Nfl Football - Football Betting

2005-11-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

Gutsy call wins it for Chiefs
Chiefs vs. Raiders: Gambling Vermeil goes for the win instead of the tie against Oakland
By DOUG TUCKER
Associated Press
11/7/2005

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Dick Vermeil was going to be the biggest fool or the shrewdest gambler in the NFL. With five seconds left, Kansas City trailed by three and had the ball on the Oakland 1 and Vermeil faced one of the toughest decisions of his long coaching career. --football gambling--

Have place-kicker Lawrence Tynes - who's on a 13-for-13 streak - kick a virtually automatic field goal and force overtime? Or roll the dice and go for the win? Vermeil went for the TD. Behind center Casey Wiegmann and 10-time Pro Bowl right guard Will Shields, Larry Johnson dived over the pile into the end zone for a 27-23 victory that brought a roar from the sellout crowd and left the emotional head coach in tears. --football gambling--

"Wow! I was scared. I just figured I'm too old to wait," said Vermeil, who recently turned 69. "If we had not made it, then you guys (reporters) would have had a lot of fun with that. It was not an impulsive thing. It was the right thing for us to do." --football gambling--

The sixth straight victory for the Chiefs (5-3) over the Raiders (3-5) kept them one game behind Denver in the AFC West and dealt Oakland a painful loss. Kansas City plays at Buffalo next Sunday. "This is about as bitter a defeat as you could have," said Oakland quarterback Kerry Collins, whose two fourth-quarter touchdown passes put the Raiders on top. "It's tough. You fight your way back in a rough game, and find a way to get ahead, and then it doesn't work out. That's about as tough as it gets." --football gambling--

Johnson and Trent Green made the sensational finish possible when Green hit the wide-open running back over the middle. He sped 36 yards before Nnamdi Asomugha and Stuart Schweigert ran him down at the 1. "Down in the red zone, he put the ball in my hands," said Johnson, who has publicly complained that Vermeil does not give him enough carries. "I'm glad they gave me the opportunity." --football gambling--

Randy Moss, who hadn't caught a pass all day, beat Dewayne Washington in the corner of the end zone for a 7-yard reception with 1:45 left that gave the Raiders the lead. Then Green, playing through the pain of his father's funeral just four days earlier, whipped the Chiefs 72 yards down the field. --football gambling--

Before going for it, Vermeil checked with his coaches and players. "He was asking questions of everybody to see what everybody thought, what everybody's attitude was," Green said. "No matter how that play ended up, that's where you have to send a message on a football team and I think that was great on his part to have the confidence in us." --football gambling--

The Chiefs were missing their best running back (Priest Holmes), best offensive lineman (Willie Roaf) and best cornerback (Patrick Surtain), as well as two top backups in the secondary. The Raiders were without two starters, defensive backs Charles Woodson and Derrick Gibson, and that could have made a difference in K.C.'s final drive. --football gambling--

Johnson, who had 107 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, scored on a 15-yard run for a 20-9 lead with 12:56 left. But then the Oakland offense, shut down most of the day, came alive. Collins hit Jerry Porter with a 4-yard TD pass and Moss, hobbled most of the week in practice, caught his first pass. A run by Jordan converted the two-point play and put the Raiders on top, 23-20. --football gambling--

"When we made the two-point conversion we went up by three. You thought at worst it would be overtime," Oakland coach Norv Turner said. Green tossed a 6-yard TD pass to Tony Richardson for a 13-9 lead at the end of third quarter and, two plays later, Greg Wesley intercepted Collins' poorly thrown pass. The Chiefs took over on the Oakland 35. Johnson broke Schweigert's attempted ankle tackle and went in from the 15. --football gambling--

Tynes and Sebastian Janikowski each kicked two field goals through a dull first half.--football gambling--

2005-11-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

Droughns arrested on DUI charge

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio (AP) -- Cleveland Browns running back Reuben Droughns was arrested and charged with drunken driving early Tuesday. -NFL Football-

The State Highway Patrol said Droughns was pulled over at 1:09 a.m. after a trooper spotted the 27-year-old speeding and weaving in northbound traffic on U.S. 42 in suburban Cleveland. -NFL Football-

Droughns failed a field sobriety test, and after agreeing to take a blood-alcohol test at the patrol's Medina post, he registered a .08 -- the state's legal limit. -NFL Football-

He was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence and driving 50 mph in a 35-mph zone. -NFL Football-

Droughns was released without bail and is scheduled to appear in Medina County Municipal Court on Friday. If convicted of the DUI charge, Droughns faces a maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, , said Sgt. Lance Shearer said. -NFL Football-

The Browns acquired Droughns in a trade last March from Denver. He rushed for 1,240 yards and six touchdowns for the Broncos, who acquired defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban and defensive tackle Michael Myers. -NFL Football-

Droughns has rushed for 530 yards on 125 carries this season. -NFL Football-

2005-10-31T12:28:00.000-08:00

By MARKY BILLSON

At halftime of tonight's Monday Night Football Game the Steelers will honor Myron Cope, who retired as the team's radio color commentator after an NFL-record 35 seasons at the helm. -NFL Football-

Known for a broadcast persona as colorful as his distinctive voice and for inventing the Terrible Towel, the 76-year-old Cope has been bestowed with numerous awards in recent months, from the Pete Rozelle radio-TV award at the Pro Football Hall of Fame to the National Radio Hall of Fame to the Pennsylvania Legislature declaring today "Myron Cope Day'' throughout the Commonwealth. -NFL Football-

Though hospitalized last week, Cope is said to be working on his fifth book. Interestingly enough to West Virginians, one of Cope's most cherished pieces of writing was his early 1960s expose in True magazine on how John Kennedy won the 1960 Democratic Presidential Primary in Logan County. -NFL Football-

High School reunions -NFL Football-

Though safety/special teams ace Russell Stuvaints was re-signed in order to take the place of Mike Logan, who will likely miss the next month with a hamstring injury, the move does reunite the two McKeesport, Pa. High School graduates. -NFL Football-

The veteran safety and West Virginia product has been known to take Stuvaints under his wing around the UPMC locker room, though since Logan is six years older than his understudy, the two were not teammates for the high school located 10 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. -NFL Football-

However, fellow Steelers' defensive back Willie Williams actually does know what it is like to share the Pittsburgh secondary with a high school teammate. He and former safety Lethon Flowers not only won an AFC championship in 1995, but a state championship in 1988 at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, S.C. -NFL Football-

Spring Valley is also the prep alma mater of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Peter Boulware. -NFL Football-

Pittsburgh loves

its Steelers

Last week's 27-13 Pittsburgh win over Cincinnati drew a most impressive 43.6 rating and 71 share in the Pittsburgh market, the highest rating in any market in the NFL. -NFL Football-

To put that in perspective, consider during the week of the Bengals-Steelers game the highest ranked television show in the country was CSI, which only drew a 17.7 rating and a 27 share across the nation. Or that the game's local rating was higher than what 23 Super Bowl telecasts received nationally. -NFL Football-

Big Ben Strikes one

Ben Roethlisberger came into this weekend as the leading passer in the NFL with a dazzling 120.7 rating, buoyed by his 9-1 touchdown pass to interception ratio and 10.1 yards per pass attempt average. -NFL Football-

No Steeler has ever led the NFL in passer rating since the statistic, which takes into account a quarterback's accuracy, yardage, touchdown passes and interceptions, was implemented in 1973. Terry Bradshaw led the AFC in passer rating with an 84.7 mark in 1978, but finished 0.2 points behind Roger Staubach for the league lead. -NFL Football-

Familiar faces

The game could be a battle of brother against brother, as Steelers' rookie guard Chris Kemoeatu's brother Maake is the Ravens' starting nose guard. -NFL Football-

Additionally, the Baltimore roster is littered with players who have some sort of Pittsburgh tie. Starting quarterback Anthony Wright, backup Kordell Stewart, and practice squad signal caller Brian St. Pierre all began their pro careers in Pittsburgh. Starting right guard Keydrick Vincent signed with the Ravens as a free agent after spending the four previous seasons with the Steelers, and while tight end Darnell Dinkins never played pro football in Pittsburgh, he was the semipro Pittsburgh Colts' starting quarterback in 2001. -NFL Football-

Miami Medics

All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis and strong safety Ed Reed will miss tonight's game with a strained hamstring and sprained ankle, respectively. -NFL Football-

The two players, both products of the University of Miami, are the past two NFL Defensive Players of the Year. Look for Chad Williams to replace Reed, while Boulware and Bart Scott are listed as the Ravens' backup linebackers. Defensive lineman Anthony Weaver also may miss the game, leaving the top-ranked defense in the NFL without three starters. -NFL Football-

Billick has stated the Ravens need to run more, but starting fullback Alan Ricard will also miss the game with a bad lower leg, something that also figures to be more of than just a mild concern as Brian Billick has emphasized the Ravens must run the ball more this season. -NFL Football-

To date, Baltimore ranks 12th in the conference with only 97 yards rushing a game, while the Steelers have the fourth-stingiest run defense in the conference, allowing only 90 yards per game. -NFL Football-

Quarterback Kyle Boller was also listed as doubtful with a hyper-extended toe suffered in the first game of the season. -NFL Football-

Howard, we hardly -NFL Football-

knew you

With the new NFL television contract in 2006 this is the last scheduled Monday Night Football game to be televised on ABC from Pittsburgh. -NFL Football-

At home the Steelers' are 19-5 lifetime on Monday Night, including 10 straight wins in Pittsburgh and a 2-0 record at Heinz Field. -NFL Football-

The Ravens, meanwhile, have played only four Monday Night Games in their entire history, the first being in 2001 as defending World Champions. They are 3-1 lifetime. -NFL Football-

The two teams have met three times on Sunday Night, however, with Pittsburgh holding a 2-1 advantage in those prime time games. -NFL Football-

2005-10-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

Week Seven game previews

By PFW staff Oct. 20, 2005
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Indianapolis at Houston
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The Colts trounced the Rams 45-28 on Monday night, outscoring the Rams 45-11 in the final three quarters. Indianapolis is more balanced than it had been in recent seasons.--- nfl ---
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Using more of a ball-control offense this season, Peyton Manning’s numbers are way down, and the offense isn’t scoring at the rate that it did last season. Yet, the much-improved Indy “D” is leading the NFL in points allowed — it ranked 19th last season — and it now ranks 11th in total defense. --- nfl ---
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The Colts made slow adjustments against teams using the 3-4 defense last season, and the Texans stayed with Indianapolis until the fourth quarter of their second 2004 meeting, a 23-14 Colts win at Houston. --- nfl ---
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The last two games at Houston between these teams were decided by a total of 12 points, including a three-point Colts win in 2003. Houston’s punchless offense has scored 54 points in five games. With QB David Carr having been sacked an incredible 30 times in five games, the Texans shuffled their offensive line a week ago, with only mildly positive results (three sacks allowed). --- nfl ---
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Now they have lost starting ORG Zach Wiegert with an ankle injury, causing a further shake-up. RB Domanick Davis has been the offense’s only consistent performer, and he’ll have to be Houston’s meal ticket this week. --- nfl ---
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The Colts can be run on if you can move their defensive tackles. If Davis has success, it means the Texans will have slowed the pace of the game to a suitable level.--- nfl ---

2005-10-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

LB Moore hurts knee against Buffalo

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (Oct. 9, 2005) -- Miami backup linebacker Eddie Moore hurt his knee against Buffalo and will have further tests this week to determine the extent of the injury.

It's not clear when Moore was hurt, but he was not able to finish Miami's 20-14 loss to Buffalo.

Coach Nick Saban said he would await the test results before commenting. - NFL Football -

Saban also did not provide an update on backup cornerback Eddie Jackson, who did not return after hurting his hamstring. - NFL Football -

Receiver David Boston was held out after his knee began swelling earlier this week. He had been listed as probable after being added to the injury report on Oct. 7. - NFL Football -

2005-10-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

For Giants, it's finally all about football

DAVID PORTER
Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Four weeks into the season, the New York Giants are ready for some football. Period.

Off-field distractions marked the first three weeks, from the anniversary of Sept. 11 to the New Orleans Saints' home-away-from-home game at Giants Stadium to quarterback Eli Manning's first visit to San Diego since jilting the Chargers on draft day last year. - NFL Football -

Football will be the sole focus on Sunday when the Giants face the St. Louis Rams in a matchup of 2-1 teams trying to forge an identity in the young season.

"It's always about football, no matter what. But this is the first game back to a normal preparation," said Giants coach Tom Coughlin. "So hopefully we get ourselves focused in on this particular week." - NFL Football -

The Giants are eager to erase the memory of a 45-23 drubbing at the hands of San Diego last Sunday night, a game in which their defense looked confused and out of sync. The Rams, meanwhile, are coming off close victories against Arizona and Tennessee after a 28-25 opening loss to a San Francisco team that has been outscored 76-34 in two games since.

The lone positive for the Giants last week was Manning's best performance as a pro (24-for-41, 352 yards, two touchdowns), accomplished in a stadium full of screaming fans calling for his scalp. He also demonstrated calm in the face of repeated blitzing, though he said he expects a different type of challenge from the Rams. - NFL Football -

"Their front four is fast and they get good pressure on the quarterback without doing a whole lot of blitzing," Manning said. "They drop a lot of people in coverage where there are not a whole lot of lanes. So we have to have a good plan to protect the front and block them up and get the ball out quick."

The Giants' defense was dealt a blow when starting cornerback William Peterson was diagnosed with a lower back injury that could force him to miss the rest of the season. Other changes were anticipated in the starting lineup after the unit allowed 485 yards in the San Diego game.

"The Rams have a great offense. It's going to be a great test for us," said linebacker Carlos Emmons. "We definitely need this win, especially after a week like last week, to get this thing rolling in the right direction." - NFL Football -

Whoever lines up on Sunday will be tested by the Rams' passing attack, led by the combination of Marc Bulger to Torry Holt that has already produced 23 receptions for a league-best 358 yards and two touchdowns. Isaac Bruce, theNFL 's all-time active leader in yards receiving with 11,889, hyperextended his left big toe last week against Tennessee and is doubtful for Sunday. Third-year pro Kevin Curtis is second behind Holt with 14 receptions for 148 yards.

On the negative side, the Rams have had difficulty protecting Bulger this season and have allowed 15 sacks in three games.

"It's a combination of a lot of things," said Bulger. "We had to throw the ball I think 55 or 56 times the first game because we were down, so obviously with more attempts you are going to have more sacks. Obviously we throw the ball down the field far. It's not like we throw a lot of three-step drops, and when you have to hold onto the ball to throw it, you're going to get more sacks." - NFL Football -

Part of the problem could stem from an unsettled situation at right tackle, where Rex Tucker injured his right calf in the opener and was replaced by Blaine Saipaia. Rookie Alex Barron, the Rams' first-round draft pick out of Florida State, is scheduled to replace Saipaia on Sunday.

Barron's first assignment: block Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, the NFL's all-time sacks leader among active players. Last week, Strahan and the rest of the Giants were held without a sack against San Diego's Drew Brees.

"That's not a good matchup for him this week to have his first start against Strahan, obviously," said Rams coach Mike Martz. "So we'll have to do something to help him or we are just going to play the game and do what we can."

In contrast to when the teams last met in 2003, a 23-13 Giants win, the Rams now alternate the May-December pairing of second-year pro Steven Jackson and Marshall Faulk in the backfield instead of relying exclusively on Faulk, who came into the season ranked 12th inNFL rushing (11,987 yards). - NFL Football -

The 6-foot-2, 231-pound Jackson has gotten the bulk of the carries this season and leads the team with 201 yards. Jackson is questionable with a chest injury.

Faulk has rushed only 12 times for 77 yards, but still possesses the speed and slashing ability that made him one of the NFL's best backs in his prime, according to Martz.

"The main issue is durability for him at his age now," said Martz. "Speed is not the issue, his weight is down, he's playing as well as he's ever played, but he's got some wear and tear on those knees. To ask him to carry the load, he knows it's not going to be good for him physically. This will allow us to use both of them most effectively and hopefully, potentially, extend his career."

2005-09-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

Plan Might Help Pave the Way for an NFL Stadium

The City Council will consider a proposal that would allow property taxes to be used to fund street improvements near the Coliseum.

By Patrick McGreevy, Times Staff Writer

Although city officials have promised not to use public funds to build a professional football stadium in Los Angeles, the City Council will meet next week to consider a plan that would allow the use of property taxes to construct a parking garage and improve streets that could serve a stadium.

The council will hold a public hearing with the city redevelopment commission Friday to consider extending the life of the Hoover Redevelopment Project for another 12 years.

The proposal would also extend the Community Redevelopment Agency's powers of eminent domain for the area, and increase the amount of property tax dollars collected and bonds issued to finance projects, including infrastructure for a stadium. - NFL Football -

Backers say the proposed improvements would not just benefit a potential NFL team but the surrounding community, including the museums around Exposition Park and nearby residential areas. And they said the revitalization is justified even if the NFL does not come to the area.

But taxpayer advocates on Friday criticized the proposal to spend up to $25 million in property tax funds on what the city describes as "infrastructure" improvements. The critics call the proposal an end run around the promise not to subsidize an NFL franchise in Los Angeles.

"They are talking out of both sides of their mouth," said Jean Heinl, president of Californians United for Redevelopment Education. "The private sector should pay for anything to do with the stadium."

City officials confirmed Friday that there has been talk of using redevelopment funds to improve streets, sidewalks and lighting, and to build parking facilities to serve a stadium that would be erected inside the shell of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. But officials added that the ideas have not been turned into formal proposals.

"Those are potential projects," said Councilman Bernard Parks. "But no one has defined any specific project." - NFL Football -

Taxpayer advocates, including Jonathan Coupal of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn., are watching the proposal closely because the stadium proposal has been identified in legal documents by the agency as a key reason for extending the redevelopment plan.

"Specifically, the changes to the redevelopment plan will facilitate, but not ensure, the installation of a National Football League franchise in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum by enabling the agency's financing of infrastructure improvements within Exposition Park and the community which surrounds it," said an official notice sent to surrounding property owners.

State legislation approved last October would allow the City Council to extend the Hoover project without having to determine that the area is blighted — a usual requirement for such action.

Assemblyman Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles), who wrote the legislation, said the extension of redevelopment powers would be a big step in the city's long quest for a pro football team. - NFL Football -

"It significantly enhances the chance of getting it done," Ridley-Thomas said.

Parks, whose district includes the Coliseum, and redevelopment board member Madeline Janis-Aparicio prefer to describe extending redevelopment powers in Exposition Park as taking advantage of the NFL's potential interest in the area to improve the surrounding community rather than to benefit a pro team.

The NFL is considering whether to invest $400 million in building a new stadium. Redevelopment law allows the property taxes generated by any new construction to go to the agency to promote redevelopment. - NFL Football -

Parks said he envisions using the tax money to create commercial and residential development in the area around the Coliseum, similar to the new development around Staples Center. Improving the area would also make it more attractive to the NFL, Parks said.

"I think it's critical in the sense of giving a clear indication that, although the city is not going to invest in their stadium and is not going to invest in their team, it is going to invest in the area around the stadium," Parks said.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who has also vowed that no public funds will be used to build a stadium, also sees the redevelopment plan as in keeping with that promise.

"It is not inconsistent," said Janelle Erickson, a spokeswoman for Villaraigosa. "The redevelopment funds will support the museums, Expo Park, the senior center, as well as the Coliseum." - NFL Football -

But critics take the opposite view.

"It is not consistent with what they promised," said Ralph Shaffer, a retired history professor who chaired a Los Angeles County Grand Jury's critical report on redevelopment in 1994.

Others question whether new parking facilities and other public improvements would be built unless the NFL comes to town. - NFL Football -

Parks said better parking facilities and other improvements would be justified even if the NFL does not return.

To justify the need for parking, he cited a charity walk sponsored by Revlon that brought 60,000 people into the area, as well as soccer games that attract more than 70,000 to the Coliseum.

Copyright 2005 Los Angeles Times

2005-09-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

Dungy gets three-year contract extension

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 12, 2005) -- Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy received a three-year contract extension.

Team owner Jim Irsay announced the deal in a written statement before the Colts' 24-7 victory at Baltimore.

Dungy's deal, which was to expire after 2006, will now keep him with the Colts through 2009. Financial details were not released.

Dungy is starting his fourth season in Indianapolis and is 38-17, including a 3-3 mark in playoff games. The Colts have won the last two AFC South titles with 12-4 records each year and reached the 2003 AFC championship game.

Last year, Dungy joined Ted Marchibroda as the only coaches in Colts history to lead the franchise to 10 wins in each of their first three seasons.

Dungy, 49, joined the Colts in 2002 after becoming the winningest coach in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history.

2005-09-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

ABC's College Football Ties CBS Monday

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) Fast National ratings for Monday, Sept. 5, 2005

A few days shy of the NFL season kickoff, ABC went with a different kind of Monday night football to tie CBS for the ratings lead on Labor Day.

ABC and CBS each averaged a 6.3 rating/10 share for the night -- although because of its live telecast, ABC's numbers are likely to change some when final nationals are released. NBC and FOX tied for third at 4.3/7. The WB, 1.6/2, was fifth, beating UPN's 1.2/2.
College football carried ABC to sole possession of first in the adults 18-49 demographic, scoring a 3.5 rating. CBS took second at 3.2, followed closely by FOX at 3.1. NBC, 2.0, came in fourth, and UPN and The WB tied for fifth at 0.8. - NFL Football -

The annual contest between rivals Florida State and Miami drew a 6.5/11 for ABC at 8 p.m. NBC was second with a "Dateline" special on Hurricane Katrina, 5.6/9. "The King of Queens," 4.4/7, and "Everybody Loves Raymond," 4.9/8, put CBS in third, while FOX's "Nanny 911" was fourth. The WB got a 1.6/3 from a "7th Heaven" repeat. UPN trailed with "One on One" and "All of Us."

CBS took the lead at 9 p.m. with an hour of "Two and a Half Men," 7.0/11. The Florida State-Miami game posted a 6.6/10 for ABC. FOX's "Prison Break," 5.1/8, took an expected dip from its premiere because of the holiday but still did reasonably well. NBC slipped to fourth with "Las Vegas," 3.5/5. A second "7th Heaven" kept The WB in fifth, beating "Girlfriends" and "Half & Half" on UPN. - NFL Football -

"CSI: Miami," 7.4/12, snagged the night's highest rating for CBS at 10 p.m. ABC's football game averaged 5.9/10 for the hour, and NBC's "Medium" came in at 3.7/6.

Tribune Media Services, Inc.

2005-08-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

End of an era for hosts of ‘NFL PrimeTime’

Jim Carlisle

Ventura County (Calif.) Star

It’s a bittersweet time for Chris Berman and Tom Jackson. The start of the NFL season is coming up and the two ESPN studio icons just flat-out love their jobs. The problem is this will be the last season for the part of their job they love the most.

This will be the last season for “NFL PrimeTime.” The program won’t be on in its current Sunday night format when the league’s new television contract goes into effect in 2006. NBC takes over the Sunday night slot then and it will have its own pregame show with Bob Costas and Cris Collinsworth.

“NFL PrimeTime” will still exist, but it will serve as a pregame show to “Monday Night Football,” which moves from ABC to ESPN next season.

The 24-hour delay will take away a significant part of what makes the current show great.

Coming on after the Sunday daytime games allowed “NFL PrimeTime” to take an in-depth look at each game. It isn’t just a wham-bam highlight show; it has permission from the NFL to show extended highlights. Berman and Jackson show how each game unfolded and shows nearly every play from every key drive.

What results is the ability to truly appreciate not only that game, but pro football in general. These highlights aren’t just touchdowns and end-zone celebrations, but offensive linemen, defense and special teams as well.

The show will have a lot of the same ingredients when it moves to Monday in 2006, but the immediacy will be gone.

“It’s maybe the thing that I look most forward to every year,” Berman said recently, “and now we’re not going to be able to do it after this year. So I’m very bummed.

“I was very upset about it, but then again, look: Nobody passed away. We’re fortunate; our friends at ABC don’t even have football next year, so a lot of people I know are not even doing what they love at all.”

Berman said ESPN doesn’t plan to do anything different with the show this season, but it does want to go out with a bang.

“We’re going to make sure that we damn well leave it with an exclamation point,” he said.

“As you look back on it a few years from now, you might say, ‘You know what? A whole generation might have gotten their football in an hour from this show.’”

2005-08-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

NFL 49ers to honor fallen teammate

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Thomas Herrion, the National Football League lineman who died in the locker room following a pre-season exhibition, will be honored this season by his San Francisco 49ers teammates. Players will wear helmet stickers all season bearing the late guard's initials and 72, the jersey number he wore in training camp, starting with a Friday home exhibition game against Tennessee. - NFL Football -
Players will wear helmet stickers all season bearing the late guard's initials and 72, the jersey number he wore in training camp, starting with a Friday home exhibition game against Tennessee.
The club plans a moment of silence before a September 2 home exhibition game against Arizona.
Teammates and coaches were to attend a private memorial service Tuesday night at Abundant Life Christian Fellowship Church in Mountain View. - NFL Football -
Herrion's cause of death remains a mystery after a coroner's report proved inconclusive.
Toxicology reports due in three or four weeks might shed light upon the reasons why Herrion, 23, collapsed during a team prayer after a loss Saturday at Denver.
The New York Times reported Herrion's family has a history of heart ailments.
An ESPN report said he had not tested positive in three tests for any banned substance or recreational drug over the past 12 months. The NFL typically keeps such results private.
Herrion's Polytechnic High School in Texas is retiring his prep jersey number, 76, and current players will wear helmet stickers honoring him, as will players at his former college, the University of Utah. - NFL Football -
Herrion's funeral is scheduled for Saturday at Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
An NFL spokesman said NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue will attend the funeral. So will 49ers coach Mike Nolan, club owner Denise DeBartolo York and a group of 49ers players.

AFP

2005-08-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

Excitement increases for Georgia football

ATHENS, Ga. — The beer tastes just a little bit colder these days at the Blind Pig Tavern.
Particularly on fall Saturdays.
And especially on those when Georgia wins.
"There is much more excitement around these days," said Rob White, owner of the Blind Pig. "People have much more faith with what is going on now than they did with the previous coach."
That's not just the beer talking. It's beneath all that foam that rests the heart of the matter. Georgia football, not necessarily dormant but at the very least sleepy in the late '90s, has seemingly made a return to its halcyon days under fifth-year coach Mark Richt.
"He has brought it back to the (former coach) Vince Dooley level," said Arkansas athletics director Frank Broyles. "There is no question about that." - NFL Football -
If there were any questions, the army of stats compiled in the past four seasons would beat those into submission: three top-10 finishes the past three seasons, the sixth-most wins in Division I-A, six first-round NFL draft picks, top 10 recruiting class after top 10 recruiting class and, oh yeah, some road wins in places where there had only been woes before.
"Before I got here there were a lot of things said about how Georgia couldn't win the big games — Tennessee and Florida," said Bulldogs quarterback D.J. Shockley. "[Richt] has done all that since he has been here. Before he got here, it had been 20 years before the SEC championship. Two years and he has got one. He has got the program up on a whole different level."
Still, the program hasn't reached the top of the mountain quite yet.
"They are where Tennessee was in the '90s and Florida was under [Steve] Spurrier," said college football analyst Terry Bowden. "They are right there every year. The only thing left for them to do is win a national championship." - NFL Football -
With two-time defending champ Southern Cal reloading and Georgia unloading in the offseason, there is not much of a realistic chance that championship will show up in the near future. Still, many of the pieces, if not in place, are at least within reach.
The football budget has been increased from $5.8 million to $7.29 million in four years. Donations earmarked for football rose from $13.26 million to $25.2 million. The stadium grew and so did the crowd: More than 9,000 season-ticket refunds had to be issued last season.
On an infrastructure level, Georgia has moved more dirt than a kid with a Tonka. Practice fields have been redone. Lights installed. Buildings built. Others gutted and redone.
"Everything that [the players] have has been redone in the last four years," Richt said. "The next thing in my mind facility-wise is an indoor facility." - NFL Football -
On top of all that, and really largely because of all that, Georgia has been able to stretch its recruiting arms and grab players. Of course, some of those players have slipped through their grasp. Five of 19 signees did not academically qualify this season. Four of those academic casualties were somewhat expected. - NFL Football -
Still, Georgia has become more of a program willing to go national to get players.
"You really started to see them go more national last year," said Tom Lemming, publisher of Prep Football Report. "They are one of the top 15 programs that has the ability to do that.
"The three things that players look at are girls, facilities and the explosiveness of the offense and the defense," Lemming said. "Georgia has got all three."
Because of that Georgia already has 15 recruits committed for the 2006 class, including a top-rated quarterback from Texas. - NFL Football -
"Now you get more of the calls in and less of the trying to call them, there is no doubt about it," said defensive coordinator Willie Martinez.
All of this probably would have fit nicely into Richt's long-term plan, if he had one.
"I never really thought to have one," he said. "I knew I was just going to the very best I could every day." - NFL Football -
Or, as has been the case on occasion this past offseason, at night.
"Being a football coach is a very humbling profession," Richt said. "You can get that call at 2 in the morning or lose five in a row and then all of a sudden ..."
The crowds at the Blind Pig and other such establishments may become more of a mob.
"Nobody likes losing," White said. "When we do, everybody just gets real quiet, you stop selling as much beer and they file out the door. But that hasn't happened very much lately."

Carter Strickland
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

2005-08-09T06:28:00.000-07:00

Young and Marino named to NFL Hall of Fame

CANTON, United States (AFP) - Dan Marino and Steve Young, the NFL's all-time leader in passing efficiency, were elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.
Two other two players inducted Sunday quarterback Benny Friedman and running back Fritz Pollard, who also was the first black coach in NFL history.
Friedman died in 1982 and Pollard died in 1986.
The honor for Marino comes more than 20 years after he played in his only Super Bowl with the Miami Dolphins. He lost that game to Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers.
"We didn't win a Super Bowl game together and that is something I will always regret not knowing what that feels like," Marino said.
"But Don Shula and I have won more games together than any quarterback-coach combination in the history of the NFL and that is something I am very proud of."
While Montana denied Marino a Super Bowl ring, Young succeeded Montana as the Niners' quarterback and set a Super Bowl record with six touchdown passes in a 49-26 rout of San Diego in January 1995.
"When I first came to San Francisco I realized I was watching Michelangelo in Joe Montana," Young said.
"I was drawn to the inevitable challenge to live up to that I was witnessing. I had to rise to a new standard of performance that Joe had set."
Marino and Young could not have been more different. Marino was the ideal pocket passer with the big arm. Young was known for his scrambling ability, yet mastered the West Coast offense and retired with the highest passer rating in league history (96.8).
Marino selected his oldest son Daniel for his induction speech while Young bestowed the honor to his father, LeGrande "Grit" Young.
The 6-4 Marino rewrote the NFL record book in his 17-year career with the Dolphins. His total of 61,361 passing yards is 9,886 yards more than Hall of Famer John Elway, who is second all-time. Both were from the famed quarterback class of 1983, which also featured Hall of Famer Jim Kelly. But Marino was the last quarterback selected in the first round.
"I want to thank those 26 teams for passing on me (in the draft)," Marino said.

Agence France Presse

2005-07-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

NFL: A divine road
A severe burn, family tragedy and a life of poverty didn't prevent Vikings' Williamson from achieving his dream

