Source: The Canadian Press
CHICAGO — Kevin Foster, who was drafted as an infielder by the Montreal Expos before becoming a pitcher and spending seven years in the major leagues, has died of cancer. He was 39.
He died in an Oklahoma City hospital Saturday after a six-month bout with renal cell carcinoma, brother Mark Foster said.
"He loved baseball, he loved people and people loved him," Mark Foster said. "He was a happy person who got along with everybody, and we will miss him."
Foster was selected by the Expos in the 29th round of the 1987 amateur draft. He converted to pitching three years later. The right-hander was traded to Seattle and then Philadelphia, where he made his first major league appearance in 1993.
Foster spent five seasons with the Chicago Cubs after being acquired from the Phillies for Shawn Boskie in 1994, going 32-28 from 1994-98. His best season with the Cubs came in 1995, when he was 12-11 with a 4.51 ERA.
"He was very popular with his teammates, the organization and fans, and he will be tremendously missed," the Cubs said in a statement.
Foster battled arm injuries after 1997 and made a brief comeback with Texas in 2001. He finished with a career record of 32-30.
Foster, who was raised in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, was working as a truck driver at the time of his death.
In addition to his brother, Foster is survived by four sons and three sisters. He was divorced and engaged to be married. Funeral arrangements were pending Tuesday.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Charlie Manuel Grieving In The Dugout
Source: Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A grieving Charlie Manuel was in the Philadelphia Phillies' dugout Friday afternoon for Game 2 of the NLCS, just hours after his mother died.
The Phillies said that June Manuel died Friday morning at Roanoke (Va.) Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was 87. The Phillies had no information about the cause of death.
Manuel found out Friday morning after a meeting with his staff before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Manuel watched batting practice from his customary spot behind the cage, but did not talk to the media and his usual pregame press conference was canceled.
Manuel wrote of June Manuel for a Mother's Day tribute on MLB.com in 2005: "I can't imagine a better person in the world than my mother. I hope everybody's mom is like mine. She's been very special to me, and I've been very lucky to have a mother like her."
Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez, whom Manuel managed in Cleveland, was among the players and coaches who stopped to offer condolences. Dodgers manager Joe Torre put a hand on Manuel's shoulder as the two chatted, and former Phillies closer Mitch Williams also dropped by behind the cage.
Manuel shook some hands as he walked into the dugout after batting practice, but did not take questions. The Phillies beat the Dodgers 3-2 in Game 1 on Thursday night.
June Manuel still lived in Buena Vista, Va., where the Phillies manager was raised. She is survived by 10 children. Funeral arrangements were pending.
Phillies Dodgers
Source: ESPN
The Phillies-Dodgers series marks the first postseason meeting between these teams since 1983, which was their third National League Championship Series tilt in eight years. While the Phillies boast the better regular-season record and the tougher regular-season schedule, the matchup isn't as lopsided as that might indicate. 
• For a slugging team, the Phillies can run -- really run. Their running game is about more than speed and relies on efficiency on the bases. But the Dodgers' starters do a good job of holding runners, making for an interesting subplot. 
• Give Joe Torre credit: He picked the best-hitting lineup he could from the assets available to him and ran it out there three times, all against right-handed pitchers. However, two of the Dodgers' best hitters, James Loney and Andre Ethier, bat from the left side and struggle against left-handed pitchers. The Dodgers will face a lefty in at least three NLCS games and possibly four, although Hamels is tougher on righties (due to arguably the best left-handed changeup in baseball) and Jamie Moyer has never had much of a righty-lefty split. Whether Torre platoons either Loney or Ethier, and with whom, will be one of the biggest questions facing L.A. • Will Manny Ramirez get anything to hit? He and Ethier drew four walks apiece in the NLDS, and he always has had outstanding plate discipline. In a tight spot, will the Phils pitch to Manny, especially if they have to face a lefty, Ethier, behind him? 
