San Diego’s Brandon Siler has has made the most of his new starting role, accumulating 11 tackles and one sack in the Chargers’ last two games. Filling in for Tim Dobbins, who has missed the last two games with a knee injury, Siler has impressed defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, who said Friday, “Brandon has a tremendous passion for the game and what we’re doing…. he plays like a seasoned veteran.” Although Dobbins is slated to return this Sunday at Denver, it will be interesting to see how much, if any, playing time Siler gets.

Offensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner Percy Harvin had three catches for 50 yards, as well as a seven-yard rush in a 27-10 victory over Detroit. Currently, Harvin is the third reciever on the Vikings depth chart, however with Bernard Berrian dealing with injuries, one has to wonder if the first-round pick will move up the depth chart by season’s end.

Here are the Gators in the NFL statistics updated through Week 10.

QUARTERBACK
Rex Grossman (’00-’02) Houston — 0 completions, 0 attempts, 0 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
 
RUNNING BACKS
Fred Taylor (’94-’97) Patriots — 45 carries, 201 yards, 2 TDs; inactive since Week 5 with ankle injury.
Earnest Graham (’99-’02) Buccaneers — 8 carries, 25 yards, 0 TDs
DeShawn Wynn (’02-’06) Packers — 6 carries, 19 yards, 0 TDs; placed on injured reserve with knee injury October 22.
Percy Harvin (’06-’08) Vikings — 9 carries, 46 yards, 0 TDs, 1 fumble
Louis Murphy (’05-’08) Raiders — 2 carries, 5 yards, 0 TDs
Andre Caldwell (’03-’07) Bengals — 1 carries, 11 yards, 0 TDs, 1 fumble, 1 fumble lost
 
RECEIVERS
Percy Harvin (’06-’08) Vikings — 31 catches, 422 yards, 3 TDs
Louis Murphy (’05-’08) Raiders — 16 catches, 232 yards, 1 TDs
Andre Caldwell (’03-’07) Bengals — 33 catches, 295 yards, 3 TDs
Jabar Gaffney (’00-’01) Broncos — 23 catches, 291 yards, 0 TDs
Fred Taylor (’94-’97) Patriots — 2 catches, 17 yards, 0 TDs
Earnest Graham (’99-’02) Buccaneers — 5 catches, 30 yards, 0 TDs
DeShawn Wynn (’02-’06) Packers — 2 catches, 19 yards, 0 TDs
 
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Cooper Carlisle (’96-’99) Raiders — 9 games, 9 starts
Max Starks (’00-’03) Steelers — 9 games, 9 starts
Phil Trautwein (’05-’08) Rams — 0 games, 0 starts; inactive since Week 7
 
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN/LINEBACKERS
Derrick Harvey (’04-’07) Jaguars — 9 games, 26 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INTs, 2 passes deflected
Mike Peterson (’95-’98) Falcons — 9 games, 61 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INTs, 2 forced fumbles, 5 passes deflected
Channing Crowder (’03-’04) Dolphins — 7 games, 31 tackles, 1 sack, 0 INTs,
Andra Davis (’98-’01) Broncos — 9 games, 61 tackles, 3.5 sack, 0 INTs, 1 pass deflected
Jarvis Moss (’04-’06) Broncos — 3 games, 0 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INTs
Alex Brown (’99-’00) Bears — 9 games, 30 tackles, 4 sacks, 0 INTs
Gerard Warren (’98-’00) Raiders — 9 games, 20 tackles, 1 sack, 0 INTs, 1 pass deflected
Marcus Thomas (’04-’06) Broncos — 9 games, 8 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INTs
Jevon Kearse (’96-’98) Titans — 4 games, 3 tackles, 1 sack, 0 INTs; inactive since Week 5.
Bobby McCray (’01-’03) Saints — 9 games, 8 tackles, 1 sack, 0 INTs
Brandon Siler (’04-’06) Chargers — 9 games, 33 tackles, 1 sacks, 0 INTs
Ray McDonald (’03-’06) 49ers — 9 games, 6 tackles, 3 sacks, 0 INTs
Ian Scott (’00-’03) Chargers — 5 games, 5 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INTs
 
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Reggie Nelson (’05-’06) Jaguars — 9 games, 44 tackles, 0 INTs, 4 passes defensed
Marquand Manuel (‘98-’01) Lions — 9 games, 36 tackles, 0 INTs, 2 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble
Lito Sheppard (’99-’01) Jets — 4 games, 10 tackles, 1 INTs, 3 passes defensed
Todd Johnson (’99-’03) Bills — 3 games, 4 tackles, 0 INTs, 0 passes defensed
Keiwan Ratliff (’00-’03) Steelers — 7 games, 9 tackles, 0 INTs, 0 passes defensed

