Here's the video:
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Original JFK Motorcade Film By George Jennings
Photographer, George Jefferies, filmed President and Mrs. Kennedy on Main Street at Lamar in downtown Dallas less than 90 seconds before the assassination in 1962, the year I was born.
Here's the video:
Here's the video:
Dwight Freeney Is Colts Franchise Player for 2007 - Indy Star - Mike Chappell
Dwight Freeney Is Colts Franchise Player for 2007 - Indy Star - Mike Chappell
As expected, the Colts have made certain defensive end Dwight Freeney’s career will continue in Indianapolis.
The team has affixed the exclusive “franchise’’ designation to their career sack leader. That assures Freeney a one-year contract in 2007 of at least $8.644 million, and eliminates the possibility of him testing his value of the NFL’s veteran free-agent market in March. Team president Bill Polian says he will now try to work on a long-term deal.
“He wasn’t going to go anywhere,’’ Polian said this afternoon. “I’ve had a good talk with his agent today and we’ll continue to talk.’’
Freeney, Polian added, is “an integral part of this team and we want to see (that a long-term deal) gets done if at all possible.’’
Freeney was the Colts’ first-round draft pick in 2002, the 11th overall selection. He has earned three Pro Bowl berths during his five-year career and piled up 51 sacks. He was limited to a career-low 5 1/2 sacks this past season but posted a team-high 33 quarterback pressures.
As an exclusive franchise player, Freeney is prohibited from seeking a contract offer from another team. He will receive a one-year contract at the average of the top five players at his position at the end of the upcoming free-agent period. The non-exclusive franchise tag would have allowed Freeney to talk with other teams and paid him a one-year contract at the average of the top five players at his position from last season -- $8.644 million. The exclusive tag is sure to bring at least that much.
The YouTube "As One" Gathering: The Conversation - A Historic Event - Part One
On February 17th, YouTubers gathered at San Francisco's Pier39 for the sheer pleasure of getting to know each other. The event was organized by "Mr. Safety" , a YouTuber based in Los Angeles.
This first video is a wonderful capture of human interaction of YouTubers at the "As One" event organized by Mr. Safety on February 17th, 2007 at Pier 39. This 15 minute video stars such YouTube notables as Renetto and Falstaff, but has at its center a very intense and moving conversation between Renetto, Ian, and other YouTubers including myself at the center. The subject was how YouTube -- and really video social media -- allows people separated by distance and idology to have a real conversation and how that dynamic can be played out in the real world as it was here.
You've got to see it to understand, but once you've seen it, you will.
Here's the video:
This first video is a wonderful capture of human interaction of YouTubers at the "As One" event organized by Mr. Safety on February 17th, 2007 at Pier 39. This 15 minute video stars such YouTube notables as Renetto and Falstaff, but has at its center a very intense and moving conversation between Renetto, Ian, and other YouTubers including myself at the center. The subject was how YouTube -- and really video social media -- allows people separated by distance and idology to have a real conversation and how that dynamic can be played out in the real world as it was here.
You've got to see it to understand, but once you've seen it, you will.
Here's the video:
Monday, February 19, 2007
Cal Berkeley - Grad Ron Rivera Out As Chicago Bears Defensive Coordinator - Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com
This story was broken by none other than Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com
Bears head coach Lovie Smith is making long-term plans for the future of the team and one of the plans could surprise many Bears fans.
FOXSports.com has learned that Chicago has decided to not renew the contract of defensive coordinator Ron Rivera. Team sources say that Smith and Rivera met recently and agreed to allow Rivera to pursue other opportunities. The sources also contend that Smith will likely end up promoting Bob Babich from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator.
People inside the Bears saw this coming for a while as Babich has been reached out to from a handful of teams in the last two off-seasons and Smith, who unlike many other coaches does not block his assistants from moving up, did not want to lose him. Thus, the head coach had a tough decision to make and promoting Babich was his choice.
Babich is also viewed as more of a long-term option for Smith as Rivera was in the running for several head coaching jobs this off-season and last year. To this point, however, he has failed to land one. He did not sign an extension last off-season, which allowed him to be a free agent after the Bears' Super Bowl run. Most teams figured he'd get one of the vacant head coaching openings and as a result has been left out in the cold.
As for a defensive coordinator opening, there's only one open right now and that is Ted Cottrell's for the taking in San Diego. Still, now that Rivera is officially free another team may decide to make a run at a man who helped guide a unit to this year's prized game.
Rivera has been with Smith since he took over the head coaching duties in Chicago.
Bears head coach Lovie Smith is making long-term plans for the future of the team and one of the plans could surprise many Bears fans.
FOXSports.com has learned that Chicago has decided to not renew the contract of defensive coordinator Ron Rivera. Team sources say that Smith and Rivera met recently and agreed to allow Rivera to pursue other opportunities. The sources also contend that Smith will likely end up promoting Bob Babich from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator.
People inside the Bears saw this coming for a while as Babich has been reached out to from a handful of teams in the last two off-seasons and Smith, who unlike many other coaches does not block his assistants from moving up, did not want to lose him. Thus, the head coach had a tough decision to make and promoting Babich was his choice.
Babich is also viewed as more of a long-term option for Smith as Rivera was in the running for several head coaching jobs this off-season and last year. To this point, however, he has failed to land one. He did not sign an extension last off-season, which allowed him to be a free agent after the Bears' Super Bowl run. Most teams figured he'd get one of the vacant head coaching openings and as a result has been left out in the cold.
As for a defensive coordinator opening, there's only one open right now and that is Ted Cottrell's for the taking in San Diego. Still, now that Rivera is officially free another team may decide to make a run at a man who helped guide a unit to this year's prized game.
Rivera has been with Smith since he took over the head coaching duties in Chicago.
Norv Turner - 58-82-1 - Replaces Marty Schottenheimer - 205-139-1 - As Chargers Coach - FOXSports.com and ESPN.com
Profootballtalk.com reports that the hard-working Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com broke this story and not ESPN.
Whatever, this is not good news for the Oakland Raiders, who fired Turner just two years ago. Now they have to deal with two angry ex-Raider coaches: Turner and Denver Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan.
Chargers hire Turner as new head coach
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Hoping the third time will be a winner for Norv Turner, the San Diego Chargers on Monday hired the San Francisco offensive coordinator to succeed Marty Schottenheimer as head coach.
Norv Turner's Coaching Record
The Chargers are giving Norv Turner his third crack at being an NFL head coach. He's 58-82-1 with one playoff appearance in nine seasons leading an NFL team.
Year Team Record Playoffs
1994 WAS 3-13 None
1995 WAS 6-10 None
1996 WAS 9-7 None
1997 WAS 8-7-1 None
1998 WAS 6-10 None
1999 WAS 10-6 1-1
2000 WAS 7-6 None
2004 OAK 5-11 None
2005 OAK 4-12 None
The Chargers have scheduled a 4:30 p.m. ET news conference to introduce Turner as their new head coach.
Longtime league assistant coach Ted Cottrell, whose experience with the 3-4 defense is extensive, has been hired as defensive coordinator for the Chargers.
Turner, 54, compiled a 58-82-1 record as head coach of the Washington Redskins (1994-2000) and the Oakland Raiders (2004-2005). He served as the San Francisco offensive coordinator last season and was credited with the dramatic progress achieved by 49ers' second-year quarterback Alex Smith.
Contract details were not immediately available.
One of six known candidates interviewed by San Diego officials after Schottenheimer was dismissed, Turner was the lone man with primary expertise on the offensive side. Originally, it was believed the Chargers preferred that their new head coach have a background on the defensive side of the ball.
Turner interviewed earlier this month for the head coach vacancy in Dallas, where he played a big role as the Cowboys' offensive coordinator during the team's dominance in the 1990s, but did not land that job.
In San Diego, he will inherit a high-octane Chargers offense featuring star tailback and 2006 most valuable player LaDainian Tomlinson. But Turner will also be responsible for the continued development of quarterback Philip Rivers, who was in his first year as the starter in 2006.
Beyond Turner, the other known San Diego head coach candidates -- Gary Gibbs (New Orleans), Mike Zimmer (Atlanta), Mike Singletary (San Francisco), Ron Rivera (Chicago) and Rex Ryan (Baltimore) -- are all coaches whose expertise is on the defensive side. All but Singletary are current coordinators.
Cottrell has interviewed in the past for head coach positions, and came very close to landing the top job in San Francisco four years ago.
San Diego officials prefer to retain a 3-4 defense, the scheme for which the personnel is best suited, and hiring Cottrell allows that. Cottrell was actually recommended to Schottenheimer by Smith when then-Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was hired by the Dallas Cowboys as their new head coach.
Schottenheimer instead leaned toward hiring his younger brother, Kurt Schottenheimer, as the replacement for Phillips. In addition to Marty Schottenheimer, the Chargers, who posted an NFL-best 14-2 record in 2006 but were ousted in the divisional round of the playoffs, have lost five assistant coaches since the end of the season. That includes both coordinators.
Cottrell, 59, possesses 22 seasons of NFL experience as an assistant coach, including three stints as a defensive coordinator. He most recently worked as coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings (2004-2005). Cottrell lost his job when the Vikings fired coach Mike Tice after the 2005 season, and he worked in the NFL office in 2006.
Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
Dick Harpootlian Endorses Barack Obama - Former South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman
Former SC Democratic Party chairman endorses Obama
Associated Press
COLUMBIA, S.C. - A former chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party said Monday he would throw his support behind presidential hopeful Barack Obama.
"I see in Barack Obama ... the same magnetism I saw in Bill Clinton," said Dick Harpootlian, who met with the Illinois senator during Obama's first campaign visit to this early voting state Friday.
Harpootlian's announcement came as New York Sen. Hillary Clinton made her first campaign trek through South Carolina. Harpootlian, who has in the past called Hillary Clinton a polarizing political figure, downplayed his comments Monday and said she or any of the Democratic candidates would make a fine president.
But he said Obama was the embodiment of Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream that people be judged by their character, not their skin color.
Harpootlian said he would immediately begin fundraising for Obama.
"I think it will be easy to raise money for him," Harpootlian said.
Associated Press
COLUMBIA, S.C. - A former chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party said Monday he would throw his support behind presidential hopeful Barack Obama.
"I see in Barack Obama ... the same magnetism I saw in Bill Clinton," said Dick Harpootlian, who met with the Illinois senator during Obama's first campaign visit to this early voting state Friday.
Harpootlian's announcement came as New York Sen. Hillary Clinton made her first campaign trek through South Carolina. Harpootlian, who has in the past called Hillary Clinton a polarizing political figure, downplayed his comments Monday and said she or any of the Democratic candidates would make a fine president.
But he said Obama was the embodiment of Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream that people be judged by their character, not their skin color.
Harpootlian said he would immediately begin fundraising for Obama.
"I think it will be easy to raise money for him," Harpootlian said.
Barack Obama Is Black - Deal With It!
I can't believe anyone would stoop so low as to raise the question of wheather Barack Obama is Black. What I want to know is who raised the question? Who brought it up? Who says I have to be the decendant of a slave?
My last name is Jewish. For most of my life, the matter of where I came from was muddled, but there was never a question that I was Black. So if that't the case for me, why can't that be so for Barack?
Regardless, it's not a question to seriously consider. Case closed!
My last name is Jewish. For most of my life, the matter of where I came from was muddled, but there was never a question that I was Black. So if that't the case for me, why can't that be so for Barack?
Regardless, it's not a question to seriously consider. Case closed!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Rumor: Chicago Bears NFC Champion Head Coach Lovie Smith Offered Just $3.2 million - Profootballtalk.com
Thanks to Profootballtalk.com for bird-dogging the story on the Chicago Bears and the foot-dragging they've done in giving NFC Champion-head-coach Lovie Smith an offer of just $3.2 million a year for his new contract. That's terrible. $4 million at least. Here's the story...
BEARS LOW-BALLED LOVIE
A league source tells us that the Bears have offered coach Lovie Smith an extension worth less than $3.2 million per year.
And we're told that the low-ball offer was made since the Super Bowl.
Though we'd love to be so underpaid, the number is a slap in the face to a guy who took his team to the Super Bowl in his third year on the job.
Our advice to Lovie? Coach out your lame-duck season and head to the highest bidder.
John Sheroke - Sick Man Tried To Have Dr. Shelley Ferrill, His Wife, Killed
To me, this is a perfect example of the fear some men have of strong, smart, successful women. Here, this man had it all, but apparently could not get over the fact that his wife was the producer of their lifestyle and not him. Wow. Here's also the perfect example of how some people self-destruct. They can't just enjoy what they have and thank God for it. Now, this sap's off to jail.
HOUSTON (http://www.click2houston.com/news/11037943/detail.html) -- A wife lashed out at her husband in a downtown Houston courtroom Friday as he was sentenced for trying to hire someone to kill her, KPRC Local 2 reported.
John Sheroke, 40, pleaded guilty to solicitation of capital murder in a plea bargain and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Video: Watch Wife's Entire Statement To Husband In Court
Video: Husband Sentenced For Trying To Have Wife Murdered
Investigators said he tried to hire a co-worker to kill his wife, Dr. Shelley Ferrill, but the co-worker told police. Sheroke was arrested when he was caught on tape meeting with an undercover officer to finalize the $10,000 murder-for-hire plot in October.
Sheroke wanted the murder to happen during a carjacking of her Mercedes Benz. He provided details about her schedule, route and Katy area medical practice. Sheroke even said the killer should take the Rolex off his dead wife's wrist, according to authorities.
At his sentencing on Friday, Ferrill gave an emotional victim impact statement.
"What have you done to me, your wife? What have you done to your children? What need -- what desire could possibly by more important than my basic right to breathe?" Ferrill said. "You've turned our lives into some really bad made-for-TV movie."
Prosecutors said the motive was to collect on an insurance policy. Sheroke was also having an affair.
