Here’s a Jawbreaker- Geno Smith is OUT

Photo: Geno Smith Instagarm

Geno Smith is OUT. And the reason why is a jawbreaker… Literally.

IK Enemkpali “sucker punched” Smith in a locker room altercation over something described to be something you might see in “sixth grade” leaving Smith with a broken jaw (two fractures) and a seat on the bench for 6-10 weeks.

According to coach Todd Bowles,

“It was nothing to do with football. … It was very childish,” coach Todd Bowles said. “He got cold-cocked … sucker punched, whatever you want to call it, in the jaw. He’s got a broken jaw, a fractured jaw.”

Let’s go over that again.

I’m sorry, but if you are Enemkpali, you are described as a MARGINAL player and you’re going to SUCKER PUNCH the to be STARTING QB. In what world did that seem like a good idea? Needless to say, Enemkpali was released immediately after the altercation.

“It was something very childish, something sixth-graders could’ve talked about,” Bowles said. “It had no reason to happen.”

For REAL.

But don’t worry NY Jets fans. Your precious pony boy is in high spirits. Smith channelled his inner Arnold Schwarznegger posting this selfie saying “ILL BE BACK!”

So now the question we’re all wondering about… Who’s stepping up to the QB plate now?

The Jets have Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty to work with now, but really were not planning on using them this soon. Just months ago we had coach Bowles over and over reassuring Jets fans Geno Smith would indeed be there starter. But hey, this is sports- In other words, be prepared for anything. Like a marginal player sucker punching your season’s future in the face. Fabulous.

Just before the altercation occurred coaches were telling media how pleased they were with Smith’s performance in practice heading into the season. Until Monday, Smith hadn’t even thrown an interception. That’s not to say the back up QB’s are not prepared or qualified to take over. After all, let’s not go over Smith’s past season records…

Veteran back up QB Fitzpatrick will take over for the Jets, but Bowles did indicate they may be adding another QB into the mix. Cue Bryce Petty. Although Petty hasn’t been giving the best performance we’ve seen during camp, the kid is still talented.

But back to Fitzpatrick.

This is NOT a bad deal for the Jets at all. Yeah, I said it. Numbers never lie folks… Last season with Houston, Fitzpatrick killed it for the Texans and frankly, shamed Smith’s numbers.

Last season Fitzpatrick accumulated a career-high 56.7 Total Quarterback Rating on the strength of a 63.1 completion percentage and a touchdown-completion ratio (2.12) that ranked No. 13 in the NFL. Compare that to Smith, whose 1.0 touchdown-interceptions ratio ranked No. 30 in the league. Smith’s QBR of 44.3 ranked at a low No. 26.

See what I’m saying here? Not a bad deal at all.

Smith is one of the most inconsistent QB’s in the league. Yes, the Jets franchise is trying to prove a point as to making a decision in whether Geno is their go to guy moving forward, but it’s not too far off to say the Jets just got blessed by an angel with this jawbreaking news…

– Courtney 

#99 Problems & Drinking is One

Aldon Smith has been released by the 49ers due to his most recent hit and run DUI arrest.

Smith, the former number seven overall pick in the 2011 draft certainly has talent, but legal issues have derailed his career.

Smith’s arrest last Friday was his third on suspicion of drinking and driving since entering the league in 2011 as a first round draft pick out of Missouri. Smith has accrued four seasons in the NFL-meaning he played in at least six games a season and is now automatically a free agent after the 49er’s released him.

Former 49er and now Hall of Fame inductee Charles Haley, told ESPN’s Jim Trotter,

“He needs help and I am not going to give up on him.”

 

At one point Smith was averaging nearly one sack per game. He totaled 33.5 sacks in his first two seasons with the 49ers, but just 10.5 over the past two years as he battled off field issues that limited him to just 18 total games.

Now will any other team give him a second chance? (Third, fourth or fifth, if you’re accounting arrest 😬).