QUARTERBACK
Rex Grossman (2000-2002) Houston — 0 completions, 0 attempts, 0 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs

RUNNING BACKS
Fred Taylor (1994-1997) Patriots — 45 carries, 201 yards, 2 TDs
Earnest Graham (1999-2002) Buccaneers — 8 carries, 25 yards, 0 TDs
* DeShawn Wynn (2002-2006) Packers — 6 carries, 19 yards, 0 TDs
Percy Harvin (2006-2008) Vikings — 8 carries, 39 yards, 0 TDs
Louis Murphy (2005-2008) Raiders — 2 carries, 5 yards, 0 TDs
Andre Caldwell (2003-2007) Bengals — 1 carries, 11 yards, 0 TDs, 1 fumble, 1 fumble lost

RECEIVERS
Percy Harvin (2006-2008) Vikings — 28 catches, 369 yards, 3 TDs
Louis Murphy (2005-2008) Raiders — 16 catches, 232 yards, 1 TDs
Andre Caldwell (2003-2007) Bengals — 29 catches, 272 yards, 3 TDs
Jabar Gaffney (2000-2001) Broncos — 23 catches, 291 yards, 0 TDs
Fred Taylor (1994-1997) Patriots — 2 catches, 17 yards, 0 TDs
Earnest Graham (1999-2002) Buccaneers — 4 catches, 14 yards, 0 TDs
* DeShawn Wynn (2002-2006) Packers — 2 catches, 19 yards, 0 TDs

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Cooper Carlisle (1996-1999) Raiders — 8 games, 8 starts
Max Starks (2000-2003) Steelers — 8 games, 8 starts
Phil Trautwein (2005-2008) Rams — 0 games, 0 starts

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN/LINEBACKERS
Derrick Harvey (2004-2007) Jaguars — 8 games, 23 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INTs
Mike Peterson (1995-1998) Falcons — 8 games, 55 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INTs, 2 forced fumbles
Channing Crowder (2003-2004) Dolphins — 6 games, 22 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INTs
Andra Davis (1998-2001) Broncos — 8 games, 49 tackles, 2.5 sack, 0 INTs
Jarvis Moss (2004-2006) Broncos — 2 games, 0 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INTs
Alex Brown (1999-2000) Bears — 8 games, 28 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 0 INTs, 1 forced fumble
Gerard Warren (1998-2000) Raiders — 8 games, 17 tackles, 1 sack, 0 INTs
Marcus Thomas (2004-2006) Broncos — 8 games, 6 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INTs
Jevon Kearse (1996-1998) Titans — 4 games, 3 tackles, 1 sack, 0 INTs
Bobby McCray (2001-2003) Saints — 8 games, 7 tackles, 1 sack, 0 INTs
Brandon Siler (2004-2006) Chargers — 8 games, 30 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INTs
Ray McDonald (2003-2006) 49ers — 8 games, 6 tackles, 3 sacks, 0 INTs
Ian Scott (2000-2003) Chargers — 4 games, 3 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INTs

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Reggie Nelson (2005-2006) Jaguars — 8 games, 41 tackles, 0 INTs, 4 passes defensed
Marquand Manuel (1998-2001) Lions — 8 games, 34 tackles, 0 INTs, 2 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble
Lito Sheppard (1999-2001) Jets — 3 games, 9 tackles, 1 INTs, 3 passes defensed
Todd Johnson (1999-2003) Bills — 2 games, 4 tackles, 0 INTs, 0 passes defensed
Keiwan Ratliff (2000-2003) Steelers — 7 games, 9 tackles, 0 INTs, 0 passes defensed

Notes
DeShawn Wynn on injured reserve with knee injury.

Through Tuesday’s games:
MAJOR LEAGUE FIELDERS
David Eckstein (‘94-’97) San Diego: 2B, 104 games, .255 avg., 1
HR, 35 RBIs
Mark Ellis (‘96-’99) Oakland: 2B, 69 games, .278 avg., 6 HR, 44
RBIs
David Ross (‘98) Atlanta: C, 43 games, .259 avg., 6 HR, 15 RBIs
Ryan Raburn (‘00) Detroit: LF, 81 games, .274 avg., 10 HR, 34 RBIs
Matt LaPorta * (‘04-’07) Cleveland: LF, 19 games, .234 avg., 1
HR, 8 RBIs