Sheroke and Ferrill have an 8-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son.
"Who would be comforting them? Who would teach them right from wrong? You -- the man who murdered me? Your girlfriend -- the very woman who put her own child at risk by having a relationship with you?" Ferrill said.
John Sheroke was a physician's assistant at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital.
HOUSTON (http://www.click2houston.com/news/11037943/detail.html) -- A wife lashed out at her husband in a downtown Houston courtroom Friday as he was sentenced for trying to hire someone to kill her, KPRC Local 2 reported.
John Sheroke, 40, pleaded guilty to solicitation of capital murder in a plea bargain and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Video: Watch Wife's Entire Statement To Husband In Court
Video: Husband Sentenced For Trying To Have Wife Murdered
Investigators said he tried to hire a co-worker to kill his wife, Dr. Shelley Ferrill, but the co-worker told police. Sheroke was arrested when he was caught on tape meeting with an undercover officer to finalize the $10,000 murder-for-hire plot in October.
Sheroke wanted the murder to happen during a carjacking of her Mercedes Benz. He provided details about her schedule, route and Katy area medical practice. Sheroke even said the killer should take the Rolex off his dead wife's wrist, according to authorities.
At his sentencing on Friday, Ferrill gave an emotional victim impact statement.
"What have you done to me, your wife? What have you done to your children? What need -- what desire could possibly by more important than my basic right to breathe?" Ferrill said. "You've turned our lives into some really bad made-for-TV movie."
Prosecutors said the motive was to collect on an insurance policy. Sheroke was also having an affair.
Sheroke and Ferrill have an 8-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son.
"Who would be comforting them? Who would teach them right from wrong? You -- the man who murdered me? Your girlfriend -- the very woman who put her own child at risk by having a relationship with you?" Ferrill said.
John Sheroke was a physician's assistant at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Chicago Bears Not Given Head Coach Lovie Smith New Contract; Team Upset - Profootballtalk.com
Profootballtalk.com reports on this terrible state of affairs.
MUTINY BREWING IN CHICAGO - Profootball talk.com
Keep a close eye on the situation in Chicago, where the Bears have still not given coach Lovie Smith a new contract, and where there is no evidence that significant discussions between the team and the Super Bowl coach aimed at extending the deal that expires after the 2007 have begun in earnest.
A source with knowledge of the situation tells us that some members of the team have agreed among themselves to refuse to do any contract extensions or restructurings until Smith gets rewarded for the team's performance on his watch.
And there's also an intention among some of the players to be candid with the free agents whom the Bears plan to target in March, with some current Bears players ready and willing to tell any new recruits not to count on Smith being around in 2008.
We think the team should move very quickly to lock Lovie up for the next four or five years, at $4 million or so per season. That's fair value for a guy who has one Super Bowl appearance and three years of total head-coaching experience.
The sticking point could be that the Bears hope Smith will have reduced expectations because the team lost in the Super Bowl. Then again, the guy who lost Super Bowl XL ended up with an extension that reportedly pays him $7.5 million to $8.5 million per year.
Smith would have had more leverage if he'd tried to do a new deal in the dead week before Super Bowl preparations, since there was a much better overall feeling in the air about the Bears and their coach before the team put on a so-so at best performance in the February 4 loss to the Colts. But Smith gambled that the Bears would win the Super Bowl, which might have put him in line for a deal worth more than $5 million per season.
MUTINY BREWING IN CHICAGO - Profootball talk.com
Keep a close eye on the situation in Chicago, where the Bears have still not given coach Lovie Smith a new contract, and where there is no evidence that significant discussions between the team and the Super Bowl coach aimed at extending the deal that expires after the 2007 have begun in earnest.
A source with knowledge of the situation tells us that some members of the team have agreed among themselves to refuse to do any contract extensions or restructurings until Smith gets rewarded for the team's performance on his watch.
And there's also an intention among some of the players to be candid with the free agents whom the Bears plan to target in March, with some current Bears players ready and willing to tell any new recruits not to count on Smith being around in 2008.
We think the team should move very quickly to lock Lovie up for the next four or five years, at $4 million or so per season. That's fair value for a guy who has one Super Bowl appearance and three years of total head-coaching experience.
The sticking point could be that the Bears hope Smith will have reduced expectations because the team lost in the Super Bowl. Then again, the guy who lost Super Bowl XL ended up with an extension that reportedly pays him $7.5 million to $8.5 million per year.
Smith would have had more leverage if he'd tried to do a new deal in the dead week before Super Bowl preparations, since there was a much better overall feeling in the air about the Bears and their coach before the team put on a so-so at best performance in the February 4 loss to the Colts. But Smith gambled that the Bears would win the Super Bowl, which might have put him in line for a deal worth more than $5 million per season.
Wally Matthews Of Newsday Might have something more going on then most mainstream sports media!
I'm starting to Like Wally-He's finally Making Sense!
Wallace Matthews
Lesson in Tiki's leaving
February 15, 2007
It is more than a little distressing that here in the 21st century, too many of us still have a plantation mentality when it comes to our professional athletes. Too many of us want ballplayers, even the best and brightest of them, to say nothing more than "yes sir," and "no sir."
It is not racist, per se, but it is certainly classist. No matter how good they are or how much they get paid, they are the entertainers, the hired help. They are supposed to just shut up and hit the baseball, shoot the basketball or carry the football.
Case in point: Tiki Barber. The other day, to kick off his new career as a television commentator, Barber made the perfectly reasonable observation that his former coach, Tom Coughlin, could be a tad inflexible.
In doing so, Barber implied that his decision to walk away from the NFL at the peak of his career was aided in no small part by the realization that if he were to come back, he would have to play another season for a man so obsessed with some warped version of discipline that he would not allow his 31-year-old running back, who had more touches than anyone in the league over the past four years, to take it a little easier on Wednesdays.
For this, Barber has been roundly criticized as disloyal, egotistical, self-centered and a headache the Giants will be better off without. And that's just from members of the media, who ought to know better and who ought to want more from the people they cover than a lowered head, a shuffle and an "Aw, shucks, ma'am" brand of false modesty that should have been banished from the vernacular around the time Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier.
It is bad enough when the fickle fans start bashing a player such as Barber, who brought his A-plus game every Sunday and never missed a start in the last five years, for talking out of turn. But when journalists start becoming more concerned with what people say rather than what they do, then the world has officially gone nuts.
Now, white is black, day is night, down is up and wrong is right.
Today, Tiki Barber is the bad guy, Tom Coughlin the victim. Doesn't he know that only fans, commentators and journalists are allow to analyze, criticize, pontificate?
The truth is, six months from now Barber will be missed a hell of a lot more than Coughlin will be wanted. The "headache," Barber, may be gone, but the tumor, Coughlin, lingers on.
The Giants knew Barber was leaning toward retirement more than a year ago, but did nothing to plan for his absence and took no steps to procure his replacement. And as this past dreadful season wound down and it was obvious the only Giant worth holding onto was Barber, the Giants made no known effort to dissuade him from his decision, even out of respect.
Can you imagine if a week from now, Derek Jeter tells a reporter he is thinking of retiring after the season? You can bet your baseballs the Yankees would spend all season trying to talk him out of it. Yet there is no evidence anyone in the Giants organization, from John Mara to Ernie Accorsi to Jerry Reese to Coughlin himself ever sat down with Barber to ask what, if anything, could be done to change his mind.
Instead, they treated the best player to wear their uniform since LT, and arguably the best offensive player in their history, as if he were Barry Bonds, saying goodbye but thinking "Good riddance!"
And all because he had the temerity to say what he was thinking, rather than what they would have wanted him to say.
You ask me, he should have gone all the way and told the whole truth, said that it was running backs coach Jerald Ingram, not Coughlin, who really taught him to kick his fumbling problem; that the Giants will never win with a befuddled kid like Eli Manning at quarterback; that the sainted Accorsi was actually a failure as a GM, and that Reese, his successor, was a willing accomplice as his head of player personnel.
He could have said that without him, there will be no real reason to watch the Giants offense next season, and that unless they overhaul the defense and pick up some linebackers, there will be no reason to watch a Giants game for the next several seasons.
He could have pointed out what an injury-prone malcontent Michael Strahan has become since he signed that big contract a couple of years ago.
And he might have added that while running backs like Tiki Barber come along once in a generation, losing coaches like Coughlin, guys who lose their tempers, their players, their teams, their games and ultimately their jobs are a drug on the market.
But we don't want that from our athletes. We want them to shut up and do their jobs, and leave the talking to those of us who can't do anything else.
SO i finally agree 100% with Wally! I don't dislike Tom C as a Coach, because he was what the Giants Needed after "Fast" Jimmy Fassel, but he can be overly Strict at times, as Tiki can attest to. He kind of reminds me of my High school coach Marty Tamchester, who had a Brief NFL career with Cleveland, and NY before becoming a Stock Broker, and then Burning out on Wall St. and becoming a Teacher and Football coach. He was always working us Hard up untill the day before a game, too hard for some. Years later I would work for him as an asst. coach in Semi Pro Ball with The NY Bandits and i asked him " why Gassers the day before a game? " "Bill" he said. " if you can run like that in Practice, you can run like that in a game."
That's that old Vince Lombardi Mentality which worked in the 60's and 70's, but doesn't work with the Players of today who have the advantage of medical advances that tell us not to overwork players or they get injured more often(see LaVar Arrington)......
Wallace Matthews
Lesson in Tiki's leaving
February 15, 2007
It is more than a little distressing that here in the 21st century, too many of us still have a plantation mentality when it comes to our professional athletes. Too many of us want ballplayers, even the best and brightest of them, to say nothing more than "yes sir," and "no sir."
It is not racist, per se, but it is certainly classist. No matter how good they are or how much they get paid, they are the entertainers, the hired help. They are supposed to just shut up and hit the baseball, shoot the basketball or carry the football.
Case in point: Tiki Barber. The other day, to kick off his new career as a television commentator, Barber made the perfectly reasonable observation that his former coach, Tom Coughlin, could be a tad inflexible.
In doing so, Barber implied that his decision to walk away from the NFL at the peak of his career was aided in no small part by the realization that if he were to come back, he would have to play another season for a man so obsessed with some warped version of discipline that he would not allow his 31-year-old running back, who had more touches than anyone in the league over the past four years, to take it a little easier on Wednesdays.
For this, Barber has been roundly criticized as disloyal, egotistical, self-centered and a headache the Giants will be better off without. And that's just from members of the media, who ought to know better and who ought to want more from the people they cover than a lowered head, a shuffle and an "Aw, shucks, ma'am" brand of false modesty that should have been banished from the vernacular around the time Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier.
It is bad enough when the fickle fans start bashing a player such as Barber, who brought his A-plus game every Sunday and never missed a start in the last five years, for talking out of turn. But when journalists start becoming more concerned with what people say rather than what they do, then the world has officially gone nuts.
Now, white is black, day is night, down is up and wrong is right.
Today, Tiki Barber is the bad guy, Tom Coughlin the victim. Doesn't he know that only fans, commentators and journalists are allow to analyze, criticize, pontificate?
The truth is, six months from now Barber will be missed a hell of a lot more than Coughlin will be wanted. The "headache," Barber, may be gone, but the tumor, Coughlin, lingers on.
The Giants knew Barber was leaning toward retirement more than a year ago, but did nothing to plan for his absence and took no steps to procure his replacement. And as this past dreadful season wound down and it was obvious the only Giant worth holding onto was Barber, the Giants made no known effort to dissuade him from his decision, even out of respect.
Can you imagine if a week from now, Derek Jeter tells a reporter he is thinking of retiring after the season? You can bet your baseballs the Yankees would spend all season trying to talk him out of it. Yet there is no evidence anyone in the Giants organization, from John Mara to Ernie Accorsi to Jerry Reese to Coughlin himself ever sat down with Barber to ask what, if anything, could be done to change his mind.
Instead, they treated the best player to wear their uniform since LT, and arguably the best offensive player in their history, as if he were Barry Bonds, saying goodbye but thinking "Good riddance!"
And all because he had the temerity to say what he was thinking, rather than what they would have wanted him to say.
You ask me, he should have gone all the way and told the whole truth, said that it was running backs coach Jerald Ingram, not Coughlin, who really taught him to kick his fumbling problem; that the Giants will never win with a befuddled kid like Eli Manning at quarterback; that the sainted Accorsi was actually a failure as a GM, and that Reese, his successor, was a willing accomplice as his head of player personnel.
He could have said that without him, there will be no real reason to watch the Giants offense next season, and that unless they overhaul the defense and pick up some linebackers, there will be no reason to watch a Giants game for the next several seasons.
He could have pointed out what an injury-prone malcontent Michael Strahan has become since he signed that big contract a couple of years ago.
And he might have added that while running backs like Tiki Barber come along once in a generation, losing coaches like Coughlin, guys who lose their tempers, their players, their teams, their games and ultimately their jobs are a drug on the market.
But we don't want that from our athletes. We want them to shut up and do their jobs, and leave the talking to those of us who can't do anything else.
SO i finally agree 100% with Wally! I don't dislike Tom C as a Coach, because he was what the Giants Needed after "Fast" Jimmy Fassel, but he can be overly Strict at times, as Tiki can attest to. He kind of reminds me of my High school coach Marty Tamchester, who had a Brief NFL career with Cleveland, and NY before becoming a Stock Broker, and then Burning out on Wall St. and becoming a Teacher and Football coach. He was always working us Hard up untill the day before a game, too hard for some. Years later I would work for him as an asst. coach in Semi Pro Ball with The NY Bandits and i asked him " why Gassers the day before a game? " "Bill" he said. " if you can run like that in Practice, you can run like that in a game."
That's that old Vince Lombardi Mentality which worked in the 60's and 70's, but doesn't work with the Players of today who have the advantage of medical advances that tell us not to overwork players or they get injured more often(see LaVar Arrington)......
