This is a video of my first day in Detroit for the Super Bowl. It started at 5 AM with a flight out of Oakland, through Chicago with my friend Colleen, and to the Motor City. Then I got a rental car and drove from the airport to my hotel in Warren, Michigan. There, I changed clothes and went into the city and to the parties. I finally wound up at the EA Sports party, then on the way back to the hotel, stopped to look at a neighborhood of what appeared to be show homes in the backdrop of Ford Field, where the game was played that Sunday.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Jets OL Jones Arrested for DWI near Team HQ
This is Priceless see my commentary at the end!
From the AP sportswire.....
Police charge Jets offensive lineman Jones with DWI
By FRANK ELTMAN, Associated Press Writer
November 28, 2006
GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (AP) -- New York Jets offensive lineman Adrian Jones apologized to the team and his family Tuesday, three days after being charged with driving while intoxicated.
Jones, 25, was fined $20,000 by the team and will be monitored by the NFL as a result of being a first-time offender of the league's substance abuse policy.
Jones was arrested at about 4:45 a.m. Saturday after he was stopped by police on on Merrick Avenue near Hempstead Turnpike -- about a mile from the team's training facility -- for allegedly driving slowly and making an unsafe lane change, said Eric Phillips, a spokesman for Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice.
He was charged with driving while intoxicated and had his license suspended after refusing to take a blood-alcohol test at central testing, Phillips said. A preliminary field sobriety test when Jones was arrested revealed a blood-alcohol reading of 0.22, police said. After being released by a judge on Saturday morning, Jones was ordered to return to court on Dec. 15.
In a police complaint, Jones told officers he had been in an accident about 20 minutes earlier; the front end of his Chrysler 300 was damaged and smoke was emanating from under the hood. Nassau County police didn't immediately have information about the traffic accident, although a spokesman noted that if both parties agreed to settle the issue privately, police might not have been called.
Jones, in his third season with the Jets, was on the inactive list and didn't play in Sunday's 26-11 victory over the Houston Texans. Coach Eric Mangini said Monday it was a "just a coaching decision."
"I apologized to my family, my teammates and my coaches for my behavior," Jones said in a statement issued Tuesday. "I used poor judgment and will be held accountable for it."
An attorney for Jones did not immediately return a telephone call Tuesday seeking further comment.
The Jets said in a statement the team was "extremely disappointed Adrian would put himself in this situation, and we take these allegations very seriously. ... Adrian has apologized to his teammates, the organization and the fans, accepting full responsibility for his actions and the consequences that follow."
Jones, a 6-5, 296-pound lineman from the University of Kansas, was drafted by the Jets in 2004. He has played both left and right tackle positions.
On Thanksgiving weekend 1999, Jones suffered a serious head injury when his car blew a tire and rolled. He spent three days in the intensive care unit at Wichita's Wesley Medical Center. Alcohol was not a factor in that accident, officials said.
Jones was returning to Lawrence, Kan., from his home in Dallas with his brother Christopher and Jayhawks teammate Derick Miller. Jones, who had just removed his seat belt to take off his sweater at the time of the accident, was thrown from the car and landed headfirst.
Jones' brother and teammate had only minor injuries.
Now you know i have something to say about this right?? It just so happens that that intersection is one of the busiest on all of long Island. Besides being close to the Jets HQ and Hofstra university, the Nassau Colusiem, the County Community college, County Medical Center, County Jail, and 2 major shopping centers are all in the vicinity, as well as a Police station and a Firehouse. Smart move to be driving erratically there at close to 5 am on any day. I know the area well....it's all of 7 mins from where i live, and i'm there at least 2 times a week because that's where my mother in law lives. So now we know why Mangini Benched Jones Sunday!
From the AP sportswire.....
Police charge Jets offensive lineman Jones with DWI
By FRANK ELTMAN, Associated Press Writer
November 28, 2006
GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (AP) -- New York Jets offensive lineman Adrian Jones apologized to the team and his family Tuesday, three days after being charged with driving while intoxicated.
Jones, 25, was fined $20,000 by the team and will be monitored by the NFL as a result of being a first-time offender of the league's substance abuse policy.
Jones was arrested at about 4:45 a.m. Saturday after he was stopped by police on on Merrick Avenue near Hempstead Turnpike -- about a mile from the team's training facility -- for allegedly driving slowly and making an unsafe lane change, said Eric Phillips, a spokesman for Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice.
