Rosie O'Donnell Responds To Fox's Nigel Lythgoe Re: "Idol Racism" - "blah blah blah blha"

Not one to be "one-upped" The View's Rosie O'Donnell used her -- called the "r blog" (in lowercase) -- to respond to Fox Television's Nigel Lythgoe, Executive Producer of AMERICAN IDOL denouncing of her call of the shows actions with respect to the exhibitionist leanings of contestants Antonella Barba and Frenchie Davis, and the very different way the White singer was treated versus the Black Ms. Davis.



Nigel says "“Without wishing to add to the obvious self-promotion of Ms. O’Donnell, I feel as though I must refute her absurd and ridiculous claims that AMERICAN IDOL is racist and/or weightist.

“Ms. O’Donnell has, once again, spoken without thought or knowledge. Viewers need only look at the show tonight to realize that AMERICAN IDOL constantly confirms to America that talent has nothing to do with weight or color.”

Nigel Lythgoe, Executive Producer, AMERICAN IDOL"

In the blog, O'Donnell says "well…what can u say really from the coca-cola red couch

i call it as i see it nigel l - sam r same same same 1985 - 2007, blah blah blah blha
blha blha blah blha"

I love Rosie. Her blog's the bomb, too!

Fox Denounced Rosie For Calling American Idol's Treatment Of Frenchie Davis Racist

Well, I guess the truth hurts. You can tell when someone's upset because they respond to a comment.

In this case, Fox Television, the American Idol producers are not happy that The View's Rosie O'Donnell called their show's treatment of former contestant Frenchie Davis racist, in that in 2003 they booted her from the show for the same exhibitionist behavior that Antonella Barba has shown and yet is still retained in 2007.

New Orleans Saints Joe Horn Goes To Atlanta Falcons - Switching Teams In Civil War Of NFC South

Wow. The Falcons get a leg up in their knoweldge of the Saint's offense by getting Joe Horn, a key player in their NFC South wars with the Falcons. Plus, he has something to prove and will play in a new system -- no one knows what they're going to do.

Receiver, leader added with acquisition of Horn

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/08/07

Joe Horn has never lacked conviction. So when he told his agent he wanted to play for Atlanta after being released last week by its longtime rival, New Orleans, Horn was going to find a way to make it happen.

It took six days of conversations, three days of meetings, dinners and tours and more than 12 hours of contract negotiations, but at just past 11 p.m. Wednesday, Horn and the Falcons agreed to a multiyear contract, believed to be for at least three years, with guarantees in the $2 million range.

"I'm thrilled to have him as a player, and obviously his productivity in the NFL has been extraordinary," said team owner Arthur Blank, who spoke to Horn three times on the phone during the recruiting process. "Unfortunately, I've seen what he's done a number of times against the Falcons. It's been a source of frustration for a number of years.

"I'm very enthused about having him. He's achieved at the highest levels."

In acquiring the outspoken Horn, who was publicly upset with his release from the Saints, the Falcons address two vital needs: leadership and a wide receiver with a track record.

From 2000-04, Horn was one of the NFL's top wideouts, catching at least 78 passes and seven touchdowns each season and surpassing 1,000 yards in four. He also was one of its most flamboyant, most notably for drawing a $30,000 fine for pulling a cellphone he'd hidden under a goal-post pad and using it as part of a touchdown celebration.

Horn, 35, has missed 11 games the past two seasons with groin and hamstring injuries, which were concerns in the initial stages of conversations, which began last Friday. However, Horn passed a physical to alleviate worries about his health.

In the past two seasons, though, Horn has 86 receptions for 1,333 yards — 66 fewer yards than he had in his career-bestseason in 2004. He did not tail off vocally, though, emerging as one of the more provocative voices for the team and the city of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

Though Horn played in only 10 games last season, he had 37 receptions, two fewer than Falcons leading wideout Michael Jenkins.

Horn, a four-time Pro Bowl pick, is a sure-handed receiver who should fit into new coach Bobby Petrino's system, in which three and four wideouts will be deployed at times.

Horn is friends with Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, according to Horn's agent, Ralph Vitolo. The two have known each other for years and have spoken during this process.

Horn also brings enough credibility to garner respect from young wide receivers Roddy White and Jenkins, first-round draft picks better known for inconsistency than playmaking. Atlanta lost starter Ashley Lelie to free agency but swill get back veteran Brian Finneran, who missed last season after tearing an anterior cruciate knee ligament.

"He's an overall leader but he's going to be a leader in that position room," Blank said of Horn. "I'm looking forward to the impact he's going to have on our team and our young receivers."

Raiders make Changes, Sign Jason Newberry

Raiders Sign Former Pro Bowler Newberry- see my end note...
By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders and two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Jeremy Newberry agreed to a $1.5 million, one-year contract Wednesday, hoping to boost a struggling offensive line.

Newberry, a Pro Bowler in 2001-02 with San Francisco, spent all of last season on injured reserve with the 49ers with an damaged left knee. He has played in only 11 games the past three seasons because of various injuries.
But the Raiders are counting him to help an offensive line that allowed a league-worst 72 sacks last season.

"In researching and evaluating Jeremy's background and history, it became obvious that he is a perfect fit for the Raiders right now," Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said. "He is an intense competitor and definitely understands what being a team player is all about."

Newberry, who turns 31 this month, has played center, tackle and guard in the past and could be used in any of those spots with Oakland.

He has previously worked with Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and running backs coach Tom Rathman when they were assistants in San Francisco and for offensive line coach Tom Cable in college at California.

