself in an exemplary fashion and I’m sure he will continue to do that,” he said. “There are a lot of people rooting for Brandon and I’m convinced he’s not going to let anyone down.”<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26527" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190905</guid>
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			<title>CBA Could Help Saints QB Drew Brees Gain Strong Leverage In Contract Talks</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190921</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 May 2012 00:12:05 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>If the NFL Players Association is right, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees could gain some serious leverage against the team. Under the terms of the CBA, a player who is franchised three times gets at least a 44 percent increase in his salary. Brees was franchised by the San Diego Chargers in 2005 and was designated as such by the Saints this offseason. If the 2005 tag counts as being franchised a second time under the current collective bargaining agreement, his one-year tender would jump drastically to $23.574 million in 2013 if the two sides fail to agree on a long-term deal and New Orleans tags him again next year. The two sides are seemingly far apart on agreeing to a long-term deal and failing to reach one would open the door for Brees to be franchised by the Saints again next year.

Source: Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--saints-qb-drew-brees--contract-efforts-could-be-aided-by-language-in-cba.html)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[If the NFL Players Association is right, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees could gain some serious leverage against the team. Under the terms of the CBA, a player who is franchised three times gets at least a 44 percent increase in his salary. Brees was franchised by the San Diego Chargers in 2005 and was designated as such by the Saints this offseason. If the 2005 tag counts as being franchised a second time under the current collective bargaining agreement, his one-year tender would jump drastically to $23.574 million in 2013 if the two sides fail to agree on a long-term deal and New Orleans tags him again next year. The two sides are seemingly far apart on agreeing to a long-term deal and failing to reach one would open the door for Brees to be franchised by the Saints again next year.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--saints-qb-drew-brees--contract-efforts-could-be-aided-by-language-in-cba.html" target="_blank">Yahoo! Sports</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Saints LB Jonathan Vilma's Lawsuit Assigned In Federal Court]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190923</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 May 2012 00:18:16 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's federal libel and slander lawsuit against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has been assigned to Judge Ginger Berrigan. Berrigan, a Clinton appointee, has served on the bench in the Eastern District Court of Louisiana since her confirmation in 1994. As of court closing Friday, there does not appear to have been any motion filed yet by the NFL in response to the lawsuit.

Source: The Times-Picayune (http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/05/new_orleans_saints_lb_jon_vilm_2.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's federal libel and slander lawsuit against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has been assigned to Judge Ginger Berrigan. Berrigan, a Clinton appointee, has served on the bench in the Eastern District Court of Louisiana since her confirmation in 1994. As of court closing Friday, there does not appear to have been any motion filed yet by the NFL in response to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/05/new_orleans_saints_lb_jon_vilm_2.html" target="_blank">The Times-Picayune</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190923</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[DeMaurice Smith Says NFLPA's Collusion Suit Will Hold Up]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190847</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 01:29:14 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[NFL players union chief DeMaurice Smith said outside union headquarters Washington on Thursday that his group's claim of collusion will stand up in court. "My view is that the facts that we had justified and supported the complaint that we filed," Smith told reporters. The NFL Players Association claimed in U.S. District Court in Minnesota on Wednesday that the 32 teams had a secret salary cap in place during the uncapped 2010 season, and that it cost players at least $1 billion in wages. On Wednesday, hours after the court action, the NFL issued a statement saying "the union's claims have absolutely no merit and we fully expect them to be dismissed." NFL spokesman Greg Aiello also said: "There was no collusion. There was no agreement. These claims are totally unfounded."

Source: Associated Press (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82954544/article/demaurice-smith-says-nflpas-collusion-suit-will-hold-up)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[NFL players union chief DeMaurice Smith said outside union headquarters Washington on Thursday that his group's claim of collusion will stand up in court. &quot;My view is that the facts that we had justified and supported the complaint that we filed,&quot; Smith told reporters. The NFL Players Association claimed in U.S. District Court in Minnesota on Wednesday that the 32 teams had a secret salary cap in place during the uncapped 2010 season, and that it cost players at least $1 billion in wages. On Wednesday, hours after the court action, the NFL issued a statement saying &quot;the union's claims have absolutely no merit and we fully expect them to be dismissed.&quot; NFL spokesman Greg Aiello also said: &quot;There was no collusion. There was no agreement. These claims are totally unfounded.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82954544/article/demaurice-smith-says-nflpas-collusion-suit-will-hold-up" target="_blank">Associated Press</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Minneapolis Council Approves Vikings Stadium In Preliminary Vote</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190850</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 01:46:12 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Minneapolis City Council has given preliminary approval to a plan to build a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings, one of the final procedural steps for the $975 million project. A council committee voted 7-6 for the plan on Thursday. The city would redirect a hospitality tax to pay its $150 million share of construction costs, and the new stadium would go where the Metrodome, the Vikings' current home, sits. Thursday's vote amounted to a key test because the committee includes all council members. A final vote is planned Friday.

Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d829542c2/article/minneapolis-approves-minnesota-vikings-stadium-in-key-vote)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Minneapolis City Council has given preliminary approval to a plan to build a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings, one of the final procedural steps for the $975 million project. A council committee voted 7-6 for the plan on Thursday. The city would redirect a hospitality tax to pay its $150 million share of construction costs, and the new stadium would go where the Metrodome, the Vikings' current home, sits. Thursday's vote amounted to a key test because the committee includes all council members. A final vote is planned Friday.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d829542c2/article/minneapolis-approves-minnesota-vikings-stadium-in-key-vote" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>NFL And On-Field Officials Agree To Mediation</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190849</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 01:39:07 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The NFL and its referees' union have agreed to federal mediation. George Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, will conduct the talks between the on-field officials and the league. Cohen also mediated between the NFL and its players' union before last year's lockout. No dates or sites have been announced for the mediation, and NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says, ''The goal is to negotiate an agreement.'' The officials' contract with the league expired after the 2011 season. 

Source: Associated Press (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl-field-officials-agree-mediation-220154372--nfl.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The NFL and its referees' union have agreed to federal mediation. George Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, will conduct the talks between the on-field officials and the league. Cohen also mediated between the NFL and its players' union before last year's lockout. No dates or sites have been announced for the mediation, and NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says, ''The goal is to negotiate an agreement.'' The officials' contract with the league expired after the 2011 season. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl-field-officials-agree-mediation-220154372--nfl.html" target="_blank">Associated Press</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Steelers LB James Harrison Applauds Saints LB Jonathan Vilma's Lawsuit]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190819</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 May 2012 18:15:16 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison thinks that all of the NFL's players stand to benefit from Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's defamation lawsuit against commissioner Roger Goodell, even if he loses his fight. "It is really a win-win, whether he wins the case or if he loses it," Harrison said. "If he loses it, it shows that Goodell does have too much power and if he wins it, it opens up the floodgates." Harrison has long been an outspoken critic of the NFL's commissioner and has been fined more than $100,000 in his career for hits the league has deemed illegal.

Source: ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7967571/james-harrison-pittsburgh-steelers-jonathan-vilma-suit-vs-roger-goodell-win-win)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison thinks that all of the NFL's players stand to benefit from Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's defamation lawsuit against commissioner Roger Goodell, even if he loses his fight. &quot;It is really a win-win, whether he wins the case or if he loses it,&quot; Harrison said. &quot;If he loses it, it shows that Goodell does have too much power and if he wins it, it opens up the floodgates.&quot; Harrison has long been an outspoken critic of the NFL's commissioner and has been fined more than $100,000 in his career for hits the league has deemed illegal.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7967571/james-harrison-pittsburgh-steelers-jonathan-vilma-suit-vs-roger-goodell-win-win" target="_blank">ESPN.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
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			<title>Seahawks TE Kellen Winslow Being Sued For Trashing Rental House</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190748</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 19:11:02 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Seattle Seahawks tight end Kellen Winslow is being sued for allegedly damaging a rental house. He has been accused of trashing a house that he had rented for $9,000 per month.  The suit contends that “every corner of the house was damaged,” and that Persian rugs and carpeting “were stained with dog urine and also littered with dog feces, and that “the house was overpowered with a putrid stench of animal waste.” Winslow’s lawyer, Brian Watkins, says the lawsuit is “bogus,” and that the litigation represents “a shakedown of a professional athlete.”

