The clock struck 12:01 A.M. Friday morning and Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Anderson was officially a restricted free agent. After weeks of tireless work by Browns executives to keep their primary signal caller, a deal was unable to be accomplished.
Five hours later representatives for Anderson and general manager Phil Savage agreed to a three-year, $24 million contact with $13 million in guaranteed money.
After throwing for a career high 29 touchdowns and 3,787 yards in 16 games for the 10-6 Browns, it was necessary that a deal was consummated as quickly as possible. If Anderson bolted for another team, Cleveland would have received a first and third-round draft pick.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Porter, Williamson Headed To Jacksonville
In order to provide speed,agility and security for rising quarterback David Garrard, the Jaguars delved into the free agency market by signing Oakland Raiders disgruntled wideout Jerry Porter and acquiring despondent wide receiver Troy Williamson from the Minnesota Vikings.
After spending the first seven years of his career in the Bay Area, Porter was eager for a fresh new start with an established club. In signing a six-year,$30 million contract, Porter is expected to emerge as the Jaguars number one option at wide receiver.
Playing in 16 games last season with an anemic offense, Porter managed to reel in 76 receptions for 942 yards and five touchdowns.
Drafted seventh overall in 2005, Troy Williamson has been a significant disappoint for the Vikings, finding the endzone three times in three seasons.
“We’re giving Troy a chance, an opportunity for him to come down here and rejuvenate himself, have fun, don’t worry about the high expectations that were associated with his selection and his place there,” Del Rio said.
If Williamson is focused and determined to succeed, the Jaguars have an ability to propel to the top of the AFC South.
After spending the first seven years of his career in the Bay Area, Porter was eager for a fresh new start with an established club. In signing a six-year,$30 million contract, Porter is expected to emerge as the Jaguars number one option at wide receiver.
Playing in 16 games last season with an anemic offense, Porter managed to reel in 76 receptions for 942 yards and five touchdowns.
Drafted seventh overall in 2005, Troy Williamson has been a significant disappoint for the Vikings, finding the endzone three times in three seasons.
“We’re giving Troy a chance, an opportunity for him to come down here and rejuvenate himself, have fun, don’t worry about the high expectations that were associated with his selection and his place there,” Del Rio said.
If Williamson is focused and determined to succeed, the Jaguars have an ability to propel to the top of the AFC South.
Free Agent Frenzy Around The NFL
Kris Jenkins, Jonathan Vilma, Shaun Rodgers, Kawika Mitchell, Asante Samuel. These five defensive stalwarts highlight the list of players who took full advantage of the beginning of free agency this morning and will be dawning new uniforms next season.
Jenkins, a three time All-Pro and seven-year veteran, was dealt by the Carolina Panthers to the New York Jets in exchange for draft picks. He promptly signed a new five-year, $35 million contract that is worth $20 million in guaranteed money.
While heralded as the foundation of the Jets 3-4 defense, Jonathan Vilma was unable to acclimate to coach Eric Mangini's system. The totality of the situation was too much for the Jets rising star to adjust to and a shift to the crescent city will do the two-time defensive captain very well. In return for Vilma, New Orleans sends a fourth-round draft pick to New York.
At 340 pounds, overbearing defensive tackle Shaun Rodgers is a force to be reckon with when not inspired. To imagine the impact Rodgers can cement on Cincinnati's porous defense when motivated is very intriguing to Bengals fans now that he's been acquired for a third and fifth-round pick. In 16 games last season, Rodgers compiled 39 tackles, seven sacks and four forced fumbles.
Super Bowl champion linebacker Kawika Mitchell capitalized off of the Giants playoff push by signing a five-year deal worth $17.5 million.
The city of brotherly love will be feeling a lot more joyous this fall when shut down cornerback Asante Samuel takes the field at Lincoln Financial. With two Super Bowl victories to his credit, Samuel has compiled 22 interceptions and 238 tackles in five short seasons. Considered the premier free agent in this year's market, Samuel agreed to a six-year, $54 million contract on the first day of free agency.
Jenkins, a three time All-Pro and seven-year veteran, was dealt by the Carolina Panthers to the New York Jets in exchange for draft picks. He promptly signed a new five-year, $35 million contract that is worth $20 million in guaranteed money.
While heralded as the foundation of the Jets 3-4 defense, Jonathan Vilma was unable to acclimate to coach Eric Mangini's system. The totality of the situation was too much for the Jets rising star to adjust to and a shift to the crescent city will do the two-time defensive captain very well. In return for Vilma, New Orleans sends a fourth-round draft pick to New York.
At 340 pounds, overbearing defensive tackle Shaun Rodgers is a force to be reckon with when not inspired. To imagine the impact Rodgers can cement on Cincinnati's porous defense when motivated is very intriguing to Bengals fans now that he's been acquired for a third and fifth-round pick. In 16 games last season, Rodgers compiled 39 tackles, seven sacks and four forced fumbles.
Super Bowl champion linebacker Kawika Mitchell capitalized off of the Giants playoff push by signing a five-year deal worth $17.5 million.
The city of brotherly love will be feeling a lot more joyous this fall when shut down cornerback Asante Samuel takes the field at Lincoln Financial. With two Super Bowl victories to his credit, Samuel has compiled 22 interceptions and 238 tackles in five short seasons. Considered the premier free agent in this year's market, Samuel agreed to a six-year, $54 million contract on the first day of free agency.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Steelers’ former radio announcer Myron Cope dies at 79
A true pioneer of the sports broadcasting industry and inventor of the famous Terrible Towel, Cope leaves a tremendous legacy and foundation throughout Pittsburgh and the United States.
By ALAN ROBINSON, AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP)—Myron Cope spoke in a language and with a voice never before heard in a broadcast booth, yet a loving Pittsburgh understood him perfectly during an unprecedented 35 years as a Steelers announcer.
The screechy-voiced Cope, a writer by trade and an announcer by accident whose colorful catch phrases and twirling Terrible Towel became nationally known symbols of the Steelers, died Wednesday at age 79.
Cope died at a nursing home in Mount Lebanon, a Pittsburgh suburb, Joe Gordon, a former Steelers executive and a longtime friend of Cope’s, said. Cope had been treated for respiratory problems and heart failure in recent months.
Cope’s tenure from 1970-2004 as the color analyst on the Steelers’ radio network is the longest in NFL history for a broadcaster with a single team and led to his induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2005.
“His memorable voice and unique broadcasting style became synonymous with Steelers football,” team president Art Rooney II said Wednesday. “They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and no Pittsburgh broadcaster was impersonated more than Myron.”
One of Pittsburgh’s most colorful and recognizable personalities, Cope was best known beyond the city’s three rivers for the yellow cloth twirled by fans as a good luck charm at Steelers games since the mid-1970s.
The Terrible Towel is arguably the best-known fan symbol of any major pro sports team, has raised millions of dollars for charity and is displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Upon Cope’s retirement in 2005, team chairman Dan Rooney said, “You were really part of it. You were part of the team. The Terrible Towel many times got us over the goal line.”
Even after retiring, Cope—a sports talk show host for 23 years—continued to appear in numerous radio, TV and print ads, emblematic of a local popularity that sometimes surpassed that of the stars he covered.
Team officials marveled how Cope received more attention than the players or coaches when the Steelers checked into hotels, accompanied by crowds of fans so large that security guards were needed in every city.
“It is a very sad day, but Myron lived every day to make people happy, to use his great sense of humor to dissect the various issues of the sporting world. … He’s a legend,” former Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker Andy Russell said.
Cope didn’t become a football announcer until age 40, spending the first half of his professional career as a sports writer. He was hired by the Steelers in 1970, several years after he began doing TV sports commentary on the whim of WTAE-TV program director Don Shafer, mostly to help increase attention and attendance as the Steelers moved into Three Rivers Stadium.
Coincidentally, a pair of rookies—Cope and a quarterback named Terry Bradshaw—made their Steelers debuts during the team’s first regular season game at Three Rivers on Sept. 20, 1970.
Neither Steelers owner Art Rooney nor Cope had any idea how much impact he would have on the franchise. Within two years of his hiring, Pittsburgh would begin a string of home sellouts that continues to this day, a stretch that includes five Super Bowl titles.
Cope became so popular that the Steelers didn’t try to replace his unique perspective and top-of-the-lungs vocal histrionics when he retired, instead downsizing from a three-man announcing team to a two-man booth.
Just as Pirates fans once did with longtime broadcaster Bob Prince, Steelers fans began tuning in to hear what wacky stunt or colorful phrase Cope would come up with next. With a voice beyond imitation—a falsetto so shrill it could pierce even the din of a touchdown celebration—Cope was a man of many words, some not in any dictionary.
To Cope, an exceptional play rated a “Yoi!” A coach’s doublespeak was “garganzola.” The despised rival to the north was always the Cleve Brownies, never the Cleveland Browns.
Cope gave four-time Super Bowl champion coach Chuck Noll the only nickname that ever stuck, the Emperor Chaz. For years, Cope laughed off the downriver and often downtrodden Cincinnati Bengals as the Bungles, though never with a malice or nastiness that would create longstanding anger.
Among those longtime listeners was a Pittsburgh high school star turned NFL player turned Steelers coach—Bill Cowher.
“My dad would listen to his talk show and I would think, `Why would you listen to that?”’ Cowher said. “Then I found myself listening to that. I (did) my show with him, and he makes ME feel young.”
Cope, who was born Myron Kopelman, was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred, in 1994. He is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth, and a son, Daniel, who is autistic and lives at Allegheny Valley School, which received all rights to the Terrible Towel in 1996. Another daughter, Martha Ann, died shortly after birth.
By ALAN ROBINSON, AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP)—Myron Cope spoke in a language and with a voice never before heard in a broadcast booth, yet a loving Pittsburgh understood him perfectly during an unprecedented 35 years as a Steelers announcer.
The screechy-voiced Cope, a writer by trade and an announcer by accident whose colorful catch phrases and twirling Terrible Towel became nationally known symbols of the Steelers, died Wednesday at age 79.
Cope died at a nursing home in Mount Lebanon, a Pittsburgh suburb, Joe Gordon, a former Steelers executive and a longtime friend of Cope’s, said. Cope had been treated for respiratory problems and heart failure in recent months.
Cope’s tenure from 1970-2004 as the color analyst on the Steelers’ radio network is the longest in NFL history for a broadcaster with a single team and led to his induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2005.
“His memorable voice and unique broadcasting style became synonymous with Steelers football,” team president Art Rooney II said Wednesday. “They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and no Pittsburgh broadcaster was impersonated more than Myron.”
One of Pittsburgh’s most colorful and recognizable personalities, Cope was best known beyond the city’s three rivers for the yellow cloth twirled by fans as a good luck charm at Steelers games since the mid-1970s.
The Terrible Towel is arguably the best-known fan symbol of any major pro sports team, has raised millions of dollars for charity and is displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Upon Cope’s retirement in 2005, team chairman Dan Rooney said, “You were really part of it. You were part of the team. The Terrible Towel many times got us over the goal line.”
Even after retiring, Cope—a sports talk show host for 23 years—continued to appear in numerous radio, TV and print ads, emblematic of a local popularity that sometimes surpassed that of the stars he covered.
Team officials marveled how Cope received more attention than the players or coaches when the Steelers checked into hotels, accompanied by crowds of fans so large that security guards were needed in every city.
“It is a very sad day, but Myron lived every day to make people happy, to use his great sense of humor to dissect the various issues of the sporting world. … He’s a legend,” former Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker Andy Russell said.
Cope didn’t become a football announcer until age 40, spending the first half of his professional career as a sports writer. He was hired by the Steelers in 1970, several years after he began doing TV sports commentary on the whim of WTAE-TV program director Don Shafer, mostly to help increase attention and attendance as the Steelers moved into Three Rivers Stadium.
Coincidentally, a pair of rookies—Cope and a quarterback named Terry Bradshaw—made their Steelers debuts during the team’s first regular season game at Three Rivers on Sept. 20, 1970.
Neither Steelers owner Art Rooney nor Cope had any idea how much impact he would have on the franchise. Within two years of his hiring, Pittsburgh would begin a string of home sellouts that continues to this day, a stretch that includes five Super Bowl titles.
Cope became so popular that the Steelers didn’t try to replace his unique perspective and top-of-the-lungs vocal histrionics when he retired, instead downsizing from a three-man announcing team to a two-man booth.
Just as Pirates fans once did with longtime broadcaster Bob Prince, Steelers fans began tuning in to hear what wacky stunt or colorful phrase Cope would come up with next. With a voice beyond imitation—a falsetto so shrill it could pierce even the din of a touchdown celebration—Cope was a man of many words, some not in any dictionary.
To Cope, an exceptional play rated a “Yoi!” A coach’s doublespeak was “garganzola.” The despised rival to the north was always the Cleve Brownies, never the Cleveland Browns.
Cope gave four-time Super Bowl champion coach Chuck Noll the only nickname that ever stuck, the Emperor Chaz. For years, Cope laughed off the downriver and often downtrodden Cincinnati Bengals as the Bungles, though never with a malice or nastiness that would create longstanding anger.
Among those longtime listeners was a Pittsburgh high school star turned NFL player turned Steelers coach—Bill Cowher.
“My dad would listen to his talk show and I would think, `Why would you listen to that?”’ Cowher said. “Then I found myself listening to that. I (did) my show with him, and he makes ME feel young.”
Cope, who was born Myron Kopelman, was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred, in 1994. He is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth, and a son, Daniel, who is autistic and lives at Allegheny Valley School, which received all rights to the Terrible Towel in 1996. Another daughter, Martha Ann, died shortly after birth.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
The New England Patriots Spygate Problem Gets Worse - ESPN
Arlen Spectre's all over this NFL problem and if Commissioner Goodell does not handle it properly it could blow up in the collective face of the league. There are some serious problems with how the Pats conducted their activities under Head Coach Bill Belichek, and it seems that there's more to this than meets the eye and it unfolds more each day.
Specter irked by uncooperative Pats, league in Spygate probe
By Mike Fish
ESPN.com
Frustrated at the obstacles confronting his investigation of "Spygate," Sen. Arlen Specter accused the New England Patriots of "stonewalling" on Friday and suggested the NFL might never get around to questioning key witness Matt Walsh, a former Patriots video assistant.