"When this opportunity presented itself, I made it known that I wanted to play across the Bay for the Raiders, as I have a ton of respect for Al Davis and this organization," Newberry said. "I'm very excited about what Coach Kiffin has got going and I am excited to be reunited with some people that I have worked with in the past."

The Raiders also cleared up some salary cap room by restructuring the contracts of running back LaMont Jordan and receiver Ronald Curry. The new deal with Jordan reduces the $4.75 million roster bonus he was due on Wednesday by $1.75 million.

Curry signed a five-year deal that could be worth up to $20 million and includes $5 million in guaranteed money.

"As we continue to find ways to build and improve upon our team through our evaluation process, it was imperative that LaMont and Ronald were on board," Kiffin said. "It was extremely important to get their contract situations settled. We look forward to working with both players, introducing them to the many changes we will have on offense, and including them in our new team philosophy as well."

Jerry Porter is expected to be back as a starter at receiver after languishing on the bench most of last season while feuding with coach Art Shell. Curry could either be a starter if the team trades Randy Moss or be used as a third receiver if Moss returns.

Jordan rushed for only 434 yards and two touchdowns before going down with a season-ending knee injury Nov. 19.

The Raiders also added four more assistant coaches: John DeFilippo (quarterbacks), James Cregg (assistant offensive line), Randy Hanson (assistant defensive backs) and Sanjay Lal (quality control, offense). The team also announced that Kelly Skipper, who was hired last month, will coach tight ends.


The way the Raiders are going, they could have signed Jason Newsted From the Band SUPERNOVA(before that he was the Bassist for METALLICA) and it would not have made a difference. Do they think Newberry is going to help get Robert Gallery In Line??? In Shape?? Block the defense?? Hey...Maybe Newberry has some value as an extra coach, but The Raiders now have 2 OL coaches, which seems to be a new ternd in Coaching in the NFL

Petitgout Signs With Buccaneers See my Note
By Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their offensive line on Tuesday by signing free-agent tackle Luke Petitgout.

Petitgout spent the last eight seasons with the New York Giants, who selected him in the first round of the 1999 draft. He's appeared in 113 games, including 106 starts, and has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher six of his eight years in the league.

The 30-year-old started nine games at left tackle before breaking a leg against Chicago on Nov. 12 and missing the remainder of last season. He's also started games at left guard and right tackle during his career.



So thanks for the memories Luke, but more importantly, thanks for provimg me wrong. I mean I used to scream at you(in my head and otherwise) when you missed a key block as you were oft to many times early in your career, I won't repeat here what i said back then, because it's not proper language even for a Football Blog. The last few years however, you were one of the more steady Pass Blockers i the NFL, let along with the Giants, and now that you are a complete OL, The Team had to go and release you....We in NY who know a Good OL when we see one wish you well.

Ex Giant Pettitgout signs with Tampa Bay

Petitgout Signs With Buccaneers See my Note
By Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their offensive line on Tuesday by signing free-agent tackle Luke Petitgout.

Petitgout spent the last eight seasons with the New York Giants, who selected him in the first round of the 1999 draft. He's appeared in 113 games, including 106 starts, and has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher six of his eight years in the league.

The 30-year-old started nine games at left tackle before breaking a leg against Chicago on Nov. 12 and missing the remainder of last season. He's also started games at left guard and right tackle during his career.



So thanks for the memories Luke, but more importantly, thanks for provimg me wrong. I mean I used to scream at you(in my head and otherwise) when you missed a key block as you were oft to many times early in your career, I won't repeat here what i said back then, because it's not proper language even for a Football Blog. The last few years however, you were one of the more steady Pass Blockers i the NFL, let along with the Giants, and now that you are a complete OL, The Team had to go and release you....We in NY who know a Good OL when we see one wish you well.

Rosie O and Frenchie Davis Are Right - Antonella Barba Is Getting A Pass From "Idol" On Soft-Porn Picts - Frenchie's A Big Girl...

I'm not sure that it's racist or a function of American Idol waking up to a digital media world, but they are letting contestant Antonella Barba pass without punishment for all of the racy pictures that have sprung up on the Internet.

There's not just one photo, there's a lot of them, and on YouTube , too. Moreover, either she knew about them and told American Idol or she knew about them and didn't tell American Idol. In either case, the yank job that "Idol" did to Frenchie Davis four years ago could have been done again.

It wasn't.

The View's Rosie O'Donell is right to bring up race in this story. I think some people are brainwashed to only accept images of Whites, or people of color who are lighter skinned. It's wrong, of course, but all too common. None the less, we've got to put a stop to it as a society and I think we are at least waking up to the problem.



But to be fair, there's a bit more to the Frenchie Davis story and it's obvious: she's overweight. And this fact really underscores the fact that American Idol's playing a nasty double standard. It's ok to have almost nude picts of yourself online as long as you're this thin and light-skinned woman, but if you're plus-sized and Black, American Idol's got a problem.

After all, this is the same program on which Simon Cowall told a then-unknown Jennifer Hudson she was too fat. Now that same person just got the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Dreamgrils. I'm serious. He said that. Now, I'm sure he had the same feeling for Frenchie Davis.

But it doens't mean America agrees with him.

See, in this Long Tail world, there's room for all tastes. The bottom line is this: was Frenchie a terrific singer? The answer -- given her success -- is yes. Why not bring her back on the show?

Simon, you've had your say. Now, it's America's turn.