Chip Kelly apologizes to his former team. (Image via Cleveland.com)
The NCAA issued sanctions for recruiting violations at the University of Oregon that took place during Chip Kelly’s tenure on Wednesday. The penalties didn’t amount to much for the school or the current Philadelphia Eagles head coach.
The NCAA Division I Infractions Committee said that Kelly and the Ducks failed to monitor the school’s program. As a result, Oregon will be put on probation for three years and lose one (count it- ONE) football scholarship for each of those years. Additionally, the school’ s official paid visits will go from 56 to 37 over the next three seasons and the program is banned from using any recruiting services over the three-year probationary period.
The investigation came about after questions emerged following a $25,000 payment in 2010 to Willie Lyles and his Texas-based Complete Recruiting Services. Lyles was connected with an Oregon recruit.
Kelly, who coached the Ducks for four seasons, also faced punishment from the Committee, in the form of an 18-month show-cause penalty should he wish to return to college coaching after only a short time with the Eagles. This means, according to ProFootballTalk, that
“If Kelly wants to return to coaching college football in the next two seasons, he and the school that hires him will have to show that they have a plan in place to abide by any restrictions that the NCAA puts on his recruiting.”
The penalties amount to little more than a slap on the wrist for both the Ducks and Kelly. There was at least one person enraged by the lightness of the NCAA’s touch in addressing Oregon’s violations—and that is Spencer Hawes of the Sixers, who played his college ball at Washington.
Kelly issued an apology to his former team and school, also stating that the impending sanctions played no role in his decision to leave the college ranks and make the move to the NFL.
“Now that the NCAA has concluded their investigation and penalized the University of Oregon and its football program, I want to apologize to the University of Oregon, all of its current and former players and their fans. I accept my share of responsibility for the actions that led to the penalties. As I have I stated before, the NCAA investigation, I do expect the University of Oregon and its football program to continue to thrive at a high level. They are a talented and resilient group of coaches and players and I’m sure they will attempt to put today’s news behind them very quickly and move forward as they prepare for the 2013 season.”
Gayle Jackson, speaking at a press conference about “The Making of a Father’s Dream” held at St. Joseph’s University. (Photo by Roy Burton)
I had an opportunity to speak with Gayle Jackson, DeSean Jackson’s mother, after a private screening of the documentary “The Making of a Father’s Dream,” which was released on Father’s Day. How did it feel to relive such emotional moments in her family’s history, and for the world to be see such a different side of her NFL star son?
The film is the product of 18 years of footage taken by Byron Jackson, DeSean’s older brother, from when DeSean was just five years old through his time in the NFL. Byron joined up with Kip (producer) and Kern (director) Konwiser to shape the footage into the compelling story presented in “A Father’s Dream.” But in addition to their collective talents, Mrs. Jackson believes that a higher power had a hand in bringing the film to life.
Even while his father, Bill Jackson, was dying, Byron said in the film, he was compelled to keep taking footage, though he didn’t know why. It was a sort of therapy to help him come to terms with the quick and fatal reality that was the pancreatic cancer that ultimately took his father’s life. Ultimately, the family was too close to the story to see the powerful messages contained in the footage. Said Gayle of the years of footage and how she reacted when presented with the idea of the documentary,
“God puts you in touch with who you need. I say it was spiritual. He [Byron] got put in touch with Kip and Kern [Konwiser], and they were able to take what Byron had and put it in such a way to present this story. There was a void of positive black role models, all these guys [in Team Jackson] didn’t have fathers in their lives and Bill was the father figure. It all got put together in to what you see [in the film], and it’s a message now. It’s bigger than you can ever imagine.”
The very fact that the tidbits of their lives came together to form such a cohesive, powerful story—about a father’s love for his family and a shared passion to fulfill a dream—was more than just the talent of the filmmakers, in Mrs. Jackson’s mind.
“Sometimes you don’t always know what you want to do with your life, but, if you have faith and believe and line yourself up and do what God says you’re supposed to do, then he’ll order your steps. I really believe that this project was almost predestined. Somehow, it’s like Bill knew. He’s not here anymore so he made all of these predictions. We thought he was crazy. We thought he was out of his mind. We didn’t know but he knew. It took his passing to figure it out.”
In telling its compelling tale, the film shows another side of DeSean Jackson than we’ve seen previously. Any good documentary explores and uncovers different sides of its subjects, and “A Father’s Dream” is no different. But what does it feel like to see her son exposed in such a different light, contrary to what many perceive of the confident NFL star?