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Former Packer Jerry Kramer is a Saint of a man
Drive Raises Funds for Needy NFL Players
By JOHN HARTZELL
Associated Press Writer
February 14, 2007, 5:41 PM EST
MILWAUKEE -- About $125,000 has been raised to aid needy, retired National Football League players.
The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund was launched by Jerry Kramer, star right guard of the Green Bay Packers four decades ago under Vince Lombardi. Kramer auctioned off a replica of his Super Bowl I ring last spring, raising more than $22,000 to help supplement pension and disability benefits for other former players.
Mike Ditka's 1975 NFC Championship ring -- when he was an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys -- sold for $12,200, a tennis experience with John McEnroe went for $11,250 and hand-drawn plays by Lombardi sold for $7,101 at an auction that began two weeks ago and ended Tuesday night.
"It's amazing how this initiative has taken off," Kramer said. "The fact that so many fans and so many NFL legends are working together to provide assistance to some of the retired players who helped build the league into what it is today is just wonderful."
Jennifer Smith, the fund's executive director, said that reports about the auction resulted in more donated tiems and prompted a second phase of the auction, which will run until Feb. 20.
About $100,000 was raised by auctioning about 50 items in the first phase, Smith said. The second phase has started with about the same number, but other items will be added.
Kramer's Web site, http://www.jerrykramer.com, will continue to serve as the portal to the auction, Smith said.
Items being offered during the second phase include a helmet donated by former Packers quarterback Bart Starr, bearing his signature and those of teammates Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor, and a behind-the-scenes trip at the NFL Network.
About $25,000 was raised through Tuesday in about 225 donations ranging from $2 to $10,000, Smith said.
Ditka and fellow Pro Football Hall of Fame members Willie Davis, Gale Sayers, Harry Carson and Joe DeLamielleure were recently named to the GGAF board of directors, which Smith said will set up policies on how the money will be distributed.
"It is important for everyone to remember who the funds that are raised are going to," Ditka said in a statement. "It's going to the guys who started football, not the guys who are making the money off it."
The Super Bowl ring that Kramer auctioned last May was made for him after his original disappeared in 1981. The original ring showed up last April in an online auction, but was pulled after Kramer learned about it. It eventually was returned to him.
"More than anything else, the fundraising effort has been an opportunity to raise awareness of the problem," Kramer said.
The former Packers guard said he was gratified that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had addressed the matter when asked about players from the 1950s through the 1970s at his news conference a few days before the Super Bowl.
"There are players that do have issues that need to be addressed. And we are going to need to address that directly with them," Goodell said.
Smith said the group plans to hold an annual auction around the time of the Super Bowl and will accept donations at any time.
Mike Sportelli, 45, a sales representative for a Los Angeles area construction company, made the winning bid for Ditka's ring.
"It's a nice way to start my collection. And it gives me an opportunity to help former players in need," said Sportelli, who also had a winning bid on spending a day with Carson, a former New York Giants linebacker. "These guys took quite a beating back then."
Darrel Wright, 65, of LaQuinta, Calif., who formerly served as the timekeeper for NFL games at the Los Angeles Coliseum, donated $10,000 to the cause.
"These guys loved football and didn't make a lot of money. They provided me with a lot of entertainment," he said.
This is a cause we should all rally behind. I'm dissapointed that the NFL has not addressed the issue until now.....
every Player should be giving 1% of their Gross income before taxes.
By JOHN HARTZELL
Associated Press Writer
February 14, 2007, 5:41 PM EST
MILWAUKEE -- About $125,000 has been raised to aid needy, retired National Football League players.
The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund was launched by Jerry Kramer, star right guard of the Green Bay Packers four decades ago under Vince Lombardi. Kramer auctioned off a replica of his Super Bowl I ring last spring, raising more than $22,000 to help supplement pension and disability benefits for other former players.
Mike Ditka's 1975 NFC Championship ring -- when he was an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys -- sold for $12,200, a tennis experience with John McEnroe went for $11,250 and hand-drawn plays by Lombardi sold for $7,101 at an auction that began two weeks ago and ended Tuesday night.
"It's amazing how this initiative has taken off," Kramer said. "The fact that so many fans and so many NFL legends are working together to provide assistance to some of the retired players who helped build the league into what it is today is just wonderful."
Jennifer Smith, the fund's executive director, said that reports about the auction resulted in more donated tiems and prompted a second phase of the auction, which will run until Feb. 20.
About $100,000 was raised by auctioning about 50 items in the first phase, Smith said. The second phase has started with about the same number, but other items will be added.
Kramer's Web site, http://www.jerrykramer.com, will continue to serve as the portal to the auction, Smith said.
Items being offered during the second phase include a helmet donated by former Packers quarterback Bart Starr, bearing his signature and those of teammates Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor, and a behind-the-scenes trip at the NFL Network.
About $25,000 was raised through Tuesday in about 225 donations ranging from $2 to $10,000, Smith said.
Ditka and fellow Pro Football Hall of Fame members Willie Davis, Gale Sayers, Harry Carson and Joe DeLamielleure were recently named to the GGAF board of directors, which Smith said will set up policies on how the money will be distributed.
"It is important for everyone to remember who the funds that are raised are going to," Ditka said in a statement. "It's going to the guys who started football, not the guys who are making the money off it."
The Super Bowl ring that Kramer auctioned last May was made for him after his original disappeared in 1981. The original ring showed up last April in an online auction, but was pulled after Kramer learned about it. It eventually was returned to him.
"More than anything else, the fundraising effort has been an opportunity to raise awareness of the problem," Kramer said.
The former Packers guard said he was gratified that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had addressed the matter when asked about players from the 1950s through the 1970s at his news conference a few days before the Super Bowl.
"There are players that do have issues that need to be addressed. And we are going to need to address that directly with them," Goodell said.
Smith said the group plans to hold an annual auction around the time of the Super Bowl and will accept donations at any time.
Mike Sportelli, 45, a sales representative for a Los Angeles area construction company, made the winning bid for Ditka's ring.
"It's a nice way to start my collection. And it gives me an opportunity to help former players in need," said Sportelli, who also had a winning bid on spending a day with Carson, a former New York Giants linebacker. "These guys took quite a beating back then."
Darrel Wright, 65, of LaQuinta, Calif., who formerly served as the timekeeper for NFL games at the Los Angeles Coliseum, donated $10,000 to the cause.
"These guys loved football and didn't make a lot of money. They provided me with a lot of entertainment," he said.
This is a cause we should all rally behind. I'm dissapointed that the NFL has not addressed the issue until now.....
every Player should be giving 1% of their Gross income before taxes.
Ann Coulter Wants To Date Barack Obama - He's Married!
Ann Coulter's got a thing about us Black guys that she just can't shake at all. First, if you've seen her on TV, she's recently admitted to a desure for us brothers. Yep. Not kidding. She told Larry King that she'd date a brotha -- I heard her say it myself. And now, she's got this new article that says she's got Obama Fever! Oh, yeah!
Now, she does poke fun at him, but if you read the text she's got nothing but love for his message. And of course, she admits her excitement for him.
Hey, Ann. It's OK. It's the 21st Century. Go ahead and admit the truth. Say what we already know. You want him. You think us Black men are hot, especially the political ones.
Ann, that "clean, renewable electricity " you're feelng is called an orgasm.
Now, she does poke fun at him, but if you read the text she's got nothing but love for his message. And of course, she admits her excitement for him.
Hey, Ann. It's OK. It's the 21st Century. Go ahead and admit the truth. Say what we already know. You want him. You think us Black men are hot, especially the political ones.
Ann, that "clean, renewable electricity " you're feelng is called an orgasm.
Video - San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's Speech At February 8th 2007 Fox Sports Luncheon
Just after a bad PR period where San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom admitted that he slept with the wife of a friend and co-worker and then claimed he had a drinking problem, the Mayor gave a great speech before the Fox Sports Bay Area Baseball Season Kickoff Luncheon on Treasure Island February 8th.
I'm a regular attendee at this function, which this year featured an appearance by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig. But this year, I decided to set up a camcorder and tripod and just let it run while I ate my lunch.
The Mayor gave a general talk, but couldn't resist taking a swipe at the San Francisco 49ers when he said that he'd give Niners tickets in place of MLB All Star Game tickets because he only had one All Star Game ticket for 300 requests.
You can't blame Gavin for the joke considering how Niners owner John York had been treating him.
Here's the video:
Also see the video of MLB Commissioner Bud Selig's speech with a click here.
I'm a regular attendee at this function, which this year featured an appearance by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig. But this year, I decided to set up a camcorder and tripod and just let it run while I ate my lunch.
The Mayor gave a general talk, but couldn't resist taking a swipe at the San Francisco 49ers when he said that he'd give Niners tickets in place of MLB All Star Game tickets because he only had one All Star Game ticket for 300 requests.
You can't blame Gavin for the joke considering how Niners owner John York had been treating him.
Here's the video:
Also see the video of MLB Commissioner Bud Selig's speech with a click here.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Chargers Interviewing
So now the fun begins for the Bolts Fans.....
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The Chargers received permission Tuesday to interview four candidates to replace fired head coach Marty Schottenheimer, including one-time San Diego offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
Turner was offensive coordinator with the Chargers in 2001. He's currently the offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers. He interviewed for the Dallas Cowboys' head coaching job that went to Wade Phillips, the Chargers' former defensive coordinator.
The Chargers also received permission to interview Hall of Famer 49ers assistant head coach Mike Singletary and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, both of whom interviewed for the Cowboys job. The fourth candidate is Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.
The Chargers did not say when the candidates would be interviewed.
Schottenheimer was fired Monday night by team president Dean Spanos, who cited a "dysfunctional situation" between Schottenheimer and general manager A.J. Smith.
The Chargers were an NFL-best 14-2 before losing their playoff opener to New England.
So what we want to determine here is weather Coach Singletary is a Rooney rule interview or a legit contender. With the Spanos family you just can't be too sure. I had also heard a wisper about Ted Cottrell at least being considered.
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The Chargers received permission Tuesday to interview four candidates to replace fired head coach Marty Schottenheimer, including one-time San Diego offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
Turner was offensive coordinator with the Chargers in 2001. He's currently the offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers. He interviewed for the Dallas Cowboys' head coaching job that went to Wade Phillips, the Chargers' former defensive coordinator.
The Chargers also received permission to interview Hall of Famer 49ers assistant head coach Mike Singletary and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, both of whom interviewed for the Cowboys job. The fourth candidate is Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.
The Chargers did not say when the candidates would be interviewed.
Schottenheimer was fired Monday night by team president Dean Spanos, who cited a "dysfunctional situation" between Schottenheimer and general manager A.J. Smith.
The Chargers were an NFL-best 14-2 before losing their playoff opener to New England.
So what we want to determine here is weather Coach Singletary is a Rooney rule interview or a legit contender. With the Spanos family you just can't be too sure. I had also heard a wisper about Ted Cottrell at least being considered.
Tiki Barber takes a final Shot at Coach Coughlin
Ahhh Tiki Tiki Tiki........ see my end notes
Tired of Tom
Practices made Tiki think of quitting
BY NEIL BEST
neil.best@newsday.com
February 14, 2007
On his first full day as a retired player, Tiki Barber lobbed a hypothetical hand grenade yesterday during a news conference to announce his hiring by NBC.
Barber several times suggested Giants coach Tom Coughlin set the wheels of his retirement in motion because of the "physical grind" through which he put players. Which led to an obvious question for the reporters who gathered at 30 Rockefeller Plaza along with the network's top news and sports executives.
If someone other than Coughlin had been his coach the past three seasons, might he still be a Giant rather than a correspondent for the "Today" show and an analyst for "Football Night in America"?
"Possibly, but that's speculation," he said. "I don't know. I'm 31 years old. I'll be 32 this year, which is way past the average for my position."
The fact Barber would even address the possibility at the moment of his hiring by NBC was another odd twist in a strained relationship with Coughlin, whose stewardship he criticized at times as a player. NBC loved it, because the network hired Barber in part for his outspokenness. The Giants likely did not, but they declined to comment.
Barber first invoked Coughlin by saying, "The grind started to take a toll on me and the principles of our head coach started taking a toll on me, so I started looking for the next thing."
To which NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol joked Barber would be permitted to cross his legs during meetings with NBC executives.
Later, though, Barber explained it wasn't so much Coughlin's rules as his approach to the physical part of the game that wore on him. Barber said he did not get enough time to rest and recuperate, saying, "It was a constant physical grind on me that started to take a toll.
"While it didn't show up a lot on Sundays because I had my three best seasons under him, and I give him a lot of credit of that, I could feel a difference."
Barber said the team practiced in full pads all season despite numerous injuries and said that eventually "you physically don't want to be out there when your body feels like you do in full pads.
"While it probably doesn't have a really detrimental effect on how you practice or play, it does on your mind, and if you lose your mind in [football], you lose a lot."
Barber said he discussed his concerns with Coughlin and the coach gave a little, such as when Barber told him he could not go full speed in some practices. Still, it was not enough.
"He has changed in little ways," the former running back said, "but I think he still has to come more. The game has changed. Players are different, and you have to understand them and get to know them in order to encourage and motivate them to be successful.
"Twenty years ago it was different. You could push a player until he broke down because you had 15 other guys who could come in and take his place."
On "Today," where he starts April 16, Barber will report on everything from technology to education to politics, from the news-heavy first half-hour to a planned, lighter fourth hour.
On "Football Night in America" he will analyze games and weigh in on topics such as the debate over the long-term effects of concussions, replacing Sterling Sharpe in the studio cast.
NBC so appealed to Barber that he accepted less money than ABC/ESPN and Fox are believed to have offered. His three-year contract is worth about $6 million overall. Barber would have made twice that per season playing, but he lost his passion for the job.
