What If Sports is known for its simulations, but this one, or 1,000 of them, are special. This is what was reported on their website:
WhatIfSports.com “played” the upcoming Patriots-Colts game 1,000 times. Indianapolis won 52.8% of the time by an average score of 30-27. On a neutral field, this game would likely be a complete toss-up, but the Colts win in the Dome. An example boxscore with that score is below.
WhatIfSports.com
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WhatIfSports.com “played” the upcoming Patriots-Colts game 1,000 times. Indianapolis won 52.8% of the time by an average score of 30-27. On a neutral field, this game would likely be a complete toss-up, but the Colts win in the Dome. An example boxscore with that score is below.
2007 New England Patriots at 2007 Indianapolis Colts
Final - 11/4/2007 1st 2nd 3rd 4th OT1 Total
2007 New England Patriots 0 7 10 10 0 27
2007 Indianapolis Colts 7 17 3 0 3 30
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Ind 8:46 TD Joseph Addai 19 yd. run (Vinatieri kick) 0-7
2nd Quarter
Ind 9:11 TD Dallas Clark 7 yd. pass from Manning (Vinatieri kick) 0-14
NE 3:00 TD Randy Moss 3 yd. pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick) 7-14
Ind 1:03 TD Marvin Harrison 3 yd. pass from Manning (Vinatieri kick) 7-21
Ind 0:00 FG Adam Vinatieri 56 yds. 7-24
3rd Quarter
NE 9:29 FG Stephen Gostkowski 29 yds. 10-24
Ind 3:54 FG Adam Vinatieri 30 yds. 10-27
NE 1:22 TD Laurence Maroney 6 yd. run (Gostkowski kick) 17-27
4th Quarter
NE 10:38 TD Kevin Faulk 11 yd. pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick) 24-27
NE 0:13 FG Stephen Gostkowski 42 yds. 27-27
OT 1
Ind 3:16 FG Adam Vinatieri 45 yds. 27-30
Team Statistics
2007 New England Patriots 2007 Indianapolis Colts
First Downs 26 23
- Rushing 5 4
- Passing 21 19
- Penalty 0 0
3rd Down Eff 10/18 3/11
4th Down Eff 1/2 0/0
Rushes-Yards 30-95 32-169
Avg Rush 3.2 5.3
Comp-Att-Int 29-48-2 20-36-0
Passing Yards 406 348
Sacks-Yards 1-3 1-4
Fumbles-Lost 1-0 1-1
Punts-Avg 4-37.8 5-41.0
KR-Avg 5-23.6 7-16.3
PR-Avg 5-2.6 4-11.5
Penalties-Yard 2-20 3-17
Time of Possession 36:58 34:46
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2007 New England Patriots Individual Stats 2007 Indianapolis Colts Individual Stats
Rushing
Att Yds 20+ L TD
'07 Laurence Maroney 17 79 2 35 1
'07 Heath Evans 8 14 0 6 0
'07 Kevin Faulk 5 2 0 1 0
Rushing
Att Yds 20+ L TD
'07 Joseph Addai 23 99 1 29 1
'07 Kenton Keith 9 70 1 56 0
Receiving
Rec Yds 20+ 40+ L TD
'07 Randy Moss 8 139 3 1 40 1
'07 Wes Welker 10 125 1 0 20 0
'07 Kevin Faulk 4 58 1 0 22 1
'07 Donte' Stallworth 3 54 1 0 24 0
'07 Heath Evans 1 21 1 0 21 0
'07 Kyle Brady 3 12 0 0 6 0
Receiving
Rec Yds 20+ 40+ L TD
'07 Reggie Wayne 6 136 3 1 45 0
'07 Marvin Harrison 6 83 2 0 23 1
'07 Anthony Gonzalez 2 56 1 1 41 0
'07 Bryan Fletcher 1 31 1 0 31 0
'07 Dallas Clark 3 25 0 0 11 1
'07 Joseph Addai 2 21 0 0 11 0
Passing
Comp. Att. Yards TD INT
'07 Tom Brady 29 48 409 2 2
Passing
Comp. Att. Yards TD INT
'07 Peyton Manning 20 36 352 2 0
Defensive
Tackles Sacks INT
'07 Mike Vrabel 7 0 0
'07 Junior Seau 6 0 0
'07 Randall Gay 5 0 0
'07 Ty Warren 4 0 0
'07 Tedy Bruschi 4 1 0
'07 Rodney Harrison 4 0 0
'07 Ellis Hobbs 3 0 0
'07 Asante Samuel 3 0 0
'07 Adalius Thomas 3 0 0
'07 James Sanders 2 0 0
'07 Vince Wilfork 2 0 0
'07 Rosevelt Colvin 2 0 0
'07 Richard Seymour 1 0 0
Defensive
Tackles Sacks INT
'07 Raheem Brock 9 0 0
'07 Kelvin Hayden 8 0 0
'07 Dante Hughes 5 0 0
'07 Antoine Bethea 5 0 0
'07 Tyjuan Hagler 5 0 0
'07 Bob Sanders 5 0 0
'07 Marlin Jackson 4 0 0
'07 Dwight Freeney 4 0 0
'07 Robert Mathis 3 1 0
'07 Gary Brackett 2 0 2
Field Goals
Made Missed
'07 Stephen Gostkowski 29,42 -
Field Goals
Made Missed
'07 Adam Vinatieri 56,30,45 -
Player of the Game:
'07 Peyton Manning (2007 Indianapolis Colts)
Time Down
YTG Ball On Score
V - H F 1st Quarter Play by Play
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 15:00
15:00 Kickoff own 30 0 - 0 K 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares to kickoff.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) catch the ball at the NE 12 and return it to the NE 38.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 14:52
14:52 1/10 own 38 0 - 0 212 Brady's short pass is to Moss who holds on to the ball, makes a few guys miss for a 27 yd gain.
14:09 1/10 35 0 - 0 212 Brady's pass is intercepted.
Gary Brackett returns the interception to the Ind 38.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 14:03
14:03 1/10 own 38 0 - 0 221 Addai gets back to the line of scrimmage.
13:28 2/10 own 38 0 - 0 131 Manning overthrows Addai and the pass is incomplete.
13:23 3/10 own 38 0 - 0 140 Manning's pass is batted down. Incomplete pass.
13:18 4/10 own 38 0 - 0 P 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a punt.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) return it to the NE 35.
PENALTY on NE: Holding, 10 yards enforced on the NE 25.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 13:08
13:08 1/10 own 15 0 - 0 221 Maroney gains 1 yard up the middle.
12:34 2/9 own 16 0 - 0 131 Maroney rushes for a loss of 3 yards.
11:55 3/12 own 13 0 - 0 221 Brady hits Evans who makes the catch and falls forward for a 21 yd gain.
11:12 1/10 own 34 0 - 0 212 Maroney gains 3 yards up the middle.
10:33 2/7 own 37 0 - 0 221 Brady tosses the ball just out of reach of Welker. Incomplete pass.