Accounts against Smith include vandalism, hit and run and DUI, raising issues under both the substance abuse policy and the personal conduct policy. Given that Smith was suspended nine games last year under both policies, it makes more sense for teams to wait and see what happens with the league before making him an offer. 

Intriguing spots that Smith may end up are other teams in the NFC West like the Seahawks and Cardinals. After all we all know Pete Carroll loves a little controversy. 😉

But is Smith really worth the risk? Tweet us your thoughts @coachsdaughters !

-Morgan

You Won’t Believe What Dez Bryant Just Bought

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Jerry Jones has clear expectations for the Cowboys.

A post shared by SportsCenter (@sportscenter) on Jul 17, 2015 at 1:25pm PDT

In the words of Jerry Maguire, Dez Bryant told Mr. Jones, SHOW ME THE MONEY.

It’s no secret that Dez Bryant signed his five year, $70 million dollar contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys earlier this week. That contract gets him $45 million guaranteed. NO BIG DEAL.

After he signed the paperwork, people were left wondering WWDD: What Will Dez Do?!

It’s obvious that any normal person would want to either celebrate or make a large purchase after signing a contract worth that many dollar bills. 💰 And, were talking about Dez Bryant. “Show-y” should be his middle name.

Vegas? A sports car? A yacht? A Private Island? OH MY. What will he choose with his new found mu-lah?!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE…

Well, it looks like Dez decided to buy a brand new IO Hawk. The IO Hawk is a skateboard-like segway and is the newest craze in the celeb world right now. Dez made sure to post a video of him riding his newest purchase. 

View this post on Instagram

Good times #throwupthex

A post shared by Dez Bryant (@dezbryant) on Jul 17, 2015 at 11:02pm PDT

In case you recognized this bad boy from another celeb, why yes, Miss Kendall Jenner owns one as well.

https://instagram.com/p/2HXaFiDo3X/

But now the question poses: What does this mean for future salaries of wide-receivers in the NFL? Tweet us at @coachsdaughters to let us know what you think!

– Hailey

Russell Wilson… A Freak on the Field, but Not in the Sheets

I Just Had Se-… Oh Wait…

Cue The Lonely Island’s “I Just Had Sex”… Or don’t…

Seattle Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson, a man of God, is not engaging in physical actions with now-girlfriend Ciara (still bitter, WHAT ABOUT ME, RUSSELL?!).

Anyone who knows anything about Russell Wilson knows how strong his faith is. So this news should not come as a shocker to anyone.

Ciara, just know that when Russell invites you over to “watch Netflix and chill,” that’s literally all he wants to do. So you stay at that other end of the couch.

So, I mean, enjoy the celibacy you two! I’ll be waiting Russ!

– Alexa

“If you can look up, you can get up.” Former Giants RB David Wilson Won’t Let Spinal Stenosis Stop Him

Photo: Gospel Herald

Goodbye NFL, and hello track and field!

People would think you’re crazy if you told them a former first-round draft pick would retire from the NFL after two years.

David Wilson would tell you you’re out of your mind if you told him this would be his story. Yet here he is, during an emotional press conference walking away from the game he loves.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-york-giants/0ap3000000374814/Wilson-gives-emotional-farewell-speech

Ugh, you teared up right?

“If you can look up, you can get up,”   -David Wilson.

So how did Wilson get to this point and where does he go from here?

Wilson attended high school in Virginia where he set school records and was the Gatorade Player of the Year. He went on to play college ball at Virginia Tech where once again he set records – during his junior season he racked up 1,709 yards on 290 carries. He was the ACC Offensive Player of the Year.

During the combine he put up impressive numbers especially in the vertical jump and broad jump – keep that in mind.

He was drafted in the first round to the New York Giants in 2012. That same year as an NFL rookie,  Wilson led the league with a franchise-record of 1,533 kickoff return yards.

His next season tragedy would strike. Wilson was injured just five games into his second season, where doctors then diagnosed him with spinal stenosis.  Wilson had surgery in January of 2014 and returned for training camp, only to take a hard hit that left him feeling a numbness you never want to feel.