Specter's comments are in stark contrast to remarks on Wednesday from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who told reporters that the NFL was moving toward an agreement that would allow Walsh to tell what he knows about the Patriots' spying practices without fear of being sued.
Sen. Arlen Specter says he would like to be present if the NFL ever questions Matt Walsh, a former Patriots video assistant.
"My suspicion is that they're going to put enough conditions on it so that he won't talk," Specter, a Republican from Pennsylvania, told ESPN.com. "If they had wanted Walsh to talk, it would have been done a long time ago. They are not helped by keeping him on ice, unless they intend to [permanently] keep him on ice."
If the league gains Walsh's cooperation, Specter said he wants to be present when Walsh is questioned "because a witness' testimony can be shaded or molded by who questions him first.''
Walsh, employed by the Patriots from 1996 to 2003, has suggested that he has information, perhaps even materials, about the Patriots' video practices that could be potentially damaging.
His attorney, Michael Levy, forwarded a proposal to the NFL's outside counsel seeking full indemnification for Walsh on Feb. 14. Levy, as well as Specter, maintained that the league's initial proposal failed to protect Walsh against the possibility of being sued, and said it also required that he turn over any materials or evidence.
"They haven't taken the steps to get Walsh to come forward," Specter said. "They have the key."
Late Friday afternoon, NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello said the league respectfully disagrees with Specter.
"We have offered Mr. Walsh's attorney assurances that are fully responsive to his concerns," Aiello said. "And we have not heard back from him. ... We very much want to speak to [Walsh]."
As of Friday night, however, the league and Walsh's attorney had not reached an agreement.
An attorney for the Patriots told ESPN.com that Walsh did not have a confidentiality agreement with the franchise or anything else that might prevent his cooperation.
Specter painted a much starker, more contentious picture than the one presented by the league and the Patriots. He said both the Patriots and New York Jets have refused to cooperate with his investigation.
That it is somewhere between absurd to insulting that they won't let us talk to the witnesses.
-- Sen. Arlen Specter,
on the Patriots' responses
to his investigators
Specter told ESPN.com that his staff has been rebuffed in its efforts to interview Patriots personnel about the team's videotaping practices. The Republican leader on the Senate Judiciary Committee refused to say who, specifically, he wanted to talk to, but the list presumably includes head coach Bill Belichick, his longtime assistant Ernie Adams and members of the team's video department.
"My staff has been stonewalled on that," Specter said.
After his staff made phone contact with some individuals connected to the team, Specter said they were referred to the Patriots' outside legal counsel, who rejected a request for cooperation. Daniel L. Goldberg, who represents the Patriots and also the Boston Red Sox, said that in all cases, the individuals had been previously interviewed at least once -- and in some instances twice -- by the league.
Goldberg refused to identify those individuals.
"Sen. Specter's office had called me as counsel to the Patriots to ask to interview several Patriots employees," said Goldberg, attorney with the Boston firm of Bingham and McCutchen. "I was told that the inquiry was with respect to signal-taping. And as I explained to the Senator's office, we regard this as a league matter. As such, we have fully cooperated with the league's investigation."
Asked to respond to Specter's accusation that the Patriots have stonewalled his requests for information, Goldberg said, "You look at it from our perspective. Who is the right forum for an inquiry into a matter like this? We regard this as a league matter. It deals with league rules, league enforcement."
But Specter, a one-time district attorney in Philadelphia, didn't react favorably to the Patriots' responses to his investigators.
"Well, I think that it is somewhere between absurd to insulting that they won't let us talk to the witnesses," Specter said. "Whoever heard of not being able to talk to someone because it is hearsay back from somebody else who talked to them. You have to question hearsay and reliability. I'm not prepared to accept what somebody else says these key witnesses say. What kind of an inquiry would it be if we accepted what somebody else tells us what was said?"
Our clients have not spoken to the senator or his staff and at this time have no plans to do so.
-- Jets outside legal counsel
Scott Michel
Specter's investigators also have been rebuffed in their efforts to seek access to members of the Jets' coaching staff. During the season-opening game last September at New York, the Patriots were caught taping defensive signals being sent in from the Jets' sideline. The Jets' staff is of key interest in the Spygate affair because several members, including Jets head coach Eric Mangini, worked under Belichick in New England.
"Our firm was engaged to represent certain employees of the New York Jets in connection with a request for information from Sen. Specter," Jets outside legal counsel Scott Michel said in an e-mail to ESPN.com on Friday night. "Our clients have not spoken to the senator or his staff and at this time have no plans to do so."
Specter said Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Damon Huard, a one-time backup to Tom Brady with the Patriots, refused to speak with him, too, during a personal phone call the Senator placed to Huard last Friday.
"I talked to him, and he wouldn't talk," Specter said. "I didn't go through a secretary, and he doubted that it was Arlen Specter. Maybe that is why he wouldn't talk. I don't sound much like Arlen Specter."
Specter said it is only because of outside pressure that the NFL has offered up additional information related to the Patriots' taping history. Specter explained: "To get a concession from the commissioner that it goes back to the year 2000. To get a concession that they had notes. Originally, we were only told about videos, and they only went back a half-dozen games in '06. Originally, we weren't told that the notes included the [Pittsburgh] Steelers."
Specter said he is aware of what appears to be a united league-wide front supporting Goodell's handling of the taping controversy. That support was echoed Thursday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis by members of the league's powerful Competition Committee, who told reporters they believe the issue should be put to rest.
"Well, I don't want to pick a fight with everybody in the world, like all the owners," Specter said. "But they are functioning from talking points -- 'We're satisfied with the investigation.' 'Oh yes, the penalty was sufficient.' 'Oh, let's put this behind us.' 'Let's move on.'
"You have heard everyone say the same thing."
Mike Fish is an investigative reporter for ESPN.com. He can be reached at michaeljfish@gmail.com.
Specter irked by uncooperative Pats, league in Spygate probe
By Mike Fish
ESPN.com
Frustrated at the obstacles confronting his investigation of "Spygate," Sen. Arlen Specter accused the New England Patriots of "stonewalling" on Friday and suggested the NFL might never get around to questioning key witness Matt Walsh, a former Patriots video assistant.
Specter's comments are in stark contrast to remarks on Wednesday from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who told reporters that the NFL was moving toward an agreement that would allow Walsh to tell what he knows about the Patriots' spying practices without fear of being sued.
Sen. Arlen Specter says he would like to be present if the NFL ever questions Matt Walsh, a former Patriots video assistant.
"My suspicion is that they're going to put enough conditions on it so that he won't talk," Specter, a Republican from Pennsylvania, told ESPN.com. "If they had wanted Walsh to talk, it would have been done a long time ago. They are not helped by keeping him on ice, unless they intend to [permanently] keep him on ice."
If the league gains Walsh's cooperation, Specter said he wants to be present when Walsh is questioned "because a witness' testimony can be shaded or molded by who questions him first.''
Walsh, employed by the Patriots from 1996 to 2003, has suggested that he has information, perhaps even materials, about the Patriots' video practices that could be potentially damaging.
His attorney, Michael Levy, forwarded a proposal to the NFL's outside counsel seeking full indemnification for Walsh on Feb. 14. Levy, as well as Specter, maintained that the league's initial proposal failed to protect Walsh against the possibility of being sued, and said it also required that he turn over any materials or evidence.
"They haven't taken the steps to get Walsh to come forward," Specter said. "They have the key."
Late Friday afternoon, NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello said the league respectfully disagrees with Specter.
"We have offered Mr. Walsh's attorney assurances that are fully responsive to his concerns," Aiello said. "And we have not heard back from him. ... We very much want to speak to [Walsh]."
As of Friday night, however, the league and Walsh's attorney had not reached an agreement.
An attorney for the Patriots told ESPN.com that Walsh did not have a confidentiality agreement with the franchise or anything else that might prevent his cooperation.
Specter painted a much starker, more contentious picture than the one presented by the league and the Patriots. He said both the Patriots and New York Jets have refused to cooperate with his investigation.
That it is somewhere between absurd to insulting that they won't let us talk to the witnesses.
-- Sen. Arlen Specter,
on the Patriots' responses
to his investigators
Specter told ESPN.com that his staff has been rebuffed in its efforts to interview Patriots personnel about the team's videotaping practices. The Republican leader on the Senate Judiciary Committee refused to say who, specifically, he wanted to talk to, but the list presumably includes head coach Bill Belichick, his longtime assistant Ernie Adams and members of the team's video department.
"My staff has been stonewalled on that," Specter said.
After his staff made phone contact with some individuals connected to the team, Specter said they were referred to the Patriots' outside legal counsel, who rejected a request for cooperation. Daniel L. Goldberg, who represents the Patriots and also the Boston Red Sox, said that in all cases, the individuals had been previously interviewed at least once -- and in some instances twice -- by the league.
Goldberg refused to identify those individuals.
"Sen. Specter's office had called me as counsel to the Patriots to ask to interview several Patriots employees," said Goldberg, attorney with the Boston firm of Bingham and McCutchen. "I was told that the inquiry was with respect to signal-taping. And as I explained to the Senator's office, we regard this as a league matter. As such, we have fully cooperated with the league's investigation."
Asked to respond to Specter's accusation that the Patriots have stonewalled his requests for information, Goldberg said, "You look at it from our perspective. Who is the right forum for an inquiry into a matter like this? We regard this as a league matter. It deals with league rules, league enforcement."
But Specter, a one-time district attorney in Philadelphia, didn't react favorably to the Patriots' responses to his investigators.
"Well, I think that it is somewhere between absurd to insulting that they won't let us talk to the witnesses," Specter said. "Whoever heard of not being able to talk to someone because it is hearsay back from somebody else who talked to them. You have to question hearsay and reliability. I'm not prepared to accept what somebody else says these key witnesses say. What kind of an inquiry would it be if we accepted what somebody else tells us what was said?"
Our clients have not spoken to the senator or his staff and at this time have no plans to do so.
-- Jets outside legal counsel
Scott Michel
Specter's investigators also have been rebuffed in their efforts to seek access to members of the Jets' coaching staff. During the season-opening game last September at New York, the Patriots were caught taping defensive signals being sent in from the Jets' sideline. The Jets' staff is of key interest in the Spygate affair because several members, including Jets head coach Eric Mangini, worked under Belichick in New England.
"Our firm was engaged to represent certain employees of the New York Jets in connection with a request for information from Sen. Specter," Jets outside legal counsel Scott Michel said in an e-mail to ESPN.com on Friday night. "Our clients have not spoken to the senator or his staff and at this time have no plans to do so."
Specter said Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Damon Huard, a one-time backup to Tom Brady with the Patriots, refused to speak with him, too, during a personal phone call the Senator placed to Huard last Friday.
"I talked to him, and he wouldn't talk," Specter said. "I didn't go through a secretary, and he doubted that it was Arlen Specter. Maybe that is why he wouldn't talk. I don't sound much like Arlen Specter."
Specter said it is only because of outside pressure that the NFL has offered up additional information related to the Patriots' taping history. Specter explained: "To get a concession from the commissioner that it goes back to the year 2000. To get a concession that they had notes. Originally, we were only told about videos, and they only went back a half-dozen games in '06. Originally, we weren't told that the notes included the [Pittsburgh] Steelers."
Specter said he is aware of what appears to be a united league-wide front supporting Goodell's handling of the taping controversy. That support was echoed Thursday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis by members of the league's powerful Competition Committee, who told reporters they believe the issue should be put to rest.
"Well, I don't want to pick a fight with everybody in the world, like all the owners," Specter said. "But they are functioning from talking points -- 'We're satisfied with the investigation.' 'Oh yes, the penalty was sufficient.' 'Oh, let's put this behind us.' 'Let's move on.'
"You have heard everyone say the same thing."
Mike Fish is an investigative reporter for ESPN.com. He can be reached at michaeljfish@gmail.com.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Chad Johnson to Remain A Cincinnati Bengals Receiver - ESPN
Assuring that Chad Johnson will line up and roam free to catch passes at the enemy Cleveland Browns stadium built by Kofi Bonner , Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis has said that he has a great relationship with Johnson and he will stay in Cincinnati. Here's the rest from ESPN..
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is standing firm: Chad Johnson is staying in Cincinnati.
Lewis said Wednesday that the team will not trade the disgruntled wide receiver and has never discussed it, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer and the team's Web site.
"They can stop the presses, quit killing trees and move on to other things," Lewis said, defending Johnson despite the wide receiver's critical comments about the team. "There is, at no point, anyone in the Bengals organization who has ever uttered anything about trading Chad Johnson. Nor will he be traded."
On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that acquiring Johnson is the Washington Redskins' top offseason priority, as team owner Daniel Snyder wants an elite receiver.
The Post reported that according to two league sources, Johnson wants to land a big payday in Washington, and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has been quietly working behind the scenes to broker a deal.
But Lewis said that's simply not going to happen.
"There is no such thing as behind-the-door dealings in the NFL. That does not occur because the team in question [the Bengals] is not willing to trade their player, nor have they thought about trading their player or discussed trading their player, nor will they discuss trading their player. So I think that's pretty clear. Things can move on," he said.
In television and radio interviews over the past month, Johnson has criticized the Bengals and hinted that he would welcome a change of scenery.
Lewis said Wednesday that he has not spoken to Johnson since the team's final regular season game.
"People [in the building] talk to him," Lewis said, according to reports. "It's unfortunate for Chad that he is being cast in this light because it's not fair. So once again I will go on record in defense of him."
"We've had a great relationship," Lewis said of the Bengals and Johnson. "All I want to see is Chad continue to be a very, very productive NFL player and help us win a lot of football games. And that's not going to change."
The latest figures from the NFL Players Association show Johnson was the fourth-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL last season with total compensation of $7,165,379 million, according to the reports. Were the Bengals to trade or release him before June 1, they would take a salary cap hit of $8.03 million.
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is standing firm: Chad Johnson is staying in Cincinnati.
Lewis said Wednesday that the team will not trade the disgruntled wide receiver and has never discussed it, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer and the team's Web site.
"They can stop the presses, quit killing trees and move on to other things," Lewis said, defending Johnson despite the wide receiver's critical comments about the team. "There is, at no point, anyone in the Bengals organization who has ever uttered anything about trading Chad Johnson. Nor will he be traded."
On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that acquiring Johnson is the Washington Redskins' top offseason priority, as team owner Daniel Snyder wants an elite receiver.
The Post reported that according to two league sources, Johnson wants to land a big payday in Washington, and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has been quietly working behind the scenes to broker a deal.
But Lewis said that's simply not going to happen.
"There is no such thing as behind-the-door dealings in the NFL. That does not occur because the team in question [the Bengals] is not willing to trade their player, nor have they thought about trading their player or discussed trading their player, nor will they discuss trading their player. So I think that's pretty clear. Things can move on," he said.
In television and radio interviews over the past month, Johnson has criticized the Bengals and hinted that he would welcome a change of scenery.
Lewis said Wednesday that he has not spoken to Johnson since the team's final regular season game.
"People [in the building] talk to him," Lewis said, according to reports. "It's unfortunate for Chad that he is being cast in this light because it's not fair. So once again I will go on record in defense of him."
"We've had a great relationship," Lewis said of the Bengals and Johnson. "All I want to see is Chad continue to be a very, very productive NFL player and help us win a lot of football games. And that's not going to change."
The latest figures from the NFL Players Association show Johnson was the fourth-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL last season with total compensation of $7,165,379 million, according to the reports. Were the Bengals to trade or release him before June 1, they would take a salary cap hit of $8.03 million.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Randy Moss in College; 90-Yard Screen Pass To TD Video
For those who wondered what talent Randy Moss showed at Marshall that caused him to go in the first round of the NFL Draft, here's a good look. This video should be the measure of all wide receivers coming out of college to the NFL. If you can find a senior receiver who made a play like this, put him or her on your list. Check this out!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Super Bowl XLII, New England Patriots Final Drive, Tom Brady
This is the companion video to the first one showing the NY Giants touchdown drive and the David Tyree catch. Here, we see what happened to the New England Patriots as they had a chance to either kick a field goal to tie the game, or score an even more dramatic touchdown.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Giants' staggering win over Patriots watched by record 97.5 million
Associated Press
NEW YORK -- The 97.5 million viewers who saw the New York Giants' last-minute win over the New England Patriots made it the most-watched Super Bowl ever and second biggest event in American television history.
Only the "MASH" series finale in 1983, with 106 million viewers, was seen by more people, Nielsen Media Research said Monday. Sunday's game eclipsed the previous Super Bowl record of 94.08 million, set when Dallas defeated Pittsburgh in 1996.
This year's game had almost all the ingredients Fox could have hoped for: a tight contest with a thrilling finish involving a team that was attempting to make history as the NFL's first unbeaten team since 1972.
But the Giants ended New England's bid for perfection, 17-14. Throughout the game, the teams were never separated by more than a touchdown.
"You might like your equation going in, but you still need some breaks going your way," said Ed Goren, Fox sports president. The closeness of the game probably added a couple million viewers to the telecast's average; the audience peaked at 105.7 million viewers between 9:30 and 10 p.m. EST -- during the fourth quarter.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning won bragging rights over his brother: Last year's win by Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts was seen by 93.2 million people, now the third most popular Super Bowl. Manning was set to appear on David Letterman's "Late Show" on Monday, but travel delays in Arizona pushed his appearance back to Wednesday.
An eye-popping 81 percent of all TV sets on in the Boston area Sunday were tuned in to the game. In New York, the audience share was 67 percent.
There were signs even before game time that Fox could be headed for a record. The opportunity for a team to make history with football's first 19-0 record was a powerful draw. The Giants and Patriots also had a tight contest in late December that drew strong ratings.
The Giants' underdog run had also captivated the nation's largest media market, making up for the only potential weakness in the event as a drawing card: the lack of geographical diversity in the competing teams.
There were past Super Bowls with higher ratings, topped by the 1982 game between San Francisco and Cincinnati (49.1 rating, 73 share). That indicates a larger percentage of homes with televisions were watching the game. But since the American population has increased, along with the number of people with TVs, the actual number of people watching this year was higher.
The Giants-Patriots game's actual rating (43.2 rating, 65 share) was the highest for any Super Bowl since 2000. That means 43 percent of the nation's TV sets were tuned in to the game, and 65 percent of the TV sets that were turned on were watching football.
The 97.5 million figure represents the game's average viewership during any given minute. Nielsen said that a total of 148.3 million watched at least some part of the game.
Goren said ratings were stronger than usual for Fox's pregame show, crediting the decision to add a show biz element with Ryan Seacrest to a program often usually only hardcore football fans could love.
Fox, a division of News Corp., charged $2.7 million for 30 seconds of advertising time on the game, and that may have been a bargain.
This year's Super Bowl was one of the few -- if only -- television events where more people watched the commercials than the program itself, according to digital video recorder makers TiVo Inc.
By measuring live viewership, and the number of people who rewound their DVRs, the most-seen Super Bowl commercial was E-Trade's stock-talking baby, who ended a financial discussion by spitting up, TiVo said.
"I didn't see that punch line coming at all," said Todd Juenger, Tivo's research chief.
Pepsi's Justin Timberlake commercial was second, proving fans either like watching Timberlake, or like watching him sail into a mailbox post crotch-first. The Doritos "Mouse Trap" commercial, from an idea submitted by a viewer, was third.
In what may be a sign of the times, TiVo's top 10 commercials featured only one beer ad and four for either soft drinks or flavored water.
NEW YORK -- The 97.5 million viewers who saw the New York Giants' last-minute win over the New England Patriots made it the most-watched Super Bowl ever and second biggest event in American television history.
Only the "MASH" series finale in 1983, with 106 million viewers, was seen by more people, Nielsen Media Research said Monday. Sunday's game eclipsed the previous Super Bowl record of 94.08 million, set when Dallas defeated Pittsburgh in 1996.
This year's game had almost all the ingredients Fox could have hoped for: a tight contest with a thrilling finish involving a team that was attempting to make history as the NFL's first unbeaten team since 1972.
But the Giants ended New England's bid for perfection, 17-14. Throughout the game, the teams were never separated by more than a touchdown.
"You might like your equation going in, but you still need some breaks going your way," said Ed Goren, Fox sports president. The closeness of the game probably added a couple million viewers to the telecast's average; the audience peaked at 105.7 million viewers between 9:30 and 10 p.m. EST -- during the fourth quarter.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning won bragging rights over his brother: Last year's win by Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts was seen by 93.2 million people, now the third most popular Super Bowl. Manning was set to appear on David Letterman's "Late Show" on Monday, but travel delays in Arizona pushed his appearance back to Wednesday.
An eye-popping 81 percent of all TV sets on in the Boston area Sunday were tuned in to the game. In New York, the audience share was 67 percent.
There were signs even before game time that Fox could be headed for a record. The opportunity for a team to make history with football's first 19-0 record was a powerful draw. The Giants and Patriots also had a tight contest in late December that drew strong ratings.
The Giants' underdog run had also captivated the nation's largest media market, making up for the only potential weakness in the event as a drawing card: the lack of geographical diversity in the competing teams.