10:28 3/7 own 37 0 - 0 221 Evans is caught behind the line for a loss of 4 yards.
9:47 4/11 own 33 0 - 0 P 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for a punt.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) return it to the Ind 36.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 9:37
9:37 1/10 own 36 0 - 0 131 Manning hits Wayne deep downfield who makes the catch and falls forward for a 45 yd gain.
8:53 1/10 19 0 - 0 140 Addai gains 19 yards on a sweep left.
2007 Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown!
8:46 PAT 0 - 6 FG 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for the extra point.
The extra point attempt is good.
Drive Summary: 2 plays, 64 yds, 0:51
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 8:46
8:46 Kickoff own 30 0 - 7 K 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares to kickoff.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) catch the ball at the NE 14 and return it to the NE 35.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 8:39
8:39 1/10 own 35 0 - 7 212 Brady's pass is to Moss who holds on to the the ball and runs for a 19 yd gain.
7:57 1/10 46 0 - 7 212 Brady screen pass falls incomplete.
7:54 2/10 46 0 - 7 131 Maroney pounds ahead for 5 yards.
7:10 3/5 41 0 - 7 221 Evans picks up 4 yards off tackle left.
6:27 4/1 37 0 - 7 P 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for a punt.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) return it to the Ind 23.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 6:15
6:15 1/10 own 23 0 - 7 140 Addai picks his way for 1 yard.
5:40 2/9 own 24 0 - 7 131 Keith picks up 1 yard on a draw play.
4:59 3/8 own 25 0 - 7 050 Manning overthrows Wayne and the pass is incomplete.
4:51 4/8 own 25 0 - 7 P 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a punt.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) return it to the NE 41.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 4:42
4:42 1/10 own 41 0 - 7 212 Brady tosses the ball out to Faulk. Catch is good and Faulk gets big yardage for a 17 yd gain.
3:57 1/10 42 0 - 7 212 Evans gains 6 yards up the middle.
3:20 2/4 36 0 - 7 131 Maroney picks up 3 yards on a draw play.
2:37 3/1 33 0 - 7 212 Evans picks up 1 yard off tackle left.
1:55 1/10 32 0 - 7 212 Brady's pass is to Faulk who makes the catch and falls forward for a 22 yd gain.
1:13 1/Goal 10 0 - 7 212 Brady's pass is to Brady. Tackled immediately for a 6 yd gain.
0:32 2/Goal 4 0 - 7 212 Faulk gets back to the line of scrimmage before losing the ball.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) recovers the ball on the Ind 5.
0:00 3/Goal 5 0 - 7 221 Time Expires
End of 1st Quarter ... 2007 New England Patriots: 0 2007 Indianapolis Colts: 7
Time Down
YTG Ball On Score
V - H F 2nd Quarter Play by Play
15:00 3/Goal 5 0 - 7 221 PENALTY on Ind: Encroachment, 2 yards enforced on the Ind 5 - NO PLAY.
15:00 3/Goal 3 0 - 7 221 Maroney picks up 1 yard on a draw play.
14:24 4/Goal 2 0 - 7 212 Evans is caught behind the line for a loss of 1 yard.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 14:21
14:21 1/10 own 3 0 - 7 131 Addai picks up 6 yards on a draw play.
13:37 2/4 own 9 0 - 7 140 Keith gains 1 yard on a sweep left.
12:55 3/3 own 10 0 - 7 140 Addai picks up 4 yards on a draw play.
12:12 1/10 own 14 0 - 7 131 Manning completes the pass to Clark who makes the catch and falls forward for a 11 yd gain.
11:33 1/10 own 25 0 - 7 131 Keith pounds ahead for 56 yards.
10:43 1/10 19 0 - 7 221 Addai pounds ahead for 8 yards.
10:02 2/2 11 0 - 7 131 Manning soft pass is to Wayne who gets a few steps before being brought down for a 4 yd gain.
9:23 1/Goal 7 0 - 7 140 Manning's pass into the endzone is just out of reach of Harrison. Incomplete pass.
9:17 2/Goal 7 0 - 7 131 Manning's short pass is to Clark who catches the ball and walks into the endzone.
2007 Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown!
9:11 PAT 0 - 13 FG 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for the extra point.
The extra point attempt is good.
Drive Summary: 9 plays, 97 yds, 5:10
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 9:11
9:11 Kickoff own 30 0 - 14 K 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares to kickoff.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) catch the ball at the NE 5 and return it to the NE 33.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 9:02
9:02 1/10 own 33 0 - 14 212 Faulk gets back to the line of scrimmage.
8:26 2/10 own 33 0 - 14 131 Faulk pounds ahead for 1 yard.
7:43 3/9 own 34 0 - 14 221 Brady hits Welker who makes the catch and falls forward for a 9 yd gain.
6:57 1/10 own 43 0 - 14 212 Brady overthrows Moss and the pass is incomplete.
6:51 2/10 own 43 0 - 14 221 Brady soft pass is to Moss who makes the catch and falls forward for a 6 yd gain.
6:11 3/4 own 49 0 - 14 122 Maroney pounds ahead for 24 yards.
5:28 1/10 27 0 - 14 212 Brady throws to Moss but he can't hold on to the ball.
5:23 2/10 27 0 - 14 212 Brady screen pass falls incomplete.
5:20 3/10 27 0 - 14 131 Brady hits Welker who gets a few steps before being brought down for a 20 yd gain.
4:33 1/Goal 7 0 - 14 212 Brady soft pass is to Welker who makes the catch and falls forward for a 4 yd gain.
3:47 2/Goal 3 0 - 14 212 Maroney carries, but is tackled for no gain.
3:04 3/Goal 3 0 - 14 122 Brady hits Moss in the endzone.
2007 New England Patriots scores a touchdown!
3:00 PAT 6 - 14 FG 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for the extra point.
The extra point attempt is good.
Drive Summary: 12 plays, 67 yds, 6:02
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 3:00
3:00 Kickoff own 30 7 - 14 K 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares to kickoff.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) catch the ball at the Ind 6 and return it to the Ind 33.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 2:51
2:51 1/10 own 33 7 - 14 140 Manning overthrows Addai and the pass is incomplete.
2:46 2/10 own 33 7 - 14 230 Manning completes the pass to Addai. Tackled immediately for a 11 yd gain.
2:04 1/10 own 44 7 - 14 131 Manning's pass is just out of reach of Harrison. Incomplete pass.
2:00 2/10 own 44 7 - 14 140 *** 2 Minute Warning ***
2:00 2/10 own 44 7 - 14 131 Manning's pass is to Wayne who holds on to the the ball and runs for a 10 yd gain.
1:51 1/10 46 7 - 14 131 *** 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) CALLS A TIMEOUT ***
1:51 1/10 46 7 - 14 140 Manning's pass is just out of reach of Addai. Incomplete pass.
1:44 2/10 46 7 - 14 131 Manning's long pass is to Wayne who holds on to the the ball and runs for a 33 yd gain.
1:15 1/10 13 7 - 14 131 Manning completes the pass to Harrison who gets a few steps before being run out of bounds for a 10 yd gain.
1:10 1/Goal 3 7 - 14 131 Manning hits Harrison in the endzone.
2007 Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown!
1:03 PAT 7 - 20 FG 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for the extra point.
The extra point attempt is good.
Drive Summary: 8 plays, 67 yds, 1:48
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 1:03
1:03 Kickoff own 30 7 - 21 K 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares to kickoff.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) catch the ball at the NE 8 and return it to the NE 29.
PENALTY on NE: Holding, 10 yards enforced on the NE 28.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 0:58
0:58 1/10 own 18 7 - 21 212 Brady's pass is batted down. Incomplete pass.
0:54 2/10 own 18 7 - 21 221 Brady's pass is to Welker. Tackled immediately for a 14 yd gain.
0:46 1/10 own 32 7 - 21 221 *** 2007 New England Patriots (NE) CALLS A TIMEOUT ***
0:46 1/10 own 32 7 - 21 212 Brady overthrows Moss and the pass is incomplete.
0:41 2/10 own 32 7 - 21 212 Brady overthrows Moss and the pass is incomplete.
0:37 3/10 own 32 7 - 21 131 Brady hits Stallworth who holds on to the ball, makes a few guys miss for a 24 yd gain before being run out of bounds.
0:28 1/10 44 7 - 21 221 Maroney picks his way to the sidelines for 1 yard. Maroney runs out of bounds.
0:24 2/9 43 7 - 21 221 Brady's pass is to Welker who catches the ball and makes one guy miss before getting knocked out of bounds for a 10 yd gain.
0:19 1/10 33 7 - 21 212 Brady's pass is intercepted.
Gary Brackett returns the interception to the Ind 32.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 0:11
0:11 1/10 own 32 7 - 21 221 Addai picks up 29 yards on a draw play.
0:02 1/10 39 7 - 21 221 *** 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) CALLS A TIMEOUT ***
0:02 1/10 39 7 - 21 FG 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a FG attempt.
Vinatieri's 56 yd. field goal is right down the middle!
Drive Summary: 1 plays, 29 yds, 0:09
End of 2nd Quarter ... 2007 New England Patriots: 7 2007 Indianapolis Colts: 24
Time Down
YTG Ball On Score
V - H F 3rd Quarter Play by Play
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 15:00
15:00 Kickoff own 30 7 - 24 K 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares to kickoff.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) catch the ball at the Ind 3 and return it to the Ind 21.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 14:53
14:53 1/10 own 21 7 - 24 140 Manning's pass is to Gonzalez who makes the catch and falls forward for a 15 yd gain.
14:15 1/10 own 36 7 - 24 140 Addai gets back to the line of scrimmage.
13:39 2/10 own 36 7 - 24 140 Manning's long pass is just out of reach of Moorehead. Incomplete pass.
13:31 3/10 own 36 7 - 24 140 Manning overthrows Gonzalez and the pass is incomplete.
13:22 4/10 own 36 7 - 24 P 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a punt.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) return it to the NE 32.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 13:11
13:11 1/10 own 32 7 - 24 212 Evans picks up 2 yards on a draw play.
12:28 2/8 own 34 7 - 24 212 Brady's short pass is to Moss. Catch is good and Moss gets some yardage for a 13 yd gain.
11:46 1/10 own 47 7 - 24 212 Maroney gains 35 yards on a sweep left.
10:59 1/10 18 7 - 24 221 PENALTY on Ind: Encroachment, 5 yards enforced on the Ind 18 - NO PLAY.
10:59 1/5 13 7 - 24 230 Maroney picks his way to the sidelines for 1 yard. Maroney runs out of bounds.
10:17 2/4 12 7 - 24 212 Faulk gets back to the line of scrimmage.
9:38 3/4 12 7 - 24 122 Brady overthrows Welker and the pass is incomplete.
9:33 4/4 12 7 - 24 FG 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for a FG attempt.
Gostkowski's 29 yd. field goal hooks through the uprights!
Drive Summary: 6 plays, 51 yds, 3:38
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 9:29
9:29 Kickoff own 30 10 - 24 K 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares to kickoff.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) catch the ball at the Ind 11 and return it to the Ind 21.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 9:24
9:24 1/10 own 21 10 - 24 221 Addai rushes for a loss of 4 yards.
8:43 2/14 own 17 10 - 24 230 Addai pounds ahead for 5 yards.
8:07 3/9 own 22 10 - 24 050 Manning completes the pass to Harrison who holds on to the the ball and runs for a 21 yd gain.
7:21 1/10 own 43 10 - 24 221 Addai rushes for a loss of 1 yard.
6:43 2/11 own 42 10 - 24 230 Manning's long pass is to Gonzalez who holds on to the the ball and runs for a 41 yd gain.
5:55 1/10 17 10 - 24 131 Addai gains 3 yards up the middle.
5:12 2/7 14 10 - 24 140 Addai picks up 2 yards on a draw play.
4:34 3/5 12 10 - 24 131 Keith is caught behind the line for a loss of 1 yard.
3:58 4/6 13 10 - 24 FG 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a FG attempt.
Vinatieri's 30 yd. field goal is right down the middle!
Drive Summary: 8 plays, 66 yds, 5:26
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 3:54
3:54 Kickoff own 30 10 - 27 K 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares to kickoff.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) catch the ball at the NE 6 and return it to the NE 39.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 3:43
3:43 1/10 own 39 10 - 27 212 Brady overthrows Maroney and the pass is incomplete.
3:35 2/10 own 39 10 - 27 221 Brady's pass is just out of the reach of Welker.
3:30 3/10 own 39 10 - 27 221 Brady's pass is to Welker who makes the catch and falls forward for a 15 yd gain.
2:50 1/10 46 10 - 27 212 Evans gets back to the line of scrimmage.
2:16 2/10 46 10 - 27 221 Brady's pass is to Moss who holds on to the ball, makes a few guys miss for a 40 yd gain.
1:26 1/Goal 6 10 - 27 212 Maroney gets 6 yards on a pitch right.
2007 New England Patriots scores a touchdown!
1:22 PAT 16 - 27 FG 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for the extra point.
The extra point attempt is good.
Drive Summary: 6 plays, 61 yds, 2:21
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 1:22
1:22 Kickoff own 30 17 - 27 K 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares to kickoff.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) catch the ball at the Ind 11 and return it to the NE 32.
PENALTY on Ind: Holding, 10 yards enforced on the Ind 26.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 1:07
1:07 1/10 own 16 17 - 27 140 Manning overthrows Addai and the pass is incomplete.
0:59 2/10 own 16 17 - 27 131 Manning's pass is batted down. Incomplete pass.
0:54 3/10 own 16 17 - 27 050 Manning is sacked by Tedy Bruschi for 4 yards.
0:11 4/14 own 12 17 - 27 P 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a punt.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) return it to the NE 48.
