ZennieAbraham.com Vlogger Zennie62Media CEO

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

NFL STRENGTHENS PERSONAL CONDUCT POLICY AND PROGRAM

This is the companion press release on the discipline matter in the NFL.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
(212) 450-2000 * FAX (212) 681-7573
WWW.NFLMedia.com
Joe Browne, Executive Vice President-Communications
Greg Aiello, Vice President-Public Relations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2007

NFL STRENGTHENS PERSONAL CONDUCT POLICY AND PROGRAM

The NFL announced today changes to its long-standing personal conduct policy and programs for players,
coaches, and other team and league employees.

The modifications focus on expanded educational and support programs in addition to increased levels of
discipline for violations of the policy, Commissioner ROGER GOODELL said. (The revised policy is attached
and also can be found on nflmedia.com.)

“It is important that the NFL be represented consistently by outstanding people as well as great football
players, coaches, and staff,” Commissioner Goodell said. “We hold ourselves to higher standards of
responsible conduct because of what it means to be part of the National Football League. We have long had
policies and programs designed to encourage responsible behavior, and this policy is a further step in ensuring
that everyone who is part of the NFL meets that standard. We will continue to review the policy and modify it as
warranted.”

Added NFL Players Association Executive Director GENE UPSHAW: “The NFL Players Association and the
Player Advisory Council have been discussing this issue for several months. We believe that these are steps
that the commissioner needs to take and we support the policy. It is important that players in violation of the
policy will have the opportunity and the support to change their conduct and earn their way back.”

Education

• The annual rookie symposium of all drafted players will be expanded to include mandatory year-
round rookie orientation by all clubs that will reinforce the information presented at the June
symposium.

• An expanded annual life-skills program for all players and clubs will be mandatory.

• There will be mandatory briefings each year for all players and clubs given by local law
enforcement representatives. These briefings will cover laws pertaining to possession of guns,
drinking and driving, domestic disputes and other matters, including gang-related activities in
the community that could be of significance to players, coaches, and other club-related
personnel.

• Every club will be required to implement a program for employees to enhance compliance with
laws relating to drinking and driving.

• Counseling and treatment programs for all club and league employees that violate the policy will
be expanded.

Discipline

• The standard of socially responsible conduct for NFL employees will be higher. Club and league
employees will be held to a higher standard than players. Conduct that undermines or puts at
risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL will be subject to discipline, even if not criminal in
nature.

• Discipline for individuals that violate the policy will include larger fines and longer suspensions.

• Repeat violations of the personal conduct policy will be dealt with aggressively, including
discipline for repeat offenders even when the conduct itself has not yet resulted in a conviction
of a crime.

• Individuals suspended under the policy must earn their way back to active status by fully
complying with professional counseling and treatment that will include evaluation on a regular
basis.

• Clubs will be subject to discipline in cases involving violations of the Personal Conduct Policy by
club employees. In determining potential club discipline going forward, the commissioner will
consider all relevant factors, including the history of conduct-related violations by that club’s
employees and the extent to which the club’s support programs are consistent with best
practices as identified and shared with the clubs. Recommended best practices include having a
full-time club player development director and a full-time club security director.

# # #

NFL SUSPENDS ADAM JONES FOR 2007 SEASON AND CHRIS HENRY FOR FIRST EIGHT REGULAR-SEASON GAMES

The official NFL press release.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
(212) 450-2000 * FAX (212) 681-7573
WWW.NFLMedia.com

Joe Browne, Executive Vice President-Communications
Greg Aiello, Vice President-Public Relations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2007

NFL SUSPENDS ADAM JONES FOR 2007 SEASON
AND CHRIS HENRY FOR FIRST EIGHT REGULAR-SEASON GAMES

NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL has informed ADAM JONES of the Tennessee Titans and CHRIS
HENRY of the Cincinnati Bengals that they have been suspended without pay for violating the NFL’s personal
conduct policy and engaging in conduct detrimental to the league on numerous occasions, the NFL announced
today.

Jones was suspended for the 2007 season, while Henry was suspended for the first eight games of the 2007
regular season. Each player must earn the right to be reinstated.

“We must protect the integrity of the NFL,” Commissioner Goodell said. “The highest standards of conduct
must be met by everyone in the NFL because it is a privilege to represent the NFL, not a right. These players,
and all members of our league, have to make the right choices and decisions in their conduct on a consistent
basis.”

In a letter to each player, Commissioner Goodell wrote: “Your conduct has brought embarrassment and ridicule
upon yourself, your club, and the NFL, and has damaged the reputation of players throughout the league. You
have put in jeopardy an otherwise promising NFL career, and have risked both your own safety and the safety
of others through your off-field actions. In each of these respects, you have engaged in conduct detrimental to
the NFL and failed to live up to the standards expected of NFL players. Taken as a whole, this conduct
warrants significant sanction.”

Jones will be strictly monitored by the Titans and the NFL during the suspension as part of his opportunity to
earn reinstatement through adherence to a set of conditions. His status will be reviewed after the Titans’ 10th
regular-season game to determine the extent to which he has complied with the conditions and whether the
suspension should be affected by the disposition of any pending or prospective charges.

The specific conditions that apply to Jones’ suspension include the following:

He must have no further adverse involvement with law enforcement.
He must fully cooperate with all required counseling, education, and treatment assigned under
league or court-ordered programs.
He must adhere to the restrictions on his activities that have been agreed to by he and the Titans.
He may not be at the Titans’ facility through May 31 and may not participate in any practices or
organized workouts during the term of the suspension. Beginning June 1, he must visit the team
facility once each week to meet with the team’s player development director. Also, beginning June
1, he is permitted to spend one day a week at the team facility for conditioning, film study, and other
similar activities.
In conjunction with the team’s player development director and other professionals working with
him, Jones must develop with the Titans a structured program of community service or other
activity. This program must be submitted to the league office for review and approval.

Henry will be reinstated after the Bengals’ eighth regular-season game if he meets certain conditions during his
suspension that will be monitored closely by the Bengals and the NFL. Those conditions include the following:

He must have no further adverse involvement with law enforcement.
He must fully cooperate with all required counseling, education, and treatment assigned to him
under league programs.
He is eligible to be at the Bengals’ facilities during the rest of the offseason for customary activities
and he must meet weekly with the team’s player development director.
If he fully complies with all other conditions, he may participate in the Bengals’ training camp and
preseason games.
During the regular season, he is permitted to be at the Bengals’ facility for team meetings and must
meet weekly with the team’s player development director, but he may not attend or participate in
practice.
He must fully comply with all conditions imposed on him by any court, including requirements of
community service.

Jones and Henry were told that any failure to comply with these conditions will result in additional discipline,
including possible banishment from the league.

“I must emphasize to you that this is your last opportunity to salvage your NFL career,” Commissioner Goodell
wrote to Jones and Henry. “I urge you to take full advantage of the resources available to support you in that
effort.”

# # #

NFL SUSPENDS ADAM JONES FOR 2007 SEASON AND CHRIS HENRY FOR FIRST EIGHT REGULAR-SEASON GAMES

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Joe Francis - "Girls On Wild" Founder Arrested In Florida - Not With Paris Hilton

Well, it seems like the parties been crashed for now. I'm talking about the one held by Girl's Gone Wild founder Joe Francis. He's been arrested by the Florida authorities. He reportedly has 2,257 violations of federal record-keeping laws.

Ah, that's Paris Hilton with him, but she wasn't arrested.

Sam Zell's Nuts - Google's Not Using His Content

Here's an example of how some people just don't get the Internet -- Sam Zell . According to CNBC and The Washington Post, Sam comes to Stanford University and makes this comment:

"If all of the newspapers in America did not allow Google to steal their content, how profitable would Google be?" Zell said during the question period after his speech. "Not very."

This proves he doens't understand what the heck's going on. Google DRIVES traffic to the newspapers -- all Google has to do is drop Sam's newspapers, advance other news sources -- which are plentiful -- and leave him in the dust!

Google has links to the newspapers -- Sam Zell can buy more links to them. But Google's not the only search engine -- there are hundreds of them! There's Yahoo! Mamma. Lycos. This list goes on. In fact, here it is, and this one doesn't include blog search engines!