He was charged with driving while intoxicated and had his license suspended after refusing to take a blood-alcohol test at central testing, Phillips said. A preliminary field sobriety test when Jones was arrested revealed a blood-alcohol reading of 0.22, police said. After being released by a judge on Saturday morning, Jones was ordered to return to court on Dec. 15.
In a police complaint, Jones told officers he had been in an accident about 20 minutes earlier; the front end of his Chrysler 300 was damaged and smoke was emanating from under the hood. Nassau County police didn't immediately have information about the traffic accident, although a spokesman noted that if both parties agreed to settle the issue privately, police might not have been called.
Jones, in his third season with the Jets, was on the inactive list and didn't play in Sunday's 26-11 victory over the Houston Texans. Coach Eric Mangini said Monday it was a "just a coaching decision."
"I apologized to my family, my teammates and my coaches for my behavior," Jones said in a statement issued Tuesday. "I used poor judgment and will be held accountable for it."
An attorney for Jones did not immediately return a telephone call Tuesday seeking further comment.
The Jets said in a statement the team was "extremely disappointed Adrian would put himself in this situation, and we take these allegations very seriously. ... Adrian has apologized to his teammates, the organization and the fans, accepting full responsibility for his actions and the consequences that follow."
Jones, a 6-5, 296-pound lineman from the University of Kansas, was drafted by the Jets in 2004. He has played both left and right tackle positions.
On Thanksgiving weekend 1999, Jones suffered a serious head injury when his car blew a tire and rolled. He spent three days in the intensive care unit at Wichita's Wesley Medical Center. Alcohol was not a factor in that accident, officials said.
Jones was returning to Lawrence, Kan., from his home in Dallas with his brother Christopher and Jayhawks teammate Derick Miller. Jones, who had just removed his seat belt to take off his sweater at the time of the accident, was thrown from the car and landed headfirst.
Jones' brother and teammate had only minor injuries.
Now you know i have something to say about this right?? It just so happens that that intersection is one of the busiest on all of long Island. Besides being close to the Jets HQ and Hofstra university, the Nassau Colusiem, the County Community college, County Medical Center, County Jail, and 2 major shopping centers are all in the vicinity, as well as a Police station and a Firehouse. Smart move to be driving erratically there at close to 5 am on any day. I know the area well....it's all of 7 mins from where i live, and i'm there at least 2 times a week because that's where my mother in law lives. So now we know why Mangini Benched Jones Sunday!
Raiders OC Tom Walsh Replaced By John Shoop - Who Is Target Of FireJohnShoop.com
The Oakland Raiders just fired their offensive coordinator Tom Walsh, but replaced him with John Shoop, currently the Raiders' tight end's coach, but formerly the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears.
Shoop was the target of a campaign and website called "Fire John Shoop" at http://www.firejohnshoop.com/ According to the website, Shoop was quoted as saying "I don't care if we had gotten shut out. I don't care if we wouldn't have gained a yard, I promise you … there's going to be the same plays in the future."
Wow.
The site continues...
"John Shoop is a fantastic Offensive Coordinator. By fantastic, I mean horrible. He couldn't move the football against a high school team.
John Shoop has wanted to coach football since he was in 7th grade. Like all boys his age he imagined his team losing game after game because his offense was about as daring as The Cowardly Lion. Just think of the comedy potential if John Shoop was the Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator. And just think of how much better the Bears would be if that were the case. Depressing, isn't it?
John graduated from the University of the South (Sewanee) in 1991, where he played quarterback for 4 seasons. Sewanee athletic records are hard to come by, but I'd be surprised if Shoop ever completed a pass longer than 20 yards. Do you want to be the Bears next offensive coordinator? Become an athletic prospect at Sewanee or whatever they call themselves. Make sure to tell them that you know John Shoop.
Shoop learned a lot at Sewanee, saying, "Those are the lessons I learned at Sewanee. Work and care are the only two things you can control.” I'm not sure what that means, but it's clear that John is wrong. If the Bears care more than the other team, and work harder, then maybe Shoop is calling bad plays. It's also Shoop's fault if they don't care more than the other team and don't work hard.