End of 3rd Quarter ... 2007 New England Patriots: 17 2007 Indianapolis Colts: 27
Time Down
YTG Ball On Score
V - H F 4th Quarter Play by Play
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 15:00
15:00 1/10 own 48 17 - 27 212 Brady hits Welker. Catch is good and Welker gets some yardage for a 16 yd gain.
14:14 1/10 36 17 - 27 221 Maroney carries, but is tackled for no gain.
13:37 2/10 36 17 - 27 221 Brady's pass is to Welker who makes the catch and falls forward for a 15 yd gain.
12:52 1/10 21 17 - 27 212 Brady hits Moss but in and out of his hands.
12:45 2/10 21 17 - 27 131 Maroney rushes for a loss of 2 yards.
12:04 3/12 23 17 - 27 221 Brady completes the pass to Stallworth who catches the ball and makes one guy miss before getting tackled for a 11 yd gain.
11:19 4/1 12 17 - 27 212 Faulk gains 1 yard up the middle.
10:44 1/10 11 17 - 27 212 Brady zips the short pass to Faulk. Catch is good and Faulk gets into the endzone.
2007 New England Patriots scores a touchdown!
10:38 PAT 23 - 27 FG 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for the extra point.
The extra point attempt is good.
Drive Summary: 8 plays, 52 yds, 4:22
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 10:38
10:38 Kickoff own 30 24 - 27 K 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares to kickoff.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) catch the ball at the Ind 6 and return it to the Ind 21.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 10:32
10:32 1/10 own 21 24 - 27 140 Manning's pass is just out of reach of Wayne. Incomplete pass.
10:26 2/10 own 21 24 - 27 140 Manning completes the long pass to Wayne who gets a few steps before being brought down for a 34 yd gain.
9:39 1/10 45 24 - 27 131 Manning's pass is just out of the reach of Clark.
9:34 2/10 45 24 - 27 230 Manning completes the pass to Wayne who makes the catch and falls forward for a 10 yd gain.
8:53 1/10 35 24 - 27 131 Addai gains 1 yard on a sweep left.
8:12 2/9 34 24 - 27 131 Manning's pass is to Addai. Tackled immediately for a 10 yd gain.
7:29 1/10 24 24 - 27 221 Keith gains 4 yards on a sweep left.
6:53 2/6 20 24 - 27 122 Addai picks up 1 yard off tackle left, and is run out of bounds.
6:15 3/5 19 24 - 27 140 Addai picks up 4 yards on a draw play before running out of bounds.
5:32 4/1 15 24 - 27 FG 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a FG attempt.
Vinatieri's kick is blocked! Ball is recovered at the NE 23.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 5:23
5:23 1/10 own 23 24 - 27 212 Brady screen pass is to Brady who makes the catch and falls forward for a 1 yd gain.
4:45 2/9 own 24 24 - 27 212 Brady overthrows Moss and the pass is incomplete.
4:39 3/9 own 24 24 - 27 221 Maroney picks up 2 yards on a draw play.
3:58 4/7 own 26 24 - 27 P 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for a punt.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) return it to the Ind 42.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 3:48
3:48 1/10 own 42 24 - 27 131 Addai gains 6 yards on a sweep left.
3:05 2/4 own 48 24 - 27 122 Manning completes the long pass to Fletcher who makes the catch and falls forward for a 31 yd gain.
2:21 1/10 21 24 - 27 140 Addai carries, but is tackled for no gain.
2:00 2/10 21 24 - 27 230 *** 2 Minute Warning ***
2:00 2/10 21 24 - 27 230 Keith pounds ahead for 3 yards. The ball is stripped free.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) recovers the ball on the NE 17.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 1:54
1:54 1/10 own 17 24 - 27 212 Brady's pass is to Faulk. Faulk falls out of bounds, but holds on to the ball for a 8 yd gain.
1:48 2/2 own 25 24 - 27 212 Brady hits Moss who gets a few steps before being brought down for a 11 yd gain.
1:39 1/10 own 36 24 - 27 212 *** 2007 New England Patriots (NE) CALLS A TIMEOUT ***
1:39 1/10 own 36 24 - 27 212 Brady overthrows Moss and the pass is incomplete.
1:35 2/10 own 36 24 - 27 131 Brady overthrows Welker and the pass is incomplete.
1:30 3/10 own 36 24 - 27 221 Brady completes the pass to Moss who makes the catch and falls forward for a 20 yd gain.
1:10 1/10 44 24 - 27 212 Brady hits Welker who makes the catch and is run out of bounds for a 14 yd gain.
1:03 1/10 30 24 - 27 212 Brady completes the pass to Welker who makes the catch and falls forward for a 8 yd gain.
0:41 2/2 22 24 - 27 122 Brady is sacked by Robert Mathis for 3 yards.
0:21 3/5 25 24 - 27 122 Brady's pass is just out of reach of Gaffney. Incomplete pass.
0:17 4/5 25 24 - 27 FG 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for a FG attempt.
Gostkowski's 42 yd. field goal is right down the middle!
Drive Summary: 9 plays, 58 yds, 1:37
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 0:13
0:13 Kickoff own 30 27 - 27 K 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares to kickoff.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) catch the ball at the Ind 8 and return it to the Ind 31.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 0:08
0:08 1/10 own 31 27 - 27 131 Manning completes the pass to Clark who gets a few steps before being run out of bounds for a 7 yd gain.
0:02 2/3 own 38 27 - 27 041 Manning's deep pass is broken up. Incomplete pass.
End of 4th Quarter ... 2007 New England Patriots: 27 2007 Indianapolis Colts: 27
Game Time Weather Report for Indianapolis, IN (The RCA Dome):
71 degrees, clear skies, little to no wind
Time Down
YTG Ball On Score
V - H F Overtime 1 Play by Play
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 15:00
15:00 Kickoff own 30 27 - 27 K 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares to kickoff.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) catch the ball at the Ind 7 and return it to the Ind 23.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 14:53
14:53 1/10 own 23 27 - 27 131 Addai gains 4 yards up the middle.
14:11 2/6 own 27 27 - 27 122 Addai carries, but is tackled for a loss of 1 yard.
13:34 3/7 own 26 27 - 27 050 Manning completes the pass to Harrison. Catch is good and Harrison gets some yardage for a 23 yd gain.
12:50 1/10 own 49 27 - 27 221 Keith gets 3 yards on a pitch right.
12:11 2/7 48 27 - 27 230 Manning overthrows Utecht and the pass is incomplete.
12:05 3/7 48 27 - 27 140 Manning's pass is batted down. Incomplete pass.
11:59 4/7 48 27 - 27 P 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a punt.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) return it to the NE 9.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 11:51
11:51 1/10 own 9 27 - 27 212 Maroney is stopped at the line.
11:12 2/10 own 9 27 - 27 212 Brady completes the pass to Brady. Tackled immediately for a 5 yd gain.
10:28 3/5 own 14 27 - 27 221 Brady hits Stallworth. Catch is good and Stallworth gets some yardage before being run out of bounds for a 19 yd gain.
9:42 1/10 own 33 27 - 27 221 Evans gets 6 yards on a pitch right.