Complete SE list
7Search -Pay for position SE.
Acclaim Search -by ValueCom.
AOL -Lousy web search.
AllCrawl -"Why Choose, When You Can Have It All?"
All The Web -Claims alot of pages, but disappointing.
AltaVista -Also offers translation.
Amnesi -Search internet server names (DNS names).
Ampleo -Human interactive search engine. Free.
Ask Jeeves -Uses natual language input. Mediocre.
Deja.Com -Search UseNet newsgroups.
Deoji -Includes tools for WebTV.
Dewa -
DevSearch -The web developer's SE.
DirectHit -One of the biggies. Pretty good.
DMOZ -Open directory project
Excite -Rated as one of the best SEs.
Findit2000 -
FindWhat -Pay for position.
Frequent Finders -Search for words in the actual URLs.
Funkycat -International search engine with a broad index.
GenieKnows -
Google -Huge *and* accurate, a favorite. Weighs popularity.
Go -Mis-managed by Mickey Mouse & Co.
Go2Net -
GoshDarn! -Hot new search engine
HotBot -Scalable. Search a domain, eg. [.edu].
iBound -
Info Hiway -
Infomak -
InfoSeek -Owned by Disney. Average.
Intelliseek -Their Profusion site allows searching 1000 sites, including many on the 'invisible web'
IXQuick -Highly rated.
Jump City -
Kanoodle -Pay for position SE.
Link Centre -
Link Master -
Links2Go -Most-referenced pages by topics; it's also personalizable.
Look Up -
Lost Link/ Web Links -Great site, adds links instantly... with banners!
Lycos -"Wolf spider" (Latin). Another SE biggie.
MSN -
NBCi -New respect for this search engine
TheNet1 -
Nexor Aliweb -
NorthernLight -Recommended, plus a special pay collection.
Overture -Top pay for position SE, high commercial relevance.
Pathfinder/ Time-Warner -Time, People, Money, Fortune, etc...
Reference.Com -UseNet resources
Rocket Links -Pay for position SE.
Scrub The Web -Robot SE claims to have indexed 80 MM pages. Search.Com -CNET. Infoseek SE, own db for subjects.
Search4Info -
Search Hound -Pay for position. Slow?
Search King -Indexes instantly. Surfers votes determine ranking.
Snap -Advanced setting allows excluding words, eg. xxx, porn, etc..
Splat Search -
Subjex -
Super Cyber Search -Pay for position.
ToggleBot -10MM URLs. MetaSearch, Directory, Auction Search, etc..
TopClick -The Private SE. Claims to protect privacy. No cookies.
WebCrawler -Very user friendly interface. Owned by Excite.
Web Direct -
WebSearch2K -New SE, pay for position, no adult.
WebVentureHotlist -
What-U-Seek-
Where2Go -TOP 20 search engine, directory of URLs.
WWWHunter -
Yahoo! -Leading net directory.
Zen Search -
Z Search -"The last name in searching"

Anna Nicole Smith's Former Boyfriend Larry Birkhead Is The Father

Wow. What an interesting turn of events. I wonder what's going through Howard Stern's mind now?

DNA shows Birkhead is the father of Anna Nicole Smith's daughter
By JESSICA ROBERTSON
Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 04/10/2007 03:51:10 PM PDT

NASSAU, Bahamas - DNA tests show Anna Nicole Smith's former boyfriend Larry Birkhead is the father of her baby, and he emerged from a court hearing today to proclaim that his daughter would soon be home.
Birkhead jubilantly announced the DNA results after the closed hearing, and then hugged his rival, Howard K. Stern. The reality TV star's lawyer-turned-companion has been caring for baby Dannielynn since Smith's sudden death in February.
Stern said he would not fight for custody.
"I'm obviously very disappointed but my feelings toward Dannielynn have not changed," Stern said, adding Birkhead can come to his Bahamas home to visit Dannielynn at any time.
A joyous Birkhead said, "My baby's going to be coming home pretty soon."
Even Smith's mother, Virgie Arthur, who had also sought custody, seemed appeased by the DNA results. "I'm happy that Dannielynn will know who her real father is," she said outside court.
An expert in genetic evidence said DNA analysis proved Birkhead is Dannielynn's father. Dr. Michael Baird, who analyzed the results of a March 21 DNA test, announced the results outside court. "Essentially, he's the biological father," Baird said.
Birkhead, a Los Angeles photographer, began seeking custody before Smith collapsed and died in a Florida hotel Feb. 8.
The baby, whose full name is Dannielynn Hope Marshall Stern, could inherit millions from the estate of Smith's late husband, J. Howard Marshall II. The former model had been fighting the Texas oil tycoon's family over his estimated $500 million fortune since his death in 1995.

Don Imus Loses Sponsors - Staples, Proctor & Gamble, Bigelow Tea Pull Adds From Don Imus On MNBC

This is a sure signal of positive social change. According to Bloomberg and CNBC, Staples, Proctor & Gamble, and Bigelow Tea have pulled their ads from radio host Don Imus's morning show to protest his racially charged remarks about the Rutgers University women's basketball team.

Proctor and Gamble's one of the largest advertisers in the World, and they've pulled their ads from all of MSNBC Daytime.

I love it. It's a great change and it is a path toward a better World, and certainly an improved America. It's also a sign to the shock-jocks who think it's OK to insult people based on ethnicity. It's not. It also sends a warning to those who would think it's open season on someone because they're Black.

No way.

Goodell Strengthens NFL Conduct Policy

Goodell Strengthens NFL Conduct Policy
By BARRY WILNER
AP Football Writer

NEW YORK -- NFL teams will be disciplined when their employees, including players, violate the league's personal conduct policy.

Moments after announcing the one-year suspension of Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, and an eight-game ban for Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released his strengthened conduct policy Tuesday. Along with longer suspensions and larger fines for individuals who violate the policy, Goodell will hold teams responsible, as well.

He did not say how he would punish those teams, although stripping them of draft choices is considered one of the most effective ways to do so.

"It is important that the NFL be represented consistently by outstanding people as well as great football players, coaches, and staff," Goodell said. "We hold ourselves to higher standards of responsible conduct because of what it means to be part of the National Football League. We have long had policies and programs designed to encourage responsible behavior, and this policy is a further step in ensuring that everyone who is part of the NFL meets that standard. We will continue to review the policy and modify it as warranted."

The strengthened standards apply to all NFL employees: players, coaches, officials, owners, front-office and league personnel. And Goodell emphasized in the new policy that those standards will be considerably tighter than outside the league.

"It is not enough to simply avoid being found guilty of a crime," the new policy says. "Instead, as an employee of the NFL or a member club, you are held to a higher standard and expected to conduct yourself in a way that is responsible, promotes the values upon which the league is based, and is lawful.

"Persons who fail to live up to this standard of conduct are guilty of conduct detrimental and subject to discipline, even where the conduct itself does not result in conviction of a crime."

The new policy comes in the wake of a series of off-field issues involving several players, notably Jones, Henry and Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson.

There were 10 occasions in which Jones was interviewed by police, the most recent during the NBA All-Star weekend in Las Vegas. Police there recommended felony and misdemeanor charges against Jones after a fight and shooting at a strip club left one man paralyzed.

Henry was arrested four times in a 14-month span, and received a two-game league suspension last year. He was one of nine Bengals arrested in nine months. Johnson currently is in jail, serving four months for violating probation in a 2005 gun case.

Two of Henry's teammates, along with NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw, recognized the need for stronger league guidelines for player conduct.

"You would think it's necessary just because of the negative publicity the NFL is beginning to receive because of what's happening," said Bengals receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh. "It was going on for an extended period of time. Each day, each week, something was happening."

Added Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer: "I think it will (help). With all of the things that have been happening recently, I think it will be good and hopefully give the league a little better image. I hope that it works and that guys abide by the rules and do what's right."

So does Upshaw, of course. He consulted with Goodell before the commissioner, now in his seventh month on the job, revised the conduct policy. Goodell also established a panel of players to offer advice on such matters.

"The NFL Players Association and the Player Advisory Council have been discussing this issue for several months," Upshaw said. "We believe that these are steps that the commissioner needs to take and we support the policy. It is important that players in violation of the policy will have the opportunity and the support to change their conduct and earn their way back."

Tony Dungy said placing responsibility on the teams for their players and employees makes sense, even if it results in penalties that affect more than the wallet.

"That seems to be the thing that gets everyone's attention," the coach of the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts said of potentially lost draft picks and player availability. "We talked about fines at the league meetings, and that may not do the trick. But when you start talking about playing time and draft picks, that seems to get your attention."

___

AP Sports Writers Joe Kay in Cincinnati and Michael Marot in Indianapolis contributed to this story.

Don Imus Racism Does Not Compare To Rappers - Integrationists v. Segregationists

What's interesting about this time in the maturation of our society is the conflict between what I will call integrationists and segregationists. Integrationists have friends of different skin colors and backgrounds and prize diversity. Segregationists don't have friends of different colors and are at best luke warm about diversity. (And when I mean friends, I'm referring to people you invite over to your house, not people who you run into who are acquaintences.)

