Thursday, October 31, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Potential Charges Against Man Accused of Beating Adrian Peterson's Son
The fate of Joseph Robert Patterson awaits the decision of the Lincoln County State Attorney’s office, which is reevaluating the charges it filed against the 27-year-old for allegedly beating Adrian Peterson’s two-year-old son.
According to the New York Daily News, Peterson had only recently learned that he was the boy’s father, as the child was the product of a tryst between him and a South Dakota woman.
Patterson, a coffee salesman, had been dating the child’s mother and was carrying for him when the alleged beating occurred on October 9. He called 911 around 5:45 pm that Wednesday, claiming that the child was choking and nonresponsive. After two days in critical condition, Peterson’s son was removed from life support as he had succumbed to his injuries.
The State Attorney’s office charged Patterson with aggravated felony assault and battery of an infant, which could result in up to 40 years in prison if convicted. But given the child’s recent death, Patterson is likely to face greater charges.
Potential New Charges for Patterson
The gravity of the charges will depend, in part, on the outcome of a preliminary police investigation, which should take into account the nature of the injuries sustained by the toddler and any evidence that Patterson had intended the child’s death.
Should there be some evidence that Patterson intended to kill the two-year-old, he likely will face a first degree murder charge. This would mean that, if convicted, Patterson would serve the maximum sentence of life in prison, or he even could face the death penalty.
Absent evidence of intent, however, a lesser charge of first degree manslaughter could be on the table. This charge would carry a sentence of life imprisonment but the court would have discretion to reduce his sentence. Given Patterson’s past history of violence against children, he is unlikely to find himself in a court’s favor.
History of Domestic Violence
According to reports by the Argus Leader, Patterson previously had been charged with assaulting the mother of his own child and her three-year-old son in June of 2012.
The mother sought a protective order against Patterson, in which she stated that he spanked her three-year-old child so hard that the boy developed welts and required ice to ease the swelling.
According to the mother, Patterson then grabbed her by the throat when she communicated that his behavior was inappropriate.
“He has threaten (sic) to kill me multiple times,” she wrote.
The mother had applied for a protective order against Patterson twice before, although there is no indication that those requests had been granted. On that final occasion in 2012, however, the court issued her a protective order, although Patterson still refused to stay away from the woman.
Ultimately, Patterson was sentenced to one year in jail. But the court suspended the sentence under the condition that he attend domestic violence counseling.
* * *
It is not yet known whether the mother of Peterson’s child was aware of Patterson’s past or had previously seen him exhibit violent behavior, before letting him care for the two-year-old toddler. She has yet to make any public statements.
In a news conference on Friday, however, the Minnesota Vikings’ star running back asked the media for privacy and said that he would play in Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Who’s on Top?: Top 10 Fantasy Performers Through Week 6
What do Playboy, ESPN, and David Letterman all have in
common? They all have a Top 10 list. And most appropriately, so does fantasy
football.
There are 10 notable NFL players this season that have filled their fantasy owners’ coffers to the brim with fantasy points and bragging rights. Believe it or not, eight of those 10 are quarterbacks.
2013 was supposed to be the Year of the Running Back. Yet this season surprisingly has become the Year of the Quarterback, as the top drafted fantasy running backs are either injured or underperforming. Nonetheless, franchise QBs have given us something to talk about and much to cheer about.
So, now that we are embarking on the sixth week of the season, let’s look at the most lucrative players that satisfy your fantasies on the field. In order of performance . . .
1. Peyton Manning, QB Denver Broncos
In the past five weeks, the Sheriff has put up an impressive 1884 yards. He landed the most yardage in the season opener in which the Broncos set the tone and the standard, and unleashed a can of whoop-ass on the Ravens.
For the past five weeks, Manning has delivered 20 passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and trampled numerous records, all with just one interception, which he acquired last week in the Broncos' battle with the Dallas Cowboys. Given Manning’s performance this season, we can regard this one interception as a sacrificial error in furtherance of demonstrating that he is indeed human. His brother, Eli, has had no issue showing his mortal-side, as the younger Manning currently leads the NFL in interceptions, suffering 12 so far this year.
While Peyton continues to rise above the rest, we cannot deny that he is the dominating force on the field and in our fantasies.
2. Drew Brees, QB New Orleans Saints
Although he is no P-Manning in terms of fantasy point performance, Southern-certified Drew Brees is the next best thing.
Brees has passed for 1722 yards, accomplished 12 passing touchdowns, and made it all look real pretty. Although he has racked-up four interceptions, Brees has rushed for one touchdown and 25 yards.
If Manning was Prince William, Brees would be Prince Harry. Regardless of one’s place on that hierarchy, we all know being royalty does not suck.
Fantasy owners bow to Prince Brees.