8:58 2/4 own 39 27 - 27 212 Maroney pounds ahead for 2 yards.
8:23 3/2 own 41 27 - 27 221 Brady's pass is to Moss and dropped.
8:17 4/2 own 41 27 - 27 P 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for a punt.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) return it to the Ind 31.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 8:05
8:05 1/10 own 31 27 - 27 131 Addai picks up 1 yard on a draw play.
7:26 2/9 own 32 27 - 27 140 Manning hits Harrison who makes the catch and falls forward for a 16 yd gain.
6:45 1/10 own 48 27 - 27 221 Addai pounds ahead for 7 yards.
6:01 2/3 45 27 - 27 122 Manning's pass is to Harrison who holds on to the the ball and runs for a 10 yd gain.
5:21 1/10 35 27 - 27 140 Addai picks up 4 yards on a draw play.
4:38 2/6 31 27 - 27 122 Keith gains 3 yards up the middle.
3:58 3/3 28 27 - 27 131 Keith is stopped at the line.
3:20 4/3 28 27 - 27 FG 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a FG attempt.
Vinatieri's 45 yd. field goal hooks through the uprights!
Drive Summary: 7 plays, 41 yds, 4:45
End of Overtime 1 ... 2007 New England Patriots: 27 2007 Indianapolis Colts: 30
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Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Darrell Green, Cris Carter, Tony Boselli, Eric Metcalf of 124 Nominees For Hall Of Fame
Darrell Green, Cris Carter Among 124 Nominees For Hall Of Fame
AP Sports
10/31/2007
CANTON, Ohio (AP) -Cornerback Darrell Green and receivers Cris Carter and Herman Moore were among 124 modern-era players, coaches, and contributors on the preliminary list of nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2008.
Other first-year eligibles are running back Eric Metcalf; offensive tackles Tony Boselli, Lomas Brown and Richmond Webb; and linebackers Levon Kirkland and Hardy Nickerson.
Previously, the senior committee nominated Marshall Goldberg and Emmitt Thomas. Goldberg, a multipurpose back, was a two-way star with the Chicago Cardinals from 1939-1943 and following World War II from 1946-48. Thomas, an all-league cornerback, starred for 13 seasons (1966-1978) for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Voters will choose 25 candidates from that group as semifinalists; that list will be announced late in November. From there, the list will be pared to 15 finalists, who will be considered at the selection committee's meetings during Super Bowl week.
At least four and no more than seven nominees will be elected on the day before the Super Bowl.
To be considered for Hall of Fame election, a player or coach must have been retired at least five years. A contributor - someone who has made outstanding career contributions to pro football in capacities other than playing or coaching - may still be active in his pro football career.
AP Sports
10/31/2007
CANTON, Ohio (AP) -Cornerback Darrell Green and receivers Cris Carter and Herman Moore were among 124 modern-era players, coaches, and contributors on the preliminary list of nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2008.
Other first-year eligibles are running back Eric Metcalf; offensive tackles Tony Boselli, Lomas Brown and Richmond Webb; and linebackers Levon Kirkland and Hardy Nickerson.
Previously, the senior committee nominated Marshall Goldberg and Emmitt Thomas. Goldberg, a multipurpose back, was a two-way star with the Chicago Cardinals from 1939-1943 and following World War II from 1946-48. Thomas, an all-league cornerback, starred for 13 seasons (1966-1978) for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Voters will choose 25 candidates from that group as semifinalists; that list will be announced late in November. From there, the list will be pared to 15 finalists, who will be considered at the selection committee's meetings during Super Bowl week.
At least four and no more than seven nominees will be elected on the day before the Super Bowl.
To be considered for Hall of Fame election, a player or coach must have been retired at least five years. A contributor - someone who has made outstanding career contributions to pro football in capacities other than playing or coaching - may still be active in his pro football career.
Tony Romo - Tony Romo Gets $30 million Guaranteed, $67.5 Million Contract - ESPN
Tony Romo's new deal guarantees $30 million to him. Nice.
Associated Press
Updated: October 30, 2007, 8:32 PM ET
Romo Signs 6-Year Deal with Cowboys
IRVING, Texas -- Wearing jeans and an untucked Dallas Cowboys golf shirt, Tony Romo treated Tuesday as if it was any other day of work.
Well, there were a few difference. Such as the fact he brought mom and dad to team headquarters.
And the six-year, $67.5 million contract he showed up to sign.
On one of the biggest days of his life, Romo remained the average guy he's been since joining the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent five years ago. He said he was humbled by the $11.5 million signing bonus and by cementing a spot in the lineage of Don Meredith-to-Roger Staubach-to-Troy Aikman, but he also insisted the only thing that's going to change is his tax bracket.
Want proof? He's even planning to keep his apartment -- and his roommate -- despite having the third-highest annual salary among NFL quarterbacks, ahead of Tom Brady and Brett Favre.
"I never really thought this was a goal along the way. I still don't necessarily perceive it as a goal, but it's something really neat that I get to experience," Romo said, flashing the dimpled aw-shucks grin that's helped him land dates with gorgeous actresses and singers.
"It's special just to be a part of this. The best feeling by far is that the organization, the Jones family, our coaches and everyone say, 'Hey, you're our guy. You're the guy we want to go to the next level with. We want to get back to the Super Bowl around here and win these things.' That means everything, more than the money ever could."
ESPN Radio: Patrick Crayton
Cowboys receiver Patrick Crayton on why we should buy the Cowboys as the best team in the NFC, Tony Romo, T.O., Britney Spears and more. Listen
If Romo's attitude seems too good to be true, there's a good reason for it. The story of how he got to this point fits the same description.
Undrafted out of college, he turned down $25,000 signing bonuses elsewhere and took $10,000 from the Cowboys because he liked his chances of beating out the competition. Before last season, his fourth, he still hadn't thrown a pass, but asked for a multimillion-dollar contract as a challenge to his bosses, telling them the more they paid him, the more likely they were to play him.
He got the deal and, eventually, the playing time. The contract numbers show he's made the most of it.
"You can either do this or you can't," he said. "I didn't know if I was, but I put myself in position to succeed."
Romo thought about what the big contract means while sitting in bed Monday night. It was still on his mind when he woke up Tuesday morning. By the time he met the media in the afternoon, he had it sorted out.
"It almost feels like we accomplished something here today, but it doesn't," he said. "This sets you up financially and does all the things that you somewhat hoped for in life, but you don't set it out as a goal when you start out as a football player. This is something that more or less comes along the way."
Team owner Jerry Jones called Romo "the man for the 2000s," adding, "I wouldn't have done this if I didn't think he gives us a chance to win Super Bowls."
It took a while for him to come to that conclusion.
Jones' hesitations started during the 2003 draft, when then-offensive coordinator Sean Payton lobbied hard for Romo. Jones figured it was because they went to the same school, Eastern Illinois.
Once Romo arrived, the Cowboys went through Quincy Carter, Chad Hutchinson, Vinny Testaverde and Drew Bledsoe before turning to him last October.