The Integrationists to a person denounce what Don Imus said and call for his outright ouster. The Segregationists -- here's another example -- don't think this is a big deal what he said and that he's using free speech. It's also distubing that the vast majority of Segregationists bloggers -- at least according to their Imus reactions -- are white and male according to my Technorati tour. Not surprisingly, the Integrationists are White, Black, Latino, Asian, male, female, etc...

I'm an Integrationist.

What Don Imus said are the words of a Segregationist. A person who sees people as apart due to skin color and doens't want to get to know anyone who looks different from them. What Don Imus said in referring to Black Women as "Nappy Headed Ho's" are the comments of someone who is not in the company of Black Women, and doens't want to be. That's the sickness of it all. He's -- in one fell swoop -- denounced an entire group of people. What's more, anyone tunes in to CNBC is forced to here Imus' crap when he's on. His show's supported by corporations who purchase ads, which is a way of saying "We love your content."

Wow.

Now how that compares with -- as one Blogger put it "Black Rappers" -- is a question only a Segregationist would come up with because only they would stereotype rappers as being first Black and then racist. Of course Integrationists know that there are rappers like LL Cool J who don't use hate speech.

But on top of that, every Integrationist knows that one can simply chose not to buy a certain rap record. Look at the whole matter of "Prussian Blue" - Lamb and Lynx Gaede, those 13-year old white girls who made racist records, yet gain fan mail from nutos as far away as Germany and who are concerned about "The White Race." (No kidding about that.) Did any of the Segregationist bloggers call for their "firing" or for that matter, their parents?

Nope.

But they didn't hit the top ten lists either, and several of their planned concerts were cancelled. Why? Because they advance the same kind of race hate tha Imus' comment would seem to imply. You could take his statement, install it in a Prussian Blue song, and their sick Segregationist fans would love it.

Why not include them and compare them to Don Imus? Why focus on Rappers who are Black? I'll tell ya why. Because Segregationists are looking for every reason not to -- integrate. They don't want diversity and loved it when things were divided and Whites were on top.

Am I saying that Segregationists are all White? No. Some are not, and yet can't see a society where there's true balance and real equal opportunity as well as constant integration. It's a new concept to thos who are -- well, mentally enslaved.

Pacman Jones and Chris Henry suspended

Pacman Jones banned for season
BY BOB GLAUBER-Newsday

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has sent a decisive message to players who misbehave off the field: Don't expect to be playing much football.

The first-year commissioner this afternoon announced that he has suspended Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones for the entire 2007 season. In addition, Goodell announced that Bengals receiver Chris Henry, another player with several off-field problems, will be suspended for the first eight games of the season.

Jones has been questioned 10 times during his NFL career for a variety of transgressions, and was involved in a fight that led to a shooting in a Las Vegas strip club in February.

"We must protect the integrity of the NFL," Goodell said in a statement. "The highest standards of conduct must be met by everyone in the NFL because it is a privilege to represent the NFL, not a right. These players, and all members of our league, have to make the right choices and decisions in their conduct on a consistent basis."

In a letter to each player, Commissioner Goodell wrote: "Your conduct has brought embarrassment and ridicule upon yourself, your club, and the NFL, and has damaged the reputation of players throughout the league. You have put in jeopardy an otherwise promising NFL career, and have risked both your own safety and the safety of others through your off-field actions. In each of these respects, you have engaged in conduct detrimental to the NFL and failed to live up to the standards expected of NFL players. Taken as a whole, this conduct warrants significant sanction."

Goodell added in his letter to both players: "I must emphasize to you that this is your last opportunity to salvage your NFL career. I urge you to take full advantage of the resources available to support you in that effort."

Don Imus Made Racist Remarks Before - Staff Should Be Fired

First, this matter of someone making fun of someone else because their skin and hair are different from that person should be such that we're punishing people for doing it. It's not funny at all.

Now, Don Imus fears for his job after making one of the most terrible on air comments about someone else and based on their skin color in history, in this case, the Rutgers Women's Basketball team.

This Fair.org's discussion of the Imus matter, thanks to Sharon Cobb:

Racism Is to Be Expected From Don Imus
CBS, NBC, media pundits complicit in talk host's bigotry

4/9/07

In the wake of the latest racial slur broadcast on Don Imus' show, the question is not whether Imus is a racist—the man, after all, admitted to hiring one of his co-hosts to do "nigger jokes" (60 Minutes, 7/19/98)—but why CBS, NBC and top media pundits seem to feel no embarrassment over associating with his racism.

The Imus in the Morning radio show is aired on CBS-owned radio station WFAN, and is syndicated nationally by CBS-owned Westwood One. It is simulcast daily on MSNBC, a cable news channel in which GE subsidiary NBC Universal holds a controlling interest. Top media pundits like Tim Russert, Howard Fineman, Frank Rich and Maureen Dowd are frequent Imus guests. The show has also been a conduit for televised racism and other bigotry for years.

FAIR and others have documented numerous instances of Imus and his on-air colleagues expressing overt racism and other forms of bigotry. Imus himself has referred to African-American journalist Gwen Ifill as "a cleaning lady," to New York Times sports reporter Bill Rhoden as "quota hire" and to tennis player Amelie Mauresmo as "a big old lesbo." Imus called Washington Post reporter Howard Kurtz a "boner-nosed... beanie-wearing Jewboy," referred to a disabled colleague as "the cripple," and to an Indian men's tennis duo as "Gunga Din and Sambo." In Imus' words, the New York Knicks are "chest-thumping pimps."

Imus' on again/off again sidekick Sid Rosenberg was temporarily fired in 2001 for calling tennis player Venus Williams an "animal" and remarking that the Williams sisters—Venus and her tennis player sister Serena—would more likely be featured in National Geographic than in Playboy. Rosenberg insisted to New York's Daily News (6/7/01) that his comments weren't racist, "just zoological." In 2004, MSNBC had to apologize when the rehired Rosenberg referred to Palestinians as "stinking animals."

In May 2005, MSNBC let Contessa Brewer out of her short stint as a news reader on Imus' morning show after Imus had made a daily game of crude personal attacks against her, calling her a pig, a skank, dumber than dirt and other similar felicities, all on air. MSNBC claimed they "expressed their displeasure" to the host (New York Post, 5/1/05), while noting that his "humor" was "often brilliant and provocative."

In his most recent racist outburst, on April 4, Imus called the Rutgers women's basketball team "nappy-headed hos," just moments after sidekick and executive producer Bernard McGuirk (the "nigger jokes" hire) called them "hard-core hos." The Rutgers team, which recently played in the national championship finals, is made up of eight African-American women and two white women.

On April 6, Imus issued an apology for the slur of the Rutgers team. It was the latest in a long line of apologies for bigotry on his show. Past apologies have served to take pressure off Imus, but haven't resulted in a change of behavior by the host or his colleagues.

Neither has Imus' history of bigotry dissuaded prominent journalists and pundits, more after publicity than principle, from appearing on Imus' show. Friday's show, in addition to Imus' apology, featured an interview with NBC's Meet the Press host Tim Russert.

In an exceptional report on April 9, New York Times reporter David Carr noted Imus' history of racism and the parade of media luminaries who have appeared on his show, who have rarely raised questions about the show's bigotry. Carr noted that, even in the aftermath of the latest Imus slurs, Newsweek editor Evan Thomas defended appearing on the show, explaining: "I am going on the show, though. I think if I didn't, it would be posturing. I have been going on the show for quite some time and he occasionally goes over the line."

It's time for CBS and NBC to acknowledge that Imus is unlikely to ever rein in his bigotry, that the crude and hateful insults are a key part of his routine: Like the cowboy hat, they provide an air of "edginess" to what is often otherwise a dull exercise in Beltway insider back-scratching.

A media company that chooses to run such a show has two choices: It can declare, explicitly or implicitly, that calling people "nappy-headed hos" and "beanie-wearing Jewboys" is an acceptable part of the national discussion. Or it can end its affiliation with said program.

The Russerts, Finemans and the like who elect to appear on Imus' show have a similar decision: Are you down with "nigger jokes" or aren't you?

Monday, April 09, 2007

My Email To Mike Silver On LSU's JaMarcus Russell - He's A Mobile Pure Passer

My friend Mike Silver wrote an article where he stated that JaMarcus Russell's arm does not guarantee pro day success. I responded with this email.

To Mike Silver From Zennie Abraham

Hey Sil,

Nice article, but I have to disagree with you about Ja Marcus Russell. First, I think there's a bit of home-eroticism in NFL scouting "analysis" of his ability to throw on his butt, as that's not something any offensive coordinator has based play design around. But if you take a look at the videos of him playing, you'll find a pure passer that has a unique ability to spot his target and hit it.

