Associated Press
The NFL notebook …
SPARTANBURG, S.C. ó Many players try to put a positive spin on training camp. Not Brad Hoover.
When the Carolina Panthers break training camp after Wednesday morning’s practice, expect Hoover to lead the race home.
“I’ve been down here so many times it just makes me sick to my stomach to come down here,” Hoover said Tuesday. “I’m just ready to get back to the confines of home, see my family at night, just the little things that you appreciate when you’re down here.”
Hoover’s ninth training camp with Carolina is one of the franchise’s shortest. Coach John Fox chopped a week off in part because he could no longer add to the 80-man roster with players who had spent the summer in the now defunct NFL Europa.
“It’s a lot shorter, even though it doesn’t seem that way at times,” Hoover said. “Camps aren’t fun. You just sort of muster through them and pick something to get better at each day and work on it. But there’s nothing fun about it at all.”
FRANKS & FAVRE
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. ó Bubba Franks used to be one of Brett Favre’s go-to guys in Green Bay.
Reunited with the New York Jets, the big tight end is reassuming that role.”I’m here when he needs me,” said Franks, who played with Favre for eight seasons with the Packers. “Our lockers are right next to each other. I’m here if he needs me. If he has any questions, he knows who to ask.”
Favre called on Franks often when the two were in Green Bay, connecting 29 times for touchdowns.”He’s been the only guy who’s ever thrown the ball to me for eight years,” Franks said, “so go ahead and make it a ninth.”
CUTTING DOWN ON BOOZE
NEWARK, N.J. ó Fans heading to the Meadowlands Sports Complex can expect fewer hours for tailgating under new rules regarding alcohol and fan behavior.
Parking lots for Giants Stadium, the Izod Arena and the Meadowlands Racetrack will open five hours before events, instead of seven.
In addition, season ticketholders who are ejected from the stadium or arena will have their tickets revoked, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority announced Tuesday.
If the season tickets are being used by someone other than the owner, the owner will be sent two warnings. A third incident will result in revocation, said Dennis Robinson, authority president and CEO.
“This program is, plain and simple, about respect. Respect for oneself and one another,” Robinson said.