Romo started 5-1, setting records and turning heads. He got Dallas into the playoffs, then knocked the team out by flubbing the hold of a short field goal in Seattle. He revealed more of his character with how he responded: crying and apologizing to teammates that night, then weeks later asking to be the holder at the Pro Bowl.
By then, Jones believed in Romo enough not to draft Brady Quinn when he had the chance in April -- but not enough to offer a big contract without seeing him play more.
Forced to earn his money, Romo did. The Cowboys are 6-1, tied for tops in the NFC, and have the conference's No. 1 offense. Romo has the most yards passing and touchdowns in the NFC.
"It is a feel-good story," coach Wade Phillips said. "The best part of the story is he's a great person, a great guy to be around. He doesn't have an ego bigger than the team. The great ones I've been around -- the John Elways, the Jim Kellys -- it's the same way."
Romo has shown off his arm with a club-record four 300-yard games and his feet with a wild scramble for a first down on a snap that went over his head and rolled 33 yards behind him. He also found a way to win in Buffalo despite committing six turnovers.
Jones also likes that Romo has remained grounded while holding one of the most high-profile jobs in U.S. pro sports. Don't believe it? Well, "Entertainment Tonight" sent a reporter to Tuesday's news conference to ask Romo about bumping into Britney Spears in Los Angeles a few days ago.
"Having all the adulation and interest, how do you handle that? I've seen doctors, lawyers, older, more-seasoned people blow their whole families up over a little success," Jones said. "He's handled it really well."
Combine it all and you understand why Jones likes knowing Romo will be the face of the franchise in 2009, when the Cowboys move into a $1 billion, 100,000-seat stadium, a rendering of it serving as a backdrop for Tuesday's announcement.
It was no coincidence.
"I told our guys to put that behind us," Jones said, "because Tony coming in for the long term is very symbolic of what we're doing."
New England Patriots At Indianapolis Colts Game - Tickets And Preview
From NFL Media.com
Click for tickets to the game!
IT’S THE PERFECT MATCHUP:
UNDEFEATED COLTS & PATS CLASH IN HISTORIC GAME
It hasn’t happened in 88 seasons.
But it will this Sunday in Indianapolis. Two teams with records of 7-0 or better will meet for the first time in NFL history – the New England Patriots (8-0) at the Indianapolis Colts (7-0).
“It will be a circus,” says Colts head coach TONY DUNGY.
Wrong, Coach. It’s already a circus! It is hard to recall a regular-season game that was talked and written about two weeks before it was played. But that’s what has happened for Pats-Colts (CBS, 4:15 PM ET).
“A Week Before Showdown with New England, Colts Must Beat Panthers on Short Week,” said the Associated Press on October 25.
Usually, stories about a team’s next opponent don’t start until perhaps the Wednesday before the game. Not this week.
“Don’t Try to Stop Us; It’s Officially Time to Start the Hype Machine,” said the Indianapolis Star this Monday. “Dream Game Finally Here,” blared the Boston Herald the same day.
The matchup has all the attributes of a classic: last season’s Super Bowl winner against the team that has won it three times in the decade…the league’s top two teams in net points…quarterbacks tied for the most wins since realignment in 2002 – TOM BRADY and PEYTON MANNING (67 apiece)…and opponents that have met seven times in the past four years, including three times in the playoffs.
Everybody will be ready. “You play football for competition, the level of intensity,” says Patriots defensive lineman RICHARD SEYMOUR. “When you have a chance to play against the best team in football, you get excited about it.”
As the NFL reaches the mid-point of its season in Week 9, here are some of the key games:
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (8-0) at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (7-0)
STORYLINE: The Perfect Bowl!
The Dome will be rocking! What can New England do to take some of the decibels out of those voices? What it has done in all eight of its 2007 games -- score on its first drive, the only team in the NFL to do so in every game this year. The Patriots have scored an opponent-deflating 79 points in the first quarter this season, while giving up only seven points in the period.
Of course, that’s a huge hurdle for any opponent, but if anybody can parry such an opening salvo, it’s Indianapolis. Last season in the AFC Championship Game, it went into the half down 21-6 to New England before outgaining the Patriots 311-149 in total yards in the second half during an 18-point comeback for a 38-34 win.
But who knows what will happen Sunday with these two opportunistic teams? They are tied for the league lead in turnover differential with a plus-11.
PATS-COLTS FACTOID
NFL NETWORK TREATS IT LIKE A MID-SEASON SUPER BOWL: NFL Network will broadcast 36-and-a-half hours of coverage surrounding this Sunday’s Patriots-Colts game, a record for the network for a non-Super Bowl game.
One of the key battles will come between New England’s receivers and Indy’s No. 1 NFL pass defense, led by havoc-causing S BOB SANDERS. The Patriots have two receivers in the top five in NFL catches – WES WELKER (tie, No. 2, 56) and RANDY MOSS (No. 4, 47). They have combined with DONTÉ STALLWORTH for a total of 20 TD receptions.
The Colts hope to get WR MARVIN HARRISON (knee) back this week to prevent the Pats from ganging up on REGGIE WAYNE (fourth in the NFL with 668 yards). New England has added to its arsenal with the return of RB LAURENCE MARONEY (75 yards last week). The Colts, on the other hand, have the league’s top TD rusher, JOSEPH ADDAI (7). These guys always seem to have the answers!
Click for tickets to the game!
IT’S THE PERFECT MATCHUP:
UNDEFEATED COLTS & PATS CLASH IN HISTORIC GAME
It hasn’t happened in 88 seasons.
But it will this Sunday in Indianapolis. Two teams with records of 7-0 or better will meet for the first time in NFL history – the New England Patriots (8-0) at the Indianapolis Colts (7-0).
“It will be a circus,” says Colts head coach TONY DUNGY.
Wrong, Coach. It’s already a circus! It is hard to recall a regular-season game that was talked and written about two weeks before it was played. But that’s what has happened for Pats-Colts (CBS, 4:15 PM ET).
“A Week Before Showdown with New England, Colts Must Beat Panthers on Short Week,” said the Associated Press on October 25.
Usually, stories about a team’s next opponent don’t start until perhaps the Wednesday before the game. Not this week.
“Don’t Try to Stop Us; It’s Officially Time to Start the Hype Machine,” said the Indianapolis Star this Monday. “Dream Game Finally Here,” blared the Boston Herald the same day.
The matchup has all the attributes of a classic: last season’s Super Bowl winner against the team that has won it three times in the decade…the league’s top two teams in net points…quarterbacks tied for the most wins since realignment in 2002 – TOM BRADY and PEYTON MANNING (67 apiece)…and opponents that have met seven times in the past four years, including three times in the playoffs.
Everybody will be ready. “You play football for competition, the level of intensity,” says Patriots defensive lineman RICHARD SEYMOUR. “When you have a chance to play against the best team in football, you get excited about it.”
As the NFL reaches the mid-point of its season in Week 9, here are some of the key games:
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (8-0) at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (7-0)
STORYLINE: The Perfect Bowl!