After leaving Sewanee, Shoop spent 4 seasons working as a volunteer and graduate assistant for bad college teams (Dartmouth and Vanderbilt) before becoming the offensive quality control coach and later quarterbacks coach for a bad NFL team. Since January 22, 2001, Shoop has been the Offensive Coordinator of the Chicago Bears. I think the question here is, where is the Bears offensive quality control coach on this one? In fact, the quality control coach is Charlie Coiner, who is much more qualified than John Shoop, but this is firejohnshoop.com, not firejohnshoophirecharliecoiner.com. Sorry, Charlie."
The website also has a message board, which has a thread entitled "The Raiders must want to suck."
Also I found this quote on the website: "John Shoop is the worst Offensive Coordinator in the history of the NFL."
~ ~ Michael Wilbon, Washington Post. I can't find the actual quote, but it may be contained in a post article that was not web archived at the time.
Basically, the "crit" against Shoop is that he calls "run after the catch" pass plays but such that the catch may be for 3 yards on 3rd and 16 yards for a first down. To me, that's a much milder issue that the entire set of problems brought on by Tom Walsh. But still, the one person who really understands the modern passing game -- Cinncinati Bengals Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson -- works for the Cinncinati Bengals as receivers coach, his prize student Chad Johnson breakiing club yardage records and putting in a Jerry-Rice-like performance.
San Diego Charger Cornerback Cletis Gordon Suspected of DUI - A Lot Of California DUI Arrests.
Wow, a lot of DUI stops in California. Antonio Bryant, Mel Gibson, the list goes on. I wonder if this guy's claim about the California police and DUI's is true? To see the post, click on the title of this post.
Police stop cornerback Cletis Gordon on DUI suspicion
SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE
1:21 p.m. November 27, 2006
SAN DIEGO – San Diego Charger cornerback Cletis Gordon was arrested by San Diego police early Monday morning in the city's Gaslamp Quarter on suspicion of drunk driving.
An officer on patrol pulled Gordon over at 6th and J Streets at 1:59 a.m. after witnessing what he considered to be erratic driving, police said.
Gordon, 23, was taken to downtown police headquarters where he was processed and then to jail. He was released after posting bail.
Gordon, who was undrafted out of Jackson State, has not played this season because of a wrist injury.
He is the fifth Charger to have a run-in with the law this year.
“We are all disappointed,” general manager A.J. Smith said. “We'll let the legal system run its course. It will be discussed and handled internally.”
Coach Marty Schottenheimer said, “I think we need to wait until all the facts are brought out. He was brought in. y understanding is he did the test and it was below the number. I don't know. We'll have to wait and see.”
Linebacker Shaun Phillips was arrested last April on suspicion of obstructing or resisting an officer after an altercation downtown.
The same month, linebacker Steve Foley was arrested after involvement in a fight with three officers in University City. The District Attorney's office declined to file charges.
Foley was shot by an off-duty Coronado police officer in Poway Sept. 3after the officer stopped him on suspicion of erratic driving.
Cornerback Markus Curry was arrested in October on Interstate 805 in National City in connection with a domestic violence case.
Safety Terrence Kiel was arrested in September on charges involving the trafficking of prescription drugs.
Meanwhile, linebacker Shawne Merriman just finished serving a four-game suspension for violation of the National Football League rule regarding steroid use.
Police stop cornerback Cletis Gordon on DUI suspicion
SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE
1:21 p.m. November 27, 2006
SAN DIEGO – San Diego Charger cornerback Cletis Gordon was arrested by San Diego police early Monday morning in the city's Gaslamp Quarter on suspicion of drunk driving.
An officer on patrol pulled Gordon over at 6th and J Streets at 1:59 a.m. after witnessing what he considered to be erratic driving, police said.
Gordon, 23, was taken to downtown police headquarters where he was processed and then to jail. He was released after posting bail.
Gordon, who was undrafted out of Jackson State, has not played this season because of a wrist injury.
He is the fifth Charger to have a run-in with the law this year.
“We are all disappointed,” general manager A.J. Smith said. “We'll let the legal system run its course. It will be discussed and handled internally.”
Coach Marty Schottenheimer said, “I think we need to wait until all the facts are brought out. He was brought in. y understanding is he did the test and it was below the number. I don't know. We'll have to wait and see.”
Linebacker Shaun Phillips was arrested last April on suspicion of obstructing or resisting an officer after an altercation downtown.
