Rams News Recap: June 6

[RamBill]

Finally, Football for Michael Sam –PD
There was no media hullabaloo this time for Michael Sam. No podium. Not even a Rams backdrop. The vast majority of the questions had to do with — surprise — football, rather than sexual orientation.

It Will Take Some Time for Greg Robinson to Get Comfortable at LG –FSMW
The No. 2 overall pick in last month’s NFL Draft has spent the past few weeks bonding with new teammates, trying to get to know a new city, learn a new playbook and transition to a new position.

Kenny Britt’s Two TD’s in OTA’s –Video

Gregg Williams Makes Immediate Impact on Rams Defense –St.LouisRams.com
Without delving into the exploits of other defensive coordinators he has played for in his career, Jo-Lonn Dunbar makes it clear that there is no equal to Gregg Williams.

Observations from Rams’ Third OTA –Wagoner
The St. Louis Rams held their third organized team activity and second session open to the media Friday.

Bradford does some surprise throwing during 11-on-11 –PD
As advertised, Sam Bradford took part in a pair of seven-on-seven throwing drills Friday during OTAs at Rams Park.

Michael Sam Feeling at Home in St. Louis –Wagoner
The spotlight that shined so bright on Michael Sam immediately after the St. Louis Rams drafted him has dimmed.

Rams Twitter Reports from Day 3 OTA’s

Rams OTAs Defensive Highlights

Tony Softli’s One-on-One with Rams CB Lamarcus Joyner –Radio Interview

Rams COO Kevin Demoff Q & A for Rams Fans

Burwell: Sam Bradford Hits the Field –Video

Rams Practice Features Multiple Scuffles, One Including Michael Sam –SI.com
During minicamps and OTAs, players are fighting for their positions during an intense competition for roster spots and playing time that sometimes ends in a shoving match and even punches being thrown.

Schottenheimer under pressure to ignite Rams offense –NFL.com
While the St. Louis Rams house the pieces on defense to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, it’s their own starting signal-caller who led Chris Wesseling to opine that, unless Sam Bradford emerges, St. Louis is “doomed to mediocrity in the NFL’s most competitive division.”

Kenny Britt Excited to Start Over in St. Louis –Wagoner
By the time his five-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans came to an end after the 2013 season, wide receiver Kenny Britt had long-since decided he was in dire need of a change of scenery.

Rams Coach Jeff Fisher Not Afraid to Buck Conventional Wisdom –AP
Jeff Fisher has never been afraid to buck a trend, draft a troubled player or grant a second chance.

Morning Ram-blings: NFL D-League? –Wagoner
On Wednesday, NFL Nation columnist Kevin Seifert’s Hot Read took a deeper look at the idea of a developmental league for the NFL.

Rams Rookie Profile: Michael Sam –Video

June Jones on Gilbert: “the Rams got a guy that’ll play 12-15 years” –Radio Interview

Rams QB Sam Bradford Confident for 2014 Season –Video

Bryan Burwell’s Rams Practice Report –Radio Interview

 

[RamBill]

Morning Ram-blings: Charity softball
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/9069/morning-ram-blings-charity-softball

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- We're going to begin this Saturday morning with something a little different and on the lighter side of all things St. Louis Rams.

Since arriving as head coach in St. Louis, Rams coach Jeff Fisher has been a part of a number of charitable endeavors but none is closer to him than his now annual charity softball game. Fisher's softball game is now in its third year and with more time to plan and organize, it seems to grow every year.

For those in the St. Louis area, Fisher's softball game is scheduled for Sunday night at GCS Ballpark in Sauget, Ill. It begins with a home run derby at 6:30 p.m. ET and closes with fireworks tentatively scheduled for about 10 p.m. ET.

Many of the Rams, including linebacker James Laurinaitis, ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn, receiver Tavon Austin and the team's two first-round picks, Greg Robinson and Aaron Donald, are expected to play. The complete details of Fisher's softball event can be found here.

The proceeds from the game benefit five charities.

While the players don't hesitate to compete -- it is a sporting event, after all -- Fisher has a nearly spotless record in managing one of the teams. He has a number of tricks up his sleeve and there are no shortage of shenanigans.

"[Offensive coordinator] Coach [Brian] Schottenheimer is already working on his postgame losing speech," Fisher said. "That’s how that works. But as far as runs and things like that, I don't know how much I'm going to win by.”

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Friday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... In the Ram-blings, we took a look at the idea of a developmental league for the NFL and Fisher's thoughts on the matter. ... Next, we explored the addition of receiver Kenny Britt and his excitement about getting a fresh start in St. Louis. ... From there, we discussed defensive end Michael Sam's comfort in St. Louis, including a bonus video with ESPN The Magazine senior writer Dave Fleming and I discussing the matter. ... We closed the day with observations from the team's third organized team activity.

Elsewhere:

On ESPN Insider, Mike Sando discusses the addition of some coordinators around the league, including Gregg Williams with the Rams.

It doesn't reach the level of other news in the division this week but Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman will be on the cover of this year's Madden.

At stltoday.com, Joe Lyons writes about the reunion of Williams and linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar.

Jim Thomas says quarterback Sam Bradford was unfazed by the Johnny Manziel to the Rams rumors.

At stlouisrams.com, the addition of Williams is explored.