SB Nation Bay Area: All Posts by Mark Sandritter

The NFL All-Middle-Name team

2013-06-19T16:45:01Z

With top 100 lists and organization Mount Rushmores filling space recently, this is apparently the part of the NFL calendar to make random lists and teams. Making a team of the best players is easy and played out, so instead we decided to make a team with the best players who also happen to have awesome middle names.

That's right, this is your NFL All-Middle-Name team of 2013.

Quarterback: Russell Carrington Wilson

Russell Wilson gets us started off strong for the rare Carrington sighting. Russell Carrington sounds more like a high-end men's clothing store than it does an NFL quarterback. But hey, at least he has a store name if he decides to get into fashion when his playing days are over.

Runner-up: Antonio Ramiro Romo

Running back: Jamaal RaShaad Jones Charles

What's better than one middle name? How about two middle names like Jamaal RaShaad Jones Charles. Not many names include seven uses of the letter A.

Runner-up: LeSean Kamel McCoy

Wide receiver: Quintorris Lopez Jones

How about Quintorris Lopez Jones?

Runner-up: William Percy Harvin III

Wide receiver: Andre McXavier Roberts

Roger Goodell should suspend Andre Roberts immediately until he agrees to go by McXavier. Finally put that power to good use.

Runner-up: Davone Atrayo Bess

Tight end: Marcedes Alexis Lewis

Somewhere in the name Marcedes Alexis Lewis is a Kanye West joke about not being able to afford expensive cars.

Runner-up: Jacob Francis Tamme

Offensive line: Joseph Henry Thomas

Joe Henry Thomas is most offensive line sounding name of all the names. Either that or New Orleans Saints quarterback.

Runner-up: Jeffrey Kalei Faine

Offensive line: Anthony Salvatore Castonzo

Anthony Salvatore Castonzo pulls off the rare triple combo of a name ending in Y, E and O.

Runner-up: Leonard Barnett Davis

Offensive line: Maxwell McCandless Unger

We should probably just stop here. We're never finding a better middle name than McCandless.

Runner-up: Scott Darvin Wells

Offensive line: Sean Hilary Locklear

No, really his middle name is Hilary.

Runner-up: Christopher Clarks Spencer

Offensive line: D'Brickashaw Montgomery Ferguson

D'Brickashaw Montgomery Ferguson is either the Jets' left tackle or a future president.

Runner-up: Sebastian Georg Vollmer

Defensive end: Connor Alfred Barwin

Yup. Totally looks like an Alfred ... or not.

Runner-up: Kendall Arkel Langford

Defensive tackle: Paul Fuapapa Soliai

Good luck finding a middle name more fun to say than Fuapapa.

Runner-up: Etuini Haloti Ngata

Defensive tackle: Domata Uluaifaasau Peko

Twenty-one letters, 13 vowels.

Runner-up: Tyson Asi Alualu

Defensive end: Aldon Jacarus Smith

Good thing Aldon didn't go by A.J., then he would have been blamed for letting Drew Brees walk and hiring Norv Turner.

Runner-up: Marcus Raishon Spears

Linebacker: Thomas Arquis Howard

No, it's not Marquis, it's Arquis.

Runner-up: Lance Marell Briggs

Linebacker: Terrell Raymonn Suggs

If all three of your names have double letters, you make the list.

Runner-up: Jonathan Polynice Vilma

Linebacker: Derrick O'Hara Johnson

Unfortunately, Derrick O'Hara Johnson and Shaun O'Hara have never been teammates.

Runner-up: Karlos Montez Dansby

Cornerback: Cortland Temujin Finnegan

Cortland Finnegan is apparently partially named after a Mongolian emperor. He's obviously making the list.

Runner-up: Darrelle Shavar Revis

Safety: Antrel Rocelious Rolle

Rocelious Rolle really rings.

Runner-up: Bernard Karmell Pollard

Safety: Christian Napoleon Chancellor

No wonder he goes by Kam.

Runner-up: Terrell Ray Williams Ward Jr.

Cornerback: Tracy O'Neil Porter

Tracy O'Neil, meet O'Neil Porter.