The same month, linebacker Steve Foley was arrested after involvement in a fight with three officers in University City. The District Attorney's office declined to file charges.
Foley was shot by an off-duty Coronado police officer in Poway Sept. 3after the officer stopped him on suspicion of erratic driving.
Cornerback Markus Curry was arrested in October on Interstate 805 in National City in connection with a domestic violence case.
Safety Terrence Kiel was arrested in September on charges involving the trafficking of prescription drugs.
Meanwhile, linebacker Shawne Merriman just finished serving a four-game suspension for violation of the National Football League rule regarding steroid use.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Colts 45, Eagles 21; Rookie RB Joseph Addai Scores Four TD's - AP
This was an amazing performance by a rookie running back who's definitely quicker than Dommick Rhodes and could have had 200 yards had he not shared the running duties with Rhodes. But that written, it's good to have the "one-two" punch.
Joseph Addai (four TDs) leads Colts past Eagles
INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 26, 2006) -- Indianapolis opened the season with a precarious chase of perfection through the air. They were finally grounded -- and on Sunday night, Joseph Addai took off running.
Against a strong Philadelphia defense, the running back slashed and powered his way to a career-high 171 yards, setting a franchise rookie record by scoring four touchdowns in the Colts' 45-21 rout of the Eagles.
For Indianapolis (10-1), it was a refreshing change from Peyton Manning's weekly rescue missions. The Colts were the last unbeaten team before a loss to the Cowboys last week, and their big rebound means a chance to clinch a fourth consecutive AFC South title with a victory next week at Tennessee.
Against the Eagles, the two-time MVP mostly was a spectator. Instead, Addai was the one making offense look easy, with his slashing runs, quick burst and overpowering style eating up chunks of yardage on nearly all 24 carries.
To Addai, it wasn't enough.
"A lot of running backs come in and do good the first year and after that they go into the tank," he said. "I've got to become more consistent."
Addai, who entered this week as the top rookie runner in the NFL, had 91 yards rushing and three touchdowns in the first half to tie a Colts' rookie record for scores, first set by Billy Vessels in 1956.
He also caught two passes for 37 yards, giving him 208 total yards.
Addai's four touchdowns tied an NFL rookie record for rushing scores in one game; he shares that mark with eight other players. He also broke a franchise record for points scored by a rookie in a game -- the previous high was 18, reached in 1956, 1994 and 1996.
"I think it started way back in camp, just learning little key things," Addai said. "That's what you have to do as a rookie is work on the small things and you'll do pretty good."
Manning finished 14-for-20 for 183 yards with one touchdown and one interception, but broke yet another record.
His first completion, a 17-yarder to Reggie Wayne on the game's opening series, made Manning the fastest player in league history to 3,000. The two-time MVP achieved the feat in 139 games, breaking a record previously shared by Dan Marino and Drew Bledsoe of 146, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
He finished the night with 3,013 completions but was more content with the victory.
"Guys were disappointed after last week," Manning said. "You always want to get a win and get that taste out of your mouth."
In contrast, the Eagles (5-6) did little right.
From a poor early decision to challenge Wayne's one-handed, 38-yard catch to a botched double-pass that was picked off by Nick Harper to David Akers' missed 36-yard field goal, the game was filled with mistakes -- and few could be attributed to the absence of quarterback Donovan McNabb, who is out for the season with a torn knee ligament.
In the first half alone, Joseph Addai rushed for 91 yards and three touchdowns.
The first time Philadelphia did score, on L.J. Smith 's 1-yard TD catch with 1:19 left in the half, it left Manning too much time and he closed out the first half by setting up Adam Vinatieri's 44-yard field goal.
"We just didn't make the plays out there," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "I'm going to step up and tell you it starts with us, as coaches, and I've got to continue to take a close look at that and make sure we're putting the right guys in the right positions."
Jeff Garcia, McNabb's replacement, was 19-for-23 for 140 yards with two TDs before leaving with a strained right forearm. Brian Westbrook rushed 20 times for 124 yards, becoming the first Eagles since Wilbert Montgomery in 1981 with three consecutive 100-yard games, it was little solace.
"It's a situation where we've got to be methodical with the football," Garcia said. "In a situation like that, we just didn't do enough."
