Denvr_Sports_Insider's Blog

 I talked to a first-hand source who is knowledgeable of Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas's current contract situation.  They provided a brief update this morning.

The "first-hand" source told me Arenas does not wish to be quoted before he's due to become a free agent Tuesday, however they said Arenas is hoping his contract situation with the Wizards is mutually agreed upon before taking off for Asia 9am Tuesday.

A spokesperson with the NBA confirmed today that league contracts cannot be officialized until July 9th.

However, the first-hand source added, "most likely [he] will get it done before he leaves," but the source provided no absolute assurances to that fact.

Fox 31 sports was also told that as of early Monday morning Arenas himself had not yet talked with the Wizards directly. Current reports say the team is set to offer Arenas a six-year contract that could be worth more than $100 million dollars.

Earlier this off season, Arenas made the decision to opt out of the final year of his contract in hopes of securing a maximum-level contract.

Right now, the first-hand source said Arenas is concentrating on getting away, and not really talking to the press about money matters.

They added, Arenas just wants to go to Asia and promote his shoe globally for the next couple of weeks.

The 26-year-old is averaging 22.8 points and 5.5. assists.

 

FOX 31's Josina Anderson goes Charity Golfing with Eddie George

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall was arrested March 6th on a misdemeanor battery charge.

His former girlfriend, Rasheedah Watley, alleges Marshall hit her in the eye and the mouth a day before.

 Wednesday, Marshall contacted FOX 31 sports to go on record with his explanation of the incident in question, and his other run-ins with the law. His motive is to put all his negative headlines into context and to leave Broncos fans with an informed impression.

This is the transcript of the broadcast version that aired Wednesday night (June 25, 2008) exclusively on FOX31.

After, just two years in Denver, Bronco fans have become just as familiar with Brandon Marshall's headlines on the field, as they have off the field.

That includes three arrests in the last year and three months alone.

But today Marshall is sending the message he's ready to move on.

“I always ignored all the signs, and I didn’t want to listen to what people were saying. From the coaches to my teammates to my mom.”

After not heeding the warning signs, Bronco wide receiver Brandon Marshall is making headlines again with new today of his battery arrest from March 6.

It stems from an ongoing domestic dispute with his former girlfriend Rasheedah Watley. Marshall is adamant he’s never been abusive.

“I told her it’s time to move on and for me to move on and her exact words were I’m going to ruin you. So now it’s to the point where she is full steam ahead.” We talked today to Marshall and his lawyer Harvey Steinberg about Watley’s alleged history of aggression and her method of extortion in exchange for her silence.

“We have a letter that was sent to him and the Broncos in 06 where there is a demand for 500,000 dollars. In exchange for the 500,000 dollars there is a promise of confidentiality.

“If you’re a victim of a crime you’re a victim of a crime. You can’t say give me 100,000 dollars and I won’t tell the police.

Marshall answers the questions of why he never left Watley if she presented so many conflicts.

I tried to leave…I tried to walk out the house [and] everytime I tried to walk out the house she tries to yell and scream in the streets. Marshall and Steinberg played an example of her alleged phone rage. (See broadcast video of story)

Marshall feels getting his story out will help clear his name.

Josina Anderson: For the record, have you ever abused her or been violent towards her.

“I never put my hands on her. All I can do now is try to get out in front of it and prove to fans and the community I am aggressive on the field but I respect woman. [I] never once put my hands on her.”

But Marshall knows that his other issues with the law, including his October 2007 DUI arrest, have negatively impacted his image.

Josina Anderson: How to you reassure the fans this negative behavior has stopped?

“Well its time to mature. It’s time to grow up and start putting myself in better environments or surround myself with positive people.”

This was Marshall’s message to the fans.

“I can look you guys in the eyes or the camera, or I can tell you guys I am a good person. Like I said before, if you ever see me in the grocery store or the movie theater, you can always stop and talk to me.” \ Although Marshall told me that Watley has demanded money, rent, a car, and furniture, he is not inclined to file extortion charges on Watley.

As for why he's revealing all of this now, his lawyer Harvey Steinberg told me, he feels obligated to dispute what he calls one sided reports and articles.

Log on to myfoxcolorado.com and Josina Anderson's Denver Sports Insider's Blog for extended coverage on our exclusive interview.