3. Tony Romo, QB Dallas Cowboys
Well, look who just showed up to the party? Before Game 5, Tony Romo was not a member of the exclusive Top 10 team. Now he’s soaring high despite his lowly, last minute loss to the Broncos on Sunday, in which Romo amassed the most passing yards of all QBs in Week 5 (506 yards) and set a new personal record.
In the past five weeks, Romo has passed for 1523 yards and completed 13 passing touchdowns, albeit with three interceptions. Although many question whether the Cowboys will come through to the playoffs at the end of the season, Romo should bring some solid fantasy points regardless of his team’s overall performance.
4. Philip Rivers, QB San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are not necessarily a force in the NFL, but their quarterback is an authority in the fantasy world.
Philip Rivers has tallied 1610 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 29 rushing yards, but five interceptions.
So far this season, Vick has performed as expected as he is responsible for 1185 in passing yards. The veteran QB also leads the NFL quarterbacks in rushing yards at 207, which is 74 more than the next in line, Russell Wilson. Along with QB Christian Ponder, Vick has two rushing touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Vick also has suffered 2 interceptions. He is working under a new head coach who is a bit behind in the learning-curve and Vick is working with a wide receiver who brought some controversial pre-season drama. And now, the Eagles' quarterback is on day-to-day following an injury in Week 5. Nick Foles will try to sub in Vick’s absence; but Foles has got some big cleats to fill.
6. Matt Ryan, QB Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta’s Matt Ryan has put up some solid numbers this season, delivering 1649 passing yards and 10 passing touchdowns. Ryan has launched 3 interceptions and has shown that he is a passing-man by rushing for only 12 yards. Even so, fantasy owners should be pleased with the numbers Ryan's putting up, even if they are not so content with the Falcons' repeated failures.
7. Jimmy Graham, TE New Orleans Saints
Tight end Jimmy Graham is killing it on the field. He’s received for over 593 yards and six touchdowns. Only Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons comes close to Graham, receiving for just 13 fewer yards.
As of Week 4, Graham had brought home the most receiving touchdowns, but Denver Broncos’ wide receiver Wes Welker dethroned Graham in Week 5, roping in a total of seven touchdowns for the season. But it's Graham who is in the Top 10, and there’s still time for him to take back the number 1 spot. Something tells me he just may!
8. Andrew Luck, QB Indianapolis Colts
With 1144 passing yards, Indianapolis Colts quarterback, Andrew Luck, has passed for seven touchdowns this season and two interceptions. He has rushed for 135 yards, accomplishing two rushing touchdowns.
Luck’s fantasy owners are lookin’ pretty lucky with those numbers.
9. Jamaal Charles RB Kansas City Chiefs
Mr. Charles's performance has been impressive this season. He has rushed for 397 yards and three touchdowns. On top of that, he received for 250 yards and two touchdowns.
Charles’s performance lets us know that no other running back comes near his degree of wicked-awesomeness so far this season... not even Adrian "All Day" Peterson.
Albeit fumbling once, Charles is still the fantasy bawler we’ve all grown to know and love.
10. Matthew Stafford, QB Detroit Lions
With Matt Stafford at Number 10, who can complain?
Stafford is not a rushing QB, but he sure can pass. He has passed for 1262 yards and accomplished seven passing touchdowns, although with three interceptions. Despite rushing for only eight yards, those yards brought the Lions one touchdown and one step closer to the playoffs.
Don’t get me wrong, the Lions have a ways to go, but at least they are not going at it alone as they have Stafford on their side.
There are 10 notable NFL players this season that have filled their fantasy owners’ coffers to the brim with fantasy points and bragging rights. Believe it or not, eight of those 10 are quarterbacks.
2013 was supposed to be the Year of the Running Back. Yet this season surprisingly has become the Year of the Quarterback, as the top drafted fantasy running backs are either injured or underperforming. Nonetheless, franchise QBs have given us something to talk about and much to cheer about.
So, now that we are embarking on the sixth week of the season, let’s look at the most lucrative players that satisfy your fantasies on the field. In order of performance . . .
1. Peyton Manning, QB Denver Broncos
In the past five weeks, the Sheriff has put up an impressive 1884 yards. He landed the most yardage in the season opener in which the Broncos set the tone and the standard, and unleashed a can of whoop-ass on the Ravens.
For the past five weeks, Manning has delivered 20 passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and trampled numerous records, all with just one interception, which he acquired last week in the Broncos' battle with the Dallas Cowboys. Given Manning’s performance this season, we can regard this one interception as a sacrificial error in furtherance of demonstrating that he is indeed human. His brother, Eli, has had no issue showing his mortal-side, as the younger Manning currently leads the NFL in interceptions, suffering 12 so far this year.
While Peyton continues to rise above the rest, we cannot deny that he is the dominating force on the field and in our fantasies.
