Nfl Football - Football Betting

2005-11-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

Roethlisberger's injury isn't bad

SEAHAWKS SAFETY IS OUT FOR SEASON

Mercury News Wire Services

Ben Roethlisberger's right-knee injury apparently is not serious, but Pittsburgh Coach Bill Cowher isn't ready to say if his quarterback will be ready to play Sunday in Green Bay. -NFL Football-

Roethlisberger underwent an MRI exam Tuesday, about 12 hours after the Steelers' 20-19 victory over Baltimore, and was given a preliminary diagnosis of a strained posterior capsule. The injury affects the range of motion of the knee and can be very painful. -NFL Football-

``All ligaments are fine, and we'll get a further update as the week goes on,'' Cowher said. ``There's nothing serious coming out of the game as we speak. . . . Hopefully it's something he can continue to work through, and we'll rest him when we can and see where he is at the end of the week.'' -NFL Football-

• Seattle Seahawks safety Ken Hamlin will be out for the rest of the season because of brain injuries he suffered Oct. 17 in a fight outside a nightclub. Hamlin was placed on the non-football injury list. -NFL Football-

• Daunte Culpepper's season officially ended when the Minnesota Vikings placed the quarterback on injured reserve. Culpepper tore three ligaments in his right knee Sunday. Surgery has not yet been scheduled. -NFL Football-

• The Denver Broncos will part ways with cornerback Lenny Walls, a move that signals their confidence in fast-improving rookies Darrent Williams and Domonique Foxworth. -NFL Football-

Walls, who began the season as the starter opposite Champ Bailey, was placed on the reserve-injured list, meaning he must be released after he recovers from an injured groin. -NFL Football-

• Cleveland Browns running back Reuben Droughns was arrested and charged with drunken driving early Tuesday in suburban Cleveland. He was released without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. -NFL Football-

Droughns has rushed for 530 yards in seven games

2005-10-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

Green isn’t tipping his hand regarding Cardinals’ QB situation
Arizona
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After missing the last two games with a torn groin muscle, Cardinals QB Kurt Warner says he expects to be available for Sunday’s game against Tennessee. Yet, at this writing, head coach Dennis Green’s QB plans for the foreseeable future remained a mystery.--- nfl ---
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Our sources believe Green will wait to see how Warner looks in practice early this week before deciding between Warner and Josh McCown, who ignited Arizona’s stagnant offense in place of Warner the past two games to the tune of 783 passing yards, surpassing Neil Lomax’s team-record 768 yards in back-to-back games at the end of the 1984 season. --- nfl ---
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Conventional wisdom appears to favor McCown, taking into account the above numbers and the fact he’s much more mobile than Warner. McCown’s mobility would appear to give the Cardinals’ weak running game a badly needed boost and reduce the number of sacks allowed. --- nfl ---
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But in his relatively short time as the Cardinals’ coach, it’s become clear that Green and conventional wisdom go together like oil and water. Don’t expect whoever ends up getting the nod to feel comfortable in the starting role, since there’s every reason to believe Green will have his No. 1 QB on the same short leash McCown dangled on last season, when he abruptly lost the starting job to Shaun King on the eve of the Cardinals’ game in Carolina in Week 11.Past Arizona WWHI > --- nfl ---
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The Niners have suffered another major injury-induced blow with the season-ending loss of ILB Jeff Ulbrich, who tore his left biceps muscle attempting to tackle Colts RB Edgerrin James in the team’s 28-3 loss to Indianapolis in Week Five. Ulbrich, who fought off the injury to lead both teams with 10 tackles and a forced fumble, was considered by both head coach Mike Nolan and assistant head coach/LB coach Mike Singletary to be the heart and soul of a defense that put forth a very respectable effort against the dangerous Colts. --- nfl ---
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Ulbrich will be replaced by fourth-year player Saleem Rasheed, who has good speed and quickness but has also spent more time in the trainer’s room than the Niners would like. Like Ulbrich, Rasheed is a serious student of the game, but Singletary would like to see him become more aggressive in his new starting role. It’s worth noting that Ulbrich’s loss made the puzzling trade of LB Jamie Winborn to Jacksonville seem even more poorly timed, also taking into account that OLB Julian Peterson missed most of the last two games with a hamstring injury.Past San Francisco WWHI > --- nfl ---
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Seattle
It hasn’t taken long to convince the Seahawks they made out like bandits with their second-round draft pick for the second straight season. Following in the footsteps of SS Michael Boulware, the team’s instant-impact No. 2 pick last season, Lofa Tatupu has improved steadily each week as the team’s starting middle linebacker and is making a case for staying on the field in passing situations as a nickel linebacker after excelling in that role in place of an injured D.D. Lewis in the Week Five win over the Rams. Tatupu has done a solid job handling defensive signals, and his attitude and leadership ability have drawn rave reviews. After the Rams returned the opening kickoff for a TD in Week Five, Tatupu was dead serious when he offered his services on kickoff coverage to special-teams coach Bob Casullo. Tatupu isn’t the only rookie linebacker making his presence felt for the Seahawks. Third-round pick Leroy Hill continues to close in on Lewis for the starting WLB job. With his natural pass-rush ability, our sources believe Hill has quickly become the team’s most disruptive force at the LB position since Chad Brown when Brown was healthy.Past Seattle WWHI > --- nfl ---
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St. Louis
The emergence of converted WR Mike Furrey as the fifth player to start opposite SS Adam Archuleta since the start of the 2004 season was as much due to the ragged play of converted CB Michael Hawthorne at free safety as anything else. Hawthorne, who got his walking papers late last week, made at least “six huge mistakes” in the recent loss to Seattle, according to one team official. Included among the mishaps were blown coverages on a 52-yard catch by Seahawks WR Joe Jurevicius, a 29-yard TD catch by Seahawks TE Jerramy Stevens and a 35-yard pass-interference call on Rams CB Travis Fisher that set up Seattle’s first TD. We also hear third-round rookie Oshiomogho Atogwe, who hadn’t dressed for a game after making three special-teams mistakes in the Rams’ season opener, could begin to see more action at safety.--- nfl ---

2005-10-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

Inspired Favre leads Packers in rout

GREEN BAY, Wis. (Oct. 9, 2005) -- Brett Favre and his patchwork Packers made up for a month's worth of misery.

