Steve Francis Heading Back to H Town

The Houston rockets have reached an agreement with former New York guard Steve Francis. He was sent to the Knicks in 2006 in the trade that brought Tracy McGrady to Houston.

A draft night deal he last month sent to Portland, who bought out the remainder of his 30 million dollar contract.

Steve still maintains a house in Houston and spent some of last season there while he was rehabbing his knee.

Francis' agent Jeff Friend said, "When you look back at a few months ago and the status of things and fast forward to today, it's really something that probably could not have been planned or implemented any better."

Fried said Francis chose the Rockets because of his "comfort factor" with the team and because he believes he can be a "meaningful participant in the overall success" in Houston.

Francis was a premier guard in the league a few years ago before he was plagued with injury. He is exactly what the rockets need. If he can stay healthy and get back to where he went into the black whole of New York, the Rockets could be dangerous enough to lose in the second round.

Nike suspends release of Vick shoe

ATLANTA (AP) - Michael Vick's legal troubles prompted Nike on Thursday to suspend the release of its latest product line named after the Atlanta Falcons quarterback.

Nike has told retailers it will not release a fifth signature shoe, the Air Zoom Vick V, this summer. Nike spokesman Dean Stoyer said the four shoe products and three shirts that currently bear Vick's name will remain in stores.

Vick will be arraigned next week in a Richmond, Va., federal courtroom on charges of sponsoring a gruesome dogfighting operation.

Meanwhile, Falcons owner Arthur Blank issued a statement Thursday, saying the organization is "working diligently on exploring our options."

"This is an emotionally charged and complicated matter," Blank said. "There are a wide range of interests and legal issues that need to be carefully considered as we move ahead, including our need to respect the due process that Michael is entitled to. Also, this situation affects everyone — our club, our players and associates, our sponsors, our fans and the Atlanta community among them — so we must consider all of our customers in making any decisions.

"Given the differing perspectives and strong feelings around this issue, we probably won't make everyone happy, but we are committed to doing the right thing. As the owner of this club that's, ultimately, my responsibility."

Blank added that he was "saddened and distressed about this — not for myself, for our fans and community who have been so loyal to us."

ESPN reported that Vick had called Blank on Wednesday. The network said its sources believed Vick to have been contrite, and he apologized for the distractions the case has created, and thanked Blank for his support.

Stoyer said Nike still has a standing contract with Vick, but declined to speculate on his future with the company.

A statement released by Nike Inc. said the company "is concerned by the serious and highly disturbing allegations made against Michael Vick, and we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane and abhorrent. We do believe that Michael Vick should be afforded the same due process as any citizen; therefore, we have not terminated our relationship."

Stoyer, who declined to discuss terms of Vick's contract, indicated the company has no commercials or documentaries planned with the three-time NFL Pro Bowl selection.
In previous years, Nike has run footage and interviews with Vick on its Web site, but none of the video promotions are currently posted.

"Some of that was shown on a limited run based on rights and usage," Stoyer said. "There's nothing new planned."

The Humane Society of the United States issued a statement calling upon Nike to pull its Vick clothing and shoes from retailers and from its Web site. It also called upon NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend Vick.

Vick signed his current contract with Nike in 2001, the same year Atlanta chose him as the NFL's No. 1 overall draft pick. After leading the Falcons to the 2002 and '04 playoffs, Vick last year became the first quarterback in league history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season.

You can find a good rundown of the story as well as a good pick of the shoe that not coming out at NCAA Basketball Scores.

NFL Scores Fantasy Football League

Its time for all you sports bloggers to put your money where your mouth is. NFL Scores is hosting its first Fantasy football league and we want YOU!

The League is set up through ESPN.com and has 15 slots. If you have a sports blog and would like an invite email me at thebyrd33@hotmail.com.

VICK INDICTED!

According to Reuter's, a federal grand jury in Virginia has indicted the second highest paid quarterback in the NFL on one count of conspiricy to transport dogs over state lines for dogfighting, according to reports. What will NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell do? So far he's suspended Pac Man Jones for an entire season for being an overall human dirtbag and stripper-fanboy/benefactor, now he has to deal with everybody's favorite braided-guy Michael Vick getting a bona fide federal indictment. Suspension? If Goodell has a shred of manly hair on his ass, Vick gets suspended.

Top 10 Fantasy QB Rankings

Here's how I will draft my QB's this year for fantasy football. Soon to come RB's, WR's, and all others.

1. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis- He is the ultimate quarterback. Ultra Reliable, Ultra consistant, and a stat master. Manning has passed for at least 4,000 yards in seven of his nine season and completing at least 26 touchdown passes in every year. What's impressive is that those feats are difficult for quarterbacks to achieve in a single season. Only five signal callers (Brees, Manning, Bulger, Palmer and Jon Kitna) reached 4,000 yards last season, and only three quarterbacks (Manning, Palmer and Brees) threw for at least 26 touchdowns in 2006. But Manning has achieved those baselines on nearly a yearly basis. In fact, Manning has a legitimate chance to finish first in passing yards and touchdowns every season. This past year,
Manning finished first in touchdown passes (31) and missed being No. 1 in passing yards (4,397) by just 22 yards.

