Making Football Players

Freaking NFL draft nearly ruined my Saturday. I didn't have to work. There were no time consuming errands to run. It was unbelievably gorgeous outside. We only get so many perfect days around here before the soul-sucking heat sets in. I really should have been out on the bicycle. But no, I spent most of the day sitting in front of the computer (I don't have cable) hitting the refresh button to see which fat fuck was the next to become a millionaire. It's a problem, I know. I'll work on it eventually. It's like eighth on my list.
I really don't have much to say about the Saints first three selections. They needed a tackle and a linebacker and one of the guys they drafted is named Bullocks which is kind of fun. But, in New Orleans, we only watch this stuff for the comedic value and for that the true payoff didn't come until Sunday. While I was busy shaking off a hangover and trying to keep Daisy from drowning her dog, the Saints were introducing us to the next name certain to adorn the Brad Muster-Cam Cleeland-Cie Grant memorial training room. That name is fourth round selection, Chase Lyman. You really ought to click on that link if only to get a look at the sad expression on the poor boy's face. It is well earned. This guy has been through an ordeal.

Note: Has had six surgical procedures since enrolling at California … Battled through a myriad of injuries (ankle, groin, hamstring, hip and appendicitis) during his career.

2000 -- Suffered a contusion on the back of his left knee during fall camp.

2001 -- Missed the season opener vs. Illinois after undergoing an appendectomy during August camp.

2002 -- Bothered by ankle and knee sprains during spring drills … Dislocated a finger and two days later, tore his hamstring away from the bone in fall camp … Underwent surgery and was granted a medical hardship.

2003 -- Held out of spring drills to continue recovering from hamstring surgery.

2004 -- Tore a ligament in his left knee vs. Southern California, undergoing surgery (10/12).

Suffice it to say Lyman was a rare sight on the football field during his time at Cal. What are the odds that he plays a complete season in New Orleans? Can we get some action on this? Who might help us answer that question? Oh I know who.
Meet fifth round pick, Adrian McPherson.

...McPherson was arrested on Nov. 27, 2002 on charges of stealing a blank check and receiving nearly $3,500 after it was cashed. He was kicked off the team, finishing his career with 98 of 192 passes for 1,215 yards (51.0 percent), 14 touchdowns and one interception. He also gained 196 yards on 71 rushing attempts (2.8 avg.).

Three months after being dismissed from Florida State, he was also charged with gambling on pro and college games (a second-degree misdemeanor). He attempted to enroll at another school, but with the legal issues, was forced to sit out the 2003 season.

Note below that this is exactly what we were hoping for going into the weekend. The guy is a can't miss proposition for Saints fans. The Saints are hoping that the admittedly talented McPherson can get his act together and compete with literacy advocate (and now, ugh, author) Aaron Brooks for his job. That could happen. Of course the other possibility is that McPherson gets together with Albert Connell and the two of them fly to Tahiti on Deuce McAllister's credit card. Either way, we are in for a show.


Doesn't exactly look like textbook form here. Is that his forgery arm he's using?