Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe writes about the Patriots trade of Matt Cassel... "Trading Cassel puts it to rest. The Patriots and Brady obviously think he can pick up where he left off when he was the league's Most Valuable Player, throwing 50 touchdown passes, in 2007. Belichick simply would not trade Cassel if he had any doubts about Brady's readiness for September." ...
Jason Whitlock of the Kansas City Star writes that the Matt Cassel trade looks good on paper for the Chiefs... "We’ve seen this before. Fresh off a Super Bowl victory in 1999, Dick Vermeil used a high draft pick to acquire the QB he loved in St. Louis (Trent Green), spoke confidently about procuring players who “fit the profile,” blasted Larry Johnson for wearing a diaper and wooed the local media with dinner, wine and a spirit of love. You see the similarities?" ...
Eric Prisbell and Steve Yanda of the Washington Post writes how Under Armour may be violating NCAA recruiting policies when dealing with potential Maryland recruits... "The most elite high school basketball players are often recruited by shoe companies, but rarely is a company also a major benefactor of a university pursuing the same player. Under Armour founder and chief executive Kevin Plank is a former Maryland football player and member of the school's Board of Trustees. That means the NCAA considers him a "representative of the institution's athletics interests," commonly known as a booster. Under Armour Inc. is acknowledged by Maryland as a member of its "Legends" benefactor group, meaning it has donated more than $1 million to the school." ...
This past week the Chicago Bulls family lost Norm Van Lier and Johnny "Red" Kerr...
Kerr, who died on February 26th of prostate cancer, was honored by the Bulls just weeks earlier on February 10th...surprisingly Kerr is not in the NBA Hall of Fame...those who do not remember Kerr's playing days may best know him as part of Michael Jordan's pre-game ritual when Jordan would get talc powder and dust it in Kerr's face before each game...
The following is an excerpt from the USA Today...
The Bulls unveiled a statue of Kerr at the United Center during an emotional ceremony earlier this month that included taped messages from President Barack Obama and commissioner David Stern and speeches from Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan.
Pippen said Kerr "makes Chicago Bulls basketball what it is," while Jordan called him "an inspiration to me as a basketball player and as a person."
A Chicago native who served as the team's first head coach and received NBA Coach of the Year honors for leading the Bulls to the playoffs in the inaugural 1966-67 season, Kerr also received a photo collage from Bulls GM John Paxson and the Basketball Hall of Fame's John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award from Jerry Colangelo during the ceremony.
"I want to thank everybody here in the audience who has seen the Bulls play not because of Red Kerr but because of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and all the other people in the organization," said a choked up Kerr.
Kerr played 12 seasons (1954-1966) in the NBA for the Syracuse Nationals, Philadelphia 76ers and the Baltimore Bullets. From 1954 to 1965, the three-time NBA All-Star appeared in a then-NBA record 844 consecutive games.
Below is an 8:00 clip from the February 10th ceremony...
For the fourth time, Manny Ramirez and his agent Scott Bore-ass declined the Dodgers offer...this time they turned down a $25 million, one-year contract with a $20 million player option for 2010...
The Dodgers are assholes if they continue to pursue Ramirez...they have made more than fair offers...the time has come where L.A. should announce that they have moved on and will no longer offer Ramirez a contract...
As for Manny, I have this to say to him and his agent - "Go fuck yourself you greedy long-haired bastard!!!"....
Think about it, this dude has turned down $25 million...$25 million!!!!...and it's not like this is his first ever baseball contract...he has already made over $100 million over his career...
Here is a news story that will be getting a lot of play...last week in Wampum, Pennsylvania, just north of Pittsburgh, 11-year-old Jordan Brown is accused of taking a shotgun and murdering his father's 26-year-old girlfriend, Kenzie Marie Houk, (below photo, center) who was nine months pregnant...
Pennsylvania law states that Brown must be tried as an adult...he can face life in prison...the family suggests jealousy was a possible motive...
T.D. Thornton, a Boston Globe correspondent, writes how an American won the 1904 Olympic marathon with a little help... "For athletes in the 21st century, the elixir of choice is steroids. More than 100 years ago, Thomas J. Hicks opted for a vile concoction of egg whites and brandy laced with strychnine, the active ingredient in rat poison." ...
The Boston Globe has a 7-part series on Ted Kennedy...this link will lead you to part 7...you have to click on the top of the page for the previous 6 parts...
Sam Farmer of The Los Angeles Times writes how Pete Carroll and Urban Meyer will not be going to the NFL... "Carroll and Meyer have not hinted at leaving their current jobs, and why would they? Carroll makes $4.4 million per year at USC and surely could have more if he pushed for it. Meyer's yearly compensation is $3.25 million and he has a chance to win a third national championship in four years. Those guys would be nuts to walk away from what they have, because NFL teams wouldn't come close to matching either of those deals. Simply put, NFL jobs aren't what they used to be." ...
The article below was taken from the New York Daily News...
By Hank Gola and Gary Myers DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITERS
Giants great Brad Van Pelt is dead of an apparent heart attack at age 57.
He was found in his chair by his fiancée Tuesday at the house they recently purchased together in his hometown of Owosso, Michigan, according to former teammates Harry Carson and Brian Kelley.
Together with Lawrence Taylor, they formed the unit known as the Crunch Bunch, considered one of the top linebacking corps in Giants history, from 1981 to '83. They have remained close ever since, doing everything from golf outings to charity work together.
"I'm saddened," Carson told the Daily News. "I lost a teammate and my very good friend, He went much too soon at 57."
"Un-frigging-believable," Kelley told the Daily News. "He didn't deserve this. He was just a good person, such a great guy who would give you the shirt off his back. He wasn't material, he didn't own a lot of things. My wife nailed it when she said he had the Peter Pan Syndrome. He just never wanted to grow up."