Favre threw three touchdown passes despite playing without four offensive starters and losing running back Najeh Davenport to a season-ending ankle injury in the second quarter of Green Bay's 52-3 rout of the New Orleans Saints. - NFL Football -

After going three-and-out and giving up a field goal, Green Bay (1-4) scored 52 unanswered points.

"When you have a lot of pent-up frustration, you can kind of explode like that," kicker Ryan Longwell said after Green Bay's most lopsided win since Oct. 23, 1966, when it routed Atlanta 56-3.

Davenport scored twice before breaking his right ankle just before halftime, and cornerback Al Harris intercepted two passes, broke up three more and recorded a sack as the Packers piled up their most points since scoring 55 against Tampa Bay in 1983. - NFL Football -

"That's the first time I've ever played in a game where we scored 50 points," Favre said. "Who would have guessed it? We're 0-4, struggling, more guys hurt and even lose guys during the course of the game. But I've played long enough to know that if you do things the right way, if you study, prepare and believe, things will go your way."

All afternoon. - NFL Football -

The Saints (2-3) couldn't stop a depleted Packers offense that was missing Pro Bowlers Javon Walker, Ahman Green and Bubba Franks (for all but one snap), and starting center Mike Flanagan and also had both tackles playing on gimpy left legs.

It wasn't the type of homecoming Mike McKenzie anticipated a year after forcing a trade from the Packers.

"They were excellent in every phase of the game," said McKenzie, who saw no evidence of over-the-hill from the team he cited in wanting his walking papers.

"The only thing I can see is 52-3," McKenzie said. "The Packers are looking quite good."

Favre completed 19 of 27 passes for 215 yards and no interceptions before giving way to rookie Aaron Rodgers to start the fourth quarter. - NFL Football -

Green Bay's defense, ranked last in the NFL in turnover differential at minus-9, recovered two fumbles and picked off three passes, including one thrown by backup Todd Bouman that was returned 95 yards for a touchdown by linebacker Nick Barnett with 8:19 remaining.

Barnett raced down the Saints' dejected sideline for his first career score and the second-longest interception TD return in franchise history. - NFL Football -

Bouman replaced Aaron Brooks, who went to the bench midway through the third quarter after completing 9 of 22 passes for 146 yards and no TDs. He wasn't surprised by the Packers onslaught.

"We knew they were desperate," Brooks said. "I knew personally and the team knew they were going to come out and play their best football. Most teams do when they're in that type of situation." - NFL Football -

Davenport, who made his second career start with Green (thigh) deactivated, hopped in from 1 yard to give Green Bay a 7-3 with 2:24 left in the first quarter for the Packers' first touchdown run of the season.

The Packers, who had just two takeaways in the first month, made it 14-3 when Harris jumped in front of Donte' Stallworth and returned the interception 22 yards for his third career TD.

On the next series, Harris wrestled a deep ball from Stallworth, setting up Davenport's second score, from 4 yards. - NFL Football -

Favre's 25-yard touchdown pass to Robert Ferguson, whom he hollered at on the sideline Monday night after an interception, made it 28-3. Kenny Peterson recovered Ernie Conwell 's fumble at the Saints' 19, and three plays later, Favre hit tight end David Martin with a 1-yard TD toss to make it 35-3. - NFL Football -

Favre added a 26-yard touchdown strike to Donald Lee and Longwell added a 26-yard field goal following Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila's recovery of Bouman's fumble at the New Orleans 30.

"Really the game came down to this: We had 13 penalties, five turnovers, two missed field goals, dropped balls, missed tackles and bad coverage," Saints coach Jim Haslett said. "It doesn't get any worse than that. We were bad today." - NFL Football -

And for a change, the Packers were good.

"It's only one win," Favre said. "But it's a real big win."

2005-10-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

NFL Notes: Former Ute Smith proves a fine catch

Coming off the best game of his career, Carolina's Steve Smith is ready to establish himself among the NFL's elite receivers.
He'll get his chance on one of the biggest stages in football - a Monday night game against the Green Bay Packers - and said he's up for the challenge.
''On Monday night you don't have any competition. If you do good, you're the only one, and if you do bad, you're the only one,'' he said Thursday. ''A lot of people are watching. For some people that's a lot of pressure. For me, it isn't.''
Smith, a former University of Utah receiver, has just one real memory from his last Monday night appearance - breaking his leg in the closing minutes of last season's opener, a 24-14 loss to the Packers.
The injury cost him the entire season, but Smith worked hard to come back this year in top form. His 23 catches tie him with Torry Holt for the NFL lead, and he set career highs last week in a loss to Miami with 11 catches for 170 yards and three touchdowns.
Smith is finally earning a reputation for his on-field play. Until recently, he was better known for those hot-tempered explosions.
Before cornerback Ken Lucas signed with the Panthers, he spent time asking about the team. He was told more than once that he would have trouble with Smith and the two would not get along.
Sure enough, it didn't take long before the two were jawing at each other in training camp, with Smith talking trash every time he caught a ball while Lucas was covering him.
After seeing Smith play live, Lucas can appreciate the intensity Smith brings to the game.
''I know he wants the ball every play,'' Lucas said. ''That's any great competitor.''
Smith initially came into the league as a kick returner and made it to the Pro Bowl his rookie season. But he was determined to play receiver, fighting doubters who claimed he was too small at 5-foot-9 to be effective.
He got his chance when the Panthers hired coach John Fox and has emerged as one of the top receivers in the game.

Giants, Jets reach deal

The New York Giants and Jets have reached agreement on a deal for a new stadium in the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J.
The new facility will be built near Giants Stadium, which is currently home to both teams.
Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey announced the deal at a news conference Thursday, saying it would guarantee that both teams remain in New Jersey for the next 99 years.

Faulk's status uncertain

New England running back Kevin Faulk, one of quarterback Tom Brady's most reliable receivers, injured his foot in Sunday's win at Pittsburgh. It was unclear Thursday how many games he would miss.
Faulk is the 10th-leading receiver in franchise history with 217 receptions for 1,935 yards and eight touchdowns. This season, he's tied for third on the team with 13 catches.
As Faulk's replacement, the Patriots signed former Steelers and Raiders running back Amos Zereoue on Wednesday and could make fullback Patrick Pass a bigger part of the passing game.

Around the league

Saints: The NFL lifted the blackout on the Buffalo-New Orleans game Sunday at the Alamodome, allowing the San Antonio CBS affiliate to carry the contest.
Titans: Quarterback Steve McNair practiced, but did not take part in all drills as he recovers from a sore right foot.