"Coach Coughlin was nothing but great for me as a player, but the grind took its toll on me and it really forced me to start thinking about what I wanted to do next," he said.
"That's not a bad thing. That's a good thing. At least for me it is. Maybe not for the Giants, because they lose one of their great players."
Tiki on Coughlin:
Jan. 8, 2006: After a 23-0 rout by the Panthers in a wild-card playoff game.
"In some ways we were outcoached."
"We spend a lot of time at the line of scrimmage sometimes dissecting the defense, and that allows them to bring up extra guys in the box. When we were going on quick [counts] we were effective. We were getting 4 or 5 yards per play. but we played into their scheme and it ended up ultimately costing us the game."
Nov. 22, 2006: In the wake of a 26-10 loss to the Jaguars in which the offense stagnated and the running game was inconsequential,
"I felt insignificant . . . I'm not here to be a cheerleader. My job is to help the team win."
He argued the running game should be the foundation of the offense, saying,
"This isn't rocket science. Its football."
Well,...This was the unspoken reason why Tiki Hung it up early? hey.....I'm not surprised that it didn't come out until now,...Tiki is a class act...but he should just leave it alone.... he's done....he's a member of the media now......let it be....because you know he will have to interview Coughlin on October 28th when the Gianst play Miami in London.....
Tired of Tom
Practices made Tiki think of quitting
BY NEIL BEST
neil.best@newsday.com
February 14, 2007
On his first full day as a retired player, Tiki Barber lobbed a hypothetical hand grenade yesterday during a news conference to announce his hiring by NBC.
Barber several times suggested Giants coach Tom Coughlin set the wheels of his retirement in motion because of the "physical grind" through which he put players. Which led to an obvious question for the reporters who gathered at 30 Rockefeller Plaza along with the network's top news and sports executives.
If someone other than Coughlin had been his coach the past three seasons, might he still be a Giant rather than a correspondent for the "Today" show and an analyst for "Football Night in America"?
"Possibly, but that's speculation," he said. "I don't know. I'm 31 years old. I'll be 32 this year, which is way past the average for my position."
The fact Barber would even address the possibility at the moment of his hiring by NBC was another odd twist in a strained relationship with Coughlin, whose stewardship he criticized at times as a player. NBC loved it, because the network hired Barber in part for his outspokenness. The Giants likely did not, but they declined to comment.
Barber first invoked Coughlin by saying, "The grind started to take a toll on me and the principles of our head coach started taking a toll on me, so I started looking for the next thing."
To which NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol joked Barber would be permitted to cross his legs during meetings with NBC executives.
Later, though, Barber explained it wasn't so much Coughlin's rules as his approach to the physical part of the game that wore on him. Barber said he did not get enough time to rest and recuperate, saying, "It was a constant physical grind on me that started to take a toll.
"While it didn't show up a lot on Sundays because I had my three best seasons under him, and I give him a lot of credit of that, I could feel a difference."
Barber said the team practiced in full pads all season despite numerous injuries and said that eventually "you physically don't want to be out there when your body feels like you do in full pads.
"While it probably doesn't have a really detrimental effect on how you practice or play, it does on your mind, and if you lose your mind in [football], you lose a lot."
Barber said he discussed his concerns with Coughlin and the coach gave a little, such as when Barber told him he could not go full speed in some practices. Still, it was not enough.
"He has changed in little ways," the former running back said, "but I think he still has to come more. The game has changed. Players are different, and you have to understand them and get to know them in order to encourage and motivate them to be successful.
"Twenty years ago it was different. You could push a player until he broke down because you had 15 other guys who could come in and take his place."
On "Today," where he starts April 16, Barber will report on everything from technology to education to politics, from the news-heavy first half-hour to a planned, lighter fourth hour.
On "Football Night in America" he will analyze games and weigh in on topics such as the debate over the long-term effects of concussions, replacing Sterling Sharpe in the studio cast.
NBC so appealed to Barber that he accepted less money than ABC/ESPN and Fox are believed to have offered. His three-year contract is worth about $6 million overall. Barber would have made twice that per season playing, but he lost his passion for the job.
"Coach Coughlin was nothing but great for me as a player, but the grind took its toll on me and it really forced me to start thinking about what I wanted to do next," he said.
"That's not a bad thing. That's a good thing. At least for me it is. Maybe not for the Giants, because they lose one of their great players."
Tiki on Coughlin:
Jan. 8, 2006: After a 23-0 rout by the Panthers in a wild-card playoff game.
"In some ways we were outcoached."
"We spend a lot of time at the line of scrimmage sometimes dissecting the defense, and that allows them to bring up extra guys in the box. When we were going on quick [counts] we were effective. We were getting 4 or 5 yards per play. but we played into their scheme and it ended up ultimately costing us the game."
Nov. 22, 2006: In the wake of a 26-10 loss to the Jaguars in which the offense stagnated and the running game was inconsequential,
"I felt insignificant . . . I'm not here to be a cheerleader. My job is to help the team win."
He argued the running game should be the foundation of the offense, saying,
"This isn't rocket science. Its football."
Well,...This was the unspoken reason why Tiki Hung it up early? hey.....I'm not surprised that it didn't come out until now,...Tiki is a class act...but he should just leave it alone.... he's done....he's a member of the media now......let it be....because you know he will have to interview Coughlin on October 28th when the Gianst play Miami in London.....
Spiderman 3 - Toby McGuire, Kirsten Dunst, Sam Rami Talk About Spiderman 3
Spiderman 3's set for a May 4th release and already the buzz is starting to build for the movie. Of course, most of this buzz is being generated by Sony, the film's producers. Take this great video for example. It contains interviews with stars Toby McGuire, Kirsten Dunst, and director Sam Rami talking about the storyline of the film.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Giants Cut 3
From NFL.com---See My Notes at the end
Giants release Arrington, Emmons, Petitgout
NFL.com wire reports
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Feb. 12, 2007) -- The New York Giants released linebacker LaVar Arrington and two other starters in the first major shake-up under new general manager Jerry Reese.
New York also cut linebacker Carlos Emmons and offensive tackle Luke Petitgout, both of whom were slowed by injuries over the last two seasons.
The release of Arrington ended a brief and unsatisfying tenure with the Giants for the former Pro Bowler, who was signed last year to a seven-year deal but suffered an Achilles injury against Dallas on Oct. 23 and played in only six games.
"LaVar's situation is unfortunate because he was just starting to really become a factor in our defense at the time of his injury," Reese said.
Reese, who replaced the retired Ernie Accorsi, served notice that he will not stand pat with a team that won the NFC East in 2005 but was humiliated in a first-round playoff loss to Carolina, then scraped into the playoffs last season with an 8-8 record and again lost in the first round.
"These are difficult decisions," Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said. "But as Jerry and I looked at the roster, they are decisions we felt we had to make as we start to compose our team for the upcoming season."
Petitgout started 106 games at tackle and guard over eight seasons for the Giants. He broke his leg against Chicago on Nov. 12 and missed the Giants' final seven games.
Emmons, acquired from Philadelphia in 2004, played in 36 games in three seasons but missed a total of 11 games in the last two seasons with a pectoral injury.
So I'm not surprised about Emmons, But I would have thought Arrington would have lasted at least one more year since he was starting to come around. Luke P was a difficult call,..but he had been stable even through injury.
Giants release Arrington, Emmons, Petitgout
NFL.com wire reports
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Feb. 12, 2007) -- The New York Giants released linebacker LaVar Arrington and two other starters in the first major shake-up under new general manager Jerry Reese.
New York also cut linebacker Carlos Emmons and offensive tackle Luke Petitgout, both of whom were slowed by injuries over the last two seasons.
The release of Arrington ended a brief and unsatisfying tenure with the Giants for the former Pro Bowler, who was signed last year to a seven-year deal but suffered an Achilles injury against Dallas on Oct. 23 and played in only six games.
"LaVar's situation is unfortunate because he was just starting to really become a factor in our defense at the time of his injury," Reese said.
Reese, who replaced the retired Ernie Accorsi, served notice that he will not stand pat with a team that won the NFC East in 2005 but was humiliated in a first-round playoff loss to Carolina, then scraped into the playoffs last season with an 8-8 record and again lost in the first round.
"These are difficult decisions," Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said. "But as Jerry and I looked at the roster, they are decisions we felt we had to make as we start to compose our team for the upcoming season."
Petitgout started 106 games at tackle and guard over eight seasons for the Giants. He broke his leg against Chicago on Nov. 12 and missed the Giants' final seven games.
Emmons, acquired from Philadelphia in 2004, played in 36 games in three seasons but missed a total of 11 games in the last two seasons with a pectoral injury.
So I'm not surprised about Emmons, But I would have thought Arrington would have lasted at least one more year since he was starting to come around. Luke P was a difficult call,..but he had been stable even through injury.
Barack Obama Announces His Presidential Run - Video
Illinois Senator Barack Obama announced his candidacy for President of The United States in Springfield Illinois last Saturday morning. Under a clearn sky and thousands of supporters, Obama gave his reasons or this excting decision.
Barack Obama For President - Video
This is the widely circulating Barack Obama video I found over at Brightcove, the new video distribution site. It's on Barack's background and message. Also, he's going to be at a fund raiser for Senator Barbara Boxer on February 19th at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, Grand Ballroom, San Francisco.
Monday, February 12, 2007
San Diego Chargers' GM A.J. Smith's Constant Fucking With Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer Reaches Boling Point - Schott Fired
Yep. That headline sums it all up. "Chargers' GM A.J. Smith's Constant Fucking With Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer Reaches Boling Point - Schott Fired"
It has been known and well-told that San Diego Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith has not worked to get along with Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer. Indeed, A.J. Smith doesn't have the best image with a number of people. In my book, and that of others, this is stupid. The GM's supposed to get along with the coach -- indeed, supply the coach with a steady stream of capable players that the coach can teach his system to and hopefully win a Super Bowl or two.
But A.J. Smith doesnt' see life this way. Indeed, Smith can be considered as one who was openly screwing with the desires and fortunes of Coach Schottenheimer, from not only failing to retain star quarterback Drew Brees, but earlier passing on Michael Vick -- a sure jersey-seller if not star quarterback -- and basically stocking up on look-alike immoblie White QB's A.J. Feeley, Drew Brees, Phillip Rivers, and Eli Manning for a New York minute. You can't fault Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips or Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron for taking head jobs, you know and I know that typical teams at least lift a wallet to retain their most talented teachers.
This is weird.
Everything about it reads hollow. Look at Chargers' President Dean Spanos statement:
"Today I made an extremely difficult decision: Marty Schottenheimer is no longer the head coach of the San Diego Chargers.
"This decision was so hard because Marty has been both a friend and valued coach of our team. But my first obligation is always to do what is in the best interest of our fans and the entire Charger organization. I must take whatever steps are necessary to deliver a Super Bowl trophy to San Diego. Events of the last month have now convinced me that it is not possible for our organization to function at a championship level under the current structure. On the contrary, and in the plainest possible language, we have a dysfunctional situation here. Today I am resolving that situation once and for all.
"My decision means that our organization will be obligated to pay the last year of Marty Schottenheimer's contract and will begin an intense search for a new head coach at this relatively late date, but these are sacrifices that I believe are necessary to give the Chargers the best possible chance to win on the field this season.
"Our fans deserve to know what changed for me over the last month. When I decided to move ahead with Marty Schottenheimer in mid-January, I did so with the expectation that the core of his fine coaching staff would remain intact. Unfortunately, that did not prove to be the case, and the process of dealing with these coaching changes convinced me that we simply could not move forward with such dysfunction between our head coach and general manager. In short, this entire process over the last month convinced me beyond any doubt that I had to act to change this untenable situation and create an environment where everyone at Charger Park would be pulling in the same direction and working at a championship level. I expect exactly that from our entire Charger organization in 2007."
Dean Spanos must be smoking a big one to think the Chargers are going to have "the best possible chance to win on the field this season." In one fell swoop, he took the best-team in the NFL from early 2008 Super Bowl favorite, to possible division cellar foder for the Oakland Raiders, much to the delight of the Raider Nation.
Ohhh!!!!!!!!
Dean and A.J. have taken a big risk and there's no high reward. Keeping their head guy - a renowned teacher -- was the action that had the best upside. Now, that's gone.
I'm going to go out on a limb and state that Spanos decision was one based on emotion, a snap-judgement, and an argument with Marty. It wasn't calculated at all. How could it be? Spanos himself described the climate as a 'dysfunctional situation.' What does that tell you? It explains that at some point in the recent past, someone had a big angry discussion. I'm betting it was Smith and Schott, with Spanos getting in the middle.
Nick Campena laid it out first back in March 6, 2006, when he wrote: "Looking out from shore, it appears the reluctant marriage between Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith and coach Marty Schottenheimer is this close to the rocks – and the surf's up. There's trouble in what not long ago was perceived as a replenishing paradise."
Campena pointed to the Drew Brees matters, and a February 26th article by Jim Trotter of the San Diego Union-Tribune, where Trotter noted Schottenheimer as stating "I think it's important that there always be communication between the coach and the general manager,” he said during a break at the annual NFL Scouting Combine. (of 2006) “I've sought to see that realized, but, quite frankly, there hasn't been as much communication as I would like.. I think we all understand that ours is a very difficult, competitive enterprise, and in my opinion it's important that everybody is aimed in the same direction.”
Is that the case with the Chargers?
“We'll have to maybe wait and see,” he said.
Well, apparently it's not -- the Chargers are apparently torn apart. And the last time this happened, Bobby Ross was the head guy and Bobby Bethard was the GM. The Chargers never smelled a playoff end-zone after that affair.
Some online newhounds -- the people at Profotballtalk.com seem to think that A.J. Smith is the next person to be fired. This corner says "great" but I also state that allowing rumors of hiring Pete Carroll to replace Schottenheimer is wrong-headed. First, there's nothing to state that Carroll will be a great NFL head coach, second, you don't need the Rooney Rule to know their are great Black and Latino head coaches out there.