"Deanna (his fiancée) walked into the house. He was sitting up in the chair smiling but he wasn't moving," Kelley said. "She called 911 but he'd been gone for a couple of hours. I called her this morning. She said he was smiling so obviously he went peacefully."
Kelley said he called Taylor with news Tuesday night and all L.T, could say was, "No, no, no."
Van Pelt was the Giants' first draft pick out of Michigan State in 1973 and spent the first 11 years of a 14-year NFL career with them.
Although he enjoyed just one winning season as a Giant, when the team reached the playoffs in 1981, he was voted the team's Player of the Decade for the 1970s and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection. After leaving the Giants, he played two years for the Raiders before ending his career with Cleveland in 1986.
Van Pelt, who also starred in baseball and played basketball at Michigan State, was a two-time All American safety and the 1972 winner of the Maxwell Award as the nation's best player. He was inducted into the College Hall of Fame in 2001 and nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
Van Pelt's son, Bradlee, was a backup quarterback for the Broncos and Texans and just two weeks ago, was given a tryout as a safety by the Giants. His father, Arnold, passed away from a heart attack at age 49 in 1976.
This Saturday, February 21st, my girl Jennifer Love Hewitt is turning the BIG THREE OH...to honor her, each day this week Stiles Points will post a photos of JLH...heck, I just turned 40-years-old last month, so 10 years is not a big difference in age - I'm just saying...cuz you know she just broke up with her fiancee...
Over the weekend I was catching up on my newspapers when I came across the death notice of Phil Carey...the name will not ring a bell to most, but the name of the character he played sure will - Asa Buchanan (seated in photo)...
Carey played Asa Buchanan, the big Texas billionaire, on the soap opera One Life to Live from 1979 to 2008...Carey was 83-years-old and died of lung cancer on February 6, 2009 in New York...
Interestingly, while researching Carey's death, I came across the death notice of another former One Life to Live star - Clint Ritchie...Ritche played the role of Clint Buchanan (standing, right) , Asa's oldest son on the soap opera...
Ritchie, who died January 31, 2008, was 70-years-old and died in Roseville, California after a brief illness...
The following is a 3:02 honoring Phil Carey with clips from his last appearance on One Life to Live on December 29, 2008...
A SHOUT OUT TO JENNIFER ANISTON!!!... Happy 40th Birthday Jennifer...I too just turned 40, so if you ever want to hang out, send me an email...BTW, I too am Greek, so maybe we can do something Greek-like...
P.S. - You are still looking great as was evident in your recent GQ cover shot!!!...
Between now and the NFL Draft, Stiles Points will be highlighting various players who will be draft...this feature will be called "The Fast Feature"...today's Fast Feature is Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry...
Aaron Curry - outside linebacker 6'2", 246 lbs 40 time - 4.62 Compares to Keith Bulluck
Most know about linebackers such as James Laurinaitis from Ohio State and Rey Maualuga of USC...but the best of the linebacking class may be the 2008 Butkus Award winner Aaron Curry...
Curry is projected by some analysts to be taken by the Cleveland Browns with the 5th overall pick...he has long arms...is very good in pass coverage...able to close in on ball carrier...finished the 2008 season with 101 tackles - 15 TFL...wants to attend law school...
Artist: Randy Newman Song: I Love L.A. Year: 1983 Album: Trouble in Paradise Written by: Randy Newman If you are from the 1980s, this is the song for you...it oozes of everything 80s - self-image, glitz, glamour, Showtime, etc....Newman wrote the song about how the American Dream was dying...however, in a 2001 interview, he states that he loves his hometown of Los Angeles but explained, ,"There's some kind of ignorance L.A. has that I'm proud of. The open car and the redhead, the Beach Boys... that sounds really good to me."...
Even to this day, you will hear the song jamming at L.A. sporting events...it was the theme song of the Magic Johnson-led Los Angeles Lakers Showtime era...
Favorite line: When the music cranks up and the scene shifts to L.A., Newman hits the first few line right on the money...I love how he describes the woman with him - not just a readhead, but a "big nasty" redhead at his side... Rollin’ down the imperial highway With a big nasty redhead at my side Santa Ana wind blowin’ hot from the north And we was born to ride
Video: I love the video and footage of Los Angeles...pay attention around the 3:35 mark when they show a bunch of old rich people dancing in a hot tub...the old lady in the middle is funny as she tries to dance or something...
During their last two playoffs games, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson was calling the defense from the press box instead of his usual spot on the field...at the time it was reported that he had a bad back and could not stand for a long period of time...well, for the past two weeks, with all the football news being about the Super Bowl, it was revealed that Johnson is suffering from cancer of the spine...hopefully everything goes well for one of the best defensive coordinators in the game and that he is back on the sidelines next season...
Mark Heisler of the Los Angeles Times writes how LeBron may be the best player, but this is Kobe's era... "Between 1997 and 1999, Utah's Karl Malone won two MVPs to Michael Jordan's one. Jordan's Bulls won the '97 and '98 titles, giving them six in the decade, which is why no one talks about a Mailman Era. If James, currently the front-runner, becomes the MVP, it won't matter a bit if Bryant's Lakers win the title." ...
Bill Livingston of The Plain Dealer writes how not only do the fans, but also other players will be focusing on the Kobe vs. LeBron match-up... "Sunday at The Q, Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers face LeBron James' Cavaliers in one of the season's most anticipated games. It is not only a meeting of two of the NBA's top teams, but also of the two leading Most Valuable Player contenders. A detailed statistical study before the season on America Online predicted James would be the MVP, based on his higher average percentile rank than Bryant last season in a bewildering number of categories." ...