Denver native and Olympic hopeful David Oliver is one of the fastest men alive. But when he was going to Denver East High School the coaches practically had to drag him onto the track. But once Oliver discovered world class speed was in his blood, it was enough to twist his arm and to blaze his own lane.

There are multiple reports saying that the representatives of Carmelo Anthony will be in Denver Monday to get clarity on the trade status of the franchise star.

 

Additionally, there are reports saying that Anthony demanded the meeting between both sides because the 24-year-old has grown weary of his name swirling with trade rumors.

 

Saturday night, Anthony’s agent sent this message to Fox 31 sports denying the reported purpose of his trip.

 

“I am only coming to Denver to support Melo on his DUI case on Tuesday.  Any planned discussions with the Nuggets will be about any penalty if he is charged,” wrote Andrews.

 

In a follow up phone conversation later today, Andrews attempted to explain the genesis of the reports.

 

“Somebody could have told [the reporter] I was coming into town, and could have assumed I was trying to shake things up, but that is just not the case,” reiterated Andrews.

 

Andrews was asked whether the public should still assume trade talks won’t surface during a conversation about Anthony’s DUI case.

 

“I’m sure it will come up but the bottom line is I don’t have a meeting to talk about trades.”

 

To Andrews’ knowledge, Anthony has not demanded the Nuggets talk to him either, nor will Anthony be in Denver to talk with the organization himself at the beginning of the week.

 

“He won’t even be in Denver on Monday. Melo will be in Chicago with a USA basketball conference on Monday.”

 

Andrews was also asked whether Anthony would attempt to talk to the Nuggets via teleconference.

 

“There is no plan [for Anthony] to talk on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.”

 

Now, after all the confusion and frustration with these current reports, Andrews hinted he may not come to Denver after all.

 

“I feel like even if I show up now, people will assume that is why I was going there all along.”

 

Web editor: ***This was a Fox 31 Sports Insider "First" Publication Report  

Education, health care, and some of the most primitive farming strategies escape Ethiopa, a country that has over 34 million orphans in the Sub-Saharan region alone. Young Miki was one of those orphans. But throughout the many challenges in his life, Miki has never lot his ability to smile nor show all of us, the true meaning of love-especially on the anniversary of his arrival to America.



 

FOX 31's Josina Anderson talks with Colorado Crush QB John Dutton and his wife, Terina, about the adoption of their Ethiopian son, Miki.

North Carolina’s Ty Lawson finally showed up for his workout with the Denver Nuggets Tuesday, ready to work towards his future but still a bit bitter about his past.

Lawson seemed satisfied with his performance before the Nuggets’ brass after missing his original workout Sunday.

“It went good,” Lawson said.

“I think I shot the ball well and played well. Overall I think I did good at this workout.”

However, you could tell Lawson was a little embarrassed to answer questions about his now-infamous incident near UNC’s campus.

Lawson was arrested last Friday in Chapel Hill, N.C., and charged with driving after consuming alcohol. The 20-year-old point guard admitted a knee problem and his arrest contributed to his absence.

“I got a D.W.I., before when I went out. I made a mistake. I also think [the arrest] was unjustified too,” Lawson said.

“I felt like [the police] said that my music was too loud on Franklin Street which was like a mile, two miles, three miles from where they stopped me at.”

Franklin Street is a main strip leading into North Carolina’s campus.

“I also blew a .03, so I was being responsible.”

“I wasn’t driving around drunk. I was just underage,” Lawson told reporters following his workout Tuesday.

When asked why he felt his arrest was “unjustified,” Lawson explained it was because his alleged first infraction occurred far from his arrest.

“A little bit…On Franklin [the officer] said my music was loud, but they pulled me over like right in front of my house.”

“When I turned into the neighborhood I turned [the music] down. Somebody called me and that’s how I knew I turned it down…so I feel like it was kind of unjust.”

Lawson, who practiced in front of Nuggets’ vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien, and vice president of player personnel Rex Chapman, made sure to emphasize his absence was also due to a misunderstanding. Lawson said an email was sent by one of his coaches explaining his absence in advance.

However, Nuggets head coach George Karl, who was unable to attend practice Tuesday due to his travel to L.A. for the NBA Finals, reportedly said his expectation was for Lawson to attend the workout on Sunday.