What I mean is that many quarterbacks throw on anticipation -- JaMarcus throws when he sees and opening. Now, to be frank, he's got to be coached to make a pass via anticipation, but his current habit is the sole reason why he's able to make spectacular plays as the rush is breaking down. Now a smart team will have him throw from three-step drops, where he will be unstoppable, but he's also capable of litterally throwing out of trouble.

I see him as -- read this -- a more mobile Dan Marino, with a live arm like Brett Favre. Anyone who compares JaMarcus to Vince Young doen't know what they're doing. The only things they have in common is that they're Black, big, and played in Division 1 schools -- that's it.

Russell's more advanced in the pro passing game than Young was at this stage of his career -- way ahead of him. I'm quite excited to see what he can do at the NFL level. I'd love to be the offensive coordinator.

As to his mobility, to quote the great Gary Coleman "What you talkin 'bout?!" This guy can move! Again, see the videos. I'm telling you, this guy is dangerous. I was never sold on Jim Drunkenmiller, feeling that Mooch should have picked his Cal guy Pat Barnes and worked with him. But to compare JaMarcus to Drunkenmiller is just not right, man. I think you just cost yourself a good dinner -- well wait. You're supposed to buy, right?

Hmm......

Senator John McCain Has Lost His Mind - Will Tell America Iraq War Is Winnable

Just a few short days after being challenged by a CNN reporter, when he stated that Irag was essentially safe to be in, Senator John McCain R-Arizona is going on a campaign to tell Americans we can win the Iraq War.

Wow.

Fox News' Britt Hume called this "courageous" but I call it foolish. It's obvious McCain has given up any idea of winning the Presidency of the United States -- not that this bothers me -- and elected to commit political suicide. McCain just appeared on 60 Minutes, and according to Marc Cooper , gave a good example of how much heavy artlery Americans really need to walk around. In other words, he looked foolish. But that's not enough for him, he's so busy trying to win a conservative base that's not even worth the bother, he's about to make his foot the best meal's he's had in weeks.

Does he really think people are going to be swayed by this video?

I guess he likes bad press, because he's getting some on the blogs, and with this new "sic" initiative, I can't see how he's going to be able to crawl out of the doghouse he's made for himself. Just check Technorati to see where people stand on ths matter.

At the end of this process, he'll shoule have wrecked his Presidential bid and the Republican Party, too. How is anyone supposed to believe him when he just came off a massive political blunder as the one regarding the safeft of Iraq?

They'r

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Panthers come to terms with QB David Carr

Panthers come to terms with QB David Carr

By MIKE CRANSTON, AP Sports Writer

A month after he was released by the Houston Texans ,David Carr agreed Friday to a two-year deal to play for the Carolina Panthers .

Carr, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft, will serve as Jake Delhomme 's backup.

"It's a case where we were obviously looking for someone to come in back up Jake and the opportunity to get a quarterback the caliber of David in free agency is unique," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. "We thought it was a good situation and a good opportunity for us."

Carr was a five-year starter for the expansion Texans. He completed 60 percent of his passes, but threw 65 interceptions and was sacked 249 times. Carr completed a career-high 68.3 percent of his passes last season, but was released by the Texans after they obtained Matt Schaub in a trade from Atlanta and anointed him as their starting quarterback.

The Panthers believe Carr's troubles stemmed from Houston's poor offensive line, and tried to sign him during his visit with the team early in the week. Carr left without a contract and visited Seattle, while Carolina brought in former Miami quarterback Joey Harrington for a visit.

But on Thursday Carr decided he wanted to sign with Carolina, and the two sides reached a deal over the phone early Friday morning, ending a nervous period for Hurney.

"He met everybody and met Jake and I think he felt comfortable," Hurney said. "You never know what happens when he leaves without a contract. But we felt good about him I think he felt good about us and he made the decision to come here."

The Panthers were looking for an experienced quarterback to back up Delhomme after releasing Chris Weinke last month. Weinke struggled in a relief role in three games last season when Delhomme had a sprained thumb, throwing two touchdown passes and four interceptions. The Panthers went 1-2 in those three games and the lone game they won came with Weinke throwing only seven passes.

The 6-foot-3 Carr may have had other opportunities to start with other teams, but Hurney insisted Carr will back up Delhomme, who struggled last season as the Panthers finished disappointing 8-8.

"We made it clear and he knows that Jake Delhomme is our starting quarterback," Hurney said. "I think it was important for him to come to a winning organization and a place where he thinks has a chance to win. He knows that Jake is our starter. Every player wants to play, but he knows the role he's coming into."

The move means the Panthers now have the top two picks from the 2002 draft. Carolina selected defensive end Julius Peppers with No. 2 pick.

Carr's signing is the biggest move the Panthers have made so far in free agency. Hurney has said they were content with 21 of 22 starters returning next season.

Player Council will advise Goodell

Player Council Formed to Advise Goodell
By Associated Press

NEW YORK -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has established a six-member council of veteran players to advise him on a variety of issues, including player conduct.

Most of the players named to the council, which includes players union president Troy Vincent, met this week with Goodell on the same day the commissioner heard from Adam "Pacman" Jones of Tennessee and Chris Henry of Cincinnati to discuss their off-field problems. He is expected to announce disciplinary action next week.

It will meet regularly with Goodell and Gene Upshaw, the executive director of the NFL Players Association to talk about a variety of issues, including player safety, health issues and competition.

"It is important that we know the perspective of players on issues that impact our game and our league," Goodell said in a statement issued by the league.

"We all share the same goal of improving the NFL in every way we can. Veteran leadership is critically important for our teams in many areas. These outstanding veterans can help the entire league just as they help their teams."

The group includes Vincent, currently a free agent, along with safety Donovin Darius of Jacksonville; fullback Tony Richardson of Minnesota; center Jeff Saturday of Indianapolis; linebacker Takeo Spikes of Philadelphia and wide receiver James Thrash of Washington.

The establishment of the council is consistent with the way Goodell has worked since taking over from Paul Tagliabue last September. He spent the early part of his tenure visiting teams and talking with owners, officials and players to get a feel for the league.

"This is the first time in NFL history that a commissioner has used a group of current players in an advisory capacity," Upshaw said. "The players are a great resource for our game and this is a direct way of getting their input. This is a good example of how the new commissioner is leading through strong communication. We appreciate what he is doing."

Ricky Williams Applies for Reinstatement

Ricky Williams Applies for Reinstatement
By DAVE GOLDBERG-AP

NEW YORK -- Ricky Williams, the former NFL star who played in Canada last season after being suspended for a year for substance abuse, has applied for reinstatement. Williams' agent, Leigh Steinberg, said the running back, who will turn 30 in May, had sent a letter asking that he be allowed to return to the Miami Dolphins.

The NFL confirmed that Williams had sought reinstatement, for which he will be eligible after April 27, when he will have been suspended for a year. Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene said the team had no comment because Williams is not yet eligible for reinstatement.

Williams, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Texas, was originally drafted by New Orleans when then-coach Mike Ditka gave up all his picks in the 1999 draft to get his rights. He was traded to Miami for two first-round draft picks after the 2001 season and rushed for 1,853 yards for the Dolphins in 2002 and 1,372 the next season.

But he abruptly retired shortly before training camp in 2004, then returned in 2005 to back up rookie Ronnie Brown. Williams rushed for 743 yards and a 4.4 yard average that year.

The suspension, handed down last year by former commissioner Paul Tagliabue, was Williams' fourth.

Williams' previous positive drug tests were for marijuana, which he acknowledged using. The latest test apparently involved a substance other than marijuana and may have been related to his interest in holistic medicine.

Steinberg said Williams has been teaching yoga in California since returning from Canada last December.

"He's told me that his interest in eastern philosophy has overcome his desire for mind-altering substances and has given him another outlet," Steinberg said. "He's in outstanding shape and he hasn't taken a lot of hits for a running back. I think he's still at the top of his game."

During the 2005 season, Williams laughingly described himself as weird and compared his career to a roller coaster. But he also dispelled his reputation as an aloof, selfish pothead, winning praise from teammates and winning the south Florida media's annual postseason Good Guy Award, given to the player most cooperative with reporters.

Williams has gained 7,097 yards in 1,757 carries during his NFL career and rushed for 47 touchdowns.

Last season with Toronto in the CFL, he ran for 526 yards on 109 carries and caught 19 passes for 127 yards. He missed two months because of a broken arm.