Earlier this year Ohio State wideout Ray Small said that he chose Ohio State over Southern Cal because at Ohio State, they "teach you to be men"...so is this how a man acts?....
Associated Press
ALISO VIEJO, Calif. -- Ohio State offensive lineman Alex Boone was arrested after being subdued with a Taser during an alleged drunken tirade, authorities said Monday.
Boone, 21, was taken into custody late Sunday for investigation of resisting arrest after Orange County sheriff's deputies responded to a disturbance call outside of a home in Aliso Viejo.
When they arrived, the 6-foot-8, 312-pound tackle had been jumping on car hoods, yanking on a tow truck cable and trying to break a window, said sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino.
Boone ran away from deputies and was found hiding underneath a patio, authorities said. Boone was combative and uncooperative and had to be taken down with a stun gun, Amormino said.
"He was yelling obscenities at deputies and had a strong smell of alcohol," Amormino said. "His blood-alcohol level was at least three times the legal amount."
Boone was taken to a hospital and then to a jail medical ward, where he remained. He had not been booked yet.
Boone, who was selected All-Big Ten this year, could be selected in the NFL draft in April.
Ohio State spokeswoman Shelly Hoffman said Monday that she was unaware of the arrest and could not comment.
Come up with a caption to this photo that I found on Sports Illustrated's website...obviously this kid will relive this moment hundreds of times as he passes through puberty...
Obvious, winning all those gold medals has gotten into the head of Michael Phelps...back in November 2008, he was photographed taking a hit from a bong...what a disappointment!!!...he should get the same treatment as any other athlete who is nailed for pot use...
Sean D. Hamill of The New York Times writes a fascinating feature on Steelers assistant coach John Mitchell, who was the first African-American to play football at the University of Alabama... "John Mitchell, the Steelers’ defensive line coach, will say again and again that he is no hero, no great man and certainly not worthy of mention as a figure of the civil rights era." ...
Twenty years ago Joe Montana made history in Super Bowl XXIII at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami...Montana and teammate Jerry Rice put together one of the greatest Super Bowl final drives in history as San Francisco beat Cincinnati 20-16 in what was Bill Walsh's last game as head coach of 49ers...
During the regular season, it looked like the 49ers were not even going to make the playoffs until a late season hot streak...once in, the Niners made it to the big show once again...
The Bengals were 3:30 away from the Super Bowl aftr Jim Breech's 40-yard field goal put head coach Sam Wyche's team up 16-13...as the Niners huddled at their own 8-yard line, Montana broke the tension by pointing out the late comedian John Candy in the stands to his teammates... Over the next 2:46, Montana hit Rice, Roger Craig, and John Frank as they cut through the Bengals defense...with 39 seconds remaining, his last completion when to John Taylor (photo) for a 10-yard TD and a Super Bowl victory...that would be Taylor's only reception of the game...
On that final drive, Montana went 8 for 9 passing for 102 yards...the game MVP went to Rice who had 11 receptions for 215 yards and 1 TD...
The Pittsburgh Steelers were involved in Super Bowl XIII which took place 30 years ago at the Orange Bowl in Miami...it marked the first ever rematch of a previous Super Bowl as the Steelers took on the Dallas Cowboys...the two teams met three years earlier in Super Bowl X...and just like the first time, the Steelers won again, but it was a game in which the Cowboys probably should have taken if not for three plays...
The first incident took place late in the third quarter with the Steelers leading 21-14...Dallas drove to the Pittsburgh 10-yard line...on 3rd and 3, Staubach hit a wide open Jackie Smith who dropped a sure game tying touchdown (photo)...Dallas had to settle for a Rafael Septien field goal to make it 21-17...
With the score still the same, the second unfortunate incident for Dallas occurred early in the fourth quarter when Terry Bradshaw's pass sailed incomplete to a stumbling Lynn Swann...however, Dallas cornerback Benny Barnes was flagged for pass interference...Barnes argued vehemently that it was incidental contact...replays later confirmed Barnes claim...four plays later, Franco Harris burst straight up the middle for a 22-yard TD to make it 28-17 in favor of Pittsburgh...
The third incident happened on the ensuing kick-off when Steelers kicker Roy Gerela slipped on the kick and shanked the ball straight at Dallas' Randy White...however, White was unable to handle the ball because of a cast on his arm...Pittsburgh's Tony Dungy separated the ball from White and Dennis "Dirt" Winston recovered on the Dallas 18-yard line...on the very next play, Bradshaw hit Swann in the back of the endzone to make it 35-17...
Dallas did make a valiant comeback attempt, but fell short 35-31...
Every play matters...and as the Cowboys found out, three very big plays went against them and basically cost them a chance to win Super Bowl XIII...
This week Stiles Points is going to look back at the anniversaries of some of the past Super Bowls...today's spotlight occurred 40 years ago in Super Bowl III when Joe Namath (photo - right) guaranteed his New York Jets would beat the mighty Baltimore Colts even though they were an 18-point underdog...
Super Bowl III took place on January 13, 1969 in front of 75,389 people at the Orange Bowl in Miami...this was a game in which the AFL needed to win because the NFL may have pulled out of the merger...in the previous two championship games, the Green Bay Packers smashed their AFL competition...a third straight win by the NFL would have been disastrous for the AFL...the Colts entered the game with a 13-1 mark and a thrashing of the Cleveland Browns in the NFL title game by the score of 34-0....
As we all know, the Jets won the game 16-7, but there was always a hint of controversy about the game...while I was in college, I took a class called The History of Sports...my professor seriously believed the game was fixed because of questionable decision-making by the Colts...
