From NFL Media.com press release
Tennessee Titans’ Stadium to be Named LP Field
LP, Premier Supplier of Building Products, Purchases Naming Rights
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 6, 2006) - Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP) (NYSE: LPX) and the Tennessee Titans today announced an agreement on a stadium naming rights sponsorship; the Titans stadium in Nashville, Tenn., will now be called LP Field. This agreement calls for LP to have stadium naming rights for 10 years at a cost of approximately $3 million per year.
“This is a rare opportunity for LP to align with a great organization, the Tennessee Titans, as well as the National Football League, the most prestigious brand in sports,” said LP CEO Rick Frost. “The LP brand will gain exposure and grow through this dynamic alliance with the Titans.”
Frost continued, “We are very proud as well that a great institution like Tennessee State University will play all its home games in LP Field. We are committed to making this sponsorship successful for our company, our customers, and the Nashville community.”
For the duration of the agreement, LP and the Titans will work together on several philanthropic initiatives to benefit Nashville and surrounding communities. Specifically, for the 2006 season, LP and the Titans will jointly provide financial and volunteer support to build a home for the Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, LP will continue to support The PENCIL Foundation, a Nashville business-school partnership program and its LP PENCIL Box free school supplies store. LP will now have opportunities to incorporate the Titans into these and other philanthropic efforts.
“LP is a pillar in the Nashville community with many of the same values that the Titans represent,” said Titans Owner K.S. “Bud” Adams, Jr. “I have had the pleasure of meeting several employees and am thrilled with this relationship. Both the Titans and LP have a vision of significant community involvement that is incorporated into this agreement.”
“LP represents Nashville's strength as a city at the top of its game,” said Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell. “This relationship between LP and the Titans will make sure everyone knows that whether it comes to scoring touchdowns or building a successful business, Nashville is the place to be.”
Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen said, “Since choosing Tennessee as its home, LP has shown in many, many ways that it is a considerate and active corporate citizen. This sponsorship demonstrates to the whole nation that LP is proud of its new home city, proud of its state and proud of our Tennessee Titans. I am delighted to hear this news."
It was also announced today that LP will donate its building products to Habitat for Humanity to support the construction of at least one home in every city in which the Titans play an away game in the 2006 season. Specifically, LP will be donating a kit of LP materials that provide the structure and siding of homes -- Oriented Strand Board (OSB) structural panels, LP I-joists, flooring systems, LP TechShield® Radiant Barrier roof sheathing, LP SmartSide® siding and trim products, as well as LP WeatherBest® composite decking and interior decorative mouldings.
LP has launched a specific LP Field Web site at www.lpfield.com. The Web site features events, attractions, links to ticket sales and a sweepstakes for tickets to the Titans opening home game.
Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, LP is a premier manufacturer of building products, delivering innovative, high-quality commodity and specialty products to its retail, wholesale, homebuilding and industrial customers. Visit LP's Web site at www.lpcorp.com for additional information on the company.
Friday, June 09, 2006
More on SF 49ers QB Cody Pickett - Pickett's Refusal To Play In NFL Europe Wrote The Ticket For His Possible Departure
Leave it to Profootballtalk.com to get the skinny on SF 49ers Cody Pickett. Here it is:
PICKETT'S DECISION NOT TO PLAY IN EUROPE WILL HAUNT HIM
Last week, the 49ers signed quarterback Shaun Hill, expanding the number of quarterbacks on the roster to five. Along with Hill, the team has under contract Alex Smith, Trent Dilfer, Jesse Palmer, and Cody Pickett.
Per a league source, the odd man out is and will be Pickett.
And despite what anyone connected to the team might say publicly, we're told that Pickett sealed his fate by declining the team's request that he spend the offseason playing in NFL Europe.
Though more and more young players prefer to stick around in the U.S. in the offseason and participate in the team's voluntary workouts, it's never a good idea to tell the team "no" when the team asks a guy to play in NFL Europe. Roster spots with pro football teams aren't entitlements, and until a player has proven on the field that he can get it done he needs to be ready and willing to do whatever the team asks him to do.
So it soon will be farewell in San Fran to another guy who was drafted during the Terry Donahue era.
San Francisco 49ers May Release QB Cody Pickett - SF Chronicle
I personally was never really excited about Cody's future as a star QB with the 49ers. Why? Poor coaching. I think it's best he get a release and hopefully a chance to catch on elsewhere. I'm not convinced the 49ers under Nolan is the best place for a QB.