Rumor: Matt Leinart Not Happy With CAA - Profootballtalk.com

LEINART LOOKING FOR NEW A MARKETING REP

On Friday, USA Today ran a front-page story on the growing power and influence of Creative Artists Agency , which has amassed a host of A-list entertainers and athletes in the past year.

The story fails to point out one potentially relevant fact.

Per a league source, the powerhouse agency is in danger of losing its lock on the marketing dollars to be generated by former USC quarterback Matt Leinart, the 2004 Heisman winner and starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals.

The source tells us that Leinart recently informed CAA of his decision, but that he has not yet hired a new firm. In the interim, CAA is trying hard to keep him.

As the source observed, it could be that CAA is growing too fast without the right people in place to handle the workload.

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Geraldo Rivera and Bill O'Reilly Fox News Argument - Video

Well, this is called great television. Not scripted, or ..maybe it was? Perhaps it was planned.

Immigration shoutfest
TV's Bill O'Reilly, Geraldo Rivera generate much heat, if not light, on the subject
Howard Kurtz, Washington Post
Saturday, April 7, 2007

(04-07) 04:00 PDT Washington -- It felt as if you had wandered into a barroom brawl, people were cowering under their tables, and the only question was when someone would get smashed with a broken beer bottle.
It was the battle of cable goliaths, Geraldo Rivera vs. Bill O'Reilly, a trash-talking, vein-popping, finger-thrusting shoutfest complete with cries of "Cool your jets!" and "That's bull!"
The rising decibel level Thursday night on "The O'Reilly Factor," an arena not exactly renowned for delicate discussion, was an instant YouTube classic as the two Fox fighters went at it on the subject of illegal immigration.
Rivera did what few guests dare in the "No-Spin Zone" -- accuse the host of making "a cheap political point." O'Reilly, undeterred, said Rivera wanted "open-border anarchy." And although Rivera didn't get his nose broken, as happened during a 1988 scuffle with a neo-Nazi guest on his old syndicated talk show, both men were clearly fuming.
"This is the courtroom scene from 'A Few Good Men' after a case of Red Bull with the volume knob cranked to 11," said Matthew Felling, an analyst with the Center for Media and Public Affairs. "Add to that the surreality of Geraldo being the voice of reason, and it's the oddest video you'll watch a dozen times."
The dustup involved a drunken driver, with three previous alcohol-related convictions, who killed two teenagers in the Virginia Beach, Va., area last month and has been charged with manslaughter.
In his opening commentary, O'Reilly said the driver was an illegal alien from Mexico, and he assailed the city's mayor for what he said was a policy of not reporting those in this country illegally to federal authorities. He included a clip of the mayor, Meyera Oberndorf, saying Virginia Beach has adopted no policy making it a "sanctuary city," as O'Reilly called it.
Rivera, a regular guest on the show, immediately challenged the premise, saying there were 347 drunken-driving fatalities in Virginia in 2005 and adding, "The only reason it's news on 'The Factor' is because the driver was an illegal alien."
Rivera said O'Reilly should apologize to the mayor.
As they sparred over whether the drunken driver should have been deported earlier, O'Reilly observed that Rivera has teenage daughters and asked whether he approved of "somebody sneaking into the country, becoming drunk, (getting) convicted of a DUI and staying here?"
Rivera, whose father is from Puerto Rico, countered: "It could be a Jewish drunk. It could be a Polish drunk. ... What the hell difference does it make?"
"It makes plenty of difference!" O'Reilly shouted, grimacing. "He doesn't have a right to be in this country! ... He should have been deported!"
"It's a cheap political point," Rivera roared back.
"No, it isn't."
"And you know it!"
"This is justice! ... And you want anarchy," O'Reilly said.
As they glared at each other, Rivera said, "What I want is fairness."
"Fairness? Bull!" O'Reilly said.
Rivera said illegal aliens had been "lured" to this country with the promise of jobs in a full-employment economy.
"Do you want your viewers to go knocking on people's door, door to door?" he asked.
"Oh, bull. That's bull," O'Reilly said.
But it was television, after all, so O'Reilly closed by plugging Rivera's weekend show, and Rivera said it was wonderful that Fox was fair and balanced on the issue.
A Fox News spokeswoman had no comment and said the combatants were not available.
Critics were quick to score the contest. "I feel like Geraldo comes off really normal and making good points," said Jessica Shaw, senior writer at Entertainment Weekly. "He's finally found the perfect foil. Did it shed any light on immigration reform? Of course not."

Friday, April 06, 2007

Oakland Raiders Seek To Reopen NFL Lawsuit - My Take

Raiders seek to reinstate $1.2 billion suit against NFL
Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Printable Version
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(04-03) 12:08 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- The Oakland Raiders will be looking to snap a legal losing streak Wednesday when they ask the state Supreme Court to reinstate a $1.2 billion suit that accuses the National Football League of forcing the team out of Los Angeles in 1995 by sabotaging plans for a new stadium.
The court's ruling, due in 90 days, isn't likely to affect the team's location -- its lease in Oakland runs through 2011, and the Raiders and the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority have expressed interest in negotiating an extension.
But the verdict could resolve Raider headman Al Davis' long-standing claim that his plans to keep the team in the larger and more lucrative Southern California market were undermined by league officials' ill-will toward him.
The Raiders moved from Oakland to Los Angeles in 1982 after winning an antitrust suit against the NFL, which opposed the shift. They returned to Oakland in 1995 after trying to relocate from the cavernous Los Angeles Coliseum to a planned new stadium at Hollywood Park in suburban Inglewood, which was never built.
A separate legal dispute with Oakland authorities began two years later, when city and county officials accused the team of trying to break its lease and the Raiders countersued for fraud, claiming they had been misled about advance ticket sales.
The Raiders sought $833 million in that suit, but a Sacramento jury awarded them only $34.2 million, and a state appeals court wiped out those damages in November. The court said the team had waived its right to sue when it negotiated a new contract with the Oakland Coliseum in 1996 after learning the truth about slow ticket sales.
In the case to be heard by the high court Wednesday in Los Angeles, the Raiders claimed that the NFL caused the Hollywood Park negotiations to fail by insisting on unacceptable conditions, including a requirement that the Raiders share the stadium with another team.
The lawsuit sought $500 million in damages for the failure of the stadium deal and $700 million for the right to put a new team in Los Angeles, which has not had an NFL franchise since 1995.
After a 10-week trial, which included five days of testimony by Davis, a Los Angeles jury issued a 9-3 verdict in 2001 finding no wrongdoing by the NFL. But Superior Court Judge Richard Hubbell granted the Raiders a new trial in 2002, finding jury misconduct.
According to juror declarations submitted by the Raiders, one panel member said during deliberations that he hated Davis and the team, and would never award them damages, because he once lost a bet on them. Another juror, a lawyer, told her fellow panelists about the legal rules they had to follow in a way that differed from the judge's instructions, the Raiders said.
The first juror said in a declaration that he had only been joking to ease tensions in the jury room, and the second juror denied giving legal instructions to others. Hubbell did not specify which actions were misconduct.
His ruling was overturned in June 2005 by a state appeals court, which said the Raiders had failed to show that either juror did anything wrong. The court quoted several jurors as saying they had never heard any expression of bias from the juror who supposedly hated the Raiders. The second juror's denials were supported by other jury members, the court said.
"When faced with such conflicting evidence, courts generally deny motions for a new trial,'' because the losing side in the case has the burden of proving that the jury verdict should be set aside, the three-judge panel said.
But the Raiders' lawyers said conflicts in the evidence must be resolved by the trial judge rather than by an appellate court, which reviewed only a written record.
"There is substantial evidence of egregious and prejudicial juror misconduct,'' the team's attorneys said in written arguments to the state Supreme Court. They said only Hubbell, the trial judge, could determine who was telling the truth -- the juror who said he was joking about hating the Raiders, or other jurors who said it didn't appear to be a joke.
Lawyers for the NFL countered that Hubbell's failure to specify the juror misconduct prevented any meaningful review of his ruling by a higher court and justified the appellate panel's reinstatement of the jury verdict. The Raiders' lawyers replied that the high court, if it has any doubts, should return the case to Hubbell to clarify his ruling.
The case is Oakland Raiders vs. National Football League, S132814.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Me:

With all due respect to Mr. Davis, he's misguided on this.

The basic problem is that the documents show Mr. Davis tried to play both sides -- NFL and Oakland -- in a way that he got the stadium he desired.

It's well-known amoung those like me who were first covering the issue and later -- in my case -- involved in it, that Mr. Davis stalled signing the Oakland agreement to see if he could get a better deal at Hollywood Park.

I do wish the organization wasn't so populated with "yes" people, as they're not countering the perceptions Mr. Davis is coming up with.