A couple of months later, he was told he would have to sit the whole season and was advised by doctors to quit football.

Cue the video- Wilson decided it was time to retire.

He finished with playing in 21 career games and had 504 yards on 115 carries.

It’s true… When one door closes, another one always opens.

Now I told you about David Wilson the football star, but I didn’t tell you about David Wilson the track and field star.

Photo: NY Times

Back in high school, Wilson was a sprinter and a jumper. In 2009, he was the National Champion at the Nike Indoor meet for the triple jump. He also did track and field at Virginia Tech. He was an All-American and placed sixth in the triple jump at the NCAA Championship.

So this is Wilson’s next move, track and field. He has been training for the triple jump and he has his eyes set on going to the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

In his first track meet since 2011 last month (June 2015), he fell a little short of his goal and placed ninth. He did not qualify for the US Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

They say it’s not about how many times you fall, but about how many times you get back up. Keep getting up Wilson, we want to see you in red, white and blue again!

– Paige

Geno Smith at Starting QB Is Still Raising Some Eyebrows

Geno Smith is currently the penciled-in starting quarterback for the New York Jets.

In other words, the squad is still counting on Smith to carry their team to victory each and every Sunday afternoon this Fall. But after last season, is this really going to be what’s best for the team? The new Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey has some great offensive additions brought on to the team for this upcoming season, but is that really enough?

According to ESPN’s QBR metric, Smith was the second WORST passer in the league (my man Russell was number twelve, just sayin’) right in front of Blake Bortles. Putting up these kinds of numbers is not going to get Smith, let alone the Jets, anywhere. Granted the team does also have Ryan Fitzpatrick, and rookies Jake Heaps (out of Washington, what what!) and Bryce Petty, who can also step up to the plate if need be.

Frankly, with Petty as a fourth round draft pick out of Baylor University, why not take advantage of the new talent? If you take even just a quick glance at his stats from Baylor (see right for just a few), you can see that he has quite the resume, and these aren’t even all of his accomplishments.

The team wants to win and the team wants to succeed and at the end of the day, Smith isn’t going to be able to provide that. Smith has proven to be a fabulous quarterback in the past, but the truth of the matter is, he is no longer performing like he used to.

If the Jets want to succeed this season, they’re better off without Geno Smith.

– Alexa

What’s Next for Ray Rice?

Ray Rice.

Former Baltimore Ravens running back, Super bowl Champion and 3x Pro-bowler, who’s got turned upside down at the snap of his fingers.

Or better yet, the click of an elevator button.

Now he sits and waits (well, works out and waits) to see which NFL team will give him a second chance.

Here’s a timeline of events that led Rice to be in this position.

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY

• February 15: Rice and Janay Palmer arrested on simple assault charges, details of altercation not clear.
• February 19: Video of Rice dragging Palmer from an elevator released to the public.
• February 21: Ravens stand by Rice and defend him.
• March 26: Roger Goodell addresses Rice.
• March 27: Rice indicted, chargers went from simple assault to aggravated assault. Palmer stated that she did not was to go forward with prosecution.
• March 28: Rice and Palmer get married.
• May 23: Rice accepted into pretrial intervention program instead of taking case to trial. Ray and Janay Rice had press conference.
• June 16: Rice has discipline meeting with Goodell.
• July 24: NFL suspends Rice 2 games.
• September 8: Full video of Rice punching his wife in the face is released to the public. Ravens release Rice and the NFL suspends him indefinitely.
• September 9-10: NFL and Ravens say they did not see the full video prior to it being released.
• September 16: Rice appeals indefinite suspension
• November 2-5: Hearings held
• November 28: Rice wins appeal, NFL reinstates him.

So this leaves us with the question, what’s next for Ray Rice?

In his last season, Rice posted career-low stats. He had a total of 483 YARDS LESS than the season before and his yards per carry dropped to 3.1. Obviously these numbers are not helping Rice in his hunt for a new team.