2005-09-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

When dreams collide: 2 views of new football field

JOHN BRENNAN

The New York Giants - usually the more conservative of the Meadowlands' two National Football League franchises - have eagerly embraced a bold, deliberately asymmetrical approach to replacing 29-year-old Giants Stadium.

All 10,000 club seats and all 200 luxury suites - stacked four levels high - would be located on the new stadium's west side, according to the 6-pound master plan that the Giants recently thumped onto a conference table at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.

The New York Jets, meanwhile, prefer a traditional seating bowl, much like the current one, with suites and club seats all around the field. - NFL Football -

The placement of the high-priced seats and suites - a mother lode of revenue from a new stadium - is one of the thornier issues the teams still face, only four days before their deadline to reach a financial partnership. If they fail to do so, the sports authority board has empowered Chairman Carl Goldberg to pull the plug on the preliminary stadium agreement the Giants signed in April.

The unusual seating approach by the Giants has been followed only once before at an NFL stadium - in Chicago, where a $606 million replacement for the old Soldier Field opened for the Bears in 2003. - NFL Football -

"Fat Cat Field," as one critic called it, drew more boos than a running back who just committed his third straight fumble.

"There is something strikingly undemocratic about the fact that the most affluent fans are on one side of the field, and fans of more modest means are on the other," harrumphed Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin. He imagined chilled-to-the-bone fans on one side looking across the field on a wintry day observing "the masters of the universe lounging comfortably in shirtsleeves."

But the Giants insist that it's exactly the Joe Sixpack fans they are catering to with the offbeat design that was pioneered in 1999 by Atlanta's Philips Arena, home to basketball's Hawks and hockey's Thrashers. - NFL Football -

"We've broken the stadium bowl in two, and what that allows us to do is to put the elements that drive the building taller - namely, the suites - into one location," said Bob Dunn, an executive with Milwaukee-based Hammes Co., the Giants' project manager. "The profile of the rest of the stadium thus goes down, and we like that for bringing the bulk of our ticket buyers closer to the field."

Dunn said construction requirements that have been enacted since Giants Stadium was erected in the 1970s - including the Americans With Disabilities Act - also have the effect of driving the upper deck higher and farther away from the field.

"This approach allows us to put more general admission fans in better seats," said Giants Vice President John Mara. - NFL Football -

The Jets disagree, calculating that nearly 70 percent of their fans would be negatively affected - moving either from sideline to a corner, from a corner to an end zone, from the lower bowl to the upper bowl, etc. They imagine a nightmarish task of trying to relocate thousands of potentially furious season-ticket holders.

The Giants' version of a new stadium would feature two primary concourses and a mid-level concourse for the mezzanine. But instead of the current bowl design, the corners would be left mostly open.

The Jets, who spent several years pushing for a $2 billion stadium on Manhattan's West Side until a New York State advisory board declined to approve it in June, last month submitted a modest "Principles of Development" outline to the sports authority.

The Jets' proposal raves about the 14 terrace suites on the southern side of the current stadium, calling them "unmatched in the NFL." Those suites - constructed in 1998 as part of an expansion from 72 suites to 118 -offer 20 outside seats under a roof as well as plush indoor seating. The Jets want similar suites offered all around a new stadium. - NFL Football -

It's the Giants, however, who are committed to staying in New Jersey. So their configuration may hold sway if the Jets continue to flirt with Queens and refuse to commit this week to a shared Meadowlands stadium.

Negotiations with the Jets during the next few days are expected to be as hectic as the ones the Giants held with the developers of Xanadu, before a truce finally was reached 10 days ago.

One of the key factors the Jets will have to weigh is whether they think they can talk the Giants out of seeking an asymmetrical stadium - or if the Jets believe they ever would be willing to be partners in such a building at least for another generation. - NFL Football -

2005-09-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

Falcons hold off Eagles in intense rematch

ATLANTA (Sept. 12, 2005) -- Less than eight months after facing off in the NFC championship game, the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles couldn't wait to meet again.

That much was apparent in the warmups -- the teams started jawing, a scuffle broke out, punches were thrown and two players were ejected.

Then, they got on with the game.

Michael Vick ran for one touchdown, set up another with a long pass and then turned it over to the defense to preserve Atlanta's 14-10 victory against the Eagles -- a bit of payback for Philadelphia's triumph in the NFC title game last January.

"This goes to show how far we've come since 2004," Vick said. "We were playing a great team like Philly on a Monday night with everybody watching. That's what you play the game for. We certainly stepped up to the challenge."

Clearly, emotions were running high. Jeremiah Trotter of the Eagles and Kevin Mathis of the Falcons were kicked out after a scuffle broke out in pregame warmups, setting an intense tone for the rest of the night.

The Eagles fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter, then shut out Vick the rest of the way. But they couldn't come all the way back, their final bid denied when Donovan McNabb took a vicious hit from Rod Coleman on a fourth-down pass, the ball dropping far short of Terrell Owens streaking down the sideline with 1:33 left.

Vick kneeled a couple of times to run out the clock, giving the Falcons a much-cherished victory against the team that beat them 27-10 for the NFC title and also knocked them out of the playoffs in 2003.

"I think we proved our point," said Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who matched up with T.O. most of the game.

About a half-hour before the opening kickoff, with thousands of fans still making their way into the Georgia Dome and the players going through routine warmups, the teams began jawing at each other near midfield.

Trotter, the Eagles' three-time Pro Bowl linebacker, apparently shoved Mathis, a backup cornerback. Mathis responded with a punch. Then, everyone got into it.

"He threw a punch and I tried to block it," Trotter said. "I got the facemask and they must have thought it was a punch. We were just trash talking. I don't think anyone should have been ejected."

But the officials, after checking replays, decided to throw out both Trotter and Mathis -- a ruling that definitely favored the Falcons. Mathis is a bit player, used mainly in passing situations, while Trotter anchors the middle of the Philadelphia defense.

Second-year player Mike Labinjo, who got in only three games as a rookie, made his first career start in place of Trotter. The Falcons took advantage, rushing for 200 yards.

Warrick Dunn led the way with 113 yards on 20 carries.

"It's unfortunate that happened," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "That's no excuse, absolutely no excuse."

Clearly fired up, Atlanta raced to a two-touchdown lead before the game was 15 minutes old. Vick hooked up with Michael Jenkins and Alge Crumpler on a pair of 18-yard passes, then finished off things with a 7-yard scoring run.