Even though Lawson had multiple explanations for being absent, he clearly understands he needs to make more mature decisions.

“Yeah, I should have been a little bit more responsible on that part…I shouldn’t have even been out, so it’s part of growing up [and] you live and you learn,” Lawson said.

There are probably many Denver fans who think the speedy 5’11” Lawson would be a nice fit in the back-court with Allen Iverson. Lawson has the same vision.

“I think I fit in real well. They’re like my type of tempo of basketball: up and down the court.”

“Then you got great players like Carmelo, A.I., Marcus Camby, Kenyon Martin-all the people I looked up to [since] I’ve been playing. It would be good if I got a chance to play with those guys.”

While he denied a DraftExpress.com report that said the Nuggets had promised to select him with the 20th overall pick, Lawson (who still has not hired an agent) admitted he was still unsure about his draft stock.

“Just after these workouts, see where everybody says I stand; how well I did. Probably top 20, that’s probably my limit. If I’m not going top 20, I will probably go back to school. I will probably know a lot by June 15th…and sit with my family and decide. The deadline is June 16th, but we will sit down June 15th.”

Lawson said there is no doubt he will include UNC’s head coach Roy Williams in his decision.

“He’s probably going to call the teams. He called like three of the teams I worked out for. So he’s going to call them and see where I stand.”

Football is a tough sport to play, but when you add being a woman amongst male teammates and having to deal with what Katie Hnida has, it's amazing to see her get back in the game.

DENVER (MyFOXColorado.com) - So exactly what is the chance of Denver Nuggets franchise star Carmelo Anthony taking his gig to Motown?

Perhaps about the same chance of Diana Ross taking out all of her fake hair live on camera.

That’s pretty much the odds if you are listening to Anthony’s agent, Calvin Andrews, who spoke with Fox 31 sports Monday.

“I would say nothing is happening. The Nuggets are not trading Carmelo,” said Andrews.

But it’s not as if the original question is completely out of the realm of possibility.

The Denver Post recently reported (through an unnamed source) that the Detroit Pistons might be interested in Anthony, and that Detroit may be among the teams putting out feelers for the 24-year-old star.

The Free Press also reported all current Pistons are on the trading block, with the exception of guard Rodney Stuckey.

The Pistons have missed the NBA Finals for three straight seasons, and clearly have high expectations.

With that level of success, it’s hard for Denver fans (who have endured five consecutive first-round playoff exits) to understand why Detroit would even tinker with their chemistry.

Andrews, however, isn’t mystified.

“People are interested in Carmelo. People are smelling blood. There are a lot of rumors out there and a lot of talk is happening, so people feel like they got to get their bid in there too.”

Andrews has already told Fox 31 that he sees Anthony staying with the Nuggets, and that the organization hasn’t told him any differently.

“Our relationship is such that we would be informed by the Nuggets if there stance had changed. They would call me,” added Andrews.

Andrews also emphasized he sees no reason to call and question the Nuggets in light of the new rumors, although he admits anything can happen.

“You can’t jump up and down every time people make inquiries. Our understanding is that no trade is happening.”

By now you know of the pink slip that was waved around at Dove Valley
Monday with the ferocity of a "Yes We Can" poster.

The pink slip that was written for former Broncos running back Travis Henry after he was “abruptly” (as one individual in his camp called it) released and simultaneously used to show the vigor with which hope and character can be restored to this organization.

According to head coach Mike Shanahan, the reason for conceding the team would be better off without Henry's candidacy for the top tailback position is clear.

“He’s just too inconsistent as a person...I’m not going to get into details what he did or didn’t do. You have to do the little things. If you don’t do the little things, obviously you can’t count on somebody. So that’s why he’s released,” Shanahan told the media Monday.

The question is: Is there more to this story, and are there extra politics at work here?

Of course there are.

There’s Henry’s side, there’s more to Shanahan’s side, and then there’s the actuality.

This would be a good place for a direct quote from the rejected candidate but unfortunately Henry's cell remained off at the time this went to print, and while the other main tailback candidate-Selvin Young-moves on and assumes the job is his.

In the meantime, let us quickly outline some factual talking points at the podium of this allotted space.

The first fact we know is that the Broncos gave Henry a second chance publicly after he successfully appealed a positive marijuana test result.