Manning got started quickly. He led Indy on a 79-yard opening drive, capped by Addai's 15-yard run to make it 7-0.
Addai followed that with a 10-yard run on the first play of the second quarter to give Indy a 14-0 lead, then extended the margin to 21-0 when he made two terrific cuts on another 15-yard run.
Philadelphia finally answered on Smith's TD catch, but the Colts got a 44-yard field goal as time expired to make it 24-7 at the half.
The second half wasn't much better for Philly. Indianapolis forced a quick punt and Manning led the Colts on an 89-yard drive, capped by a 15-yard TD pass to Reggie Wayne for a 31-7 lead.
Addai sealed it with a 4-yard TD run late that gave Indy a 38-21 lead.
"We rode the hot hand a little bit," Tony Dungy said. "We actually ran the ball this game probably more than we have in a while, so people got a chance to see what he can do. ... He knows he's a good back, and he just wants to come in here and fit in, and he's done that very well."
GAME NOTES:
Tight end Dallas Clark limped into the locker room moments before halftime with a sprained right knee. The Colts gave no further update.
Philadelphia defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley was inactive after missing the team flight Nov. 25.
The Eagles have not won in Indianapolis since December 1993.
Colts right tackle Ryan Diem left the game during the first quarter with a back muscle injury and did not return.
McNabb is scheduled to have surgery Nov. 28 in Alabama.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
Joseph Addai (four TDs) leads Colts past Eagles
INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 26, 2006) -- Indianapolis opened the season with a precarious chase of perfection through the air. They were finally grounded -- and on Sunday night, Joseph Addai took off running.
Against a strong Philadelphia defense, the running back slashed and powered his way to a career-high 171 yards, setting a franchise rookie record by scoring four touchdowns in the Colts' 45-21 rout of the Eagles.
For Indianapolis (10-1), it was a refreshing change from Peyton Manning's weekly rescue missions. The Colts were the last unbeaten team before a loss to the Cowboys last week, and their big rebound means a chance to clinch a fourth consecutive AFC South title with a victory next week at Tennessee.
Against the Eagles, the two-time MVP mostly was a spectator. Instead, Addai was the one making offense look easy, with his slashing runs, quick burst and overpowering style eating up chunks of yardage on nearly all 24 carries.
To Addai, it wasn't enough.
"A lot of running backs come in and do good the first year and after that they go into the tank," he said. "I've got to become more consistent."
Addai, who entered this week as the top rookie runner in the NFL, had 91 yards rushing and three touchdowns in the first half to tie a Colts' rookie record for scores, first set by Billy Vessels in 1956.
He also caught two passes for 37 yards, giving him 208 total yards.
Addai's four touchdowns tied an NFL rookie record for rushing scores in one game; he shares that mark with eight other players. He also broke a franchise record for points scored by a rookie in a game -- the previous high was 18, reached in 1956, 1994 and 1996.
"I think it started way back in camp, just learning little key things," Addai said. "That's what you have to do as a rookie is work on the small things and you'll do pretty good."
Manning finished 14-for-20 for 183 yards with one touchdown and one interception, but broke yet another record.
His first completion, a 17-yarder to Reggie Wayne on the game's opening series, made Manning the fastest player in league history to 3,000. The two-time MVP achieved the feat in 139 games, breaking a record previously shared by Dan Marino and Drew Bledsoe of 146, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
He finished the night with 3,013 completions but was more content with the victory.
"Guys were disappointed after last week," Manning said. "You always want to get a win and get that taste out of your mouth."
In contrast, the Eagles (5-6) did little right.
From a poor early decision to challenge Wayne's one-handed, 38-yard catch to a botched double-pass that was picked off by Nick Harper to David Akers' missed 36-yard field goal, the game was filled with mistakes -- and few could be attributed to the absence of quarterback Donovan McNabb, who is out for the season with a torn knee ligament.
In the first half alone, Joseph Addai rushed for 91 yards and three touchdowns.
The first time Philadelphia did score, on L.J. Smith 's 1-yard TD catch with 1:19 left in the half, it left Manning too much time and he closed out the first half by setting up Adam Vinatieri's 44-yard field goal.
"We just didn't make the plays out there," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "I'm going to step up and tell you it starts with us, as coaches, and I've got to continue to take a close look at that and make sure we're putting the right guys in the right positions."