MAJOR LEAGUE PITCHERS
Darren O’Day (‘03-’06) Texas: 55 games, 0 starts, 46.2 IP, 2
wins, 1 losses, 1 save, 1.74 ERA, 44 SO, 14 BB
Josh Fogg * (‘96-’98) Colorado: 20 games, 0 starts, 40.0 IP, 0
wins, 1 loss, 2.25 ERA, 22 SO, 14 BB
Bryan Augenstein * (‘05-’07) Arizona: 2 games, 2 starts, 11.1
IP, 0 wins, 1 loss, 7.94 ERA, 4 SO, 4 BB
Ryan Sadowski * (‘02-’03) San Francisco: 6 games, 6 starts,
28.1 IP, 2 wins, 4 losses, 4.45 ERA, 17 SO, 17 BB

Notes
* Matt LaPorta was called up to the Cleveland Indians on May 3,
sent back down to Triple-A Columbus on May 26.He was recalled to
Cleveland Aug. 19.
* Josh Fogg was called up to the Colorado Rockies on May 25.
* Bryan Augenstein was called up to the Arizona Diamondbacks from
Double-A Mobile on May 13 and demoted to Triple-A Reno on May 23.
* Ryan Sadowski was called up to the San Francisco Giants on June 29.
He was demoted to San Jose July 10, recalled to San Francisco July 22
and demoted again to Fresno Aug. 1.

MINOR LEAGUE FIELDERS
Jeff Corsaletti * (‘02-’05) Altoona (AA): OF, 78 games, .215
avg., 2 HR, 19 RBIs
Pawtucket (AAA): LF, 12 games, .139 avg., 0 HR, 1 RBIs
David Cash (‘06) Frederick (A-advanced): OF, 61 games, .234
avg., 0 HR, 17 RBIs
Ryan Shealy * (‘00-’02) Omaha (AAA): 1B, 25 games, .345 avg., 0
HR, 12 RBIs
Ben Harrison * (‘01-’04) Jupiter (A-Advanced): OF, 61 games,
.209 avg., 8 HR, 29 RBIs
Oklahoma City (AAA): RF, 16 games, .218 avg., 1 HR, 8 RBIs
Frisco RoughRiders (AA): RF, 5 games, .105 avg., 0 HR, 0 RBIs
Jonathan Tucker (‘02-’04) Bowie (AA): 3B, 117 games, .268 avg.,
1 HR, 36 RBIs
Brett Dowdy (‘03) Portland (AAA): SS, 78 games, .223 avg., 2
HR, 18 RBIs
Mark Kiger * (‘00-’02) Binghamton (AA): 3B, 47 games, .244
avg., 1 HR, 11 RBIs
Buffalo (AAA): SS, 2 games, .000 avg., 0 HR, 0 RBIs
Gavin Dickey * (‘04-’06) West Tenn (AA): OF, 4 games, .417
avg., 0 HR, 2 RBIs
High Desert (A): OF, 10 games, .348 avg., 0 HR, 4 RBIs
Clinton (A): CF, 5 games, .188 avg., 0 HR, 0 RBIs
Adam Davis (‘04-’06) Kinston (A): 2B, 102 games, .231 avg., 8
HR, 35 RBIs
Brian Jeroloman (‘04-’06) New Hampshire (AA): C, 100 games, .220
avg., 6 HR, 29 RBIs
Justin Tordi (‘03-’05) Carolina (AA): SS, 24 games, .119 avg.,
0 HR, 2 RBIs
Sarasota (A-advanced): IF, 61 games, .175 avg., 1 HR, 15 RBIs
Cole Figueroa * (‘07-’08) Fort Wayne (A): 2B, 61 games, .335
avg., 1 HR, 32 RBIs
Lake Elsinore (A-advanced): 2B, 20 games, .197 avg., 0 HR, 9 RBIs
Matt LaPorta * (‘04-’07) Columbus (AAA): OF, 93 games, .299
avg., 17 HR, 60 RBI
Jon Townsend (‘07-’08) Cedar Rapids (A): 3B, 69 games, .229
avg., 5 HR, 22 RBIs
Avery Barnes (‘06-’09) Casper (A): OF, 35 games, .340 avg., 0
HR, 12 RBIs

Mike Mooney (‘06-’09) Aberdeen (R): SS, 38 games, .224 avg., 1
HR, 18 RBIs
Buddy Munroe (‘09) Elizabethton (R): 14 games, .085 avg., 0 HR, 4 RBIs
Beloit (A): C, 5 games, .263 avg., 0 HR, 0 RBIs