Runner-up: Leon Lastarza Hall

Kicker: Kai August Forbath

Kai July would have rhymed better.

Runner-up: Philip Drury Dawson

Punter: Dustin Farr Colquitt

When it comes to punter middle names, Farr is a lot better than shank.

Runner-up: Saverio Giovanni Rocca

More from SB Nation:

• Broncos blog talks to All-Pro Von Miller

• NBC hires Scott Pioli as NFL "informationalist"

• 5 quarterback battles to watch

• NFL quarterbacks as TV dads

• Watch NFL rookies interviewing each other

HCA: Jason Monda, others returning to WSU

2013-06-19T12:00:05Z

The baseball team is coming off a disappointing season, but Donnie Marbut on Co. caught a break with the news that Jason Monda and two other players will return next season instead of sign with MLB teams.

Baseball: OF Jason Monda, RHP J.D. Leckenby and Trace Tam Sing will return to #Wazzu next season after being drafted this month.
— WazzuWatch.com (@bkransford) June 18, 2013

Monda was WSU's best hitter and possibly its best pitcher last season. By deciding not to sign, he's turning down a bonus worth upwards of $250,000. Most sixth-round picks sign, so Monda's decision to return for his senior season is somewhat of a surprise. Leckenby and Trace Tam Sing's returns were lesser surprises as they should be able to boost their stocks with strong seasons.

While those three will return, Adam Nelubowich will not as he signed with the Houston Astros.

Baseball:

Derek Jones Named to All-Star Team - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site
PULLMAN, Wash. - When the South Atlantic League All-Stars take the field, Tuesday night in Lakewood, N.J., former Washington State star Derek Jones will be among the starters.

Football recruiting:

Receivers McCrary, Parker Commit to WVU for 2014 - WVU Football, WVU Basketball, News - Mountaineer Sports
Parker, meanwhile, is a 5'8" 170-pound slot receiving speedster who turned down Cincinnati, Florida State, Texas A&M and Washington State in order to accept a WVU offer.

Things that are awesome:

It may be wise to save this link until after lunch, otherwise you'll be craving a super basket all morning.

*****

Cougar Country Drive-In Restaurant celebrates 40 years | Local & Regional | KLEW CBS 3 - News, Weather and Sports - Lewiston, ID
PULLMAN, WA - One of Pullman's favorite restaurants is turning 40-years-old Tuesday and they hope the business continues to thrive for decades more.

Aaron Hernandez investigation: Police search TE's house

2013-06-18T23:42:35Z

Police activity continued around Aaron Hernandez's house on Tuesday as police appeared to execute a search warrant on the house before taking two men, neither of whom were Hernandez, away from the scene, according to Sports Illustrated's Greg Bedard.

More: Hernandez questioned by police

The investigation is related to a possible homicide after a 27-year-old man's body was found by a jogger on Monday, less than a mile from Hernandez's house. Although he is not a suspect, Hernandez was reportedly an "associate" of the victim, according to a report from ABC News. Hernandez's tie to the investigation initially came when his name was linked to a rental car that police identified in connection to the possible homicide.

According to Bedard, 10 police cars arrived at Hernandez's house in North Attleboro, Mass., on Tuesday. Police then entered the house, likely executing a search warrant, before checking the IDs of two men who attempted to leave. Police later escorted the two men into police cruisers and away from the house. Bedard, who was on the scene during the activity, said a man who appeared to be Hernandez arrived at the house while police were there.

Michele McPhee of ABC News reported Hernandez has been uncooperative with police during the investigation. Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter said the investigation would be turned over to the Massachusetts State Police.

More from SB Nation:

• NFL Debrief: The end of football?

• Denard Robinson (sort of) ties his shoes for the Jags

• What's Andy Reid's place in NFL coaching history?

• Will Juron Criner be the Raiders' new red zone target?

• Broncos blog talks to All-Pro Von Miller

• 5 quarterback battles to watch

Aaron Hernandez questioned by police investigating possible homicide

2013-06-18T22:11:20Z

New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was questioned by police in Massachusetts on Monday as part of an investigation into a possible homicide, according to a report from Sports Illustrated's Pete Thamel and Greg Bedard. While Hernandez is not believed to be a suspect, police may want to search his home, a source told SI.