The electrifying quarterback took off around right end, getting so free that he was able to hold the ball aloft at the 5 and leap over the goal line.

The Falcons scored again less than 3 minutes later. Vick lofted a 58-yard pass to Michael Jenkins, who hauled it in just short of the end zone. T.J. Duckett bulled over from the 1 on the next play.

Vick struggled the rest of the way, suffering an interception and losing two fumbles. He completed 12 of 23 passes for 156 yards, but did manage 68 yards rushing.

The Eagles have been Team Turmoil since losing to New England in the Super Bowl. Owens demanded a new contract, sulked when he didn't get it and began taking shots at his teammates and coaches.

Most notably, he feuded with McNabb, the two refusing to even talk with each other during the preseason though it didn't seem to affect their chemistry on the field.

Owens caught seven passes for 112 yards, but the Falcons kept him out of the end zone. But here's a shocker: Owens and McNabb were seen chatting on the sideline during the game.

"I guess that's something positive for you guys to talk about," McNabb told reporters. "We could have been talking about food in the vending machines."

What did Owens think about all this? Who knows? He walked out of the locker room with his hands over his ears, refusing to answer questions.

Through it all, the Eagles showed the heart of a team that has played for the NFC championship the past four years.

After Duckett's TD, McNabb threw two passes to Owens for 30 yards. Brian Westbrook, another disgruntled star, ran for 17 yards and turned a short pass into a 24-yard gain. Finally, Westbrook made a nice catch on a high pass in the flats, beating Keith Brooking to the pylon for a 9-yard touchdown.

But the Eagles hurt themselves with some uncharacteristic plays. Three-time Pro Bowl kicker David Akers missed a pair of 49-yard field goal attempts. He failed on only five attempts all of last season.

Akers did connect on a 44-yarder with 9:20 left in the game.

Then there was McNabb, whose night was marred by an interception and two fumbles -- one an attempted pass in the flat that he inexplicably threw backward in Atlanta territory, allowing the Falcons to recover what was correctly ruled a lateral.

McNabb might have been feeling the effects of a brutal first-quarter hit to the midsection by Chad Lavalais. The quarterback took off his pads and jersey on the sideline, trying to regain his breath, but he didn't miss a down.

McNabb was 24-for-45 for 257 yards, not getting much help from a running game that managed only 51 yards.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2005, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

2005-09-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

NFL legend Rice retires

DENVER, United States (AFP) - Jerry Rice, who holds 38 National Football League records, announced his retirement, bringing to an end an historic career that saw him become American gridiron's all-time leading receiver.

"I said I wouldn't do this," a tearful Rice said. "I think the tears that you see are basically that I have really enjoyed this ride. It's been great. It's been fantastic."

The announcement from Rice came just a day after he learned that he made the 53-man roster but the 42-year-old was one of six receivers on the squad.

After discovering that he would not be among Denver's top three receiving options, Rice, whose NFL records include career receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895) and receiving touchdowns (197), decided to end his career.

Playing sparingly with the Oakland Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks in 2004, Rice signed with the Broncos during the summer with the hope of being the team's third receiver.

The 13-time Pro Bowl receiver, who spent the first 16 years of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, had just 25 catches for 362 yards in 11 games as a Seahawk.

A member of three Super Bowl-winning teams with the 49ers, Rice set the NFL record for touchdowns in a season (22) in 1987 and receiving yards (1,848) eight years later.

His string of 11 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons ended in 1997, when he suffered an injury against Tampa Bay in the season's first game.

In Super Bowl XXIII in Miami, Rice captured MVP honors after catching 11 passes for 215 yards in the 49ers' dramatic 20-16 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

2005-08-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

Pac-10 previews: Berkeley a football mecca?

Jay Heater
The Seattle Times

BERKELEY, Calif. — California coach Jeff Tedford looked out at the Memorial Stadium Field, a place where his very inexperienced football team was beginning a day of summer camp, and then offered a synopsis of life in Berkeley in 2005.

"There's no better place to be than at Cal right now," he said.

Such a statement would have been comical if uttered by former California coaches Keith Gilbertson, Steve Mariucci and Tom Holmoe. After all, except for a couple of blips on the radar screen, Cal has been a second-division also-ran since Dwight Eisenhower was president.

The stadium has needed a major overhaul for years with a visitors' locker room the size of most stadiums' shower rooms, bleachers with splinters sharp enough to penetrate even the thickest Levi's, and coaches' offices without such supreme amenities as air conditioning.

Cal was a place that used to attract the occasional Kyle Boller or Andre Carter but more often than not had to make due with less. Making due meant losing with dignity.

Then came Tedford.

There still is no air conditioning in the stadium offices and the splinters are just as sharp. A stadium is being planned, but isn't expected to be started until the 2006 season is finished and it won't be completed until 2009. Bureaucracy hasn't changed much on campus, although current athletic director Sandy Barbour and former AD Steve Gladstone finally realized thatfootball drives the athletic program. Paper clips are easier to come by.

But Cal is winning. There have been three straight winning seasons — the first time since Pappy Waldorf's boys had three consecutive winning seasons through 1952.

And around rolls 2005, a season in which Cal lost the nation's leading rusher in J.J. Arrington, a first-round NFL draft pick in quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the university's all-time leading receiver in Geoff McArthur, one of the top tight ends in the conference in Garrett Cross, an All-American defensive end in Ryan Riddle and seven other starters on defense.

The West Coast media promptly picked Cal to finish second in the Pac-10.

"I am 100 percent confident that we have the talent on the field to get it done," he says.

So is Cal reloading the way USC and Washington used to on an annual basis?

The early returns seem to suggest the answer is yes.

Tedford replaced Arrington with sophomore Marshawn Lynch, who appears on most analysts' Heisman Trophy watch lists. Tedford plucked quarterback Joe Ayoob, a first-team JC Gridwire All-American, to follow in Rodgers' footsteps. DeSean Jackson, a Parade All-American who has looked nothing less than incredible in summer camp, is a freshman who immediately upgrades the receiving corps. Junior college transfer Lavelle Hawkins, originally an LSU signee, will move right into the starting lineup at wide receiver.

Most of the linebacking corps was wiped out, but the new ones are bigger and faster, including Worrell Williams, younger brother of D.J. Williams of the Denver Broncos.

Sophomore Thomas DeCoud, expected to be the team's starting free safety, grew up in Pinole, Calif., and watched Cal struggle for years. The solid players in the Bay Area wanted to attend USC and Florida State and Notre Dame. Not California.