Jeff Garcia, McNabb's replacement, was 19-for-23 for 140 yards with two TDs before leaving with a strained right forearm. Brian Westbrook rushed 20 times for 124 yards, becoming the first Eagles since Wilbert Montgomery in 1981 with three consecutive 100-yard games, it was little solace.
"It's a situation where we've got to be methodical with the football," Garcia said. "In a situation like that, we just didn't do enough."
Manning got started quickly. He led Indy on a 79-yard opening drive, capped by Addai's 15-yard run to make it 7-0.
Addai followed that with a 10-yard run on the first play of the second quarter to give Indy a 14-0 lead, then extended the margin to 21-0 when he made two terrific cuts on another 15-yard run.
Philadelphia finally answered on Smith's TD catch, but the Colts got a 44-yard field goal as time expired to make it 24-7 at the half.
The second half wasn't much better for Philly. Indianapolis forced a quick punt and Manning led the Colts on an 89-yard drive, capped by a 15-yard TD pass to Reggie Wayne for a 31-7 lead.
Addai sealed it with a 4-yard TD run late that gave Indy a 38-21 lead.
"We rode the hot hand a little bit," Tony Dungy said. "We actually ran the ball this game probably more than we have in a while, so people got a chance to see what he can do. ... He knows he's a good back, and he just wants to come in here and fit in, and he's done that very well."
GAME NOTES:
Tight end Dallas Clark limped into the locker room moments before halftime with a sprained right knee. The Colts gave no further update.
Philadelphia defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley was inactive after missing the team flight Nov. 25.
The Eagles have not won in Indianapolis since December 1993.
Colts right tackle Ryan Diem left the game during the first quarter with a back muscle injury and did not return.
McNabb is scheduled to have surgery Nov. 28 in Alabama.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
NYPD Cops Shoot Black Unarmed Groom In Car After Bachelor Party 50 Times; No Explaination - AP
What is our society coming to? This is absolutely disguisting and sick. It should not be allowed to occur in America, let alone anywhere else. The cops not only killed the man, but almost knocked off people nearby with the rain of bullets -- and he and they were not armed!
Updated: 11:39 AM EST
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Groom Fatally Shot by Police Outside Strip Club
Vigil Planned for Man Gunned Down Hours Before He Was to Wed
By ADAM GOLDMAN, AP
NEW YORK (Nov. 26) - Sean Bell and his fiancee had already shared a high school romance, then two children. In the early hours of what was to be their wedding day, their reception hall lay waiting, covered in satin and adorned with balloons.
But the ceremony never arrived Saturday, after police shot 50 rounds at the groom's car as he drove away from his bachelor party, killing the 23-year-old just hours before he was set to walk down the aisle.
The hail of gunfire at a car full of unarmed men drew a furious outcry from family members and community leaders, including the Rev. Al Sharpton. Two passengers, who had been celebrating with the groom at a strip club, were also injured; one was struck by at least 11 bullets.
The officers' shots struck the men's car 21 times after the vehicle rammed into an undercover officer and hit an unmarked NYPD minivan. Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said Saturday night it was too early to say whether the shooting was justified.
The wild gunfire hit nearby homes and shattered windows at a train station, though no residents were injured.
Police thought one of the men in the car might have had a gun. But investigators found no weapons. It was unclear what prompted police to open fire, Kelly said.
On Sunday morning, a few hours before a planned noon vigil for the victims, Sharpton told ABC's "Good Morning America" that the volume of shots fired alone raised questions about the police's actions.
"How does one justify 50 shots at unarmed men?" Sharpton asked.
Also Sunday, the group 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care said it is issuing a vote of no confidence in Kelly over the shooting. It is also calling for the removal of the chief of the Organized Crime Control Bureau, Anthony Izzo, who it says created the undercover unit involved in the incident.
Additionally, the group wants a re-examination of what it says is a policy that allows officers from the organized crime control unit to consume alcohol on the job. "Who knows whether or not that was a factor in this particular shooting?" said Marq Claxton, a retired police detective and one of the founders of the group.
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A police spokeswoman did not immediately offer comment on the group's demands Sunday.
Kelly said the incident stemmed from an undercover operation inside the strip club in the Jamaica section of Queens. Seven officers in plain clothes were investigating the Kalua Cabaret; five of them were involved in the shooting.