Personally, I don't believe the game was fixed, but the Jets were just a very fortunate team as the ball bounced their way that day...the biggest and most controversial play of the game occurred right before half with the Jets leading 7-0...on the last play of the half, the Colts had the ball and quarterback Earl Morrall threw an interception down the middle of the field instead of throwing to a wide-open Jimmy Orr (photo, top of page) ...there was not a defender within 20 yards of Orr...but somehow, Morrall missed the certain touchdown...what builds the case for the conspiracy theory is that in fact, the pass was intended to be thrown to Orr in the first place...
Conspiracy?...Fix?...or just plain knucklehead playing?...in the end, the Jets won and the history of the NFL was forever changed - 40 years ago...
Rush Limbaugh had people turning off his radio program after the comment that he hopes the new President Barack Obama fails along with his policies to help America.
“I want to see him fail,” said Limbaugh, a former drug addict who would rather see hard working Americans lose their jobs, their homes and stand in soup lines than see a biracial Democratic President succeed in helping the country recover.
This is why there should not be any political parties in this country. Too often, Republicans want to see Democrats fail in order to get into power and the Democrats want to see Republicans fail in order to get into power.
Just as when former president George W. Bush started the surge in Iraq, there is no doubt that some Democrats wanted to see it fail this way it was another hit on the Republican president.
Rush Limbaugh is an asshole. And so is anyone else who wants to see any American President fail just because he (or she one day) is not from the party you support.
"From childhood until her final days, Yow engaged in the game she loved, but eventually she transcended it. In a hotly competitive sport, her gentle manner taught mutual respect. And in recent years, her energy drained and her features drawn by cancer, her presence courtside reminded all in the arena that no matter how urgent the contest, it was only a game. What mattered most, Yow said, was winning in life." ...
The Today Show was doing a segment on puppies when one of the young pup unexpectedly scratched Lester Holt on the chin - drawing blood...but the best part was the close-up of Amy Robach's luscious thighs when they showed how the pup shredded her stockings...
Yesterday Stiles Points looked at current running backs and quarterbacks who should make the Hall of Fame...today's focus is wide receivers...
Wide Receivers Marvin Harrison - 1,102 receptions, 14,580 receiving yards and 128 TDs...3-time First-Team All-Pro; 8-time Pro Bowl selection; Super Bowl winner - first ballot lock - LOCK
Terrell Owens - yes, we all know he is an asshole...he is a head case...but he is also worthy of the Hall...951 receptions, 14,122 receiving yards and 141 overall TDS...6-time Pro Bowl selection; 5-time First-Team All Pro...Owens will not be a first ballot nor second ballot Hall of Famer because of all the problems that he has caused wherever he has played...but in the end, he is in - LOCK
Isaac Bruce(photo) - he is so overlooked...he has 1,003 receptions for 14.944 yards and 91 TDs...4-time Pro Bowl selection; Super Bowl winner...he will be a third or fourth ballot Hall of Famer - LOCK
Randy Moss - in his prime, he was a difference-maker...he is starting to get up in age, but he can still make the big plays...Moss has 843 reception for 13,201 yards and 135 TDs...he holds the record for most TD receptions in a season...4-time First-Team All-Pro; 6-time Pro Bowl selection; Offensive Rookie of the Year...if not for his moody years in Oakland, Moss could have possibly passed some of Jerry Rice's marks...Moss is a first ballot Hall of Famer - LOCK
Muhsin Muhammad - over a 13-year career, Moosh has 807 receptions for 10,857 yards and 61 TDs...he is a 2-time Pro-Bowl selection and a one-time First-Team All-Pro...M2 is like Fred Taylor...he has put up some solid numbers over a long career, but has never distinguished himself as a difference maker - NO WAY
Hines Ward(photo) - Hines will face a battle to get in...I am stating right now that I would vote him in...he has 800 receptions for 9,780 yards and 72 TDs over his 11 year career...he should finish with over 900 receptions and 11,000 yards...he is a 4-time Pro Bowl selection and a Super Bowl MVP...he is a devasting blocker and the consummate team player...he is a difference maker...Ward will probably not make the Hall until his 5th or 6th chance, but if the writers have any smarts, they would vote him in - I VOTE YES
Derrick Mason - over a 12-year career, Mason has put up some solid numbers... 790 catches for 10,061 yards and 52 TDs...2-time Pro Bowl selection and one-time First-Team All-Pro...like Moosh, Mason has had a fine career, but not a Hall of Fame career - NO WAY
Despite the little flub, I like how Chief Justice Roberts begins by calling Obama "Senator" then at the end, is the first to officially call him "Mr. President"...
Last week on "Mike and Mike," Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg talked about which current NFL players are locks for the Hall of Fame...their "crack" staff came up with a list for each position...today we will look at the quarterback and running back positions...