Indeed, if the Chargers can't find a good Black head coach out of the 131 assistants in the NFL game, they must be totally stupid. I hope I'm wrong.
But now that I think about it, racism is borne of stupidity, so the Chargers shoud be careful.
Young wants to finish as a 49er
Although a deal isn't yet near, the San Francisco 49ers have begun negotiations aimed at accommodating the wishes of star defensive tackle Bryant Young to play at least one more season, and to finish his career with the only team for which he has ever worked.
Bryant Young
Defensive End
San Francisco 49ers
Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int
52 42 10 0 6 0
Young, 35, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on March 2, and the 13-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowl performer wants to play again in 2007, as long as it's with the 49ers.
One of the NFL's premier defensive tackles during his tenure in the league, and also one of its classiest performers, Young is clearly nearing the end of a celebrated career. But he demonstrated in 2006, when his playing time was purposely reduced in an effort to maximize his production, that he can still be an effective defender.
In 16 games, most of them at tackle, Young posted 52 tackles and he led all 49ers' defensive linemen in sacks, with 5½. The performance earned him a spot as a Pro Bowl alternate. Young played some at left end, when San Francisco was aligned in a 3-4 front, a scheme coach Mike Nolan wants to use even more in 2007.
"He still has something left," Nolan said. "And you always want people like him around your football team. Any organization, any community, wants guys like him."
Flush with plenty of salary cap space this spring, San Francisco figures to add some veteran players as the team continues to transition to a 3-4, but the feeling is that Young can still contribute as a strongside end.
He earned a base salary of $2.25 million and part of the current negotiations are based on finding financial ground that meets the needs of both sides.
The reduced workload, something on which San Francisco coaches have been working the past several seasons, has helped extend Young's career and his effectiveness. He has missed only three games the last two years and has never been sidelined more than four games in a season.
In 192 career games, the former Notre Dame star, a first-round choice in the 1994 draft, has 570 tackles, 83 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and six recoveries.
Bryant Young
Defensive End
San Francisco 49ers
Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int
52 42 10 0 6 0
Young, 35, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on March 2, and the 13-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowl performer wants to play again in 2007, as long as it's with the 49ers.
One of the NFL's premier defensive tackles during his tenure in the league, and also one of its classiest performers, Young is clearly nearing the end of a celebrated career. But he demonstrated in 2006, when his playing time was purposely reduced in an effort to maximize his production, that he can still be an effective defender.
In 16 games, most of them at tackle, Young posted 52 tackles and he led all 49ers' defensive linemen in sacks, with 5½. The performance earned him a spot as a Pro Bowl alternate. Young played some at left end, when San Francisco was aligned in a 3-4 front, a scheme coach Mike Nolan wants to use even more in 2007.
"He still has something left," Nolan said. "And you always want people like him around your football team. Any organization, any community, wants guys like him."
Flush with plenty of salary cap space this spring, San Francisco figures to add some veteran players as the team continues to transition to a 3-4, but the feeling is that Young can still contribute as a strongside end.
He earned a base salary of $2.25 million and part of the current negotiations are based on finding financial ground that meets the needs of both sides.
The reduced workload, something on which San Francisco coaches have been working the past several seasons, has helped extend Young's career and his effectiveness. He has missed only three games the last two years and has never been sidelined more than four games in a season.
In 192 career games, the former Notre Dame star, a first-round choice in the 1994 draft, has 570 tackles, 83 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and six recoveries.
Cowboys Owner Jones Fully in Charge Again
Jones Back Atop Cowboys' Hierarchy-see my comments at the end.
By JAIME ARON
AP Sports Writer
IRVING, Texas -- Jerry Jones insists Wade Phillips will have as much input into personnel decisions for the Dallas Cowboys as Bill Parcells had. It even says so in his contract, Jones added.
Then came the kicker: Dave Campo and Chan Gailey had the same wording in their contracts.
So forget what's on the legal documents and focus on the reality. After four years of working alongside Bill Parcells, Jones is once again taking full advantage of his dual titles as owner and general manager.
"It's just not correct that I don't have the ability or the energy or the skills to do what I do every time I make a decision," Jones said Thursday, following the hiring of Phillips. "I talk to a lot of people and get a lot of different perspectives before I make a decision. I get a lot of input and I factor it. If I didn't get the input and didn't do the homework, shame on me."
Jones views the Parcells experiment as vindicating. He sucked in his ego and appeased his critics by bringing in a proven "football guy" to help shape the organization.
And while Jones says "We are better off in a very significant way because Bill was here," he couldn't help but point out that the Cowboys won as many playoff games under their high-falutin' coach (zero) as they did under Gailey and Campo, who were mocked for being Jones puppets.
"It didn't work," Jones said of the Parcells Era. "We had some success, but at the end of the day we did not have the kind of success we wanted."
Thus, Jones feels free to doing things another way. His way.
He went into the coaching search looking for someone who could develop quarterback Tony Romo. Norv Turner was his best bet, although Jones was so impressed with Jason Garrett that he hired him away from Miami without knowing what role he'd have.
Jones liked the idea of Turner and Garrett working with Romo and the rest of the offense. Problem was, Jones still had to fix the team's bigger problem: defense.
He could've hired Ron Rivera to put in the 4-3 scheme Rivera used to get the Chicago Bears into the Super Bowl. But Jones, the general manager, decided he really wanted to stick with the 3-4 scheme that Jones, the owner, had spent so much time and money putting together for Parcells the last two years.
"I looked at it with an open mind," Jones said of changing defensive styles. "But at the end of the day, I decided I didn't want to. I wanted to keep going in the way we were going. ...
"I think it is fair for somebody in my role to make those decisions about the way you're going and the schemes in general, the philosophy," Jones added. "Now, that doesn't mean I'm going to tell (the coach) how to line up and whether to shade or stunt, those sorts of things. That's not what I'm going to do. But I can decide we are going to play the 3-4."
That led him back to Phillips, with Garrett running the offense.
"There's no question his availability opened some possibilities up with going with a more defensive-oriented head coach," Jones said.
Jones knows that he's taking a risk by entrusting Romo's development to Garrett, whose only coaching experience is two years as Miami's quarterbacks coach.
But it's a risk the former oil wildcatter is willing to take.
"Jason will be operating without a net," Jones said. "I like that. I think that brings out the best in people."
Garrett definitely has a good pedigree.
The son of a longtime NFL scout who spent many years working for the Cowboys, Garrett graduated from Princeton and played for the Cowboys, breaking in under Turner while backing up Troy Aikman. He later played for offensive gurus Jon Gruden in Tampa Bay and Sean Payton in New York.
Jones said he was thinking about hiring Garrett before Parcells retired. Now that he's here, he's already considered the front-runner to eventually replace Phillips.
Maybe yes, maybe no. But one thing is certain: When that time comes, Jones will having the final say.
OMG: so Jones thinks that BECAUSE Bill Parcells ONLY went 34-32 and lost 2 Playoff games in 4 years that HE(Jerry Jones/Owner/General Manager) knows more about football then Parcells, or even Jummy Johnson?? Come now...we have been down this road....Jones has come a long way since 1989,..but still, He's not Paul Brown. Lets remember Mr. Jones' comment when he and Jimmy Johnson parted ways: I can get Barry Switzer to run this team.....and so he did...but it was still Johnson's Team and scheme that won. I'm a better Talent Evaluator then Jerry Jones is. So is my Late Father Btw...and all he ever did was Play Millitary service Football in Post war Germany, and then coach our Team in the NYC Housing Authority Athletic leauge.....
If the Cowboys are successful again it will be because of WADE Phillips,..not Jerry Jones....
By JAIME ARON
AP Sports Writer
IRVING, Texas -- Jerry Jones insists Wade Phillips will have as much input into personnel decisions for the Dallas Cowboys as Bill Parcells had. It even says so in his contract, Jones added.
Then came the kicker: Dave Campo and Chan Gailey had the same wording in their contracts.
So forget what's on the legal documents and focus on the reality. After four years of working alongside Bill Parcells, Jones is once again taking full advantage of his dual titles as owner and general manager.
"It's just not correct that I don't have the ability or the energy or the skills to do what I do every time I make a decision," Jones said Thursday, following the hiring of Phillips. "I talk to a lot of people and get a lot of different perspectives before I make a decision. I get a lot of input and I factor it. If I didn't get the input and didn't do the homework, shame on me."
Jones views the Parcells experiment as vindicating. He sucked in his ego and appeased his critics by bringing in a proven "football guy" to help shape the organization.
And while Jones says "We are better off in a very significant way because Bill was here," he couldn't help but point out that the Cowboys won as many playoff games under their high-falutin' coach (zero) as they did under Gailey and Campo, who were mocked for being Jones puppets.
"It didn't work," Jones said of the Parcells Era. "We had some success, but at the end of the day we did not have the kind of success we wanted."
Thus, Jones feels free to doing things another way. His way.
He went into the coaching search looking for someone who could develop quarterback Tony Romo. Norv Turner was his best bet, although Jones was so impressed with Jason Garrett that he hired him away from Miami without knowing what role he'd have.
Jones liked the idea of Turner and Garrett working with Romo and the rest of the offense. Problem was, Jones still had to fix the team's bigger problem: defense.
He could've hired Ron Rivera to put in the 4-3 scheme Rivera used to get the Chicago Bears into the Super Bowl. But Jones, the general manager, decided he really wanted to stick with the 3-4 scheme that Jones, the owner, had spent so much time and money putting together for Parcells the last two years.
"I looked at it with an open mind," Jones said of changing defensive styles. "But at the end of the day, I decided I didn't want to. I wanted to keep going in the way we were going. ...
"I think it is fair for somebody in my role to make those decisions about the way you're going and the schemes in general, the philosophy," Jones added. "Now, that doesn't mean I'm going to tell (the coach) how to line up and whether to shade or stunt, those sorts of things. That's not what I'm going to do. But I can decide we are going to play the 3-4."
That led him back to Phillips, with Garrett running the offense.
"There's no question his availability opened some possibilities up with going with a more defensive-oriented head coach," Jones said.
Jones knows that he's taking a risk by entrusting Romo's development to Garrett, whose only coaching experience is two years as Miami's quarterbacks coach.
But it's a risk the former oil wildcatter is willing to take.
"Jason will be operating without a net," Jones said. "I like that. I think that brings out the best in people."
Garrett definitely has a good pedigree.
The son of a longtime NFL scout who spent many years working for the Cowboys, Garrett graduated from Princeton and played for the Cowboys, breaking in under Turner while backing up Troy Aikman. He later played for offensive gurus Jon Gruden in Tampa Bay and Sean Payton in New York.
Jones said he was thinking about hiring Garrett before Parcells retired. Now that he's here, he's already considered the front-runner to eventually replace Phillips.
Maybe yes, maybe no. But one thing is certain: When that time comes, Jones will having the final say.
OMG: so Jones thinks that BECAUSE Bill Parcells ONLY went 34-32 and lost 2 Playoff games in 4 years that HE(Jerry Jones/Owner/General Manager) knows more about football then Parcells, or even Jummy Johnson?? Come now...we have been down this road....Jones has come a long way since 1989,..but still, He's not Paul Brown. Lets remember Mr. Jones' comment when he and Jimmy Johnson parted ways: I can get Barry Switzer to run this team.....and so he did...but it was still Johnson's Team and scheme that won. I'm a better Talent Evaluator then Jerry Jones is. So is my Late Father Btw...and all he ever did was Play Millitary service Football in Post war Germany, and then coach our Team in the NYC Housing Authority Athletic leauge.....
If the Cowboys are successful again it will be because of WADE Phillips,..not Jerry Jones....
Former NFL Field Official says he was fired over race issue.
This is an AP wire service report from over the weekend.
NFL Official Says Firing Spurred by Race
By DAVID B. CARUSO
Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK -- A former supervisor of NFL officials sued the league in federal court Friday, claiming he was unfairly fired after some referees lodged false complaints that he was racially biased.
Earnie Frantz, a head linesman in the NFL from 1981 to 2001, said he was fired as associate supervisor of officiating in the spring of 2005.
In a lawsuit filed in Manhattan, Frantz said part of his job as a supervisor included grading the performance of officials after each week of play.
But while performing that role, the suit said, Frantz became a target of complaints by "a vocal component of the minority officiating crew," who complained that he was racially biased and graded minorities more harshly than whites.
"In terminating Mr. Frantz's employment, the NFL bowed to the pressure of the minority members of the officiating crews whom he supervised," the suit said.
Frantz, who is white, claimed in the suit that he was essentially fired "because of the color of his skin."
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed that Frantz was let go by the league, but disputed the former official's account of how it happened.
"While we have not seen the specific allegations, we know that Earnie Frantz's departure from the NFL had nothing to do with issues of race," Aiello said in an e-mail message to The Associated Press.
He declined to elaborate.
Frantz, who lives in Massachusetts, is seeking unspecified damages, penalties and back pay. His attorney, Scott Korenbaum, did not immediately return a phone message Friday.
NFL Official Says Firing Spurred by Race
By DAVID B. CARUSO
Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK -- A former supervisor of NFL officials sued the league in federal court Friday, claiming he was unfairly fired after some referees lodged false complaints that he was racially biased.
Earnie Frantz, a head linesman in the NFL from 1981 to 2001, said he was fired as associate supervisor of officiating in the spring of 2005.
In a lawsuit filed in Manhattan, Frantz said part of his job as a supervisor included grading the performance of officials after each week of play.
But while performing that role, the suit said, Frantz became a target of complaints by "a vocal component of the minority officiating crew," who complained that he was racially biased and graded minorities more harshly than whites.
"In terminating Mr. Frantz's employment, the NFL bowed to the pressure of the minority members of the officiating crews whom he supervised," the suit said.
