We guess this is the NFL’s version of the Scared Straight program, where young offenders get a glimpse into what their lives will become as hardened criminals and subsequently turn their backs on crime.

In this version, the NFL has asked Adam “Pacman” Jones to be part of a panel discussion at the league’s rookie symposium held at the end of the month.

Really? You’re asking the man famous for ‘making it rain’ to Shepard the future of the league?

We assume the theme of Jones’ particular talk will be ‘do as I say, not as I do.’

Seriously, this dude is the poster boy of how legal troubles can derail a promising career.

The sixth overall pick in 2005, Jones was suspended for the entire 2007 season for his role in a Las Vegas strip club shooting. Beyond the NFL’s sanction, he was sentenced to one year of probation.

Tennessee had seen enough and dealt him to the Cowboys prior to the 2008 draft. Then came suspension No. 2 as an alcohol-related tiff with a bodyguard that the Cowboys had provided earned Jones another six games on the sidelines.

Jones could face a third suspension from the NFL after pleading guilty in January to misdemeanour disorderly conduct.

And in a couple of weeks, Jones will be sharing his wisdom with the newest crop of NFL rookies.

Meanwhile, Ed Reed was a no-show for Baltimore’s first day of mandatory minicamps. The Ravens don’t have a clue why Reed was AWOL. Reed has talked about retirement several times and doesn’t seem pleased with his current contract, but according to Ray Lewis, Reed is dealing with a family issue and will report to camp in late-July. Why he couldn’t have contacted the club and told them that is anyone’s guess. Factor in the ongoing Terrell Suggs saga and it’s been a rough and contentious offseason for the Ravens so far.

Reed isn’t the only star missing as teams open minicamps. Kansas City’s Dwayne Bowe is not as the Chiefs’ camp, but given that he has not yet signed his franchise tender, he’s technically not under contract. And that means he’s exempt from the final series of workouts before training camp kicks off next month. But Bowe’s absence could make it difficult for him to be fully prepared once the season begins.

And the biggest absence of all is Maurice Jones-Drew at the Jags’ camp. With MJD, it’s all about the contract. He’s coming off his best season and wants to be paid like one of the best running backs in the league, but the team has no plans to renegotiate his deal. This one could get ugly, folks. We already posted early reactions to this news at Storify.

Reports suggest that at least four teams – including the Colts and Lions – have been spurned in their efforts to land him. Jenkins reportedly isn’t pleased with this situation, so you have to wonder why Dallas doesn’t go ahead and get what it can for a player who’s attitude may be a roadblock during a season in which this team plans to go for all the marbles – especially with some thinking the Cowboys’ window is closing. more

The NFL draft is looming, a proverbial Christmas in April, where football fans get a little taste of the action without a snap being taken. In many ways it is just as interesting as the games themselves, and the storylines and headlines are always aplenty. more

Put on your prognostication headgear and decide which team is going to win the Super Bowl and how many total points will be scored. Those that choose the winner and get closest to the total number of points scored will win. more

Early on, it sure looked like the ugliness of 2010 was going to carry on into 2011 for the Cards. Yes, they won their opener over Carolina, but then proceeded to drop their next six games, four of which were by four points or less. In two of the first three losses on that skid, ‘Zona let fourth-quarter leads slip away. more