That has changed, and DeCoud said he saw it coming when Tedford took over.

"I have always dreamed that I would be part of something special at Cal," DeCoud said. "But I didn't think we would be ranked No. 4 in the nation [where Cal was before losing to Texas Tech in the Holiday Bowl]. I'm glad I believed in coach Tedford."

Cal believes in Tedford as well, signing him to a five-year, $10 million contract (if he completes all five years and gets the $2 million bonus that Barbour called the "golden handcuffs") following the 2004 season.

2005-08-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

Anheuser-Busch reportedly eyes NFL beer sponsorship

Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. is reportedly negotiating with the National Football League to take the "official beer sponsor" title away from rival Coors Brewing.
USAToday reported Monday that the National Football League launched a bidding war for the multi-year sponsorship deal, reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Golden, Colo.-based Coors has a five-year, $300 million contract signed in 2002 as the league's beer sponsor, which gives it the right to use the NFL shield, playoff and Super Bowl logos in ads and promotional efforts. Coors, a division of Toronto-based Molson Coors Brewing Co. is reportedly negotiating to renew the contract.
St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch, which operates a brewery on Jacksonville's Northside, is the exclusive beer advertiser for the Super Bowl. Its Budweiser and Bud Light brands sponsor 28 of the 32 NFL teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Business Journal

2005-08-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Ready for football? You bet

The offseason has been rough for Carolina. In April, Sam Mills, coach and linebacker, finally succumbed to cancer. His death rocked the team, the region, the football world and thousands of folks who knew him or felt as if they did.
A month before Mills' death, the first of the steroids allegations hit the Panthers. The allegations have been jabs so far. The punches will come. - NFL Football -
How do you dispel such a dismal offseason? You don't. What you do is the one thing you can -- you play.
As inconsequential as the first practice game is, it still is football, and if you're a fan, you watch the game downtown, or on TV, listen on the radio, talk about it with friends and get excited again. - NFL Football -
And if you weren't worked up when you walked into Bank of America Stadium on Saturday for the exhibition against Washington, all you had to do was watch Steve Smith.
Smith, the player most likely to make an opponent's defensive coordinator put in overtime, was injured in the regular-season opener last September and missed the rest of the season.
As John Kasay was about to kick off to open the preseason, Smith stood near the bench, away from the field. But he couldn't just stand. How long had he been waiting? He jumped, hopped, clapped. And then Kasay kicked the ball 68 yards, and it was on. - NFL Football -
Cornerback Chris Gamble, who has been sensational in training camp, adding instinct to athleticism, ended Washington's first drive after four plays by cutting in front of Santana Moss to intercept Patrick Ramsey's pass.
Jake Delhomme opened the drive by throwing to No. 87, Rod Gardner, on the right side, and then to Smith on the left. On second-and-1, DeShaun Foster moved the pile for a first down.
On third-and-2 from the Washington 38, Delhomme waited and waited and waited some more, the quarterback calm and the protection excellent, and found Smith for 9 yards.
The next play, Smith dropped a pass on which he might have scored. Delhomme came back and hit tight end Kris Mangum for 8 yards and Gardner in the right side of the end zone for 21 yards and a touchdown. - NFL Football -
Now the fans sounded as excited as Smith looked. The drive was clean and neat, and the Panthers began and ended it by going to Gardner, a former Redskin whom they acquired for a sixth-round pick.
It's a tradition. In 2003, the Panthers signed another former Redskin, Stephen Davis, and on the first offensive play of the first exhibition -- also against Washington -- they handed the ball to him.
The Panthers won 28-10 Saturday. They haven't lost an exhibition since 2002. They are the New England Patriots of August. - NFL Football -
At halftime, Carolina retired the jersey of Mills. No other Panther has worn No. 51, Panthers President Jerry Richardson said on the field, and no Panther will.
But on Saturday, hundreds and maybe thousands of fans did. After seven months without football, they could get dressed up and finally have someplace to go. - NFL Football -

TOM SORENSEN

2005-08-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

Marino and Young Enter Football Hall

CANTON, Ohio - The eyes that stared down defenses betrayed Dan Marino on Sunday. They were wet with tears as he took his place among the legends of football.
Marino, the NFL's most prolific passer, joined Steve Young, Fritz Pollard and Benny Friedman in the Hall of Fame. - NFL Football -
Marino suspected he might break down and cry during his emotionally charged acceptance speech. He did so even before then, after his oldest son Daniel's introduction.
None of that on-field stoicism for the Miami Dolphins great, at least not on this sun-splashed day in front of thousands of fans in No. 13 jerseys, and amid chants of "D-A-N-N-Y."
"I'll remember this day for the rest of my life," Marino said.
Then he capped it by throwing - what else? - a perfect spiral into the audience to his former receiving partner, Mark Clayton. - NFL Football -
"Go deep, Mark," Marino said as he licked the fingers on his right hand, a trademark of his 17-year career.
Paying tribute to his Western Pennsylvania roots, Marino noted that John Unitas, Joe Namath, Joe Montana and Jim Kelly all came from the region. All are Hall of Famers.
"When I was younger, there's no doubt I thought about being Joe Namath," Marino said, adding that joining them in the Hall "definitely makes an impact on you."
Young suggested it was the first time only quarterbacks entered the Hall in one class, and he was partly right. Pollard was a running back who sometimes played QB.
"I'm proud to be part of this with Dan and the Pollard and Friedman families," Young said. "We are quarterbacks and that's what is neat about this position." - NFL Football -
While Marino and Young had diverse styles, they both spent years at the top of their profession. Marino set NFL marks of 4,967 completions, 8,358 passes, 61,361 yards (nearly 35 miles) and 420 touchdowns. His record of 48 TD passes in the 1984 season, when he was MVP, was broken by Peyton Manning last year. - NFL Football -
He also owned 21 NFL marks when he retired, including most seasons with 3,000 yards or more passing (13); most yards passing in one season (5,084 in '84, the only year he won a conference championship); and most games with 300 yards or more passing (63).
"I know individually you get the honor of being inducted in the Hall of Fame," Marino said, "but you see coach (Don) Shula up onstage and teammates and family and friends - my mom and dad and wife and kids - this day is for them." - NFL Football -
The only achievement Marino didn't reach that Young did was winning a title. Young, the 1992 and '94 league MVP after taking over for Montana in San Francisco, and the career passing efficiency leader, guided the 49ers to the '94 championship. He also is the first left-handed QB in the Hall.
"I can taste the pride I felt to be able to put on a 49ers jersey and represent the great city of San Francisco," Young said. "In San Francisco, I found football in its newly enlightened form. I found heaven on Earth for football." - NFL Football -
Pollard, like Friedman, was a pro football pioneer and the first black NFL head coach. After a sensational college career at Brown, where he became the first black to play in the Rose Bowl, the running back led the Akron Pros to the 1920 championship. They went undefeated.
He later organized the Chicago Brown Bombers, an independent team of black players that barnstormed the country from 1927-33.
Pollard is among the most important minority figures in football history, a man who seemed to open the door for black athletes in his sport, only to see it slammed shut from 1934 until 1946.
His grandson, Stephen Towns, and other family members, have campaigned for decades to get him elected to the Hall. - NFL Football -
"Fritz Pollard was a 5-foot-9, 165-pound running back who had the speed of Tony Dorsett, the elusiveness of Barry Sanders and the tenacity of Walter Payton," Towns said in his acceptance speech. "My grandfather and Jim Thorpe were the highest-paid players of their times. Jim Thorpe became the first commissioner of pro football and was inducted into the first class of the Hall of Fame in 1963. My grandfather became a footnote.
"After today, everyone will know the gifts you have given to football. Rest in peace, Grandpa."
Friedman, who died in 1982, probably was the first great pro passer, and his 20 TD throws in 1929 were considered phenomenal because the ball he threw barely resembled the modern football. The record stood for 14 years. - NFL Football -
He played for four teams from 1927-34 and was a strong draw at the box office, even helping the New York Giants become a solvent operation in those early NFL days.
"If Uncle Benny was here today, he would tell you it was all about family, friends, teammates and teamwork," said his nephew, David Friedman. "Proud yet unpretentious, that was the essence of my uncle.
"His example of excellence will survive for as long as there is a Hall of Fame."