Elizabethton (A):7 games, 0 starts, 7.1 IP, 1 win, 0 losses,
1.23 ERA, 10 SO, 1 BB
Tony Davis (‘07-’09) Elizabethton (A):19 games, 0 starts, 32.1
IP, 1 wins, 3 loss, 6 saves, 5.29 ERA, 45 SO, 20 BB
Patrick Keating (‘06-’09) Idaho Falls (A):20 games, 0 starts,
27.0 IP, 3 wins, 1 losses, 8 saves, 2.00 ERA, 40 SO, 9 BB
Stephen Locke (‘06-’09) Orem (A):12 games, 11 starts, 53.1 IP,
4 wins, 4 loss, 4.73 ERA, 40 SO, 8 BB

Notes
* Jeff Corsaletti was acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates for
players to be named later or cash considerations on May 17 trade and
placed in Double-A Altoona.
* Ryan Shealy was placed on 7-day disabled list with swollen knee on
May 9.
* Gavin Dickey was released July 14.
* Ben Harrison was released from the Frisco RoughRiders on May 27 and
signed by the Jupiter Hammerheads on June 8.
* Mark Kiger was promoted to Triple-A Buffalo on May 21. He was placed
on the 7-day disabled list with a strained left hand on May 25,
removed from the list and demoted back to Bunghamton on July 14.
* Matt LaPorta was called up to the Cleveland Indians on May 3, sent
back down to Triple-A Columbus on May 26.
* Josh Fogg was called up to the Colorado Rockies on May 25.
* Alane Horne was placed on the 7-day disabled list retroactive to May 13.
* Bryan Augenstein was called up to the Arizona Diamondbacks from
Double-A Mobile on May 13 and demoted to Triple-A Reno on May 23 and
back to Double-A Mobile on Aug. 14..
* Cole Figueroa was demoted from High-A Lake Elsinore to single-A Fort
Wayne on June 14.

I tried to ask Percy Harvin about the possible addition of Favre when Harvin attended Friday Night Lights last month, but since the draft, he’s been as easy to get hold of as a he is for defenders on the field.

He didn’t want to talk to reporters at the event, but did flash his mega-watt smile when asked about Favre. “I like it,” he said briefly before walking off.

Harvin missed the Vikings’ preseason opener this week with an unspecified shoulder injury suffered two days before the game, but says he’ll be ready to go Friday when the team takes on the Chiefs, with or without Favre on the sideline.

* * *

Max Starks is among a handful of Pittsburgh players in a little hot water over photos that recently surfaced from three years ago.

Starks was part of a “gun party” with Pennsylvania State Troopers, where the players shot off state police ammunition and fired several illegal assault rifles from the evidence room.

“It’s a state police firing range used for state police to train. When we’re there, it’s downright military,” said one state police official, who requested anonymity, to the Philadelphia Inquirer. “But at this event, it’s chaos. Everybody’s throwing contraband assault weapons around like they’re toys; it’s like they’re having G.I. Joe tryouts. Not only is this totally unethical, but it’s totally illegal.”

The use of the firearms in the evidence room could jeopardize cases and violates the departments policy that doesn’t allow evidence items to be used.

The players, totaling at least 14, took a group photo during the day, posing with the guns as smiling officers stood in the background. Two of the players posed in gang-like positions, with the guns pointed at each other’s head.

No action is expected to be taken by the NFL, but certain groups in the Pittsburgh area are calling for an investigation into the officers that allowed the party to happen.

* * *

According to a story in the Philadelphia Inquirer, there wasn’t much surprise around the league when tight end Cornelius Ingram tore his ACL in Eagles’ training camp earlier this month.

League sources tell the Inquirer that several teams removed Ingram from their draft boards when test results from his knee showed that the initial surgery to repair the injury was not fully healed and could require a second procedure.

Some teams said that Ingram would not be ready to return until November and that playing before that could cause a re-tear. Their speculation proved to be true.

Still, the Eagles think that they got a good deal with Ingram in the fifth round. The most recent surgery, performed by the noted Dr. James Andrews, was a success and Ingram is expected to be ready next season.

* * *

Ike Hilliard and Kevin Carter are still without teams, but clubs still seem to have interest in the veterans.

Carter visited the Patriots last week but left New England without a deal. Hilliard was part of a five-receiver workout in Atlanta on Aug. 6, but the Falcons opted to sign former Packer Robert Ferguson and former Bear Marty Booker.

* * *

Former Gator offensive lineman Drew Miller didn’t have a long return stay in Jacksonville.

After spending seven weeks on the Jaguars’ practice squad, Miller was cut by the team and resigned Aug.7 After a few days of practice, Jackson waived Miller again Aug. 11 to make room for running back Josh Vaughan.

