Detroit Drive recieve R. Smith for Shipp and a Pick

[07.06.03] Detroit: After months of hard negotiations, the Drive was able to nab a top flight WR before the protection lists are due. Detroit and Wisconsin came to terms today after a day long conference between the owners. Outlined in the deal, was the transfer of the 161st pick (14.5) of the 2003 draft from Detroit to Wisconsin. Also, Wisconsin gave up Rod Smith (WR-Den) and in return was able to acquire an up and coming runningback, Marcell Shipp (RB-Ari).

Rod Smith has had a pleasant career in PWFFL. His 506 points put him 7th on the all-time wide-reciever list and 2nd behind Favre on the Wannabe's all-time scoring list. Originally drafted in 1999 by the Rhode Is. Ridicule, Smith only played one game and failed to score. Off the field troubles convinced owner, Libzie, that Rod Smith did not belong in a Ridicule uniform, so he was cut not long after being protected for the 2000 draft. Wisconsin quickly plucked Smith off of the waiver wire, where he flourished as the Wannabe's #1 reciever scoring 197 points, 10 shy of MVP status. Smith's production dropped off a bit from his high levels of previous years, but still managed to score over 100 points in 2002.

Marcell Shipp was drafted as a PWFFL rookie in 2002 in the 18th round by the Rhode Is. Ridicule. He didn't last long as a Ridicule, as he stayed on the bench in both the NFL and PWFFL. Once he took over the starting job later in the season, the Detroit Drive plucked him up off the free agent wire. Shipp went on to score 22 points in three games last year and showed great promise as a starting runningback until Emmitt Smith flew into the Cardinal's nest.

The General Manager of the Year, Bob, had been actively pursuing a top flight WR throughout the offseason. After attempts to trade for David Boston fell through, Detroit turned their attention to other affordable, but high quality wide recievers to fill out his lineup.

The Wannabe's have been very active this offseason. This is the second trade this offseason that has improved Wisconsin's runningback depth. In February, they aquired Curtis Martin later, they traded away their 13th round draft pick for the services of tight end Fauria.

Detroit and Wisconsin will meet in week 10. Rod Smith will be on bye that week, so a return to bite Wisconsin won't be in the tables this year until the playoffs.