There were past Super Bowls with higher ratings, topped by the 1982 game between San Francisco and Cincinnati (49.1 rating, 73 share). That indicates a larger percentage of homes with televisions were watching the game. But since the American population has increased, along with the number of people with TVs, the actual number of people watching this year was higher.
The Giants-Patriots game's actual rating (43.2 rating, 65 share) was the highest for any Super Bowl since 2000. That means 43 percent of the nation's TV sets were tuned in to the game, and 65 percent of the TV sets that were turned on were watching football.
The 97.5 million figure represents the game's average viewership during any given minute. Nielsen said that a total of 148.3 million watched at least some part of the game.
Goren said ratings were stronger than usual for Fox's pregame show, crediting the decision to add a show biz element with Ryan Seacrest to a program often usually only hardcore football fans could love.
Fox, a division of News Corp., charged $2.7 million for 30 seconds of advertising time on the game, and that may have been a bargain.
This year's Super Bowl was one of the few -- if only -- television events where more people watched the commercials than the program itself, according to digital video recorder makers TiVo Inc.
By measuring live viewership, and the number of people who rewound their DVRs, the most-seen Super Bowl commercial was E-Trade's stock-talking baby, who ended a financial discussion by spitting up, TiVo said.
"I didn't see that punch line coming at all," said Todd Juenger, Tivo's research chief.
Pepsi's Justin Timberlake commercial was second, proving fans either like watching Timberlake, or like watching him sail into a mailbox post crotch-first. The Doritos "Mouse Trap" commercial, from an idea submitted by a viewer, was third.
In what may be a sign of the times, TiVo's top 10 commercials featured only one beer ad and four for either soft drinks or flavored water.
Mike Vick | Vick Keeps Signing Bonus; Judge David Doty Decision - Profootballtalk.com
This is a huge development as the Falcons believed the $20 million should have been returned, but there were many who disagreed and I personally thought the organization's move was vindictive.
VICK CAN KEEP HIS BONUS
Judge David Doty, who presided over the landmark litigation that resulted in free agency and still retains jurisdiction over certain aspects of the administration of the 15-year-old system, has ruled that Falcons quarterback Mike Vick may keep more than $20 million in bonuses paid to him as part of his December 2004 contract extension.
The decision reverses the ruling of Special Master Stephen Burbank, whose decision to allow the Falcons to pursue the money was regarded as a surprise in the wake of a prior decision from Burbank regarding former Broncos receiver Ashley Lelie.
The ruling arises from a conclusion that roster bonuses are money earned in the year in which they are paid. In contrast, a signing bonus is earned over the period of years in which the money is allocated under the salary cap.
The twist in the Vick case was that the team reserved the right to convert the roster bonus payments to guaranteed amounts, which then triggered proration. But the fact that the money was paid out as a roster bonus, according to Judge Doty, exempts it from forfeiture.
In the Lelie case, Burbank found that an option bonus was not subject to forfeiture, even though an option bonus is essentially a signing bonus that comes due at some date after signing. The second time around, Burbank focused on an argument that the league didn't make in the Lelie case in finding that a roster bonus is subject to forfeiture.
The Falcons have the ability to appeal the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. A notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days. Thereafter, the appellate court would set a briefing schedule, and argument would follow several months later. Ultimately, the losing party may attempt to persuade the United States Supreme Court to take up the issue. However, the Supreme Court takes up only a small percentage of proposed appeals.
Vick currently is serving a prison term for violation of federal conspiracy laws relating to gambling and dog fighting.
VICK CAN KEEP HIS BONUS
Judge David Doty, who presided over the landmark litigation that resulted in free agency and still retains jurisdiction over certain aspects of the administration of the 15-year-old system, has ruled that Falcons quarterback Mike Vick may keep more than $20 million in bonuses paid to him as part of his December 2004 contract extension.
The decision reverses the ruling of Special Master Stephen Burbank, whose decision to allow the Falcons to pursue the money was regarded as a surprise in the wake of a prior decision from Burbank regarding former Broncos receiver Ashley Lelie.
The ruling arises from a conclusion that roster bonuses are money earned in the year in which they are paid. In contrast, a signing bonus is earned over the period of years in which the money is allocated under the salary cap.
The twist in the Vick case was that the team reserved the right to convert the roster bonus payments to guaranteed amounts, which then triggered proration. But the fact that the money was paid out as a roster bonus, according to Judge Doty, exempts it from forfeiture.
In the Lelie case, Burbank found that an option bonus was not subject to forfeiture, even though an option bonus is essentially a signing bonus that comes due at some date after signing. The second time around, Burbank focused on an argument that the league didn't make in the Lelie case in finding that a roster bonus is subject to forfeiture.
The Falcons have the ability to appeal the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. A notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days. Thereafter, the appellate court would set a briefing schedule, and argument would follow several months later. Ultimately, the losing party may attempt to persuade the United States Supreme Court to take up the issue. However, the Supreme Court takes up only a small percentage of proposed appeals.
Vick currently is serving a prison term for violation of federal conspiracy laws relating to gambling and dog fighting.
Super Bowl XLII, NY Giants, Eli Manning Pass To Burress
This video is of the NY Giants final drive and Giants QB Eli Manning's TD pass to Plaxico Burress. You can hear Patriots fans taunting Manning yelling "Eli!". The drive led to the Giants win, 17 to 14 and ended the New England Patriots dream of a perfect season.
It's live from my trip to Super Bowl XLII (my sixth Super Bowl game) in Phoenix, AZ, Feb 3, 2008.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Eli Manning Super Bowl 42 MVP
No longer will Eli Manning be referred to as Peyton's little brother. The sterotype of a soft,feeble, passive and inconsistent signal caller has been completely eradicated. Now his name has been entered into the ranks of the best players to every dawn an NFL uniform.
Last year, Peyton hoisted the MVP trophy in South Florida and furthered his legacy in the game of football. Plastered behind the shadows of his older brother and father, Eli never seemed willing or able to elevate from a grounded level of rapid disappoint to a level of excellence and accuracy.
Plagued by a propensity of throwing interceptions, 20 to be exact during the regular season, Manning restricted his number of errors in the playoffs to one. Smart, conscice, efficient and scrupulous, Manning played overwhelmingly reminiscent to his brother on many fronts.
Manning went 9-14 for 152 yards and one touchdown in the fourth quarter, a clear indication that he has gravitated to the level of supremacy that Hall of Fame quarterbacks play at.
The penchant to overcome adversity, media backlash, fan dissent and the tremors of constant negativity for his entire career, demonstrates Eli's true character and leadership skills. Naysayers transformed into believers and supporters reaffirmed their confidence in the Giants champion
Tonight, Eli Manning displayed that he is now his own Manning. After his epic performance in which he mustered together a game winning 83-yard drive with 35 seconds remaining, the comparisons to his big-brother can be terminated.
Last year, Peyton hoisted the MVP trophy in South Florida and furthered his legacy in the game of football. Plastered behind the shadows of his older brother and father, Eli never seemed willing or able to elevate from a grounded level of rapid disappoint to a level of excellence and accuracy.
Plagued by a propensity of throwing interceptions, 20 to be exact during the regular season, Manning restricted his number of errors in the playoffs to one. Smart, conscice, efficient and scrupulous, Manning played overwhelmingly reminiscent to his brother on many fronts.
