Home


Archive for February, 2009

Feb

17

Sad day in New Orleans.. Thanks for the good times Deuce !

Deuce McAllister says thanks to New Orleans Saints fans

Posted by Kevin Spain, The Times-Picayune February 17, 2009 12:15PM

He had the sunglasses in his jacket pocket, just in case.

Because Deuce McAllister couldn’t let anyone see him cry.
As he spoke, he didn’t shed a tear. But he probably wanted to.

McAllister sat before members of the local media today to talk about how he had been released by the New Orleans Saints.

At no point did McAllister sound angry. He didn’t come across as being upset with what happened. Pro football is a business and he knows it.

He did, however, come across as being humbled. Humbled by the adoration of Saints fans.

The guy can’t go anywhere in New Orleans without being noticed. He can’t go to a Hornets game without getting the best ovation of anyone in the building. He can’t wave to fans without being serenaded with “Deeeuuuuucccceee.”

“I just want to say thanks,” he said, with a hint of a smile. “There is no animosity with me. We had good talks. In the end, it just didn’t work out.

“When you look at it, the life expectancy of a running back is 3.5. I’ve got eight. I’m thankful.”

He said he still wants to play. He admits that he’s not 100 percent healthy. He and his agent will look for a team to play for.

Coach Sean Payton talked about this being a difficult situation — “He’s arguably the best player in this franchise’s history. That’s what makes today so hard.”

General Manager Mickey Loomis said he can’t describe how much McAllister has meant to the Saints.

Rita Benson LeBlanc was here, and after McAllister spoke, gave him a big hug.

He waved as he left the room. We don’t know what he did when the door closed behind him. But it’s likely he put on his sunglases.

Feb

12

New Orleans Saints release veteran wide receiver David Patten

Posted by The Times-Picayune February 12, 2009 3:56PM


The New Orleans Saints made their first major roster move of the offseason Thursday, releasing veteran wide receiver David Patten, Saints spokesman Greg Bensel confirmed.

Patten, 34, played two seasons for the Saints and was a key member of the 2007 team, finishing the season with 54 catches for 792 yards and three touchdowns. His role decreased last season partially because of injuries and partially because of the emergence of Lance Moore as one of Drew Brees’ favorite targets.
In the five games he played this past season Patten had 11 receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown.

Patten started his NFL career with the New York Giants in 1997, moved to the Cleveland Browns in 2000, and then had a nice run with the New England Patriots from 2001-04, with his best season coming in 2002 with 61 receptions for 824 yards and five touchdowns.

He left the Patriots for the Washington Redskins where he had two largely unproductive seasons before joining the Saints.


Pages


Archives