PETTICOAT JUNCTION, S.C. - Roy Williamson and his younger brother, Troy, were similar in so many ways, except for the paths they traveled from this dusty little strip of Highway 278.
Two youngsters, growing up in a small home with eight other brothers and sisters, no father and too many temptations, their stories could become legendary lessons for future generations in this corner of Aiken County. - NFL Football -
Troy ultimately changed his delinquent ways, overcame life-threatening burns and built a life of fame and impending fortune as a star receiver at the University of South Carolina and seventh overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings in this year's NFL draft.
Roy, who was older by two years, lost his second chance one Sunday night 10 years ago. The stolen car he took for a joy ride spun out of control and rolled into the local fire station, killing him at age 14.
Troy wasn't in the car with Roy that day but knows he could have met a similar fate. That remains a sobering thought for the now 22-year-old Troy, who comes to Minnesota as the key piece in the Randy Moss trade and eventually will be expected to fill the massive void created by Moss' departure.
"I truly believe I am still here because of divine intervention," Troy said. "When I look back at my life, how could I not think that?"
'Troy's on fire!' - NFL Football -
Shirley Williamson's double-wide trailer sits near the front of a one-acre piece of property alongside Highway 278. Shirley's mother, Celestine, owns the land and lives out back in a small house whose roof lies crumpled nearby with other household debris.
In 1985, Shirley, living in Jersey City, N.J., gathered her three children, including Roy and Troy, and moved home into a cinder-block structure that sat where her trailer does now. The boys' father, Leroy Stevenson, stayed behind in Jersey City and had little contact with his children until shortly before dying of Lou Gehrig's disease last summer.
"If I had stayed in Jersey City, my kids would have been doomed quicker than the quickest," said Shirley, 44, who had 11 children total with four men but was never married. "I wouldn't let them out of the house in the city. Down here, they could run free and not get into as much mischief." - NFL Football -
Or so she thought until one day 12 years ago when a nephew ran through the front door screaming, "Troy's on fire!" Troy, who was 10, his cousin J.J. and Roy were bored that morning. So they grabbed a can of kerosene, a rag and some matches. The idea was to play a harmless game of "Army," Troy said. - NFL Football -
"My cousin went to push my brother, and the fire flew onto my left side right there," said Williamson, nodding to the spot where it all happened. "I panicked and started running, but the air made the fire bigger. I tried the stop, drop and roll thing. But it didn't work."
Troy was rounding his mother's house for the second time when an uncle, Buster Boyz, slammed into him like Ray Lewis near the goal line. The fire was extinguished, but Troy suffered third-degree burns to 17 percent of his body. Part of his left hip and arm were burned to the bone.
He was hospitalized for about two months. He was on a feeding tube and had to have several surgeries, including skin grafts from his thighs.
"Then I had to get home-schooled because I couldn't really walk," Williamson said. "I hated to walk. It hurt so bad."
After six months of rehab, Troy was in the yard running and playing once again.
Troy's 'divine intervention' - NFL Football -
Williamson stands just outside Silver Bluff High School, gazing out at a football field that's dubbed the "Dawg Pound." It's where his football career began, where college scouts flocked and 10,000 fans used to ring the field six deep to cheer for him and the Bulldogs during their 30-game winning streak.
Yes, football was Williamson's ticket to a richer life. But his ability to catch a ball and run a 4.34 40-yard dash aren't the only reasons for his good fortune.
Luck - or divine intervention, as Williamson says - not only kept him from burning to death, but it also might have kept him out of jail, he said. - NFL Football -
"I did some things I shouldn't have," Williamson said.
Like the time he broke into that bookstore. Or the time that woman chased him through the woods because he was throwing rocks at cars on the highway. Or all those times he would beat up other kids, roaming the streets at night, practically asking for trouble.
Williamson pauses long enough to thank - once again - his godfather, a kindhearted Aiken County churchgoer named Doug Bates. - NFL Football -
It was Bates, after all, who offered Troy, no strings attached, the same fork in the road that Roy ignored shortly before his death. Troy accepted the helping hand, and the two became as close as a father and son.
"Where would I be today without Doug?" Williamson asks. "It wouldn't be good. He's my divine intervention."
Losing Roy
Williamson receives hugs and handshakes around every corner of Silver Bluff's 833-student building. The warmest embrace comes when he greets Bates. - NFL Football -
Bates, 36, was in his mid-20s when his pastor, Hezekiah Pressley of New Beginning Ministry, asked parishioners to help Shirley with Roy, who already was well down the wrong path.
"I didn't know her, and she didn't know me," Bates said. "I knock on her door and I say, 'My name is Doug Bates and I'm here to speak to Roy.' She says, 'Oh, no. What has he done to you?'"
Shirley welcomed Bates' help. Bates went to work on Roy but, in hindsight, admits he couldn't reach him, because "all I did was say, 'Go to church, go to church, go to church.'"
One night, Roy didn't come home. The following morning, Shirley returned from the store and saw the coroner's car in the driveway. She knew immediately that Roy was dead.
"The two other boys who were with him didn't get hurt," Shirley said. "But Roy broke his neck on the steering wheel. And his brain was just smushed."
Troy was told hours later as he got off the school bus.
"It changed my whole life around," Troy said. "We were close, and then he was gone."
Bates faded from the Williamsons' life. - NFL Football -
But Pressley once again asked his parishioners to help Shirley.
"I just made up my mind that I wasn't going to lose another one," Pressley said. "There was something in Troy that I knew I had to get out. Football just happened to come out in the process."
Bates re-entered the picture. But he left his Bible behind at the start.
"I needed a different approach than I took with Roy," Bates said. "I told Troy, 'I just need some of your free time.'" - NFL Football -
The two played basketball together, went to the mall together, just hung out together.
"The best hook of all," Bates said with a laugh, "was I got cable."
Eventually, Williamson and his younger brother Holly started spending nights at the house Bates shared with his mother. The two boys moved in, with Shirley's blessing, before Troy was in high school. - NFL Football -
"I think God planned it this way," Shirley said. "Troy had male role models in his life. But before Doug came along, there were no positive male role models around."
Wanting to give back
Williamson swings by Radcliffe Elementary School and makes his way to the kindergarten room. A face lights up on a quiet little boy wearing a shirt that says, "My Brother Is Going To Play in the NFL." - NFL Football -
Harold Williamson - everybody calls him "Papa" - is the last of Shirley's children.
Troy reaches into his pocket, grabs two or three $20 bills and hands it to the teacher to cover Papa's recent school expenses. Troy says to keep the change for the next time Papa "needs anything."
Williamson is ready to be the provider. Although he is still unsigned, Williamson is guaranteed of making millions of dollars in just his signing bonus alone. - NFL Football -
Now he wants to make a difference.