Manning went 9-14 for 152 yards and one touchdown in the fourth quarter, a clear indication that he has gravitated to the level of supremacy that Hall of Fame quarterbacks play at.
The penchant to overcome adversity, media backlash, fan dissent and the tremors of constant negativity for his entire career, demonstrates Eli's true character and leadership skills. Naysayers transformed into believers and supporters reaffirmed their confidence in the Giants champion
Tonight, Eli Manning displayed that he is now his own Manning. After his epic performance in which he mustered together a game winning 83-yard drive with 35 seconds remaining, the comparisons to his big-brother can be terminated.
A Giant Upset: NY Prevails In SB 42, 17-14
Perfect no more. The dreams of a 19-0 season by the New England Patriots were fizzled tonight by one of the most unlikliest of teams in NFL history.
From Tampa Bay to Dallas, Green Bay to Arizona, the improbable story of the New York Giants persisted tonight in Super Bowl 42. Provided with a bleak opportunity to emerge victorious, the Giants demonstrated that no team is unbeatable, even the vaunted New England Patriots.
Equipped with the premier offense, fourth ranked defense, undefeated record and a margin of victory of twenty points, it was blatantly obvious to pundits, analysts, reporters and the majority of fans across the nation that the Patriots would cement their stamp in the record books and hoist their fourth Vince Lombardi trophy in the last seven years. Someone forgot to send the memo to the Giants players and coaches.
Throughout the week the teams demeanor was positive and optimistic, never doubting their ability to dethron the unstoppable Pats. Fortunately, their confidence enabled them to defeat the pre-eminent opponent of all.
After Tom Brady connected with Randy Moss to propel the Patriots to a four-point lead, 14-10, Eli Manning advanced his team down the field on a daunting 12-play, 83-yard drive highlighted by an insurmountable catch by David Tyree.
With 35 seconds remaining, Manning found Plaxico Burress on a 13-yard fade route in the corner of the endzone to ensure the Giants third Super Bowl victory and first since 1990.
In week 17 New England defeated New York by three points, but when it counted most on the grandest stage in football, the Giants prevailed by three points, shattering the Patriots flawless season.
From Tampa Bay to Dallas, Green Bay to Arizona, the improbable story of the New York Giants persisted tonight in Super Bowl 42. Provided with a bleak opportunity to emerge victorious, the Giants demonstrated that no team is unbeatable, even the vaunted New England Patriots.
Equipped with the premier offense, fourth ranked defense, undefeated record and a margin of victory of twenty points, it was blatantly obvious to pundits, analysts, reporters and the majority of fans across the nation that the Patriots would cement their stamp in the record books and hoist their fourth Vince Lombardi trophy in the last seven years. Someone forgot to send the memo to the Giants players and coaches.
Throughout the week the teams demeanor was positive and optimistic, never doubting their ability to dethron the unstoppable Pats. Fortunately, their confidence enabled them to defeat the pre-eminent opponent of all.
After Tom Brady connected with Randy Moss to propel the Patriots to a four-point lead, 14-10, Eli Manning advanced his team down the field on a daunting 12-play, 83-yard drive highlighted by an insurmountable catch by David Tyree.
With 35 seconds remaining, Manning found Plaxico Burress on a 13-yard fade route in the corner of the endzone to ensure the Giants third Super Bowl victory and first since 1990.
In week 17 New England defeated New York by three points, but when it counted most on the grandest stage in football, the Giants prevailed by three points, shattering the Patriots flawless season.
Patriots Lead Giants 7-3 At Halftime
Through the first half of Super Bowl 42, the Patriots have gained a slim lead over the NFC Champions.
Laurence Maroney's one-yard touchdown gave the undefeated patriots a four-point advantage at thr 14:57 mark of the second quarter after a Lawrence Tyne's 32-yard field goal propeled them to an early lead.
The Giants relentless pressure on Tom Brady enabled them to contain the NFL MVP to under 100 yards pasing and one completion to wide receiver Randy Moss. In addition, Brady was sacked three times, including twice on one series. The Patriots inability to find consistency and rhythm on both sides of the football have been the two central factors that have challenged them all game long.
Although Eli Manning turned the ball over for the first time this postseason (four games), he has performed exceedingly well through the first thirty minutes of this epic contest. The younger Manning directed the Giants on a 16 play, 9:59 drive that spanned 63 yards to start the game- most play attempts on an opening drive in Super Bowl history.
The expected offensive onslaught was not visible in the first half as the Giants were contained to 139 yards and the Patriots 81. Moreover, New York controlled the time of possession at 19:27.
Laurence Maroney's one-yard touchdown gave the undefeated patriots a four-point advantage at thr 14:57 mark of the second quarter after a Lawrence Tyne's 32-yard field goal propeled them to an early lead.
The Giants relentless pressure on Tom Brady enabled them to contain the NFL MVP to under 100 yards pasing and one completion to wide receiver Randy Moss. In addition, Brady was sacked three times, including twice on one series. The Patriots inability to find consistency and rhythm on both sides of the football have been the two central factors that have challenged them all game long.
Although Eli Manning turned the ball over for the first time this postseason (four games), he has performed exceedingly well through the first thirty minutes of this epic contest. The younger Manning directed the Giants on a 16 play, 9:59 drive that spanned 63 yards to start the game- most play attempts on an opening drive in Super Bowl history.
The expected offensive onslaught was not visible in the first half as the Giants were contained to 139 yards and the Patriots 81. Moreover, New York controlled the time of possession at 19:27.
Jason Taylor Named Walter Payton Man Of The Year
Moments before the kickoff of Super Bowl 42 between the Giants and Patriots, Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Taylor was presented with the Walton Payton Man of the Year award for his substantial contribution in the community and off the field.
Taylor, the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, becomes the third Dolphin to be honored with the Walton Payton award. Hall of Fame center Dwight Stephenson (1985) and quarterback Dan Marino (1998)were the first two fins to receive the recognition for their hard work when away from the field.
Taylor, the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, becomes the third Dolphin to be honored with the Walton Payton award. Hall of Fame center Dwight Stephenson (1985) and quarterback Dan Marino (1998)were the first two fins to receive the recognition for their hard work when away from the field.
7 Crazy Superbowl Predictions that could happen
7 Crazy Super bowl Predictions that could happen
By Dr. Bill Chachkes-NFL Draft Bible.com
7- Patriots WR Randy Moss will be assaulted by a group from the women's anti-defamation league as he leaves a party Saturday Night. He will need a restraining order and a police escort in order to play the game Sunday.
6- Coach Bill Belichick will have his entire coaching wardrobe of 27 Hoodies and two pullover hats stolen by a group of 12 year olds from the Ravenswood Housing Projects In Astoria NY called the "little Giants Mafia".
5- Dallas owner Jerry Jones, still distraught over the Cowboys early exit from the Playoffs, will try to get a new playoff system passed that eliminates the wild card round of the playoffs. He will then take a 4 day skiing trip to Utah with Jeff Lurie, and Dan Snyder. He will break his hand on a fall on the slopes, and Snyder will have him airlifted out by a Fedex copter. Lurie will then try to Rush release a movie epic based on the trip ahead of Steve Tisch's release of the same movie.