Source: Brent Schrotenboer, The San Diego Union-Tribune (http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/23/nfl-star-winslow-accused-trashing-house/)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Seattle Seahawks tight end Kellen Winslow is being sued for allegedly damaging a rental house. He has been accused of trashing a house that he had rented for $9,000 per month.  The suit contends that “every corner of the house was damaged,” and that Persian rugs and carpeting “were stained with dog urine and also littered with dog feces, and that “the house was overpowered with a putrid stench of animal waste.” Winslow’s lawyer, Brian Watkins, says the lawsuit is “bogus,” and that the litigation represents “a shakedown of a professional athlete.”<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/23/nfl-star-winslow-accused-trashing-house/" target="_blank">Brent Schrotenboer, The San Diego Union-Tribune</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
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			<title>NFL Makes Knee And Thigh Pads Mandatory</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190646</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 16:34:53 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The NFL owners have passed a rule that makes it mandatory for players to wear knee and thigh pads starting in 2013 according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. As written earlier, the NFL Players Association is opposed to the requirement that hight and knee pads be mandatory and could file a grievance saying these changes weren't bargained for. Many players are opposed to wearing thigh or knee pads for a reasons including comfort and interference with players speed. NFL Competition Committee Chairman Rich McKay said the league sees no downside to requiring pads and that It only makes the game safer.

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26447)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The NFL owners have passed a rule that makes it mandatory for players to wear knee and thigh pads starting in 2013 according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. As written earlier, the NFL Players Association is opposed to the requirement that hight and knee pads be mandatory and could file a grievance saying these changes weren't bargained for. Many players are opposed to wearing thigh or knee pads for a reasons including comfort and interference with players speed. NFL Competition Committee Chairman Rich McKay said the league sees no downside to requiring pads and that It only makes the game safer.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26447" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
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			<title>NFLPA Files Collusion Suit Against The NFL</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190728</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 16:16:29 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The NFL Players Association has filed a federal lawsuit, alleging that the NFL and its owners conspired in collusion to establish a "secret $123 million salary cap" in 2010, which under the previous labor agreement was designated as an uncapped year of spending. the NFLPA claims that it learned on or about March 12, 2012 that four teams -- the Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints -- did not abide by the NFL's secret rules that effectively advised teams to operate in 2010 under a $123 million salary cap. An NFLPA source said that the union was "strong-armed" into the agreement because the salary cap would have been set at a league-wide $113 million per team instead of $120 million.

Source: Chris Mortensen, ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7963260/nfl-players-association-files-suit-vs-nfl-alleges-collusion-2010)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The NFL Players Association has filed a federal lawsuit, alleging that the NFL and its owners conspired in collusion to establish a &quot;secret $123 million salary cap&quot; in 2010, which under the previous labor agreement was designated as an uncapped year of spending. the NFLPA claims that it learned on or about March 12, 2012 that four teams -- the Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints -- did not abide by the NFL's secret rules that effectively advised teams to operate in 2010 under a $123 million salary cap. An NFLPA source said that the union was &quot;strong-armed&quot; into the agreement because the salary cap would have been set at a league-wide $113 million per team instead of $120 million.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7963260/nfl-players-association-files-suit-vs-nfl-alleges-collusion-2010" target="_blank">Chris Mortensen, ESPN.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
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			<title>NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Says Public Will See Proof Of Bounties</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190684</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 00:09:27 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell indicated Tuesday at the Spring League Meeting that the NFL plans to release proof to the public which proves bounties were paid by the New Orleans Saints players according to Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com.. "Yes, I do," Goodell said when he was asked if he expected the public to see the proof. Eventually. Goodell said the league won't release any more information publicly until the appeals and grievance processes are finished. Goodell also said that the NFLPA "expressly told the players not to cooperate in the bounty investigation. "I invited them in and they decided not to do that," Goodell said. The appeals and grievance process will take more time. In the meantime, Goodell knows he will continue to be a target for criticism from players. "You don't worry about a popularity contest. You can't. You can't make everyone happy on this," Goodell said.

