Denvr_Sports_Insider's Blog

New Oakland Raiders wide receiver Ashley Lelie is gearing up to play against his former Denver Broncos team next Monday night. In advance of the matchup Lelie’s agent, Peter Schaffer, checked in with Fox 31’s Josina Anderson for a quick Q&A.

Josina: With Javon Walker being slowed by injuries and off-the-field issues since arriving in Oakland as well, how much does that help Ashley’s new situation with the Raiders?

Peter: Well obviously nobody is happy that Javon Walker is hurt. It’s a shame, and he hopes as Javon’s teammate he gets healthy real quick. On the other side the show has got to go on, and Ashley just hopes that he can help the team by filling-in to the best of his capabilities on Monday night.

Josina: So did you target Oakland to seize upon the Walker situation from the standpoint of Ashley being on a team where he can contribute more frequently?

Peter: I looked at everything for today, tomorrow, next week, next year. We just thought that the overall situation in Oakland was in his best interest to be a Raider.

Josina: How do you think the deep threat skills Ashley came to be known for in Denver will be utilized in Oakland’s system?

Peter: Historically, it is a long ball deep vertical passing game. That’s the way it’s historically been and that’s what they are famous for. There’s no doubt that’s one of Ashley’s strengths. He proved in Denver that he is an all around receiver, and we believe he can be successful in any system.

Josina: With that said how do you think things went for him in Atlanta?

Peter: Well I think that things would have been great in Atlanta. He suffered an unfortunate muscle pull that affected it, but you can never look back. You always have to look forward. There are things you can control, and certain things you can’t control. The one thing that Ashley has been able to control is his work ethic and his positive outlook- and that has never changed. I think that has got him through all this as a player and as a person.

Josina: So is Ashley’s opportunity in Oakland a chance to re-establish himself?


Peter: He looks at the NFL as having to re-establish your tenure every year. It doesn’t matter if you had five catches for 50 yards, or ten catches for 1000 yards. The NFL requires you to re-establish your tenure all the time.


Josina: I know you’ve had a number of Broncos on your client list and you’re familiar with the team being a local agent. Do you think the Raiders have surpassed the Broncos with all their recent additions?

Peter: Both teams can be 16-0. Both teams could be 0-16. You really never know. They both have made perceived significant upgrades so only time will tell.

The Denver Broncos made some additional roster moves on Tuesday, signing guard Dylan Gandy and defensive tackle Josh Shaw. The team also released defensive tackle Alvin McKinley.

Gandy, a fourth-year player, rejoins the club after just being released Saturday. He spent his first three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.

Shaw, a sixth-year player, joins the Broncos after being released by the Oakland Raiders. McKinley, a nine-year veteran, recorded 14 tackles, 2.5 sacks and forced one fumble during the 2007 season.

Denver opens the season Monday night in Oakland.

Lions running back Tatum Bell just confirmed to Fox 31's Josina Anderson that he was released by Detroit.

"They just released me and signed Rudi Johnson," revealed Bell.

Bell told Anderson that he immediately called his agent to determine what was going on after he learned the Lions just signed Johnson.  Johnson, the former Bengals running back, was released by Cincinnati during training camp.

Various reports recently indicated Johnson was scheduled to work out for Detroit.

"He [Bell's agent, Kennard McGuire] said 'let me make some calls.' He called me back and said they are going to let us walk," said Bell.

Now Bell says all he can do is hope that teams that have shown interest in him in the past want to rekindle the flame.

"Hopefully Houston, maybe Denver. Who are their backs right now," asked Bell.

Bell says he is not down about the situation, and he is confident that his skills are good enough to get him on another team.

"All I can do is pray."

 

DENVER - The NBA players association announced Friday that the agent for Carmelo Anthony will be suspended for a year.

Its disciplinary committee determined Calvin Andrews was involved in unspecified recruiting improprieties related to his former client and U.S.C player O.J. Mayo.

Andrews, who works for Bill Duffy Associates Sports management, stopped working for Mayo after charges surfaced that B.D.A. improperly funneled $250,000 in cash to Los Angeles events promoter, and alleged agency representative, Rodney Guillory.  Guillory is alleged to have transferred $30,000 of that to Mayo which would be an NCAA violation.

But sources inside of B.D.A. tell Fox 31’s Josina Anderson that the information released by the league is not the whole story.

It was first confirmed to Anderson that Andrews’ suspension is set to begin September 1, but not for all the reasons specified in the league’s release.

The league has been investigating Andrews extensively since the broadcast report of an in-depth investigation into Mayo’s representation.

But Anderson learned through sources that Andrews was informed by the league that they had insufficient evidence linking him to any wrongdoing.

“They said 'but we are getting a lot of heat on this and we have got to do something publicly,'” said the source inside of B.D.A.

“Originally they tried to get [Andrews] to admit he knowingly engaged in improper activity with O.J., but [Andrews] wasn’t having that. So then they suggested agreeing on a violation to the lesser code of conduct unbecoming of an agent. That's what [the league and Andrews] agreed to,” added the source.

Anderson also learned according to the source inside of B.D.A., that the agency would be allowed to write it’s own release regarding the matter.

But as of Friday, B.D.A. learned differently when union lawyers beat them to the pen and paper-so to speak.

“[Andrews ] was pissed because that was not the agreement. Not to mention if [Andrews] truly did something wrong they would have decertified him with an issue of this magnitude."

The Mayo scandal has ignited investigations by the NCAA, Pac-10, F.B.I and the I.R.S.

Anderson has learned that Andrews does not intend to add more heat to the situation, even though several in the agency feel like he’s taking the fall for the situation for public relations sake.

More importantly Andrews intends to cooperate as much as possible with the hopes of being reinstated in 6 months.

Sources say Andrews' only stipulation through the duration of his suspension is that he can not negotiate NBA contracts.

Andrews' suspension would have no effect on his representation of Denver Nugget’s star Carmelo Anthony, according to sources inside B.D.A.

 

DENVER - Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall confirmed to FOX 31 that his original conduct violation suspension has been reduced from three games to one game.

FOX 31 sports learned from sources in the NFL prior to that Friday afternoon that Marshall will only have to sit out one game for the upcoming 2008 season.

This means that Marshall will be back in time to face the division rival San Diego Chargers
in week 2.

Fox 31 received a copy of a statement released by the NFL on the new terms of Marshall's punishment.

"Brandon Marshall was notified today that his suspension for violating the NFL Personal Conduct Policy has been reduced upon appeal to one game without pay plus an additional fine of one game check. Marshall’s suspension for the Broncos' first regular-season game will begin on Saturday, August 30. He is eligible to return to the Broncos’ active roster on Tuesday, September 9 following the team’s September 8 opener against the Oakland Raiders."

Marshall's original punishment was a three game suspension which would be reduced to two games if Marshall sought counseling.

It is not yet clear why the suspension was reduced to a single game. FOX 31 sports talked to Marshall promptly after learning the news. Marshall said, "I'm very, very happy."

When asked why he was successful in getting his suspension reduced he said, "me and my lawyer just had so much stuff" they were able to present to the league about his domestic dispute with Rasheedah Watley.

**this story was originally posted on the news page of www.myfoxcolorado.com

Denver Broncos running back Andre Hall has experienced the beginning of a breakthrough. After three preseason games, Hall leads all Bronco rushers with 24 carries and 113 yards.

Hall not only out gained Selvin Young, the projected starter at the outset of camp by 32 yards, Hall’s average of 4.7 yards exceeds Young’s average of 4.3 as well.

Even though Hall told reporters, subsequent to achieving that feat he would be satisfied just to play behind the incumbent, his agent Jonathan Kline is publicizing higher expectations.

Despite the fact that Hall bounced around from three teams in two years, and has struggled to legitimize himself among more touted backs, Hall’s performance is no surprise to Kline. Kline said as much via cell in our quick insider Q&A.

Josina: How about that Andre Hall, you must be thrilled by his performance. What do you have to say to people who underestimated your client?

Jonathan: He’s doing absolutely fantastic meeting my expectations. His last two years in college he was the leading rusher in his division. If you take a player, and they are the top player in that division, chances are they are going to be a top player if you move them up to the next step. That’s what we are seeing with Andre. He has good hands and feet. He was the third fastest at the combine the year of his draft class. He ran a 4.42 in the 40. The coach [Mike Shanahan] told him he is not playing in this final preseason game because they want to make sure they keep the top players on the team healthy-which is good.

