Seattle Seahawks

The last time I was in Las Vegas I lost about $1200, mostly playing poker. It's pretty much the only type of gambling that I do, because I like the idea of being in control of my own destiny (sort of) and playing against other idiots just like me. Betting on sports has never worked out very well for me, and I can't imagine the kind of defeat I'd feel if I bet $1200 on the Seahawks and we both lost. I'd just be grateful that the Vegas hotel windows don't open. Early odds from the LVH Superbook are out for over/under wins for next season, and while the 49ers, Patriots, Broncos and Seahawks were sort of considered "the big four" at the end of last year they have Seattle a bit behind the rest of the other three right now; The first three teams are pegged at 11.5 wins while the Seahawks are at 10.5. Those bastards! Of course, it would really only take a margin of error of 0.5 for the Niners and Seahawks to be tied at 11 wins and it's very likely that their Week 14 matchup at San Francisco will be of dire consequence. In other news, the Rams were put at 7.5 wins and the Cardinals at 5.5. Only the Jaguars (5) sit behind Arizona in these projections. Looking down the list, pretty much anyone at 7 wins seems like a perfectly reasonable bet for a playoff appearance if things go right (Panthers, Lions, Chiefs, Dolphins, Vikings, Eagles, Chargers, Buccaneers) whereas just under that does seem like a longer shot, with the Jets and Titans at 6.5 wins. The Seahawks Week 4 opponent, the Texans, are pegged at 10 wins. The Colts (Week 5) at 8.5 wins. The Falcons (Week 10) at 10 wins. The Saints (Week 13) at 9 wins and the Giants (Week 15) also at 9 wins. Sort of puts in perspective again how difficult the schedule could be, even though Seattle is better than all of them and will win the Super Bowl anyway so who cares go hawks go hawks go hawks. Twitter

The first day of OTAs for the Seahawks is in the books. The next one that is open to the media is Tuesday. For now, links wrapping up Monday's beginning of OTAs, and some other stuff. ... --- Here is our main story on Pete Carroll's opening statement Monday; --- And the  notebook  with some other stuff; --- Here's the report from Seahawks.com; --- ESPN.com's Mike Sando says it wasn't a banner day for the Seahawks; --- Sando also looks at how recent developments might impact the openers for each NFC West team; --- FieldGulls examines the defensive line; --- And recaps what John Schneider said about the Bruce Irvin situation; --- SI.com breaks down the impact of Irvin's suspension on Seattle's pass rush; --- Seahawks.com also breaks down where the team ranked on the NFL.com list of the top 100 plays of 2012; --- NFL.com also asks if the Seahawks should be concerned about the off-field stuff; --- And finally, the NFL is considering moving the draft to May.              

Bruce Irvin’s four-game suspension, presumably for testing positive for the banned substance Adderall, finds Seattle Seahawks fans taking extreme sides on the issue of performance-enhancingContinue Reading »

Tuesday. Seahawks could be fined by NFL for players' PED violations - NFL.com"There are financial consequences for a team that has multiple players suspended in a season under those policies," league spokesman Greg Aiello said regarding the rule. Percy Harvin playing up to the hypeIn his first practice with the Seahawks – even if it was only an OTA session – Percy Harvin displayed the explosive quickness and lightning speed that prompted the team to acquire him in a trade with the Vikings. Seahawks' Cliff Avril dealing with foot injury - Blog - MyNorthwest.com"I don't think it's anything too serious," he told "Wyman, Mike and Moore" Monday afternoon. "It's a little plantar fascia. I did it a couple weeks ago. It's feeling a lot better right now and [I'm] just taking it day by day." DE Cliff Avril sits with foot issue | Seahawks Insider - The News TribuneThe Seattle Seahawks’ options at Leo defensive end are drying up pretty fast. The team’s leading sack guy the past three seasons, Chris Clemons, was not in attendance at Seattle’s first OTA because he’s back in Georgia rehabbing from ACL knee surgery. Off-field issues in focus as OTA's begin for Seahawks - May 20, 2013 | Seattle Seahawks - Seattle's live and local sports stationThough Monday was the first chance for the entire Seattle Seahawks roster to be on the field together, off-field issues overshadowed the first Organized Team Activity of the offseason. Seahawks try to stem the tide of perception regarding substance abuse suspensions | Shutdown Corner - Yahoo! SportsSeattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll may have been happy to have most of his players back on the field for the start of the team's 2013 series of voluntary OTAs, but that was not the first thing on his mind on Monday. Nor should it have been. Instead, when Carroll addressed the media after a spirited two-hour non-contact practice, his thoughts went immediately -- and comprehensively to the fact that six different Seahawks players have been suspended for violations of the NFL's substance abuse policies since 2010, and to the increasing perception that Carroll is leading a team that can't get out of its own way. Carroll was forced to address the situation this time because defensive end Bruce Irvin, the team's first-round pick in 2012, was recently suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season for reported Adderall use. Christine Michael, Seattle Seahawks strike contract - NFL.comThe Seattle Seahawks have signed second-round pick Christine Michael to a four-year contract. The rookie running back is expected to challenge for snaps behind Marshawn Lynch. Carroll responds to PED issues " Seahawks Draft BlogPete Carroll finally addressed the PED issues today in light of Bruce Irvin’s four-game suspension. He claimed the Seahawks go beyond what the league insists to keep the players on track, to understand their responsibilities. Carroll voiced disappointment and admitted it was serious, but there was no anger in his words. He was philosophical. More like a let-down father than a boss reaching tipping point. Seahawks.com Blog | Monday in Hawkville: Russell Wilson picks up far beyond where he left offA recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for May 20, as the Seahawks kicked off the OTA portion of their offseason program: Irvin present, Lynch absent as Seahawks begin OTAs - Blog - MyNorthwest.comA few notes after the Seahawks held their first organized team activity (OTA) on a sunny Monday afternoon at the team's headquarters: Cold Hard Facts - Podcasts - MyNorthwest.comJohn Clayton says free-agent defensive end John Abraham is, however unlikely, an option for the Seahawks in light of Bruce Irvin's suspension (4:05). Clayton also talks about defensive end Cliff Avril's foot injury (7:04), the approach head coach Pete Carroll took in discussing Irvin's suspension (0:30), quarterback Josh Portis' arrest

Seahawks backup QB Josh Portis was pulled over on May 5 for speeding when a Washington State Patrol officer reported noticing "a strong odor of intoxicants coming from the vehicle."

One of the hardest workers on the Husky track squad, senior Dan Sanders got a payoff at the recent Pac-12 Championships that he never really expected could happen when he walked on to the team in the fall of 2010.

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While the Mariners have struggled, their crop of young players give them reason to be optimistic. If hitters like Jesus Montero and Dustin Ackley get on track, they can help support a young group of pitchers waiting to come up from the Minors.

In his first practice with the Seahawks – even if it was only an OTA session – Percy Harvin displayed the explosive quickness and lightning speed that prompted the team to acquire him in a trade with the Vikings.

Washington junior Kelli Bowers and 2011 grad Karinn Dickinson qualified for the 2013 US Women's Open Monday, taking the spots reserved for the top two golfers from the sectional qualifier at Portland's Waverly Country Club.