The Sports Business Daily has a great -- if not well structured -- set of news postings on events and people related to the reopening of the Superdome and this evening's Atlanta Falcons v. New Orleans Saints game.
Superdome Readies For Its Grand Re-Opening Tonight On “MNF”
Superdome Receiving $185M In Renovations
The Superdome will reopen tonight for the first time since Hurricane Katrina for the Falcons-Saints “MNF” game, and the refurbished stadium, “other than the concrete-and-steel superstructure, ... looks nothing like the battered building that almost imploded a year ago,” according to a front-page piece by Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE. The “multiphase renovation that will top out at” $185M is more than three-quarters finished, and the Superdome is “more fan-friendly and noticeably brighter than before.” SMG Regional VP Doug Thornton said the Dome is “greatly improved, not just repaired” (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 9/24). Thornton: “There’s a fresh feel. I never thought it would look this good so fast” (SHREVEPORT TIMES, 9/25). Louisiana Stadium & Exposition District (LSED) attorney Larry Roedel said, “It was not an option to demolish the dome. The only option was to make it new and bright, so people could focus on the future” (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 9/24).
FULLY STAFFED FOR SEASON: SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL’s Don Muret reports SMG completed one of its “largest recruiting and training efforts to hire 2,500 part-time event workers” for the Saints’ home schedule. Thornton said, “We have less than half the employees that we had before, but the people that are back are experienced, having been through many Super Bowls and Final Fours. That’s a big plus” (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 9/25 issue).
McAllister Feels Game Will Provide
Brief Respite For Football Fans
GAME A BREAK FROM NORMAL LIFE: In New Orleans, Jimmy Smith writes the game “provides a welcome respite from the often depressing grind of everyday life for those who call this area home.” Saints QB Drew Brees said, “I think a lot of people will see from the broadcast that, hey, this city is very much alive” (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 9/25). Saints RB Deuce McAllister said, “Instead of (people) wondering are they going to continue to haggle with their insurance people, are they going to have to continue to work on their home, for three hours they can go and cheer for their Saints” (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 9/25). In Massachusetts, Albert Breer writes, “Tonight is a time to put [rebuilding efforts] on the back burner for a few hours. And celebrate some of the progress that’s already been made” (METROWEST DAILY NEWS, 9/25). Roedel said, “The general feeling is that if sports and entertainment can make a comeback, the rest of the community can as well. It’s difficult to just focus on sports and entertainment because the damage is so much bigger than that, but it gives people something to rally around” (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 9/24). Thornton: “If you can rebuild a 2-million-square-foot facility, there’s hope for our neighborhoods and for our city” (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 9/25).
SENDING A MESSAGE: Tony Kornheiser, who will broadcast the game tonight on ESPN, toured New Orleans Friday with several reporters and editors from the Times-Picayune. Kornheiser writes, “When I told my guides that, instead of a football game, everyone should be focusing on building houses, repatriating people and making sure they could come back here to live, they politely set me straight. ... This game means a tremendous amount to them. ... The building sends a powerful message of a positive sort –- come here as a tourist” (WASHINGTON POST, 9/25). Historian Douglas Brinkley, who wrote “The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” said, “We have two industries -– ports and tourism. That’s been the justification for going forward with Mardi Gras and fixing the Superdome -– that we have to revive those industries or the city won’t survive.” In Houston, David Barron writes the Superdome “serves as a gleaming symbol of the possibilities of a rebuilt New Orleans” (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 9/25).
SYMBOL OF SURVIVAL: In DC, Les Carpenter wrote the Superdome’s reopening is “the seminal event in the city’s recovery, a gesture that New Orleans might survive after all.” Local businesses have been asked to close at 3:00pm CT, and workers are encouraged to wear Saints colors (WASHINGTON POST, 9/24). In Atlanta, Steve Hummer: “This is the moment meant to show the world New Orleans has a pulse again” (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 9/24). In Chicago, Don Pierson: “The Superdome has become a symbol of government success and civic rebirth” (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 9/24). In California, Cam Inman: “Tonight’s unveiling ... might be the most remarkable achievement in the Superdome’s history” (CONTRA COSTA TIMES, 9/25). Fox’ Terry Bradshaw, who is from Shreveport, said, “I can’t be more proud of a city, or even Mr. Benson, the owner. ... Right now, we’ve got something to live for, something to look forward to.” Fox’ Joe Buck added, “I know I speak on behalf of all of us, though, when I say $185(M) spent on refurbishing the (Superdome), we hope the same type of effort and that same type of money, even obviously millions more, will be spent on bringing people back into their homes in that region” (“Fox NFL Sunday,” Fox, 9/24).
Thornton Says He Has Had Talks With
NCAA, NFL About Hosting Marquee Events
LONG ROAD AHEAD: New Orleans-based Columbus Properties President & CEO Joe Canizaro said, “It’s going to take 10 years if it takes a day to get us back to where we were. But we have to start somewhere, and this night is that start” (SPORTING NEWS, 9/29 issue). Former Saints QB and New Orleans resident Archie Manning said, “Long-term, I worry. ... I just hope we can keep up the momentum. It’s going to take a lot” (NEWSDAY, 9/24). But Thornton said, “It’s a bright future. We’ve already had conversations with the NCAA and with the NFL (about hosting their jewel events). The Super Bowl situation is totally dependent upon a long-term lease with the Saints. And they are going to play a collegiate national championship here in 2008” (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 9/24).
NOT ENOUGH ATTENTION ELSEWHERE: In L.A., Sam Farmer writes in a front-page piece that “not everyone agrees that rebuilding the football stadium should have been a top priority.” New Orleans resident Karenlynn Bell said, “I don’t want to set foot in there, even for a game. It’s more for the tourists, more for the people on the West Side. The evacuees ... you don’t hear them excited” (L.A. TIMES, 9/25). New Orleans resident Dee Jabar, who is $120,000 in debt after reopening his business, said the city “should be busy worrying about how to survive and rebuild rather than about a team that earns millions of dollars” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 9/24). New Orleans resident Harrison Smothers said, “It’s a football game. It’s not doing much for the people of the city. It might do something for the politicians” (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 9/24). In Westchester, Ian O’Connor wrote, “I’ve covered the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and the national championship football game in the Superdome, and I’ll never be able to look at the stadium as anything but a hiding place for Hurricane Katrina victims. ... Just understand that this is show business, and that nothing on your TV screen [tonight] makes the disaster any less epic, or our government’s embarrassingly slow reaction to it any less real” (Westchester JOURNAL NEWS, 9/24).
