Downtown Rams@DowntownRams
Weird occurrence…Madden season simulation ended but I accidentally hit simulate through the off-season. The #Rams ended up trading two firsts and LaMarcus Joyner for Khalil Mack and signed Mack to a 6 year $118M deal…Um

—

Around The NFL@AroundTheNFL
Ndamukong Suh says he “always marks the calendar” for Sam Bradford: “I’ll definitely try to hit him as hard as I can”
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000944613/article/suh-i-always-mark-the-calendar-for-sam-bradford?campaign=Twitter_atn …

The Rams had remarkable continuity on the offensive line last year. If that holds in 2018, the offense could be even better. If it doesn’t, they think they’re prepared… but it’s best not to find out. BK https://t.co/ir63HplFra

— Kamenetzky Brothers (@KamBrothers) August 1, 2018

Another harassment lawsuit was filed against NFL Network by Erin McParland last month

==

NFL Network Sexual Harassment: One Woman’s Story

A makeup artist who worked at NFL Network shares her firsthand experience with inappropriate sexual advances from former players Eric Davis and Michael Irvin.

ERIN MCPARLAND
As told to Tim Rohan
December 21, 2017

https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/12/21/nfl-network-sexual-harassment

A few months after starting work as a makeup artist at NFL Network in 2014, Jami Cantor pulled me aside to offer some advice. At this time, Jami had been head of the network’s wardrobe for nearly a decade. Although she didn’t get too specific, she left me with a warning:

You’re new. You’re pretty. You’ll be targeted. Be careful.

She was very clear that she didn’t doubt my professionalism, but that some of the talent were exceptionally aggressive and inappropriate when it came to sexual behavior in the workplace.

Now the world has heard the specifics of what happened to Jami. She filed a lawsuit this fall against the NFL Network, saying she had been the victim of sexual harassment, a hostile work environment, age and sex discrimination, and wrongful termination. She named six members of the on-air talent and one top executive, Eric Weinberger, who she says sexually harassed her.

I freelanced with the NFL Network, which is owned by the league, for three football seasons. It turned out that Jami’s warning was spot on. I was eventually targeted.

I was sexually harassed and assaulted too, and I made an HR complaint against two members of the on-air talent. After I reported them, I was disappointed in the network’s response.

Jami and I shared one of the same abusers: Eric Davis, a former NFL cornerback turned analyst. It started during my second season with the NFL Network with a comment here and there. When Davis came to the makeup room, he would comment on how flexible I was when I leaned down to pick up a product. I brushed such comments off.

Once the 2015-16 NFL season ended and, consequently, my shifts at the NFL Network studio in California dropped off, I began getting direct messages from Davis over Instagram. He continued to remark on my flexibility and became suggestive about how good things could be between us sexually. I continued to brush off these unwanted sexual comments.

In March 2016, I was working at the Indian Wells tennis tournament in California. An avid tennis fan, Davis told me he would be attending the event and suggested we get together. I told him I spent my time outside of work resting up, given my long days. His reply was that long days meant nights off. To put an end to his persistence, I told him where I would be during the day—on site, in full view of coworkers, in a 100% safe environment. With that, I thought he had finally gotten the hint, as I stopped hearing from him.

Once the NFL season kicked back into gear, my run-ins with Davis resumed. Initially, things were fine. This was a tremendous relief since leading up to the season, I had dreaded having to face any further unwanted advances. I felt a major weight lifted.

One day, before leaving the makeup room, Davis leaned in for a hug. Since things seemed back on track, I didn’t see the harm. Except the hug lingered on too long for my comfort.

The next time I was in makeup and Davis was leaving, he leaned in for another hug. This time, not only was the hug too long, but it was too close. I could feel him pressing and rubbing his genitals into my leg. I felt frozen, numb.

The third and final incident was full-on predatory, and it came during the filming of Total Access, one of the network’s premier shows. Davis went in for a hug and then, with both hands, grabbed and fondled my buttocks. I instantly pulled away, recoiling. I looked him in the eyes and firmly told him, “Hands off.”

His response to groping me at work was simply to walk out with no comment. This was no misunderstanding. I had just been sexually assaulted in my workplace.