I understand he hates to lose, but the Raiders made a TON of tactical errors in this case, and didn't gain my support as some of the people were trying to undermine our Super Bowl - Oakland effort.

Attacking the NFL just reopens that case, BUT now with a twist -- they lost to Oakland. The Raiders tried to tie them together at first, but that did not work at all. In other words, we sue the NFL for tampering with our Oakland move, then sue Oakland for not giving us all we believed we were getting.

But now, Oakland's given them what they wanted, and because of that it was clear the NFL was not tampering, but the Raiders were creating the climate for things to look that way.

Not right at all.

Now, Mr. Davis wants to unravel all of that, and have egg on the face of the team yet again.

All I can say is his evidence better be water-tight this time.

I seriously doubt it is.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Don LaFontaine, John Leader, Al Chalk, Mark Elliot, and Nick Tate - Video

Wow. Check out this video featuring the greatest movie voices of the modern age of movies.

It features Don LaFontaine, John Leader, Al Chalk, Mark Elliot, and Nick Tate, all off to the Key Awards.

FON - Wifi Network I Just Joined

I'm preparing to go to New York for the NFL Draft, and I'm concerned that we may be without wireless service at Radio City Music Hall. In search of a backup plan in case the standard service gets giggy, I stumbled onto and joined the FON Network.

The basic idea is that with a small wireless device you can join any other person's FON network anywhere in the World. I'll let you know more as I delve into it. Right now, I'm pretty excited about it.

There seem to be a number of FONers in Oakland, including six within a mile of me.

Passing Run and Shoot

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Senator Barack Obama - Raises $25 Million To Shock Hillary Clinton!

Much as Muhammed Ali promised to shake up the World, Senator Barack Obama's run for president is doing just that. This report is just amazing and proves that this campaign is for real, with power and legs!

Obama Raises $25M to Rival Clinton Camp
By NEDRA PICKLER

The Associated Press
Wednesday, April 4, 2007; 1:28 PM

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Democrat Barack Obama raked in $25 million for his presidential bid in the first three months of 2007, placing him on a par with front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton and dashing her image as the party's inevitable nominee.

The donations came from an eye-popping 100,000 donors, the campaign said in a statement Wednesday.

Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Barack Obama talks to a crowd at the VFW during a campaign stop in Rochester, N.H., Tuesday, April 3, 2007. (AP Photo/Jim Cole) (Jim Cole - AP)

The figures were the latest evidence that Obama, a political newcomer who has served just two years in the Senate, has emerged as the most powerful new force in presidential politics this year. It also reinforced his status as a significant threat to Clinton, who'd hoped her own $26 million first quarter fundraising total would begin to squeeze her rivals out of contention.

The campaign reported that the figure included at least $23.5 million that he can spend on the highly competitive primary race. The Clinton campaign has yet to disclose how much they can use for the primary verses money that is designated for the general election.

While Clinton has honed a vast national fundraising network through two Senate campaigns and her husband's eight years as president, Obama launched his bid for the White House with a relatively small donor base concentrated largely in Illinois, his home state. But his early opposition to the Iraq war and voter excitement over his quest to be the first black president quickly fueled a powerful fundraising machine.

Since he formally declared his presidential campaign in February, Obama has been traveling the country with a focus on urban areas where he could build his momentum and bring in new donors. He attracted big-money Hollywood and Wall St. executives along with families who came out to his stops in places like Oklahoma that sometimes are neglected by other candidates.

More than half the donors contributed via the Internet for a total of $6.9 million, the campaign said.

"This overwhelming response, in only a few short weeks, shows the hunger for a different kind of politics in this country and a belief at the grassroots level that Barack Obama can bring out the best in America to solve our problems," said Obama finance chairwoman Penny Pritzker.

Donors are limited by law to contributions of $2,300 for the primary election, but Clinton, Obama and some other candidates also have been raising money for the general election. That allows them to take another $2,300 from each donor, but the money has to be returned if they don't win the nomination.

Clinton's campaign often solicited the $4,600 donations, while Obama's campaign focused on recruiting small dollar donors. In the coming months, he can return to those donors and ask those who haven't maxed out to give more.

Unlike Clinton, Obama says he doesn't take money from the lobbyists or political action committees that are frequent contributors on other campaigns.

Clinton campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle said, "We are thrilled with our historic fundraising success and congratulate Senator Obama and the entire Democratic field on their fundraising, which demonstrates the overwhelming desire for change in our country."

Obama was visiting Iowa Wednesday, holding an evening rally at a community college in Mason City.

Among the other Democratic candidates, aides to former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards said his $14 million in new contributions included $1 million for the general election.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said he had raised $6 million and had more than $5 million cash on hand.

Aides to Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd said he raised more than $4 million and transferred nearly $5 million from his Senate campaign, for a total of $9 million in receipts and $7.5 million cash on hand. Delaware Sen. Joe Biden lagged behind, with his staff reporting that he had total receipts of nearly $4 million, nearly half of which was transferred from his Senate campaign account.

Edwards, speaking to Davenport, Iowa, television station KWQC, complained that the pressure to raise huge sums was distorting the political process.

"We should actually be publicly financing these campaigns," Edwards said. "We shouldn't be doing these money contests. They're not healthy, they're not good for democracy. Public financing is the answer.

"While we still have this system, you have to compete the best way you can. What's clear is I think we're going to have at least three candidates on the Democratic side who have plenty of money to run a very serious campaign."

Among the Republican candidates, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was the top money-raiser with $23 million, another eye-catching sum that place him in the same league with Clinton and Obama and left his GOP rivals in the dust.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani raised $15 million for the quarter, while Arizona Sen. John McCain posted $12.5 million. Giuliani leads the GOP field in national popularity polls, followed by McCain.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Goodell Meets with Jones, Henry, Union Leaders

Jones, Henry, union leaders all meet with NFL chief
By DAVE GOLDBERG, AP Football Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and league officials met with Adam "Pacman" Jones Tuesday as the Tennessee Titans' cornerback attempted to avoid a long suspension following a series of arrests.

Goodell and his staff also met with Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Henry and members of the NFL Players Association executive board as he prepared a tougher policy on NFL players who violate the law.

Goodell has said he will announce his decision on suspensions or other disciplinary action before the draft on April 28 and perhaps in the next 10 days.

The NFL had no comment and lawyers for the players had no immediate response. The meeting with the players was held away from the NFL offices where six television cameras stationed themselves with no one to interview.

The Titans couldn't add much either Tuesday night.

"We have not heard anything from the NFL office," Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt said.

Goodell also met with Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFLPA and other union officials as he tried to get a consensus for his policy. Upshaw also has been critical of player misbehavior.

Henry is one of nine Bengals who were arrested last season, leading to calls for a crackdown on player behavior. But Jones has become the focus for Goodell, who took over as commissioner in September and has been preoccupied by the issue almost from the start of his tenure.

"It went pretty good, to have the chance to meet the commissioner face to face," Henry told The Cincinnati Enquirer. "I just wanted to explain my situation to the commissioner and move on. I told him I was learning from my mistakes and how to handle myself in a better manner."

Since being drafted in April 2005, Jones has been arrested five times and questioned by police in 10 episodes. Last week, Las Vegas police recommended he be charged with a felony and two misdemeanors for his role in a Feb. 19 strip club fight that led to a triple shooting.

His lawyer, Manny Arora, did not return calls or e-mails from The Associated Press. However, he told the Nashville Tennessean on Monday: "I fully expect him to be part of that team when the season kicks off in September.

However, Jones' former agent, Gary Wichard, told the AP that he thinks Goodell could be hard on Jones. "In the commissioner's mind, he's trying to make a statement because the league needs this," Wichard said.

That seems to be the general consensus around the NFL -- that the problems have gone too far. Henry, Jones' teammate at West Virginia, was suspended by Goodell for two games last season and could face more discipline after serving two days in a Kentucky jail for letting minors drink in a hotel room he had rented.

AP Sports Writer Teresa Walker in Nashville contributed to this story.

NFL INTERNATIONAL TO FOCUS ON LONDON 2007: CHINA PRESEASON GAME RESCHEDULED FOR 2009 CHINA PRESEASON GAME RESCHEDULED FOR 2009

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
(212) 450-2000 * FAX (212) 681-7573

WWW.NFLMedia.com
Joe Browne, Executive Vice President-Communications
Greg Aiello, Vice President-Public Relations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/2/07

NFL INTERNATIONAL TO FOCUS ON LONDON 2007:
CHINA PRESEASON GAME RESCHEDULED FOR 2009

The NFL has determined that it will focus its global resources this year on its first overseas regular-season game --
to be held on October 28 in London, England, with the Miami Dolphins hosting the New York Giants.

