USA TODAY's Jarrett Bell reported the NFL has "struck partnerships" with two HBCU conferences -- the MEAC and SWAC -- to "boost opportunities for non-playing careers in pro football." With athletic trainers, communications specialists and administrative roles "among the areas targeted, it marks another layer for diversity efforts beyond the emphasis on coaching and management in recent years." NFL Exec VP/Football Operations Troy Vincent said that the initiative will "include internships and job shadows at the league and team levels," and the "incorporation of HBCU staffers -- athletic trainers, video directors and equipment managers -- at NFL regional combines" (USATODAY.com, 5/6).
FAMILY FEUD: PRO FOOTBALL TALK’s Mike Florio said the NFL's "Welcome to the Family" slogan used around the NFL Draft is simply a "marketing slogan aimed at getting people to tune in ... and strengthen the fan's emotional connections to the NFL." Florio: "As it relates to how the NFL views its players, for the most part it's a bunch of garbage. They are faceless, nameless commodities who are bought and sold, acquired and cut, traded and disregarded based upon what extent they can help the team win.” He added, "It's not a family. It sounds good ... but it's just not the truth" ("Quick Slants," CSN New England, 5/7).
THE DALY SHOW: John Daly finished this weekend tied for 17th in his first PGA Tour Champions tournament, and Golf Channel’s Gary Williams said Daly is the "biggest thing that they have gotten since Fred Couples -- and I actually think it is even bigger than Freddie." Over the past 10-15 years, purses on the senior tour have "leveled off" and some of the "best players of this generation are not making a choice to go play there on a regular basis." Williams: "John Daly is the best gift that this tour has had in well over a decade because he is going to play every single week. … He moves the needle. They need a needle-mover on that tour” (“Morning Drive,” Golf Channel, 5/9).
NORTHERN LIGHTS? In DC, Jake Russell noted MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred again on Thursday "named Montreal as one of his two personal front-runners" for a franchise. He said, "My personal, sort of, front-runner would be either Montreal or Mexico City. ... It would be great for the growth of the game. I think Mexico City in particular would be new ground for us obviously" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 5/6).
