Jerome Simpson told Sports Headliners he’s learned his lesson after pleading guilty earlier this year to a felony drug charge and then being suspended by the NFL for violating league substance abuse policy.
“Just getting back to the old Jerome Simpson, and just being myself and not getting out of character,” Simpson said. “Just always staying humble and doing the right thing.”
It was reportedly a year ago this month that a marijuana shipment to Simpson’s home in Kentucky led to his problems. That development would detract from a breakout season while playing for Cincinnati.
The Vikings signed Simpson in the offseason, hoping he will become the deep threat receiver the offense needs. The 6-foot-2, 189-pound North Carolina native who grew up an only child influenced by his mother’s values will finish his three-game suspension by the NFL after this Sunday’s Vikings-49ers game.
Simpson described the waiting to play as “grueling” but believes he’s circled back to the values he was raised with. “I’ve grown so much in being able to appreciate the position I am in, and the influence that I have on the community and a lot of youth, and people back home, and just all around me,” he said.
A second round pick by the Bengals in 2008, Simpson never had more than 20 catches until last season. In 2011 he had 50 receptions for 725 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 14.5 yards per catch. Among the highlights was a front flip into the end zone touchdown against the Cardinals that has become YouTube content.
The Vikings have been searching for an elusive big play receiver since Sidney Rice left for Seattle after the 2010 season. In two games this season the Vikings’ longest pass completion by quarterback Christian Ponder is 29 yards and the team’s average pass reception is 8.3 yards. With an exceptional slot receiver in Percy Harvin, promising tight end in Kyle Rudolph and All-Pro running back in Adrian Peterson, a speed-blessed wide receiver to stretch the field and the defense is a missing element in the offense.
The wait to learn if Simpson is the answer is almost over.
Notes:
Controversial former Viking Randy Moss will receive attention locally this week and on Sunday when the 49ers come to Mall of America Field. But at age 35 Moss is no longer the dominating wide receiver he was when he played here from 1998 to 2004. Moss didn’t start for the 49ers in either of his team’s first two games this month. He caught four passes for 48 yards and a touchdown in the opening game and one ball for 14 yards last Sunday.
During player introductions on Sunday night Moss said he was from Rand University, a school that doesn’t exist. The reference was to his hometown while growing up, Rand, West Virginia.
Gophers football coach Jerry Kill said yesterday he isn’t sure when MarQueis Gray’s high ankle sprain will allow him to play again but didn’t rule out the senior quarterback’s participation in Saturday’s home game against Syracuse. The guess here is Gray will be able to play against Iowa on September 29, or following Minnesota’s bye week in early October.
As of yesterday afternoon the Gophers had about 1,500 tickets at $40 each available to the public for Saturday’s game. A spokesman said all 5,300 tickets on sale earlier in the week at a special discount price of $10 are gone.
Friends and family of John Williams will feel joy and sorrow tomorrow night at the M Club Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in TCF Bank Stadium’s DQ Club Room. John passed away this summer and I know how pleased he would have been to attend the ceremonies along with eight other honorees including volleyball’s Lindsey Berg, football’s Tyrone Carter, hockey’s Butsy Erickson and wrestling’s J Robinson. John was a Time Magazine All-American offensive tackle on the Gophers 1967 Big Ten championship team. He was admired for his football accomplishments, including playing in the NFL, but family and friends know what made him special was his devotion to helping others.
John was a good friend who was quietly proud of the Gophers and his many achievements including his dental practice in north Minneapolis. I can’t give John a higher compliment than to say “I can’t replace him in my life.”
St. Thomas confirmed what most MIAC observers thought last week when the Tommies defeated Saint John’s 43-21 in their famous rivalry game. The Tommies are among the best Division III teams in the country and have impressed with a 3-0 start that includes a defense holding opponents to 98 total yards rushing for the season. The Tommies have a schedule bye this Saturday.
Former Vikings wide receiver Leo Lewis and ex-Stillwater head football coach George Thole will be among the speakers for the MVP event on Tuesday, September 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater. MVP is an abbreviation for Men, Value and Purpose. MVP gatherings celebrate sports with “food, fellowship and inspiration.” The public is welcome to attend next Tuesday’s event and more information is available by emailing Todd Fultz, toddfultz@me.com.
Former Gustavus tennis coach Steve Wilkinson received the Iowa Varsity Club Lifetime Achievement award last Friday. On Saturday the former Hawkeyes’ tennis player and assistant coach was introduced at Kinnick Stadium prior to the start of the Iowa-Northern Iowa football game. Wilkinson has the most coaching victories (929) in the history of college tennis, was five times national tennis coach of the year and is a member of six tennis halls of fame, according to the Varsity Club.
Twins’ Target Field attendance for the 2012 season is 2,580,329 with two home stands remaining. Attendance totals the first two seasons at Target Field (2010 and 2011) were 3,223,640 and 3,168,107.
Stubhub.com listed tickets on Monday starting at $5 to $7 for next week’s Yankees series at Target Field.
The Twins, tied for last place in the Central Division with a 61-87 record, have been swept 11 times this season.
Scott Diamond, the team’s leading pitcher in wins with 11, has only one victory since August 6. He has an ERA of 7.33 in his last four starts.
Zack Greinke, known for not liking a lot of media attention, will be a free agent during the off-season. This market seems like a comfortable fit for Greinke who is pitching for the Angels.
St. Paul native Ken Mauer starts his 27th season as an NBA referee this fall. He may officiate for another five to six years. Mauer said salaries for NBA officials range from $90,000 to $400,000. He will work 70 to 75 games per season and be on the road about 25 days per month.
Close friends know Mauer has a 1989 Rolls Royce convertible. He acquired the car after making a successful investment. “It’s not as fancy as everybody thinks it is but I take good care of it because I probably won’t be able to get another one,” he said.
Bleacherreport.com puts the Timberwolves at No. 17 in its new NBA power rankings out this week. The website said “on paper” the Wolves are better than last season but won’t make the playoffs. Too many ifs including point guard Ricky Rubio’s recovery from ACL surgery, and how effectively new but aging acquisitions Brandon Roy (shooting guard) and Andrei Kirilenko (small forward) perform.
Coach Kevin McHale’s Rockets receive a No. 29 ranking. Coach Randy Wittman’s Wizards are No. 24. Both are former Wolves head coaches.