(Henry won on the technicality of insufficient disclosure of a negative drug test result that surrounded the offending sample. The Broncos subsequently expressed their desire for Henry to return to their club in various press conferences).

The second fact is, the Broncos backed up that sentiment by offering Henry a new deal-albeit a restructured one.

(In late February, the Broncos reportedly gave Henry a deal for $1 million in base salary, $100,000 in workout bonuses, and an incentives package).

This could lead most logical people in Broncos nation to think: the Broncos wanted Travis Henry.

I would vote for that apparent truth.

And why not? Henry led the NFL in rushing after the first four games last season prior to his injury and his off-field issues.

And yes "issues" is plural.

So what happened?

Well hang with me here.

The third fact is the Broncos did confirm Henry recently hurt his hamstring. It was reported he suffered a strain running 100 yard sprints before the start of the team’s passing camp late May.

This is what Shanahan said to the media at that time.

“He can’t go yet.”

“Those hamstrings, you never know how long it’s going to take, so I would say that chances are he’ll be ready for the June camp. He will not be ready this week.”

Okay...

And the last fact we know for sure is that Henry was subsequently released Monday.

So again we ask what happened? Especially considering this point emphasized by the source who broke news of failed marijuana tests by both Ricky Williams and Travis Henry to Fox 31 sports: “a team cannot cut a player while he is hurt.”

I'm sorry. We need the crowd to put a hush behind that aforementioned rally cry as we listen to the next speaker.

ONE PLAYER’S PERSPECTIVE:

Sometimes it's good to go door-to-door and knock for a grass roots perspective.

In a cell phone interview after practice today, one Broncos player (who wished to remain anonymous) provided some insight into Henry's situation based on his own observations.

When asked what’s the scoop on Henry inside the locker room, the player replied, “It’s just the injury thing, and he decided not to show up. I guess that’s about it.”

That’s too simple. We need more. We will not concede we are satisfied with that answer.

The player continued when pressed.

“It’s more to the point of how he didn’t communicate to coach and like not returning calls…I guess he wasn’t reporting to “Greek” [team head trainer Steve Antonopulos] or wasn’t talking to him [as much]…that’s what I heard."

Reporter’s Note: I recently heard from a player who talked to Greek and who definitely got the sense the trainer was growing weary of Henry’s inconsistencies. I can’t write the exact quote because that would clearly give up the source’s identity.

SHOULD WE EXPECT AN “ODELL THURMAN?”

This is why it is also good to knock on "the door" at the mountain top as well.

Think you can't get blind-sided during a push for a new direction? Consider this Broncos nation-but only fleetingly for now.

Former Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman was waived May 19th after being reinstated recently by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Thurman served what amounted to a two year suspension after violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Thurman’s agent reportedly was told by Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis that his client had not been in the building enough since his reinstatement.

But…….

This Monday a report surfaced that Thurman is facing an indefinite suspension after violating the league’s substance abuse policy again.

Monday, if you’ve forgotten already (I almost did. Can I get some water here?) was the day the Broncos also coincidentally informed the public Henry was released.

Not that the two are related.

But trust me when I say this question was out there today: are the Broncos following the Bengals “Thurman blueprint” of cutting a player in advance of the public hearing another violation is in the pipeline for Henry as well?

Well the source who broke Henry’s latest failed drug test to Fox 31 sports answered the question.

Please welcome our new speaker.

“Not that I have been made aware of at this point; but I wouldn’t necessarily know right now either for various reasons.”

Reporter’s Note: The source also told Fox 31 sports they would be able to provide more information soon if there is something to report.

SO WHERE CAN HENRY GO FROM HERE?

Join the NFLPA ticket? Perhaps?

Fox 31 sports also spoke with staff counsel from the NFLPA for more answers.

The representative wished to remain anonymous.

You may have noticed Mike Shanahan was very careful not to say that Henry was cut because he missed practices that were voluntary.

Because you can’t cut players for that as was stated before.

If you want technical language, a player can have major beef if he can prove he was cut while he, "was physically unable to perform the services required of him by that contract because of an injury incurred in the performance of his service under that contract,” as written in the collective bargaining agreement.

While I'm blowing more jargon over your head...

