Junior Seau Commits Suicide

It is with heavy hearts that we have to report, former NFL linebacker Junior Seau is dead according to reports coming from TMZ and other sources. While initial details are still vague it is believed Seau committed suicide, in his home in California.

Junior Seau was an All-Pro linebaker who made his name with the San Diego Chargers even taking them to a Super Bowl.  He ended his career as a member of the New England Patriots.  After football Seau ventured into some broadcast work, where he showed great promise.

In 2010 Seau crashed his car into a ravine after being charged with assault against his girlfriend.  There was talk this may have been a suicide attempt, but Seau refuted those claims stating he simply fell asleep behind the wheel.

Seau is survived by his three children.  

Tampa Bay Bucs Sign Eric LeGrand

With news of the BountyGate fallout continuing to come out of New Orleans, it's easy to forget there can be feel good moments in today's NFL.  Despite being at the beginning of a rebuilding process, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to bring a feel good story to us all this morning.  The Bucs announced earlier today they have signed former Rutgers player Eric LeGrand to a free agent deal.

For those who don't know, Eric LeGrand was a player on Rutgers football.  In 2010 during a game against Army LeGrand ran down field to make a play on special teams. After taking a hit, he received what he figured was a stinger.  However, it was far worse, LeGrand fractured his C-3 and C-4 vertebrae and was paralyzed from the neck down.  Doctors were unsure if he would be able to breathe without the aid of a ventilator.  Eric proved them wrong a month latter when they removed his breathing aid. He continued to improve over time, teaching himself to stand with the aid of metal structure, and slowly teaching himself to walk again.

In one of the all time great moments in NCAA football, LeGrand led Rutgers onto the field one year after suffering his injury.

Now as the rest of LeGrand's classmates waiting phone calls from GM's about their status, Eric was left at home knowing his phone would not ring. That was the case til Tampa Bay head coach Greg Schiano came calling, and offered LeGrand a free agent contract with his new team. Schiano, knew he could attest to the character and the strength LeGrand possesses.  He was his head coach at Rutgers when he was injured and he watched him rehab, and rebuild himself.  Over the last year the two have built a strong relationship. And even though LeGrand may not be able to help out on the field, Schiano understands what an influence he can be in the locker room. An especially important aspect when you consider the Bucs are one of the youngest teams in football, and establishing character and determination will be key in the rebuilding process.

It does not happen all the time, but for now, this is one story that has a happy ending.  All of us here at Walker Sports are happy for Eric LeGrand and his family, and we're proud of Coach Schiano and the Tampa Bay Bucs for stepping up and doing the right thing.

Warren Sapp New TV Gig

Warren Sapp has had a rough 2012.  First he outs Jeremy Shockey as the leak in the Saints BountyGate scandal. Which it seems he was horrible wrong about. Then Sapp was forced to file for bankruptcy.  An impressive feat when you consider the money he made as a player, and the fact that he has stared on two NFL related television shows since retirement. Finally to top everything off Sapp's contract with the NFL Network is set to expire in August, and amid all the controversies, it is possible he is not picked up for another contract. Needless to say, Warren Sapp could use a a pick-me-up in 2012.

According to sources, Sapp may have already found his turnaround venture for 2012.  All rise, for Judge Sapp.  That's right, Mr. Miami Hurricane is taking his vast knowledge of the civil court system and becoming a celebrity judge.  No worries, Sapp is not running for a true position as a judge, think of him more as a Judge Judy, expect nicer...most likely.

It seems that filming for Sapp's new series is already underway, and it could hit the air sometime in the fall.  One this is for sure, give the man an open mic and who knows what may come out.

Bryce Harper Plays Softball on National Mall

Not wanting to jinx anything, but for once it's a great time to be a DC Sports fan.  The Skins had a good, albeit baffling draft. DC United is doing their thing. The Caps are showing the grit and no quit attitude fans have clamored about for years. And the Washington Nationals are tearing it up on the field, despite a rough weekend series against the Dodgers.

Capping off the Nationals amazing play this spring is the arrival of teenage phenom Bryce Harper.  The 19 made his major league debut on Saturday.  During his off day on Monday Bryce made another DC debut when he took the field in one of the local DC alumni softball games that take place on the National Mall.  This is the type of attitude that DC fans want to see more of from their budding superstars.