Haynesworth Moves to Offense, Targets Himself

Albert Haynesworth’s agent, Chad Speck, is in a familiar position today as he finds it necessary to once again defend his client against yet another off-the-field accusation. This time, however, it’s not a simple traffic-related offense. Instead, the Washington Redskins defensive tackle stands accused of sexual abuse for fondling the breast of a 23-year-old waitress at the W Hotel in Northwest Washington. Our analysis of the case suggests Speck has his work cut out for him.

NFL vs. NFLPA: Will a Referee Make It a Fair Fight?

ESPN is reporting this morning that the NFL and the NFLPA have agreed to enter into mediation facilitated by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, an independent U.S. government agency. ESPN NFL analyst John Clayton characterized the development as bringing in a mediator to “referee” the negotiations.

On Drafting Cam Newton: Buyer Beware!

ESPN is reporting this morning that its draft expert, Mel Kiper Jr., has moved Auburn quarterback Cam Newton up to the No. 3 position on his mock draft chart. Kiper appears to have made this move despite Newton’s problems related to alleged theft and cheating while at the University of Florida.

NFL vs. NFLPA Slugfest Is Bad News for Fans

The obvious question stemming from last week’s breakdown in negotiations between the NFL and NFL Players Association is whether the suspension of talks signals an increased likelihood of not just a lockout, but an extended lockout. Our behavioral analysis suggests the answer isn’t a positive one for football fans.

O.J. Mayo Is Taking a Trip Away from Plausibility

Who’s advising Memphis Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo these days? Based on the lame excuse that an energy drink he purchased at a gas station is the cause of his recent drug test failure, we’re worried that he may be taking advice from former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, who claimed he was hiking the Appalachian Trail when he was really in Argentina visiting his girlfriend.

Mayo May Be Spreading Himself Thin on the Truth

Memphis Grizzlies star O.J. Mayo is a clutch shooter when the game is on the line, but that may not be the case when it’s his reputation that’s on the line. The NBA and the Grizzlies announced yesterday that Mayo has been suspended for violating provisions of the NBA/NBAPA anti-drug policy. The violation reportedly involved testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

The Danger of Jumping to Conclusions About Cutler’s Sideline Behavior

Like many others who watched the Bears fall to the Packers on Sunday, we at Sports Intelligence Analysts observed Bears quarterback Jay Cutler’s behavior and body language on the sidelines with great interest. Unlike many fans and some players, however, we did not leap to the conclusion that what we observed indicated that he was dogging it and actually could have or should have still been in the game.