Around the NFL: June 22-23

Rich Hollenberg may be one of the least articulate reporters ever, but he's on the Aaron Hernandez scene. In this O.J.-esk breaking story, things aren't looking good for the New England Patriots tight end. But it's worth mentioning (cough, cough...) that like O.J., Hernandez has a white S.U.V., and his attorney is driving it, and not Al Cowlings.

In a quiet ceremony, Vladimir Putin and Robert Kraft may exchange rings...The laugh-a-minute Russian president - and former KGB stand up comedian - is responding to Patriot's owner Robert Kraft's statement that Putin "stole" his XXXIX Super Bowl ring.

"We will ask our enterprises to craft a really good, noticeable thing -- so it is clear that it is expensive, made of a good metal, with a rock -- so that this jewel is passed on from generation to generation in the team whose interests Mr. Kraft represents.

"I think that this would be the most intelligent ... solution to such a difficult international problem." - V. Putin

I wonder if Kraft will wear a ring the size of a Faberge egg? Here's a bit of advice for Mr. Kraft: Learn this phrase in Russian for the next time - "Ручку верните" Yes, it means: "Return my pen", but if Kraft winks when he says it, Putin should get the idea. Either that, or Kraft will get a really nice pen?

via www.moscowonthepotomac.com

Warren Sapp just can't help it... His latest "opinion burp" has people wondering why he can't control himself. The latest involves Sapp's contention his former teammate - Simeon Rice - was better than the New York Giants' Michael Strahan: "Any day of the week, and twice on Sundays..." Hmm? Strahan was a four time All-Pro who set a NFL sack record with 22 1/2 sacks in a single season, and is 5th on the all-time list, while Rice is tied at 13th. Naw, I'm not buying it Warren, but keep up the good work...

Wes Welker didn't just want more money this off season - He wanted more hair... Maybe he misses the flowing locks of Tom Brady?

You know, the guy I WANT talking to impressionable NFL rookies is a guy like Adam "Pacman" Jones... Fresh off an arrest for a bar altercation, "Pacman" is scheduled to speak at the NFL rookie symposium. Think of the advice he can give to fresh eyed rookies: "Now when you get arrested...", plus think of the list of nice bars and strip clubs he can impart...

Is it just me that thinks Robert Griffin III is rushing his return from re-constructive knee surgery? While I found Adrian Peterson's remarkable return to play in 2012 amazing, it doesn't mean recovery lightning will strike twice. The Redskins want RGIII back - I get it - but there's a tad too much pressure on him right now to return to the field.

Wondering what the defensive secondaries around the NFL are going to look like after this off-season's shuffle? Take a look at a break down of ever NFL secondary...

The NFL Draft Road Show? One of my favorite writers over at Sports Illustrated - Don Banks - takes a look at an idea being floated by the NFL to have different rounds of the NFL Draft taking place in assorted cities around the country. "LIVE", from Chicago, it's round #3 of the NFL Draft!" Really... REALLY?

Finally, here's a funny video by Bob Nelson from the 1980s. Have a great weekend...