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.
Monday, February 04, 2008
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.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
NFL Draft Bible Football Friday Podcast
The NFL Draft Bible's Football Friday Podcast crew Welcome in Zennie Abraham and Mike Ingram Live from Arizona with our Superbowl XLII(42) Preview Show. We will get you up to speed on all the Football news this week plus other special guests. Besides podcasting LIVE on Blog Talk Radio, the show is now available on iTunes as well.
We air Live at 6:30 EST every Friday...
We air Live at 6:30 EST every Friday...
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Super Bowl XXXII - Tom Brady And New England Patriots Leave for Arizona
After all of the talk about Tom Brady limping and not showing up at Pats practices, here we are with Brady as ESPN reports that he and the New England Patriots prepare to leave for Arizona.
Maybe it was a smoke-screen?
Maybe it was a smoke-screen?
Raiders Owner Al Davis Treating Head Coach Lane Kiffin Like Turd
Ok. You read the title and I'm standing by it. Oakland Raiders Manager of The General Partner Al Davis is reportedly treating his still-newly-hired Head Coach Lane Kiffin like a turd. It's a hard statement but look at the reports.
Apparently this all started because Kiffin wanted to replace Raiders Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan, who's leaky run defenses have cost the Silver and Black chances to win close games in 2007. But Lane Kiffin's actions were reportedly blocked by Davis himself. When Kiffin complained to Davis, the owner asked him to resign; he did not and for good reason: Kiffin would lose the salary he's due of $2 million annual for the rest of his contract.
More to come on this mess.
Regardless of the real truth, it's clear the Raiders are once again surrounded by soap-opera drama on the scale of a daytime show.