“I think it will clear up some of those misconceptions…When I hear those comments, I think, We know the truth. A lot of those things that people say, like he’s cocky, he’s this, he’s that—they don’t know the real DeSean. And if you knew the real DeSean you wouldn’t say those things. So I have to kind of dismiss it, turn my ear to it and turn a blind eye to it, because we know the truth. This kid has the biggest heart. If he could help everyone in the whole wide world he would do it.”
“The Making of a Father’s Dream” is now available and can be seen on inDemand, Comcast, Verizon Fios, and other cable systems around the country. Please check your local listings for details.
Whether or not you consider yourself to be a fan of DeSean Jackson or even the Philadelphia Eagles, the documentary “The Making of a Father’s Dream“ is worth a watch for anyone ranging from football fanatics to those who appreciate a compelling family story.
As the tagline of the film, “It takes a village to catch a break,” indicates, the documentary is about so much more than DeSean. It’s about family. Parenthood. Siblings, both by blood and by friendship. It’s about football and the drive and determination to fulfill a dream. It’s a story that portrays a father’s love for his family and vice versa.
Though we now know Jackson as a wideout with a swagger, this film helps you understand where that stance comes from. What is interpreted by some as arrogance is actually an unshakeable confidence that Jackson has in himself and his abilities. The movie introduces you to an entirely different side of the man who refers to himself as “D-Jack”.
Bill Jackson’s overwhelming desire to have a son play in the NFL pushed him away from older son Bryon for a time after an incident where Bill held a gun to Byron’s head after his son told him that, after two years in the NFL on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad, he was ready to fulfill another dream–to be a filmmaker. But Bill’s determination kept him close with DeSean and allowed him to be “Pops” to several men without father figures who just missed out on achieving their own athletic aspirations but came together to help DeSean fulfill his. This group, comprised of Darrick Davis, Irving Booker, Gary Cablayan and Travis Clark–to this day is known as “Team Jackson.”
The film features DeSean from five years of age, when older brother Byron began pursuing his love of filmmaking through the start of his NFL career. We see a small but talented and energetic DeSean in Pop Warner, showing an ability that put him far above his peers even then. We witness family sacrifice with, mom Gayle moving from Atlanta to LA so that Jackson could attend NFL manufacturing powerhouse Long Beach Polytech High School.
We witness how the desire for independence after DeSean begins attending Cal almost pulls the receiver away from Team Jackson as they develop an intensive summer workout routine for him without his input. But ultimately, he knows that they are all striving towards the same goal and he completes the grueling training schedule.
And that’s what makes this particular story special. With DeSean, it wasn’t just Bill who wanted to see the dream of his son being in the NFL fulfilled. This son’s passion matched the desire of his father. And that’s what made it work.
Bill Jackson is not presented with a soft, fuzzy lens. His positive qualities—his love, humor, strength and drive–are shown right along with those that were not his best –notably, when the pursuit of his son’s dreams became overbearing for others. DeSean had to walk a difficult line at Cal between team and family when his father publicly criticized the lack of playing time his son received. In fact, the Bill factor is why many believe that DeSean, widely believed to be a first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, fell to the second round before being selected by Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles.
A particularly interesting scene shows Jackson on the phone with Reid after being drafted and coming back into the room with his family to announce that, although DeSean thought it was rude, Reid told the rookie, “don’t bring your dad around here, we don’t want that kind of trouble.”
But it was a call that had to be made. This was now DeSean’s journey to make.
That didn’t keep Bill from beaming with pride and telling the world about his son’s success. He paraded around Pittsburgh, his hometown, in a #10 Jackson jersey along with a Terrible Towel. When asked about it, he tells Steelers fans that he’s a lifelong fan of the black and yellow, but he’s an Eagles fan now because his son plays for the team. The level of pride Bill has at his son’s accomplishment virtually jumps off the screen.
The combination of Jackson with Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb gave DeSean a stellar rookie year, becoming the leading receiver on the team and helping the Birds make the NFC Championship game his rookie year. But that professional success was bittersweet, as Bill is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer early in the season, a particularly lethal and fast-striking form of the disease. The once powerful Bill is transformed into a much thinner, frailer version of himself. Shown lying in his hospital bed, he wears an Eagles knit cap with #10 Jackson jersey draped across his legs, reminded of his son’s success as he tries to fight the disease with what little strength he has left.