Frantz, who is white, claimed in the suit that he was essentially fired "because of the color of his skin."
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed that Frantz was let go by the league, but disputed the former official's account of how it happened.
"While we have not seen the specific allegations, we know that Earnie Frantz's departure from the NFL had nothing to do with issues of race," Aiello said in an e-mail message to The Associated Press.
He declined to elaborate.
Frantz, who lives in Massachusetts, is seeking unspecified damages, penalties and back pay. His attorney, Scott Korenbaum, did not immediately return a phone message Friday.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Anna Nicole Smith - Was She Murdered?
I'm saddened to learn of the passing of Anna Nicole Smith , but the main question that should be asked is was she murdered? It seems like a logical action to invetigate given the millions she was battling for from the estate of her late husband and the bad feelings some members of the family had for her.
I think it's a sad that this is not looked into more. Or it could be a suicide, but regardless the pictures not pretty for the final outcome.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Norv Turner happy to stay in Bay Area
Here is One FRom Zennie's Backyard.....my thoughts at the end...(Draftnik) BC
49ers happy to retain Turner
Coordinator to get extension
Kevin Lynch, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, February 9, 2007
The naming of Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips as the Cowboys' head coach set off quiet celebrations from the Bay Area to Hawaii. While 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner might be disappointed he didn't get the Cowboys' job after a long and highly-publicized flirtation, the 49ers were pleased.
"It's great, I'm happy for the team," running back Frank Gore said from Hawaii, where he's practicing for Saturday's Pro Bowl. "You can tell from the middle of (last) season to the end, we were scoring points and getting a lot of yards -- doing anything we wanted to do. Now when we go into training camp, there's no more learning. We can just go."
Turner issued a statement through the team.
"I have a great situation with the 49ers, and I'm excited about continuing the progress we made on offense last season," he said. "(Team owner) John York and (coach) Mike Nolan were instrumental in lending their support to me in the interview process in Dallas."
The 49ers will extend and add money to Turner's contract, which was due to expire at the end of the 2007 season.
With Turner staying, the offense doesn't have to adjust to a third offensive coordinator in three years. Turner replaced Mike McCarthy when McCarthy was hired as the Packers head coach, and Turner ditched the 49ers' long-standing West Coast offense for a "digital" scheme.
The offense responded to the more simplified system. The team went from 105.6 in average rushing yards per game to 135.8.
Quarterback Alex Smith went from throwing one touchdown and 11 interceptions to tossing 16 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions while taking every snap.
Smith said Turner, who has tutored Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, was instrumental in his development. Turner also hatched creative game plans and mixed in a variety of trick plays.
No one is sure of what transpired in Dallas, where Turner appeared to be a front runner after interviewing 12 days ago with owner Jerry Jones, new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and outgoing coach Bill Parcells.
Turner was then captured on television giving a high-five to Jones after both heard the announcement that former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin won election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. News was also leaked that Turner, who was the Cowboys offensive coordinator when Dallas won consecutive titles in 1992-'93, attended an owners' party during Super Bowl week with Jones.
Turner was actually a guest of host Wayne Huizenga, the owner of the Dolphins, whom he worked for in 2002-'03.
Some reports said Turner differed with Jones over control of the coaching staff and play calling. But a league source said Turner, a Martinez native, was comfortable making demands of Jones because Turner knew he had a good situation with the 49ers.
Gore believes the 49ers can go to another level offensively in 2007.
"I'm happy, real happy, especially with the young team we have, and the young quarterback, the young offense," he said. "All that progress we made toward the end of the year, that's just going to continue. We can just keep playing off of it. We can keep growing, working hard in the offseason, and next year is going to be crazy, just crazy."
Briefly: Gore brought running backs coach Bishop Harris and fullback Moran Norris with him to Hawaii. He also brought family and friends and requested 25 tickets for the game. Guard Larry Allen paid for offensive line coach George Warhop's trip to the islands. ... The 5th annual Crab Cracking Contest at Union Square in San Francisco on Feb. 24 from 3 to 5 p.m. will benefit the 49ers Foundation. Members of the team will demonstrate their crab-cracking acumen during the food-, beer- and wine-tasting festival.
Yes: Norv is a Better OC then he is a head coach. Alex smith is dancing a jig right now he's so happy. This also Sets up the Niners incase Nolan should leave for whatever reason, although I doubt that now....
49ers happy to retain Turner
Coordinator to get extension
Kevin Lynch, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, February 9, 2007
The naming of Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips as the Cowboys' head coach set off quiet celebrations from the Bay Area to Hawaii. While 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner might be disappointed he didn't get the Cowboys' job after a long and highly-publicized flirtation, the 49ers were pleased.
"It's great, I'm happy for the team," running back Frank Gore said from Hawaii, where he's practicing for Saturday's Pro Bowl. "You can tell from the middle of (last) season to the end, we were scoring points and getting a lot of yards -- doing anything we wanted to do. Now when we go into training camp, there's no more learning. We can just go."
Turner issued a statement through the team.
"I have a great situation with the 49ers, and I'm excited about continuing the progress we made on offense last season," he said. "(Team owner) John York and (coach) Mike Nolan were instrumental in lending their support to me in the interview process in Dallas."
The 49ers will extend and add money to Turner's contract, which was due to expire at the end of the 2007 season.
With Turner staying, the offense doesn't have to adjust to a third offensive coordinator in three years. Turner replaced Mike McCarthy when McCarthy was hired as the Packers head coach, and Turner ditched the 49ers' long-standing West Coast offense for a "digital" scheme.
The offense responded to the more simplified system. The team went from 105.6 in average rushing yards per game to 135.8.
Quarterback Alex Smith went from throwing one touchdown and 11 interceptions to tossing 16 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions while taking every snap.
Smith said Turner, who has tutored Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, was instrumental in his development. Turner also hatched creative game plans and mixed in a variety of trick plays.
No one is sure of what transpired in Dallas, where Turner appeared to be a front runner after interviewing 12 days ago with owner Jerry Jones, new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and outgoing coach Bill Parcells.
Turner was then captured on television giving a high-five to Jones after both heard the announcement that former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin won election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. News was also leaked that Turner, who was the Cowboys offensive coordinator when Dallas won consecutive titles in 1992-'93, attended an owners' party during Super Bowl week with Jones.
Turner was actually a guest of host Wayne Huizenga, the owner of the Dolphins, whom he worked for in 2002-'03.
Some reports said Turner differed with Jones over control of the coaching staff and play calling. But a league source said Turner, a Martinez native, was comfortable making demands of Jones because Turner knew he had a good situation with the 49ers.
Gore believes the 49ers can go to another level offensively in 2007.
"I'm happy, real happy, especially with the young team we have, and the young quarterback, the young offense," he said. "All that progress we made toward the end of the year, that's just going to continue. We can just keep playing off of it. We can keep growing, working hard in the offseason, and next year is going to be crazy, just crazy."
Briefly: Gore brought running backs coach Bishop Harris and fullback Moran Norris with him to Hawaii. He also brought family and friends and requested 25 tickets for the game. Guard Larry Allen paid for offensive line coach George Warhop's trip to the islands. ... The 5th annual Crab Cracking Contest at Union Square in San Francisco on Feb. 24 from 3 to 5 p.m. will benefit the 49ers Foundation. Members of the team will demonstrate their crab-cracking acumen during the food-, beer- and wine-tasting festival.
Yes: Norv is a Better OC then he is a head coach. Alex smith is dancing a jig right now he's so happy. This also Sets up the Niners incase Nolan should leave for whatever reason, although I doubt that now....
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Field Position Podcast Featuring Bill Chachkes, Zennie Abraham, Wil Mara, and Walter Anaruk
Bill Chachkes leads a round-robin discussion with Field Position’s Walter Anaruk, NFL Business Blog and Sports Business Simulations CEO Zennie Abraham, and noted author Wil Mara who’s most recent novel The Draft is on shelves now.
The group discusses the ever changing NFL coaching carousel and the hype surrounding the Super Bowl. They delve into why the issue of Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy’s and Bears Head Coach Marvin Lewis’ race is not only newsworthy but very relevant to our every day lives. Then they delve into the Super Bowl, breaking down player match-ups, offensive and defensive philosophies, and coaching styles.
You can hear this MP3 download with a click on this sentence.
Wade Phillips the new Dallas Cowboys Head Coach
I went all the Way to the Hometown newspaper of Wade Phillips-see my end notes
BOB WEST
The Port Arthur News
PORT ARTHUR —
It’s a little scary — no make that downright frightening — when Jerry Jones and I come to the same conclusion on a football coach. But I must give Jethro a standing ovation for having the good sense to go against the grain of conventional wisdom and hire Wade Phillips as Bill Parcells’ successor.
Wade is easily the best coach of the 10 Jones interviewed, and will be the Cowboys best coach since Jimmy Johnson. If it is possible to get Dallas back to the Super Bowl in what is less than an ideal situation, as far as the owner being too hands on, this son of a Bum will get it done.
Up front, I must admit that I am about as unbiased on Wade as I was on Jimmy. I’ve known him since Neil Morgan gave him his first head coaching job at Orange Stark High School, his wife, the former Laurie Nunez of Port Neches, was a bridesmaid when my wife and I got married and there’s nobody I respect more than his dad — Bum Phillips.
That said, I have absolutely no reservations in crawling out on a limb in print and saying the guy who quarterbacked Port Neches-Groves to a 7-2-1 record in 1964 was a great hire. I said the same thing when Jones hired Johnson to replace Tom Landry, didn’t waver after the Cowboys went 1-15 his first year and wound up looking like a genius.
Actually, there is that one reservation about Jones, but Wade has the ideal personality to deal with him. Like Bum, who skillfully dealt with a jerk of an owner in Houston named Bud Adams until a devil named Ladd Herzeg got his ear, Wade’s people skills and lack of overblown ego can make it work with Jethro.
What impresses me about Jones’ bold move is that Wade was not the popular hire. Or, as some of the clueless idiots on ESPN keep saying, “a sexy hire.” From Dallas Hall of Famers Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin to Jimmy Johnson, to the Metroplex media, Jones was besieged with people around him lobbying for Norv Turner.
It certainly looked like the decision had already been made last week in Miami, when Jones and Turner kept being spotted together. The way everybody had it figured, Jones was going to interview Chicago defensive coordinator Ron Rivera — the guy Norv wanted as his DC — after the Super Bowl, then make the announcement.
Jones, however, went against the grain, and he’s going to get skewered in a lot of circles for it. What most of the critics don’t understand, though, is that Jerry has long admired Wade, sought his opinion often over the years and was obviously sold after an eight-hour interview a couple of weeks ago.
Perhaps the only one not surprised at the decision was Bum Phillips. Every time I checked with Bum the last couple of weeks, he kept saying he had a good feeling Wade was going to get the job. I kept saying reminding him that all the evidence pointed to Norv Turner. But Bum didn’t waver.
Contacted Thursday morning, as he was enroute to the press conference at Valley Ranch, the 80-year-old father of the new Cowboy coach was ecstatic.
“I didn’t know anything in advance and Wade didn’t either,” he said. “But I just felt that Jerry Jones knows enough about football that he couldn’t spend eight hours with Wade and not realize this was an exceptional coach and the man he needed.
“I am so happy,” he continued. “This is great for Wade and it’s going to be great for the Cowboys. Wade’s a great coach. He’s a better coach than I ever was. Him not being able to hire all his own assistants is not the perfect situation, but he can make it work.”
That part of the terms of accepting the job was taking Jones’ choice, Jason Garrett, as offensive coordinator is going to cause considerable grief for Wade. The first person I spoke with in Dallas on Thursday, a guy whose football knowledge I hold in high regard, said he will be labeled as Jones’ puppet for going along with Garrett and other assistants Jones wants to retain.
If that’s the case , so be it. Wade’s no fool and he didn’t go into this with his eyes closed. He’s 60--years old, he’s totally confident in his abilities and he wanted one more shot at being an NFL head coach. Seeing as how he’d more or less been blackballed by Buffalo owner Ralph Wilson, there might not be another opportunity.
Really, what does he have to lose? Being head coach of the Dallas Cowboys is one of the glamor jobs in all of professional sports? As opposed to his last six coaching stops, where he walked into losing situations, the Cowboys are a playoff team that could be a Super Bowl team — especially in the NFC — with a few tweaks.
Ok: so we have beat this old Horse to death at this Point here on this Blog, at our sister Podcast Website-Fieldposition.com, and all over the internet. several people wanted Ron Rivera, Norv Turner, Jim Caldwell, and a few sick indivuals even want
Anyone available from the Parcells tree(anyone sen Ray Handley lately?) This is the right choice for the Cowboys of now,..because no one is riding into Dallas on a white Horse like Jimmy Johnson did.....
BOB WEST
The Port Arthur News
PORT ARTHUR —
It’s a little scary — no make that downright frightening — when Jerry Jones and I come to the same conclusion on a football coach. But I must give Jethro a standing ovation for having the good sense to go against the grain of conventional wisdom and hire Wade Phillips as Bill Parcells’ successor.
Wade is easily the best coach of the 10 Jones interviewed, and will be the Cowboys best coach since Jimmy Johnson. If it is possible to get Dallas back to the Super Bowl in what is less than an ideal situation, as far as the owner being too hands on, this son of a Bum will get it done.
Up front, I must admit that I am about as unbiased on Wade as I was on Jimmy. I’ve known him since Neil Morgan gave him his first head coaching job at Orange Stark High School, his wife, the former Laurie Nunez of Port Neches, was a bridesmaid when my wife and I got married and there’s nobody I respect more than his dad — Bum Phillips.
That said, I have absolutely no reservations in crawling out on a limb in print and saying the guy who quarterbacked Port Neches-Groves to a 7-2-1 record in 1964 was a great hire. I said the same thing when Jones hired Johnson to replace Tom Landry, didn’t waver after the Cowboys went 1-15 his first year and wound up looking like a genius.