Writer Believes Tagliabue’s (c) Handling
Of Situation Could Be Crowning Moment
IMPORTANT FIGURES: The TIMES-PICAYUNE’s Duncan wrote Thornton, Roedel and Superdome Commission Chair Tim Coulon “in essence ... saved pro sports in New Orleans. ... And they did it pretty much on their own, under the radar, while a crippled city was still on its knees.” Roedel “plotted legal strategy and navigated the mountains of paperwork,” while Coulon “served as the liaison between the LSED team and Baton Rouge, communicating daily with [Louisiana Gov. Kathleen] Blanco, the LSED board of commissioners and state legislators.” Meanwhile, Thornton “negotiated the $20[M] grant from the NFL toward the Superdome renovation and spearheaded the agreement that landed the 2008 NBA All-Star Game for the city.” NBA President of League & Basketball Operations Joel Litvin said, “Doug was easily the most important person in the whole process. He was the go-to guy on every single issue, and he delivered on everything he promised” (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 9/24). Thornton is featured in an extensive piece by CBS SPORTSLINE.com’s Mike Freeman under the header, “One Man’s Heroics Helped Save City, Superdome” (CBS SPORTSLINE.com, 9/20). Thornton also was profiled on CBS’ “The Early Show” Saturday (THE DAILY).
NFL’S ROLE: In a separate piece, the TIMES-PICAYUNE’s Duncan wrote former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue’s handling of the situation “will rank as one of the biggest accomplishments of his 17-year tenure.” Thornton said of Tagliabue, who will attend the game tonight, “His leadership and decision-making certainly had a huge impact on where we are today. We couldn’t have accomplished what we did without the NFL” (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 9/24). A TIMES-PICAYUNE editorial stated the city had “much-appreciated help” from Thornton, Tagliabue and current NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Also, Saints Owner Tom Benson’s “statements about the Saints’ future in New Orleans gave fans hope” (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 9/24).
LENDING A HELPING HAND: In New Orleans, Benjamin Hochman reported Saturday’s “NFL Junior Player Development Homecoming Jamboree” was one of several events “that brought together corporations and volunteers to clean the city and raise awareness.” At the event, the Saints welcomed 75 youth athletes from New Orleans and 75 from Atlanta, which included some New Orleans evacuees, “to play football and clean the playground.” TNT’s Kenny Smith also hosted several charitable events that included visits from Hornets G Chris Paul, Warriors G Baron Davis, Heat C Alonzo Mourning, Nuggets F Kenyon Martin and Bulls G Ben Gordon (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 9/24).
A NEW MORNING: ABC’s “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts was live at the Superdome during this morning’s show. In addition to a report on the reopening, segments from the venue included a profile of Thornton and a taped interview with U2’s The Edge and Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong. CBS’ “The Early Show” and NBC’s “Today” also reported on the Superdome this morning (THE DAILY).
Monday, September 25, 2006
Fordham Spire - Does Chicago Really Need A 2,000-Foot Tall Building?
I was born in Chicago. At the age of six, my now late father drove me around the City and explained concepts like zoning and planning to me. He took me to the tallest buildings in Chicago and made me appreciate not just big buildings but the idea that Chicago was home to them. So, my college major was City Planning, and that was my focus in grad school. I love that Chicago embraces the big building.
But this one?
Fordham Spire was introduced over a year ago and has created a buzz around the country. It's a proposed twisting concrete building that will consist of 300 condo right by Lake Michigan and all priced at Pluto-level rates.
And Pluto doesn't even exist anymore, right?
At 2,000 feet, I ask this question: does Chicago need a structure of this size? In a city already laden with condos, and Donald Trump looking to plant another phalic flag of a set of dwelling units 1,360 feet into the sky, what does my city really need with this concrete monstrosity?
Hey, it's certainly innovative and the planning commission gave it the OK.
But. Geez. I just don't know. I'll have to give this one more thought. It's -- my objections -- have nothing to do with 9/11 at all. I just think there are limits to some things. This is just too tall to me.
But if it's built, I'll have to go up to the top. My Dad wouldn't have it any other way.
Here's a video on the tower. Ignore the music that comes with it.
Report - War In Iraq Cause of Higher Terrorism Threat
Well, many have said it, but now comes this report discussed in the San Francisco Chronicle which proves that the War in Iraq has only made the threat of terrorism worse and spread Islamic radicalism.
Jeremy Shockey Claims NY Giants Were Outcoached By Seahawks
I disagree with Jeremy on the role of the coach. I don't think the coach has to call the play. There was a time when NFL quarterbacks were expected to call plays and know the system. I think a middle ground should be established in any organization's system. This was also not the first time such a comment was made about Tom Coughlin's system. It seems to me that -- to be blunt -- the Giants staff doesn't have a good set of contengency plans in case the opponent comes into a game with an approach they did't use before.
Shockey criticizes Coughlin after Giants' loss
NFL.com wire reports
SEATTLE (Sept. 24, 2006) -- Jeremy Shockey is at it again.
New York's volatile tight end criticized coach Tom Coughlin after the Giants fell behind by 35 points early before losing to Seattle 42-30.
"We got outplayed, and outcoached. Write that down," Shockey said.
Asked what he meant by outcoached, Shockey said, "You saw the game."
It was reminiscent of comments made by running back Tiki Barber after the Giants' wild-card game loss to Carolina last season. Barber said after the game that the Giants were outcoached by Carolina's John Fox, a former Giants defensive coordinator.
Coughlin was practically shouting from a podium after the game. Sweat was running down his face at the thought of Eli Manning 's two first-quarter interceptions, a lost fumble and a 35-0 first-half hole that was the largest in New York's 82-year history.
"We just gave the game away," Coughlin said. "A team that does nothing but preach and talk about turnovers, we turn it over like nothing matters, nothing counts. It cost us the game."
"We started the game and lost our composure again up front and had a couple of foolish penalties ... We had what we thought was a good game plan together. And obviously we didn't execute."
Shockey, who had four catches for 58 yards, stewed in the locker room by himself before being told of Coughlin's comments.
"They were in different defenses than we thought they were going to be in. They did different things that we haven't seen," he said. "You can make adjustments all you want, but when they do new things and they switch things up, you really can't do anything."
Shockey pointed out how well Manning played on New York's final scoring drive. Manning exclusively used the no-huddle offense to move 94 yards, a drive that ended with his 9-yard touchdown to David Tyree.
Manning thrived in the no-huddle to rally past the Eagles last weekend. Against Seattle, Manning was 2 of 7 for minus-1 yards and the two interceptions in a conventional offense during an awful first quarter, when Seattle led 21-0. He was 20 for 26 for 238 yards after that.
Someone asked tackle Luke Petitgout if it mattered that his team rallied for 27 points late.
"No," Petitgout said flatly.
Shockey, seated next to Petitgout, said "I think it does."
"I think when Eli gets to call his plays, get his formations, I think we play better football, when he gets to decide a little bit more than just the set play and then you get to go for it," Shockey said. "But you can't play always in a no-huddle situation."
Why not?
"You've got to go by their plays," Shockey said. "They're the coaches. They get paid money. They call the plays. Every coach out there is trying to help everybody to move the ball and help his team win. You can't just go out of no-huddle all the time."
Shockey criticizes Coughlin after Giants' loss
NFL.com wire reports
SEATTLE (Sept. 24, 2006) -- Jeremy Shockey is at it again.
New York's volatile tight end criticized coach Tom Coughlin after the Giants fell behind by 35 points early before losing to Seattle 42-30.
