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Alex Smith:
49ers rookie QB signs largest rookie contract in NFL
history (6y/up-to-$57m). Now the domino game can
continue with the rest of the first-round picks.
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The Lead Item
Two Words For You:
DEAL. BREAKER.
When 49ers QB Alex Smith spends next season flattened
behind his woeful team, at least he's got all that cash to cushion his
fall.
Richest. Rookie. Ever.
Is Smith really worth the biggest rookie deal of all time? Of course
not. He was practically the top pick by default.
But that doesn't seem to matter.
The top rookie pay parameter goes up, regardless of the team or
talent, especially when it comes to QBs.
(See Eli Manning's previous record for rookie contracts, set way back
in 2004. Yeah, he sure earned that last season.)
No begrudging Smith for negotiating the deal. And it makes the market,
unclogging the pipeline for the rest of the 1st-rounders to
sign.
But he's already overpaid, and he hasn't even taken a snap yet.
Ricky's Return
Sure, Ricky apologized and his teammates accepted.
Bygones?
Well, not quite: I didn't hear any apologies about his raggedy look.
Did you see him yesterday? If I were Nick Saban, I'd say he's not
allowed back on the field until he cleans up.
Beard? Fine. Long hair? Fine.
But Ricky must learn that T.C. stands for Training Camp, not Transient
Commune.
Right now he looks like a 1st-round lock for the Fantasy Hobo Draft.
Happy to take up a collection for a trip to the barber. Too much to
ask?
MLB Tuesday Notes
A's win 7th straight: Pound 13 runs in blowout vs. CLE.
And it's not even August, when they usually make their sick
run.
Curt Schilling blows it: Gives up game-winning RBI 2B to D-Rays' Aubrey Huff.
Funny, didn't hear there was an awards show to commute from Monday night.
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CHECK OUT THE QUICKIE EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING! |
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| WHO'S GOT THE MOMENTUM ... |
Nomar: Will play in A Peoria tonight in first rehab game
Ty Law: Works out for Lions; looking good to get offer?
Pacers: Euro stud PG Jasikavecius will be NBA all-Rookie |
| ... AND WHO'S GOT NO MO' |
Ced Benson: Bears top pick holding out (but near a deal?)
Cards training camp: Virus at N. Ariz. U forces new locale
NBA players earning loot: League delays free-agent signing |
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Kerry Wood Watch: Good news for those who want to see him as a
closer. Bad news for those who had hoped to see him start again in 2005.
Killer B's: Biggio and Berkman bash back-to-back bombs, then do
it again later in the game.
Today's Top: Nats vs. Braves. Not must-win for D.C., but
close. What's it say that Nats come out winners if they simply don't
get swept?
ACC Media Day
Formerly thin league now officially loaded, with the
import of BC joining fellow Big East ex-pats Va. Tech (picked to
finish 1st in Coastal Division) and Miami (picked 2nd).
And yet, for those who like reminders of the "old ACC," Florida State
is still expected to hold up its end of the league, picked to finish
first in the Atlantic Division.
The biggest change is the first ACC title game, to be played
after the regular season in Jacksonville.
Like every other league that has one, it'll be great until the ACC's
only unbeaten loses in it, knocking it from BCS title-game
contention.
NFL Camping: ATL
Jenkins in, Price out at WR: Nothing shouts
irony like being named Peerless yet starting for the 2nd-team
offense.
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Not sure if any Falcons WR is fantasy-worthy, but if any are
going to break out (based on Monday's camp opener), it's soph
Michael Jenkins.
Woods Loses "Battle"
Apparently, as long as there are no major stakes,
Retief Goosen is The Man. Alas, there are no jackets for winning
Battle at the Bridges (maybe a free E-Z Pass ... wait, that's for
Battling Bridge Traffic).
Meanwhile, don't expect any more made-for-TV events like this
one, built to feature Tiger. He wants to spend more time concentrating
on majors. He ends his career 4-3 with a variety of playing partners.
Would have loved to see him play with Michelle Wie.
50 in 50: OR
Impressions of Oregon:
Blazers blow it: Take your pick ... drafting Bowie ahead of
Jordan or blowing a 15-point, 4th-quarter lead to the Lakers in the '00 West
finals.
"Civil War": Oregon-Oregon St. would be considered the West's
Duke-UNC or 'Bama-Auburn ... if CFB fans back East could find West on
a map.
Vote Best of Oregon here!
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Orioles:
Padres 1B Phil Nevin rejects a trade to Baltimore that
would have foisted SP Sidney Ponson to San Diego. O's
now eyeing OF Bigbie for PIT OF Lawton. Whee.
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Today on ESPN.com
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| Quickie live! |
| Page 2 index |
| Len P. in ATL |
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| Ranking NFL Rookies to Watch |  Alex Smith
| Now go earn that money
|  Maurice Clarett
| Next in Broncos line?
|  Mike Williams
| Another sick Lions WR
|  Troy Williamson
| Replacing Randy is tough
|  Ronnie Brown
| | How will he fit with Ricky? |
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Larry Brown Watch: All indications are that he's ready to coach the
Knicks. But is he willing? Could the deal come this week?
Not that the asking price for TEX 2B Alfonso Soriano isn't
ridiculously high, but he'd become the jewel of the trade deadline if
he were dealt.
NBA Free: Pickings are slim when PG Marko Jaric is the biggest
available name; the Nuggets and Cavs are both reportedly
interested.
Jack Nicholson bans Celtics gear from Boston movie set. Yes, even
LaFrentz replica jerseys, which you'd figure are worn ironically if
anything.
Ohio St. QB Troy Smith was cleared of any NCAA rules violation for missing a class to attend a
McNair football camp. Didn't help his rep, but no suspension in offing.
Last word on QB Smith's deal: Biggest winner in all of this? USC QB
Matt Leinart, who will be the top pick in 2006. Think $60
million.
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