About a week later, Davis and I were scheduled to work the same day. I tried to get one of the other makeup artists to do his makeup in my place, but she was also uncomfortable with him. During some quiet moments in the makeup room, she and I exchanged stories. It turned out he had done the same exact thing to her that he had done to me. Typically, during Total Access, all hair and makeup people go to the set—except for one artist who stays back in the makeup room, in case any on-air talent needs last minute makeup for breaking news. This is when he would target us, because we were alone.

Hearing her account, identical to mine, put me over the edge. I went from feeling numb and scared to feeling angry and vulnerable. I went straight to HR. As soon as the door closed behind me, I sobbed.

I was able to give them detailed accounts and shared the messages between Davis and me from Instagram. The person I spoke to in HR noted that it was obvious that I was trying to politely avoid an awkward, inappropriate situation. She told me how surprised she was at his behavior, as he didn’t seem to be that kind of guy. He seemed so nice.

I went on to tell her how Michael Irvin had also made inappropriate gestures and comments. How once, on the set of GameDay, he grabbed my waist while I was powdering him on set during a commercial break. I was mortified. Not only was this unwanted attention not acceptable, I was worried that everyone witnessing this might believe I thought this was okay. Or worse—welcomed.

From then on, my guard with Irvin was up. I went out of my way to avoid him, and if I did have to work with him, I’d have to remind him to “not touch.” In what world is it normal for someone to have to remind their coworker to not touch them?

My anxiety was through the roof. I felt embarrassed and scared to report these incidents because of the culture at the network—it feels like you’re supposed to just deal with it. I had a good gig, and the vast majority of NFL Network employees are good people. But it was a place where this kind of behavior from a few bad apples, particularly ex-players, was normalized.

NFL Network’s HR never followed up with me about Irvin’s behavior, but regarding Davis they initially handled my case thoroughly, with empathy and support. While HR looked into the matter, they covered my shifts on days I was scheduled to work with Davis to avoid any further run-ins. I stressed my need to keep things confidential, as you can’t predict how people will react when confronted with allegations like these.

I was able to convince my coworker to speak with HR based on her similar experiences with Davis. She was very hesitant; the NFL Network was her primary source of income. I am so appreciative of her bravery, because it not only added validity to my reports, but also showed a trend in ongoing abusive behavior.

From there, Davis was summoned to meet with the head of the HR department at the time. I found it odd and highly uncomfortable that the NFL Network decided to have me work on the day they were planning to confront him. I voiced my concerns about having an awkward run in, but I was assured by HR that Davis was not aware of my involvement and that directly after his meeting, he would be given direct and specific instructions to vacate the premises until further notice.

I was taken aback first thing in the morning when Davis stopped in the makeup room. There was no reason for him to be there. He said he had a meeting to go to and would see us all later.

His unexpected appearance set off an inner panic. I decided to confide in one of the other artists who was working alongside me that day. She was very supportive, and not at all surprised that this had happened.

Around lunch time, I texted an HR staffer: Is the coast clear? No response.

Suddenly, Davis came into the makeup room. Going out of his way, he walked over to me and got in my face, taking an aggressive stance. His tone was calm. Haven’t talked to you in a while. You doing O.K.?

The man I had just accused of sexual assault was right in my face. My adrenaline spiked, but I stayed outwardly calm. Leaning back in my chair, I told him I was good but that I had a cold, so not to get too close. He left.

My coworker, clued in to what had just happened, sat in her chair across from me, holding a stiff posture, looking at me wide eyed. Are you kidding me? Where is HR? I thought he wasn’t allowed to come back into this building? My thoughts exactly.

The head of HR apologized profusely over the mishandled situation. But his shock over Davis’s behavior was astonishing to me. Why had I been put in this situation? And how was HR surprised by his lack of regard after their meeting—when Davis was literally being investigated for his inability to follow workplace rules! No wonder women remain silent when it comes to harassment and assault in the workplace. There’s a big difference between someone reassuring you of your right to safely report abuse and actually being able to safely report abuse.

The HR head explained to me that it would be in Davis’s best interest to leave the NFL Network quietly. That would protect both the network and Davis from negative public exposure. Both parties would save face. Lift the rug, sweep it under.

As a result of this quiet parting of ways, Eric Davis was hired at ESPN—where I have worked as a freelancer. Thanks to Jami’s lawsuit, he’s currently suspended pending an internal investigation, but it’s possible that I could be faced with having to see his face in my chair again when I return to my job there in the new year.