"We got outplayed, and outcoached. Write that down," Shockey said.
Asked what he meant by outcoached, Shockey said, "You saw the game."
It was reminiscent of comments made by running back Tiki Barber after the Giants' wild-card game loss to Carolina last season. Barber said after the game that the Giants were outcoached by Carolina's John Fox, a former Giants defensive coordinator.
Coughlin was practically shouting from a podium after the game. Sweat was running down his face at the thought of Eli Manning 's two first-quarter interceptions, a lost fumble and a 35-0 first-half hole that was the largest in New York's 82-year history.
"We just gave the game away," Coughlin said. "A team that does nothing but preach and talk about turnovers, we turn it over like nothing matters, nothing counts. It cost us the game."
"We started the game and lost our composure again up front and had a couple of foolish penalties ... We had what we thought was a good game plan together. And obviously we didn't execute."
Shockey, who had four catches for 58 yards, stewed in the locker room by himself before being told of Coughlin's comments.
"They were in different defenses than we thought they were going to be in. They did different things that we haven't seen," he said. "You can make adjustments all you want, but when they do new things and they switch things up, you really can't do anything."
Shockey pointed out how well Manning played on New York's final scoring drive. Manning exclusively used the no-huddle offense to move 94 yards, a drive that ended with his 9-yard touchdown to David Tyree.
Manning thrived in the no-huddle to rally past the Eagles last weekend. Against Seattle, Manning was 2 of 7 for minus-1 yards and the two interceptions in a conventional offense during an awful first quarter, when Seattle led 21-0. He was 20 for 26 for 238 yards after that.
Someone asked tackle Luke Petitgout if it mattered that his team rallied for 27 points late.
"No," Petitgout said flatly.
Shockey, seated next to Petitgout, said "I think it does."
"I think when Eli gets to call his plays, get his formations, I think we play better football, when he gets to decide a little bit more than just the set play and then you get to go for it," Shockey said. "But you can't play always in a no-huddle situation."
Why not?
"You've got to go by their plays," Shockey said. "They're the coaches. They get paid money. They call the plays. Every coach out there is trying to help everybody to move the ball and help his team win. You can't just go out of no-huddle all the time."
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Colts, Bears, Bengals - Top Three NFL Teams Coached By African Americans
As I noted previously, the current top three NFL teams are coached by African Americans: Tony Dungy with the Indy Colts, Lovie Smith with the Chicago Bears, and Marvin Lewis with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ok. You can point out that two of the winless set of NFL teams are coached by blacks, too. But the point is, the NFL's never seen a season where all of the very top elite undefeated teams were ran by African Americans.
Some may wish this to pass without note, but that would be a crime. I personally like the fact that the fastest tall wide receiver is white -- Jacksonville's Matt Jones -- and the top coached are black. Hopefully this pattern of breaking stereotypes continues for several decades until society itself is molded into behaving in a fashion that expects and encourages diversity.
Ok. You can point out that two of the winless set of NFL teams are coached by blacks, too. But the point is, the NFL's never seen a season where all of the very top elite undefeated teams were ran by African Americans.
Some may wish this to pass without note, but that would be a crime. I personally like the fact that the fastest tall wide receiver is white -- Jacksonville's Matt Jones -- and the top coached are black. Hopefully this pattern of breaking stereotypes continues for several decades until society itself is molded into behaving in a fashion that expects and encourages diversity.
Bengals and Colts and Bears Are At The Top - Tampa Bay Bucs in Trouble
The Bengals beat the Pittsbugh Steelers 28 to 21 and The Indianapolis Colts ourlasted the Jacksonville Jags 21 to 14. I'm not surprised at the outcome of either game. Why? Because I figured the Steelers would be battle weary from that brusing Monday Night Football contest with the Jaguars -- and so I believed both teams would lose.
The Chicago Bears / Minnesota Vikings game -- different story. I thought it was a toss up. But I think this marks the first time in NFL history that the three best teams in the league were coached by African Americans -- Tony Dungy at Indy, Lovie Smith in Chicago and Marvin Lewis in Cincinnati.
Now the terrible news is that the Tampa Bay Bucs are Zero and Three losses, and their starting QB Chris Simms is out with a ruptured spleen.
I think Coach Jon Gruden may be placing his quarterback's in jepardy with his play calling and design.
I even wrote a letter to Jon that I've not yet sent. My next post contains the letter.
The Chicago Bears / Minnesota Vikings game -- different story. I thought it was a toss up. But I think this marks the first time in NFL history that the three best teams in the league were coached by African Americans -- Tony Dungy at Indy, Lovie Smith in Chicago and Marvin Lewis in Cincinnati.
Now the terrible news is that the Tampa Bay Bucs are Zero and Three losses, and their starting QB Chris Simms is out with a ruptured spleen.
I think Coach Jon Gruden may be placing his quarterback's in jepardy with his play calling and design.
I even wrote a letter to Jon that I've not yet sent. My next post contains the letter.
Free Hug Campaign - Video
I saw this video for the "Free Hugs Campaign" on YouTube and although I was a bit skeptical at first, really liked it once Isaw it.
Here's the video:
Here's the video:
Friday, September 22, 2006
Reggie Bush' Lawyer Claims Yahoo Reporter Dan Wetzel Got Info Unethically - Sports Business Daily
I don't know if it makes any difference how the information was obtained -- someone gave it up. In other words, I don't know what law was broken in Dan Wetzel's actions if this is true.
ATTORNEY FOR REGGIE BUSH ALLEGES MISCONDUCT BY YAHOO SPORTS REPORTER
By Liz Mullen, Staff Writer, SportsBusiness Journal
Attorney Takes Umbrage To Yahoo
Sports Story On Reggie Bush
An attorney for Saints RB Reggie Bush today issued a statement alleging that a Yahoo Sports reporter falsely identified himself to gain confidential financial information for a report that Bush and his family received more than $100,000 in gifts from agents while he was at USC. David Cornwell, Bush’s attorney, said in a statement that a phone message left at a Northern California hotel seeking credit card information for an employee of Bush’s marketing agent was linked to Yahoo Sports reporter Dan Wetzel. “On Sept. 13, 2006, a person posing as an employee of Mr. Bush’s marketing agency, The SportsLink, makes repeated calls to a Northern California hotel seeking credit card information relating to such employee. In one call, the impersonator left a contact number that connects a caller directly to Yahoo,” the statement said. SportsLink is the company owned by Mike Ornstein, Bush’s marketing agent.
Wetzel did not immediately return a phone call. His byline was not on the story that alleged Ornstein and Michael Michaels, who owned a separate marketing company, gave more than $100,000 in cash and gifts to Bush and his parents.
“Contrary to Yahoo’s report,” Cornwell’s statement said, Bush’s parents “either paid or prepaid, in cash, for airline tickets, travel expenses, lodging and service charges relating to the trip from San Diego to Oakland.” Cornwell also said that, contrary to published reports, Bush’s parents owed no rent on a San Diego area home owned by Michaels as of early April ‘06.