* * *

The drama that is NBA free agency and David Lee continues to swirl with training camps opening in a little over one month.

Lee says that he and the Knicks are still exploring a few sign-and-trade possibilities. That’s a change from previous statements from New York, where the team said that it was not interested in such a scenario.

It’s been reported that the two have agreed on a yearly salary totaling around $9 million, but the Knicks are still hesitant to hand out that kind of money with the 2010 free agent crop on the horizon. The league has already released a statement telling teams to expect the salary cap to drop further and signing Lee to a long-term deal could prohibit the club from signing the marquee free agents it hopes to attract.

* * *

One person with knowledge of the situation tells me that former Gator Jason Williams’ likely destination if he is to return to the NBA is in Memphis.

He was claimed off of waivers by the Knicks, but the team’s exclusive negotiating window expired without a deal. While ESPN reported that the Knicks and Williams’ representatives continue to talk, the source said the Grizzlies have shown the most interest. The team’s ownership group is enamored by what the Virginia-native can bring to the team despite an already log-jammed depth chart at point guard.

Williams is also rumored to be talking to Orlando.

* * *

What’s a little Pro Gators update without some women’s soccer?

Abby Wambach is tearing up the new Women’s Profession Soccer League. Wambach currently is tied for second in the league with eight goals scored in 17 games. She’s not just scoring goals, though, as she is also tied for third in assists with five.

The WPS’ main competitor, the upstart United Soccer League, boasts a former Gator of its own. Ameera Abdullah performed well for her Buffalo club despite seeing action in seven games She finished her first season tied for seventh in the league with five assists. Overall, she logged seven points in seven games.

OK, so it’s technically not football season yet, but its getting close. I was in Tampa last weekend with my daughter at a Rays game. While there, I saw someone in the stands wearing a Kenyatta Walker Bucs jersey. I guess that guy didn’t get the memo.

While Walker may not be gearing up for the start of preseason games next week, several former Gators are back in pads, or soon to be back.

Among those expected to return soon is Kevin Carter. The veteran defensive lineman went through the summer unsigned, but has gotten a lot of interest in the last two weeks.

Carter is expected to make a few visits this week before deciding on his next destination, but early word is that New England is his most likely landing spot.

Harold Lewis, Carter’s agent, told CBSSportsline.com that money was not an issue with his client and that he would be very interested in signing with the Patriots. Lewis spoke recently with the Patriots, who were interested in meeting with Carter some time this week.

Carter’s signing in New England would pair him with another former Gator-turned-Patriot, Fred Taylor, who is in the midst of his first training camp away from Jacksonville.

Other former Gators learning the ropes on a new team are Mike Peterson (Atlanta), Rex Grossman (Houston), Lito Sheppard (N.Y. Jets), Keiwan Ratliff (Pittsburgh), Marquand Manuel (Detroit), Tavares Washington (Kansas City) and Jabar Gaffney (Denver).

The Broncos boast the most former Gators in camp with five, depending on whether former first-round pick Jarvis Moss decides to play or head into early retirement. Denver’s first-year head coach Josh McDaniels, already under fire for his handling of the Jay Cutler trade rumors over the offseason, excused Moss from practice earlier this week, saying that he had to deal with some “very personal issues” and asking that Moss be left alone to deal with them.

It has been reported that Moss, 25, told McDaniels last weekend that he no longer had the drive to play the sport and was considering retirement. Moss currently has two years remaining on rookie his contract that paid him a guaranteed $8 million.

Moss returned to practice Tuesday, three days and five practices after originally leaving. If he had stayed away or retired, he may have been forced to repay up to $3.6 million of his signing bonus to Denver.

If he is released before the season, he won’t owe them anything.

Joining Moss and Gaffney in Denver are Andra Davis, who finished last season on injured reserve in Cleveland, Chad Jackson and Marcus Thomas.

Several players are looking to jump-start their careers after either disappointing starts or past injuries. Travis Taylor was signed in December by the Lions and hopes to get a rhythm with top pick Matthew Stafford quickly enough to earn a spot on the roster.

Dallas Baker suffered through some critical dropped passes last season and was cut by the Steelers, only to be re-signed to the practice squad days later. Baker is looking to regain his footing, and his hands, in a receiving corp already loaded with talent.

Reports have said that Baker has looked good in early practices, but he will have to show a lot of growth to be retained into the season. He’s listed as far back as seventh on some online depth charts and as high as third, battling against former Texas Longhorn standout Limas Sweed among others.

Jackson was signed by the Broncos late last season after the team suffered multiple injuries to its wideouts. Despite sparse playing opportunities, he was asked to come back for a second look with the team.