The Dome will be rocking! What can New England do to take some of the decibels out of those voices? What it has done in all eight of its 2007 games -- score on its first drive, the only team in the NFL to do so in every game this year. The Patriots have scored an opponent-deflating 79 points in the first quarter this season, while giving up only seven points in the period.
Of course, that’s a huge hurdle for any opponent, but if anybody can parry such an opening salvo, it’s Indianapolis. Last season in the AFC Championship Game, it went into the half down 21-6 to New England before outgaining the Patriots 311-149 in total yards in the second half during an 18-point comeback for a 38-34 win.
But who knows what will happen Sunday with these two opportunistic teams? They are tied for the league lead in turnover differential with a plus-11.
PATS-COLTS FACTOID
NFL NETWORK TREATS IT LIKE A MID-SEASON SUPER BOWL: NFL Network will broadcast 36-and-a-half hours of coverage surrounding this Sunday’s Patriots-Colts game, a record for the network for a non-Super Bowl game.
One of the key battles will come between New England’s receivers and Indy’s No. 1 NFL pass defense, led by havoc-causing S BOB SANDERS. The Patriots have two receivers in the top five in NFL catches – WES WELKER (tie, No. 2, 56) and RANDY MOSS (No. 4, 47). They have combined with DONTÉ STALLWORTH for a total of 20 TD receptions.
The Colts hope to get WR MARVIN HARRISON (knee) back this week to prevent the Pats from ganging up on REGGIE WAYNE (fourth in the NFL with 668 yards). New England has added to its arsenal with the return of RB LAURENCE MARONEY (75 yards last week). The Colts, on the other hand, have the league’s top TD rusher, JOSEPH ADDAI (7). These guys always seem to have the answers!
Mike Silver, Dodo Bird - Mike Silver Admits Error Regarding Randy Moss
Hey, I like Mike Silver's work more than most for personal reasons, plus he's good. But Sil really messed up on Randy Moss. I told him before the start of the year Moss would do well in New England, but Silver remained stuboorn.
Well, Silver's finally coming around. He even admitted he was being a Dodo bird about the whole thing!
Not that I think the Patriots will win against the Colts. I don't thnk so.
Well, Silver's finally coming around. He even admitted he was being a Dodo bird about the whole thing!
Not that I think the Patriots will win against the Colts. I don't thnk so.
New Era Sports & Entertainment Sues Saints / USC's Reggie Bush - Yahoo! Sports
Former USC and Heisman Trophy-winning running back Reggie Bush and his family are being sued by the co-founder of a failed sports marketing agency, according to a filing Tuesday in San Diego County Court.
The lawsuit, filed by attorneys for New Era Sports & Entertainment co-founder Lloyd Lake, alleges Bush and his family failed to repay a wide array of benefits they received from New Era while Bush played for the Trojans. One of Lake's attorney's, Paul Wong, said that in addition to filing the suit, Lake has agreed to meet with NCAA investigators this week to discuss Bush's involvement with New Era Sports.
"I believe the complaint speaks for itself," Wong said. "… We're looking forward to meeting with the NCAA on Friday. Beyond that, I'm not at liberty to discuss any details."
Bush's attorney, David Cornwell, did not return a phone message seeking comment.
Tuesday's filing purports that from November 2004 through January 2006, Bush and his family received cash, a vehicle and shelter as well as labor, material and services tied to New Era Sports – the agency that expected to represent the USC star when he declared for the NFL draft. The suit places the total value of the benefits extended to Bush, now in his second season with the New Orleans Saints, and his family at just over $291,000.
The suit also claims to have written communication from Bush that promises to repay some of the benefits, stating "On January 14, 2006, Defendant Reginald Bush – reaffirmed his commitment to repay (Lake) in a written communication."
If it is determined by the NCAA and Pac-10 Conference that Bush or his family received extra benefits, he would be in violation of NCAA rules. In accordance to NCAA bylaws, Bush's amateur status could be retroactively voided, prompting USC to forfeit games from the 2004 and 2005 seasons, including its latest national championship. Bush's 2005 Heisman Trophy could also be in jeopardy. Per the language on the Heisman ballot, any winner of the award "must be in compliance with the bylaws defining an NCAA student-athlete."
USC director of sports information Tim Tessalone declined to comment and referred questions to university general counsel Todd Dickey.
Among the other significant points in Tuesday's filing:
• The suit seeks to recoup benefits doled out "between November, 2004, through January, 2006, for work, labor, services, materials, goods, a vehicle, and shelter rendered at the special instance and request of Bush and his family." It also seeks to recover an unspecified amount of cash given to Bush and his family during that same period.
• The suit also alleges that Bush's family "expressly stated, in a meeting with (Lake) and NEW ERA SPORTS in October, 2004, and again in November, 2004, that they had fallen on hard times financially and required immediate and significant financial assistance to support their respective lifestyles, including, but not limited to, payment of living and travel expenses of Defendants LaMar Griffin and Denise Griffin (Bush’s parents) as well as living and lifestyle expenses of Defendant Reginald Bush. At said meetings, Defendants expressly and unequivocally, stated and promised that they were borrowing from (Lake) and NEW ERA SPORTS only and that they would not borrow money or accept monies from any other person or entity without expressly notifying (Lake) in advance."
• The suit charges a breach of agreement due to Bush's family receiving benefits from a third party, stating that Bush's family "secretly received payments, in direct violation of Defendants' promises to (Lake) and New Era Sports, from at least one person sometime around late October, 2005. In particular, said person paid for the airfare sometime around October 26, 2005, and hotel expenses of Defendants LaMar Griffin and Denise Griffin along with (Bush's younger brother) when they traveled to Oakland from San Diego between November 11 to November 13. Defendants suppressed and concealed all knowledge and information of said payments from (Lake) and New Era Sports as such information and knowledge would immediately end any further cash advances."
Yahoo! Sports first reported in September 2006 that the airfare and limousine service for Bush's parents and younger brother for USC's game against Cal on Nov. 12, 2005 were paid for on the credit card of Jamie Fritz, an employee of Bush's current marketing agent, Mike Ornstein. Ornstein initially told Yahoo! Sports that he did not pay for the plane tickets. Ornstein then said Fritz might have paid for the tickets but was repaid by the Bush family. Fritz declined to comment when contacted by Yahoo! Sports.
In Friday's scheduled meeting with the NCAA, Lake could reveal a variety of information, from receipts, bank and phone records, as well as taped conversations between himself, Bush and Bush's stepfather LaMar. Sources say the recordings were made as Bush's agreement to sign with New Era Sports began to fall apart in December 2005.
Lake co-founded New Era Sports along with San Diego businessman Michael Michaels in late 2004. Bush was expected to sign with New Era Sports and become an eventual partner in the entity when he left USC, according to Lake and Michaels. But the deal fell apart and New Era Sports failed, leading both Lake and Michaels to seek a return of the benefits they say they had provided to Bush and his family. Sources have told Yahoo! Sports that Michaels has already received a settlement from Bush for between $200,000 and $300,000 for his part of the failed deal. Sources also informed Yahoo! Sports that a similar settlement attempt with Lake failed over the summer.
