Archives for June 9, 2017

'“He talked about how he got to Chicago and the United States, his family, and how he wants to go to school to be an astronaut,” Wright said. “It says a lot about his character. He’s all he has out here."'

'“I told him a lot of stuff. I felt comfortable because he was so friendly,” Abdollahian said.'

'Inklings that Hardy was suffering mentally came from Facebook posts. “I kept in touch with him like that. He began to rant a little bit. Next thing I knew, they were saying he went to a mental hospital,” Taylor said.'

'For a long time Hardy had two sides to his life. A two-sport athlete, his death resonated on both coasts in addition to locally because of his work in Los Angeles as a model after injuries ended his NFL career with New York's Buffalo Bills, which had drafted the 6-foot-6 wide receiver in 2008. He played 16 games for Buffalo during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. He also spent a limited time with the Baltimore Ravens in 2011.'

'''It's one day at a time at this point,'' McDermott said, referring to Watkins' recovery. ''We'll have a plan in place in terms of what will take place between now and the time he reports back to training camp.'''

'Powell is entering his fourth NFL season and third with Buffalo. He had 14 catches for 142 yards in nine games before sustaining a season-ending injury to his left ankle in late November.'

'The former Indiana University star was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft by the Bills. A series of injuries limited him to 16 games over two seasons in Buffalo. He also played for Baltimore before being released in 2011.'

'Watkins' situation was one reason the Bills brought in free agent wide receiver Jeremy Maclin for what turned into a two-day visit. Maclin was cut by the Chiefs last Friday, and Buffalo was his first stop as he seeks employment.'

'"This is one step in that process to get him back to where he needs to be," McDermott told reporters on Thursday.'

'Powell is eligible to participate in offseason workouts, preseason practices and exhibition games.'

'Hardy, who is from Fort Wayne, was a second-round pick by the Bills in 2008 but didn't pan out in the NFL. He caught 10 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns in 16 NFL games over two seasons.'

'Head coach Sean McDermott said Watkins “has done a nice job” since returning, crediting both the player and training staff for the way he has “attacked the rehab with them,” adding “that has to continue, though. This is one step in the process of getting Sammy back to where he needs to be and where we need him to be.”'

'While he left both Buffalo and Baltimore without deals, multiple reports suggest both teams are still in play for his services.'

'Powell will be eligible to return to the Bills’ active roster on Monday, October 2 following the team’s October 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons. He is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games.'

'Hardy played for the Bills in 2008 and 2009 after being selected in the second round in 2008. He was the 41st overall pick that year. Hardy played in 14 games in his rookie season, making just 9 catches for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns. In an injury riddled season, he played just 2 games in 2009 and was cut before the 2010 season.'