Jolly Not So Jolly

Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Johnny Jolly has been arrested on another drug charge.

Jolly was arrested this past Friday in Houston after being pulled over in his Cadillac Escalade just after midnight.

While searching Jolly's vehicle, police came across a bottle containing 600 grams of codeine under the passenger's seat and another bottle with an unknown substance in the driver's side door.

The lineman was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, which could be a felony charge.

This story may sound very familiar to you, and if it does, there is good reason for that.

Back in July of 2008, Jolly was arrested, in Houston of all places, for possession of at least 200 grams of codeine, which is a second-degree felony.

In lue of jail time, the Packer received a form of probation that would've had the charge against him dismissed if he stayed out of trouble for a year. The sentence included 160 hours of community service, 10 of which were to be speaking engagements for children and others about drug use.

Jolly was suspended by the NFL for all of last season for those felony drug charges.

Jolly had 39 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one interception in 2009.

In light of his most recent arrest, Jolly could very well be looking for a new job this coming football season. The Packers were able to win a Super Bowl without his help last year, and are going to try and repeat this year.

Cullen Jenkins was expected to be let go after the lockout was lifted, but that could change now depending on Jolly’s status.

The Packers also could draft a defensive lineman with their first-round pick, if they do not want to keep Jolly or Jenkins.

- Sal LaFata

Bucs Favorite for HBO Series

Sources say that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the front-runner to be the next team to appear on HBO's hit series "Hard Knocks."

"Hard Knocks" is a sports documentary series produced by NFL Films and HBO that follows a single NFL team through training camp, and provides a view of the team's preparation for the upcoming season. The show gives the viewer a chance to see some of their favorite athletes outside of the typical locker room interviews.

The first six seasons of the show featured teams such as the Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys (twice), Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets. The show obtained very high ratings as each season came and went.

Tampa Bay is an interesting team to be on the show this year, as they are coming off a very surprising 10-6 season in which they just missed out on the playoffs. Head Coach Raheem Morris is a very outgoing and outspoken coach who is not afraid to say it as he sees it.

Quarterback Josh Freeman is coming off a very successful season, and should be preparing for another impressive one. Receiver Mike Williams and running back LeGarrette Blount are both youth talented athletes who are looking to build off of last seasons impressive stats.

The Buccaneers have a lot of talent on their team, and high hopes for the upcoming season. They play in a tough division, though, which will make it more difficult for them to make the playoffs.

The Bucs have the twentieth overall pick in this years draft, where they will more than likely draft a defensive player like Justin Houston from Georgia, or Cameron Jordan from California.

No deal has currently been finalized for the HBO series, but a decision is expected later in the spring.

- Sal LaFata

McCann Responds to Arrest

Dallas Cowboys CB Bryan McCann was arrested Saturday for drunk driving. McCann was charged with public intoxication, but the Cowboys cornerback released a statement Sunday explaining his case.

In McCann's statement, he denies being drunk and explains that he is very happy that in America, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

As an NFL player, McCann is subject to the personal conduct policy of the league. If it is determined that he violated this policy, McCann will be punished once the lockout is over.

McCann was picked up by the Dallas Cowboys after being an undrafted free agent out of SMU. McCann had a brief stint with Baltimore, but never played a game before he was released by the Ravens.

As a rookie, McCann recorded 15 total tackles and one interception, which he returned 101 yards for a touchdown in week 10 against the New York Giants.

- Sal LaFata

NFL Players Respond to Labor Negotiations

In a video on ESPN.com today, NFL players talked with George Smith about the labor negotiations and the looming lockout.

The players offered some of their views of the situation, and some of their solutions. It is very apparent that the players are willing to negotiate and make a deal.

The ultimate goal of the players is the play football this year. After hearing what a small group of them had to say in this video, I feel more confident that the lockout will end in time for the season to start.

- Sal LaFata

Potential Rule Changes

The Associated Press announced today that the competition committee will propose multiple new rules at the owner's meetings in New Orleans next week.

These new rules can be broken down into three categories: Kickoff rules, Replay rules, and the "Calvin Johnson" rule.

Lets start with the proposed rule changes for kickoffs.

• Moving kickoff to 35-yard line, and bringing touchback out to 25. However, no changes for touchbacks on any other plays would be made.
• Only the kicker would be allowed to line up more than 5 yards behind ball.
• The wedge would be outlawed. The wedge was previously reduced to two players in 2009.

Next is the rule changes for replay.

• All scoring plays would be reviewable. Meaning the replay official would order replays on any touchdowns, field goals, safeties and extra points without needing a challenge from a coach. This is basically the same system that is already in play for the final two minutes of each half, and for college football throughout the entire game.
• The third coach's challenge would be eliminated.

Welcome

Hello and welcome to Unnecessary Roughness,

This blog is designed to inform the reader about what is currently going on in the NFL. I will discuss the hot topics, and the hot players. I will offer my honest opinion on all of the topics, and be as educated as possible. 

Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy.

- Sal LaFata