Associated Press

2005-07-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

AIKMAN NIXED ESPN

Before re-signing with Fox Sports to be its No. 1 NFL analyst for the next seven years, Troy Aikman rejected an overture to join ESPN's "Monday Night Football," both Aikman and ESPN executive vice president Mark Shapiro confirmed to The Post yesterday.
Today, more 2006 NFL broadcasting news will become official when NBC announces that Bob Costas will be its studio host. Costas confirmed the news yesterday. - NFL Football -
As for Aikman, ESPN looked at him as a huge name to slap on the marquee when "Monday Night Football" moves to cable in 2006. However, Aikman chose to stay with Fox because he is familiar with the people and excited about working in a two-man booth. Fox announced the deal yesterday. - NFL Football -
Aikman is the second big-name analyst ESPN has failed to lure. The network offered John Madden a contract, but he chose NBC's Sunday night package instead.
"We have talked to a lot of people," Shapiro said. "We expressed an interest in Aikman. I met with him personally, but we never made a formal offer due to his contractual situation with Fox." - NFL Football -
Aikman, via phone, said, "Mark and I had conversations. He is a very dynamic personality and there is no question that Monday night is very special, but I just felt that Fox was an opportunity right now, for where I am at in my career, that made the most sense."
Costas' new deal may include an interesting provision. He possibly could do a talk show for NBC to go along with his NFL and Olympic duties.
Currently, Costas has his own monthly HBO talk show, "Costas Now," and is Larry King's backup on CNN. Costas also is the host of "Inside the NFL." His HBO contract is up next July.
For NBC's Sunday package, Costas never seriously pursued being the network's play-by-play voice. - NFL Football -
"From the start, the focus was on my hosting, that is what I preferred," Costas said yesterday.
Now, attention returns to Al Michaels. While vacationing in Hawaii, Michaels is mulling offers from NBC and ESPN for 2006. Shapiro said a report that Disney offered Michaels $12 million per year was inaccurate. He wouldn't divulge the actual amount.
The ESPN deal, which is believed to include the use of a private jet for game travel, is significantly more than NBC's offer to Michaels to call "Sunday Night Football." With NBC, Michaels would call two Super Bowls and playoffs games. ESPN can't offer Michaels those perks.
For Fox, keeping Aikman is a victory, because it had already lost Cris Collinsworth to NBC's Sunday night studio. - NFL Football -

ANDREW MARCHAND

2005-07-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

Theismann politely sticks to his guns

STATELINE, Nev. — Joe Theismann’s golf game was clicking Sunday at the American Century Championship celebrity tournament.
At the ninth hole at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, ESPN’s NFL analyst turned a potential bogey into a birdie when he holed out from a green-side bunker.
Theismann’s diplomacy “game” also was working afterward, when he suggested his recent “war of words” with USC football coach Steve Spurrier reached a truce.
“I think the world of Steve,” Theismann said. “I think he’s a terrific college football coach. And I think he has a great opportunity at South Carolina to recapture that magic, because that job will be a great challenge.” - NFL Football -
Of course, it wasn’t Spurrier’s abilities as a college coach that triggered their spat in the first place. - NFL Football -
Earlier this year, Theismann said Spurrier’s lack of success with the Washington Redskins (12-20 in two seasons) stemmed from the coach’s offense, specifically his passing schemes. Spurrier, in turn, said someone who had never coached (Theismann) was hardly in a position to critique his offense. - NFL Football -
Theismann, while holding out a verbal olive branch (“Steve and I said ‘Hi’ on the driving range,” he said), did not back down from his opinion.
“I don’t think the way Steve went about (coaching) in Washington had a chance to be successful,” Theismann said. “I don’t think his offense translates to the NFL.
“That doesn’t mean I don’t think he’s a sensational coach. You could say the same thing about Lou Holtz, who was a disaster with the (New York) Jets and left before the season ended (in 1976).” - NFL Football -
Stay tuned for the next round.
Big game. Spurrier didn’t challenge for the tournament title — he finished with 19 points in the modified Stableford scoring system — but he won something almost as big to him: a three-day bet with Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan.
“I beat him by one,” Spurrier said with a grin. “He bogeyed the last hole. He was plus-1, I was plus-2.” - NFL Football -
The two bet $20 each day, with Spurrier winning 13-4 on Thursday and Shanahan taking Friday’s match, 14-4. Both finished the week with 19 points.
They played Sunday in the same threesome with another high roller: multimillionaire developer Donald Trump, whose 26 points “trumped” both coaches.
Tall Tiger. Dalzell native and Seattle SuperSonics guard Ray Allen drew plenty of attention for his hair, which he recently dyedblond. During the NBA season he was cleanly shaven.
The new look, similar to one briefly worn by Tiger Woods, was the result of “too much time on my hands,” Allen said. - NFL Football -
Spurrier, who played with Allen on Saturday, praised his swing and overall game. Allen returned the compliment.
“(Spurrier) keeps his ball in the fairway and doesn’t make a lot of mistakes,” Allen said. “He stayed where he needed to be to score, and he beat up on us.”
Chip shots. Holtz played better Sunday; he was paired with a friend, former Notre Dame basketball coach and ESPN analyst Digger Phelps. “Yeah, but I missed a 4-foot putt for birdie” at the 18th hole, Holtz said briefly. ... Actor Bruce McGill, with his goatee, flapping shirttail and floppy hat, hardly looked the way he did in his role of 1920s superstar and snappy dresser Walter Hagen in the movie “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” which was shot in part at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course.