Pickett's future as 49ers QB in doubt
Kevin Lynch, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Cody Pickett's 6-foot-3 inch frame, powerful arm, fleet feet and toughness have made him a prospect and fan favorite. But with Friday's signing of former Vikings QB Shaun Hill, Pickett's days as a 49ers quarterback could be numbered.
On Monday, Hill joined Pickett, starter Alex Smith, Trent Dilfer and Jesse Palmer at the 49ers' organized team activity (OTA). Although Dilfer's surgically repaired right knee won't allow him to participate in full practice until training camp opens July 27, his roster spot is assured, as is Smith's.
Palmer's fluid throwing motion and strong arm make him a front-runner for the third quarterback spot. Hill spent four seasons in Minnesota without throwing a pass in a regular-season game. The 49ers signed him to compete for the third spot.
The Hill signing might push Pickett to another position. Last year, he dabbled as a coverage man on punts and kickoffs and did well as a receiver on the scout team in practice.
"I want to play quarterback, that's what I've done my whole life," Pickett said Monday. "(But) as a third quarterback, you don't get a chance to get out there and play. ... We have Alex and Trent here now, so I want to be out on the field, I don't want to be just standing around."
Coaches have discussed moving Pickett to receiver.
"I want to be here," Pickett said. "If they want me to play receiver, I'll do it."
The 49ers wanted Pickett to play in NFL Europe this spring. When Pickett resisted, the 49ers relented. A stint in Europe would have allowed Pickett, a seventh-round pick in 2004, to work on his mechanics, which former offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy tried to refashion last year.
"It's been tough on Cody," vice president of player personnel Scot McCloughan said. "He had a lot of different coaches try to change his mechanics."
Still working on his release, Pickett looks erratic in practice. He struggled in his two starts last season, completing one pass in 13 attempts in the 47-mph gusts at Chicago's Soldier Field on Nov. 13.
So far in the OTA, Pickett mainly has played quarterback. But when training camp begins, he might be splitting time between receiver and quarterback.
"I like Cody. He's competitive, he's tough," head coach Mike Nolan said. "I think he makes us better by competing for jobs and maybe winning those jobs. I don't think (his future) will be at quarterback right now the way it stands."
Briefly: Wide receiver Arnaz Battle missed Monday's practice after having his right knee drained. A partially torn posterior cruciate ligament caused Battle to miss eight games last year. "There's no pain in it, just the swelling," he said. "Once I get that under control, I'll be good." Battle said a recent MRI exam showed the knee was stable. ... Safety Tony Parrish expects to return to practice next week. He had a spiral fracture of his left lower fibula Nov. 13 in Chicago.
Pickett's future as 49ers QB in doubt
Kevin Lynch, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Cody Pickett's 6-foot-3 inch frame, powerful arm, fleet feet and toughness have made him a prospect and fan favorite. But with Friday's signing of former Vikings QB Shaun Hill, Pickett's days as a 49ers quarterback could be numbered.
On Monday, Hill joined Pickett, starter Alex Smith, Trent Dilfer and Jesse Palmer at the 49ers' organized team activity (OTA). Although Dilfer's surgically repaired right knee won't allow him to participate in full practice until training camp opens July 27, his roster spot is assured, as is Smith's.
Palmer's fluid throwing motion and strong arm make him a front-runner for the third quarterback spot. Hill spent four seasons in Minnesota without throwing a pass in a regular-season game. The 49ers signed him to compete for the third spot.
The Hill signing might push Pickett to another position. Last year, he dabbled as a coverage man on punts and kickoffs and did well as a receiver on the scout team in practice.
"I want to play quarterback, that's what I've done my whole life," Pickett said Monday. "(But) as a third quarterback, you don't get a chance to get out there and play. ... We have Alex and Trent here now, so I want to be out on the field, I don't want to be just standing around."
Coaches have discussed moving Pickett to receiver.
"I want to be here," Pickett said. "If they want me to play receiver, I'll do it."
The 49ers wanted Pickett to play in NFL Europe this spring. When Pickett resisted, the 49ers relented. A stint in Europe would have allowed Pickett, a seventh-round pick in 2004, to work on his mechanics, which former offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy tried to refashion last year.
"It's been tough on Cody," vice president of player personnel Scot McCloughan said. "He had a lot of different coaches try to change his mechanics."
Still working on his release, Pickett looks erratic in practice. He struggled in his two starts last season, completing one pass in 13 attempts in the 47-mph gusts at Chicago's Soldier Field on Nov. 13.
