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http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pb.../APS/307260685



The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS --
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Grady Jackson was on the field when the team went through its first training camp practice on Saturday.

Jackson, who had been criticized for being overweight and out of shape during the season last year, and missing the offseason work this year, missed the mandatory 6 p.m. meeting Friday night. He had called coach Jim Haslett and told him he would be late for personal reasons.

Jackson was demoted from his starting spot after he weighed in at 366 pounds in the first minicamp in May.

"I've just got to work my way back up," Jackson said. "It's no problem."

Jackson said he weighed 343 pounds after spending the time before camp working out and working with a nutritionist.

He worked very little Friday morning, but Haslett said Grady would get back into the lineup.

Jackson refused to elaborate on his personal problems, but said he was not overweight or out of shape last season. He skipped the offseason work because of the talk about his contribution to team problems last season.

"The rumors were that it's all Grady and Norman's fault that there are problems with the defense," Jackson said. "I didn't feel like I was part of this team."

Norman Hand was traded during the offseason. The Saints also drafted defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan and on Friday added veteran defensive tackle Henry Ford.

"I hope I'll be starting for the Saints," Jackson said. "But I think I'll be starting somewhere when the season opens."

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ARRON'S ARM: Quarterback Aaron Brooks said he thinks the lingering effects of his offseason shoulder surgery on his throwing arm are behind him.

"I don't feel there's any problem, any discomfort at all," Brooks said after morning practice.

If anything, Brooks said, his arm is stronger after 18 weeks of intensive training.

"I heard a couple of balls whistle," Haslett agreed. "When you hear a ball whistle you know he has his velocity."

Brooks said he is still adjusting, however. Not to his job, but to being a married man. Brooks and Tisa Parker were married on June 29.

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HAPPY FANS: Between 1,500 and 2,000 fans sweated out the morning practice with the players.

"They were so close I was talking to some of them between plays," said cornerback Dale Carter.

And the fans were talking to the players, too.

"Hey Hollywood, make it happen baby," a group in the bleachers shouted at wide receiver Joe Horn.

"He's Hollywood because he likes that spotlight," a man said.

"Come on Hollywood, it's all Sunset Boulevard," another yelled.