The American Bowl preseason game in China, originally set for August 9 in Beijing between the New England
Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, will be rescheduled. Working in partnership with the Beijing municipal authorities,
the NFL will plan to play a game at the National Stadium of Beijing in August of 2009.

“The regular-season game initiative was approved by NFL ownership after we announced the China Bowl.
Therefore, we will focus this year’s efforts on the regular-season game,” commented MARK WALLER, senior vice
president of NFL International.

“Our assessment is that Chinese fans would be better served if our game in China is played at a later date after we
have launched our international series of regular-season games and more effectively paved the way for the
introduction of our game into China,” added Waller. “As a new sport in China, it is critical that we create the best
platform for the introduction of the game. We are delighted Beijing authorities have agreed with our assessment
and have invited us to play in Beijing in 2009.”

NFL International is presently establishing an office in Beijing and will partner with the city to build fan interest in
American football prior to the 2009 flagship event.

# # #

NFL - PRESEASON NATIONAL TV SCHEDULE FEATURES ALL PLAYOFF TEAMS & SUPER BOWL XLI REMATCH

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
(212) 450-2000 * FAX (212) 681-7573

WWW.NFLMedia.com
Joe Browne, Executive Vice President-Communications
Greg Aiello, Vice President-Public Relations

FOR USE AS DESIRED
4/2/07

PRESEASON NATIONAL TV SCHEDULE FEATURES
ALL PLAYOFF TEAMS & SUPER BOWL XLI REMATCH

It kicks off in Canton, Ohio...showcases every 2006 playoff team...and includes a rematch of Super Bowl XLI.

Those are among the highlights of a 15-game national television preseason schedule that was announced today by the
NFL, along with the complete list of 2007 preseason matchups.

The preseason begins on Sunday night, August 5 with the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio when
the New Orleans Saints face the Pittsburgh Steelers on NFL Network at 8:00 PM ET. The Saints marched to a division
title and advanced to the NFC Championship Game last season, led by AP Coach of the Year SEAN PAYTON and Pro
Bowl quarterback DREW BREES. The Steelers enter the 2007 season under the guidance of MIKE TOMLIN, who will
make his head-coaching debut in Canton.

On Monday night, August 20, the Chicago Bears visit the Indianapolis Colts in a rematch of Super Bowl XLI on ESPN
(8:00 PM ET). It will mark the first home game for the Super Bowl champion Colts since defeating the Bears on February
4 in South Florida.

Following is the 2007 NFL preseason national television schedule:

2007 NFL PRESEASON NATIONAL TELEVISION SCHEDULE
(All times Eastern)

DATE GAME NETWORK (TIME)

Sunday, August 5 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, Canton, OH:
New Orleans vs. Pittsburgh NFLN (8:00 PM)

Preseason Week 1 (August 9-13)

Thursday, August 9 Indianapolis at Dallas FOX (8:00 PM)
Friday, August 10 Buffalo at New Orleans CBS (8:00 PM)
Saturday, August 11 Washington at Tennessee NFLN (8:00 PM)
Sunday, August 12 Seattle at San Diego NBC (8:00 PM)
Monday, August 13 Denver at San Francisco ESPN (8:00 PM)

Preseason Week 2 (August 16-20)

Thursday, August 16 Miami at Kansas City ESPN (8:00 PM)
Friday, August 17 Minnesota at New York Jets FOX (8:00 PM)
Saturday, August 18 San Diego at St. Louis CBS (8:00 PM)
Sunday, August 19 New York Giants at Baltimore NBC (8:00 PM)
Monday, August 20 Chicago at Indianapolis ESPN (8:00 PM)

Preseason Week 3 (August 23-27)

Thursday, August 23 Jacksonville at Green Bay FOX (8:00 PM)
Friday, August 24 New England at Carolina CBS (8:00 PM)
Sunday, August 26 Philadelphia at Pittsburgh NBC (8:00 PM)
Monday, August 27 Cincinnati at Atlanta ESPN (8:00 PM)

2007 PRESEASON WEEK-BY-WEEK SCHEDULE

HALL OF FAME GAME – AUGUST 5
New Orleans vs. Pittsburgh (NFLN)

WEEK 1 – AUGUST 9-13
Indianapolis at Dallas (FOX, 8/9)
Buffalo at New Orleans (CBS, 8/10)
Washington at Tennessee (NFLN, 8/11)
Seattle at San Diego (NBC, 8/12)
Denver at San Francisco (ESPN, 8/13)
Arizona at Oakland
Atlanta at New York Jets
Carolina at New York Giants
Chicago at Houston
Cincinnati at Detroit
Green Bay at Pittsburgh
Jacksonville at Miami
Kansas City at Cleveland
New England at Tampa Bay
Philadelphia at Baltimore
St. Louis at Minnesota

WEEK 2 – AUGUST 16-20
Miami at Kansas City (ESPN, 8/16)
Minnesota at New York Jets (FOX, 8/17)
San Diego at St. Louis (CBS, 8/18)
New York Giants at Baltimore (NBC, 8/19)
Chicago at Indianapolis (ESPN, 8/20)
Atlanta at Buffalo
Carolina at Philadelphia
Denver at Dallas
Detroit at Cleveland
Houston at Arizona
New Orleans at Cincinnati
Oakland at San Francisco
Pittsburgh at Washington
Seattle at Green Bay
Tampa Bay at Jacksonville
Tennessee at New England

WEEK 3 – AUGUST 23-27
Jacksonville at Green Bay (FOX, 8/23)
New England at Carolina (CBS, 8/24)
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (NBC, 8/26)
Cincinnati at Atlanta (ESPN, 8/27)
Baltimore at Washington
Cleveland at Denver
Dallas at Houston
Detroit at Indianapolis
Minnesota at Seattle
New Orleans at Kansas City
New York Jets at New York Giants
St. Louis at Oakland
San Francisco at Chicago
San Diego at Arizona
Tennessee at Buffalo
Tampa Bay at Miami

WEEK 4 – AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 2
Arizona at Denver
Baltimore at Atlanta
Buffalo at Detroit
Cleveland at Chicago
Dallas at Minnesota
Green Bay at Tennessee
Houston at Tampa Bay
Indianapolis at Cincinnati
Pittsburgh at Carolina
Kansas City at St. Louis
Miami at New Orleans
New York Giants at New England
New York Jets at Philadelphia
Oakland at Seattle
San Francisco at San Diego
Washington at Jacksonville

2007 PRESEASON TEAM-BY-TEAM SCHEDULE

AFC

Buffalo Miami New England New York Jets
at New Orleans (CBS) Jacksonville at Tampa Bay Atlanta
Atlanta at Kansas City (ESPN) Tennessee Minnesota (FOX)
Tennessee Tampa Bay at Carolina (CBS) at NY Giants
at Detroit at New Orleans NY Giants at Philadelphia

Baltimore Cincinnati Cleveland Pittsburgh
Philadelphia at Detroit Kansas City vs. New Orleans* (NFLN)
NY Giants (NBC) New Orleans Detroit Green Bay
at Washington at Atlanta (ESPN) at Denver at Washington
at Atlanta Indianapolis at Chicago Philadelphia (NBC)
at Carolina

Houston Indianapolis Jacksonville Tennessee
Chicago at Dallas (FOX) at Miami Washington (NFLN)
at Arizona Chicago (ESPN) Tampa Bay at New England
Dallas Detroit at Green Bay (FOX) at Buffalo
At Tampa Bay at Cincinnati Washington Green Bay

Denver Kansas City Oakland San Diego
at San Francisco (ESPN) at Cleveland Arizona Seattle (NBC)
at Dallas Miami (ESPN) at San Francisco at St. Louis (CBS)
Cleveland New Orleans St. Louis at Arizona
Arizona at St. Louis at Seattle San Francisco

NFC

Dallas New York Giants Philadelphia Washington
Indianapolis (FOX) Carolina at Baltimore at Tennessee (NFLN)
Denver at Baltimore (NBC) Carolina Pittsburgh
at Houston NY Jets at Pittsburgh (NBC) Baltimore
at Minnesota at New England NY Jets at Jacksonville

Chicago Detroit Green Bay Minnesota
at Houston Cincinnati at Pittsburgh St. Louis
at Indianapolis (ESPN) at Cleveland Seattle at NY Jets (FOX)
San Francisco at Indianapolis Jacksonville (FOX) at Seattle
Cleveland Buffalo at Tennessee Dallas

Atlanta Carolina New Orleans Tampa Bay
at NY Jets at NY Giants vs. Pittsburgh* (NFLN) New England
at Buffalo at Philadelphia Buffalo (CBS) at Jacksonville
Cincinnati (ESPN) New England (CBS) at Cincinnati at Miami
Baltimore Pittsburgh at Kansas City Houston
Miami

Arizona St. Louis San Francisco Seattle
at Oakland at Minnesota Denver (ESPN) at San Diego (NBC)
Houston San Diego (CBS) Oakland at Green Bay
San Diego at Oakland at Chicago Minnesota
at Denver Kansas City at San Diego Oakland

*Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio

Philip de Vellis Details Production of "1984 Hillary" Video

Philip de Vellis, the creator of the "1984 Hillary" Video, explains how he created the now classic clip. He says that he used a Mack Book equipped with Final Cut Pro and Motion 2, which means I can make the same video right now. But here's the video.