• Work the platoons. Pat Burrell and Jayson Werth have significant platoon splits, crushing lefties but faring worse against righties; the Phillies need to get Matt Stairs into the lineup for at least a few games, since the Dodgers will start right-handers in at least six of the seven matchups. You can count on Charlie Manuel's using Greg Dobbs instead of Pedro Feliz with a righty on the mound, but using Stairs instead of one of the two right-handed hitting outfielders gives the Phillies another advantage, especially since Werth and Burrell struggle against hard throwers like Chad Billingsley. • Get something more from Moyer. The ageless wonder was all over the place in his one start in the NLDS, and the Dodgers' lineup as currently constituted is better than the Brewers' -- less patient, but more contact-oriented and with more power. 
The Phillies-Dodgers series marks the first postseason meeting between these teams since 1983, which was their third National League Championship Series tilt in eight years. While the Phillies boast the better regular-season record and the tougher regular-season schedule, the matchup isn't as lopsided as that might indicate.
When the Phillies are up
• The Dodgers shut down the league's best offense in the NL Division Series, but they are about to face what might be the second-best, one unlikely to put up the same type of poor at-bats we saw from the Cubs. (The Cubs themselves weren't likely to throw a stinkbomb like that, but they did.) Look for solid at-bats and plenty of deep fly balls. Utley
• The hitter to watch is Chase Utley, who had a soft second half, affected by a sore hip. Utley and Ryan Howard struggled in the NLDS, but the hitters around them picked up the slack. It's hard to imagine the Phillies' being able to skate by a team better than the Brewers with neither hitter contributing, and Utley, one of the 10 best hitters in baseball when fully healthy, is more likely to step up.
When the Dodgers are up
• The Dodgers were not a particularly patient team during the regular season, but they were against the Cubs during the NLDS. Waiting out Cole Hamels isn't always a good strategy, but the Phillies' other three starters all can get into trouble when they're behind in the count and depend to some degree on hitters' getting themselves out. Loney
Keys for the Phillies
• Hit. The Phillies won the NLDS with a couple of big innings, built around either the long ball or a Mike Cameron misplay. You would expect one of the NL's best offenses to do better than that against Milwaukee, one of the weakest pitching staffs, especially without Ben Sheets. The next test, against the Dodgers' staff, will be much tougher. If the Phillies' hitters don't perform better, they can't win. Burrell
Lowe
Keys for the Dodgers
• Maximize the starting pitching advantage. The Dodgers could go with Derek Lowe on short rest in Game 4 -- risky, as he was bombed in his one short-rest start this season -- but then would have Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda and Lowe on full rest in Games 5 through 7, which is ideal. Their best alternative for Game 4 is lefty Clayton Kershaw, giving them an advantage against Howard and Utley but allowing the Phillies to get more out of lefty-killers like Werth and Shane Victorino. Still, it would be better to roll the dice on Kershaw's big stuff than on the ability of control artist Greg Maddux to shut down a disciplined lineup.• Get Kuo. Hong-Chih Kuo missed the NLDS with numbness in his arm and soreness in his triceps. While the Dodgers did just fine without him, he'd be an incredible weapon in the late innings against Utley or Howard. Pinch-hitting for a lefty like Dobbs or Stairs is only a marginal improvement, because Kuo is effective against right-handed hitters, too. If the Phillies are more patient than the Cubs were and get into the Dodgers' bullpen, the Kuo/no-Kuo variable will be a major one.
• Stay patient. The Dodgers out-walked the Cubs 14-6, turning a 10-point batting average advantage into a 73-point on-base percentage advantage. Of course, this also means the Dodgers' pitchers need to keep throwing strikes, but their front three all have been strike-throwers since Billingsley started his run of success in early May.Prediction
The Phillies had the better season and might be the better team, but this is a bad matchup for them unless their starters behind Hamels step it up -- or the Dodgers' bats are as cold in this series as they were hot against Chicago. A Maddux start in Game 4 might make this pick too aggressive, but assuming it's either Lowe on short rest or Kershaw on a short leash, I'll go with the Dodgers in five.Magic Johnson Outraged
LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Former National Basketball Association star Magic Johnson was outraged Friday after two Minnesota radio talk show hosts accused him of faking that he had contracted HIV, which can lead to AIDS.