Michaels’ attorney, Brian Watkins, could not be immediately reached for comment. Yahoo did not comment by presstime. Cornwell declined to comment beyond his statement.
ATTORNEY FOR REGGIE BUSH ALLEGES MISCONDUCT BY YAHOO SPORTS REPORTER
By Liz Mullen, Staff Writer, SportsBusiness Journal
Attorney Takes Umbrage To Yahoo
Sports Story On Reggie Bush
An attorney for Saints RB Reggie Bush today issued a statement alleging that a Yahoo Sports reporter falsely identified himself to gain confidential financial information for a report that Bush and his family received more than $100,000 in gifts from agents while he was at USC. David Cornwell, Bush’s attorney, said in a statement that a phone message left at a Northern California hotel seeking credit card information for an employee of Bush’s marketing agent was linked to Yahoo Sports reporter Dan Wetzel. “On Sept. 13, 2006, a person posing as an employee of Mr. Bush’s marketing agency, The SportsLink, makes repeated calls to a Northern California hotel seeking credit card information relating to such employee. In one call, the impersonator left a contact number that connects a caller directly to Yahoo,” the statement said. SportsLink is the company owned by Mike Ornstein, Bush’s marketing agent.
Wetzel did not immediately return a phone call. His byline was not on the story that alleged Ornstein and Michael Michaels, who owned a separate marketing company, gave more than $100,000 in cash and gifts to Bush and his parents.
“Contrary to Yahoo’s report,” Cornwell’s statement said, Bush’s parents “either paid or prepaid, in cash, for airline tickets, travel expenses, lodging and service charges relating to the trip from San Diego to Oakland.” Cornwell also said that, contrary to published reports, Bush’s parents owed no rent on a San Diego area home owned by Michaels as of early April ‘06.
Michaels’ attorney, Brian Watkins, could not be immediately reached for comment. Yahoo did not comment by presstime. Cornwell declined to comment beyond his statement.
NFL v. Comcast - NFL Charged 80 Cents Per Subscription, Up From 20 Cents Per Subscription
Comcast's Brian Roberts is concerned that his organization's being forced to show expensive new NFL telecasts for Thanksgiving as part of a total NFL Network Package that now costs 80 cents per subscription, up from 20 cents last year.
Roberts expressed his concern to MediaPost and in its newsletter, the full contents of which are below in case the link's life ends.
But the question is this: is the NFL slowly pricing itself out of the very demographic it has long served? Remember that for most of its television life, NFL games have been avaiable to the public free of charge. But those days seems to be comming to an end.
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NFL Network Looks To Tackle; Comcast's Roberts Looking For Blockers
by Wayne Friedman, Friday, Sep 22, 2006 1:45 PM ET
NFL Network stands for Noose-like Football Leverage.
It’s the kind of leverage all sports leagues would like to have--especially when it comes to getting paid from cable operators.
Cable operators have been wrestling with big TV sports money issues for years: Should they put sports channels on sports tiers--making a portion of their subscribers pay extra fees for it, or should they they foot the cost and make all subscribers pay?
One can always turn around the argument: Why do those sports subscribers, mostly men, have to pay for channels like Hallmark Channel or HGTV or the Food Network, which for the most part they’ll never see?
The difference is that sports are way more expensive--especially the NFL.
Now, Brian Roberts, chairman of Comcast Corp., is so perplexed by the situation he wants to organize an industry summit to hash out differences.
Comcast, the biggest cable operator in the land, just got through an agreement where it would pay the NFL Network an extra sub fee for an entire year, for just eight live games. Time Warner, the second biggest cable system operator, has so far refused to foot the extra bill.
Roberts is now worried other sports leagues/groups will take a similar tack. For example, The U.S. Olympic Committee is considering its own 24-hour network. Even then, Olympics sports would conceivably be priced more reasonably.
By comparison, the NFL Network wants to raise its price from 20 cents per sub to a whopping 80 cents or $1 per sub. That’s incredible, considering that the NFL is in just 40 million homes and that other fully distributed networks are getting nickels and dimes in per-sub fees.
The NFL Network now wants to bully its way into people’s homes for just 20 hours of new programming for an entire year. That doesn’t sound like a lot of extra programming--especially for a year-round, 24-hour network. As the pre-eminent sports league, which bring in big ratings and big advertising revenue, The NFL is essentially putting a gun to TV distributors’ heads.
“People will go nuts on Thanksgiving when there's a game on and they can't watch it,” Seth Palansky, a spokesman for the NFL Network, has reportedly said.
That’s not quite the truth; the two teams’ home markets that appear in those late season NFL Network games will each have their games televised by their over-the-air local TV stations.
And really--how nuts will people get from football deprivation? Will there be protests because someone in Denver can’t see the Dallas Cowboys-Detroit Lions game? It’s not like they can’t see other scores of other games through the season on NBC, ESPN, CBS or Fox.
Sure, you can blame a lot on cable operators. But it’s hard to argue the high cost for eight extra games that fans didn’t know they missed a year ago. So what about Thanksgiving? How about talking to your relatives once in a while?
BEARS QB REX GROSSMAN & BENGALS RB RUDI JOHNSON PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
NFL.COM VOTERS SELECT
BEARS QB REX GROSSMAN & BENGALS RB RUDI JOHNSON
AS WEEK 2 FEDEX AIR & GROUND® NFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK HONORS
Quarterback REX GROSSMAN of the Chicago Bears and running back RUDI JOHNSON of the Cincinnati Bengals
are the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week for games played on September 17-18, the NFL announced
today.
Grossman completed 20 of 27 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns for a passer rating of 148.0 in the Bears’ 34-
7 victory over the Detroit Lions. He threw touchdown passes of three, five, 31 and 41 yards.
Johnson carried 26 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns in the Bengals’ 34-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
He scored on touchdown runs of one and nine yards in the fourth quarter.
Grossman and Johnson were selected from among finalists in air and ground categories through 139,748 fan votes.
The other FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week finalists were quarterbacks ELI MANNING of the New York Giants
and PEYTON MANNING of the Indianapolis Colts, while running backs WARRICK DUNN of the Atlanta Falcons and
FRANK GORE of the San Francisco 49ers were the other finalists for the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week.
Grossman received 36 percent of the fan votes for FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week, while Eli Manning
received 34 percent and Peyton Manning received 30 percent. Johnson’s 66 percent of the fan votes for FedEx
Ground NFL Player of the Week beat out Dunn’s 19 percent and Gore’s 15 percent.
Fans voted for more than their favorite players. The weekly FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week Awards
are also a win for the local community. Along with the player awards, FedEx is awarding Shriners Hospital for
Children and Cincinnati Children’s Medical Hospital, the children’s hospitals in each winning market, a check for
$5,000.
The children’s hospitals in the two season-long winner’s markets, announced at Super Bowl XLI in South Florida, will
be awarded $25,000 each. That means that FedEx will deliver nearly $250,000 to local children’s hospitals around the
country in recognition of the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week Award winners.