Although Lake's suit does not break down specific dollar amounts paid to Bush and his family, an eight-month investigation by Yahoo! Sports published in September 2006 showed Bush's family lived in a house purchased by Michaels. The family lived in the new $757,000 home rent free for a year, starting in April 2005. One of Lake's attorneys, Brian Watkins, eventually stated that the rent on the home came to more than $50,000. The family was eventually evicted from the residence.
The 2006 Yahoo! Sports report disclosed that Bush received more than $12,000 in cash from Lake for the purchase of a 1996 Impala SS. Bush received approximately another $4,000 from Lake to equip the car with high-performance rims, a stereo system and alarm.
In addition, Yahoo! Sports reported that Bush and his family also received multiple cash payments for travel and other expenses, including furniture for the home Michaels purchased.
Sources close to the failed New Era Sports & Entertainment venture said Bush and his family demanded payments be made in cash, to keep the transactions hidden from NCAA scrutiny. Payments were said to have been made in person to Bush's parents in San Diego, while Lake would personally drive to Los Angeles to deliver monthly payments to Bush at his apartment near the USC campus.
Jason Cole and Charles Robinson are national NFL writers for Yahoo! Sports.
The lawsuit, filed by attorneys for New Era Sports & Entertainment co-founder Lloyd Lake, alleges Bush and his family failed to repay a wide array of benefits they received from New Era while Bush played for the Trojans. One of Lake's attorney's, Paul Wong, said that in addition to filing the suit, Lake has agreed to meet with NCAA investigators this week to discuss Bush's involvement with New Era Sports.
"I believe the complaint speaks for itself," Wong said. "… We're looking forward to meeting with the NCAA on Friday. Beyond that, I'm not at liberty to discuss any details."
Bush's attorney, David Cornwell, did not return a phone message seeking comment.
Tuesday's filing purports that from November 2004 through January 2006, Bush and his family received cash, a vehicle and shelter as well as labor, material and services tied to New Era Sports – the agency that expected to represent the USC star when he declared for the NFL draft. The suit places the total value of the benefits extended to Bush, now in his second season with the New Orleans Saints, and his family at just over $291,000.
The suit also claims to have written communication from Bush that promises to repay some of the benefits, stating "On January 14, 2006, Defendant Reginald Bush – reaffirmed his commitment to repay (Lake) in a written communication."
If it is determined by the NCAA and Pac-10 Conference that Bush or his family received extra benefits, he would be in violation of NCAA rules. In accordance to NCAA bylaws, Bush's amateur status could be retroactively voided, prompting USC to forfeit games from the 2004 and 2005 seasons, including its latest national championship. Bush's 2005 Heisman Trophy could also be in jeopardy. Per the language on the Heisman ballot, any winner of the award "must be in compliance with the bylaws defining an NCAA student-athlete."
USC director of sports information Tim Tessalone declined to comment and referred questions to university general counsel Todd Dickey.
Among the other significant points in Tuesday's filing:
• The suit seeks to recoup benefits doled out "between November, 2004, through January, 2006, for work, labor, services, materials, goods, a vehicle, and shelter rendered at the special instance and request of Bush and his family." It also seeks to recover an unspecified amount of cash given to Bush and his family during that same period.
• The suit also alleges that Bush's family "expressly stated, in a meeting with (Lake) and NEW ERA SPORTS in October, 2004, and again in November, 2004, that they had fallen on hard times financially and required immediate and significant financial assistance to support their respective lifestyles, including, but not limited to, payment of living and travel expenses of Defendants LaMar Griffin and Denise Griffin (Bush’s parents) as well as living and lifestyle expenses of Defendant Reginald Bush. At said meetings, Defendants expressly and unequivocally, stated and promised that they were borrowing from (Lake) and NEW ERA SPORTS only and that they would not borrow money or accept monies from any other person or entity without expressly notifying (Lake) in advance."
• The suit charges a breach of agreement due to Bush's family receiving benefits from a third party, stating that Bush's family "secretly received payments, in direct violation of Defendants' promises to (Lake) and New Era Sports, from at least one person sometime around late October, 2005. In particular, said person paid for the airfare sometime around October 26, 2005, and hotel expenses of Defendants LaMar Griffin and Denise Griffin along with (Bush's younger brother) when they traveled to Oakland from San Diego between November 11 to November 13. Defendants suppressed and concealed all knowledge and information of said payments from (Lake) and New Era Sports as such information and knowledge would immediately end any further cash advances."
Yahoo! Sports first reported in September 2006 that the airfare and limousine service for Bush's parents and younger brother for USC's game against Cal on Nov. 12, 2005 were paid for on the credit card of Jamie Fritz, an employee of Bush's current marketing agent, Mike Ornstein. Ornstein initially told Yahoo! Sports that he did not pay for the plane tickets. Ornstein then said Fritz might have paid for the tickets but was repaid by the Bush family. Fritz declined to comment when contacted by Yahoo! Sports.
In Friday's scheduled meeting with the NCAA, Lake could reveal a variety of information, from receipts, bank and phone records, as well as taped conversations between himself, Bush and Bush's stepfather LaMar. Sources say the recordings were made as Bush's agreement to sign with New Era Sports began to fall apart in December 2005.
Lake co-founded New Era Sports along with San Diego businessman Michael Michaels in late 2004. Bush was expected to sign with New Era Sports and become an eventual partner in the entity when he left USC, according to Lake and Michaels. But the deal fell apart and New Era Sports failed, leading both Lake and Michaels to seek a return of the benefits they say they had provided to Bush and his family. Sources have told Yahoo! Sports that Michaels has already received a settlement from Bush for between $200,000 and $300,000 for his part of the failed deal. Sources also informed Yahoo! Sports that a similar settlement attempt with Lake failed over the summer.
Although Lake's suit does not break down specific dollar amounts paid to Bush and his family, an eight-month investigation by Yahoo! Sports published in September 2006 showed Bush's family lived in a house purchased by Michaels. The family lived in the new $757,000 home rent free for a year, starting in April 2005. One of Lake's attorneys, Brian Watkins, eventually stated that the rent on the home came to more than $50,000. The family was eventually evicted from the residence.
The 2006 Yahoo! Sports report disclosed that Bush received more than $12,000 in cash from Lake for the purchase of a 1996 Impala SS. Bush received approximately another $4,000 from Lake to equip the car with high-performance rims, a stereo system and alarm.
In addition, Yahoo! Sports reported that Bush and his family also received multiple cash payments for travel and other expenses, including furniture for the home Michaels purchased.
Sources close to the failed New Era Sports & Entertainment venture said Bush and his family demanded payments be made in cash, to keep the transactions hidden from NCAA scrutiny. Payments were said to have been made in person to Bush's parents in San Diego, while Lake would personally drive to Los Angeles to deliver monthly payments to Bush at his apartment near the USC campus.
Jason Cole and Charles Robinson are national NFL writers for Yahoo! Sports.