Mark Craig
Minneapolis Star Tribune

2005-07-18T07:27:00.000-07:00

Fact-filled day at the Ladies' Football Forum

Just by the sheer number of attendees, the 2005 Ladies’ Football Forum was nothing less than a total success. On July 16, almost 400 women packed the Indoor Practice Facility to celebrate a great Southern tradition - Saturday afternoon football. But this time, there was no time spent in the Grove; this was all about the game.
The women learned all about the ins-and-outs of Ole Miss’ football program. They learned about all of the preparation that takes place before the team goes out onto the field for Saturday games. This includes physical therapy, weight lifting, conditioning, watching tape, learning plays and, of course, regular practice.
The ladies also got a tour of the new Indoor Practice Facility. While there, they got to see the locker room, team room, weight room, equipment room and training room.
After Rebel head coach Ed Orgeron began the morning by posing for a picture with each woman, he led them through the tunnel into Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The crowd entered Hollingsworth Field in typical game day fashion with smoke, screaming, cheering and chanting.
John Ross, the assistant director of equipment operations, gave the tour of the locker room.
He noted that the 10,000 square foot room is filled with 137 lockers divided into offense and defense, and that the lockers were specially made with combination locks for each player.
“It’s nice to be where we are now,” Ross said of the IPF. “Sometimes you just have to pinch yourself and say ‘wow’. This is all just a dream come true. Everything is under one roof. No one else has that.”
Much to the delight of the ladies, Rebel wide receiver Mike Espy then modeled the team uniform for ladies from the Nike Dri-Fit to the pads and jersey.
In the team room, a highlight video was shown that included famous moments in Ole Miss football history, from Archie Manning to Eli Manning. They learned the team room is where the players spend time watching tapes of themselves and other teams. Almost every practice and every game are recorded and later watched by the team.
“They’re here till about 11:30 every night watching video,” said Brandon Fairburn, the coordinator of video service.
Aaron Ausmus and his staff performed the weight room demonstration. He explained the 9,500 square feet room is used by both the track and football teams.
“[The new facility] helps us coach every team better now,” strength and condition coordinator Noel Durfey said.
The equipment room tour was given by manager Spencer Hill. It had lockers of each player’s gear, enormous washers and dryers and a warehouse that resembled a library. There the women learned the players’ equipment is position specific, and it’s estimated that they have about 20 pounds of extra weight from gear alone.
“Players choose their own equipment; it’s all about their comfort zone,” Hill told the group. “The players are also really concerned with looking good.”
The participants also got a tour of the team’s training room. They learned the state-of-the-art physical therapy center is where players are taped before games, can get medicine or see a physician, and recover from an injury.
Among the other tidbits they learned was it has four rooms: a taping room, a treatment room, a rehab room and a pool room.
“Athletes are in here three times a day when they’re hurt,” trainer Chad Perkins said. “So, it’s all about comfort here.”
The afternoon session was filled with guest speakers. Dr. Ed Field explained to the women the more common injuries from football, focusing mainly on the different types of shoulder injuries: AC sprain and dislocation.
Field pointed out that quarterback Robert Lane saw him when he suffered from a grade 1 AC sprain in spring practice.
Harry Harrison, an All-American defensive back at Ole Miss and current analyst for Rebel football, talked about his job as the team’s color analyst.
“I know every Ole Miss player, their number and where they’re from,” Harrison said, “And I try to know something about the other team too.”
Langston Rogers, the associate A.D. for Media Relations, spoke about press conferences and media relations.
“We want the most positive publicity we can get for the university,” Rogers said. “Student athletes are under a microscope; they’re treated differently and we try to protect them from having negative publicity.”
Hugh Freeze, assistant athletic director for football external affairs, taught the ladies about defensive philosophies.
He was followed by Running Backs Coach Frank Wilson, who talked about offense. Wilson had ladies participate in a demonstration.
The main speaker of the forum was former Ole Miss star Deuce McAllister.
McAllister, now a fifth year running back for the New Orleans Saints, spoke of his time at Ole Miss, professional football and the daily grind of a student-athlete and pro-athlete.
He also mentioned his charity, Catch 22.
“I never thought I would wind up at the University of Mississippi because of its history,” McAllister said of his alma mater. “But once I came here with an open mind and an open heart, there was no way I could ever go anywhere else. I would do it all over again. It’s a family here.”
“In the NFL, you realize the business side of the game. It’s not fun. I wish I could just go out and play for the love of my team. In college, it was for the love of my school,” McAllister said.
Orgeron, who closed the day, said, “We’re building something special, we’re here to build a championship football team.”
Two families at the forum had three generations of women there, all celebrating Ole Miss Football.

Grace Curtis

2005-07-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

‘Bruin destined for further greatness'

Memories aplenty ran through Alex Barron's mind Monday as he signed copies of his special Times and Democrat poster in the commons area of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School.Before becoming a first-round draft pick with the St. Louis Rams and a two-time All-American at Florida State, Barron regularly walked through this area on his way to the school library, cafeteria and the team locker room. Even among the large student population, the six-foot, 300-plus offensive lineman stood out as a "one of a kind" Bruin destined for further greatness."I had a great time here at O-W," Barron said. "If I had the chance again, I'd go through it again. I had fun in making friends and meeting new people every year. - NFL Football -
There's been some great memories here."Another one was provided Monday as Barron was saluted by the Orangeburg community during a special tribute held in the O-W auditorium. Leaders from city, county and state governments, local businesses and the area high schools and universities were on hand to honor Barron's accomplishments and wish him well in his future endeavors. - NFL Football -
When Barron was not standing up to receive a key to the city from Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller, resolutions from Orangeburg County Council Chairman John Rickenbacker and SCSU President Andrew Hugine, a statue from the Orangeburg Touchdown Club presented by President Don Tribble or a framed copy of the special poster from The Times and Democrat Publisher Cathy Hughes, he received accolades as a role model to the young people in the Garden City."I think we'll all agree that Alex has brought tremendous publicity and acclaim to our great community," said Hugine, who reminded those in attendance that Barron's parents both attended SCSU."It is fantastic to come back to Orangeburg and see good things for a lot of good people," former O-W and Washington Redskins' punter Max Runager said. "You see so much going on now with young people that is negative and to see the positive happening and for this family and to see something fantastic like this happen is outstanding for this county, this state and the schools around it. - NFL Football -
"Both of Barron's previous head coaches also saluted their former offensive tackle. Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden sent a video tribute which included highlights of Barron in action with the Seminoles. Meanwhile, former Bruins head coach Tommy Brown, now entering his second season at Calhoun County, was on-stage when Barron's high school jersey was framed with his number 70 which will join Woodrow Dantzler's in retirement at O-W."I was kind of shocked," said Barron about his jersey getting retired. "The only other player (to have his jersey retired) was Woodrow Dantzler and he lit up the sky and the sea every week here and at Clemson. I consider myself following in his footsteps. He wasn't the first one through, but he was one of the recent ones to do it. When I see him, I speak to him. - NFL Football -
Woodrow and I are pretty cool."Barron, Dantzler and defensive backs Arturo Freeman of the Green Bay Packers and Donnie Abraham of the New York Jets are the four former O-W players currently on NFL rosters. All but Abraham were coached by Brown, who said he was not surprised to see Barron also follow the path taken by his fellow Bruins."This young man came to us as a student of the game and he wanted it," he said. "As a coach, you become just like a father and you see a kid develop and you realize that the potential is out there and there's nothing that's going to stop that potential. He was also a student-athlete and one of the things his parents are proud of is the fact he graduated from Florida State University."This is not a surprise for me. We called him 'Big B'. He always had a smile on his face. The rough times we had out there on the practice field, Alex was always smiling. - NFL Football -
I'm not surprised this is happening and I look for him to break all types of records in the NFL and it's going to happen because he's been favored by God."Along with defensive lineman Chartric Darby of the Seattle Seahawks, formerly of North, five of the seven Orangeburg County players in the NFL attended high school in Orangeburg Consolidated District Five. District Five Superintendent Melvin Smoak was more proud of the fact players like Barron excelled both academically and athletically during their time at O-WThe event closed with Runager giving Barron advice on how to handle the "rookie hazings" when he returns to St. Louis and the unveiling of a special portrait of Barron from his Bruin days painted by recent O-W graduate Marco Keitt. In addition, current Bruins' head coach Tony Felder announced the creation of the Alex Barron Trophy to be given to the team's top offensive lineman."Actually, it was more than I thought it would be," Barron said. - NFL Football -
"Overall, I'm happy to be here. I'm blessed to be here and it's great to see all the people I grew up with, went to school with, taught by, learned from, see all of them doing good, come together for a special occasion."

THOMAS GRANT JR., T&D Senior Sports Writer

2005-07-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

Coaches study for new UTEP opponents

It's midsummer and, with temperatures soaring past 100 every day, football season seems further away than ever.But for UTEP football coaches, the much anticipated 2005 season is right around the corner. And they are preparing accordingly.In a month, UTEP will depart for training camp in Socorro, N.M. In less than two months, the Miners will visit New Mexico State in the season opener Sept. 3. And so UTEP head coach Mike Price and his staff are already hard at work in early July, preparing for a Conference USA campaign that is mysterious, to say the least."We're putting our game plans together this summer," Price said. "Each coach has a team who he is responsible for, and they will be responsible for a report when they come back from the summer break. Based on the previous games and tapes, they'll be putting together a mini game plan for each opponent. Then they'll present it to me (around Aug. 1). That will give us a basis, and we'll start from there."Of the 11 teams on the 2005 schedule, seven of them are new to the Miners from last year. Only NMSU, Rice, Tulsa and SMU were on UTEP's 2004 schedule.But even the familiar teams like NMSU are offering up a new look. That's because the Aggies have a new coach in Hal Mumme, and NMSU is expected to be the opposite of the club they were under option- oriented coach Tony Samuel for the past eight years. That means lots of passing, lots of multi- receiver sets and a lot of educated guessing on the part of UTEP defensive coaches.But in the case of NMSU, Price said coaches will watch game film of Southeastern Louisiana -- where Mumme coached last year before arriving with the Aggies."That is something we'll be looking at," Price said.Price said he thinks this year will be tougher than last season because even the longtime UTEP players aren't familiar with the opponents.Meanwhile, UTEP defensive coordinator Tim Hundley acknowledged that the new Conference USA schedule does represent some difficulty because of its novelty, adding, however, that change at the Division 1 level is a constant."Every team is new anyway," Hundley said. "Last year, every team was new to everybody. Having played against this particular (player) may not be the same as playing against them the following year. Guys grow up and get better. There's not a lot of familiarity any year. In the NFL, they play (divisional opponents) twice a year, and so they get a good feel for who they are. (For us), it's working on summer scouting reports, having your own packages for your own game plans and going out there and trying to adjust to what you see."Still, Hundley said teams try to prepare as much as possible based on the previous season. He said assistants base their preseason scouting reports mostly on video."You try and get some advance scouting reports so you won't have to do everything the week of the game," Hundley said. "At least for the first three or four games, and for any unusuals like a wishbone team."Hundley said UTEP opponents Marshall, UAB and Memphis all are good, solid teams that are probably the elite of the conference."The kids are anxious to (play them)," he said.

Matthew Aguilar
El Paso Times

2005-06-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

Hawaii businessman gets probation for stealing from NFL

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

Sports and business 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, 54, earlier pleaded no contest to the charge. He said he never intended to defraud or steal the NFL's money. The NFL sued the former chief executive officer with Tickets Plus in 2003, alleging it was owed $474,000 in Pro Bowl tickets sold by the company and a $100,000 event sponsorship.
fee for the 2003 game.

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

City deputy prosecutor Christopher Van Marter opposed the deferral request and asked that Sanchez be placed on probation and serve up to a year in jail.

"The court, in effect, tells the community that you can steal a half million dollars and the worst that will happen is you'll get a deferral," Van Marter said.

Michael Green, Sanchez's lawyer, said Monday that the judge's ruling "sends exactly the right message." He said his client realized he made a mistake, is remorseful and has apologized to the prosecution, the NFL and the judge.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports

Nfl Football Hall Of Fame

2005-06-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

Celebrity roundball a pleaser

The 4th Annual NFL Hometown Weekend capped of a successful weekend with a celebrity basketball game Saturday night that pitted NFL football players against the Texarkana, Ark., police officers.
Excited children in the audience watched spellbound as NFL players laughed and interacted with law enforcement officials in a friendly, though competitive, basketball game.
Arkansas High School alumni and Kansas City Chief cornerback Eric Warfield combined his talents with Liberty-Eylau alumni and former New York Giant Byron Williams to create the NFL Hometown Weekend. Proceeds go to support the Faith, Love and Hope Youth Corporation, founded by Warfield's mother, Rosie Warfield-McGill.
"I deal with children every day at the center who have negative attitudes toward police officers. This is to show them the police are your friends. The police are here, supporting the children. Right now, the NFL players are role models. We are trying to put focus on the Police Department. Our primary goal is to give youths a positive direction," she said.

Texarkana, Ark., police officer Bart Veal lauded the event.

"I believe there are role models on both sides. It is a great chance to show youth that there is a positive aspect to police. It doesn't all have to do with negative situations ... It is great to have professionals of that caliber to come to our community, not only to give guidance to our youth, but to help with a worthwhile charity. I have the greatest gratitude for that," he said.
Jacob Peavy, 10, waited patiently to approach the players on the court for autographs.
"It is awesome. I got autographs from most of the police officers and the football players. It is pretty cool having professional football players, basketball players and police officers together. Makes it kind of unique," he said.
The NFL players won the game 50-46 after trailing most of the fourth quarter, and took the lead after a football was substituted for the roundball.
Former Minnesota Timberwolves player Oliver Miller served as the "unofficial" coach for the NFL players.
"It is interesting. Anything for a good cause. I'm having a lot of fun. I like to keep smiles on the fans' faces," he said.
After the game, fans enjoyed taking pictures with their favorite NFL athletes while their favorite athletes enjoyed taking their own pictures with three Atlanta Falcon cheerleaders. The cheerleaders had participated in a cheerleading camp for about 40 middle school girls earlier in the day at Liberty-Eylau High School.
Although not a native of Texarkana, Falcon cheerleader Emily Prato said they enjoy supporting the youth of Texarkana.
"It makes our day to see those girls smile and have a good time. We've loved being a part of the weekend activities. We think it is a great thing they do for this community."

By JAKE BECKWITH Texarkana Gazette