2. Drew Brees, QB New Orleans Saints
Although he is no P-Manning in terms of fantasy point performance, Southern-certified Drew Brees is the next best thing.
Brees has passed for 1722 yards, accomplished 12 passing touchdowns, and made it all look real pretty. Although he has racked-up four interceptions, Brees has rushed for one touchdown and 25 yards.
If Manning was Prince William, Brees would be Prince Harry. Regardless of one’s place on that hierarchy, we all know being royalty does not suck.
Fantasy owners bow to Prince Brees.
3. Tony Romo, QB Dallas Cowboys
Well, look who just showed up to the party? Before Game 5, Tony Romo was not a member of the exclusive Top 10 team. Now he’s soaring high despite his lowly, last minute loss to the Broncos on Sunday, in which Romo amassed the most passing yards of all QBs in Week 5 (506 yards) and set a new personal record.
In the past five weeks, Romo has passed for 1523 yards and completed 13 passing touchdowns, albeit with three interceptions. Although many question whether the Cowboys will come through to the playoffs at the end of the season, Romo should bring some solid fantasy points regardless of his team’s overall performance.
4. Philip Rivers, QB San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are not necessarily a force in the NFL, but their quarterback is an authority in the fantasy world.
Philip Rivers has tallied 1610 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 29 rushing yards, but five interceptions.
With the Chargers 2-3, and still tending to their wounds from an
unsuccessful (and embarrassing) bout with the Oakland Raiders, Rivers may not
have a playoff team, but he sure can deliver a fantasy point showdown!
5.
Michael
Vick, QB Philadelphia EaglesSo far this season, Vick has performed as expected as he is responsible for 1185 in passing yards. The veteran QB also leads the NFL quarterbacks in rushing yards at 207, which is 74 more than the next in line, Russell Wilson. Along with QB Christian Ponder, Vick has two rushing touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Vick also has suffered 2 interceptions. He is working under a new head coach who is a bit behind in the learning-curve and Vick is working with a wide receiver who brought some controversial pre-season drama. And now, the Eagles' quarterback is on day-to-day following an injury in Week 5. Nick Foles will try to sub in Vick’s absence; but Foles has got some big cleats to fill.
6. Matt Ryan, QB Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta’s Matt Ryan has put up some solid numbers this season, delivering 1649 passing yards and 10 passing touchdowns. Ryan has launched 3 interceptions and has shown that he is a passing-man by rushing for only 12 yards. Even so, fantasy owners should be pleased with the numbers Ryan's putting up, even if they are not so content with the Falcons' repeated failures.
7. Jimmy Graham, TE New Orleans Saints
Tight end Jimmy Graham is killing it on the field. He’s received for over 593 yards and six touchdowns. Only Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons comes close to Graham, receiving for just 13 fewer yards.
As of Week 4, Graham had brought home the most receiving touchdowns, but Denver Broncos’ wide receiver Wes Welker dethroned Graham in Week 5, roping in a total of seven touchdowns for the season. But it's Graham who is in the Top 10, and there’s still time for him to take back the number 1 spot. Something tells me he just may!
8. Andrew Luck, QB Indianapolis Colts
With 1144 passing yards, Indianapolis Colts quarterback, Andrew Luck, has passed for seven touchdowns this season and two interceptions. He has rushed for 135 yards, accomplishing two rushing touchdowns.
Luck’s fantasy owners are lookin’ pretty lucky with those numbers.
9. Jamaal Charles RB Kansas City Chiefs
Mr. Charles's performance has been impressive this season. He has rushed for 397 yards and three touchdowns. On top of that, he received for 250 yards and two touchdowns.
Charles’s performance lets us know that no other running back comes near his degree of wicked-awesomeness so far this season... not even Adrian "All Day" Peterson.
Albeit fumbling once, Charles is still the fantasy bawler we’ve all grown to know and love.
10. Matthew Stafford, QB Detroit Lions
With Matt Stafford at Number 10, who can complain?
Stafford is not a rushing QB, but he sure can pass. He has passed for 1262 yards and accomplished seven passing touchdowns, although with three interceptions. Despite rushing for only eight yards, those yards brought the Lions one touchdown and one step closer to the playoffs.
Don’t get me wrong, the Lions have a ways to go, but at least they are not going at it alone as they have Stafford on their side.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Killer QBs and their Casualties: Fantasy Highlights of 4 Teams in Week 4
Miami Dolphins v. New Orleans Saints
On Monday, the Saints slaughtered the then-undefeated Dolphins in a win of 38 over 17. The Saints have won their past nine Monday night football games, all under the leadership of quarterback Drew Brees.
This time, Brees passed for 413 yards and four touchdowns. Fantasy owners saw the bounty of Brees’s killer performance, and they will see it again next week against the Chicago Bears when he is expected to deliver approximately 30 fantasy points.