FedEx, the premier global provider of transportation, e-commerce and supply-chain management services, is the
Official Delivery Service Sponsor of the NFL, Super Bowl and Pro Bowl. Through the weekly FedEx Air and Ground
awards, FedEx recognizes those NFL players who represent the same speed, precision and teamwork that their
customers have come to expect from the full range of FedEx air, ground, freight and international shipping services.
2005 FEDEX AIR & GROUND NFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
EXPRESS (AIR) Charity GROUND Charity
Wk 1 Donovan McNabb, Phi. Children’s Crisis
Treatment Center
LaDainian Tomlinson,
SD.
Rady Children’s
Hospital
Wk 2 Rex Grossman, Chi. Shriners Hospital for
Children
Rudi Johnson, Cin. Cincinnati Children’s
Medical Hospital
# # #
NFL.COM VOTERS SELECT
BEARS QB REX GROSSMAN & BENGALS RB RUDI JOHNSON
AS WEEK 2 FEDEX AIR & GROUND® NFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK HONORS
Quarterback REX GROSSMAN of the Chicago Bears and running back RUDI JOHNSON of the Cincinnati Bengals
are the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week for games played on September 17-18, the NFL announced
today.
Grossman completed 20 of 27 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns for a passer rating of 148.0 in the Bears’ 34-
7 victory over the Detroit Lions. He threw touchdown passes of three, five, 31 and 41 yards.
Johnson carried 26 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns in the Bengals’ 34-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
He scored on touchdown runs of one and nine yards in the fourth quarter.
Grossman and Johnson were selected from among finalists in air and ground categories through 139,748 fan votes.
The other FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week finalists were quarterbacks ELI MANNING of the New York Giants
and PEYTON MANNING of the Indianapolis Colts, while running backs WARRICK DUNN of the Atlanta Falcons and
FRANK GORE of the San Francisco 49ers were the other finalists for the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week.
Grossman received 36 percent of the fan votes for FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week, while Eli Manning
received 34 percent and Peyton Manning received 30 percent. Johnson’s 66 percent of the fan votes for FedEx
Ground NFL Player of the Week beat out Dunn’s 19 percent and Gore’s 15 percent.
Fans voted for more than their favorite players. The weekly FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week Awards
are also a win for the local community. Along with the player awards, FedEx is awarding Shriners Hospital for
Children and Cincinnati Children’s Medical Hospital, the children’s hospitals in each winning market, a check for
$5,000.
The children’s hospitals in the two season-long winner’s markets, announced at Super Bowl XLI in South Florida, will
be awarded $25,000 each. That means that FedEx will deliver nearly $250,000 to local children’s hospitals around the
country in recognition of the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week Award winners.
FedEx, the premier global provider of transportation, e-commerce and supply-chain management services, is the
Official Delivery Service Sponsor of the NFL, Super Bowl and Pro Bowl. Through the weekly FedEx Air and Ground
awards, FedEx recognizes those NFL players who represent the same speed, precision and teamwork that their
customers have come to expect from the full range of FedEx air, ground, freight and international shipping services.
2005 FEDEX AIR & GROUND NFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
EXPRESS (AIR) Charity GROUND Charity
Wk 1 Donovan McNabb, Phi. Children’s Crisis
Treatment Center
LaDainian Tomlinson,
SD.
Rady Children’s
Hospital
Wk 2 Rex Grossman, Chi. Shriners Hospital for
Children
Rudi Johnson, Cin. Cincinnati Children’s
Medical Hospital
# # #
NFL Injury Report - Week Three - NFLMedia.com
From NFLmedia.com
WASHINGTON REDSKINS AT HOUSTON TEXANS
Washington Redskins
QUESTIONABLE CB Shawn Springs (Abdomen); DT Joe Salave'a (Calf)
PROBABLE RB Clinton Portis (Shoulder); WR Santana Moss (Hip)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Shawn Springs; Joe Salave'a; Santana Moss
Houston Texans
OUT CB Demarcus Faggins (Foot)
QUESTIONABLE CB Phillip Buchanon (Ankle); C Mike Flanagan (Foot);
DE Antwan Peek (Groin)
PROBABLE LB Morlon Greenwood (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Demarcus Faggins; Mike Flanagan; Antwan Peek
CHICAGO BEARS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Chicago Bears
QUESTIONABLE DE Israel Idonije (Ankle); S Cameron Worrell (Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Israel Idonije; Cameron Worrell
Minnesota Vikings
QUESTIONABLE WR Marcus Robinson (Hamstring); G Artis Hicks
(Shoulder); WR Troy Williamson (Shoulder)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED All Players Practiced
NEW YORK JETS AT BUFFALO BILLS
New York Jets
DOUBTFUL C Trey Teague (Ankle)
QUESTIONABLE CB David Barrett (Hip); WR Laveranues Coles (Calf);
WR Tim Dwight (Thigh); G Pete Kendall (Thigh)
PROBABLE DE Dave Ball (Thigh); LB Matt Chatham (Foot); QB
Chad Pennington (Calf); S Kerry Rhodes (Ankle); DT
Kimo Von Oelhoffen (Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Trey Teague; David Barrett; Laveranues Coles; Tim
Dwight; Pete Kendall
Buffalo Bills
QUESTIONABLE LB Takeo Spikes (Hamstring); S Matt Bowen (Shin)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Takeo Spikes; Matt Bowen
GREEN BAY PACKERS AT DETROIT LIONS
Green Bay Packers
DOUBTFUL T Junius Coston (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE CB Al Harris (Shoulder); TE David Martin (Knee); CB
Will Blackmon (Foot); G Jason Spitz (Thigh)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Junius Coston; David Martin; Will Blackmon; Jason
Spitz
Detroit Lions
OUT WR Shaun Bodiford (Knee); S Kenoy Kennedy (Foot);
LB Alex Lewis (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE T Barry Stokes (Hamstring); G Ross Verba
(Hamstring); T Rex Tucker (Knee)
PROBABLE DE Cory Redding (Ankle); DT Shaun Rogers (Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Shaun Bodiford; Kenoy Kennedy; Alex Lewis; Barry
Stokes; Rex Tucker; Cory Redding; Shaun Rogers
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Jacksonville Jaguars
QUESTIONABLE RB Derrick Wimbush (Knee); S Donovin Darius (Back);
WR Matt Jones (Groin); TE Marcedes Lewis (Ankle);
CB Rashean Mathis (Knee); G Chris Naeole (Knee);
WR Chad Owens (Ribs); LB Mike Peterson (Knee); S
Gerald Sensabaugh (Ankle); DE Paul Spicer (Groin);
DT Marcus Stroud (Ankle); LB Patrick Thomas (Ankle);
DE Marcellus Wiley (Groin)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Derrick Wimbush; Donovin Darius; Matt Jones;
Rashean Mathis; Chris Naeole; Chad Owens; Paul
Spicer; Marcus Stroud; Patrick Thomas; Marcellus Wiley
Indianapolis Colts
QUESTIONABLE LB Gary Brackett (Calf); RB Ran Carthon (Finger); T
Ryan Diem (Hand); RB De De Dorsey (Ankle); DE
Dwight Freeney (Buttock); LB Gilbert Gardner (Hand);
CB Nick Harper (Ankle); TE Ben Hartsock (Hamstring);
LB Freddie Keiaho (Knee); DE Ryan LaCasse (Foot); G
Ryan Lilja (Knee); DT Montae Reagor (Knee); DT
Darrell Reid (Elbow); S Bob Sanders (Shoulder); G
Jake Scott (Knee); DT Corey Simon (Knee); QB Jim
Sorgi (Right Shoulder); WR Brandon Stokley (Ankle);
DE Josh Thomas (Hip); TE Ben Utecht (Concussion); K
Adam Vinatieri (Right Groin)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED De De Dorsey; Dwight Freeney; Ben Hartsock; Montae
Reagor; Corey Simon; Brandon Stokley; Josh Thomas;
Ben Utecht; Adam Vinatieri
TENNESSEE TITANS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS
Tennessee Titans
OUT TE Erron Kinney (Knee); DE Antwan Odom (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE T Jacob Bell (Toe); RB Ahmard Hall (Ankle); RB Travis
Henry (Toe); CB Reynaldo Hill (Knee); LB Robert
Reynolds (Thigh); DT Robaire Smith (Hamstring)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Erron Kinney; Antwan Odom; Jacob Bell; Ahmard Hall;
Reynaldo Hill; Robert Reynolds; Robaire Smith
Miami Dolphins
OUT G Joe Berger (Foot); G Bennie Anderson (IR/Triceps)
QUESTIONABLE CB Travis Daniels (Ankle); LB Derrick Pope
(Hamstring); WR Marty Booker (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Joe Berger; Bennie Anderson; Derrick Pope
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Cincinnati Bengals
OUT C Rich Braham (Knee); S Dexter Jackson (Ankle); LB
A.J. Nicholson (Hamstring); WR Tab Perry (Hip)
DOUBTFUL WR Antonio Chatman (Groin); WR Antonio Chatman
(Groin)
QUESTIONABLE WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Heel); WR T.J.