Quarterback Brett Favre - he is a lock despite being an asshole the last 3 years...he is a first ballot lock - LOCK
Tom Brady - a Super Bowl record of 3-1, 2-time Super Bowl MVP, League MVP...even if he doesn't throw another pass, Brady is in on his first ballot - LOCK
Peyton Manning - barring injury, Manning should hold every quarterback record when he retires...he is 1-0 in Super Bowls; Super Bowl MVP; 3-time League MVP...first ballot - LOCK
Kurt Warner(photo) - before this season Warner was going to fall into that just missed catergory...but after a resurgence and leading the Cardinals to the Big Show, Warner is in...he is 1-1 in Super Bowls; Super Bowl MVP; 2-time League MVP...first ballot - LOCK
Donovan McNabb - McNabb is interesting...some will hold it against him that he was 1-4 in NFC Championship Games...he has thrown for 194 TDs and almost 30,000 yards...in his prime he was a dual threat at running and throwning the ball...is a 5-time Pro Bowl Selection...McNabb will not make it on his first, second, nor third ballot...he will have a problem getting in at first, but after about five or six years, I believe he will be in the Hall - WILL MAKE IT AFTER A WAIT
Running back LaDainian Tomlinson - it seems just like yesterday he racked up 30 TDs, now there is talk that his better days are behind him...he has rushed for 11,760 yards and 141 overall TDs...he was the League MVP...last week on The Dan Patrick Show, McLuvin mentioned an interesting point that many of LT's TDs were of the 1-yard variety and that his TD numbers are a little deceiving...no matter how far out he scored, LT will be in Canton...but I could see him not making it on his first try because of his recent injuries during the playoffs...some writers will hold that against him - CANTON BOUND
Edgerrin James - just like Warner, Edge was a borderline Hall of Famer...but after helping the Cards to the Super Bowl, he will eventually make it to Canton...I don't see him being a first ballot lock, but he makes it...through this season he has rushed for 12,121 and 91 overall TDS - second ballot - LOCK
Shaun Alexander - Alexander has had a weird career...he was never really appreciated because he played up in the Northwest...he was the League MVP in 2005 when he had that monster season...he was a 3-time Pro Bowl selection and helped Seattle make the Super Bowl...but I would not vote Alexander in because of the Ottis Anderson Syndrome...if Alexander makes it, then Anderson has to be inducted too...Alexander has rushed for 9,453 and 112 overall TDs...Anderson finished with 10,273 yards rushing and 86 overall TDs...he was a Super Bowl MVP; 2-time Pro Bowl selection; NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year; and NFL Comeback Player of the Year...Alexander was a beast for about a 3-year period, but that is not enough in my book to put him in Canton - NO WAY
Fred Taylor - Taylor is one of those running back who have good numbers, but that is all...he has 11,271 yards rushing and 70 overall TDs...the early part of his carer was marred by injuries...his best season came in 2003 when he ran for 1,572 yards...Taylor was always underappreciated...he has had a good career, but he never has done anything to stand out...he was never a true difference maker...sorry - NO WAY
Warrick Dunn(photo) - thru a 12-year career, Dunn has rushed for 10,987 yards...he has compiled 15,306 yards rushing and receiving for an overall total of 64 TDs...he is a 3-time Pro Bowl selection and was the Offensive Rookie of the Year...he is also one of the greatest human beings off the field...but despite those numbers, he has never stood out and was not a differenc maker - NO WAY
Jamal Lewis - Lewis falls into the Roger Maris category...Maris had two monster seasons, but will never make the Baseball Hall...ditto for Lewis...plus, Lewis' off the field problems will hurt him - NO WAY
We all know the horrific hit that Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin took earlier this year when the Cardinals played the Jets...his toughness and love of the game is not questioned...but do not let that devasting play cloud your overall opinion of Boldin...let's face the facts, Anquan Boldin is a turd...he is an asshole...he is a selfish douche bag...
Boldin is ticked off because he was not used during the winning drive that put his team into the Super Bowl...once again, Boldin is just another high priced arrogant professional athlete who only knows the words "me, myself, and I"...
Once the game ended, the two-time Pro Bowl selection left the field quickly without celebrating. According to one postgame account, which he disputed, Boldin was seen leaving the locker room via a back door.
"I didn't leave through a back door. I tried to get in and out as quickly as possible to beat the media," he said. "I didn't want the story line to be me and Todd getting into it." ...
If this was Terrell Owens, the national media would be crucifying him...but because this is Anquan Boldin, the media spotlight is not burning as bright on a player who is just as self-centered as Owens...
Steve Spagnuolo - St. Louis Rams Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Dispatch writes he happy with the choice of Spags as the new Rams coach... "But “Spags” certainly has established credentials that are worthy of this opportunity." ...
Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Dispatch is also pleased with the hiring despite the theatrics... "If you love theatrics, you have to love the Rams, who are the only folks who can turn the simple pursuit of a new head coach into a brilliant Hollywood whodunnit, filled with heroes and villains, mystery men and fall guys, suspense and intrigue, confusion and .... well ... more confusion followed by careening plot twists that somehow led us to — we think, we hope, we pray — a true happy ending." ...
Scott Pioli (GM) - Kansas City Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star writes how the Chiefs want Scott Pioli to turn the team into the same mold of the Steelers... "The “Pittsburgh Model,” they call it; that’s the direction Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt is taking his team, and he’s charging Pioli with the details." ...
Jim Schwartz - Detroit Lions Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press writes about new Lions head coach Jim Schwartz and his work ethic... "As determined as he was on the field, Schwartz also distinguished himself intellectually. He graduated near the top of his class and was named the top student in English and social studies." ...
Raheem Morris - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Joey Johnson of the Tampa Tribune writes that new Bucs head coach Raheem Morris stands out... "Morris might be considered the most famous alumnus of Irvington (N.J.) High School - were it not for a couple of former students named Jerry Lewis and Queen Latifah." ...
Josh McDaniel - Denver Broncos Woody Paige of the Denver Post writes that Denver owner Pat Bowlen put his neck on the line by hiring the 32-year-old McDaniel... "He will be denounced in halves throughout Broncountry and the nation for naming McDaniels as coach — because of his lack of background as a head coach (and even as any kind of coach) and because Belichick's assistants (Romeo Crennel, Charlie Weis and Eric Mangini) have not succeeded elsewhere and because of McDaniels' youth and because the Broncos need defense, not D-offense." ......
On January 13th, Rivals.com updated their Top 100 high school players...the following is the list of the top 30 and where they have verbally committed to..