Chris Baker and Langdon Perry of station KTLK questioned whether or not Hall of Fame hero Johnson, who led the Los Angeles Lakers' "Showtime" dynasty of the 1980s, was being truthful when he disclosed in 1991 that he had contracted HIV.
"Magic faked AIDS," Perry said.
"You think Magic faked AIDS for sympathy?" Baker replied.
"I'm convinced that Magic faked AIDS," Perry said.
"Yeah, me too," Baker said.
"I'm not sure why," Perry added. "But I'm pretty sure he faked AIDS. Because he's the only cured AIDS guy ever."
That exchange Wednesday prompted a response statement from Johnson, 49, on Friday that was reported by the Los Angeles Times.
"I am extremely disappointed in KTLK in Minneapolis," Johnson said. "I am outraged that Chris Baker and Langdon Perry would minimize such a serious and deadly issue.
"Millions are dying from HIV/AIDS and the fact that they would make jokes about my status is unbelievable.
"Chris, Langdon and KTLK should use their power in a more positive light by encouraging people to get tested for this disease instead of making up such ridiculous lies."
Johnson guided the Lakers to five titles before his 1991 retirement and made two comebacks before calling it quits for good in 1996. He was also a member of the 1992 US Olympic gold medal "Dream Team".
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Week 6 NFL Picks
Source: SportingNews.com
It's really a tradition unlike any other, because it's one that I would really like to stop sometime soon. Week 5 marked my first sub-.500 weekly record of the season, which means this week, to ensure I'm at least half right, I'm offering up two picks for every game.
Every week I feel confident about my picks on paper, until the "little things" like playing, coaching and officiating get in the way. As we know by now, every team has a potential path to victory in every game. So consider this outlining both paths, with the second path being my pick of record.
The Patriots' season path hit a roadblock with the loss of Tom Brady, and the Chargers have gone primrose to potholes in a hurry. That's the perfect enigmatic matchup to be the ...
AFC Game of the Week
New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers. Raise your hand if you thought both of these AFC championship game finalists would have each lost to the Dolphins, helping Miami already double its win total from last season. OK, you can put your hand down, Ronnie Brown.
Injuries have been major factors for both teams. The Patriots have needed to get creative to get wins without Brady, and the Chargers, who had the big blow of losing Shawne Merriman on defense, have consistently battled nicks to their key offensive players.
The Chargers, when healthy, remain the NFL's most talented team. They have dynamic playmakers -- LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Chris Chambers, Vincent Jackson, Antonio Cromartie -- and never are out of games with their capacity to score in any each way. The problem is, they are having trouble sustaining solid play on either offense or defense. When they get enough of one, they don't get enough of the other.
If they play up to their talents at home on Sunday night, however, they should have no trouble dispatching the Pats, a team with an aging defense and a backup QB prone to interceptions. Your score: Chargers 34, Patriots 17.
But wait, there is a reason the Patriots are still looking good at 3-1 and the Chargers are at 2-3. It comes down to coaching in New England, getting a consistent effort to use the team's strengths against the opponents' weaknesses. It was evident Bill Belichick's staff made the right adjustments on both sides of the ball post-bye, and the Patriots will be better prepared to win this tough Brady-less test. Patriots 23, Chargers 20.
NFC Game of the Week
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Suddenly, the NFC South is trying to challenge the NFC East for the league's toughest division. The preseason favorite Saints are 2-3, good for last place. The 3-2 Buccaneers won the South last season, but the 4-1 Panthers look like they are ready to take control at the top.
The Panthers have done it with a little bit of everything: good run defense, great pass defense, strong running game and an efficient passing game. They have been outstanding in executing their game plan every week, and it's all coming together like in 2003, when Jake Delhomme and John Fox led them to the Super Bowl.
With the Bucs sorting out their banged-up aging quarterbacks and having limited threats in the passing game, the Panthers should be able to keep Tampa from keeping drives alive. Offensively, if they can control the point of attack and keep springing DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, they should win, 17-13.