So far in the OTA, Pickett mainly has played quarterback. But when training camp begins, he might be splitting time between receiver and quarterback.
"I like Cody. He's competitive, he's tough," head coach Mike Nolan said. "I think he makes us better by competing for jobs and maybe winning those jobs. I don't think (his future) will be at quarterback right now the way it stands."
Briefly: Wide receiver Arnaz Battle missed Monday's practice after having his right knee drained. A partially torn posterior cruciate ligament caused Battle to miss eight games last year. "There's no pain in it, just the swelling," he said. "Once I get that under control, I'll be good." Battle said a recent MRI exam showed the knee was stable. ... Safety Tony Parrish expects to return to practice next week. He had a spiral fracture of his left lower fibula Nov. 13 in Chicago.
Seattle Seahawks Sellout Season Tickets - 61,000 With a Wait List of 2,000 orders - Seattle P.I.
The Seattle Seahawks have sold out their season tickets this year and for the first time. It's a great sign that beyond just winning, Seattle has responded to the total product -- team, stadium, and marketing. The stadium's a great place to watch a football game. Probably the best place. The video below captures all the excitement of the Seahawks' victory over the Carolina Panthers for the 2005 NFC Championship. Here's the Seattle P.I. Article and video
Seahawks Notebook: Season-ticket sales top 61,000
Fan base best in Hawks' history
By CLARE FARNSWORTH
SEATTLE P-I REPORTER
KIRKLAND -- The good vibes just keep on coming for the Seahawks.
One day after passing out rings to commemorate the franchise's first conference championship in 2005, the club announced another milestone Thursday directly related to the unprecedented success from last season.
More than 61,000 season tickets have been sold for the 2006 season at Qwest Field, creating the highest season-ticket base in franchise history and guaranteeing that every game this season will be sold out.
The remaining 4,000-5,000 individual game tickets will go on sale July 29.
"We feel great. This has been a long time coming," CEO Tod Leiweke said. "It was a dream -- it was when the stadium was built, it was a dream when Paul Allen acquired the team.
"To announce something like this is really a sign of the organization coming of age, but it's also a sign that our fans are truly some of the best in all of sports and certainly in the NFL," he added.
More than 19,000 new season-ticket packages were sold, a franchise high, and there is a waiting list of 2,000 to purchase season tickets -- a first since the early 1990s.
The Seahawks have come a long way since those games in 2002 and 2003 when the seats behind the visiting team's bench were filled with fans wearing the opposing team's colors.
"We used to draw this kind of crowd to announce we were selling out a game," said Leiweke, who was surrounded by reporters and TV cameras.
"I have a distinct memory of that Steelers game my first year (2003) and seeing all the black and gold," he said. "It was a great disappointment."
That made the sellout announcement a little sweeter.
The team renewed 97 percent of its season tickets, the highest since the late 1980s, and the club level is sold out for the first time since the new stadium opened in 2002.
"One of my goals is always to create a football team that the fans can be proud of," coach Mike Holmgren said after a practice that ended the first week of the team's final minicamp.
That was the case in 2005, when the Seahawks went 8-0 at home in the regular season and added two postseason wins at Qwest Field, including a victory over the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship game.
"If I talk to opposing coaches and some players that came in, they say it's a very difficult place to play," Holmgren said. "The players respond to a crowd like that. And the fact that those fans now will be Seahawks fans, instead of a good block of tickets going to our visiting team, that's all very special."
Seahawks Notebook: Season-ticket sales top 61,000
Fan base best in Hawks' history
By CLARE FARNSWORTH
SEATTLE P-I REPORTER
KIRKLAND -- The good vibes just keep on coming for the Seahawks.
One day after passing out rings to commemorate the franchise's first conference championship in 2005, the club announced another milestone Thursday directly related to the unprecedented success from last season.
More than 61,000 season tickets have been sold for the 2006 season at Qwest Field, creating the highest season-ticket base in franchise history and guaranteeing that every game this season will be sold out.
The remaining 4,000-5,000 individual game tickets will go on sale July 29.
"We feel great. This has been a long time coming," CEO Tod Leiweke said. "It was a dream -- it was when the stadium was built, it was a dream when Paul Allen acquired the team.
"To announce something like this is really a sign of the organization coming of age, but it's also a sign that our fans are truly some of the best in all of sports and certainly in the NFL," he added.
More than 19,000 new season-ticket packages were sold, a franchise high, and there is a waiting list of 2,000 to purchase season tickets -- a first since the early 1990s.