Ian Scott could be the player most primed for a breakout season. After a solid start to his career in Chicago, Scott has battled injury after injury on his way to San Diego. He was placed on injured reserve by the Eagles in 2007 and cut by the Panthers in 2008 before getting picked up the Chargers in late September last season.

Scott, who played defensive tackle with the Bears, was moved to defensive end in the Chargers 3-4 scheme. He’s expected see some time in the middle but should be a part of the team’s four-man defensive end rotation this season.

It helps Scott’s case that the Chargers defense is led by Ron Rivera, who led the Bears’ defense while he was in Chicago.

A few new faces are looking to make a splash in the league after successful runs at UF. First-round pick Percy Harvin is signed and practicing in Minnesota. Joe Cohen is looking to catch on in Miami. Cornelius Ingram is showing no signs of his knee injury bothering him in Philadelphia. And Louis Murphy is looking to continue impressing onlookers in Oakland.

Among the list of former Gators currently not on rosters, Ike Hilliard’s name stands out the most. The veteran receiver went unsigned through the summer, and his camp has been very quiet as to possible interest from other clubs. It may take a couple of preseason games, and a few inevitable injuries, to create an opening for Hilliard, but if he’s still interested in playing, some team will certainly give him a shot before the season starts.

Here’s a look at who is playing where during training camps:
Mike Peterson (Atlanta)
Alex Brown (Chicago)
Andre Caldwell (Cincinnati)
Andra Davis (Denver)
Jabar Gaffney (Denver)
Chad Jackson (Denver)
Jarvis Moss (Denver)
Marcus Thomas (Denver)
Travis Taylor (Detroit)
Marquand Manuel (Detroit)
DeShawn Wynn (Green Bay)
Rex Grossman (Houston)
Derrick Harvey (Jacksonville)
Jeremy Mincey (Jacksonville)
Reggie Nelson (Jacksonville)
Tavares Washington (Kansas City)
Joe Cohen (Miami)
Channing Crowder (Miami)
Percy Harvin (Minnesota)
Bobby McCray (New Orleans)
Fred Taylor (New England)
Lito Sheppard (N.Y. Jets)
Cooper Carlisle (Oakland)
Louis Murphy (Oakland)
Gerard Warren (Oakland)
Cornelius Ingram (Philadelphia)
Dallas Baker (Pittsburgh)
Keiwan Ratliff (Pittsburgh)
Max Starks (Pittsburgh)
Billy Latsko (San Diego)
Ian Scott (San Diego)
Brandon Siler (San Diego)
Todd Johnson (St. Louis)
Earnest Graham (Tampa Bay)
Jevon Kearse (Tennessee)

Lee was reportedly courted by Portland, Toronto, Memphis and Utah, but all decided to move in different directions, spending their precious cap space in other ways.

While the Knicks have reportedly offered around $8 million a season for last year’s league leader in double-doubles, Lee’s camp has asked for something closer to $11 million. With no team left holding enough cap room to sign him, it seems he’ll have to either work out a sign-and-trade deal with the Knicks, something the team has said it’s not interested in, or sign a one-year tender with New York and try unrestricted free agency with the massive unrestricted crop of 2010.

* * *

Joakim Noah played his first exhibitions with the French National Team this week in EuroBasket qualifying, showing signs of why French officials hope he’ll stick around for the Olympics.The team originally asked Noah to spend most of the summer training in France. He refused, stating that the Bulls wanted him to focus more on strength training. He later agreed to play with the team for two weeks and in two games.

In his first outing Noah posted 16 points, grabbed nine rebounds and had three steals in 17 minutes, as France crushed Austria 98-57.

Three days later he scored 10 points, blocked a shot and had six boards in 14 minutes in an 82-44 victory over Belgium.

Noah said that he would like to continue playing with the team, but no decision will be made until next summer.

* * *

Those Gator fans who missed out on collecting a Nick Calathes autograph while he was in Gainesville can make up for their blunder on the cheap.

This week, trading card company Upper Deck released its 2009 Draft Edition basketball cards, featuring autographed cards from many of the prospects entered in this years’ draft. Among them is a Calathes autographed card.

The Greek signee inked 999 cards, several of which are currently available on eBay.com. The first of the cards to be listed is slated to end Thursday night. With only a few hours left in the auction, the card currently sits at 99 cents.

Murphy, a rookie this year in Oakland, has been impressive during the offseason and is expected to play a sizable role in the Raiders offense this season.