[Reporters note: Hall, the 5’10 212 pound back, became the all-time leading rusher with 2,731 yards on 480 carries in two seasons at the University of South Florida. Hall also led Pinellas County in rushing with 1,742 yards and 26 touchdowns on 27 carries at Dixie Hollins high school in St. Petersburg Florida as well.]

Josina: So Hall has a history of being a leading performer on the field, but he’s struggled to accomplish that in the face of prejudice over his height as well right?

Jonathan: Throughout his N.F.L career they looked at him and said that he is not the biggest back in the league, but you don’t have to be the biggest back. You can’t tackle what you can’t catch. Andre is absolutely elusive through the line because he’s quick on his feet.

Josina: Andre told reporters after the Packers preseason game that he would be content with not being named the starter because it's still a chance to play. But you feel like he’s good enough to start for the Broncos right?

Jonathan: Yes and that will take place with production and having the numbers during the regular season. When the numbers are listed and compared to the Broncos and other players in the league, we are going to see Andre will be among the players at the top. I have confidence that he will show everybody he deserves to be a number one guy.

Josina: How much did Ryan Torain’s elbow injury during camp help your client to be put into the position that he’s in now? Torain is the Broncos’ 5th round draft pick out of ASU.

Jonathan: I believe whether they would have had Ryan in or not, Andre would have put up the numbers. Now we hope that Ryan gets better, and he that his injury is able to heal up quickly. We hope he joins the lineup again.

Josina: Last time I spoke with you, you were telling me to check out Hall’s website www.andre-hall.com. What can fans find on there?

Jonathan: We have wallpaper, biographical information, pictures, video. We also have his college highlight tape on there that we sent out to all the teams. Plus Andre has his own sporting goods line on there as well.

Josina: Oh, so now we have to spend money too huh? Just kidding.

Jonathan: It’s all about Andre Hall.

Josina: Cool! Thanks for your time.

Denver native David Oliver has something that nobody can take away from him ever-the euphoria of medaling in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

After dedicating the last four years of his life to accomplishing the ultimate athletic goal with the focus of a circling hawk, there was nothing left to do once Oliver descended on the Bird’s nest but to fly over the Final 110 meter hurdles left in front of him.

The stage was set for Oliver to seize the moment as destiny seem to flower a great circumstance.

Both the defending Olympic gold medalist, China’s Liu Xiang, and the Olympic Trials runner-up, Terrence Trammell, failed to qualify for the last and most important race of their event.

The only man in Oliver’s way was Cuba’s Dayron Robles.

The two men battled all season, alternately posting some of the fastest times on the year. However, Robles made the final statement by listing a new world record time of 12.87 seconds back in June.

Positively, that motivated Oliver to accept a new mission of crossing the finish line in 12.85 seconds.

All Oliver had to do, was do it.

Through the rounds, Oliver looked strong if not dominant-each time reacting to the gun with laser-like instincts.

When his big night finally arrived, Oliver set himself before the starting line, kicked his legs back, dropped his head, and settled into the blocks.

He took a deep breath.

Then…

Oliver described his entire experience Wednesday morning to Fox 31’s Josina Anderson via an email sent from Zurich, where Oliver is currently competing.

In his own words…

From the beginning….Here’s our conversation.


Josina: Can you describe the opening ceremonies? What a magnificent and incredibly expensive looking show.

David: I watched the opening ceremonies from our training camp in Dalian. I had no intentions on going out to the ceremonies, it is an arduous time and I would have lost three training days to attend. It was pretty cool watching it on TV, as I have never watched an opening ceremony. I was asleep before it actually concluded.

Josina: If I was impatiently anticipating the start of track and field, I know you had to be anxious as all you know what being an actual competitor. Right?

David: I was pretty anxious. I was in the village and would see some of the people I know getting ready to head out to compete. I couldn't wait to put on that USA uniform and go out there and represent my country. I had to spend a lot of time preoccupied with other things so I wouldn't expend a lot of nervous energy waiting to get started.

Josina: In the meantime, were you in watching Michael Phelps in awe up close and pesonal or getting annoyed by him from a distance?