The Seahawks have come a long way since those games in 2002 and 2003 when the seats behind the visiting team's bench were filled with fans wearing the opposing team's colors.
"We used to draw this kind of crowd to announce we were selling out a game," said Leiweke, who was surrounded by reporters and TV cameras.
"I have a distinct memory of that Steelers game my first year (2003) and seeing all the black and gold," he said. "It was a great disappointment."
That made the sellout announcement a little sweeter.
The team renewed 97 percent of its season tickets, the highest since the late 1980s, and the club level is sold out for the first time since the new stadium opened in 2002.
"One of my goals is always to create a football team that the fans can be proud of," coach Mike Holmgren said after a practice that ended the first week of the team's final minicamp.
That was the case in 2005, when the Seahawks went 8-0 at home in the regular season and added two postseason wins at Qwest Field, including a victory over the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship game.
"If I talk to opposing coaches and some players that came in, they say it's a very difficult place to play," Holmgren said. "The players respond to a crowd like that. And the fact that those fans now will be Seahawks fans, instead of a good block of tickets going to our visiting team, that's all very special."
Thursday, June 08, 2006
I've got a MacBook (But I'm keeping my iBook G4)!
I purchased an Intel-based Mac out of pure need. For some reason my iBook G4 would not start with the AirPort card in it, but would with the card out of it. (The Apple Store Genius Bar figured this out, not me.)
So I'm in the middle of adjusting this new Mac, while the "old" one is being fixed by Apple. I'm excited to have two computers and will dive into doing some neat things with them.
So I'm in the middle of adjusting this new Mac, while the "old" one is being fixed by Apple. I'm excited to have two computers and will dive into doing some neat things with them.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
New Orleans Saints Trade Johnathan Sullivan To New England for WR/KR Bethel Johnson- The Times-Picayune
The NFL war on the "player with an attitude" continues -- and rightfully so. Meanwhile the Pats trade a fast kick returner that can hurt a opponent -- just ask the Colts.
Saints done with Sullivan
2003 first-round pick is traded to Patriots
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
By Mike Triplett
Staff writer - The Times-Picayune
The Saints traded their underachieving 2003 first-round draft pick to the New England Patriots on Monday in exchange for receiver/kick returner Bethel Johnson.
Saints officials declined to comment Monday, as the deal is pending league approval, and Sullivan could not be reached for comment.
Sullivan and Johnson, a second-round pick, have been disappointments since being drafted in 2003. Sullivan, 25, likely will be remembered in New Orleans as one of the Saints' biggest draft busts.
The Saints traded up to acquire Sullivan with the No. 6 overall pick in 2003. They sent the 17th and 18th picks, along with their second-round pick, to Arizona in exchange for the Cardinals' first-, second- and fourth-round picks.
Sullivan, who is listed at 6 feet 3, 315 pounds, left Georgia after his junior season and was disappointing in his first two seasons with the Saints, struggling to keep his weight down and often being criticized for his lack of desire and effort.
Last season, Sullivan finally showed some glimpses of his potential, playing in 15 games and making a career-high 42 tackles.
But Sullivan failed to show enough evidence to the Saints' new coaching staff that he had turned things around.
His attendance in the Saints' offseason workout program was sparse and his conditioning was poor, as evidenced by fatigue problems during last weekend's minicamp.
Sullivan provided some optimism last weekend, saying he weighed 328 pounds -- an improvement over the days when he weighed 350 to 355 pounds. He also said when he wasn't in New Orleans this summer, he was working out at home in Georgia, where he was moving into a new house.
Still, the Saints have demanded change under first-year coach Sean Payton, cutting ties with several veterans and seeking players with high character, desire and work ethic.
Sullivan still will cost more than $5 million against the Saints' salary cap during the next two seasons, stemming from his original signing bonus. But they will be relieved of his scheduled 2006 salary of $689,083.
Johnson, 27, is due $478,000 this year and $546,000 next year in the final two years of his original contract.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder is regarded as one of the NFL's fastest players, but he was used sparingly as a receiver in New England, where most of his value came as a kickoff returner.
Johnson caught 30 passes in three years for 450 yards and four touchdowns. He returned 102 kickoffs for a 25.1-yard average and two touchdowns, and he returned six punts for 21 yards.
With the Saints, Johnson will compete with a crowded group of young receivers for the third-, fourth- and fifth-receiver roles. He could also complement or compete with veteran Michael Lewis as the primary return man.
Johnson's character and work ethic were never issues in New England, but health and toughness were question marks. He missed last year's training camp and much of September with foot and thigh injuries.