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26459)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell indicated Tuesday at the Spring League Meeting that the NFL plans to release proof to the public which proves bounties were paid by the New Orleans Saints players according to Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com.. &quot;Yes, I do,&quot; Goodell said when he was asked if he expected the public to see the proof. Eventually. Goodell said the league won't release any more information publicly until the appeals and grievance processes are finished. Goodell also said that the NFLPA &quot;expressly told the players not to cooperate in the bounty investigation. &quot;I invited them in and they decided not to do that,&quot; Goodell said. The appeals and grievance process will take more time. In the meantime, Goodell knows he will continue to be a target for criticism from players. &quot;You don't worry about a popularity contest. You can't. You can't make everyone happy on this,&quot; Goodell said.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26459" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
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			<title>Seahawks OT Allen Barbre Banned Four Games</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190737</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 17:19:25 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Seahawks may be without offensive linemen Allen Barbre for the start of the season. Howard Balzer of ESPN101.com reports that Barbre, who played in four games last year, was suspended four games by the NFL. It's unclear what the suspension is for, the league has not yet commented on the report. Resident Seahawks expert Brian McIntyre informs me that Barbre played all of five snaps last season, so it won't be a huge loss for the team, he will lose $164,706 if he makes the 53-man roster and Seattle has added a lot of offensive line depth this offseason, so this won't help Barbre's chances of making the team.

Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82948e4c/article/report-seahawks-allen-barbre-banned-four-games)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Seahawks may be without offensive linemen Allen Barbre for the start of the season. Howard Balzer of ESPN101.com reports that Barbre, who played in four games last year, was suspended four games by the NFL. It's unclear what the suspension is for, the league has not yet commented on the report. Resident Seahawks expert Brian McIntyre informs me that Barbre played all of five snaps last season, so it won't be a huge loss for the team, he will lose $164,706 if he makes the 53-man roster and Seattle has added a lot of offensive line depth this offseason, so this won't help Barbre's chances of making the team.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82948e4c/article/report-seahawks-allen-barbre-banned-four-games" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Browns LB Scott Fujita Again Denies NFL's Bounty Claim]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190701</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 12:52:02 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Browns LB Scott Fujita, facing a three-game suspension with the NFL alleging he was part of the Saints’ pay-for-performance scandal, once again denied his involvement Tuesday. Asked if he had evidence to clear his name, Fujita said: “Right now, it’s just my word against theirs, and it’s a tough situation to be in. Can I go to bed at night, look myself in the mirror and know what actually happened? Yes. But it’s an uphill battle. Can I go toe-to-toe with the media and all that kind of stuff? It’s a challenging prospect.” Fujita repeatedly said Tusday he stood by previous statements on the bounty allegations. “I have never contributed money to any so-called “bounty” pool, and any statements to the contrary are false,” he said in a statement released on his website in May. When asked if he believed if he would be playing in Week One instead of out of action, Fujita said Tuesday: "We'll see. I'm very optimistic. I'm always a hopeful guy, but I can only control what I can control right now, and that's getting myself ready to play." Fujita, 33, played for New Orleans from 2006-09. He is entering his third season with Cleveland, Fujita said the Browns have backed him throughout the bounty allegations. “They’ve been incredibly supportive, and I appreciate that very much,” he said. 

Source: ProFootball Weekly (http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/05/22/browns-fujita-again-denies-nfls-bounty-claim)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Browns LB Scott Fujita, facing a three-game suspension with the NFL alleging he was part of the Saints’ pay-for-performance scandal, once again denied his involvement Tuesday. Asked if he had evidence to clear his name, Fujita said: “Right now, it’s just my word against theirs, and it’s a tough situation to be in. Can I go to bed at night, look myself in the mirror and know what actually happened? Yes. But it’s an uphill battle. Can I go toe-to-toe with the media and all that kind of stuff? It’s a challenging prospect.” Fujita repeatedly said Tusday he stood by previous statements on the bounty allegations. “I have never contributed money to any so-called “bounty” pool, and any statements to the contrary are false,” he said in a statement released on his website in May. When asked if he believed if he would be playing in Week One instead of out of action, Fujita said Tuesday: &quot;We'll see. I'm very optimistic. I'm always a hopeful guy, but I can only control what I can control right now, and that's getting myself ready to play.&quot; Fujita, 33, played for New Orleans from 2006-09. He is entering his third season with Cleveland, Fujita said the Browns have backed him throughout the bounty allegations. “They’ve been incredibly supportive, and I appreciate that very much,” he said. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/05/22/browns-fujita-again-denies-nfls-bounty-claim" target="_blank">ProFootball Weekly</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
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