Two of the touchdowns unleashed in Week 4 went to University of Miami’s former star, tight end Jimmy Graham, who went for 27 and 43 yards for each touchdown, respectively.
Over the course of the entire game, Graham received for 100 yards. And, over the course of the season, he has produced six touchdowns in just four games. With those numbers, Graham is coveted by fantasy owners near and far. Expect 16 fantasy points out of him in Week 5.
In addition to Graham, Benjamin Watson received for a four-yard touchdown, which was the Saints first of the night. The tight end, who was brought in to replace David Thomas, is a veteran with on-the-field skills that are not as transferrable into fantasy point. Watson is not expected to post any points next week against Chicago, and has not been delivering much altogether this season. It may be a good time to consider alternatives.
The final touchdown was brought in by no one other than running back Darren Sporles. This 5’6” assassin moved with the quickness against the Dolphins, receiving for 114 yards.
Although he had his first lost fumble in 33 games, Sporles’s performance was astonishing, to say the least. He caught seven of the eight targets and has scored two touchdowns this season. Sporles will average 12.2 points against Chicago and continue to dazzle fantasy owners over the course of the season.
Now, on to the Saints’ victims...
The Dolphins second year quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sacked four times in the second half, struck by three interceptions, and faced four turnovers on a fumble. In short, Tannehill got jacked. The only highlight of the Saints’ brazen assault was that the young QB passed for 249 yards and completed 1 touchdown to tight end Charles Clay in the fourth quarter.
In addition to that 3-yard touchdown pass, Clay received for 42 yards. He now has two touchdowns this season after rushing for his first in Week 2. Clay also has quite the reputation for catching his targets as he is up to 20 catches this season. He is one to hold onto; and is expected to produce 6.8 fantasy points on average in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Miami’s running back Lamar Miller rushed for 62 yards on 11 carries, and produced one touchdown. In the previous game against the Atlanta Falcons, he ran for 49 yards but also dropped what would have been a 33-yard touchdown.
Whether Miller will blossom into a fantasy point favorite is still questionable. Although he is expected to put up an average of 9.6 points against Baltimore, fantasy owners may want to have a substitute running back on standby.
Wide receiver Brandon Gibson, who was coming off of a knee injury, led the Dolphins with 6 catches for 71 yards. Gibson has 14 catches for 137 yards this season, but likely will provide owners with just four points in Sunday’s game against Baltimore. If you are looking for more yardage, it maybe time to talk trade.
New England Patriots v. Atlanta Falcons
No one expected New England to overpower Atlanta to the extent it did, especially with the defense it had and the offense it missed.
Tom Brady threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns without interception. His owners racked up over 20 fantasy points, although the quarterback threw just nine times in the first half of the game and closed it out with 20 for 31. Brady is expected to provide a repeat fantasy performance in next week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Throughout the Falcons’ game, Brady targeted wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins, who was responsible for one, 18-yard touchdown and caught six passes for 127 yards. Wide receiver Julian Edelman was looking Welker-esque at times as he had seven catches for 118 yards. As a combined total, the wide receivers had 13 catches and 245 receiving yards.
LaGarrette Blount pulled through with 64 rushing yards, rushing on nine carries. While he had two fewer carries than Stevan Ridley, Blount is expected to average 4 fantasy points in Week 5.
Still no sign of Rob Gronkowsky or Danny Amendola who are inactive. Hopefully, wide receiver Aaron Dobson will not be joining them on the injured list as he left Sunday’s game with a neck injury.
Dodson is currently coping with soreness but is expected to return. Defensive lineman Vince Wilfork, however, will not be returning this season as he underwent surgery following a torn right achilles.
Despite losing Sunday, quarterback Matt Ryan threw for a career high of 421 yards against the Patriots. He ranks fifth among Fantasy quarterbacks, and will lead the Falcons into Week 5 against the New York Jets when Ryan is expected to produce 22.8 fantasy points.
Tight end Tony Gonzalez made many fantasy owners quiet content on Sunday. He set a career high in receiving yards, making 12 catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns against the Pats. Gonzalez is expected to dole out 11 fantasy points in Game 5.
Julio Jones, who leads with 481 receiving yards and ranks third in the NFL with 33 catches, fumbled out of bounds a 17-yard pass in the fourth quarter against the Pats. But after being targeted for 13 passes, he finished with six catches for 108 yards. We expect a whopping 18 fantasy points out of him against Geno’s Jets.
Fullback Jason Snelling, however, does not appear as solid. He has disappointed Fantasy owners for sometime, and on Sunday he ran for just 26 yards on eight carries and caught an 8-yard pass. Prepare to see him give only seven fantasy points against the Jets next week. Fantasy owners, if you have Snelling, you have a problem.
Finally, running back Steven Jackson is out with a hamstring injury and now on the inactive list for Week 4.
Week 5. Here. We. Come.
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