Johnson had a series of surgeries on his spleen while at Texas A&M, but the condition has not been an issue in the NFL.
Last month, Johnson expressed frustration with his inability to earn more playing time, telling the Boston Globe that he has been "totally disappointed."
"It's hard for me to sit here and watch. I hate it. I hate it with a passion," Johnson told the newspaper. "I'm doing everything I have to do every single year to make it happen. But it's not up to me. I've asked the question for the last three years, really. Catch the ball better -- I stay and catch the ball. Run more routes -- I run more routes. Something's not there."
Johnson and Sullivan now will have an opportunity to turn things around.
Saints done with Sullivan
2003 first-round pick is traded to Patriots
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
By Mike Triplett
Staff writer - The Times-Picayune
The Saints traded their underachieving 2003 first-round draft pick to the New England Patriots on Monday in exchange for receiver/kick returner Bethel Johnson.
Saints officials declined to comment Monday, as the deal is pending league approval, and Sullivan could not be reached for comment.
Sullivan and Johnson, a second-round pick, have been disappointments since being drafted in 2003. Sullivan, 25, likely will be remembered in New Orleans as one of the Saints' biggest draft busts.
The Saints traded up to acquire Sullivan with the No. 6 overall pick in 2003. They sent the 17th and 18th picks, along with their second-round pick, to Arizona in exchange for the Cardinals' first-, second- and fourth-round picks.
Sullivan, who is listed at 6 feet 3, 315 pounds, left Georgia after his junior season and was disappointing in his first two seasons with the Saints, struggling to keep his weight down and often being criticized for his lack of desire and effort.
Last season, Sullivan finally showed some glimpses of his potential, playing in 15 games and making a career-high 42 tackles.
But Sullivan failed to show enough evidence to the Saints' new coaching staff that he had turned things around.
His attendance in the Saints' offseason workout program was sparse and his conditioning was poor, as evidenced by fatigue problems during last weekend's minicamp.
Sullivan provided some optimism last weekend, saying he weighed 328 pounds -- an improvement over the days when he weighed 350 to 355 pounds. He also said when he wasn't in New Orleans this summer, he was working out at home in Georgia, where he was moving into a new house.
Still, the Saints have demanded change under first-year coach Sean Payton, cutting ties with several veterans and seeking players with high character, desire and work ethic.
Sullivan still will cost more than $5 million against the Saints' salary cap during the next two seasons, stemming from his original signing bonus. But they will be relieved of his scheduled 2006 salary of $689,083.
Johnson, 27, is due $478,000 this year and $546,000 next year in the final two years of his original contract.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder is regarded as one of the NFL's fastest players, but he was used sparingly as a receiver in New England, where most of his value came as a kickoff returner.
Johnson caught 30 passes in three years for 450 yards and four touchdowns. He returned 102 kickoffs for a 25.1-yard average and two touchdowns, and he returned six punts for 21 yards.
With the Saints, Johnson will compete with a crowded group of young receivers for the third-, fourth- and fifth-receiver roles. He could also complement or compete with veteran Michael Lewis as the primary return man.
Johnson's character and work ethic were never issues in New England, but health and toughness were question marks. He missed last year's training camp and much of September with foot and thigh injuries.
Johnson had a series of surgeries on his spleen while at Texas A&M, but the condition has not been an issue in the NFL.
Last month, Johnson expressed frustration with his inability to earn more playing time, telling the Boston Globe that he has been "totally disappointed."
"It's hard for me to sit here and watch. I hate it. I hate it with a passion," Johnson told the newspaper. "I'm doing everything I have to do every single year to make it happen. But it's not up to me. I've asked the question for the last three years, really. Catch the ball better -- I stay and catch the ball. Run more routes -- I run more routes. Something's not there."
Johnson and Sullivan now will have an opportunity to turn things around.
Jamie Fox Video On LL Cool J and J-Lo - In Oakland He Talks About His Run-In WIth LL Cool J and Telling J-Lo She Couldn't Sing
The Academy Award-winning star of the motion picture "Ray" Jamie Foxx gave a hilarious performance to a sold-out crowd at the Paramount Theater. In this video he talks about how rapper LL Cool J treated him on the set of Oliver Stone's movie "Any Given Sunday" -- leading to a series of altercations -- and that Jennifer Lopez (aka J-Lo) was upset with Foxx because he reportedly said she couldn't sing. A claim he didn't deny in this video.
Here's Jamie Foxx:
Here's Jamie Foxx:
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