This is beginning to sound like shades of the injury grievance former Broncos tight end Sam Brandon filed against the Broncos. His grievance was recently settled according to a first-hand source today as well.

So will Henry follow suit and file?

“Sometimes in these situations the first order of business is to try and get picked up by another team and just try and move on. Maybe a team will pick him [Henry] up off waivers in which case he goes to that team and hopefully has a better experience,” said the NFLPA staff counsel.

But if not?

And a lot of insiders/'Henry detractors" are unfortunately betting that way…

“Typically if nobody picks him up then we would get a call from the agent or the player…They would explore that [the player’s rights] with us, and we would ask them…what proof do we have?”

The staff counsel said a potential campaign like Henry’s could be tough should he choose to run for the cause of being unjustly fired-or the cause of 31 other teams showing him the non-conciliatory hand in the face.

Reporter’s Note: This counsel said they had not received an inclination towards this decision yet.

“If we were to bring a case-just like in most legal cases [and] arbitration too-the party bringing the case has the burden of proof, or if the Players Association filed on his behalf if he wanted to file…The devil is always in the details,” said counsel.

If you allow me to get my Johnnie Cochran on real quick...or my politician on...

The devil is in the details because why?

You have to prove motivation.

Sorry no catchy rhyme there.

We've digressed. Politically typical.

Counsel bring back order over the supporters of this space.

“[For example] We have to prove that the reason they released him was because he wouldn’t come to voluntary activities if it were just that simple. Timing is one element but it is not sufficient…They [the Broncos would] put on a whole scenario of witnesses and say they sat down over the last several weeks and did an evaluation of various players, and that they have evaluations from position coaches…They [NFL teams] are usually are very good at papering their record in this sort of thing,” explained counsel.

But does the fact that the Broncos recently penned a restructured deal for Henry help in elucidating their desire to keep him regardless of some possible “arbitrary new evaluation”-especially given the context of everything they already supported him through with his drug case?

“That would be a factor in our favor of course…[but] it’s not only timing…Often the critical element is what was said or not said. They [the Broncos] might have said something to his [Henry’s] agent…that he has got to start playing with some vigor or our patience is [done]…It all depends on the factors that we can line up [like that].”

However the NFLPA staff counsel also emphasized that players are not litigious usually, and that the last thing they want to do is get tied up in a legal case.

Why not? We love a good filibuster?

“It’s only as a last resort if they can’t move on. Then they call us and say this is kind of fishy, and do you think we have enough evidence to proceed with a grievance?”

Odds are….

YES HE DOES.

Well if you think rumors about trading Carmelo Anthony were heating up following another Nuggets early first round exit, they’re really heating up now.

Supposedly…

 The Bergen Record, citing NBA sources, is reporting that the New Jersey Nets could package a pick from Tuesday’s NBA lottery in a deal that would “net” them-no pun intended-the Nuggets franchise star along with Nuggets center Marcus Camby.

 The New Jersey report says a high quality Nets selection could help trigger an inclusive scenario where Denver would receive Richard Jefferson, Keith Van Horn, and Marcus Williams’s contracts in exchange.

That’s what the Bergen Record says. 

 Here’s what Anthony’s agent, Calvin Andrews said to Fox 31 sports Monday night.

 When asked if there is anything to the Anthony trade rumors as described above Andrews replied,

 “Yes I have been reading about it…and I would say it’s BS right now.”

 Several NBA insiders told Fox 31 sports the genesis of this report is linked to current Nets general manager and former Nuggets general manager, Kiki Vandeweghe and wishful thinking.  Recently though discussions concerning this deal have picked up a little more steam.

 “It’s out there heavy. There [isn’t] any question,” said Andrews.

 But when it comes to any serious talk of an Anthony trade crossing Andrews’s ears, the Nuggets have yet to contact him; and right now he’s not expecting it.

 “They [the Nuggets] didn’t tell me they were trying to trade Melo; and I think they would have that conversation with us.”

 “All I can tell you right now is that we have not been informed of any trade.  I think with a player of Melo’s stature we would have some conversation about it,” replied Andrews.

 When asked if he would absolutely expect a direct call from Mark Warkentien-the Nuggets vice president of basketball operations-concerning a trade for Anthony, Andrews said, “definitely.”

