Jimmy Kimmel Exclusive: Jets Player Upset About Jewish Holiday Schedule Snaffu

The New York Jets petitioned the NFL about a scheduling conflict involving two Jewish Holidays. As Jimmy Kimmel points out it is not only fans who are affected by the scheduling snaffu.

Colts Sign Arena Player DeVan

The Indianapolis Colts have signed center Kyle DeVan to a two-year contract, financials of the deal were not revealed. DeVan has most recently played for the Boise Burn an Arena Football team in Idaho.

DeVan left Boise for a tryout Monday, after the Burn's Saturday night loss to Spokane, and was signed Tuesday. DeVan spent part of the 2008 season on the Jets practice squad.

NFL Changes Time of Jets Game on Yom Kippur

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The NFL has moved up the start time of the New York Jets' game against the Tennessee Titans on September 27 after the team complained to the league about having to play home games on consecutive Jewish holidays.

The league made the change Friday, rescheduling the 4:15 start to 1 p.m. a day after Jets owner Woody Johnson sent a letter to commissioner Roger Goodell suggesting the switch to allow fans to arrive home before sundown on Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement.

The Jets' home opener against New England is 1 p.m. on Sept. 20, which falls during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

"By changing the time of the Tennessee game from 4:15 p.m. to 1 p.m., the NFL has provided the best compromise to resolve our scheduling conflict," Johnson said in a statement issued by the team. The Jets owner also thanked Goodell and Howard Katz, the league's senior vice-president of broadcasting and media operations, for their prompt response.

Jets officials called the league offices first on Wednesday to express their concern, and Johnson followed with a formal letter Thursday.

In the letter to Goodell, Johnson wrote: "There has long been an understanding that neither the Jets nor the Giants fans should have to bear completely the brunt of this issue since we are in the largest Jewish market in the country."

Rep. Anthony Weiner, a U.S. congressman who represents parts of Brooklyn and Queens, also sent a letter to Goodell on Friday urging the league to accommodate the Jets' Jewish fans.

"This commonsense solution is a win for everyone involved," Weiner said, praising the league's decision. "The NFL can maximize the greatest audience while Jewish New York Jets fans can support their team and respect their religion."

As a result of the schedule change, the Titans-Jets and Giants-Buccaneers games will be televised head-to-head on different networks. The Giants are on the road for both Jewish holidays, with a game at Dallas at 8:20 p.m. in Week 2, and the game at Tampa, Fla., the following Sunday.

Inforation from the Canadian Press was used in this report.

Jets Close to Training Camp Decision

According to a league official with knowledge of the team's thinking, the New York Jets are closing in on SUNY Cortland as their training camp site, . The Jets, who have built a state-of-the-art $75 million facility in Florham Park, will not hold their training camp there because new coach Rex Ryan wants his team to train in an isolated area, to build team chemistry and to eliminate distractions.

SUNY Cortland, located about four hours from New York City, has air-conditioned dorms and two full-sized Fieldturf fields. It also has additional grass fields. This location was also a finalist for the Giants training camp who eventually landed in Albany.

The Jets moved to the Florham Park facility after spending the past 40 years at Hofstra, where they also held their training camp. Despite a move of training camps, the Jets have said they still plan to hold community events at Florham Park and Hofstra before the season starts.

QB Ramsey Lands in Tennessee

Another former first round quarterback flop has signed with a new team, Kyle Boller will be holding the clipboard in St. Louis. Now the Washington Redskins' first rounder from 2002 (32nd overall) Quarterback Patrick Ramsey, will battle for the clip board holder spot as he has signed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. Financial terms were not released.

Ramsey is likely to be third on the depth chart behind Kerry Collins, whom Tennessee re-signed to a two-year, $15 million deal, and Vince Young.

Tennessee announced on Friday that Ramsey joined the Titans after two seasons with the Denver Broncos. This move allows Ramsay to re-unite with Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger whome he worked under with the Broncos in 2007.

Ramsey has completed 511 of 913 passes for 5,930 yards with 35 touchdowns and 30 interceptions during his career. He has appeared in 37 games with 24 starts with stops in Denver, Washington, and the New York Jets.

Double Murder in Vilma's Vacant New York Condo

The NYPD is investigating a double-murder which took place in a condo owned by New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma.

The bodies of Sekou Sakor and Ansu Keita turned up in New York City last week around the time neighbors reported gunfire at a vacant condominium in Woodbury, N.Y.

New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly explained that the two Liberian immigrants appeared to have suffered an executed style death, because they allegedly orchestrated a “black paper scheme” fraud where people were bilked into buying a chemical that wipes ink off dollars.

According to police, Sekou Sajor and Ansu Keita’s bodies were dumped in separate New York boroughs after being shot in the head once apiece in a residence owned by Vilma, a former New York Jets player.

The New Orleans Saints linebacker and former New York Jets player was not there at the time, and has not been in the condo since 2007 when he placed the home up for sale. At this time he is not a suspect. Police are currently seeking to question a relative of Vilma who had access to the condominium, located in a luxury gated development about 13 miles from the Jets' former training camp at Hofstra University.

