Owners Meetings Scenes

Jerry Reese, the Giants general manager, was wrapping up lunch with his wife and daughter on Sunday in the Seafood Bar at The Breakers. As the waiter collected the check, Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome sidled up and, pointing to Reese said, "Do you understand that this man is a WORLD CHAMPION?!"

Reese beamed.

There's a collegial atmosphere at these meetings. Saturday night at that same restaurant I saw Mike Nolan, John Fox and Sean Payton dining together at a back table. That's half of the NFC South's coaching staff. Tuesday morning is the NFL Coaches golf tournament. Last night, there was an NFL Coaches' reception. The atmosphere is laid-back and normally uptight and guarded coaches and executives let what's left of their hair down.

The surroundings have something to do with it. It's a beautiful joint (although the prices are in line with the beauty - $10 dollar smoothie?!). It's warm, which is a foreign sensation for many of the colder climate employees. And most coaches bring their spouses and kids with them,

This morning, Commissioner Roger Goodell is making his annual presentation to the owners. I had my ear against the door but was reprimanded so I'll have to wait for the thing to end. Be back with an update when the gentlemen file out.