“Given the degree of devastation that Joplin suffered, we knew it would be important to assist in a sustained relief effort to support the initial wave of volunteers that jumped into action immediately following the tornado,” said Kevin Demoff, executive vice president of football operations/chief operating officer, St. Louis Rams. “We’re proud that our Staff Days of Service program has become a hallmark of this organization and allows us to give back to the community in meaningful ways like this. Tomorrow is a great opportunity for us to come together as a staff to help our Missouri neighbors and remind people of the ongoing needs in Joplin.”

If the team isn’t going to play football because of the lockout, it’s good to see the organization spending their time helping with the ongoing effort in Joplin. The area can use all the help anyone is willing to give, so if you want to participate head to the United Way’s website to get started.

“Quarterback Sam Bradford, offensive tackle Adam Goldberg, linebacker James Laurinatis, defensive end James Hall and center Jason Brown plus former Ram and New Orleans Saints tight end Ernie Conwell and DeMaurice Smith, the executive director of the NFL Players Association, flew to Joplin on Thursday and visited families staying in the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center and Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium on the Missouri Southern campus.”

Also, the Rams organization has apparently donated $25,000 to the Joplin relief efforts. You have to applaud the organization and the players for getting involved in the community, especially when a group of people is in need. It’s nice to see leaders like Bradford and Laurinaitis, guys who are still pretty young, getting involved in these efforts. I know there’s not much going on during the lockout, but at least the organ

First, it looks like my “favorite” receiver Donnie Avery is nearly back to his old self, as he reportedly ran a 4.34 40 a week ago and said he is currently at “a good 92-93 percent” recovered from knee surgery. Avery is saying all the right things, but until he proves to me that he can stay healthy and effective on a consistent basis, I won’t be a believer. I’m rooting for him, because he has the potential to give our offense a new dynamic, but I’m certainly not holding my breath.

Another interesting story came out of Rams Park this week, as head coach Steve Spagnuolo apparently held a “Mock OTA” with members of the organization. Now, you can’t fault the staff for trying to do something during this lockout, because their hands are pretty much tied right now. It doesn’t really mean anything as far as season preparation goes, but much like these team workouts, it’s better than nothing. At least it shows us that the coaching staff is chomping at the bit to get this thing started, and it’s also nice that they can have a little bit of a sense of humor. I just wish I could have been involved in these mock meetings, because it sounds like it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Ok, maybe not once in a lifetime, because this lockout