NFL News:

• How was Jeremy Maclin cut from the Chiefs? By voicemail.
  • To be fair to Andy Reid, he might’ve thought he’d called a BBQ joint and was ordering a cut of beef.
• The Rams traded former 2014 first-round draft pick Greg Robinson to the Lions for a sixth-round pick in 2018.
  • Pro Bowl calibre players picked after him? Khalil Mack (5th); Mike Evans (7th); Anthony Barr (9th); Taylor Lewan, Odell Beckham Jr., Aaron Donald (11-13); Ryan Shazier, Zack Martin, C.J. Mosley (15-17); Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix (21st).
• Myles Garrett hurt his foot at Browns mini-camp.
  • It’s not enough for them to worry about at this point, but it’s a good sign of their intention to destroy him physically first, before mentally.
    • Brock Ostweiler arrived the other way, so it’ll be an easier task. Taking shots at something called the “Texans” shows he’s inventing a reality that doesn’t exist.
• Joe Staley says Kyle Shanahan has helped break his mental funk over enjoying playing the game.
  • “The last couple years there were days where I couldn’t honestly say that. So that’s awesome to have that feeling back.”

Finally, ESPN charts that the first two concussion claims have been approved by the court overseeing the process of applying the settlement.

• One was for ALS; one was for CTE.
  • Both individuals played a minimum of five NFL seasons and were diagnosed before their 45th birthdays.
  • Since the unnamed CTE player is dead, his estate will be getting the money.
• Former players have until August 7, 2017 to apply to be part of the program, or they can opt out & pursue their own claims.

It’s my last day of school today for the year. Alice?

Sorry, Mr. Cooper?

That’s better. Aside from a trip to Europe at the beginning of July, it’ll be nothing but beer sales, cash money & puppy kisses until Labour Day.

So, for about 3/4 of the summer, the Open Thread will have half my ass’s attention.

Tonight’s sports:

• U.S. Open Golf:
  • U.S. Open first-round play – 6:00PM | FOX / TSN
• CFL Pre-Season:
  • Ottawa Redblacks vs. Montreal Alouettes – 7:30PM | TSN2 / ESPN3
• MLB:
  • Red Sox at Phillies – 7:00PM | Sportsnet / MLBN
  • Yankees at A’s – 10:00PM | Sportsnet1 / MLBN

To celebrate another year of gainful employment, I might just have a beverage or five. WINNER WINNER, LIQUID DINNER!