But wait, the Bucs play solid defense, too, and they can run the ball well with Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn. They are tough to beat at home, and will remember the Panthers won at Tampa in last season's finale. Jon Gruden also will make his team aware that this win is crucial in keeping the Panthers back with the rest of the division pack. Buccaneers 20, Panthers 17.
Shootout of the Week
Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals. The Cowboys are fourth in the league in passing. The Cardinals are third. The Cowboys rank second in points per game. The Cardinals rank fifth. If the Cards go nuts, go no-huddle and go shotgun with consistent four-wide receiver sets so Kurt Warner gets to throw the ball downfield quickly to Larry Fitzgerald and friends against the Cowboys' overmatched nickel and dime backs, the 3-2 hosts will survive, 34-31.
But wait, the Cowboys have equal firepower with Tony Romo to Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin and Jason Witten, and they also should remember they have a good power running game with Marion Barber to whittle the clock late to limit the time Warner has to lead a comeback charge. Cowboys 34, Cardinals 24.
Lock of the Week
Washington Redskins over St. Louis Rams. If the Redskins suddenly have no confidence despite two major NFC East road wins, they cough up the ball five times and forget how to tackle altogether, and simply clear the field for the Rams' offense, they will lose, 41-0.
But wait, the winless Rams have no answers for Jim Zorn's passing game with Jason Campbell playing mistake-free and they won't be able to stop Clinton Portis on the ground, either. A new coach in Jim Haslett and an extra week to prepare won't matter. They are still a poor road team and their fundamentals pale in comparison to what the 4-1 Redskins have shown. Redskins 38, Rams 13.
Upset of the Week
Green Bay Packers over Seattle Seahawks. Before he retires as head coach, Mike Holmgren gets one more shot at the team with which he built his legacy as one of the game's best. It will be strange for Holmgren to do so, however, without the chance to shake Brett Favre's hand after the game.
Instead, it will be Aaron Rodgers, who will be driven to end the Packers' three-game losing streak. The concern, however, is injuries are piling up everywhere, and the running game and defense aren't quite cooperating the way they did for Favre late last season. With the Seahawks rediscovering their rushing attack and their defense buoyed by the "12th" man of their raucous home crowd, they can get Holmgren one last win against the Pack, 24-20.
But wait, Rodgers has been able to pick apart poor pass defenses with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver streaking downfield, the Seahawks' aggressive style will finally help Ryan Grant get going on cutback lanes. On the other side, the Packers' defense benefits from Matt Hasselbeck and Seattle's passing game not being at full strength. Packers 28, Seahawks 24.
Rest of the Week
Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts. The Relocation Bowl has become a good rivalry over the past decade. Since 1999, Ray Lewis and the Ravens have prided themselves on premier defense, while the Colts have had their offense humming along with Peyton Manning. If the Ravens stuff Joseph Addai first and frustrate Manning with some key takeaways that turn into points, they win, 20-17. But wait, look for Manning to counter Baltimore's push and pressure with a quick, rhythmic passing game, using Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Anthony Gonzalez and Marvin Harrison to get just enough gains to move the chains. Colts 20, Ravens 14.
Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons, already looking impressive at home, proved they have really turned the corner by outlasting the Packers in Green Bay last week. They've paved the way for Michael Turner to lead the league in rushing, and he, along with go-to receiver Roddy White, has helped rookie QB Matt Ryan settle in nicely. If they get running and play-action going this week, they can burn the Bears' defense just enough big to win, 20-17. But wait, that Bears' defense excels in stuffing the run, and it can also rattle a young passer. The Bears' offense will have an easier time establishing Matt Forte and getting a few big pass plays. Bears 20, Falcons 13.
Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets. Away from bungling in the Jungle, the winless Bengals have been have a very competitive road team against tough opponents. If they can find a way to keep Carson Palmer clean and get him into a winnable shootout with Brett Favre, then the final will be Bengals 27, Jets 24. But wait, the more likely scenario is the Bengals' defense will play soft to protect itself from Favre, and that will give the Jets a chance to get their 26th-ranked rushing attack going against the league's No. 29 run defense. Jets 24, Bengals 20.
