NFL News Roundup: Baker Mayfield throws shade at Browns staff, Henry Ruggs' DUI case sees stunning turn of events, and more | July 12, 2022
The 2022 NFL offseason continues to roll on with more drama and surprises thrown at us every day. While blockbuster trades dominated headlines early on, off-the-field developments have gained steam in recent days.
With teams busy preparing for the new season, their rosters are starting to take shape.
On that note, we bring you some of the most gripping storylines from around the NFL on July 12, 2022.
Baker Mayfield makes it clear he's ready to compete with Sam Darnold for Panthers' QB1 role
This NFL offseason has been a rollercoaster ride for Baker Mayfield. The former first-round pick arrived in Cleveland with a lot of hype, only to see himself forced out of the First Energy Stadium after four seasons for Deshaun Watson.
Now a Carolina Panther, Mayfield is looking to stake his claim for the franchise's starting quarterback role. In his first interview as a Panther, Mayfield made sure to throw some shade at the Browns coaching staff.
"Fortunately, it comes from an unfortunate circumstance where I've learned four different playbooks in four years. So, it's not like this is my first time around having to learn something new. Obviously, the time crunch is a difference, but it's mostly about terminology."
Having to learn four playbooks is no joke and Mayfield made sure to point out that it was a big reason for his failure in Cleveland.
He also made it clear that he has no intentions of being a backup to Sam Darnold in Carolina.
"I think when you're at any level, as high as this NFL, nobody has the mentality of being a backup. We're at this level because we compete to be the very best and that's why Sam is here as well. That's why Matt Corall got drafted... And so, you know, my intention is to become the best quarterback I can be to help this team win."
Judge denies motion to exclude Henry Ruggs’ blood alcohol concentration level in DUI trial
Former Las Vegas Raiders star Henry Ruggs finds himself in more trouble. The wideout, who faces charges for the drunk-driving death of Tina Tintor, was present at a Las Vegas court on Tuesday for a hearing.
Henry Ruggs appears in court for the first time since November. The judge will allow his blood test as evidence in the deadly crash that killed Tina Tintor and her dog. Arrest reports say Ruggs was driving 156 mph seconds before the crash. https://t.co/jNWLvbqLxn
As per reports, a judge ruled that police had probable cause to seek a warrant authorizing the drawing of blood from the player to determine his blood-alcohol concentration.
Ruggs' blood-alcohol concentration was reportedly 0.16%, twice the legal limit, during the time of the crime.
Le'Veon Bell gets candid about his NFL future
Le'Veon Bell has had an interesting NFL career. From being a Pro Bowl running back for the Steelers to being released by the New York Jets, Bell has seen it all.
Apart from a brief stint with the Buccaneers last season, Bell hasn't had much NFL action in the past few years. He's now set to take part in a boxing match with legendary running back Adrian Peterson.
Bell made it clear that he has no intentions of giving up on his boxing dreams.
"This is not a one-off. This will be an introduction to everyone on what I've been doing," he said.
Free Agent RB Le'Veon Bell, who is set to box Adrian Peterson later this month, said today that he won't play football this upcoming season. He wants to focus on his boxing career.
"This is not a one-off. This will be an introduction to everyone on what I've been doing."
Bell has been practicing hard ever since being cut by the Buccaneers and now seems to have found his true calling in the boxing ring.