1. Bryce Brown, rb, Wichita, Kansas - Miami (Fla) 2. Rueben Randle, wr, Bastrop, Louisiana - Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, Notre Dame 3. D.J. Fluker, ol, Foley, Alabama - Alabama (photo, right) 4. Sheldon Richardson, dt, St. Louis, Missouri - Missouri 5. Matt Barkley, qb, Santa Ana, California - Southern Cal 6. Trent Richardson, rb, Pensacola, Florida - Alabama 7. Russell Shepard, qb, Houston, Texas - LSU 8. Devon Kennard, de, Phoenix, Arizona - Arizona State, Cal, Southern Cal, Texas 9. Vontaze Burfict, lb, Corona, California - Southern Cal 10. Jelani Jenkins, lb, Olney, Maryland - Florida, Penn State
11. Dre Kirkpatrick, db, Gadsden, Alabama - Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Texas 12. Mani Te'o, lb, Honolulu, Hawaii - BYU, Southern Cal, Stanford, Notre Dame, UCLA 13. Ray Ray Armstrong, ath, Sanford, Florida - Miami (Fla) 14. Alex Okafor, de, Pflugerville, Texas - Texas (photo, right) 15. Jacobbi McDaniel, dt, Greenville, Florida - Florida State 16. Donte Moss, de, Jacksonville, North Carolina - North Carolina 17. Janzen Jackson, db, Lake Charles, Louisiana - LSU 18. Garrett Gilbert, qb, Austin, Texas - Texas 19. Patrick Hall, ath, Ventura, California - Southern Cal 20. Craig Loston, db, Aldine, Texas - LSU
21. Andre Debose, ath, Sanford, Florida - Florida 22. Christine Michael, rb, Beaumont, Texas - Texas A&M 23. Gary Brown, dt, Quincy, Florida - Florida 24. Darius Winston, db, West Helena, Arkansas - Arkansas (photo, right) 25. Chris Davenport, dt, Mansfield, Louisiana - LSU 26. William Campbell, dt, Detroit, Michigan - Michigan 27. Greg Reid, ath, Valdosta, Georgia - Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Mississippi State 28. Branden Smith, db, Atlanta, Georgia - Georgia 29. Mason Walters, ol, Wolfforth, Texas - Texas 30. T.J. McDonald, db, Fresno, California - Southern Cal
Ricardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalbán Merino died on Wednesday...during the late 1970s, he was the spokesperson in automobile advertisements for the Chrysler Cordoba (in which he famously extols the "Corinthian leather" used for its interior)...from 1977 to 1984 he starred as Mr. Roarke in the television series Fantasy Island...he also played the villainous Khan Noonien Singh in both the 1967 "Space Seed" episode of the first season of the original Star Trek series, and the 1982 film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan...
If I were fortunate enough to be a part of the selection process, here are the people who would have my support to be part of the 2009 Hall of Fame Class...
1. Bob Hayes, wide receiver - before selecting any other candidate, the injustice of Bullet Bob Hayes not being in the Hall of Fame needs to be rectified immediately...
Hayes was close to being inducted in 2004, but was denied the opportunity...the decision was marred by controversy, with many claiming that the Hall of Fame Senior Selection Committee had a bias against members of the Dallas Cowboys...others believe Hayes' longstanding problems with drug abuse hurt his chances...because of this, long-time Sports Illustrated writer Paul Zimmerman resigned from the Selection Committee in protest of the decision to leave Hayes out of the Hall...
Hayes for a two sport star...he won the 100 meters at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo...he then went on to star for the Dallas Cowboys where he held all the team's receiving records for many years...he was named to the Pro Bowl three times and All Pro four times...he helped Dallas win five Eastern Conference titles, two NFC titles, played in two Super Bowls, and was instrumental in Dallas' first ever Super Bowl victory...making Hayes the only person so far to win both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring...
2. Bruce Smith, defensive end - Smith is probably the easiest choice of the 17 finalists...he was a force at DE and was the anchor for those great Buffalo teams that went to four consecutive Super Bowls...
3. Rod Woodson, cornerback/safety - Woodson was a hybrid player in the secondary...he was an All-Pro at both corner and safety who always had a knack for making big plays...in his younger days, he was also a good punt returner...Woodson played for four teams, but his glory years were with the Pittsburgh Steelers...therefore, she should go in as a Steeler... 4. Russ Grimm, guard - it seems like Grimm is always a finalist who falls short...he was the best pulling guard in the game during the Redskins heyday of the 1980s...he opened holes for Riggins, Byner, Smith, Rogers, etc...
5. Ralph Wilson, owner - Wilson (photo, left) was one of the founding fathers of the AFL...he has owned the Bills since 1960...he proved that professional football could flourish in a "small market" city like Buffalo...it would be a fitting tribute to honor Wilson, who is 90-years-old, while he is still living instead of posthumously in years to come...
6. Richard Dent, defensive end - Dent was the best pure pass rusher in the game during the mid-to-late 80s...Dent does not have the gaudy stats of Bruce Smith, but he often forced offenses to double team him...like Woodson, Dent played for four difference teams, but his prime years were with the Chicago Bears...
She is hard to ignore because of her bubbly personality and neon make-up...all us sports fans have seen her during commercials of late...but who really is Flo, the Progressive Insurance Girl?...oddly enough, she has gained a cult following of men who think she is hot...and in a weird way, I agree...well, here is the answer to who she really is...this piece appeared in the Austin American Statesman...
By Chris Garcia AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF Monday, October 20, 2008
She's bubbly and beaming, high-volume, with a flip of dark hair and a face like a lollipop. She irks as she endears, bemuses as she bewitches. She's a bundle of energetic contradictions, bursting here, retracting there. Her expressions blink and change like a neon sign. Her eyes are popping globes. And she just sold you a bunch of car insurance.
