Jets Sign Larry Izzo

"The Jets have sent out a release confirming the signing of Patriots special teams captain/linebacker Larry Izzo (Boston Globe)."

Izzo has been with the Patriots since 2001, so it is tough to see him go. I used to have a lot of respect for Izzo, because he found a way to make the Pro Bowl twice while on the Patriots. He is respected throughout the league as one of the best special teamers in the NFL, but it all seems odd to me now since he is going to be testifying in an upcoming BALCO case. I still have not read if he has been caught for anything, or why he is involved, but you have have to assume he used. It is too bad, because I (and the rest of the NFL) really respected what he had accomplished.

Izzo To Testify Against Bonds

"New England Patriots special teams captain Larry Izzo is scheduled to testify for the prosecution in the perjury trial against Barry Bonds, which is expected to begin March 2 and last about a month (ESPN)."

What? I had never heard that Izzo was ever caught for steroids, but apparently he is going to be one of the guys testifying against Bonds. I guess he also received steroids from Bonds' trainer...

"Mr. Izzo will testify that he was a professional football player and that he first contacted Greg Anderson by phone in approximately January 2003," the court filing by the prosecution says, according to The Boston Globe. "Mr. Izzo will also testify that he first met Anderson in person in approximately May 2003 at BALCO and submitted a urine sample at BALCO at Anderson's request. Mr. Izzo will also testify that [he] submitted additional urine samples to Anderson at later times as well (ESPN)."

He really is there for background information on Anderson (Bonds trainer), and will just show that he had steroids and sold them. He is the only NFL player that will be testifying in this trial, which starts next month.