| 04 September 2009
In an effort to shore up what's been a bad (on a good day) defensive secondary, Lions' GM Martin Mayhew moved quickly, and decided not to wait on final cuts to be announced on Saturday. Instead, Mayhew traded a conditional 2010 draft pick (it had better not be more than a 3rd day, mid-round selection) to Buffalo for safety Ko Simpson. It's expected the 3 year NFL veteran will immediately be penciled into the starting lineup next to rookie Louis Delmas.
I'll let Mlive's Killer Kowalski give you the scoop on Ko:
Simpson, a former fourth-round draft pick in the 2006 draft, has started 27 games during his three-year career in Buffalo. He has a total of two interceptions, one sack and one fumble recovery.
As to Simpson only making one appearance in 2007, it's due to his suffering a season ending leg injury in the Bills' opening game.
If the Simpson name sounds familiar to you...and no, I'm not bringing up Orenthal James...it's due to a little police altercation Ko had with Columbia, SC police while boozing it up this past New Years Eve. The newest Detroit Lion decided to channel his inner Eddie Belfour when letting the officers know just exactly who they were dealing with...
Simpson was in a car that was speeding through the parking lot of the Celebrations bar about 2 a.m. New Year's Day. The driver and another passenger in the car were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after they yelled and cursed at police, according to the report.
Simpson then began yelling at officers, saying, "I'm Ko Simpson with the Buffalo Bills. I am worth millions!" several times. The officers asked Simpson to leave the parking lot and he began to walk away, but turned around and started yelling at officers again, police said.
The officers arrested Simpson because they feared his screaming might cause the large crowd that had gathered to turn against them, police said.
Um...yeah.
Well, every team needs a little "crazy" on it, right? At least he didn't try to bribe the cops with an offer of "one billion dollars," unlike the aforementioned loony ass goalie.
Hell, Ko can brag about the big money he makes all he wants, in fact, I'll encourage it, as long as he makes plays on Sunday. But in light of the Bills being eager to trade the loud mouthed millionaire, Simpson's ability to make plays remains to be seen.
But the Lions desperately need bodies, legit NFL players, on defense. So I understand Mayhew wanting to take a flier on the former starting safety. Though I'll admit a little shaky on giving up a draft pick for a player who may have hit the waiver wire Saturday afternoon.
Still, I like a GM who is aggressive and decisive in filling a perceived need. And boy howdy, do the Lions have needs...
I'm sure Simpson won't be the last roster addition we see over the next 24 hours.
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