Empty the Bench

- After the disastrous end to my fantasy football season(s) last year, the prospect of more potentially gutting defeats almost makes me cringe. Yes, I really did lose $150 and first place in an overall points league by .2 points. I’m not the only one who suffered a similar fate. But you and I both know we’re going to do it again this year and pony up the entrance fee and spend way too much time analyzing the Patriots’ offense and running back injuries. Brad Evans for Yahoo! Sports has 10 tips for your draft this year. Here’s another one: don’t draft until training camp is almost over.

- The Starting Five parallels allegations against Michael Vick (is he a dogfighting kingpin?) and Patrick Kerney (did a rape take place in his Buckhead, GA, home?), and wonders whether there’s not something seriously racist going on in the coverage of both cases. Whether or not you agree with The Starting Five’s assertion, it’s pretty crazy that very few in the media have picked up on the Kerney case.

- Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry might be guilty of assaulting a 16-year-old. He might not be.

- There’s reason for optimism, Vikings fans.

- There’s only so much time before KC Chiefs quarterback Brody Croyle’s marriage–thankfully, his Dillards registry takes the mystery out of what to buy him and his fiance. Dibs on the French wire whisk. (via Arrowhead Pride)

- The drunk guy in these photos, the one who’s going to get really fat after he retires, is Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed. The last one is truly amazing–please, feel free to give a caption for that one in the comments.

- Surprise surprise–criticism of Randy Moss is already rolling in from Boston.

- Because it just wouldn’t be an NFL post without something about Pacman Jones.

- San Franciso 49ers running back Frank Gore can finally–FINALLY–feed his family now that he’s been granted a new $28 million deal.

- For old time’s sake, the best one-minute interview Jim Rome ever conducted. We can never, ever get enough of this. Thank you, Jim Everett, for your role in this legendary clip.

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