Bill passed away in May of 2009 and we witness Pops’ ashes become one with the ocean, spread by the family who knew how much he loved the sea.
Jackson’s second season was also bittersweet against the lens of his father—a tremendous year that led him to become the first player in history to be selected in two positions for the Pro Bowl—both wide receiver and punt returner—but an achievement that his father never witnessed. But Bill was there—the game was played on what would have been his 65th birthday.
Bill’s tragic end inspired Jackson to create the DeSean Jackson Foundation, an organization which seeks to bring awareness and research funding for pancreatic cancer. Hearing Jackson and his mother speak about the Foundation demonstrates that it is a cause that brings the same passion we see from the player on the field into his off -field work.
“The Making of a Father’s Dream” is the ultimate Father’s Day tribute to Bill Jackson. Though he is not here to see the film, his presence and impact loom large in the 18 years of footage that culminated in the creation of the documentary. Check out a preview below.
The film is now available and can be seen on inDemand, Comcast, Verizon Fios, and other cable systems around the country. Please check your local listings for details.
Signed, sealed, delivered: Matt Barkley signs his contract with the Eagles. (Photo via Barkley’s Instagram account)
The Philadelphia Eagles have come to terms on a four-year agreement with QB Matt Barkley, the team announced on Thursday. Details of Barkley’s contract are not yet known.
Barkley was the Eagles’ fourth-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft (98th overall pick). The 22-year old player was the all-time leading passer in both Pac-12 Conference and USC history. A four-year starter for the Trojans, Barkley finished his career with over 12,000 passing yards and became the only player in conference history to throw for over 100 touchdowns (116) in a career.
Barkley fell to the 4th-round in this year’s draft when, had he decided to go pro last year, he would likely have been a 1st-round pick. Chip Kelly and the Eagles believed in the USC player’s talent and believed that they obtained the quarterback for tremendous value when he fell to the fourth round. Since the selection, the topic of what Barkley’s presence means in the continued battle of supremacy between Mike Vick and Nick Foles have been constant topics of Birds-related conversation.
Barkley’s signing means that 7 of the 8 of the team’s 2013 draft picks have contracts in place. 1st-round pick Lane Johnson is the last draft pick that remains to be signed.
Philadelphia Eagles OT Jason Peters was arrested Wednesday morning for drag racing, then fleeing police in Monroe, LA. The story was first reported by USA Today.
Ah. I see we are in the “not terribly long but too long for some athletes” stretch of free time from the end of spring workouts until training camp.
Peters drove a white Camaro that an officer saw speed against a blue sedan once the light turned green at a traffic light.
You thinking what I’m thinking? Pretty sure Peters’ car had the upper hand in that race…which, unfortunately, was part of the problem. The sedan pulled over when authorities attempted to pull over both cars but Peters continued to speed away, exceeding 100 mph.
Why this seemed to be a good thing to do according to Peters we may never know. He finally pulled over in a shopping center parking lot off of I-20.
The Eagles released a statement about the arrest of Peters, who missed all of the 2012 season due to an Achilles injury.
“We are aware of the reports that Jason Peters was arrested this morning in Louisiana. We have been in contact with Jason and due to the legal nature of this matter, we will not have any further comment at this point.”
You may remember that Peters was also arrested in March of 2011 for disturbing the peace while heading to a Rick Ross concert in Shreveport, LA.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Vick has made it clear in recent days that it would be his preference to have a starter named before the start of training camp. And though perhaps it would have been best for him to keep this thought to himself, you can’t really blame him for feeling that way. Who wouldn’t want to have certainty about their job status heading into camp?
But Chip Kelly has made it clear that’s that’s not how he rolls. It’s too soon for him to make those decisions and they will not be made until he is ready. Sorry, Vick. It’s good to want things.
As it turns out, Vick isn’t the only one who would like to know the starting quarterback prior to the start of training camp. Teammate DeSean Jackson spoke to the issue during an appearance on the NFL Network on Tuesday night.
Jackson was careful not to say who he thought had the advantage in the competition, noting that both Vick and Nick Foles had similar amounts of reps with the first team at OTAs and minicamp. However, the wideout said that Vick isn’t the only one who would like to head into camp with a named starting QB.
“I have been hearing some things about Vick saying that he wants to know. At the same time, the team wants to know too. We need to go into training camp prepared and know who is going to be our starting quarterback. Whether it is Foles or Vick, I think they would both do a great job and we will be ready for the season.”
It’s a fair point, and again makes sense—of course things would be easier if there was a known starter at the beginning of camp. I’m sure it would be easier for Coach Kelly as well. It’s easy to speak of ideal scenarios, but that’s not what we have at the moment. The reality is that there are many unknowns for the Eagles this team, and part of the mental preparation of the game is learning to adapt to challenges.
Though it will be the overriding topic through the next several weeks leading up to training camp and throughout camp, we should settle in for the reality that, no matter how much we want it to happen early on, Kelly will name his starting quarterback when he is good and ready. And that may not be until well through the preseason.
But on the plus side, what else would we have to occupy our days until training camp if not talk of the very real quarterback competition with the Eagles?
To see the video of Jackson’s appearance on the NFL Network, where he also talked about—wait for it—Timmy Tebow, go here.
The Philadelphia Eagles announced over the weekend that Lincoln Financial Field would undergo a Stadium Revitalization Project over the next two years, intended to enhance the fan experience at games.
Included in the project, which will conclude prior to the start of the 2014 season, includes Wi-FI (whoo hoo!), an additional 7,000 seats, 2 additional HD video boards, bridges connecting the upper levels of the stadium and imagery to connect great moments and players of the team, including 34 murals placed along the upper and main concourses. The project will total $125 million.
Of the planned improvements, team owner Jeffrey Lurie said,
“This is an exciting and new era for the Philadelphia Eagles. Just watching the new HD boards will be fun as the game will be captured in a powerful way for fans. And celebrating players and pivotal moments in games is a wonderful way to showcase the Eagles proud history as a team. Fans will see these all around the stadium.”
While improving the fan experience at games is certainly a goal for the Eagles organization, might there be anything else motivating the team to implement the changes?
With the improvements and state-of-the-art technology, Lurie says that seeking to host the most prestigious event in American sports certainly is a possibility.
“You know, that wasn’t the intention. But certainly when I’m on the Super Bowl committee, when you’re bidding for a Super Bowl, the committee looks very closely at your stadium and your city, what you can host, and Philadelphia would be a great place.”
Like the rest of the football world, Lurie will have his eyes closely on New York as they host the big game in 2014. Should the weather prove to be a non-factor in the game, then he sees no reason why Philadelphia can’t serve as host to the game one day.
“We’re going to root for a decent weather day in New York and New Jersey. We think we have a great city here to host it, and a great stadium. And I’m sure a lot of people feel the same way.”
That will all be determined at a much later time. For now, have fun looking through some of the renderings of what the Linc will look like at the project’s completion next year.
“McFive” will be back at the Linc as part of the team’s history.
What the new concourse in sections 104 and 105 will look like post-project.
Was there any doubt as to B-Dawk’s image in updated Linc? It’s pretty much mandatory.
The Philadelphia Eagles are in the midst of their mandatory minicamp and, as was the case with OTAs the past few weeks, fans are looking for clues of what it may all mean.
Guess what? You’re going to have to keep on guessing. Chip Kelly won’t speak in definitive terms at this stage, but notes that the team is improving each and every day. The pace of practice no longer seems as feverish because they have grown used to the speed.
Though we are still a long way from the start of the season, some of the progress at the NovaCare is already worth shouting about — the o-line that was decimated by injuries in the 2012 season was back together at minicamp. Jason Peters, Jason Kelce, Todd Herremans, and Evan Mathis, whose injuries all required surgery, were all present at the start of camp on Tuesday. There is no guarantee that players like Peters will be playing back at his former Pro Bowl level, but having them all back in relative health is a significant sign of progress for the Eagles offense.
While these offseason activities are very important for any team, particularly one with a new coaching staff, Kelly cautions that there is only so much that can be done and determined by the OTAs and minicamp.
“You put the big boy pads on, some guys really step up and other guys you thought were really good and all of a sudden, ‘Where has he been’ and so it’s tough to really evaluate.”
The biggest area of difficulty to evaluate sans pads is one that is most critical for the Eagles heading into the 2013 season due to the collective bargaining agreement — the secondary, particularly the cornerback position.