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings. If the Lions start playing like a team, protect the passer, effectively get the ball to Calvin Johnson as much as possible, suddenly revive both their 31st-ranked rushing offense to control the clock and 30th-ranked run defense in time to slow down Adrian Peterson, they will win, 17-16. But wait, the Lions are terrible on the road and the Vikings' D is getting great push up front. The Lions can't stop big plays from happening, whether it's Peterson by ground or Bernard Berrian by air. Vikings 34, Lions 17.
Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans. The Texans have made it a habit of losing close ones, while the Dolphins have found they can win games with a pretty good formula: A power running game, an efficient passing game and much-improved defense. With Ronnie Brown on a roll and the Dolphins better at finishing games, it should be a 20-17 win. But wait, the Texans are desperate and due for a breakthrough in a stretch of five home games in six weeks. They already have figured out how to play well for three quarters, and it will take just a little bit more for them to get their first win. Texans 17, Dolphins 14.
Oakland Raiders at New Orleans Saints. Lane Kiffin was fired so Al Davis could coach the team through Tom Cable, and that means the Raiders will look to JaMarcus Russell to heave a few deep balls against the Saints' vulnerable secondary. If he connects for a couple long touchdowns and the Raiders can turn to Darren McFadden on the ground with a big early lead, they will win, 27-20. But wait, the problem is, as good as Davis thinks Rob Ryan's defense is, it will have trouble stopping Drew Brees and Reggie Bush at any point in the game. Chances are the Saints cut out their mistakes while the Raiders don't. Saints 30, Raiders 14.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos. The Broncos have so far escaped from three barn-burners and turned in an awful performance against the lowly Chiefs, so it's hard to get a read on how good they exactly are. The Jaguars are battling injuries at 2-3, yet all of their games have been decided by a touchdown or less, including four that have been decided in the fourth quarter or overtime. With Denver banged up, it looks like a road game the physical Jags can steal, 24-20. But wait, Jags have struggled to find a consistent pass rush and enough healthy bodies in the secondary, which doesn't bode well against Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall. Broncos 27, Jaguars 24.
Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers. The 2-3 Eagles find themselves in the same position as last season -- looking up at the Giants, Cowboys and Redskins in the NFC East standings. Now Brian Westbrook has fractured ribs, and a whole promising season is breaking. They can easily fall into a West Coast trap and lose, 23-20. But wait, defense can save the Eagles. The Niners have struggled to protect J.T. O'Sullivan, and that will allow the visitors to get key sacks and takeaways. Plus, Donovan McNabb's dinking and dunking will work over San Fran's front seven. Eagles 27, 49ers 17.
New York Giants at Cleveland Browns. Cleveland will be rocking for a rare Monday night game, and the Browns will be very well rested after a Week 5 bye. They actually are playing much better overall defense than last season, and the undefeated Giants seem due for a letdown after some dominant victories. Browns win, 24-23. But wait, the Browns still can't handle the Giants' power running game, or cover Plaxico Burress, or put any pressure on Eli Manning. Shockingly, they also have the league's worst passing game, and the G-Men's pass rush won't offer relief. Giants 24, Browns 10.
Byes of the Week
The Titans have the league's best record at 5-0, and their defense gets a much-needed break for its outstanding, dominant start. Looks like they will get to tee off on Kansas City in Week 7, which sets up a great Monday nighter in Nashville against the Colts. ...
Speaking of the Chiefs, they have looked totally inept when they've lost, and when that happens, Larry Johnson gets shut down. Don't expect them to find much offense against the Titans next with Brodie Croyle returning under center, but Herm Edwards gets a shot at his old team, the Jets, in Week 8. ...
The Bills are no longer in the exclusive unbeaten club with the Giants and Titans after getting burned by Arizona, but that's the kind of low you would expect from a young team that's had plenty of highs so far. The key is the healthy return of Trent Edwards from a concussion. With the Chargers, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots looming, they need their No. 1 quarterback. ...