Houshmandzadeh (Heel)
PROBABLE DT Sam Adams (Knee); LB Brian Simmons (Knee); CB
Deltha O'Neal (Knee); G Eric Steinbach (Back); WR
Chris Henry (Groin); T Levi Jones (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Rich Braham; Dexter Jackson; A.J. Nicholson; Tab
Perry; Antonio Chatman; Sam Adams; Deltha O'Neal;
Deltha O'Neal; Eric Steinbach; Chris Henry; Levi Jones;
Levi Jones
Pittsburgh Steelers
QUESTIONABLE WR Santonio Holmes (Foot); S Troy Polamalu
(Shoulder);
PROBABLE CB Bryant McFadden (Quadricep); LB Larry Foote
(Groin); WR Hines Ward (Hamstring); WR Nate
Washington (Finger)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Santonio Holmes
CAROLINA PANTHERS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Carolina Panthers
OUT LB Dan Morgan (Concussion)
DOUBTFUL S Shaun Williams (Foot)
QUESTIONABLE CB Ken Lucas (Neck); WR Steve Smith (Thigh); WR
Drew Carter (Hand); RB Nick Goings (Thigh); C Justin
Hartwig (Groin)
PROBABLE LB Jason Kyle (Shoulder)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Dan Morgan; Shaun Williams; Ken Lucas; Steve Smith;
Nick Goings; Justin Hartwig
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
OUT G Davin Joseph (Knee); TE Dave Moore (Rib)
QUESTIONABLE DT Chris Hovan (Ankle); CB Brian Kelly (Foot); DT
Anthony McFarland (Hip); LB Ryan Nece (Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Davin Joseph; Dave Moore; Brian Kelly; Anthony
McFarland; Ryan Nece
NEW YORK GIANTS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
New York Giants
OUT RB Derrick Ward (Foot)
QUESTIONABLE S James Butler (Knee); WR Sinorice Moss (Quadricep)
PROBABLE WR Tim Carter (Ankle); TE Jeremy Shockey (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Derrick Ward; James Butler; Sinorice Moss; Tim Carter;
Tim Carter; Jeremy Shockey
Seattle Seahawks
OUT TE Jerramy Stevens (Knee); G Floyd Womack (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE TE Itula Mili (Knee)
PROBABLE RB Shaun Alexander (Foot)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Jerramy Stevens; Floyd Womack; Itula Mili; Shaun
Alexander
ST. LOUIS RAMS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS
St. Louis Rams
DOUBTFUL T Orlando Pace (Concussion)
QUESTIONABLE LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (Elbow)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Orlando Pace
Arizona Cardinals
QUESTIONABLE LB James Darling (Calf); CB Eric Green (Groin)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED James Darling; Eric Green
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Philadelphia Eagles
DOUBTFUL CB Roderick Hood (Heel); CB Lito Sheppard (Ankle)
QUESTIONABLE TE L.J. Smith (Shoulder); RB Brian Westbrook (Knee);
TE Mike Bartrum (Knee)
PROBABLE G Shawn Andrews (Shoulder); DE Darren Howard
(Knee); S Michael Lewis (Quadricep); S Quintin Mikell
(Thumb); RB Reno Mahe (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Roderick Hood; Lito Sheppard; L.J. Smith; Brian
Westbrook; Mike Bartrum
San Francisco 49ers
OUT G Larry Allen (Knee); TE Delanie Walker (Shoulder)
DOUBTFUL WR Taylor Jacobs (Hamstring
QUESTIONABLE DT Anthony Adams (Ankle)
PROBABLE DE Ronald Fields (Shoulder); T Jonas Jennings
(Ankle); G Justin Smiley (Shoulder)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Larry Allen; Delanie Walker; Taylor Jacobs; Anthony
Adams; Justin Smiley
BALTIMORE RAVENS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS
Baltimore Ravens
QUESTIONABLE LB Adalius Thomas (Foot); DT Aubrayo Franklin
(Thigh); T Jonathan Ogden (Knee); CB Samari Rolle
(Ankle); RB Musa Smith (Knee); LB Ray Lewis (Neck);
DT Haloti Ngata (Back); RB Jamal Lewis (Thigh)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Adalius Thomas; Aubrayo Franklin; Jonathan Ogden;
Samari Rolle; Musa Smith; Ray Lewis; Haloti Ngata;
Jamal Lewis
Cleveland Browns
OUT DE Nick Eason (Ankle)
DOUBTFUL TE Darnell Dinkins (Hamstring); CB Gary Baxter
(Pectoral); DE Orpheus Roye (Shoulder); WR Joe
Jurevicius (Ribs)
QUESTIONABLE LB Willie McGinest (Calf); S Brian Russell (Elbow); RB
Reuben Droughns (Shoulder)
PROBABLE TE Kellen Winslow (Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Nick Eason; Darnell Dinkins; Gary Baxter; Orpheus
Roye; Joe Jurevicius; Willie McGinest; Reuben
Droughns; Kellen Winslow
DENVER BRONCOS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Denver Broncos
OUT RB Cedric Cobbs (Ankle)
DOUBTFUL DE Courtney Brown (Knee)
PROBABLE RB Mike Bell (Finger); WR Rod Smith (Head)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Courtney Brown; Cedric Cobbs
New England Patriots
QUESTIONABLE S Artrell Hawkins (Thigh); WR Chad Jackson
(Hamstring); T Nick Kaczur (Shoulder)
PROBABLE QB Tom Brady (Right Shoulder); T Matt Light (Knee);
WR Doug Gabriel (Hamstring)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Artrell Hawkins; Chad Jackson; Nick Kaczur; Matt Light;
Doug Gabriel
ATLANTA FALCONS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS on Monday
Atlanta Falcons
QUESTIONABLE WR Roddy White (Shoulder); LB Edgerton Hartwell
(Knee); DE John Abraham (Groin)
PROBABLE DE Patrick Kerney (Tricep); S Kevin Mathis
(Hamstring); G Kynan Forney (Shoulder); T Wayne
Gandy (Groin)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Roddy White; Edgerton Hartwell; John Abraham; Patrick
Kerney; Kevin Mathis; Kynan Forney; Wayne Gandy
New Orleans Saints
DOUBTFUL RB Mike Karney (Calf)
QUESTIONABLE DT Brian Young (Shoulder)
PROBABLE C Jeff Faine (Foot); LB Terrence Melton (Hamstring)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Mike Karney; Brian Young; ung; Jeff Faine
WASHINGTON REDSKINS AT HOUSTON TEXANS
Washington Redskins
QUESTIONABLE CB Shawn Springs (Abdomen); DT Joe Salave'a (Calf)
PROBABLE RB Clinton Portis (Shoulder); WR Santana Moss (Hip)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Shawn Springs; Joe Salave'a; Santana Moss
Houston Texans
OUT CB Demarcus Faggins (Foot)
QUESTIONABLE CB Phillip Buchanon (Ankle); C Mike Flanagan (Foot);
DE Antwan Peek (Groin)
PROBABLE LB Morlon Greenwood (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Demarcus Faggins; Mike Flanagan; Antwan Peek
CHICAGO BEARS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Chicago Bears
QUESTIONABLE DE Israel Idonije (Ankle); S Cameron Worrell (Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Israel Idonije; Cameron Worrell
Minnesota Vikings
QUESTIONABLE WR Marcus Robinson (Hamstring); G Artis Hicks
(Shoulder); WR Troy Williamson (Shoulder)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED All Players Practiced
NEW YORK JETS AT BUFFALO BILLS
New York Jets
DOUBTFUL C Trey Teague (Ankle)
QUESTIONABLE CB David Barrett (Hip); WR Laveranues Coles (Calf);
WR Tim Dwight (Thigh); G Pete Kendall (Thigh)
PROBABLE DE Dave Ball (Thigh); LB Matt Chatham (Foot); QB
Chad Pennington (Calf); S Kerry Rhodes (Ankle); DT
Kimo Von Oelhoffen (Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Trey Teague; David Barrett; Laveranues Coles; Tim
Dwight; Pete Kendall
Buffalo Bills
QUESTIONABLE LB Takeo Spikes (Hamstring); S Matt Bowen (Shin)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Takeo Spikes; Matt Bowen
GREEN BAY PACKERS AT DETROIT LIONS
Green Bay Packers
DOUBTFUL T Junius Coston (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE CB Al Harris (Shoulder); TE David Martin (Knee); CB
Will Blackmon (Foot); G Jason Spitz (Thigh)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Junius Coston; David Martin; Will Blackmon; Jason
Spitz
Detroit Lions
OUT WR Shaun Bodiford (Knee); S Kenoy Kennedy (Foot);
LB Alex Lewis (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE T Barry Stokes (Hamstring); G Ross Verba
(Hamstring); T Rex Tucker (Knee)
PROBABLE DE Cory Redding (Ankle); DT Shaun Rogers (Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Shaun Bodiford; Kenoy Kennedy; Alex Lewis; Barry
Stokes; Rex Tucker; Cory Redding; Shaun Rogers
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Jacksonville Jaguars
QUESTIONABLE RB Derrick Wimbush (Knee); S Donovin Darius (Back);
WR Matt Jones (Groin); TE Marcedes Lewis (Ankle);
CB Rashean Mathis (Knee); G Chris Naeole (Knee);
WR Chad Owens (Ribs); LB Mike Peterson (Knee); S
Gerald Sensabaugh (Ankle); DE Paul Spicer (Groin);
DT Marcus Stroud (Ankle); LB Patrick Thomas (Ankle);
DE Marcellus Wiley (Groin)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Derrick Wimbush; Donovin Darius; Matt Jones;
Rashean Mathis; Chris Naeole; Chad Owens; Paul
Spicer; Marcus Stroud; Patrick Thomas; Marcellus Wiley
Indianapolis Colts
QUESTIONABLE LB Gary Brackett (Calf); RB Ran Carthon (Finger); T
Ryan Diem (Hand); RB De De Dorsey (Ankle); DE
Dwight Freeney (Buttock); LB Gilbert Gardner (Hand);
CB Nick Harper (Ankle); TE Ben Hartsock (Hamstring);
LB Freddie Keiaho (Knee); DE Ryan LaCasse (Foot); G
Ryan Lilja (Knee); DT Montae Reagor (Knee); DT
Darrell Reid (Elbow); S Bob Sanders (Shoulder); G
Jake Scott (Knee); DT Corey Simon (Knee); QB Jim
Sorgi (Right Shoulder); WR Brandon Stokley (Ankle);
DE Josh Thomas (Hip); TE Ben Utecht (Concussion); K
Adam Vinatieri (Right Groin)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED De De Dorsey; Dwight Freeney; Ben Hartsock; Montae
Reagor; Corey Simon; Brandon Stokley; Josh Thomas;
Ben Utecht; Adam Vinatieri
TENNESSEE TITANS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS
Tennessee Titans
OUT TE Erron Kinney (Knee); DE Antwan Odom (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE T Jacob Bell (Toe); RB Ahmard Hall (Ankle); RB Travis
Henry (Toe); CB Reynaldo Hill (Knee); LB Robert
Reynolds (Thigh); DT Robaire Smith (Hamstring)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Erron Kinney; Antwan Odom; Jacob Bell; Ahmard Hall;
Reynaldo Hill; Robert Reynolds; Robaire Smith
Miami Dolphins
OUT G Joe Berger (Foot); G Bennie Anderson (IR/Triceps)
QUESTIONABLE CB Travis Daniels (Ankle); LB Derrick Pope
(Hamstring); WR Marty Booker (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Joe Berger; Bennie Anderson; Derrick Pope
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Cincinnati Bengals
OUT C Rich Braham (Knee); S Dexter Jackson (Ankle); LB
A.J. Nicholson (Hamstring); WR Tab Perry (Hip)
DOUBTFUL WR Antonio Chatman (Groin); WR Antonio Chatman
(Groin)
QUESTIONABLE WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Heel); WR T.J.