David: I wasn't in awe or annoyed by him at all. I wasn't in awe because I had my own business to tend to, so I didn't really pay attention to what was going on. The only race of his I saw was the relay when the anchor leg saved the day for one of his first gold medals. In the Team USA building, I was definitely keeping track of how many gold medals he had. I really wanted to see him accomplish his goal. I wasn't annoyed by him, or his coverage, because he earned every last ounce of attention he received. When you are breaking records and doing unseen things, you should get a lot of attention. In my opinion, Usain Bolt's performances were way better than Phelps. I say that because it is far more difficult to win multiple medals in track and field and set World Records in each of those events than it is in swimming.

Josina: So when track finally started how were you feeling
through the rounds?

David: I was feeling great through the rounds. My main focus was to survive and advance to the next stage. I wanted to win all of my heats as well, which I did. I didn't want to make any serious mistakes in the rounds that would cost me a chance to advance, so I believe that I ran the rounds sort of cautious. I don't think I was the only one that ran that type of way. I know that I saw all that happened throughout the rounds in the women's hurdles and needed to make mental notes of what not to do. In our race, we had four rounds spread out over four days, which was a very new type of schedule for me. I wanted to make sure I conserved enough energy as well. That schedule was not only physically draining, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Josina: Okay so what happened during the Final? Break it down.


David: It was down pouring rain for almost the entire warm-up. I still got a great warm-up in and I was feeling ready to go. For the semifinal round, I didn't feel like I got the type of warm-up I should have, so for the final, I warmed up very aggressively. I was ready to go. I wasn't very nervous at all, I was more anxious and excited than nervous. I didn't run one of my better races of the season though. Coming out of the blocks to the first hurdle, I kind of missed a step at number three or four and that messed up my first hurdle. When my first hurdle is off, I don't tend to run a very good race. I competed very well, which I never worry about. I have supreme faith in my skill set, so I knew just to stay with what I've learned all year and not start to press because that's usually when disaster strikes. I knew about halfway through the race that the Gold was out of sight unless Robles messed up, you can't afford to make a mistake when running against a great talent such as Robles. I knew that I would still get a medal as long as I didn't do something stupid. I stayed in my technique and
finished strong like I normally do and came away with a Bronze Medal.

Josina: You finished with a time of 13.18 seconds. I know you can run faster. You proved that all season. Then your teammate David Payne clipped you for the silver running .01 seconds faster. As soon as I saw your start, I knew the game plan was off. So are you satisfied with that result given the field?

David: To say that I am satisfied with my race or my result would be against our creed as athletes. We are never satisfied with anything involving our athletic performances. We could always do better. I wasn't satisfied because I didn't run the best possible race that I knew I could. Robles wasn't satisfied even though he won the Gold, because he wanted to run the record in the process and he didn't do that. On the other hand, I am very happy that I was able to compete in an Olympic Games, let alone win an Olympic medal. This was just a wild dream to me just a year ago. When I first came over to Europe for my first professional season in 2005, I was basically a 13.4 guy, now I am an all-time performer and an Olympic medalist, crazy! It hasn't even set in yet.

Josina: Yes that is certainly an incredible feat. What are your plans now?

David: My plans for now are just to finish out my season strong. I have a few more races in Europe and I want to have very strong performances at these competitions. They will be a good way to get me back motivated for the fall training and to get my quest started for a gold medal at next year's World Championships in Berlin.

Josina: Well it was good to hear from you, thanks for shouting out Fox 31 sports.

Anderson interviewed Oliver prior to his performance at the USA Olympic Trials.  She tracked Oliver's journey to becoming one of the best hurdlers in the world, as well as his realization that Beijing was in his blood.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Gene Upshaw, the National Football League Players Association executive director and Hall of Fame Football player has passed away.

“Right now we are being told Gene died from Pancreatic Cancer.  I am on my way to the office right now,” a highly placed NFL source confirmed to Fox 31 sports Thursday morning.

The Post Chronicle was first to report Upshaw’s death Thursday morning.

Sources told Fox 31 sports Upshaw apparently had been dealing with serious health problems for a while.

“You would be blind or crazy not to know.  It was never discussed or talked about, except among some people.  People would say he doesn’t look well,” added the NFL source.

USA Today reported that Upshaw learned he had Pancreatic Cancer on Sunday night.

NFL spokesmen Greg Aiello, contacted by Fox 31 sports reporter Josina Anderson by cell phone Thursday, said that, “the union needs to issue a statement and then the NFL will follow suit.  Right now we are all just learning of this and we’ll have no further comment at this time.”

Upshaw, 63, was the Oakland Raiders’ first round draft choice in the first combined AFL-NFL draft in 1967. Upshaw had a successful 16-year career as a player.  The 11-time All-Pro offensive guard was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987 in his first year of eligibility.

He was the only player in NFL history to play in three Super Bowls in three different decades, the 60's, 70's and 80's. His team won two of those Super Bowls.

Upshaw has been the executive director of the National Football League Players Association since June 1983.

Former Denver Nuggets forward Francisco Elson could soon become a Milwaukee Buck.

"There is a verbal agreement in place," Elson's agent, Calvin Andrews, told FOX 31 Sports Thursday afternoon.

The 32-year-old center played for both the San Antonio Spurs and the Seattle Super Sonics last season, averaging 3.3 points-per-game and 3.2 rebounds.

Now, Andrews says his client is looking forward to settling in one city and increasing his productivity.

"He's the one that chose Milwaukee," Andrews said.

Elson, who played in Denver from 2003-2006, was considered earlier this summer by the Nuggets organization as well. However, Denver decided to sign former Nugget Chris Anderson as a frontcourt reserve instead.

Since then, it's been reported that Elson was considering the Bucks, the Atlanta Hawks, and FC Barcelona.

Andrews did not deny those reports when asked.

Andrews said the deal could be finalized within the next 24-hours, pending final approval.

[Filed from home today]

I just talked to a player who just had a phone conversation with John Lynch, They told me that Lynch is, “hugely disappointed with the outcome.” This player said that to Lynch, “it seems like the team is going in a whole different direction [at his position].”

I asked this player whether Lynch felt he was deceived about what his role and level contribution would be before agreeing to come back.

For this result to occur after Lynch’s return there had to be a gap between his hopes and expectations, and the reality that eventually came to fruition.

The player at first answered that Lynch didn’t really speak on that.

However he later opined that, “it had to be the worse case scenario for [Lynch] to decide he didn’t want to play and go in there and speak his mind.” The player said to their knowledge Lynch was getting in on base packages, and his reps in other packages were decreasing. The player said that the evident decrease in playing time was, “a hard pill for [Lynch] to swallow. [Lynch] can deal with being a backup, but when you're not involved in all the packages that you're use to…it’s a tough situation.”

The player said that John is player who feels like he’s already paid his dues. Unfortunately the player also told me that the writing was on the wall when the coaching staff, “started to praise Marlon McCree more and more after he would make a play. They were getting more vocal behind him. Players know what that means.”

When I asked the player whether Lynch’s decreasing speed, and declining pass coverage had anything to do with his dwindled defensive presence, the player didn’t want to go there.

All the player said he could do in his conversation with Lynch was to encourage him, adding, “I really feel for him.”  A factor in Lynch’s decision to return to Denver was his desire not to up root his family, the player said. Now all he can do is wish Lynch luck in finding a new team.

But as far as the impact of Lynch’s departure on the Broncos the player said, “It’s a big blow cause Rod [Smith] has retired, so another veteran leash is gone especially for the young guys like Brandon Marshall.”

Day five of Broncos camp was pretty run of the mill today.  From my observation, the team focused on short field plays-and did so with less exuberance in comparison to my last visit.  Perhaps their decreased enthusiasm worked to zap my energy, and made the sun all the more noticeable.  It felt like I could have read War and Peace between anything long.

But I digress. 

 

To the notes:

First I noticed jersey number 38-Anthony Alridge. The 5 foot 9, 185 pound free agent rookie out of Houston had a good breaking run along the flanks today that drew the cheers of the crowd.   At one point, backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey was delayed off a low snap, and still delivered a quick lob which Alridge snared with ease.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not ready to mistake this guy for Ladanian Tomlinson, but Alridge was definitely solid.

Meanwhile, I am still trying to figure out why defensive tackle Marcus Thomas is the only one who needs to aerate his stomach on the defensive line.  Thomas frequently curses all of us with the sight of his mid-section in between plays.  Of course I say “curses all of us” jokingly, nevertheless, I remain mad I forgot to ask him about his belly dance.

My next thought was that the speed of practice seemed noticeably slower today.  I'm really hoping that “malaise” doesn't transfer to the regular season.  New linebacker Boss Bailey said in interviews Saturday that he feels the team has had a lot of carryover from OTA's, but I definitely did not sense an abundance of that in their collective spirits Tuesday.  As a trackster, I'm use to practice moving at a torture pace with no recovery time.

So, move it! Move it!

One blogger from my last Broncos2008 blog entry asked me to make note of Keary Colbert today.  Well I wish I had some spectacular impressions to relate, but once again all I can say is that Colbert did his job.  He caught balls, left most of them off the ground, and kept it moving.  But since I've been at camp, he's done nothing to warrant inducting him into the training camp Hall of Fame. That’s neither a criticism nor a compliment.  If this counts for something though, Colbert is a nice person.

Continuing on…

The new safety Marlon McCree, who last played for the San Diego Chargers (boooooooooooo's audible from Invesco), got a pick today.  Also, Brandon Marshall (surprise, surprise) had a nifty one-handed catch at the beginning of practice that required the arm stretch of a yoga diva and he also scored a touchdown off a quick dump pass near the end of practice as well. 

Did I mention Ryan Spilborghs was at practice today.  Very cool.

Back to the Broncos.

Ryan Torain is also looking more confident.  He already told me he wants to improve his hole recognition and reaction time.  I saw a concerted effort to accomplish that today, especially with the extra reps he received after (gasp) starting running back Selvin Young suffered a thigh bruise in practice today. Young was retreating after several plays with a noticeable limp, and at one point either asked, or was called off the field.  Although Young didn't acknowledge it, I noticed him sitting his turn out on several reps in an effort to allow time to dissipate the pain.  Fox 31 sports cameras caught it all on tape, and we were the only ones to talk to Young about it after practice.  Nothing major, but certainly noteworthy.

Click on the video to view for yourselves.

 

The Nuggets announced Monday they’ve acquired Knicks forward Renaldo Balkman and cash considerations, in exchange for guard Taurean Green, forward Bobby Jones, and a 2010 second round draft pick.  Balkman averaged 3.4 points, and 3.3 rebounds for the Knicks last season and is ready to contribute in Denver. Fox 31 sports reporter Josina Anderson had a quick cellular Q&A with Balkman’s agent , Andre Buck, for a little insight on the new Nuggets player.

 

Anderson:  So what was Balkman’s reaction to becoming a new Nugget?

Buck:        Now that it’s sunk in a little bit, [Balkman] is excited.  If he’s excited, then I am as well. He just wants to play. He’s a young guy. He’s been in the league a couple years now, and he really wants to be on a team where he will have an opportunity to play.  He absolutely loves, and still loves New York, but I just got off the phone with him and he said he’s excited to go to Denver.  Now he is a east coast guy so it’s going to take some getting use to, but he is excited.  He lived on the east, went to school on the east but he is excited to come to the west.  I heard nothing but good things about Denver, and I think it will be good for him.

 

Anderson:  So how would you characterize Balkman’s tenure with the Knicks?

Buck:          Well it started out with a bunch of boos, but I knew from  watching him as a player that the New York fans would love him.  They eventually did.  From the reactions he got when he played, I think they really enjoyed how hard he competed and the effort that he gave. Obviously we all wish that the [Knicks] would have won more, and that was the toughest part, but other than that he enjoyed it. The [Knicks] roster is full, especially at his position, so he is looking forward to having an opportunity to play.

Anderson:   How was Balkman’s relationship with Isiah Thomas?

Buck.          Good!  He respected him because obviously he is Isiah Thomas, but also because he took a chance drafting him that high when he came out in ’06.  Now a lot of things didn’t always go great in those two years, but between Renaldo and Isiah things always seemed to be pretty good-plus Isiah really liked him. Isiah always said that Renaldo was positive.

 

Anderson:   So why is your client a justifiable fit to fill Marcus Camby’s shoes?

 

Buck:          Well adding Renaldo definitely adds defense, athleticism, and toughness…He’s a very active player, so I think that is another positive that he’ll bring…Renaldo is such a glue guy, and does all the little things.  He will rebound and defend.  He fits into the athleticism of the western conference with his size.  He’s also an opportunistic scorer. Now he’s obviously not your classic shooter, but he can score off rebounds and run the floor.  I think with Denver’s style, with A.I. and Carmelo, Renaldo can really fill the break.  I think he will definitely fit in.