Police officials said investigators believe the victims may have been mixed up in a so-called "black money" scheme. Victims are sent e-mails saying that they could receive $100 bills smuggled from overseas -- stained black to avoid detection -- if they purchase a special chemical to wash it off; what they end up getting is a pile of worthless paper.

It was unclear how Sakor, 31, and Keita, 32, may have ended up at Vilma's home.

Jets Considering A Training Camp Move

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan is planning on bringing a new attitude to the Jets, it appears he is also planning on bringing a new training camp location.

The Jets are considering the University campuses of Colgate, Cornell and Cortland for their training camp. I appears as though Jets owner Woody Johnson is obviously hesitant to the idea, after spending $75 million to bild a training facility in Florham Park, N.J, but Ryan is pushing it hard.

The new facility does not have suitable parking or bleachers for the thousands of fans who normally attend training camp, or dormitories for the players. But that's not why Ryan wants to go elsewhere.

Many teams like the idea of moving training camp to a location other than the team's practice facility so the team can control the environment. Teams keep their players altogether in the dorms and feel it is a morale building move that develops team unity.

Jets Match Offer Sheet to Elam

The New York Jets were determined to keep at least one of their free agents away from Cleveland and have decided to match the Browns one-year $1.5 Million offer sheet for S Abram Elam.

Elam, a restricted free agent was given an offer sheet by the Browns and per NFL rules the Jets had seven days to match it, or recieve compensation in the form of a draft pick. He started nine games last season, his second with the Jets. Browns coach Eric Mangini already has signed four of his former Jets players, and Cleveland signed Elam to an offer sheet last week,

The 27-year-old Elam had 56 tackles and returned an interception 92 yards for a touchdown, he also had three forced fumbles. Elam also had 11 special teams tackles.

Bowens Latest to Join Cleveland Jets

The Cleveland Browns may be considering a name change this season as new head coach Eric Mangini has brought another one of his former Jets to Cleveland, the most recent LB David Bowens.

Bowens or "D-Bo", has played for Mangini the past two seasons with the New York Jets. A 10-year veteran, he started five games last season. He recorded 40 tackles, four sacks and his first career interception. The terms of his contract were not disclosed.

The 31-year-old Bowens is the third former Jets player brought to Cleveland by Mangini, who also signed cornerback Hank Poteat and defensive lineman C.J. Mosley.

"David is another example of the emphasis that we place on toughness, leadership and versatility," Browns general manager George Kokinis said in a statement. "He has played inside and outside linebacker and has been a core special teams player throughout his career."

According to NFL.com, in his 11-year career Bowens has 187 tackles, 32.5 sacks and 1 interception.

Mangini Bringing in "His" Guys

Browns head coach Eric Mangini, is busy shaping his roster with "his" guys, it began with trading away TE Kellen Winslow jr and now he has added one of "his" guys in former Jets cornerback Hank Poteat. A favorite of new Browns coach Eric Mangini, Poteat spent the last three seasons with the Jets. Terms of the contract were not revealed.

The 31-year-old Poteat was a third-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000 and played three seasons there. He has also played with Tampa Bay and New England. Poteat, an unrestricted free agent, had two interceptions, a sack, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery last season for the New York Jets.

Information from the associated press was used in this report.

Feely Feeling Good in New York

The New York Jets have re-signed kicker Jay Feely on the same day that former starter Mike Nugent signed in Tampa. Feely signed a 1 year deal, financial terms were not disclosed.

The 32-year-old Feely went 24-of-28 on field-goal attempts, including 2-for-2 from 50 yards or longer, for New York including his last 14 straightlast season, his eighth in the NFL. He has an 81.4 career field-goal percentage.

The Jets signed him after Nugent injured his right thigh during a kickoff against the Dolphins. Nugent came back and kicked an extra point, but New York replaced him with Feely the next week.

Coles Signs in Cincy

It appears as if Laveranues Coles was right, before the start of free agency the New York Jets offered Coles $6 Million guaranteed for one more season. He tuened it down because he felt like more money was to be made on the open market.

Initially his decision did not appear wise after Coles toured the league in search of a deal, with no teams making an offer. Then as luck would have it the Bengals lost T.J. Houshmanzadeh to the Seattle Seahawks and an job opened up for Coles.

The Bengals offered Coles a four-year deal worth $24 Million, confirming his decision to leave. The 31-year-old Coles caught 631 passes during his nine-year career. He has 8,095 yards and 44 touchdown receptions.

"Clearly, Laveranues gives our passing game another proven weapon," coach Marvin Lewis said. "He's been durable and reliable, with high production in catches, yards, yards per catch and touchdowns. He's also a passionate player, a guy who will bring a very positive chemistry to our locker room."

Coles will team with Chad Ocho Cinco and a hopefully healthy Carson Palmer who look to revitalize an offense that struggled most of last season.

Ray Lewis Will Remain A Raven

Ray Lewis has signed a contract so that he can, do what is right, and retire a Raven. The two sides agreed to a three-year contract, worth $20 million to $25 million.

"From beginning to end as a Raven. ... Wow! To be with the same team with the same fans for an entire career, that doesn't happen in the NFL," Lewis said. "I don't think an athlete can have a greater legacy than to be able to stay in one place for an entire career."

In 13 seasons, Lewis has appeared in 164 games, with 146 starts. The former University of Miami star has played in nine Pro Bowl games and been selected an All-Pro on eight occasions. In addition, he twice won NFL defensive player of the year honors, in 2000 and 2003. He was chosen as the most valuable player in the Ravens' Super Bowl XXXV victory.

Lewis threatened to sign the highest offer he received when he found out he would enter free agency. He met with Jets officials but did not sign with the team when his contract demands were described as "exorbitant".

Bucs Sign K Nugent

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a while to get started in their free agent spending, but now that they have the ball rolling, no one can slow them down. The Bucs newest addition, former Jets kicker Mike Nugent who signed a one-year deal, which is reported to be the veteran minimum.

Nugent, a 2nd round pick of the New York Jets in 2005, was added to compete with incumbent K Matt Bryant. In his career, Nugent has made 75-of-92 (81.5 percent) of his field goals and 83-of-85 extra points. That includes 3-of-9 from 50-plus yards out.

"It is an open competition," Bucs general manager Mark Dominik told WDAE 620 on Wednesday. "We talked to Matt earlier today to let him know what was going on, and we talked to Mike about it. We understand that Matt just set a single-season point record last year, but we want to continue to increase the competition."

Leonard Heads to Jets

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan is continuing to build his new defense with players from his old team. Joining Bart Scott in "Baltimore North" is safety Jim Leonard who signed a three-year contract.

Leonhard explosed onto the scene last year after signing a free-agent deal with the Ravens, when he was asked to step in and replace injured Dawan Landry. The ex-Bills safety registered a career-high 69 tackles and six passes defended for Baltimore's No. 2-ranked defense in 2008.

"He's a smart player that can get guys lined up in the secondary and was one of the best tacklers on that Ravens defense," Ryan said. "He's always around the ball, brings everything he has on every play and will be a great addition to our group of defensive backs."

Ekejiuba Re-Signs with Raiders

Veteran Raiders linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba signed a three-year contract worth $5.4 Million with $1.25 Million guaranteed

League source say Ekejiuba's contract is the largest one ever given to a core special teams player.

Cleveland and the New York Jets expressed interest in Ekejiuba before the Raiders intensified their pursuit of the player who has spent most of the past four seasons in Oakland.

Eagles/Jets Working on a Trade for Lito Sheppard

The New York Jets are busy this off-season shaping their roster, they have already added LB Bart Scott and now res-signed RG Brandon Moore, now head coach Rex Ryan is looking to quickly add another piece top the NY Jets puzzle.

The Jets are in talks with the Philadelphia Eagles for a trade of CB Lito Sheppard. According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, the Jets will surrender a fifth-round pick in 2009 and a conditional draft pick in 2010, which can range from a second-round pick to a fifth-round pick.

Sheppard, 27, is a two-time pro bowler who became expendable when the Eagles aquired Assante Samuels last off-season and pushed Sheppard down the depth chart. The recent re-signing of CB Joselio Hanson seemed like the final push out the door, this trade confirms it.

In 2008, the seven-year veteran played in mostly nickle and dime situations and started just 3 games.

The Jets not only want Lito Sheppard to join the team as a starter on defense but also to become a mentor for young and promising corner back Darrelle Revis.
A 2002 1st-round pick of the Eagles has 253 career tackles, two sacks, 18 interceptions, and 54 passes defensed in 93 games with 53 starts.

Jets Want Moore, Again

After getting snubbed by Chris Kemoeatu the Jets quickly went out and re-signed recently released right guard Brandon Moore.

Moore has signed a four year deal worth $16 Million with $10 Million guaranteed. This is being viewed as a smart move as many believe Moore was the teams best run-blocker

Kemoeatu Snubs Jets and re-Joins Steelers

Left guard Chris Kemoeatu turned down an offer from the New York Jets and re-signed with the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, who would have been depleted on the offensive line without him.

Kemoeatu's contract is worth $20 million over five seasons and pays him a signing bonus of nearly $4 million, which is believed to be less than the Jets were offering. Nearly $6 million is guaranteed Kemoeatu, a former backup who started only two games during his first three Steelers seasons from 2005-07.

He returns to the Steelers with the idea that he will become the teams starter at left guard after the departure of Kendall Simmons who was released by the team.

Kemoeatu was a Steelers sixth-round pick in 2005, likely dropping in the draft because of a 2003 incident in which the former Utah lineman kicked an UNLV player in the face while his helmet was off.

Scott Rejoins Rex in NY

Bart Scott has signed a multi year deal with the New York Jets, terms of the cotract were not disclosed.

Bart Scott, 29, will rejoin Rex Ryan in New York. Ryan was Scott's long time defensive coordinator in Baltimore, and is preparing to be a rookie head coach for the Jets.

The seven year veteran made 82 tackles with 1-1/2 sacks last season for the Ravens, who lost in the AFC Championship to the Steelers.

*UPDATE* Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Jets will pay to Scott a contract worth roughly $8 million per year.