He also made a name for himself earlier in the month at the NFL’s yearly rookie symposium, where first-year players are required to attend classes and seminars on how to handle their new-found wealth, fame and attention.

According to several reports, Murphy was a class clown during down-times, sneaking up behind other rookies during mock interviews and “pantsing” them while their guard was down.

For those of you unaware, pantsing means pulling down the player’s pants, leaving just the underwear exposed.

Last month, at Mike Peterson’s youth football camp in Gainesville, I caught up with another former Gator, defensive tackle Gerard Warren, who gave some insight on his new teammate in Oakland.

“That guy has been real impressive,” Warren said. “He looks like he’s been a pro for years and not just a rookie. The way he carries himself and prepares every day, it’s something to watch. He’s going to be a good one.”

Warren says that he’s expecting a big year out of his team and thinks that the club should be able to break through the ceiling that the beleaguered franchise has set for itself in recent years.

Warren and Murphy will be set later this month to report to training camp, but a few other former UF players are still without contracts.

Among the talent still looking for work is Kevin Carter, Ike Hilliard and Darrell Jackson. With age catching up to all three, it could take an injury or two during the preseason for a team to look to these veterans for contributions.

* * *

Marreese Speights had an up-and-down week at the NBA summer league in Orlando.

The rising second-year pro started with a 28-point, 11-rebound performance that included 28 shots taken, mostly from the perimeter.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, team GM Ed Stefanski said after the game the the Sixers “know Speights can shoot from the outside,” but would rather see him score from the block, an area of his game still needing improvement.

For the week, Speights finished averaging 14.3 points and 6.6 rebounds a game, shooting just 39.4 percent from the field.

* * *

Chris Richard’s hopes of returning to the NBA this season seem to be dwindling. The forward is an invited player of the Milwaukee Bucks in the Las Vegas Summer League, though the team doesn’t seem to be showing much hospitality.

After scoring six points and pulling down four rebounds in 18 minutes in his first game of the week-long league, Richard has seen his minutes, and production, fall off each game since. It culminated in a “Did Not Play-Coaches Decision” in the Bucks’ win Wednesday over Chicago.

If Richard had a chance to latch on with the Bucks, he’d be seeing more time on the court. He’d also be averaging better than the current 3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game that he’s logging at the moment.

* * *

And what’s a Gators in the Pros update without talk of Joakim Noah?

I was recently surfing through the archives on USAToday.com and came across this article about Noah as a high-school senior. It’s a great read if you have a few moments and want some more insight into his upbringing and the kind of guy he is.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-03-22-noah-basketball_x.htm

The Bulls are expected to move John Salmons over to the vacated shooting guard spot abandoned by Gordon. The team is also rumored to be shopping combo-guard Kirk Hinrich in hopes of finding a more natural shooting guard.

Last season, Hinrich split time between point guard and shooting guard. His departure would open a hole at backup point guard, as Chicago isn’t expected to retain aging stop-gap Lindsay Hunter to tutor rookie of the year Derrick Rose.

When the team opens summer league play in Las Vegas next week, they’ll be auditioning two former Gators for that spot — Anthony Roberson and Taurean Green.

Roberson was acquired by the Bulls in a mid-season trade and was rarely used down the stretch. Green is fresh off of a season overseas and is looking to catch on with another NBA team after splitting his rookie campaign two years ago between Denver and Portland.

Both players have ties to current Bull and former Gator Joakim Noah. We know that Green and Noah paired up to win back-to-back national championships with UF. Little known is that when Noah took his official recruiting visit to Gainesville, he was hosted by none other than Roberson. The two have remained close ever since.

Meanwhile, the Bucks will be looking for someone to eat up some of the minutes at power forward left behind by Villanueva. While Milwaukee isn’t likely to find an replacement in the waning free agent crop, it may find a contributor currently on its Las Vegas summer roster.

Chris Richard is fully healed from the back injury that cost him most of his NBA Developmental League season and is signed on to play for the Bucks’ summer league team starting next week.

More former Gators are expected to be participating in summer league play. Marreese Speights has already confirmed that he’ll be playing with the 76ers in the Orlando Summer League starting Monday. Several other teams have yet to release their summer rosters.

Summer league games are not televised, but they are streamed live on NBA.com for free.

Lee, a double-double machine as a starter with the New York Knicks last season, reportedly received his opening offer from the Knicks. According to the New York Daily News, the team has offered Lee a four-year deal at $36 million, far south of the rumored $10 million per season Lee’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, is seeking.

“There’s no question he’d love to stay in New York,” Bartelstein told the Daily News Tuesday. “But you are only a free agent so many times in your career, especially in the prime of your career.”