Flo is her name. She's the spokeswoman for Progressive Auto Insurance, lighting up televisions in a series of commercials in which her perky cashier pitches the money-saving merits of Progressive to customers. She works in a sterile, all-white big-box store, and her florid makeup stands out like paint spilled in snow.
First she caught our eye; now she's snatched our heart. Viewers are smitten. They're crushin'. They want to know: Who's that girl?
From a recent blog at HoustonPress.com, with the headline "The Cult of the Progressive Car Insurance Chick":
"Am I the only one completely and totally enamored of the woman in the television ads for Progressive car insurance? You know, the ones starring that babelicious brunette named Flo with her 'tricked-out name tag' and her '60s style eye makeup and her kissable red, red lips?"
No, sir, you are not. There's more where that mash-note came from, out there in the blogosphere's infinite confessional space: "She's hot." "She's weird but, God, she's fine!" Others have naughtier ideas that they're perfectly comfortable sharing with the world, even if we can't do so here.
"It's so weird," says Stephanie Courtney, the actress who plays Flo.
We spoke to Courtney because we had to. We had to know if she was real or just a cartoon character. If she was at all like the effervescent Flo. If she really wore that much make-up and, hey, who does your hair?
Courtney, 38, has been playing Flo for about a year, and was recently signed to do 12 more Progressive ads. Which makes her the face and voice of Progressive, a peer of the Geico gecko (do they ever hang out, compare rates?) and the Verizon guy. She follows in a heady tradition of corporate mascots, from Palmolive's Madge to Tony the Tiger.
It's been quite a ride for Courtney, a senior member of famed Los Angeles improv troupe the Groundlings. (Courtney and the group performed in September during the Out of Bounds Improv Sketch Comedy Festival in Austin.)
It began with a simple audition for a commercial last fall. She showed up in a polo shirt and ponytail. She did some improvisation.
"They wanted someone with a lot of personality," Courtney says by phone from her Los Angeles home.
They liked her and signed her.
Then, the look. That look.
They cut her hair, gave her bangs. They subjected her to two hours of hair and make-up.
"They tease my hair, spray it and stick the headband in it," Courtney explains.
"And the makeup is like painting a portrait on my face," she says, laughing. "It's insane. It totally changes things on my face. It's like having a mask on."
One of Flo's best-known lines is: "Wow! I say it louder." (You had to be there.)
Courtney has popped up in the movies "The Heartbreak Kid" and "Blades of Glory," and was one of four leads in the smart adult comedy "Melvin Goes to Dinner," which won the audience award at South by Southwest in 2003. She also has a recurring role as a gossipy switchboard operator on the hit show "Mad Men." And you can see her doing yoga in a new Glade commercial.
How much is Courtney like flamboyant Flo? "It's me at my silliest," she says. "You start off with a script, but at the end they usually let me put a little zinger in there. We put a little mustard on it. That's when it gets fun.
"Flo could be one of my improv characters, always on and sort of cracked in a weird way."
But who is Flo? What is she? People wonder ...
Like this blogger: "Is it her fabulous comic timing, her over-the-top facial expressions, her cute-as-a-button retro flip? Or is it the slight hint of a bad girl that lies just under the surface? The promise of a tattoo under that checkout girl uniform? The possibility of a motorcycle parked out back?"
Her character has been compared to a vintage Vargas pin-up girl, '50s burlesque dancer Betty Page and, adds Courtney, a "fetish chick."
"I don't know what it is," she says. "The way I play her, she's pretty much the most asexual thing on TV right now. I think the Geico lizard puts out more sexual vibes than Flo does. But I do think the cavemen are totally crushable."
Though Courtney is engaged to a sixth-grade teacher, Flo appears alluringly single. So pine away, in the same brunette-crush way you did with Mary Ann on "Gilligan's Island" and Velma on "Scooby-Doo."
Because things couldn't get much stranger than they already are for Courtney. Top this: People are dressing up as Flo for Halloween.
"That makes me so happy. But I do have to warn them that it takes two hours in hair and make-up," she says. "I wish them luck."
Last week, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 17 finalists for the 2009 enshrinement...listed alphabetically, the 17 finalists with their positions, teams, and years active follow:
Cris Carter – Wide Receiver – 1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins Dermontti Dawson – Center – 1988-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers Richard Dent – Defensive End – 1983-1993, 1995 Chicago Bears, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1996 Indianapolis Colts, 1997 Philadelphia Eagles Russ Grimm – Guard – 1981-1991 Washington Redskins Bob Hayes – Wide Receiver – 1965-1974 Dallas Cowboys, 1975 San Francisco 49ers Claude Humphrey – Defensive End – 1968-1978 Atlanta Falcons, 1979-1981 Philadelphia Eagles Cortez Kennedy – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks Bob Kuechenberg – Guard – 1970-1984 Miami Dolphins Randall McDaniel – Guard – 1988-1999 Minnesota Vikings, 2000-01 Tampa Bay Buccaneers John Randle – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Minnesota Vikings, 2001-03 Seattle Seahawks Andre Reed – Wide Receiver – 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins Shannon Sharpe – Tight End – 1990-99, 2002-03 Denver Broncos, 2000-01 Baltimore Ravens Bruce Smith – Defensive End – 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000-03 Washington Redskins Paul Tagliabue – Commissioner – 1989-2006 National Football League Derrick Thomas – Linebacker – 1989-1999 Kansas City Chiefs Ralph Wilson – Team Founder/Owner – 1960-Present Buffalo Bills Rod Woodson – Cornerback/Safety – 1987-1996 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers, 1998-2001 Baltimore Ravens, 2002-03 Oakland Raiders
Four first-year eligible players, John Randle, Shannon Sharpe, Bruce Smith, and Rod Woodson, are among the 17 finalists who will be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame when the Hall’s Board of Selectors meets in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, January 31, 2009...