 The Nets will be in the lottery for the first time since 2001.  They have a 1.1 percent chance of acquiring the No.1 pick. 

Andrews wouldn’t put his own percentage on the odds of this deal happening, but he did put the reported talks into perspective-at least for tonight.

 “Anything can happen in this league, but we have not been informed or talked to anyone about it.”

 

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Denver Broncos DT Marcus Thomas received official news that he will not be charged for possessing a controlled substance following his Florida arrest over 2 months ago. Thomas’ hometown friend, Bryce Carter is being prosecuted in the case.

I sat down with Thomas and he revealed not only the details of that fateful night, but also the lessons he's learned on the path towards proving his innocence.

Click play to watch the video:

This post has been edited by an administrator

DENVER (MyFoxColorado.com) - Broncos defensive tackle Marcus Thomas can now breathe a sigh of relief, even though he was forced to hold his breath a lot longer than he would have liked.

After being arrested early March on preliminary charges of possession of a controlled substance, the prosecutor in Thomas's case has officially decided not to proceed due to lack of supporting evidence. And in his first interview on the matter since his arrest Thomas tells FOX 31 he's overjoyed to be vindicated.

"I was so happy...I figured it was going to fall off anyways," said Thomas in an exclusive sit-down interview at his house with Fox 31 sports this morning.

Both Thomas's agent Richard Burnoski, and his lawyer Charles Truncale called Fox 31 sports to spread the good news prior to that.

"The State Attorney's Office filed a deposition notice indicating they reviewed the evidence, and they declined to prosecute," said Thomas's lawyer, Charles Truncale.

On March 1, Thomas was riding as a passenger in a pick-up truck that was pulled over by Orange Park Police in Florida for suspicion of driving under the influence.

Thomas's former high school football teammate Bryce Carter, 24, was driving; a third friend was in the back seat.

All three men were leaving a going-away party for Thomas as he was preparing to return to Denver. Thomas had decided he was not sober enough to drive. As it turned out neither was Carter.

Upon contact of the vehicle the arrest record indicates that Corporal Edward Kaczkowski observed a handgun in the glove compartment of the vehicle, which led to a search of the truck that turned up a small plastic bag containing a white substance later identified as cocaine.

According to Thomas, Carter eventually told officers on the scene that neither the handgun nor the cocaine belonged to him, however both he and Carter were jailed. As a result Thomas had to let due process to take its course and reveal his innocence.

"I'm mad in a way just for all this being blown up, but at the same time I understood they did their job. I still feel like ‘how did I get arrested if the man [Carter] said that it [the cocaine] was his?’ and he admitted it was his at the scene of the crime," said Thomas.

But the bottom line for Thomas's representatives is that the public understands the truth now.

"[For Thomas] it is not a matter of being acquitted on charges, this is better than that. Once the evidence was reviewed by the state attorney, they decided no charges should be brought at all. That is the best possible result with regard to the arrest," emphasized Truncale.

Burnoski is even more thankful to the Broncos organization for giving Thomas a fair chance. He knows after everything Thomas went through ­-- getting kicked off Florida’s National Championship team in 2006 for most of that season due to a couple of failed marijuana tests -- it would have been easy to rush to judgment after this latest incident.

"I just want to thank the Broncos for truly being very supportive. They could have fired Marcus on the spot, but I am glad they were patient with him and this process," said Burnoski.

Thomas says if it wasn't for his faith, he would have been overwhelmed by the public’s perception of his guilt.

"I prayed about it, I put everything in God's hands and it worked out."

Carter has since been formally charged in this case. Although Thomas is sad for his former schoolmate, he knows this trial in his life is a valuable lesson learned: not only does he need to stay away from trouble, but also any associates that can get him into trouble as well.

REPORTER'S NOTE: Thomas's full length interview will air in Double Coverage Sunday night between 9:30-10:00pm.  Here is an excerpt from the interview:

ENGLEWOOD - Broncos coach Mike Shanahan stepped to the podium and pronounced his newest draft pick, Boise State's Ryan Clady, as the team's starting left tackle. No trace of a smirk, grin or wink followed. Clady now has Jay Cutler's blind side after he was taken with the 12th pick of the NFL draft on Saturday.

FOX 31's Josina Anderson talked to Clady's agent , Pat Dye, after the pick this afternoon: