Friday Out-Takes: Since You've Been Gone...

John Cockrell Featured Columnist

Every Friday, John Cockrell will offer up his perspective on the latest NFL developments that catch his eye. His views are his own, not those of the Patriots. He speaks for himself but he writes for Patriots.com.

LaDainian Tomlinson.

Since You've Been Gone...

The gap bridging our season-ending column and our "Reality TV Trifecta ( American Idol, Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, Amazing Race ) meets the Combine" Edition, has been overstocked with storylines. Yes, despite a distinct lack of NFL action or anyone even approaching ADAM LAMBERT or JOHNNY FAIRPLAY levels of reality TV intrigue, we've witnessed Moments Big (TIGER's zombie-like SNL skit of a "Now go hug your Mom" speech, LINDSEY VONN's post-bruise run for Olympic Gold, and the best empty-net goal EVER) and Small (the sudden, shocking appeal of Survivor villain "Boston Rob," the release of fragile, former star running backs BRIAN "Questionable: Ankle" WESTBROOK and LADAINIAN "Doubtful: Heart" TOMLINSON, and whatever the hell JOHNNY WEIR wore on his way to finishing sixth in Vancouver - way to bring home the J.V. Bronze, Johnny!) So, before getting to the whistles and balls that made up last week's pre-draft festivities at Lucas Oil stadium, permit us to elaborate on a few of the forty times we've felt like sitting down and typing up stuff as of late.