According to Kelly, the groom was involved in a verbal dispute outside the club after 4 a.m. One of his friends made a reference to a gun.
An undercover officer walked closely behind Bell and his friends as they headed for their car. As he walked toward the front of the vehicle, they drove forward - striking him and a nearby undercover police vehicle.
The officer who had followed the group on foot was apparently the first to open fire, Kelly said. That officer had served on the force for five years. One 12-year veteran fired his weapon 31 times, emptying two full magazines, Kelly said.
It was the first time any of the officers, who all carried 9 mm handguns, had been involved in a shooting, Kelly said.
At some point, Bell backed his car up onto the sidewalk, hitting a building gate. He then drove forward, striking the police vehicle a second time, Kelly said.
It was unclear whether the shooters had identified themselves as police, Kelly said.
Kelly's account of the events was based on statements made by witnesses and the two officers who did not shoot their weapons. Police could not question the other officers because the district attorney must first complete an investigation, Kelly said.
The groom was driving. Joseph Guzman, 31, was in the front passenger's seat and was shot at least 11 times. Trent Benefield, 23, who was in the back seat, was hit three times. Both men were taken to Mary Immaculate Hospital, where Guzman was listed in critical condition and Benefield was in stable condition.
Kelly said there may have been a fourth person in the car who fled the scene.
Three officers, including the officer hit by the car, were treated and released. Another detective remained hospitalized for hypertension, Kelly said.
Abraham Kamara, 38, who lives a few blocks from where the shooting occurred, said he was getting ready for work at about 4 a.m. when he heard bursts of gunfire.
"First it was like four shots," he said. "And then it was like pop-pop-pop like 12 times."
Kelly said undercover officers were inside the club to document illicit activity. With one more violation the club would be shut down, Kelly said.
He said the establishment, next to an auto-body repair shop on a gritty block across from a Long Island Rail Road station, had a "chronic history of narcotics, prostitution and weapons complaints" and had been closed by authorities for three months last year.
Sharpton said Bell and his fiancee had two children, a 3-year-old and a 5-month-old.
Robert Porter, who identified himself as Bell's first cousin, said he was supposed to be a DJ at the wedding. He said about 250 people were invited to the ceremony and were flying in from all over the country. He said his cousin wasn't the type to confront police and that he was "on the straight-and-narrow."
"I can't really express myself. It's a numb feeling," Porter said. "I still don't want to believe it, a beautiful day like this, and he was going to have a beautiful wedding, he was going to live forever with his wife and children. And this happened."
This isn't the first time the NYPD has come under scrutiny over police-involved shootings.
In 1999, police killed Amadou Diallo, an unarmed West African immigrant who was shot 19 times in the Bronx. The four officers in that case were acquitted of criminal charges.
And in 2003, Ousmane Zongo was shot to death during a police raid. The 43-year-old, a native of the western African country of Burkina Faso, repaired art and musical instruments in Manhattan. He was hit four times, twice in the back.
Associated Press Writers Jennifer Peltz, Tom Hays and Cristian Salazar contributed to this report.
Updated: 11:39 AM EST
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Groom Fatally Shot by Police Outside Strip Club
Vigil Planned for Man Gunned Down Hours Before He Was to Wed
By ADAM GOLDMAN, AP
NEW YORK (Nov. 26) - Sean Bell and his fiancee had already shared a high school romance, then two children. In the early hours of what was to be their wedding day, their reception hall lay waiting, covered in satin and adorned with balloons.
But the ceremony never arrived Saturday, after police shot 50 rounds at the groom's car as he drove away from his bachelor party, killing the 23-year-old just hours before he was set to walk down the aisle.
The hail of gunfire at a car full of unarmed men drew a furious outcry from family members and community leaders, including the Rev. Al Sharpton. Two passengers, who had been celebrating with the groom at a strip club, were also injured; one was struck by at least 11 bullets.
The officers' shots struck the men's car 21 times after the vehicle rammed into an undercover officer and hit an unmarked NYPD minivan. Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said Saturday night it was too early to say whether the shooting was justified.
The wild gunfire hit nearby homes and shattered windows at a train station, though no residents were injured.
Police thought one of the men in the car might have had a gun. But investigators found no weapons. It was unclear what prompted police to open fire, Kelly said.
