Deal or No Deal

The NFL Draft is just two short days away. A mass collection of former college players are hoping to be one of the 252 players drafted over the weekend. Within that collection, an elite group is vying for the top 10 picks that will guarantee them millions in signing bonus money. Within that group, there are three that have a chance to be selected number one by the Detroit Lions, guaranteeing them around $25 million up front and $60 million over five years.

$60 million dollars as a 22 year old right out of college. What an honor.

Many of us will never see anything near that money in our entire lifetime, let alone in a five year period. However, there have been individuals who have complained about this money. Two years ago, number one pick Jamarcus Russell held out of training camp because of contract issues. The Raiders wanted to give him around $57 million, which wasn't enough, so he held out until right before the season for $4 million more. To me, what is an extra $4 million when you are getting that much money? As a result, he lost valuable time and his career may never take off as it could have had he reported to camp on time.

Last year, the Miami Dolphins signed the number one pick Jake Long to a contract before the draft, he ended up coming to camp, starting 16 games, and went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Taking these two tales into account, it is no surprise that the Detroit Lions are trying to lock up Matthew Stafford to avoid any possible hold out. I will never get it, but he should sign the dotted line and don't let greedy agents dictate their actions. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

Lions + Fierce = Americas Next Top Model

The Detroit Lions. This team rings three bells in my head: Barry Sanders, Thanksgiving, and losing. Barry Sanders is retired, the annual Thanksgiving game is their yearly highlight, and the losing was more evident after a historically horrid 0-16 season in 2008. The first two are not going to change, but the solution to the losing has been discovered and fixed instantly.

Was it the general manager... no.

Was it the lack of talent... no.

Was it poor coaching... no.

The uniforms have been the issue. That's right, the soft powder blue and silver are fine, but the logo wasn't mean enough. So, the new lion featuring teeth and the "fierce" letters are a sure fire way to turn around one of the worst franchises in NFL history. Give me a break!

To make matters worse, they had six players put on a modeling show on a mini runway. If I were running the show in Detroit, which isn't the craziest idea in the world, I would be in the weight room, class room, or on the field instead of wasting time putting on a show for cameras. You are not the world champion Steelers, who by the way are not putting on a modeling show following their record sixth NFL Championship. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if the Lions brought Tyra Banks on as an assistant coach. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones