Super Bowl-bound Detroit Lions and Baggage-Gate

[MinM]

The Big Lead: The NFL and Baggage

Baggage. Pro Football Talk’s only-in-Detroit story about mental dwarf Tatum Bell stealing the luggage of new Lions’ RB Rudi Johnson’s upon his arrival to Matt Millen’s Mess in Michigan seems fitting as we approach the 30-hour countdown to the NFL season...

--read more here-- http://thebiglead.com/?p=7478


DeadSpin: Tatum Bell Declares Innocence While Suspiciously Wearing Rudi Johnson's Underwear

Yep, this is EXACTLY what the Lions needed. Our story so far: Rudi Johnson arrived at Lions headquarters on Monday to make a deal to become their backup running back, when his two large Gucci dufflebags were stolen from outside of CEO Matt Millen's office. Video surveillance cameras revealed that it was Tatum Bell who swiped them; the same Tatum Bell who was dropped from the team when Johnson came on board. Oh no he din't!

Johnson got the bags back, but empty. Missing was about $200, some credit cards, his identification and poo-poo undies. Bell, however, claims innocence. (Said in Eddie Murphy voice): "Is there a problem, officers?"...

--more-- http://deadspin.com/5045004/tatum-bell-declares-innocence-while-suspiciously-wearing-rudi-johnsons-underwear


'I ain't no thief,' Tatum Bell says; Lions' Johnson doesn't believe him

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080904/SPORTS01/809040369/1048/sports

Ex-Lion Bell: I'm no Rudi robber

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080904/SPORTS0101/809040330/1004/SPORTS

Looks like another great year for my Lions :sarcasm:

[Ishoutandscream2]

1. I mean, really, what's wrong with this franchise?

Agree that Millen needs to go. But there seems to be a culture of failure there that's going to take awhile to get rid of.

[LisaM]

2. In my opinion, it's their draft picks. Fat heads with no brains

no work ethic, and no commitment to playing as a team. Kitna has an 8000 ft square house, holds Bible readings, and does nothing but throw INTs (question: what is he praying for?) And for some reason, despite the opportunity time after time, they don't draft from the University of Michigan, which I find completely inexcusable. They could have had Tom Brady! They could have had Chad Henne, for that matter. There's a ton of Michigan players they could have taken, but instead they get lazybones Charles Rogers and head case Drew Stanton.

Ignoring a school with a number of top pro players that's 45 minutes away has a LOT to do with what's wrong with them if you ask me.

[mduffy31]

3. Maybe Ford and Millen are State Fans?

BTW, I loved it yesterday after Kitna threw his 3rd INT he took his helmet off and just walked of the field WHILE THE PLAY WAS GOING ON BEHIND HIM! I am the coach, he is cut the next day. I go to war with Stanton or Orlovsky, they at least would appreciate the chance. Kitna's time is over.

[LisaM]

4. Being a State fan is not a percentage win if you are in the pros

I swear, it's MADDENING. It's like when the Pistons took Mateen (who?) Cleaves. What a fricking waste.

I didn't see the Lions' game, but Kitna's antics sound a lot like that asshole Jeff George. Let it be stated here: I cannot STAND Jon Kitna, never liked him - he's a Jesus freak who praises the Lord if he does well, but doesn't seem to have an excuse when he doesn't. The Lions have a backup who's way better than Kitna (Orlovsky (sp)) but frankly, look at what they could have had. Brady. Griese. Henne. Todd Collins. What the HELL is wrong with them? I love them, but the way they overlook Michigan players drives me nuts.

[spoony]

5. That story's been the only smile for me

in the season so far. I nearly smiled when they came back Sunday, but in the time it took for it to appear on my lips Kitna'd thrown three interceptions!

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

6. The Duffel Kerfuffel.

[hughee99]

7. If they're superbowl bound, they better buy their tickets early

or they'll end up watching the game from lousy seats.