4- Jessicia Simpson will break up with Tony Romo and Profess her love for Eli Manning. Her father Joe will throw himself at Archie and Olivia Manning, begging them for a chance at their son. Archie will offer Joe a case of Double Stuff Oreos and a case of Hershey's Chocolate milk and tell him to go home.
3- Tom Petty's Tour Bus will burn down at a Roadside diner in Black Canyon City Arizona the day before the game. No one will be hurt, but Petty will have to borrow Prince's purple guitar to play the halftime show. Gene Simmons from Kiss will tell everyone he could have played a better show. By himself.
2- Tom Brady will throw 7 interceptions in the game, and retire from football in the post game press conference. He will break up with the pinup girlfriend and join a religious cult, giving all his net worth to them.
And the #1 Wacky Super Bowl Prediction is:
The Giants will win 24-21 on a last second Field Goal by Tynes again. Both Scotland and Milton Fl. will claim Tynes a Native son, causing a Lawsuit over both's use of his name on a welcome sign. Tynes will accept a free agent offer to play for the new NFL expansion team in Fairbanks Alaska….
By Dr. Bill Chachkes-NFL Draft Bible.com
7- Patriots WR Randy Moss will be assaulted by a group from the women's anti-defamation league as he leaves a party Saturday Night. He will need a restraining order and a police escort in order to play the game Sunday.
6- Coach Bill Belichick will have his entire coaching wardrobe of 27 Hoodies and two pullover hats stolen by a group of 12 year olds from the Ravenswood Housing Projects In Astoria NY called the "little Giants Mafia".
5- Dallas owner Jerry Jones, still distraught over the Cowboys early exit from the Playoffs, will try to get a new playoff system passed that eliminates the wild card round of the playoffs. He will then take a 4 day skiing trip to Utah with Jeff Lurie, and Dan Snyder. He will break his hand on a fall on the slopes, and Snyder will have him airlifted out by a Fedex copter. Lurie will then try to Rush release a movie epic based on the trip ahead of Steve Tisch's release of the same movie.
4- Jessicia Simpson will break up with Tony Romo and Profess her love for Eli Manning. Her father Joe will throw himself at Archie and Olivia Manning, begging them for a chance at their son. Archie will offer Joe a case of Double Stuff Oreos and a case of Hershey's Chocolate milk and tell him to go home.
3- Tom Petty's Tour Bus will burn down at a Roadside diner in Black Canyon City Arizona the day before the game. No one will be hurt, but Petty will have to borrow Prince's purple guitar to play the halftime show. Gene Simmons from Kiss will tell everyone he could have played a better show. By himself.
2- Tom Brady will throw 7 interceptions in the game, and retire from football in the post game press conference. He will break up with the pinup girlfriend and join a religious cult, giving all his net worth to them.
And the #1 Wacky Super Bowl Prediction is:
The Giants will win 24-21 on a last second Field Goal by Tynes again. Both Scotland and Milton Fl. will claim Tynes a Native son, causing a Lawsuit over both's use of his name on a welcome sign. Tynes will accept a free agent offer to play for the new NFL expansion team in Fairbanks Alaska….
Friday, February 01, 2008
Kofi Bonner | Candlestick Point Plan For Bayview Hunters Point, San Francisco
Kofi Bonner | Candlestick Point Plan For Bayview Hunters Point, San Francisco
Kofi Bonner Shows New Homes, Open Space and Jobs Are Part of Transit-Oriented Project to Open Up Southeast S.F. Waterfront
SAN FRANCISCO -- Plans were unveiled by Kofi Bonner of Lennar Corporation at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for an innovative new Candlestick Point neighborhood that would feature as its centerpiece a new stadium for the San Francisco 49ers and include an 8,000-10,000 seat arena, new market rate and affordable housing, retail and entertainment uses, public parks and open space, and improved access to the San Francisco Bay shoreline.
The presentation was the first public viewing of the mixed-use/stadium development that was created as part of the 49ers stadium project. "We strongly believe that our proposed plan for Candlestick Point serves both the 49ers and the community of Bayview Hunters Point and we look forward to making refinements to the plan that inevitably occur as a result of the public review process," said Kofi Bonner, president of Lennar Communities Bay Area Urban Division, the company selected by the 49ers and The City to create a new home for the NFL team as well as bring new housing and job opportunities to San Francisco.
On Nov. 8, 49ers co-owner John York surprised the City of San Francisco, Lennar, football fans and the public when he announced that the York family was making Santa Clara their first choice for a new football stadium after almost a decade of team efforts to build a stadium in San Francisco and almost a year of meetings on this specific plan. Mayor Gavin Newsom requested the Board of Supervisors call today's hearing to view and evaluate the various elements of the plan.
The Candlestick Point plan will create a new transit-oriented neighborhood within the existing Bayview Hunters Point community that provides football fans, current and future residents with improved connections to Caltrain, Light Rail Transit, and bus service and provides improved traffic flow, parking and day-of-game experience for 49ers fans traveling to and from the new stadium.
The proposed plan will create 6,500 new homes, a new 8,000-10,000 seat arena, approximately 400,000 sq. ft of retail and entertainment uses, 150,000 sq. ft. of office space, a new 200 room hotel, and over 150 acres of parks and open space. In addition, the new development is expected to provide approximately 3,000 new permanent jobs and preserve the 2,000 day-of-game jobs.
"We created this development with three objectives," said Bonner. "To create a memorable and exciting fan experience for the 49ers faithful, to transform Candlestick Point into a vibrant and viable mixed-use sustainable community that will appeal to our home buyers, and at the same time provide much needed jobs and housing."
At the heart of the game day experience are the new "urban tailgating
" opportunities provided by the various sports bars, restaurants and live music venues clustered along the retail street leading to the stadium plaza. For the traditional tailgaters, the plan includes approximately 3,500 spaces to tailgate -- ranging from the roof of the new parking structure to one of the most beautiful tailgating venues in the world, a revitalized State Park along the San Francisco shoreline.
The plan includes new recreational opportunities for the public through improvements to the Candlestick Point State Park, the creation of walking paths, the expansion of the Bay Trail, new bike paths and water-oriented activities. In addition, the plan also meets one of the City's key objectives for the project - the provision of a significant number of affordable housing units and the replacement of the Alice Griffith Housing Project - also known as "Double Rock".
In preparing the plan, Lennar worked closely with the 49ers to create a phasing plan that would allow the 49ers to play continuously at Candlestick Point and to provide the necessary fan parking. At the opening of the new stadium, Lennar expects to have a significant portion of the development complete, including the main retail and entertainment uses that allow for the "urban tailgate" experience.
"Although the new 49ers stadium is a significant component of a new Candlestick Point neighborhood, it's important to note that even if the stadium is not built, the development stands on its own," Bonner said. "With or without a new stadium, the creation of new homes, parks and transportation will benefit the existing neighborhood and future residents." Lennar is expected to provide the entire infrastructure necessary to support development at Candlestick Point and the revenues from the project are expected to provide a portion of the funding for the construction of the new stadium.
Lennar said the company will work closely with the Mayor's office, Board of Supervisors and other community leaders to help make the project a reality.