Houshmandzadeh (Heel)
PROBABLE DT Sam Adams (Knee); LB Brian Simmons (Knee); CB
Deltha O'Neal (Knee); G Eric Steinbach (Back); WR
Chris Henry (Groin); T Levi Jones (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Rich Braham; Dexter Jackson; A.J. Nicholson; Tab
Perry; Antonio Chatman; Sam Adams; Deltha O'Neal;
Deltha O'Neal; Eric Steinbach; Chris Henry; Levi Jones;
Levi Jones
Pittsburgh Steelers
QUESTIONABLE WR Santonio Holmes (Foot); S Troy Polamalu
(Shoulder);
PROBABLE CB Bryant McFadden (Quadricep); LB Larry Foote
(Groin); WR Hines Ward (Hamstring); WR Nate
Washington (Finger)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Santonio Holmes
CAROLINA PANTHERS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Carolina Panthers
OUT LB Dan Morgan (Concussion)
DOUBTFUL S Shaun Williams (Foot)
QUESTIONABLE CB Ken Lucas (Neck); WR Steve Smith (Thigh); WR
Drew Carter (Hand); RB Nick Goings (Thigh); C Justin
Hartwig (Groin)
PROBABLE LB Jason Kyle (Shoulder)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Dan Morgan; Shaun Williams; Ken Lucas; Steve Smith;
Nick Goings; Justin Hartwig
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
OUT G Davin Joseph (Knee); TE Dave Moore (Rib)
QUESTIONABLE DT Chris Hovan (Ankle); CB Brian Kelly (Foot); DT
Anthony McFarland (Hip); LB Ryan Nece (Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Davin Joseph; Dave Moore; Brian Kelly; Anthony
McFarland; Ryan Nece
NEW YORK GIANTS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
New York Giants
OUT RB Derrick Ward (Foot)
QUESTIONABLE S James Butler (Knee); WR Sinorice Moss (Quadricep)
PROBABLE WR Tim Carter (Ankle); TE Jeremy Shockey (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Derrick Ward; James Butler; Sinorice Moss; Tim Carter;
Tim Carter; Jeremy Shockey
Seattle Seahawks
OUT TE Jerramy Stevens (Knee); G Floyd Womack (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE TE Itula Mili (Knee)
PROBABLE RB Shaun Alexander (Foot)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Jerramy Stevens; Floyd Womack; Itula Mili; Shaun
Alexander
ST. LOUIS RAMS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS
St. Louis Rams
DOUBTFUL T Orlando Pace (Concussion)
QUESTIONABLE LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (Elbow)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Orlando Pace
Arizona Cardinals
QUESTIONABLE LB James Darling (Calf); CB Eric Green (Groin)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED James Darling; Eric Green
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Philadelphia Eagles
DOUBTFUL CB Roderick Hood (Heel); CB Lito Sheppard (Ankle)
QUESTIONABLE TE L.J. Smith (Shoulder); RB Brian Westbrook (Knee);
TE Mike Bartrum (Knee)
PROBABLE G Shawn Andrews (Shoulder); DE Darren Howard
(Knee); S Michael Lewis (Quadricep); S Quintin Mikell
(Thumb); RB Reno Mahe (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Roderick Hood; Lito Sheppard; L.J. Smith; Brian
Westbrook; Mike Bartrum
San Francisco 49ers
OUT G Larry Allen (Knee); TE Delanie Walker (Shoulder)
DOUBTFUL WR Taylor Jacobs (Hamstring
QUESTIONABLE DT Anthony Adams (Ankle)
PROBABLE DE Ronald Fields (Shoulder); T Jonas Jennings
(Ankle); G Justin Smiley (Shoulder)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Larry Allen; Delanie Walker; Taylor Jacobs; Anthony
Adams; Justin Smiley
BALTIMORE RAVENS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS
Baltimore Ravens
QUESTIONABLE LB Adalius Thomas (Foot); DT Aubrayo Franklin
(Thigh); T Jonathan Ogden (Knee); CB Samari Rolle
(Ankle); RB Musa Smith (Knee); LB Ray Lewis (Neck);
DT Haloti Ngata (Back); RB Jamal Lewis (Thigh)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Adalius Thomas; Aubrayo Franklin; Jonathan Ogden;
Samari Rolle; Musa Smith; Ray Lewis; Haloti Ngata;
Jamal Lewis
Cleveland Browns
OUT DE Nick Eason (Ankle)
DOUBTFUL TE Darnell Dinkins (Hamstring); CB Gary Baxter
(Pectoral); DE Orpheus Roye (Shoulder); WR Joe
Jurevicius (Ribs)
QUESTIONABLE LB Willie McGinest (Calf); S Brian Russell (Elbow); RB
Reuben Droughns (Shoulder)
PROBABLE TE Kellen Winslow (Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Nick Eason; Darnell Dinkins; Gary Baxter; Orpheus
Roye; Joe Jurevicius; Willie McGinest; Reuben
Droughns; Kellen Winslow
DENVER BRONCOS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Denver Broncos
OUT RB Cedric Cobbs (Ankle)
DOUBTFUL DE Courtney Brown (Knee)
PROBABLE RB Mike Bell (Finger); WR Rod Smith (Head)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Courtney Brown; Cedric Cobbs
New England Patriots
QUESTIONABLE S Artrell Hawkins (Thigh); WR Chad Jackson
(Hamstring); T Nick Kaczur (Shoulder)
PROBABLE QB Tom Brady (Right Shoulder); T Matt Light (Knee);
WR Doug Gabriel (Hamstring)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Artrell Hawkins; Chad Jackson; Nick Kaczur; Matt Light;
Doug Gabriel
ATLANTA FALCONS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS on Monday
Atlanta Falcons
QUESTIONABLE WR Roddy White (Shoulder); LB Edgerton Hartwell
(Knee); DE John Abraham (Groin)
PROBABLE DE Patrick Kerney (Tricep); S Kevin Mathis
(Hamstring); G Kynan Forney (Shoulder); T Wayne
Gandy (Groin)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Roddy White; Edgerton Hartwell; John Abraham; Patrick
Kerney; Kevin Mathis; Kynan Forney; Wayne Gandy
New Orleans Saints
DOUBTFUL RB Mike Karney (Calf)
QUESTIONABLE DT Brian Young (Shoulder)
PROBABLE C Jeff Faine (Foot); LB Terrence Melton (Hamstring)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Mike Karney; Brian Young; ung; Jeff Faine
Detroit Lions Ask Raiders About Jerry Porter
Wow. After the whole set of problems with wide receivers Mike Williams and Charles Rogers, I'm shocked to learn that the Detroit Lions' President Matt Millen asked Raiders owner Al Davis about another wide receiver with attitude problems, Jerry Porter.
Fortunately for Millen, nothing in the way of a trade came of the discussion. I wonder what was said?
Matt: What about Jerry Porter?
Davis: Give me a first round pick.
Matt:Uh, ok Al. Talk to you later.
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