The Steelers also need their No. 1 quarterback. While Ben Roethlisberger gets a reprieve from all those hits, they need to figure out how to keep him clean to build on their 4-1 record. They have a tough stretch coming up against the Giants, Redskins, Colts and Chargers, sandwiched by their series with the Bengals.
It's really a tradition unlike any other, because it's one that I would really like to stop sometime soon. Week 5 marked my first sub-.500 weekly record of the season, which means this week, to ensure I'm at least half right, I'm offering up two picks for every game.
Every week I feel confident about my picks on paper, until the "little things" like playing, coaching and officiating get in the way. As we know by now, every team has a potential path to victory in every game. So consider this outlining both paths, with the second path being my pick of record.
The Patriots' season path hit a roadblock with the loss of Tom Brady, and the Chargers have gone primrose to potholes in a hurry. That's the perfect enigmatic matchup to be the ...
AFC Game of the Week
New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers. Raise your hand if you thought both of these AFC championship game finalists would have each lost to the Dolphins, helping Miami already double its win total from last season. OK, you can put your hand down, Ronnie Brown.
Injuries have been major factors for both teams. The Patriots have needed to get creative to get wins without Brady, and the Chargers, who had the big blow of losing Shawne Merriman on defense, have consistently battled nicks to their key offensive players.
The Chargers, when healthy, remain the NFL's most talented team. They have dynamic playmakers -- LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Chris Chambers, Vincent Jackson, Antonio Cromartie -- and never are out of games with their capacity to score in any each way. The problem is, they are having trouble sustaining solid play on either offense or defense. When they get enough of one, they don't get enough of the other.
If they play up to their talents at home on Sunday night, however, they should have no trouble dispatching the Pats, a team with an aging defense and a backup QB prone to interceptions. Your score: Chargers 34, Patriots 17.
But wait, there is a reason the Patriots are still looking good at 3-1 and the Chargers are at 2-3. It comes down to coaching in New England, getting a consistent effort to use the team's strengths against the opponents' weaknesses. It was evident Bill Belichick's staff made the right adjustments on both sides of the ball post-bye, and the Patriots will be better prepared to win this tough Brady-less test. Patriots 23, Chargers 20.
NFC Game of the Week
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Suddenly, the NFC South is trying to challenge the NFC East for the league's toughest division. The preseason favorite Saints are 2-3, good for last place. The 3-2 Buccaneers won the South last season, but the 4-1 Panthers look like they are ready to take control at the top.
The Panthers have done it with a little bit of everything: good run defense, great pass defense, strong running game and an efficient passing game. They have been outstanding in executing their game plan every week, and it's all coming together like in 2003, when Jake Delhomme and John Fox led them to the Super Bowl.
With the Bucs sorting out their banged-up aging quarterbacks and having limited threats in the passing game, the Panthers should be able to keep Tampa from keeping drives alive. Offensively, if they can control the point of attack and keep springing DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, they should win, 17-13.
But wait, the Bucs play solid defense, too, and they can run the ball well with Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn. They are tough to beat at home, and will remember the Panthers won at Tampa in last season's finale. Jon Gruden also will make his team aware that this win is crucial in keeping the Panthers back with the rest of the division pack. Buccaneers 20, Panthers 17.
Shootout of the Week
Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals. The Cowboys are fourth in the league in passing. The Cardinals are third. The Cowboys rank second in points per game. The Cardinals rank fifth. If the Cards go nuts, go no-huddle and go shotgun with consistent four-wide receiver sets so Kurt Warner gets to throw the ball downfield quickly to Larry Fitzgerald and friends against the Cowboys' overmatched nickel and dime backs, the 3-2 hosts will survive, 34-31.
But wait, the Cowboys have equal firepower with Tony Romo to Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin and Jason Witten, and they also should remember they have a good power running game with Marion Barber to whittle the clock late to limit the time Warner has to lead a comeback charge. Cowboys 34, Cardinals 24.