The interest in Lee, who led the league in double-doubles last season, seems to be heavy. CBS Sportsline is reporting that Lee is likely to be priced out of the Knicks’ budget. The high offers are expected to come from Memphis or Oklahoma City, both of which hoped to have a shot at Jazz forward Carlos Boozer, who opted to stay out of free agency with one more year in Utah.

The Thunder are reportedly prepping an offer for Boozer’s teammate, Paul Millsap. If Millsap balks at the numbers, the team is likely to turn to Lee. Millsap has said in recent days that he wants a contract similar to Lee’s, as he sees his game as similar to the St. Louis native.

The Knicks are expected to remain frugal throughout the summer as they position their salary cap for next year’s free agency bonanza. That means that the team will likely keep its offer around the $8 million per season mark and won’t be as willing to match a larger offer.

Lee is a restricted free agent and New York has the right to match any offer sheet he signs.

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There’s another former Gator on the free-agent market, though he’s not as likely to get calls on day one.

Jason Williams is still contemplating a return to the hardcourt after sitting out last season in retirement.

Williams filed his retirement paperwork before the season and tried to return to action around the midway point. He needed a unanimous vote from league owners to return, but did not get it. He’s free to return at any time now that he’s sat out the season.

During a recent autograph signing appearance in his home state of West Virginia, Williams discussed a return with the Charleston Daily Mail.

“I’m not 100 percent that I’ll play again, but it’s more than 50/50 that I’m going to try. But if it doesn’t happen, trust me, I won’t lose any sleep,” he said.

Williams’ chances at a return may be hurt by the glut of point guards that entered the league in June’s NBA Draft. There’s always a few teams looking for a veteran point guard during the season, but it’s unknown what kind of shape this veteran is in after a year out of the league.

“I don’t know if (a season off) helps or hurts,” Williams told the Daily News. “Those guys are getting faster and stronger. I’m getting older and the other guys seem to get younger and younger.”

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Joakim Noah’s breakout season with the Chicago Bulls may have earned him a spot in the 2012 Olympics.

The French National team recently contacted Noah about working with the club over the summer. The team wanted Noah to spend most of his offseason training in France, but the former Gator opted instead to focus on year three of his NBA career and will continue working out at the IMG Academy in South Florida.

He did agree, however, to travel to France and spend 10 days working with the team. From there, the two sides will decide the best course of action.

Through the offseason mini-camps and voluntary workouts, Murphy has shaken off the critics who tried to label him before the draft as a good wide receiver with average-at-best hands.

“He’s probably the surprise of our (rookie) class,” Cable said to NFL.com of Murphy. “He has all the makings to be a very special football player at this level — mainly because he was impressive on a daily basis. We really think we found one.”

That’s high praise, seeing that the Raiders used a top-10 pick on another wide receiver, Maryland’s Darius Heyward-Bey.

At this point, Murphy looks to be in the running for the team’s No. 3 receiver position. Bu the Raiders, who seem permanently locked in mediocrity, could look to move him along further if his progress continues.

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The offeason luck wasn’t as bright for one of Murphy’s Gator teammates, as Denver announced last week that it had released running back Kestahn Moore.

Moore, who was signed as a free agent after going undrafted, will have to look for work elsewhere in the league before training camps open next month.

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It’s hard to knock Nick Calathes for taking that Greek contract after watching the NBA Draft Thursday night. The deal, which after perks is on par with one of this year’s lottery picks, wasn’t what caused him to fall, as name after name was called before Minnesota selected him No. 45 overall in the second round. It also didn’t come into play when the Timberwolves sold his rights to Dallas about an hour later.

Minnesota, which had already drafted three points guards ahead of the Florida native, planned on pawning off two of them for future considerations. The Wolves did that when they sent Ty Lawson to Denver for a future first-round pick and shipped Calathes to the Mavericks for a 2010 second rounder and cash.

Calathes is likely to spend more than one year honing his game in Greece before taking another shot at the NBA. The league he’ll be joining is considered by some scouts to be slightly higher in competition than Division-I basketball in the U.S. If Calathes can prove himself there, there may be a spot for him waiting in Dallas in 2011.

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While we’re on the top of draftable players, it’s never too late to start talking about the 2010 NBA Draft. ESPN’s Chad Ford already has his list of top-100 players posted, and he says the crop could be one of the strongest in years.

Of local interest are his comments on Florida recruit Kenny Boynton. Ford says that as of right now, Boynton could be a first-round pick, but says that his sources have said that he’s likely a player who should spend at least two years in college before making the leap to the pros. That doesn’t mean, of course, that Boynton will take the advice.