According to the report, a vehicle rented in Hernandez's name emerged as a key piece of evidence in the investigation. Police reportedly identified a rented Chevrolet Suburban in connection with a possible homicide and Hernandez's name is associated with the rental. The investigation comes after a jogger found the body of a 27-year-old man on Monday less than a mile from Hernandez' house in North Attleboro, Mass.

The investigation appears to be in the early stages as police are still waiting to analyze the vehicle for fingerprints. Hernandez did not return a call from Sports Illustrated, but a source inside the investigation confirmed he did speak to police in relation to the case.

More from SB Nation:

• NFL Debrief: The end of football?

• Denard Robinson (sort of) ties his shoes for the Jags

• What's Andy Reid's place in NFL coaching history?

• Will Juron Criner be the Raiders' new red zone target?

• Broncos blog talks to All-Pro Von Miller

• 5 quarterback battles to watch

Chris Paul content after Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett trade falls through, according to report

2013-06-18T21:48:24Z

With the trade deal between the Celtics and the Clippers reportedly dead, it doesn't appear Doc Rivers will be the next head coach of the Clippers, but that doesn't necessarily mean Chris Paul won't return to the team. Paul didn't object when the deal fell through, according to a report from Sports City.

More: Clippers moving on?

Paul is scheduled to become a free agent on July 1, but was a "lock" to re-sign with Los Angeles if the Clippers acquired Rivers and Kevin Garnett, according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. Now that the deal has fallen apart, Paul's status is back in limbo, but the fact he didn't object to Los Angeles' decision to not include two first round picks could be a good sign for the Clippers.

According to the report from Sports City, the Clippers were in contact with Paul throughout the negotiations. The deal reportedly fell through because Los Angeles was only willing to include one first-round pick and Boston wanted two. Considering the value of a late first-round pick in the NBA Draft, you'd have to think the Clippers would have met Boston's demands if Paul said he would depart unless the deal got done.

Whether or not Paul's lack of objection means he's still likely to re-sign with the Clippers remains to be seen, but Los Angeles will find out soon enough.

More from SB Nation:

• Ziller: LeBron and the age of sports skeptics

• Doc Rivers trade to Clippers is dead, says Danny Ainge

• Flannery: Finally, The Manu Game | How the Spurs won

• SB Nation's blogger mock draft

• NBA mock draft: Best-case scenarios | Scouting reports | Big Board

Which NFL veterans could be surprise training camp causalities?

2013-06-18T16:00:09Z

The life of an NFL veteran can be a very unstable one. Teams are constantly in search of younger, cheaper talent. Not even past accolades like All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors can save some veterans from the chopping block. Willis McGahee, Vonta Leach and Desmond Bishop are the latest notable veterans to receive their walking papers, but they won't be the last.

While training camp roster cuts are usually filled with fringe NFL players barely hanging on, there are a few surprising veterans mixed in with the group each year. New England released Deion Branch in the final cut last season while Seattle cut Kellen Winslow even though he was predicted to play a major role in the offense. So who will be among the surprise cuts this season? Here are a few players to keep an eye on.

Devin Hester, Chicago Bears

One of the most prolific return men in NFL history, Hester's tenure in Chicago appears close to an end. He is no longer in the mix at wide receiver for Chicago and he isn't guaranteed to win the return man duties either. New Bears head coach Marc Trestman said Hester would be "competing" for the return role, according to CSN Chicago. With the 30-year-old Hester no longer playing a role on offense and scheduled to earn a base salary of $1.85 million, the Bears may decide to move on sooner rather than later.

Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles

Vick was nearly released this offseason before agreeing to a restructured contract. That contact included a $3.5 million signing bonus, but Vick could still be in jeopardy if he doesn't win the starting job. The Eagles have solid quarterback depth with Nick Foles and Matt Barkley and could would save $3.5 million by releasing Vick before the season.

Chad Henne, Jacksonville Jaguars

Like Vick, Henne could find himself on the chopping block if he doesn't win the starting job in training camp. The Jaguars are in the early stages of a rebuild and Henne, who will turn 28 in July, likely doesn't have much of a future in Jacksonville. Henne was marginally better than Blaine Gabbert last season and unlike Gabbert, has very little upside.

Michael Robinson, Seattle Seahawks

Robinson has played a big role in Seattle's run-first offense and became very popular with Seahawks fans for the "Real Robinson Report" but he's not a lock to make the roster. Robinson is 30 and scheduled to make $2.5 million next season. He's the third-highest paid fullback in the NFL and Seattle drafted his potential replacement in Spencer Ware. Marshawn Lynch, Robert Turbin and Christine Michael are locks to make the roster, leaving Robinson and Ware likely competing for the final spot. Will Seattle choose experience and leadership or young and cheap?

Brett Keisel, Pittsburgh Steelers

Keisel has been a mainstay on Pittsburgh's defense, but he's 34 and coming off a down season. He's scheduled to earn $2.825 million in base salary this season in what could be his final season. Former first-round pick Cam Heyward is waiting in the wings behind Keisel and could be ready to take over the starting job.

Tim Tebow, New England Patriots

It's unlikely the Patriots would sign Tebow and tackle the media circus that comes with that if they didn't think he had a shot to make the roster, but it's still not a lock. Tebow is currently one of three quarterbacks on the roster, but New England carried two quarterbacks on its 53-man roster last season. Unless Ryan Mallett is traded or completely flops in training camp, Tebow is likely to be the No. 3 quarterback and firmly on the roster bubble.

Brad Smith, Buffalo Bills

When the Bills signed Brad Smith, then-head coach Chan Gailey had visions of an offensive super weapon. It didn't work out that way and with Doug Marrone now in Buffalo, it's hard to see much of a role for Smith. The Bills drafted two wide receivers and could save $2.75 million in 2013 by releasing Smith.

Nnamdi Asomugha, San Francisco 49ers

Asomugha chose to sign with San Francisco over New Orleans this offseason, but he's far from a lock to make the roster. Tarell Brown is slated to start at one of the cornerback spots and after he received a $1.25 million guarantee, Carlos Rogers appears to be in good position to make the roster. Asomugha will likely compete with Chris Culliver, Tramaine Brock and Perrish Cox for two or three spots. If Asomugha returns to the form he displayed with Oakland, it could put Rogers on the chopping block. Rogers received a guarantee, but the 49ers could still save over $4.5 million by releasing him.

Donald Brown, Indianapolis Colts

The former first-round pick may have run out of chances. He fell behind rookie fifth-round pick Vick Ballard last season and has now moved even further down the depth chart with the signing of Ahmad Bradshaw. Brown doesn't do anything Ballard and Bradshaw can't, making him an expensive third-stringer.

More from SB Nation:

• Broncos blog talks to All-Pro Von Miller

• NBC hires Scott Pioli as NFL "informationalist"

• 5 quarterback battles to watch

• NFL quarterbacks as TV dads

• Watch NFL rookies interviewing each other

HCA: The top plays from 2012

2013-06-18T12:00:05Z

WSU released a video with the top 10 plays of the 2012 season and I'm guessing you'll be able to predict the top two.

The top two are hardly a surprise, but Jeff Tuel's scramble play in the Apple Cup is woefully underrated. Isiah Myers' touchdown against Eastern was nice, but it's well below the Tuel scramble in my book. Based on the sheer difficulty level, Tuel would be No. 1 in my book, but that's likely a losing argument.

Travis Long's sack being No. 5 was interesting, but I'm assuming that's a lifetime achievement sort of thing. Regardless, hopefully the top 10 players of 2013 features more plays that lead to wins.

Football:

**Warning** The numbers in this link are gruesome and may be offensive to WSU fans.

*****

Team rushing returning: Pac-12 North - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
Today we're going to take a look at what each team has coming back in terms of yards, attempts and touchdowns in the run game. Earlier today we looked at the South. Now we'll look at the North. "Team" carries are not taken into account looking ahead to 2013, but negative yards in 2012 are. Remember also that sacks are (for some redonkulous reason) counted as rushing attempts.