On Sunday morning, a few hours before a planned noon vigil for the victims, Sharpton told ABC's "Good Morning America" that the volume of shots fired alone raised questions about the police's actions.
"How does one justify 50 shots at unarmed men?" Sharpton asked.
Also Sunday, the group 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care said it is issuing a vote of no confidence in Kelly over the shooting. It is also calling for the removal of the chief of the Organized Crime Control Bureau, Anthony Izzo, who it says created the undercover unit involved in the incident.
Additionally, the group wants a re-examination of what it says is a policy that allows officers from the organized crime control unit to consume alcohol on the job. "Who knows whether or not that was a factor in this particular shooting?" said Marq Claxton, a retired police detective and one of the founders of the group.
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A police spokeswoman did not immediately offer comment on the group's demands Sunday.
Kelly said the incident stemmed from an undercover operation inside the strip club in the Jamaica section of Queens. Seven officers in plain clothes were investigating the Kalua Cabaret; five of them were involved in the shooting.
According to Kelly, the groom was involved in a verbal dispute outside the club after 4 a.m. One of his friends made a reference to a gun.
An undercover officer walked closely behind Bell and his friends as they headed for their car. As he walked toward the front of the vehicle, they drove forward - striking him and a nearby undercover police vehicle.
The officer who had followed the group on foot was apparently the first to open fire, Kelly said. That officer had served on the force for five years. One 12-year veteran fired his weapon 31 times, emptying two full magazines, Kelly said.
It was the first time any of the officers, who all carried 9 mm handguns, had been involved in a shooting, Kelly said.
At some point, Bell backed his car up onto the sidewalk, hitting a building gate. He then drove forward, striking the police vehicle a second time, Kelly said.
It was unclear whether the shooters had identified themselves as police, Kelly said.
Kelly's account of the events was based on statements made by witnesses and the two officers who did not shoot their weapons. Police could not question the other officers because the district attorney must first complete an investigation, Kelly said.
The groom was driving. Joseph Guzman, 31, was in the front passenger's seat and was shot at least 11 times. Trent Benefield, 23, who was in the back seat, was hit three times. Both men were taken to Mary Immaculate Hospital, where Guzman was listed in critical condition and Benefield was in stable condition.
Kelly said there may have been a fourth person in the car who fled the scene.
Three officers, including the officer hit by the car, were treated and released. Another detective remained hospitalized for hypertension, Kelly said.
Abraham Kamara, 38, who lives a few blocks from where the shooting occurred, said he was getting ready for work at about 4 a.m. when he heard bursts of gunfire.
"First it was like four shots," he said. "And then it was like pop-pop-pop like 12 times."
Kelly said undercover officers were inside the club to document illicit activity. With one more violation the club would be shut down, Kelly said.
He said the establishment, next to an auto-body repair shop on a gritty block across from a Long Island Rail Road station, had a "chronic history of narcotics, prostitution and weapons complaints" and had been closed by authorities for three months last year.
Sharpton said Bell and his fiancee had two children, a 3-year-old and a 5-month-old.
Robert Porter, who identified himself as Bell's first cousin, said he was supposed to be a DJ at the wedding. He said about 250 people were invited to the ceremony and were flying in from all over the country. He said his cousin wasn't the type to confront police and that he was "on the straight-and-narrow."
"I can't really express myself. It's a numb feeling," Porter said. "I still don't want to believe it, a beautiful day like this, and he was going to have a beautiful wedding, he was going to live forever with his wife and children. And this happened."
This isn't the first time the NYPD has come under scrutiny over police-involved shootings.
In 1999, police killed Amadou Diallo, an unarmed West African immigrant who was shot 19 times in the Bronx. The four officers in that case were acquitted of criminal charges.
And in 2003, Ousmane Zongo was shot to death during a police raid. The 43-year-old, a native of the western African country of Burkina Faso, repaired art and musical instruments in Manhattan. He was hit four times, twice in the back.
Associated Press Writers Jennifer Peltz, Tom Hays and Cristian Salazar contributed to this report.
Amanda Congdon - "Dance Across America" Is Silly Fun
This is a down right silly vlog. But for some reason I can't put my finger on, I liked it. The music is kitch, and so is the whole concept, but it works at what I presume it's supposed to do -- catch your attention for a moment.
Check it out...
Check it out...
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