Day two from Broncos camp engendered a lot of interesting observations-the first of such starts with rookie receiver and returner Eddie Royal. The second round draft pick out of Virginia Tech looked steady in his routes and even more sure-handed with his catches. Royal’s receiving game today was practically automatic. You can tell Royal is centered in his focus, and has no desire to project a superficial flash. Royal didn’t necessarily impress off the long ball, his opportunities were in the flat and off the intermediate routes, and yes he made the most of them. Consequently I feel Royal can make a case to Mike Shanahan to contribute on offense, although I agree with Dre Bly that the majority of his reps will still be on special teams.

Royal is 5’10 and 182 pounds, and thus makes a slight physical first impression. However, Royal is determined to convince coach that his portfolio is more diversified, and he just might do it. Royal told me in interviews after practice that he’s been studying (more like dusting off) old vintage videos of Rod Smith to pick up more tips. Additionally, Royal said Champ Bailey taught him how to better disguise his routes in practice today. So in conclusion with Royal-we’ll see.

My second keynote is about Tony Scheffler. The third year pro who ranked 10th amongst receiving tight ends last season certainly didn’t fall below rank today. He was about as fluid as that liquid stuff in the movie the Terminator-meaning, he was as fluid as fluid comes. If I’m Daniel Graham, I am getting a little jealous of Scheffler’s chemistry with Jay Cutler. Their connection is as inescapable as it is unsurprising; an observation that has to provide Shanahan reassurance with a pending suspension of top flight receiver Brandon Marshall. Despite problems with a lingering foot injury, Scheffler told me he went through practice today without any pain (although I do remember thinking the fact that Tony made note of his lack of pain still displays a concern he could regress).

Then there were the running backs.

I had high hopes in observing Ryan Torain today. I have already interviewed the 5th round pick out of ASU several times, and thus I was very clued into his collegiate statistics and budding potential. This is a kid who ran for over 1,200 yards his junior season before a lis-franc injury cut his stellar senior season short.

I really like Torain’s size compared to the rest of the running backs, and his downhill style is ideal for Denver’s system. However (and yes there is a however), I was a bit disappointed in his performance today. Torain at times seemed unsure of himself, and unfamiliar with the playbook. His uncertainty led to a lack of focus, and in turn, a very noticeable fumble right in front of me. My observations today though are tempered by the memory that he is a rookie. Anytime I forgot that, I was reminded of it when the defense gave Torain a rookie rude awakening.

The defense took every opportunity to throw him to the ground and welcome him to the NFL. So all I can say to Torain now is welcome, and hurry up and get better. Here’s my last caveat though, I know he will improve because if I am to judge by the way he gives interviews, Torain has a steady determination. He remained unphased with my questioning of his performance today, and the criticism he received from both Shanahan, and running backs coach Bobby Turner.

And last but not least there was Selvin Young.

All I have to say about him is that he was great, great, great. His speed was unmatched. His ability to turn on a dime was unparalleled; and his ability to evade was unquestionable. Young remains the clear number one for me. My only doubts for him are his durability, and his ability to gain tough yards up the middle. If Young can’t do the job on first and second down, enter Michael Pittman and his huge biceps. We are sure Pittman can pull a least a half a yard off his guns alone…

Stay tuned.

11 days until training camp so FOX 31 rounded up a few Broncos to enjoy the most dangerous sport on earth - go-kart racing! (Alright maybe not the most dangerous, but these guys can't afford to get hurt going into camp!)

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FROM THE REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK:

The same highly-placed NFL source that broke the news of Travis Henry's latest failed marijuana test first to Fox 31 sports Thursday night, revealed more specifics around the case.

"Henry failed the test May 14th, and had fail to cooperate on May 20th, May 22nd, and May 24th," the source told Fox 31's Josina Anderson.

When asked about much later reports suggesting the Broncos knew nothing about their former running back's most recent violation the source opined, "I can't even believe they put that on paper. Trust me, if you found out about it, the Broncos can find out about it too-and much earlier."

Friday afternoon, Anderson talked to a star Broncos player for his reaction to his former teammate getting into trouble again.

Anderson asked the player, "can you believe the news on Henry again?"

The star player responded, "please, I knew about that two weeks ago."

Fox31 sports caught up with Broncos running back Andre Hall, and cornerback Karl Paymah at the track in Centennial for more inside reaction.

Play the video to hear both of them for yourselves.