NFL news roundup: Bengals on Hard Knocks, Vikings to play more games in London?

2013-06-18T12:00:04Z

Cincinnati Bengals fans will be seeing more of their team next season while Minnesota Vikings fans could be seeing less of theirs in coming seasons. All of that and more as we catch up on Monday's biggest NFL news.

Hard Knocks will feature the Cincinnati Bengals

HBO's Hard Knocks is a favorite among NFL fans, and for the second time in five years, the Cincinnati Bengals will be the featured team. The show, which gives fans an all-access, behind-the-scenes look at training camp, will debut on Aug. 6.

Although this is the second time in four years the Bengals will be featured on the show, the majority of the main characters will have changed. Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson and Roy Williams are no longer with the team. Instead, the 2013 edition of the show will give viewers a chance to get to know Andy Dalton, A.J. Green, Geno Atkins and other players on the current roster.

The players may have changed, but Marvin Lewis will once again be a big part of the show. A number of teams have reportedly turned down the opportunity to be on the show in recent years, but Lewis said the Bengals are happy to provide a unique experience for their fans. Via Cincy Jungle:

"The feedback we got from our experience with Hard Knocks in 2009 was outstanding," said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. "Our fans enjoyed it tremendously and we're happy to try and provide that same experience again. Our fans love the NFL and they enjoy seeing things they don't normally get to see. We have some outstanding men, both as players and as people. They've got great charisma to go along with their football skills, and the Hard Knocks treatment allows for both to shine through."

Vikings open to playing more games in London

The Minnesota Vikings will play the Pittsburgh Steelers in London this season, but it may not be the last time Minnesota plays overseas. According to a report from NFLUK.com, Vikings vice president of public affairs Lester Bagley said the organization could be open to more games in London.

According to the report, the Vikings want to see how their trip to London goes this season before considering future games. Minnesota will open its new stadium in 2016, but assuming this year's contest goes well, Minnesota could head back to London at some point during the next two seasons.

With the current 16-game schedule, fans of teams who play the home team role for London games miss out on a home game. While that isn't likely to change, the Daily Norseman discussed how an 18-game schedule could potentially limit the impact felt by "missing out" on a home game.

Patriots don't know when Rob Gronkowski will return

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is set to undergo back surgery on Tuesday and the Patriots aren't sure when he will return. The 24-year-old tight end will undergo a procedure to repair a herniated disc in his spine and some are speculating the procedure could force him to open the season on the physically unable to perform list.

If Gronkowski did open the season on the PUP list, he would miss at least the first six games of the regular season. While his timeline to return is uncertain, the good news for New England is Gronkowski is familiar with the recovery process from this procedure, as he underwent the same procedure, with the same doctor, on a different disc during college.

With Gronkowski's future up in the air, the training camp battle for backup tight end will become even more important. The Patriots rely on two-tight end formations, and if Gronkowski is out for any length of time, New England may need to carry four tight ends. Pats Pulpit broke down the contenders for the backup tight end positions.

Packers release Desmond Bishop, linebacker already has a visit lined up

Two years ago Desmond Bishop was one of the best players on the Packers defense and a rising star in the NFL. A ruptured hamstring derailed his rise to stardom last season, and if he's going to get back on that track, it won't be in Green Bay.

The Packers released the 28-year-old linebacker on Monday after attempting to trade him during the NFL Draft. The move helps the Packers financially, as Bishop was scheduled to earn $3.46 million, but it was also done for personnel reasons. Brad Jones stepped in when Bishop was injured and played well enough to win the starting job on a full-time basis.

While Bishop was released, he may not be without a team long, as he's reportedly already drawn interest from the Vikings. The Chiefs, Raiders, Falcons and Saints could also be logical fits for Bishop.

More from SB Nation:

• Broncos blog talks to All-Pro Von Miller

• NBC hires Scott Pioli as NFL "informationalist"

• 5 quarterback battles to watch

• NFL quarterbacks as TV dads

• Watch NFL rookies interviewing each other