SB Nation Arizona: All Posts by Mark Sandritter

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.

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• 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.

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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.

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• 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

Desmond Bishop already drawing interest following release

2013-06-17T21:00:52Z

The Packers officially released Desmond Bishop on Monday, but the linebacker is already drawing interest from other teams. Bishop may not have to leave the NFC North as he is expected to visit the Minnesota Vikings, according to Wes Hodkiewicz of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Although he missed the entire 2012 season due to a ruptured hamstring, Bishop should draw interest from several teams. He was one of the most productive linebackers in the NFL in 2011 if healthy could be an upgrade for linebacker-needy teams. The Vikings would be a solid fit as fourth-round pick Gerald Hodges is currently penciled in as a starter. Assuming he's healthy to open the season, Bishop could take over at middle linebacker for Minnesota, allowing Erin Henderson to move back outside.

While the Vikings are the first team with reported interest in Bishop, they aren't likely to be the only one. The Kansas City Chiefs could also be a great fit for Bishop. Kansas City general manager John Dorsey is familiar with Bishop, having come from Green Bay, and the Chiefs have a hole at middle linebacker. Derrick Johnson is a solid starter at one of the middle linebacker spots, but former undrafted free agent Akeem Jordan ran as the other starter during OTAs. Bishop would be an upgrade over Jordan and, combined with Johnson, Justin Houston and Tamba Hali, would give Kansas City a very talented linebacker group.

Like Dorsey, Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie has ties to Bishop from Green Bay and like the Chiefs, the Raiders could use depth at linebacker. Oakland re-made its linebacker corps this offseason, signing Nick Roach, Kevin Burnett and Kaluka Maiava while drafting Sio Moore in the second round. Roach is currently slotted to start at middle linebacker, but played mostly a utility role during his career with the Bears. The Raiders have very little depth at linebacker so even if Bishop didn't overtake Roach for the starting job, he would provide much-needed depth.

The Falcons had issues at linebacker last season and even if their starters have bounce-back seasons, depth is seriously lacking. Stephen Nicholas and Sean Weatherspoon are coming off offseason surgeries and 27-year-old NFL rookie Brian Banks is one of the top backups. After losing linebacker Victor Butler for the season due to a torn ACL, the New Orleans Saints could also have interest in 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

HCA: Monday morning trivia

2013-06-17T12:00:11Z

WSU's quarterback depth chart is going to be undecided heading into fall camp and with the highly-touted Tyler Bruggman arriving in Pullman this summer, some have speculated he could win the starting job. While that isn't likely to happen, there could be a scenario where Bruggman plays next season. That leads to today's trivia.

Q: Who was the last true freshman quarterback to attempt at least one pass for WSU in a season opener?

Football recruiting:

WSU is a top target for high school wide receivers and Dvonte McKneely could be close to getting a WSU offer.

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Nifae Lealao and Bobby Okereke are focus of Pac-12 Conference
The days of flying underneath the radar appear to be coming to a long-awaited end for Dvonte McKneely. The senior-to-be from Corona (Calif.) Centennial doesn't have any offers, yet it appears as if Washington State is about to change that whole scenario. The 5-10 and 195-pound wide receiver will camp with the Cougars on June 22 and a follow-up visit in the works for mid-July. McKneely is about to pop, so stay tuned for updates.

Baseball:

We don't hear about baseball recruits like we do in football or basketball, but the Columbian has a nice feature on incoming pitcher Ian Hamilton.

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Skyview's Hamilton is All-Region baseball player of year | The Columbian
Late this summer, Hamilton will be headed to Washington State to prepare for his freshman year of college baseball with the Cougars. But there is still some unfinished high school business. The Storm are looking forward to when their rings arrive. They designed them because they earned them.