Actually, there is that one reservation about Jones, but Wade has the ideal personality to deal with him. Like Bum, who skillfully dealt with a jerk of an owner in Houston named Bud Adams until a devil named Ladd Herzeg got his ear, Wade’s people skills and lack of overblown ego can make it work with Jethro.
What impresses me about Jones’ bold move is that Wade was not the popular hire. Or, as some of the clueless idiots on ESPN keep saying, “a sexy hire.” From Dallas Hall of Famers Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin to Jimmy Johnson, to the Metroplex media, Jones was besieged with people around him lobbying for Norv Turner.
It certainly looked like the decision had already been made last week in Miami, when Jones and Turner kept being spotted together. The way everybody had it figured, Jones was going to interview Chicago defensive coordinator Ron Rivera — the guy Norv wanted as his DC — after the Super Bowl, then make the announcement.
Jones, however, went against the grain, and he’s going to get skewered in a lot of circles for it. What most of the critics don’t understand, though, is that Jerry has long admired Wade, sought his opinion often over the years and was obviously sold after an eight-hour interview a couple of weeks ago.
Perhaps the only one not surprised at the decision was Bum Phillips. Every time I checked with Bum the last couple of weeks, he kept saying he had a good feeling Wade was going to get the job. I kept saying reminding him that all the evidence pointed to Norv Turner. But Bum didn’t waver.
Contacted Thursday morning, as he was enroute to the press conference at Valley Ranch, the 80-year-old father of the new Cowboy coach was ecstatic.
“I didn’t know anything in advance and Wade didn’t either,” he said. “But I just felt that Jerry Jones knows enough about football that he couldn’t spend eight hours with Wade and not realize this was an exceptional coach and the man he needed.
“I am so happy,” he continued. “This is great for Wade and it’s going to be great for the Cowboys. Wade’s a great coach. He’s a better coach than I ever was. Him not being able to hire all his own assistants is not the perfect situation, but he can make it work.”
That part of the terms of accepting the job was taking Jones’ choice, Jason Garrett, as offensive coordinator is going to cause considerable grief for Wade. The first person I spoke with in Dallas on Thursday, a guy whose football knowledge I hold in high regard, said he will be labeled as Jones’ puppet for going along with Garrett and other assistants Jones wants to retain.
If that’s the case , so be it. Wade’s no fool and he didn’t go into this with his eyes closed. He’s 60--years old, he’s totally confident in his abilities and he wanted one more shot at being an NFL head coach. Seeing as how he’d more or less been blackballed by Buffalo owner Ralph Wilson, there might not be another opportunity.
Really, what does he have to lose? Being head coach of the Dallas Cowboys is one of the glamor jobs in all of professional sports? As opposed to his last six coaching stops, where he walked into losing situations, the Cowboys are a playoff team that could be a Super Bowl team — especially in the NFC — with a few tweaks.
Ok: so we have beat this old Horse to death at this Point here on this Blog, at our sister Podcast Website-Fieldposition.com, and all over the internet. several people wanted Ron Rivera, Norv Turner, Jim Caldwell, and a few sick indivuals even want
Anyone available from the Parcells tree(anyone sen Ray Handley lately?) This is the right choice for the Cowboys of now,..because no one is riding into Dallas on a white Horse like Jimmy Johnson did.....
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
The Playboy Super Bowl Party Was Fun; So Was The Super Bowl!
Yep. I attended my first Playboy Party and fifth Super Bowl. More with a click here!
NFL Game in UK already promised a Sellout
Ticket Requests Pour in for NFL in London- See my comment at the end
By Associated Press
February 7, 2007, 9:38 AM EST
LONDON -- The NFL's first regular-season game outside North America already looks like a big hit. More than 500,000 tickets were requested by about 160,000 fans in the three days following Friday's official announcement, the NFL said Wednesday.
The ticket request process ends Feb. 18, two months before tickets go on sale for the Oct. 28 game between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants at Wembley Stadium.
Wembley is expecting to seat between 85,000-90,000 for the game.
"Nearly all these requests have come from UK based fans," said Alistair Kirkwood, the managing director of NFL UK. "These figures do not take into account the allocation of tickets for Dolphins and Giants fans from the United States, so we anticipate a very quick sellout when tickets go on sale in early March."
On Sunday, more than 4,000 fans gathered in London to watch the Super Bowl at Super Bash, which is in its fourth year.
So how much will these tickets Cost? Let's book our hotels now........
By Associated Press
February 7, 2007, 9:38 AM EST
LONDON -- The NFL's first regular-season game outside North America already looks like a big hit. More than 500,000 tickets were requested by about 160,000 fans in the three days following Friday's official announcement, the NFL said Wednesday.
The ticket request process ends Feb. 18, two months before tickets go on sale for the Oct. 28 game between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants at Wembley Stadium.
Wembley is expecting to seat between 85,000-90,000 for the game.
"Nearly all these requests have come from UK based fans," said Alistair Kirkwood, the managing director of NFL UK. "These figures do not take into account the allocation of tickets for Dolphins and Giants fans from the United States, so we anticipate a very quick sellout when tickets go on sale in early March."
On Sunday, more than 4,000 fans gathered in London to watch the Super Bowl at Super Bash, which is in its fourth year.
So how much will these tickets Cost? Let's book our hotels now........
Sporting News Final NFL Power Rankings for 2006-07
Final 2006-07 NFL Power Poll
By Mike Nahrstedt - SportingNews
Final rank, plus a look ahead to 2007
ADVERTISEMENT
1. Colts. Sure, there's room at the end of that laser, rocket arm for another ring.
2. Bears. Who would you rather be, Grossman or Bartman? Man, tough call.
3. Patriots. Don't bet against the Pats ending an excruciating two-year title drought.
4. Chargers. Arizona desert would be a good spot for Marty to exorcise his demons.
5. Ravens. The core players are old, but you can say that about the Stones, too.
6. Saints. That glass slipper? It just might fit the next time around.
7. Eagles. Invincible was great, but wouldn't it be nice if it applied to McNabb?
8. Jets. You know, that Mangini guy, he seems to be working out OK.
9. Seahawks. Seattle remains the class of the NFC West. (Talk about your oxymorons.)
10. Chiefs. Need some DTs, OTs, WRs … stop me if you've heard this before.
11. Cowboys. Enough with the fuss over the coach. Who's gonna be the holder?
12. Broncos. When upgrading D-line, Denver should look beyond Cleveland this time.
13. Titans. Wouldn't Pacman look good in a Bengals uniform? I'm just sayin'.
14. Giants. Something tells me Coughlin ain't the guy to fix a fractured locker room.
15. Jaguars. If you have the answer at QB, please call 1-877-JDELRIO.
16. Steelers. NFL can never have too many coaches named Mike. Tomlin makes five.
17. Bengals. 2007 goal: More wins than arrests. Hey, you gotta reach for the stars.
18. Bills. Move Buffalo to the NFC, and suddenly it's playoff-caliber.
19. Panthers. DeShaun? DeAngelo? DeSomebody has to run the ball for DePanthers.
20. Packers. It would take a Lambeau-sized leap of faith to put the Pack in SB42.
21. Falcons. This just in: Vick is not a great passer. But isn't that what QBs do?
22. Rams. Let's just say Jackson ain't shakin' in his cleats about a Faulk return.
23. 49ers. Well, they'll be the best team in the Bay Area again.
24. Texans. A Domanick by any other name is still injury-prone.
25. Dolphins. Welcome back, Ricky Williams. T.O. can't handle all the lunacy alone.
26. Cardinals. You can put the Super Bowl in Arizona, but you can't put Arizona …
27. Redskins. Two scarcities in D.C.: allies for Dubya and W's for the 'Skins.
28. Bucs. Bucs need to make a deep playoff run or Chucky could be toast.
29. Browns. Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thy offense and defense, Romeo?
30. Vikings. Wouldn't Culpepper look good in purple right about now?
31. Lions. If it's lightning and Millen is nearby, head his way--the man is fireproof.
32. Raiders. To paraphrase the Wizard's guard: Not no way, not no how.
By Mike Nahrstedt - SportingNews
Final rank, plus a look ahead to 2007
ADVERTISEMENT
1. Colts. Sure, there's room at the end of that laser, rocket arm for another ring.
2. Bears. Who would you rather be, Grossman or Bartman? Man, tough call.
3. Patriots. Don't bet against the Pats ending an excruciating two-year title drought.
4. Chargers. Arizona desert would be a good spot for Marty to exorcise his demons.
5. Ravens. The core players are old, but you can say that about the Stones, too.
6. Saints. That glass slipper? It just might fit the next time around.
7. Eagles. Invincible was great, but wouldn't it be nice if it applied to McNabb?
8. Jets. You know, that Mangini guy, he seems to be working out OK.
9. Seahawks. Seattle remains the class of the NFC West. (Talk about your oxymorons.)
10. Chiefs. Need some DTs, OTs, WRs … stop me if you've heard this before.
11. Cowboys. Enough with the fuss over the coach. Who's gonna be the holder?
12. Broncos. When upgrading D-line, Denver should look beyond Cleveland this time.
13. Titans. Wouldn't Pacman look good in a Bengals uniform? I'm just sayin'.
14. Giants. Something tells me Coughlin ain't the guy to fix a fractured locker room.
15. Jaguars. If you have the answer at QB, please call 1-877-JDELRIO.
16. Steelers. NFL can never have too many coaches named Mike. Tomlin makes five.
17. Bengals. 2007 goal: More wins than arrests. Hey, you gotta reach for the stars.
18. Bills. Move Buffalo to the NFC, and suddenly it's playoff-caliber.
19. Panthers. DeShaun? DeAngelo? DeSomebody has to run the ball for DePanthers.
20. Packers. It would take a Lambeau-sized leap of faith to put the Pack in SB42.
21. Falcons. This just in: Vick is not a great passer. But isn't that what QBs do?
22. Rams. Let's just say Jackson ain't shakin' in his cleats about a Faulk return.
23. 49ers. Well, they'll be the best team in the Bay Area again.
24. Texans. A Domanick by any other name is still injury-prone.
25. Dolphins. Welcome back, Ricky Williams. T.O. can't handle all the lunacy alone.
26. Cardinals. You can put the Super Bowl in Arizona, but you can't put Arizona …
27. Redskins. Two scarcities in D.C.: allies for Dubya and W's for the 'Skins.
28. Bucs. Bucs need to make a deep playoff run or Chucky could be toast.
29. Browns. Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thy offense and defense, Romeo?
30. Vikings. Wouldn't Culpepper look good in purple right about now?
31. Lions. If it's lightning and Millen is nearby, head his way--the man is fireproof.
32. Raiders. To paraphrase the Wizard's guard: Not no way, not no how.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
A ring for Eli Manning?
Peyton thinks brother is on right path and also could be a champ
BY ARTHUR STAPLE
Newsday Staff Correspondent
February 6, 2007
MIAMI -- Peyton Manning had taken time to savor his first Super Bowl win and his MVP award for leading the Colts to a 29-17 victory over the Bears on Sunday night. Yesterday, he promised that his kid brother will stand in the same spot someday.
"There's no doubt in my mind that Eli will lead his team to a Super Bowl, probably more than one," Peyton said. "I know how hard he works. There's no question he's going to be fine."
The quarterback brothers talk plenty of football during the season, exchanging tips on defenses one of them has seen. Eli told Newsday on Friday that Peyton had barely sat down to relax in his Indianapolis home after beating the Patriots for the AFC championship when he started asking Eli for tips on the Bears.
Sunday night - early yesterday morning, actually - the two were talking football again, even though there are no more games to be played this season.
"We talked, like we do after games. We got into the X's and O's," Peyton said. "He sees things like I see things. He said, 'The safety is really holding his looks to the very end and coming down late.' It's fun to talk about a game you just won with your brother, who's an NFL quarterback."
Eli's Giants started this season playing Peyton's Colts, and for the Manning family, there might have been as much hype for that game as there was for the Super Bowl. The Colts won in September, 26-21, at Giants Stadium and won their next eight, a typical run for Peyton.
Eli and the Giants ... well, you know how that went. A 6-2 start, a midgame meltdown against the Bears and a stumble to a .500 finish. Along with plenty of questions about Eli's maturation in his second full season of starting.
Now that Peyton has his coveted ring, his status as one of the game's great quarterbacks is assured. He said Eli, who at 26 is almost five years younger, is still on the right path.
"He's been a huge supporter of me throughout my entire career and life," Peyton said. "I'm a huge supporter of him. He's been right there, with the rest of my family."
There already have been plenty of changes for Eli - his old position coach, Kevin Gilbride, is his new offensive coordinator, and Chris Palmer is his position coach - and Peyton could see some new faces when the Colts begin their title defense.
His quarterbacks coach, Jim Caldwell, might get a chance to interview with the Cowboys for their head-coaching job. Dominic Rhodes, who ran for 113 yards Sunday, is a free agent. So are defensive end Dwight Freeney and linebacker Cato June. Even coach Tony Dungy is weighing whether to retire now that he has won a Super Bowl, the first for a black head coach.
But Peyton, who hasn't missed a game in nine NFL seasons, is the Colts' constant. He finally won by not being the impatient Peyton of old, by settling for short completions and handoffs in the rain Sunday. But he's not looking to kick back now.
"In some cases, I've seen past quarterbacks that have won a Super Bowl getting 'the pass.' They kind of get the pass when they have a bad year. People say, 'He won a Super Bowl; we'll give him the pass,'" he said. "I guess what I'm saying is, I don't want the pass. I want to be held accountable each and every year. Next year, my goal is to be better, and I feel like I should be because of the experience I gained this year."
So Lets Give Peyton a hand here People. Anyone seen that Monkey??