However, some teams are down running backs and could use a veteran like Rice. Plus, in my opinion, this guy has so much to prove that he will come out guns blazing – if he gets signed. But seriously, look at these quick feet.

 

Rice has been able to sign with teams for months now – and still nothing. Which teams will be willing to take a chance on a man who quickly became the face of domestic violence?

BROWNS

The issue with the Browns running backs is that they are all young, Isaiah Crowell and Terrence West will be returning for their second season. Last year combined they had 1,280 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. The Browns added another running back in this year’s draft – Duke Johnson. With no go-to wide receiver or even a set quarterback, veteran Rice could be the key that this offense needs, especially during a season where Cleveland has a lot to prove.

COWBOYS

With Demarco Murray gone, the Cowboys look to fill the running back role. Right now, Darren McFadden looks to be their starting running back, although he comes with some concerns. And then there’s Joseph Randle aka underwear thief, who Andy Benoit from Sports Illustrated believes can have a 1,500 yard season. It probably won’t take much money to sign Rice, as it seems he just wants to get back on a team. With the Cowboys’ limited cap space and Rice’s ability to be an every-down back, we have to wonder if Rice will be a Cowboy this season. Plus we all know Jerry loves him some controversial boys.

PATRIOTS

Because they have such a structured program, Rice would benefit from being on the Patriots, as well as they would benefit from signing him. With LeGarrette Blount suspended for the beginning of the season, and both Stevan Ridey and Shane Vereen lost in free agency, the Pats need depth at the running back position. Plus, with the future of Tom Brady unknown, they need all the help on offense they can get. The help of Rice may not be a bad thing for the Patriots, as long as they can get past all the media distractions. Also, yet another coach who has no problem with some controversy.

RAIDERS

The Raiders always seem to be the team giving players second chances, so could this happen with Rice? Trent Richardson, the Raiders former third overall pick, is just averaging 3.3 yards per carry. With the addition of wide receiver Amari Cooper they are looking to build their offense, but who fills that running back role? Is it Latavius Murray – who showed some spark last season, Richardson who needs to step it up, or will it be Rice looking to redeem himself?

Yes, these teams are in need of running backs, but can they over look Rice’s past, confront the media and fans and give him that second chance?

Call me crazy, but I think they should.

– Paige

Nike Wins NBA 8-Year Contract for Oh, You Know, 1 Billion

Nothing tastes sweeter than victory, especially when that victory is one big delicious pile of one billion dollars, which is exactly what Nike paid to the National Basketball Association this past week.

Once again, being the power-house that it is, Nike blew Adidas out of the water (and off the court) and picked up an eight-year apparel contract with the NBA replacing Adidas beginning 2017.

The word is that Adidas decided against contract negotiations with the NBA to renew their exclusive apparel contract in order to shift its focus to individual players instead, which led to a huge win for Nike. After the announcement of the deal, Nike’s stock rose 1.1% to $104.50 per share, with a total annual increase of 7.5%. Even though this deal is roughly a 245% increase from the previous Adidas deal, having Nike’s logo be the single and only logo seen on the NBA courts EVER is going to be huge for business and well worth that $1 billion price tag- a small investment for such an extravagant long-term gain.

This also begs the question: Will Nike remain the exclusive uniform provider for the NFL upon contract expiration in 2017? Holding contracts with the two most popular athletic organizations in the country would draw in an inordinate amount of revenue for this premier athletic company, but Nike might be planning to direct full attention and funding to the NBA. Although Nike already has killer endorsement deals with all-star players such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Michael Jordan, their relationships with major corporations are their most invaluable source of advertising and marketing and what makes them absolutely dominate the sports industry.

All in all, with Nike’s innovative and technological apparel production, you can expect to see some impressive uniforms on the court for the 2017-2018 NBA season. As for Adidas, Under Armour, and every other athletic gear company, you could always try Sears?

– Adrienne