BOB GILLESPIE
Senior Writer

2005-07-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

MSU sports digest

Shabaj to work out for NFL teams
EAST LANSING - Former Michigan State University receiver Agim Shabaj will work out for at least seven National Football League teams on Tuesday, his agent said, in hopes of being picked in Thursday's supplemental draft. - NFL Football -
Shabaj was ruled academically ineligible in June, forcing him to miss his senior season at MSU. Shabaj said he considered Division II schools such as Grand Valley State and Saginaw Valley State, along with an attempt to regain his eligibility at MSU and return in 2006, but opted instead to take a shot at the NFL. He would have had to pay for a year at MSU, which he said he could not afford. - NFL Football -
"I was devastated and my teammates were devastated," Shabaj said of learning that he was ineligible. "My plans have changed quite a bit. But hopefully I'll get a chance to show what I can do for some NFL teams."
Shabaj will work out Tuesday at Farmington Hills Harrison High School, his alma mater, and catch passes from former MSU quarterback Damon Dowdell. - NFL Football -
Representatives from the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals and Jacksonville Jaguars will attend, said Shabaj's agent, Justin VanFulpen of Grand Rapids. - NFL Football -

2005-07-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

The Rogers Report
Cleaning off the sports desk

Summer is swiftly on the move. In no time at all NFL teams will be reporting to training camps and the colleges and high schoolers will be soon to follow.As are sports staffs at other newspapers across the state, we are already making plans for our annual football season -- Fanfare. It's scheduled for publication in our Thursday, Aug. 25 issue. - NFL Football -
Tuesday will be moving day for the football program at Trinity Valley Community College. That's when Mark Sartain and his coaching staff will begin taking up residence in the new fieldhouse, located on the southwest corner of the practice field.Construction on the $1 million facility began in November and is being completed a little behind schedule. But at least Cardinal coaches are able to take up residence there in plenty of time to get the facility ready by the time players report the second week of August. - NFL Football -
The fieldhouse is long overdue and will greatly enhance the football program.
OK, this is where I must correct a major boo-boo made by yours truly before leaving on vacation.On the 2005 All-Henderson County Area Baseball Team published Sunday, June 12, Malakoff High School junior outfielder Miles Brown was incorrectly listed as being on the second team. In fact, he was a first-team selection by our sports staff.This one definitely falls under the "my bad" category. I apologize for the blunder and congratulate Miles for being named to the first team.
Arizona State has announced the signing of TVCC's Antwi Atuahene. The 6-3 guard averaged 17.4 points and 10.0 assists last year as a freshman for Leon Spencer's Cardinals. He will have three years of eligibility at ASU.In other Cardinal basketball news, 6-5 forward Aswan Minatee has signed with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. He was a key performer for the Cardinals the past two seasons.
Former Malakoff High School athletic director/head football coach John Wills is recovering at home in Arp and resting comfortably after quadruple bypass heart surgery in Tyler two weeks ago. - NFL Football -
Here's hoping he has a speedy recovery and we can get back together on the golf course very soon.
Former Eustace High School assistant football coach Kris Iske has been named head football coach at Grapeland High School.Iske, who began his coaching career on Chad Morris' Eustace staff in 1994, has also coached at Grand Saline, Elysian Fields, Bay City and Stephenville.This is Iske's first head coaching job.Grapeland, 7-3 last year, competes in District 21-AA with Cross Roads, Malakoff, Alto, Elkhart, Frankston and Kerens.
In other coaching news: Greg Young has been named the new head men's basketball coach at Jacksonville College, replacing Brandon Curran. Curran resigned recently to become the assistant coach at Centenary College. Young previously was the assistant coach at Texas State University ... Blinn College has hired Greg Hinze as athletic director. Hinze, formerly the assistant director of athletics for marketing and operations at Sam Houston State University, replaces Kevin Steele. Steele, after one year on the job, left to become athletic director at California Baptist University ... Mabank High School has named assistant coach Doug Holloway as head girls basketball coach, replacing Gayle Nicholas. Nicholas has been reassigned. Holloway has served as the assistant boys basketball at Mabank for nine years and head tennis coach for three ... Jason Lindsey, a graduate of Athens High School has been hired at Mabank, joining his mother (Brenda) and sister (Laci) on the coaching staff there. - NFL Football -

Benny Rogers
Sports Editor

2005-06-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Sports Digest
football

Police investigatingshooting at party

GAMBRILLS, Md. -- Police are investigating the shooting of a security guard at a pool party hosted by National Football League linebackers LaVar Arrington and Julian Peterson.

Investigators don't think Arrington was near where James Sidney was shot, although he was at the party, police Lt. Joseph Jordan said yesterday. It was not clear if Peterson was at the party Saturday night, Jordan said.

No one has been charged in the shooting, and there are no suspects, Jordan said.

Sidney was shot when he intervened in a scuffle at the party, police said. He was flown to a hospital in Baltimore, where he was in serious but stable condition, Jordan said.

Man gets probationfor stealing from NFL

HONOLULU -- A Honolulu businessman, charged with defrauding the NFL of more than $500,000, has been placed on five years' probation.

Promoter Manuel Sanchez also was fined $25,000 and ordered to perform 250 hours of community service.

He was granted a deferred acceptance of plea, which means the felony theft charge will be dismissed if he pays the fine, performs the community service and abides by conditions similar to probation for five years.

Sanchez earlier pleaded no contest and said he never intended to defraud or steal the NFL's money.