There should be no spectrum of tolerance for this behavior, no bullying. I should be able to go to work and not be afraid of being groped. Is that too much to ask? I can already hear the comments some people will have after they read this. He just grabbed her ass, what’s the big deal? or Oh, she just wants the attention. To these people I simply say, who on earth would want attention for something so degrading? I sincerely hope your daughter, your mother or your sister never has to write about a workplace experience like this.

Among the 24 safeties with at least 40 targets thrown into their coverage, JJIII was one of only three to allow less than 250 yards.
If you count the 42 w/ at least 30 targets, he’d be one of only five able to say that #LARams https://t.co/tzeTDArGuC

— PFF LA Rams (@PFF_Rams) August 3, 2018

Zooey wrote:

“As you wish.”

“Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.”

“I know it was you, Fredo.” (So…okay…six)

“Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?”

Good ones.

BTW coconuts don’t migrate.

wv wrote:

Aaron Donald tweeted a picture of an hour glass, i saw.

Dunno what that means.

w
v

⏳

— AD_99 (@AaronDonald97) August 3, 2018

.@RamsNFL watching OL play and what a phenomenal job Coach Aaron Kromer does. His starting 5 started 17 straight games last year. If you can’t fix your OL in August it’s a slippery slope the rest of season. #BaldyBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/KPC0kJFGi3

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 3, 2018

Zooey wrote:

Suicidal teen loves happy octogenarian.

Tyrannical media tycoon loses toboggan.

Shark eats tourists.

Well I was thinking more of a quote from the movie. A short quote that summarizes a movie for you.

Since you did Jaws, I will offer an example.

“Not with three he can’t!”

PA Ram wrote:

“The dude abides.” The Big Lebowski.

—

Rams Head Coach Sean McVay – – August 2, 2018

(On if he was confused about the new rules after the presentation)

“No. You know what? I thought (NFL referee) Craig (Wrolstad) and his crew did a great job of kind of explaining exactly what the rule changes were. These were things that, you know, had been kind of heavily discussed at the owners meetings and different things like that. The biggest take away as far as keeping that out of the game – and really this isn’t anything new in terms of some of the fundamentals, the techniques, the way that our guys are coaching how to tackle all geared towards making our game safer and doing it in a smart way, knowing that it is a physical game. As much as we can take the head out of it with the proper techniques and the fundamentals and the way that they’ll penalize if you’re not using it the right way, those were kind of the biggest takeaways. And then obviously the catch rule, but they always have a couple points of emphasis, but the biggest thing is just being smart with how we use the helmet and how we coach those techniques, which is exactly how we’ve been coaching them for the last handful of years.”

(On the new helmet rule and whether or not the players will be clean in the first preseason game or if it will take time to work out)

“I think they’ll be clean because those are the fundamentals, the techniques that we’ve been coaching. The biggest thing that is going to be the challenge is on some of those situations where you’re a defender, you try to keep your head out of that play and then that target changes on some of those bang-bang type plays. We’ve got to do a great job, but trying to be accurate with that helmet placement, being in those target areas that are legal, from the stand point of what we’re trying to get done. Those are things that our defensive coaches are really coaching and then with the offensive guys, especially keeping their head out of it when the ball is in their hands. Those are the things that we’ve got to be mindful of and do a great job emphasizing.”

(On if there’s frustration when you know a player wasn’t trying to hit with poor intent, but rather the timing was off)

“Yeah, and those are the tough types of plays. Those are the situations that you talk about and you’ll be interested to see how they play out because inevitably there are going to be a couple plays that a guy is trying to get his head out of it, that changes at the last second and his head might be the first thing that contacts the player’s body. But, we’ll try to avoid those at all costs and just like anything else, as you go through this experience you continue to learn and find out better ways to educate, really, your players and do a good job of giving them clarity so they can play with a quieted mind.”

(On an update on TE Gerald Everett)

“Yeah. We’re figuring it out right now. He had a little shoulder ding yesterday. We’re still waiting for the final results in terms of what’s going on with that. But, we’ll have some further – we’ll find out exactly a little bit about what’s going on a little bit later today from (Senior Director of Sports Medicine and Performance) Reggie (Scott) and his staff.”