“One of the biggest positions that’s really been difficult for us is [cornerback] because we can’t play press man from the CBA rules. How good are they in man coverage? I don’t know because we can’t play it. Normally when you go to camp and see them in preseason they are doing one on ones every day. You are getting the chance to see [CB Cary Williams] and [CB Bradley Fletcher] and those guys compete against [wide receiver DeSean Jackson] and [WR Jeremy Maclin]. We haven’t been able to do that. We knew the rules going in, so instead of complaining about it, what can we get accomplished? A lot of scheme stuff, lot of assignment things, learning how to tempo, learning how to practice.”
The quarterback competition will continue to be one of the biggest areas of focus until a starter is announced, and Kelly revealed a seemingly simple formula for what he seeks in his starter.
“Who can move us the best and who gets the football team up and down the field…It doesn’t have to be that he throws a prettier ball or all those things, there is a lot of different things. How do you manage a game, how do you secure the football? Are we not turning it over? Are we constantly moving in a positive direction? Are we getting into third and short and converting them? Things like that. It really is who moves the team the best is what we are looking for at the quarterbacks.”
It seems so basic, yet we’re still no closer to an answer. And that means one thing: let the guessing continue!
Good-bye Lehigh, hello South Philadelphia: Eagles training camp will be held in the city this year for the first time in decades.
The Chip Kelly era in Philadelphia Eagles football has so far been all about a new way of doing things. This summer, the first change to directly impact fans will take place — holding training camp in Philadelphia for the first time in decades.
The Eagles will host camp at the NovaCare with five open practices at Lincoln Financial Field, the team announced on Tuesday. Dates for those practices are:
July 28
August 5
August 11
August 17
August 26
If you are interested in attending any one of those practices, be sure to mark your calendars: though admission is free, fans will need to secure tickets. These will go on sale on Tuesday, June 18 at 2 pm. You can obtain tickets at that time by visiting www.philadelphiaeagles.com, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. Seating will be general admission by section, with an 8-ticket limit per practice.
Team president Don Smoleski said,
“We are opening up the lower bowl first for fan seating and will open up additional seats as needed. We want this to be a fun atmosphere for our fans and can’t wait to feel their energy as we get ready for the regular season.”
A limited number of season ticket holders will randomly be selected from every section of the stadium to attend private practices at the NovaCare Complex.
The mere mention of training camp is a sure sign that we are getting ever closer to football season. Rock.
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“They like me, they really like me!” That’s what LeSean McCoy can say after hearing the well-deserved accolades from his NFL brothers about his speed and skill.
On the NFL Network’s continuing series of the “Top 100 best players of 2013,” nary an Eagles player had been mentioned in the bottom half of the countdown. Sure, the Birds are coming off of a terrible season. No players had been selected for the Pro Bowl. Would the team collectively be slighted of this offseason accolade as well?
It certainly seemed that way until Thursday’s selections of numbers 50-41 were revealed. The lone Eagle so far represented in the countdown? Running back LeSean McCoy, very often was the single bright spot in games in the 2012 season, was featured as the 45th best player in the league as voted by his peers.
The segment opened with Steelers corner Ike Taylor saying of Shady, “Man, that boy’s got some Allen Iverson feet, but he’s playing football.”
Very high and appropriate praise for one of Philadelphia’s favorite Eagles.
McCoy’s peers went on to express their admiration of his speed, vision down the field, and ability as a receiver. All of these attributes make Shady a difficult threat for defenses to contain. And that’s why he is one of Philadelphia’s most potent offensive weapons.
Despite missing 4 games last season, McCoy finished the year with 840 rushing yards, , 373 receiving yards, and a total of 5 touchdowns (2 rushing, 3 receiving).
Shady topped players like Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (47) and Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (46) in the episode. Just ahead of McCoy were New England Patriots WR Wes Welker (44), Giants QB Eli Manning at number 43 (BOOO), Ravens DT Haloti Ngata (42), and Cowboys’ TE Jason Witten (41).
On the reaction show immediately following the unveiling of the latest players, Shady showed that he’s ready to prove himself all over again in 2013.
“This year coming up, I am healthy and have something to prove again. I can’t wait. I can’t think of a back in this league that can do as much as I can do. I am focused and ready to roll. I think Coach Kelly is bringing in a new offense that fits me so well, being in open space with so many looks and movements. I think I will have a better year.”
Watching the highlights featured in the segment is probably one of the only times you will smile when thinking about or referencing the 2012 season for the Philadelphia Eagles. Do yourself a favor and check out the video here.
Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.