The NFL sued him in 2003, alleging it was owed $474,000 in Pro Bowl tickets sold and a $100,000 event sponsorship fee for the 2003 game.

Sanchez has paid the NFL $557,000 since he was charged.

Bengals waive rookiequarterback Haldi

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals got down to four quarterbacks by waiving rookie Josh Haldi, an undrafted free agent from Northern Illinois.

Vols discover players gotspecial deal for furniture

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Two University of Tennessee players who entered a contract to buy furniture violated NCAA rules, documents show.

Defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona and offensive lineman Arron Sears have been declared ineligible for competition until they pay $95.84 each for the value of having the furniture for one month and speak to the team about breaking NCAA rules, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press. It is unlikely they will miss playing time.

Alabama gives Shulaone-year extension

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama coach Mike Shula received a one-year contract extension but didn't get a raise to his $900,000 salary.

soccer

Argentina, Nigeria to playfor Youth worlds title

UTRECHT, Netherlands -- Lionel Messi scored one goal and assisted on Pablo Zabaleta's game-winner in the 93rd minute to lead Argentina past Brazil 2-1 and into the World Youth Championship final, setting up a title game against Nigeria.

The Nigerians beat Morocco 3-0 to reach the final for the first time in 16 years. Argentina has won three of the past five tournaments and will be playing for its fifth title overall.

swimming

2008 Olympic Trialswill be in Omaha

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The 2008 U.S. Olympic team will be selected in Omaha, Neb., in a temporary indoor pool.

USA Swimming picked Omaha over San Antonio and St. Paul, Minn. The eight-day trials will begin June 30, 2008.

Nfl Football Jersey

2005-06-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

Schon: Rumors, Rants & Raves

humble Bell rings in Denver, Terrell Owens prepares to hit the fan in Philadelphia and the Miami Dolphins get nailed in this edition of Rumors, Rants & Raves

On the day he was drafted, Denver Broncos running back Tatum Bell declared his intentions to lead the league in rushing. That goal quickly turned into a nightmare for the young rookie, thanks to a fractured pinkie, torn rib cartilage, a pulled hamstring and a separated shoulder. Welcome to the NFL - it can be a humbling experience. Now in his second year a quieter Bell rings in the Mile High City. "I'm hitting the weight room hard, and I'm trying to be in the best shape so Coach won't have to pull me out unless I'm tired," Bell proclaimed on the teams’ official web site. "I feel like I've just got to keep proving myself to the coaches that it's mine and that I've got what it takes to last all 16 games. It will all hit the fan when training camp comes." Speaking of hitting the fan -That’s exactly what will happen in Philadelphia should Terrell Owens decide to hold out on training camp while his agent Drew Rosenhaus attempts to rework a new contract. When Rosenhaus puts his spin on the situation, you’d think he was in heavy negotiations with Eagles head coach Andy Reid. “I think people have the sense that I don't have a professional dialogue with him,” Rosenhaus told the Philadelphia Daily News. “It's not like he and I don't have a dialogue.''In reality, Rosenhaus called Reid on his cell phone and the head coach answered, not knowing who the call was coming from. Sources claim the conversation lasted somewhere between 5-10 seconds. Yea, that sounds like dialogue to me. Positive Thinking –Despite a disappointing 2004 season Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden is ready to fire things up for 2005. During initial practice sessions at Raymond James Stadium the team turned on the scoreboard, lit up the cannons and pumped in artificial crowd noise to try and replicate an actual game day experience. “It’s more realistic that way,” Gruden told reporters. In other words, it gave the rookies and newcomers an opportunity to experience something they more than likely won’t be experiencing once the official season gets under way. The Unemployment Line -At one point he was the backbone of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense, but as of today Kordell Stewart is still without a job. Even as a backup quarterback, few, if any, teams have expressed interest in bringing in the former Colorado Buffalo star, and as training camps approach his chances grow slimmer each day. Maybe there's a “I could step in if someone gets hurt” possibility, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. For that matter, I wouldn't hold my breath for the Arena Football League either.Breathtaking Miami -It was a rough week in Miami last week with Dolphins safety Quintin Williams being arrested for DUI as well as drag racing charges after he was stopped near the teams’ practice facility on Thursday, driving 111 mph on the interstate with teammate and passenger Travares Tillman. Now that’s brilliant, apparently Williams decided to risk his life, as well as that of his teammate’s, drag racing a young woman named Brandy Lynn Richards, who claims to be a Dolphins cheerleader. Adding to the stupidity of the situation is the fact that a team spokesman says that no one by that name is even employed as a Dolphins cheerleader. After failing a roadside sobriety test Williams was taken into custody by the Broward County Sheriff's Department, where he registered a .087 alcohol level, above the .08 Florida State limit. Tillman, who was not charged at the scene, showed his brilliance by leaving with the so called cheerleader, who was cited but not arrested, after clocking in at a cool 109 mph. Speaking of Williams - After driving cross country with all of his worldly possessions, Ricky (I’ll hide the pipe) Williams has arrived in Florida and taken up residence in Miami Beach. The one-time weed guru has decided to return to professional football and is hoping to be reinstated by the league on July 27th, one-year after his official retirement. Despite the fact that the NFL and NFL Players Association have denied having recent conversations with Williams regarding his reinstatement, both organizations believe Williams would have to sit out the first four games of the season for violating the league's drug policy for the third time last summer. One Williams popped for a DUI while drag racing, another Williams trying to work his way back from a bong addiction – toss in the fact that it appears the Dolphins are going with thirty-four year old journeyman quarterback Gus Frerotte, whose best known for injuring himself while head butting a brick wall, and you’ve got all the makings of another Miami meltdown. It’s got to be great to be a Dolphin’s fan right about now. Wait….there’s more -Not intentionally bagging on Florida, but since I am anyway, I couldn’t end without noting that the Davie Town Council voted earlier this month to let the Dolphins use the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds as a backup practice site in case of bad weather. Apparently the Dolphins picked the rodeo site because it's near their practice facility at Nova Southeastern University and the rodeo's roof will protect players from rain and lightning strikes. Now, I know what you’re thinking, but there’s no need to worry. Special Projects Director Bonnie Stafiej assured the team that a crew will clean up the facility prior to the players' arrival around 10:00 am. "That would give us plenty of time to pick up any poop," she said. A spokesman for the Dolphins declined to comment.

By Schon Syndicated Sports Columnist
This story originally published on BroncosUpdate.com