(On whether the injury is potentially serious in nature)

“You know, it’s hard to say. Those shoulders are such tough situations to deal with in terms of, ‘Is it a labrum? How does that really effect it?’ You know, but it’s something with his posterior shoulder. We’ll find out more specifically about that.”

(On updates on OLB Matt Longacre and S Lamarcus Joyner)

“Yeah. Really, with (S) Lamarcus (Joyner), just a little soreness in his Achilles. Just being smart with him. And then (OLB) Matt (Longacre) had a little tweak in his bicep. You know, we’ll find out the severity of that as well with (TE) Gerald (Everett) and him later on today.”

(On potential adjustments players have to make with the slide rule now)

“No, I think really in terms of just declaring yourself down, you’re not going to see those quarterbacks when they’re protected be able to dive forward and get those additional five, six yards in terms of where that ball is spotted. Whether you’re diving forward or you’re sliding, you’re declaring yourself down and that ball is going to be spotted right there. So, I think those types of situations are what they’re trying to prevent when guys would slide head first. But there’s still protected players – specifically those quarterbacks – and you end up spotting them an extra five yards where they go down.”

(On if he talks to his players about making mistakes in practice and the potential social media backlash that comes with it)

“I think, really, the biggest thing is – whether you’re competing in a game or out here at practice – we talk about we never fear failure. You know, you always go for success and trust your techniques, trust your fundamentals. But, we’ve got a lot of guys that I think that’s a big thing that we really emphasize is not fearing failure and with the confident demeanor that we have. As long as you can trust exactly what you’re supposed to do – there’s going to be times you wish you had plays back. There’s times that I know I wish I had decisions back. But, as long as we’re doing everything in our power to give ourselves the best chance to have success, that’s an inevitable part, but that’s part of the mental toughness that we talk about with our team all the time. I agree with what (San Francisco 49ers Head Coach) Kyle (Shanahan) is saying on that.”

(On if he has addressed the joint practices with the players)

“Really anytime that you practice against somebody else, you talk about what the intent is, what we’re trying to get out of it and we can’t have fights. We can’t afford to get anybody injured for unnecessary scuffles, different things like that. (Baltimore Ravens Head) Coach (John) Harbaugh and I, we’ve connected a little bit. We’ll connect before we get together again tomorrow after they finish up their game tonight. Just make sure that we’re on the same page with some of the things that we’re asking our players of and exactly what we’re trying to get done and if we don’t follow those rules, then guys won’t be able to participate.”

(On what role Nutritionist Joey Blake plays and having guys ready for these practices day in and day out)

“Yeah, Joey Blake is our nutritionist and he’s done an excellent job of really making sure that we’re up to speed in terms of when guys lose fluids – getting them up to date on that. Getting them specific diets based on exactly what you’re trying to get done. Are you trying to maintain? Are you trying to gain weight? The proper nutrition, even things that are some natural sleep supplements that – he helps me out with those to help me go to bed and wind down at night. But, those are the biggest things that it’s kind of all encompassing in terms of, we understand the importance of your diet, especially when you’re losing as many fluids as you are when you’re partaking in physical activities. He’s really been excellent and really I would tell you that one of the things that being in this role has been able to provide me is, you continue to learn yourself on how to best go about it and how to utilize these guys, so that you can try to create an edge for your players most importantly.”

Rams start practice in 45 minutes. ICYMI LAT columnist @dylanohernandez wrote that if Donald holdout continues into regular season, the Rams should "Dump him." https://t.co/nv34uAU9Rl

— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) August 2, 2018

canadaram wrote:

“He hates these cans.”

Elvis 8/2

I was pleasantly surprised to see them in pads yet again, that’s 4 straight practices (though Tuesday was a day off).

It’s still amazing how far we’ve come in such a short time. The offense seems to be as for real as real can be. There was a stretch when the ball pretty much never hit the ground. They never seem confused, never line up wrong, the Oline mostly handled whatever Wade threw at them.

I know it’s only training camp but training camp sure didn’t look like this last year or the year before.

Let’s just hope this is for real and everyone stays healthy.

Downtown Rams@DowntownRams
We talk all day about Wentz vs Goff and how that was a mistake but bottom line even as someone who wanted Wentz. The only mistake that would have been made was not trading up for either one of those two QB’s.