2. Tom Brady, New England- Here's the draft solution for all the anti-Manning's out there. Tom is set to have a tremendous year. Despite working with one of the league's worst receiving groups, Brady still threw for the league's seventh-most yards (3,529) and the fourth-most scores (24) last season. With his revamped receiving core of Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, and Wes Welker, Brady is set to be at the top of the stats list. Unless of course, the Patriots are infected with the cancer that is Randy Moss.

3. Drew Brees, New Orleans- We all witnessed what he could do in his first year with a new team, how about round 2? Last season Brees led the league in passing yards and was third in touchdowns. One more year of experience will make this offense and Brees even more dangerous.

4. Tony Romo, Dallas- Although Romo has been having more celebrity life than Terrell Owens as of late, and is dating singer Carrie Underwood, it is reported that Romo has trained intensely this off-season to try and shake his disappointing ending to last season. Romo has a great all around receiving core including last years touchdown reception leader Terrell Owens, Terry Glenn, and tight end Jason Witten. Romo's learning curve will be helped by the addition of new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.

5. Carson Palmer- I would like to have Palmer higher on the list, but his health and inconsistent teammates place him here. His number 3 receiver Chris Henry will be missing the first 8 games. Palmer averaged only 234 yards and 1.5 touchdowns in the first eight contests compared to 270 yards and two touchdowns in final eight games. Using his final eight games as the barometer for this season, Palmer's stats would project to him setting a career high in passing yards (4,320) and matching his career high of a league-leading 32 touchdowns set in 2005.

6. Marc Bulger, St. Louis- The Rams have added new coach Scott Linehan. Bulger also coming off a career year of passing yard and touchdowns. The Rams have also added Tennessee's No. 1 wideout Drew Bennett to provide Bulger with one of the league's top No. 3 wideouts and as insurance against aging Isaac Bruce, 34, as St. Louis' No. 2 receiver.

7. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle- Matt is coming off a rough season of frustration and injury. A sprained knee forced Hasselbeck to miss four games last season, and off-season shoulder surgery put him back on the bench. This season Hasselbeck will come back healthy and hopefully recreate his solid 2005 passing stats of 3,459 yards and 24 touchdowns. Deion Branch has replaced the departed Darrell Jackson as Seattle's No. 1 wideout, keeping the talent level intact and upgrading stability at that slot. Injuries had forced Jackson to miss 13 contests in the last two seasons. A healthy Shaun Alexander will unload a heavy burden off the passing game.

8. Donavan McNabb, Philidelphia- Although drafting McNabb has been a craps shoot the last couple of years, before being injured last season he was projected to pass for 4,567 yards and 32 touchdowns before he went out for the rest of the season in week 10. McNabb has also lost key receiver Donte Stallworth.

9. Eli Manning, New York Giants- If there is any player in the league this year with something to prove, its Eli. Although he took alot of heat last season for his sub par play, completed a higher percentage of passes and still equaled his 2005 passing score total of 24. Since Tiki retired in the off-season, there will be even more pressure for Manning to pick up the slack in the passing game.

10. Matt Lienart, Arizona- Matt is in no ones top 10 but I just can't help but think that the healthy receiving core of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald will help him put up some good numbers. A new coach, settled offensive line, and good running back--all the pieces are there, they just have to make it work.

All stats and statistics from Fox Sports

Farm Sluts

Sports news is kind of slow these days. Thought I would throw up this oldie that is still good for a few laughs.

Iverson Can't Control His Posse

In yet another case of superstar athletes having a little too much fun , Allen Iverson has been ordered by a court to pay one of two men who claimed to be beaten up by his posse.

Here's the story

WASHINGTON (AP) - A federal jury awarded $260,000 on Monday to one of two
men who sued NBA star Allen Iverson after they said they were beaten by his
entourage at a Washington nightclub.

The jury's decision against Iverson and his bodyguard, Jason Kane, covers pain and suffering as well as medical bills. The jury was expected to reconvene later Monday to consider punitive damages.

Marlin Godfrey and David Anthony Kittrell sued the Denver Nuggets guard,
saying they were beaten by his entourage in July 2005 after they refused to
vacate the Eyebar club's VIP section for Iverson.

The jury found that Kane was liable for assaulting Godfrey, who was awarded $250,000 for pain and suffering and $10,000 for his medical bills. Iverson was found negligent for failing to supervise Kane.

Grant Hill Headed to Suns Injured List

Grant Hill has informed the world that he will be playing with the Suns next season. If he can stay healthy, his numbers will be there. I commend the guy for only taking 1.83 million next year with a player option to return in 2008-09. Lets face it, the guy doesn't need money, he needs rings.

Hill is coming off one of his healthier seasons in the last few years only missing 17 regular-season games this season with a knee sprain and other minor injuries. I am rooting for Grant, but history has a tendency to repeat itself. And as much as I would like to see him start and put up 25 a night, he will more likely than not end up being an overpaid cheerleader.

At least they are only giving him 1.8 mil to sit on the sideline instead of the seven-year, $92 million contract Orlando gave him.

But if I were Grant and I was chasing a ring in the twilight of my career, I wouldn't have gone to a team who habitually chokes every year in the playoffs.

Goin Back to the Treehouse for some Lovin

This really has nothing to do with Sports, but is definitely hilarious.



Thanks Dallas Beer Guy

A Rods Wife Drops the F-Bomb

The wife of New York Yankees overpayed choke artist showed up to a game agianst the Oakland athletics with her 2 year old daughter sporting a white tank top with F*!k You in large bold print.

What a great mom.