Joining the four first-year eligible players, are nine other modern-era players, two contributors and two players nominated earlier by the Hall of Fame’s Senior Committee.
The contributor finalists are former National Football League Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Buffalo Bills founder/owner Ralph Wilson, Jr. The Senior Committee nominees, announced in August 2008, are former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Bob Hayes and former Atlanta Falcons defensive end Claude Humphrey. The other modern-era player finalists include wide receiver Cris Carter; center Dermontti Dawson; defensive end Richard Dent; guard Russ Grimm; defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy; guard Bob Kuechenberg; guard Randall McDaniel; wide receiver Andre Reed; and linebacker Derrick Thomas.
Hayes and Humphrey were selected as senior candidates by the Hall of Fame’s Seniors Committee at their August 2008 meeting. The Seniors Committee reviews the qualifications of those players whose careers took place more than 25 years ago. The remaining 15 modern-era finalists were determined by a vote of the Hall’s 44-member Board of Selectors from a list of 133 preliminary nominees that earlier was reduced to a list of 25 semifinalists. To be eligible for election, modern-era players and coaches must be retired at least five years while a contributor need not be retired.
At the 2009 election meeting, the selectors will thoroughly discuss the careers of each finalist before narrowing the field to seven candidates (two senior and five modern-era). At least four candidates must be elected but the total class cannot number more than seven.
If you were on the committee, who would you select for the 2009 class?...leave your thoughts in the comments section...remember, you can only select between 4-7...I will present my selections tomorrow...
Rich Rodriguez hopes freshman quarterback Tate Forcier is the real deal...if not, Rich Rod's days in Ann Arbor may be numbered...
Tate Forcier, QB, 6'1"/184 San Diego, California/Scripps Ranch High - Graduated in December, already enrolled at Michigan - Runs the 40 in 4.55 - Listed as the 6th best dual threat QB by Rivals - Ranked 143 of the ESPN Top 150
As of January 10, 2009, ESPN had this report on Forcier: In stature, arm strength and production, Forcier looks like a West Coast version of 2009 classmate Blaine Dalton. Forcier lacks ideal height, but he makes a ton of plays with both his arm and feet. He has excellent speed for the position, but he's really a passer who happens to be athletic enough to run a spread or read-option attack with ease.
Has a style similar to that of Jeff Garcia, another riverboat gambler who finds ways to get the job done. Has good mobility within the pocket, and pulls the occasional rabbit out of his hat when a play breaks down. Can sidestep the rush and has a very quick release. He isn't afraid to take off on the run. Can create second chances with his feet and pick up a first down. Often breaks containment, and can throw on the run to either side with very good accuracy. He's a timing passer who likes to get the ball out of his hand quickly.
His size limits his vision if he isn't on time with his reads, leading to some unnecessary scrambles. Has had to play out of the shotgun often in order to see the entire field. Has ideal skills for his team's offense--excellent pre-snap reads, a quick release and great accuracy. Has adequate zip and arm strength for the scheme, but he's more of a timing passer than a gunner. Show a tough side and scrappiness when working to make things happen. Forcier needs to find the right scheme to make the most of his abilities, but he shows outstanding intangibles, anticipation and savvy in the passing game. He's an excellent prospect who finds ways to overcome his size deficiencies.
LSU head coach Les Miles got a stud at quarterback when dual-threat Russell Shepard of Houston, Texas committed to the Tigers...
Russell Shepard, QB, 6'1"/179 lbs Houston, Texas - Cypress Ridge High - Runs the 40 in 4.4... - Is rated the fifth best high school player in the country by Rivals...is rated the number one QB by Rivals... - Rivals stated, "Called the most dynamic offensive playmaker in Houston since Vince Young and his numbers speak for themselves. In 12 games as a senior, Shepard has rushed for 1,947 yards and 29 touchdowns. His passing numbers are just as impressive with 1,849 through the air and 18 touchdowns. He’s also only thrown four interceptions." ... - Is rated the number one high school player in the country by ESPN...
As of January 7, 2009, ESPN had this assessment of Shepard... Shepard is a rare athlete who resembles University of Florida receiver Percy Harvin when lined up at quarterback--a scary thought. Shepard is lean, flexible and plays with a lot of wiggle. He might seem like just a great athlete playing quarterback at first, but he's the real deal as a complete player. Still, he makes most of his plays with his legs, either on called runs or on scrambles after the initial play unravels. Causes headaches for defenses because he can break down a defender in the open field as well as anyone. Stays low to the ground and doesn't take a lot of big hits. Has excellent vision and the lateral mobility to bounce runs outside after starting inside.
Excels at locating cutback lanes. Takes little time to reach his top speed. Has the burst to get through holes quickly and to turn the corner. Accelerates out of cuts, changes directions quickly and shows fluid suddenness in space. Wins most footraces. Has a smooth, fluid release and a quick, compact delivery on his throws. Flashes the ability to place the ball anywhere on the field when on time. Shows some zip on underneath throws and can fit balls into some tight spots in the short range. Has good touch and timing on the deep ball. Throws on the run very well and has the arm strength to throw off balance and across his body.
He's explosive in all areas: change-of-direction skills, elusiveness, speed and arm. Shepard is much further along as a passer than Terrelle Pryor was at this stage, and Shepard is more explosive. He's the type of player any college program would want to get his hands on the ball as often as possible because he is a gamebreaker. He will be given every opportunity to remain at quarterback, but also has the elite skills to play a number of spots which gives him possibly the biggest value of any prospect in this class.
Where is he headed? Shepard verbally committed to LSU on December 5, 2008...it is a solid verbal commitment...he also had offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, USC, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and Florida...
