Nomar Garciaparra says that if MLB decides to test him for steroids he's also going to get his doctor to test him as well because he 'does not trust tests.'
"I don't trust testing...I don't know where [the sample] is going or who's doing [the testing], or what they are looking for. Testing is just not the answer."So then the question becomes, 'if testing is not the answer, what is?' How does one go about finding out if a player is using steroids? The NFL tests its players and there hasn't been much in the way of complaints (or even cries of false-positive test results). Any time a player offers resistance when it comes to testing, it immediately raises questions (whether that's right or wrong is another discussion--although prejudging people is usually a bad idea). I don't think there is anything wrong with Garciaparra insisting on being tested twice--in fact, it's probably a smart move. But if he doesn't have a solution to the current testing situation he might be better off not saying anything--especially when two of his teammates are more than willing to be tested to prove they're not on the juice.
Terrell Owens impact may be overstated
The Baltimore Ravens landed one of the best wide receivers in the NFL yesterday when they traded their 2nd round draft pick to San Francisco for the services of Terrell Owens. On the surface this looks to change the dynamic in the AFC North that now proclaims the Ravens as favorites. But before everyone gets too far ahead of themselves, first consider two things:
1) If Jamal Lewis can't play in 2004, the Ravens are back to square one--a one-dimensional team on offense with a great defense. But now, instead of relying on Lewis's legs, Billick must rely on Boller's ability to get TO the ball (FYI, Boller had surgery on his non-throwing shoulder yesterday). I'm sure most defensive coordinators would rather game plan against stopping TO than trying to stop Jamal Lewis.
2) If last year was any indication, Boller has a long way to go in terms of throwing the ball down the field. Granted, he really didn't have anyone to throw to other than TE Todd Heap, and Billick made it clear to anyone that would listen that he was going to run the ball. But the times that Boller did drop back he was largely ineffective. To be fair to Boller last year was his rookie year, but don't forget that TO spent a lot of time in Jeff Garcia's face for being inept (and Garcia has been to the Pro Bowl three times in the last five years) and the only reason that might not happen this season is because of Ray Lewis.
So depending on what happens to Jamal Lewis, and what kind of progress Boller makes, this could be virtually the same team as last year, but now utilizing a different weapon.
Jeff Garcia visits the Browns
In related news, Jeff Garcia is scheduled to visit the Browns as they decide what to do with Tim Couch. They also auditioned Drew Henson last week and may try to acquire him via a trade or draft him April 24. Whatever happens, it looks like Kelly Holcombe is out of the picture as starting QB.
Marcus Washington opts for Redskins
As soon as free agent LB left Pittsburgh yesterday, he flew to Washington and signed on the dotted line. The Skins gave Washington a $7 million signing bonus while the Steelers were only willing to give him $5 million.
"I'd be lying to you if (I said) money wasn't an issue," Washington said after signing with the Skins (at least he's honest, but don't forget that SS Dexter Jackson spurned the Steelers last year to play with the Cardinals for a few million more and look how that turned out).
That leaves the Steelers without a free agent signee and holes to fill at CB, RB and LB (and eventually QB). This also means that Jason Gildon won't be going anywhere (at least for now) although the Steelers will visit with Carlos Emmons today.
