Just in Atlanta

I think we can call this story dead. Frankly, Merriman's story is a bit weird, but there will be no way of confirming anything. He wasn't arrested or charged with anything. Further, Moran needs some Journalism 101. One vague tweet to Merriman, and he calls that trying to reach him or the Bills for comment?

This is a blog site, not a reputable news organization. The problem is with people pretending to be journalists.

Is it Peter Pan man? Who's up for running over some kids?

Weird, huh? I'm kinda obsessed with this story. Curious to see what Moran's next move is.

Well, strike the Vick thing...he spent nearly two years in the hoosegow. You get my point, though.

A few things on this story. As a former journalist, I believe Moran that a source said what he said he said. But Moran should have asked the Bills or Merriman for comment. If they refused, or said no comment, that should have been in the story. Poor journalism, even for a blog site. He was sitting on this story for two weeks, and that silly blurb was all he had? There's a reason the mainstream media didn't run with anything. There is nothing there, yet at least. Merriman can't and shouldn't sue for libel, as many people are calling for. From a PR perspective, it would draw more attention than it deserves. From a legal one, it wouldn't last one minute. Merriman is a public figure and the barriers for libel are high--malicious intent for one. This Moran guy simply got overzealous, overestimated the value of the intel he had, and did sloppy reporting. He's obviously a blogger, not a journalist...no disrespect to bloggers, but they have lower standards. Unless there's more to this story than is being reported, I feel sorry for this guy. Don't worry, though, Merriman's reputation will be fine...assuming the story doesn't have legs. Roethlisberger f-d a nearly passed out college girl in a public bathroom, Vick tortured dogs, and those guys are doing fine.

Would get more attention that it deserves. So far, it's barely national. Further, for a public figure to sue for libel, he'd have to prove malicious intent. Thankfully, this story will likely be swept under the rug in a couple days.

Hey, that kinda rhymes.

In defense of the reporter--I do think this story has serious holes--he said it WASN'T franchise altering.

No roids found in his "vehicle." But what about on HIM? Story appears to be full of holes. I think a certain 8-year-old might want to stay off the streets for a while. I hear Marshawn Lynch is in town.

Shawne just tweeted something about hair grease. Is that code for steroids?

I remember learning this reporting technique in J school. When using unnamed sources, you can wish your kid to be run over by a car if the story isn't true and that will instantly prove your story is legit. Woodward and Bernstein would have done the same, except they didn't have kids. I can just picture tonight's dinner discussion at his house.

This sucks. Any thoughts on what the penalty would be? Hope it's light. He, and Dareus, are the only good news this defense has right now.

The entire front page has changed, not just Stevie.

And if he were busted, I'm pretty sure a high profile like Merriman would have been news, and that he would not have been playing in the preseason game.

OK, how is he implying it's Merriman? The guy was suspended years ago for alleged steroid use. What a tease this publisher is. ...He said he did not imply the player had taken steroids recently.

According to this photo and caption, he was showing off "his quarterback skills" on Tuesday. http://www.mpnnow.com/sports/x386660625/Buffalos-Big-Mike'>http://www.mpnnow.com/sports/x386660625/Buffalos-Big-Mike 'cept the ball is in the wrong hand.

He does have a lot of technique to learn on D. But how much technique is there to learn for a couple of I formation plays? Run left, center or right. Hit the first guy as hard as you can. Keep him engaged. Or keep on running. The Fridge weighed the same weight, I believe, during his prime. Also like the idea of OG, too.

What about Jasper as a blocking fullback in Red Zone situations? Certainly an athletic 380-pounder could plow a hole, at least for a second, for a potential 4th and inches situation. With all the moving backup QBs to Safety (Nesbitt) and Wildcat shenanigans, I thought out of the box thinking is a possibility with this offense. Just wanted to throw the thought out there and see if anyone finds any validity with it. No haters :] Just an idea.

With Nesbitt at Safety, and Smith at QB/WR/KR we can finally move Mike Jasper to backup QB.

At least he's running.

@Double J, the standing buffalo looks like he's grazing...or taking a dump. We'll keep the charging one, thanks.

Jeez, he used five different QBs because it's the first preseason game. That's what you're supposed to do--to give guys a chance to show what they got. The Wildcat isn't going to win championships by itself. But it does add another level of complication for defensive planning. I might call Gailey a lot of things. Arrogant is by far not one of them.

After further review, I rescind my optimism. Pathetic move getting rid of our most respected player...for a 4th rounder. Yet another year of "rebuilding" I guess. When I wrote this post, I had fully anticipated picking up a tackle or at least a TE and never dreamed of us getting rid of Lee for only a future draft pick.

"I swear...if you took all the castaways from the Bills, you'd have a pretty damn good team. They just don't do it right at all." Was pretty high on this team. All we got, which is to say all the owner gets, is some freed up salary. A 4th rd pick does nothing. How can you trade your only card (WR depth) that actually was above average?