Monday, February 05, 2007
Newsday's Arthur Staple wraps up the coverage of the Big Game
SUPER BOWL XLI: COLTS 29, BEARS 17
See My end comment!
Colts finally grab ring
Manning, Dungy use ball control, 5 turnovers to get that elusive title
BY ARTHUR STAPLE
Newsday Staff Correspondent
February 5, 2007
MIAMI -- Peyton Manning showed he could win without being flashy. Tony Dungy showed a coach could rally his team through tough times without screaming. And the Colts, the decade's most dominant team during the regular season, showed they could win the big one.
Their 29-17 win over the self-destructive Bears in Super Bowl XLI on a rainy night at Dolphin Stadium capped an up-and-down season for the Colts, who won their first championship since moving from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984. They started 9-0, then stumbled to a 3-4 finish with a Swiss cheese defense, seemingly needing Manning to put them on his back.
Turns out the Colts needed Manning to be smart and safe. He was picked off by safety Chris Harris on the Colts' first drive last night, then guided his offense smoothly by dumping off passes underneath a deep-playing secondary.
Rookie running back Joseph Addai led the Colts with 10 catches, and Dominic Rhodes ran for 113 yards as the Colts ate up clock, holding the ball for 38:04 and running 81 plays to the Bears' 48. Five turnovers by the Bears offset three by the Colts, all in the first half.
"This was a great team win, a team championship," said Manning, who won the MVP award despite a modest 25-for-38, 247- yard game. His only touchdown pass was his only big play, a 53-yard strike to a wide-open Reggie Wayne in the first quarter.
"With our defense playing the way it has, you don't feel like you have to be quite as aggressive," Manning said. "It wasn't really that way in the regular season. The defense has been outstanding in the playoffs. It's nice to be able to get this win as a team."
And for Dungy, who had as much a bridesmaid's reputation as Manning for being a great coach unable to win a championship. He still never changed his genial ways, and it paid off when he became the first black coach to win a Super Bowl by besting his close friend and former assistant, Lovie Smith.
"This may not have been the best team we had over the last five years, but it's definitely the team that's been through the most," said Dungy, who had one of his sons on the postgame podium with him. His son James committed suicide in December 2005.
"This wasn't the easy road, it was the tough road. And tonight, more than anything, we were a team, fighting together all the way through."
They were fighting from behind just 14 seconds in after rookie Devin Hester returned the opening kickoff 92 yards for a score. Between that and Manning's interception, Chicago couldn't have envisioned a better start. Even after Wayne's TD, Thomas Jones ripped off a 52-yard run to the 5 and Rex Grossman hit Muhsin Muhammad for a 4-yard TD to give the Bears a 14-6 lead after a quarter.
"We got a chance to set the tempo," said Hester, who barely touched the ball again, with the Colts squibbing kicks to steer clear of him. "We set it early, but we couldn't keep it going."
Even with long, clock-eating drives, the Colts settled for three Adam Vinatieri field goals inside the red zone and let the Bears hang around into the fourth quarter.
But Grossman, the whipping boy entering the grand stage, lived down to his billing. He had two fumbles, two sacks after slipping on the wet field and two fourth-quarter interceptions. Backup defensive back Kelvin Hayden returned the first 56 yards with 11:44 to play to make it 29-17, crushing the Bears when Chicago still had a chance.
"Not just Rex, all of us could handle the situation better next time," Smith said. "It's a growing experience for him as much as anything."
The Colts have grown as much as they could during the last five seasons, winning 60 regular-season games while Manning cemented his Hall of Fame status. But the playoffs had been a different story. The Colts either ran into the Patriots' juggernaut or coughed up games like last year's home loss to the Steelers.
So even after their torrid start this season, the bad finish - including a Dec. 10 loss to the Jaguars in which they allowed 375 rushing yards - made the Colts leery. But the defense stiffened in the playoffs against the Chiefs and Ravens, and Manning lit up the scoreboard in the second half to finally vanquish the Patriots two weeks ago.
Then last night the Colts beat the Bears at the game Chicago hoped to play: smash-mouth running and ball control. Manning was a guide, not a do-it-all, and perhaps that was the difference in their becoming champions.
"It's just been a long time coming for us," defensive end Dwight Freeney said. "We've been through so much as a team, been so close so many times. We finally got a chance in the Super Bowl and we seized it."
So it was a good game considering the weather and such. Now we are just waiting for Zennie to return and Post about his visit to South beach.
See My end comment!
Colts finally grab ring
Manning, Dungy use ball control, 5 turnovers to get that elusive title
BY ARTHUR STAPLE
Newsday Staff Correspondent
February 5, 2007
MIAMI -- Peyton Manning showed he could win without being flashy. Tony Dungy showed a coach could rally his team through tough times without screaming. And the Colts, the decade's most dominant team during the regular season, showed they could win the big one.
Their 29-17 win over the self-destructive Bears in Super Bowl XLI on a rainy night at Dolphin Stadium capped an up-and-down season for the Colts, who won their first championship since moving from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984. They started 9-0, then stumbled to a 3-4 finish with a Swiss cheese defense, seemingly needing Manning to put them on his back.
Turns out the Colts needed Manning to be smart and safe. He was picked off by safety Chris Harris on the Colts' first drive last night, then guided his offense smoothly by dumping off passes underneath a deep-playing secondary.
Rookie running back Joseph Addai led the Colts with 10 catches, and Dominic Rhodes ran for 113 yards as the Colts ate up clock, holding the ball for 38:04 and running 81 plays to the Bears' 48. Five turnovers by the Bears offset three by the Colts, all in the first half.
"This was a great team win, a team championship," said Manning, who won the MVP award despite a modest 25-for-38, 247- yard game. His only touchdown pass was his only big play, a 53-yard strike to a wide-open Reggie Wayne in the first quarter.
"With our defense playing the way it has, you don't feel like you have to be quite as aggressive," Manning said. "It wasn't really that way in the regular season. The defense has been outstanding in the playoffs. It's nice to be able to get this win as a team."
And for Dungy, who had as much a bridesmaid's reputation as Manning for being a great coach unable to win a championship. He still never changed his genial ways, and it paid off when he became the first black coach to win a Super Bowl by besting his close friend and former assistant, Lovie Smith.
"This may not have been the best team we had over the last five years, but it's definitely the team that's been through the most," said Dungy, who had one of his sons on the postgame podium with him. His son James committed suicide in December 2005.
"This wasn't the easy road, it was the tough road. And tonight, more than anything, we were a team, fighting together all the way through."
They were fighting from behind just 14 seconds in after rookie Devin Hester returned the opening kickoff 92 yards for a score. Between that and Manning's interception, Chicago couldn't have envisioned a better start. Even after Wayne's TD, Thomas Jones ripped off a 52-yard run to the 5 and Rex Grossman hit Muhsin Muhammad for a 4-yard TD to give the Bears a 14-6 lead after a quarter.
"We got a chance to set the tempo," said Hester, who barely touched the ball again, with the Colts squibbing kicks to steer clear of him. "We set it early, but we couldn't keep it going."
Even with long, clock-eating drives, the Colts settled for three Adam Vinatieri field goals inside the red zone and let the Bears hang around into the fourth quarter.
But Grossman, the whipping boy entering the grand stage, lived down to his billing. He had two fumbles, two sacks after slipping on the wet field and two fourth-quarter interceptions. Backup defensive back Kelvin Hayden returned the first 56 yards with 11:44 to play to make it 29-17, crushing the Bears when Chicago still had a chance.
"Not just Rex, all of us could handle the situation better next time," Smith said. "It's a growing experience for him as much as anything."
The Colts have grown as much as they could during the last five seasons, winning 60 regular-season games while Manning cemented his Hall of Fame status. But the playoffs had been a different story. The Colts either ran into the Patriots' juggernaut or coughed up games like last year's home loss to the Steelers.
So even after their torrid start this season, the bad finish - including a Dec. 10 loss to the Jaguars in which they allowed 375 rushing yards - made the Colts leery. But the defense stiffened in the playoffs against the Chiefs and Ravens, and Manning lit up the scoreboard in the second half to finally vanquish the Patriots two weeks ago.
Then last night the Colts beat the Bears at the game Chicago hoped to play: smash-mouth running and ball control. Manning was a guide, not a do-it-all, and perhaps that was the difference in their becoming champions.
"It's just been a long time coming for us," defensive end Dwight Freeney said. "We've been through so much as a team, been so close so many times. We finally got a chance in the Super Bowl and we seized it."
So it was a good game considering the weather and such. Now we are just waiting for Zennie to return and Post about his visit to South beach.
Friday, February 02, 2007
A SB wings recepie from Food Network's Paula Deen
Buffalo Wings
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen
Show: Paula's Home Cooking
Episode: Fire House Pot Luck Dinner
Creamy Roquefort dip:
1/2 cup Roquefort cheese, crumbled
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon wine vinegar
1/2 cup sour cream
12 chicken wings, disjointed
Oil, for frying
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup hot red pepper sauce
In a medium size bowl, cream the Roquefort and cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the remaining ingredients and blend well. Chill for 2 hours.
Using a fryer or a large pot, heat oil to 350 degrees F. Deep fry the wings until golden and crispy, approximately 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, melt the butter, add the hot sauce and heat thoroughly. Immediately toss hot wings into sauce. Place wings on a platter and serve with creamy Roquefort dip.
NFLPA's Gene Upshaw Does a Little Dance.....
This is from Pro Football Weekly's Online edition......see my end comment
Upshaw defends NFLPA’s level of contribution to retired players’ pensions
By Eric Edholm, Dan Arkush and Mike Holbrook
Feb. 1, 2007
MIAMI — The NFL Players Association held its annual meeting at the Super Bowl to discuss a wide range of hot-button issues, including testing for human-growth hormones and other designer drugs, player conduct and the early returns on the first year of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. But the testiest exchange came at the end of the question-and-answer session over retired players’ benefits.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Brian Burwell finished the session by asking union president Gene Upshaw, sternly, “I am a little confused. You talked about the oldest players, and how, back when you were playing, you were told what doctors to go to and (that) a lot of times you didn’t know what your own diagnosis was. … In light of those kinds of those kind of working conditions that you and all of the older players that I have talked to dealt with, isn’t there any way, as this huge, enormous pie continues to grow, that you can find some extra money for them?”
Upshaw retorted by saying there is $60 million paid each year — money that comes directly from current players’ salaries — that benefits former players drawing pensions. “They’re the ones who put that money in. That’s where that money comes from,” Upshaw, a retired player, said. “We just spent $51 million this (past) year to improve the benefits for guys like me. And it’s not just this year. It goes all the way back (to 1993).”
There are nearly 9,000 former players who are eligible for benefits, but fewer than 200 get long-term benefits. Many NFL alumni have suffered serious medical problems after their careers have ended, a lot of whom have distanced themselves from the league they feel has left them behind. The NFLPA says a new $50-a-month increase in the new CBA should help matters.
The union also has concerns about current players. The talk of increased testing for performance-enhancing drugs is something that resonates from both the players’ union and the league, but Upshaw said he and new commissioner Roger Goodell differ on how the testing should take place. Upshaw said he wants to avoid having his players “getting stuck in the arm with a needle every five minutes” and that there is no effective, reliable testing method for HGH and EPO, one of the newest banned substances to be added to the league’s list.
So Mr Upshaw still comes off to most people as someone who works hard for players rights, and he does, for current players.
50 Bux a Month?? That's Not much.....tell that to Herb Adderly who gets $126.50 a month. I know One of the last things Paul Tags did as commish was the #88 rule named after John Mackey, to help those players who have suffered TBI from their playing days. It just might be too little too late......
Upshaw defends NFLPA’s level of contribution to retired players’ pensions
By Eric Edholm, Dan Arkush and Mike Holbrook
Feb. 1, 2007
MIAMI — The NFL Players Association held its annual meeting at the Super Bowl to discuss a wide range of hot-button issues, including testing for human-growth hormones and other designer drugs, player conduct and the early returns on the first year of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. But the testiest exchange came at the end of the question-and-answer session over retired players’ benefits.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Brian Burwell finished the session by asking union president Gene Upshaw, sternly, “I am a little confused. You talked about the oldest players, and how, back when you were playing, you were told what doctors to go to and (that) a lot of times you didn’t know what your own diagnosis was. … In light of those kinds of those kind of working conditions that you and all of the older players that I have talked to dealt with, isn’t there any way, as this huge, enormous pie continues to grow, that you can find some extra money for them?”
Upshaw retorted by saying there is $60 million paid each year — money that comes directly from current players’ salaries — that benefits former players drawing pensions. “They’re the ones who put that money in. That’s where that money comes from,” Upshaw, a retired player, said. “We just spent $51 million this (past) year to improve the benefits for guys like me. And it’s not just this year. It goes all the way back (to 1993).”
There are nearly 9,000 former players who are eligible for benefits, but fewer than 200 get long-term benefits. Many NFL alumni have suffered serious medical problems after their careers have ended, a lot of whom have distanced themselves from the league they feel has left them behind. The NFLPA says a new $50-a-month increase in the new CBA should help matters.
The union also has concerns about current players. The talk of increased testing for performance-enhancing drugs is something that resonates from both the players’ union and the league, but Upshaw said he and new commissioner Roger Goodell differ on how the testing should take place. Upshaw said he wants to avoid having his players “getting stuck in the arm with a needle every five minutes” and that there is no effective, reliable testing method for HGH and EPO, one of the newest banned substances to be added to the league’s list.
So Mr Upshaw still comes off to most people as someone who works hard for players rights, and he does, for current players.
50 Bux a Month?? That's Not much.....tell that to Herb Adderly who gets $126.50 a month. I know One of the last things Paul Tags did as commish was the #88 rule named after John Mackey, to help those players who have suffered TBI from their playing days. It just might be too little too late......
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)