Monday, April 02, 2007

No punishment for Coughlin's 'Hitler' quote

No punishment for Coughlin's 'Hitler' quote Oh My G-D...Just...Just see my Rant Below!!!
BY ARTHUR STAPLE

Giants coach Tom Coughlin won't be disciplined and his job is not in jeopardy after he was quoted saying he is almost as hated as Adolf Hitler.

The Giants had no official comment yesterday after the Daily News quoted Coughlin saying this, in response to a question about the battering he received in the New York and national media near the end of last season:

"I hear some of it and I see it. You know [vice president of communications Pat] Hanlon tells me about it, what's going on. Hitler and then me, in that order. Unfortunate, but it is."

Coughlin made the comment to a handful of reporters in Phoenix at the NFL meetings. He and the rest of the Giants' front office, including team president John Mara, returned home Wednesday and there was no further discussion of the remark.

Coughlin has never had the warm relationship with New York writers and radio hosts that his predecessor, Jim Fassel, enjoyed. Some of that comes from the outspoken players Coughlin has coached - he and Tiki Barber went at it privately and publicly as the team stumbled down the stretch last season - and some from Coughlin's unwillingness to show anything but his business side to reporters.

WFAN host Mike Francesa said on the air yesterday that Coughlin has canceled the weekly spot he did with Francesa and co-host Chris Russo.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEY TOM!!! you do realize you just Pissed off about 35% of the Metro area with that Comment, don't YOU???
Do You realize that one of the two families that owns the Team are Jewish, along with a good deal of your season ticket subscribers?
Ok: we can't blame you for feeling like you have been abused by many in the last several months, True.
You knew the deal when you came here: people weren't going to like your "Tough as Nails" personality, or the way you do things. This is the Price of doing business in NY Tom!! Get over it....if you want to be well liked, you'll need a personality transplant.

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Clinton Supporter Markos Moulitsas Zúniga Of "Daily Kos" Blows It - Intentionally Misquotes Barack Obama

"Markos Moulitsas Zúniga, I salute you!" - Senator Hillary Clinton

Markos Moulitsas Zúniga -- the founder and head guru of the popular political blog "Dally Kos" picked up the recent USA Today, saw Senator Barack Obama's face, and since "Kos" as he's called gets about $4,900 a week from Hillary Clinton , (enough to buy two Mercedes Benz sedans!!) he decided to do what any fanatical supporter of the New York Senator would do: misquote Senator Barack Obama.

On Sunday, Senator Obama was quoted in the USA Today as saying this:

"SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — If President Bush vetoes an Iraq war spending bill as promised, Congress quickly will provide the money without the withdrawal timeline the White House objects to because no lawmaker "wants to play chicken with our troops," Sen. Barack Obama said Sunday.

"My expectation is that we will continue to try to ratchet up the pressure on the president to change course," the Democratic presidential candidate said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I don't think that we will see a majority of the Senate vote to cut off funding at this stage."

The Senator was speculating on what he believes Congress -- which has a razor-thin Democratic majority -- would do if the bill is vetoed by the President. He never stated he supported the war -- never has But think about it. Stop for 30 seconds. If funding was cut off without a timetable for getting out of Iraq, what would the troops do? Ah, leave on a jet plane for home, defying orders? Go postal? What?

Are you paying attention? Are you thinking? Good!

Now this is what "Kos" wrote:

Obama caves to Bush
by kos

Sun Apr 01, 2007 at 10:57:18 AM PDT

I wish this was an April Fools Day joke:

If President Bush vetoes an Iraq war spending bill as promised, Congress quickly will provide the money without the withdrawal timeline the White House objects to because no lawmaker "wants to play chicken with our troops," Sen. Barack Obama said Sunday.

What a ridiculous thing to say. Not only is it bad policy, not only is it bad politics, it's also a terrible negotiating approach.

Instead of threatening Bush with even more restrictions and daring him to veto funding for the troops out of pique, Barack just surrendered to him.

Let me repeat that -- Obama just surrendered to Bush.

Note that "Kos" quoted only part of what the Senator said, not the whole deal. But considering that Kos is bought and paid for by Hillary Clinton, this comes as no surprise. My point is, his blog post can't be trusted at all. I like his work and his rise to pop-culture icon, but I don't like this way of playing fast and loose with the truth.

But since Kos isn't one to get the nuance of public policy, nor has he been confused with a policy wonk, I should not be surprised with this huge blunder. But, I forgot, he's paid by Hillary, who's been buying the support of everyone from a prominent Black preacher to the Iowa governor , and perhaps even several stray dogs.

Ah, maybe not -- stray dogs can't be bought.

What bothers me is there are people on his board who just blindly went along with what Kos wrote without doing any digging at all.

What the hell ever happened to critical thinking?

Raiders Head Coach Lane Kiffin Looks To 2007 Season

Nothing to Look Back on, Raiders Only Look Ahead

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: April 1, 2007
When Lane Kiffin took over as the Oakland Raiders’ coach, one of the first things he told his new players was that he did not want to dwell on what went wrong last season.

For the players who went through a 2-14 campaign that led to the Raiders being the butt of jokes on late-night comedy shows and Coach Art Shell being fired, that was a welcome approach.

“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear,” offensive tackle Robert Gallery said. “He said it before I even had to. I didn’t want to have to talk about it. It’s over, we’re on to new things.”

That was especially true for Gallery and the offense, which had one of the worst seasons in league history. The Raiders scored 168 points — fifth fewest in a 16-game season — had 12 offensive touchdowns, allowed a league-worst 72 sacks and failed to score a touchdown in their final three games.

Gallery, the No. 2 overall pick in 2004, looked lost at times as he moved from right to left tackle. He said he feels much more comfortable under the new assistant Tom Cable’s direction than he did under the inexperienced Jackie Slater.

“The system didn’t fit the offensive linemen that you had,” said the new fullback Justin Griffith, who played for the Falcons last season when Cable was the offensive line coach. “I think it was more the system than it was the players.”

There is plenty of excitement in Oakland about the regime and a new start as the team tries to rebound from four straight losing seasons.

But this is the time of year for optimism for all teams with new coaches, when everyone hopes the change will lead to success and no one has lost a game yet.

“Right now everybody is happy, the sun is out, everything is good,” cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said. “But when adversity hits you never know what you are going to get. Like always, I can’t predict the future. I don’t know what is going to happen, but right now he has been very positive and seems like a guy that can take control.”

Kiffin said more than 90 percent of the players have been at the voluntary workouts, showing up at least four days a week. One notable exception has been the disgruntled receiver Randy Moss, who expressed a desire to be traded at various points last season.

Kiffin and the coaching staff have begun putting in some of the new offense, which will include elements of the West Coast offense that the coordinator Greg Knapp has used in the past, with some wrinkles Kiffin has brought from U.S.C.

But much of the final product will depend on who is playing quarterback, which remains up in the air.

Andrew Walter is the only quarterback with N.F.L. experience on the roster. The team could select quarterback JaMarcus Russell of Louisiana State or Brady Quinn of Notre Dame with the No. 1 overall draft pick, and also bring in another veteran.

Kiffin has talked with the former Houston quarterback David Carr, who was released by the Texans. Kiffin was a graduate assistant at Fresno State when Carr was on the team.

But for now, Walter is the quarterback. The Raiders thought so highly of Walter that they did not use their first-round pick a year ago on Matt Leinart or Jay Cutler.

But given a chance to play when Aaron Brooks went down with an injury in the second game, Walter struggled last year.

Philip de Vellis Explains How And Why He Created The "1984-Hillary" Video

In this video, Philip de Vellis -- aka ParkRidge47 of YouTube -- talks to YouTube's news and politics editor Steve Grove about the "Vote Different" ad and the future of online video. This is a good resource for videobloggers.

In the clip, he explains that he used a MacBook, Final Cut Pro, and Motion 2 to create the video, and that the effort was rather easy. What he was not prepared for was the viral response.