July 23, 2012; Bethlehem, PA. USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid addresses the media prior to training camp at Lehigh University. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE

Garrett Reid was found dead in his room at Lehigh University Sunday morning. Andy was, of course, absent from the practice field today. Eagles GM Howie Roseman broke the news to the press:

“I have some heartbreaking news to share with you all. It is with great sadness that I tell you Garrett Reid, the oldest son of Coach Reid, was found dead this morning in his room here at training camp. This is a tough morning for all us.”

Indeed. Some of you readers may recall that Garrett had a history of drug abuse and run-ins with the law as a result. In 2008, he was sentenced to two years of drug rehab after being found having nearly 100 prescription pills in his rectum while in prison for a car crash the previous year that left a woman seriously injured. Garrett was found to be under the influence of heroin at the time.

Edward Schupp, Chief of Police at Lehigh, said a 911 call was made at 7:20 a.m. and added that Garrett Reid was deceased upon a policeman’s arrival at the campus dormitory. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful and he stated there were “no suspicious activities” present, which leads this writer to believe it was likely a drug overdose but toxicology reports won’t be available for a few weeks.

What is, or should be, well-known is that prescription painkillers mixed with alcohol work together to depress the central nervous system and can cause respiratory arrest if taken too closely together. Such a thing should never be done under any circumstances, but at this point the cause of death is conjecture.

Ironically, when Garrett was sentenced for the heroin-induced auto accident, he said “I don’t want to be that kid who was the son of the head coach of the Eagles, who was spoiled and on drugs and OD’d and just faded into oblivion.”

Reid was 29 years old.

Let’s take a look at what’s made news for the Carolina Panthers and around the NFL. (more…)

I found an interesting article today, which happens to coincide with the timing of yesterday’s piece which I submitted, in regard to my thoughts on the outcome of where each of the four NFC South teams might potentially finish at the conclusion of the 2010 season.

The only thing I dislike about such articles is that the season is so short in comparison to other leagues, that even though OTA’s and training camp have yet to begin, we’re already prognosticating on where each team will finish, whether it’s in-division or to the post season.

Probably my biggest pet peeve — a term which I can’t stand as it is, but have no better phrase to use — is when very soon, if it hasn’t started already, the talking heads will be predicting which teams will be vying for the title of Super Bowl champion, while players are still running around in what’s termed by coaches as “dresses” or “skirts.” For the uninformed, that’s lingo for shorts and no pads.

Such is the world we live in. (more…)