Lock of the Week
Washington Redskins over St. Louis Rams. If the Redskins suddenly have no confidence despite two major NFC East road wins, they cough up the ball five times and forget how to tackle altogether, and simply clear the field for the Rams' offense, they will lose, 41-0.
But wait, the winless Rams have no answers for Jim Zorn's passing game with Jason Campbell playing mistake-free and they won't be able to stop Clinton Portis on the ground, either. A new coach in Jim Haslett and an extra week to prepare won't matter. They are still a poor road team and their fundamentals pale in comparison to what the 4-1 Redskins have shown. Redskins 38, Rams 13.
Upset of the Week
Green Bay Packers over Seattle Seahawks. Before he retires as head coach, Mike Holmgren gets one more shot at the team with which he built his legacy as one of the game's best. It will be strange for Holmgren to do so, however, without the chance to shake Brett Favre's hand after the game.
Instead, it will be Aaron Rodgers, who will be driven to end the Packers' three-game losing streak. The concern, however, is injuries are piling up everywhere, and the running game and defense aren't quite cooperating the way they did for Favre late last season. With the Seahawks rediscovering their rushing attack and their defense buoyed by the "12th" man of their raucous home crowd, they can get Holmgren one last win against the Pack, 24-20.
But wait, Rodgers has been able to pick apart poor pass defenses with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver streaking downfield, the Seahawks' aggressive style will finally help Ryan Grant get going on cutback lanes. On the other side, the Packers' defense benefits from Matt Hasselbeck and Seattle's passing game not being at full strength. Packers 28, Seahawks 24.
Rest of the Week
Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts. The Relocation Bowl has become a good rivalry over the past decade. Since 1999, Ray Lewis and the Ravens have prided themselves on premier defense, while the Colts have had their offense humming along with Peyton Manning. If the Ravens stuff Joseph Addai first and frustrate Manning with some key takeaways that turn into points, they win, 20-17. But wait, look for Manning to counter Baltimore's push and pressure with a quick, rhythmic passing game, using Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Anthony Gonzalez and Marvin Harrison to get just enough gains to move the chains. Colts 20, Ravens 14.
Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons, already looking impressive at home, proved they have really turned the corner by outlasting the Packers in Green Bay last week. They've paved the way for Michael Turner to lead the league in rushing, and he, along with go-to receiver Roddy White, has helped rookie QB Matt Ryan settle in nicely. If they get running and play-action going this week, they can burn the Bears' defense just enough big to win, 20-17. But wait, that Bears' defense excels in stuffing the run, and it can also rattle a young passer. The Bears' offense will have an easier time establishing Matt Forte and getting a few big pass plays. Bears 20, Falcons 13.
Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets. Away from bungling in the Jungle, the winless Bengals have been have a very competitive road team against tough opponents. If they can find a way to keep Carson Palmer clean and get him into a winnable shootout with Brett Favre, then the final will be Bengals 27, Jets 24. But wait, the more likely scenario is the Bengals' defense will play soft to protect itself from Favre, and that will give the Jets a chance to get their 26th-ranked rushing attack going against the league's No. 29 run defense. Jets 24, Bengals 20.
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings. If the Lions start playing like a team, protect the passer, effectively get the ball to Calvin Johnson as much as possible, suddenly revive both their 31st-ranked rushing offense to control the clock and 30th-ranked run defense in time to slow down Adrian Peterson, they will win, 17-16. But wait, the Lions are terrible on the road and the Vikings' D is getting great push up front. The Lions can't stop big plays from happening, whether it's Peterson by ground or Bernard Berrian by air. Vikings 34, Lions 17.
Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans. The Texans have made it a habit of losing close ones, while the Dolphins have found they can win games with a pretty good formula: A power running game, an efficient passing game and much-improved defense. With Ronnie Brown on a roll and the Dolphins better at finishing games, it should be a 20-17 win. But wait, the Texans are desperate and due for a breakthrough in a stretch of five home games in six weeks. They already have figured out how to play well for three quarters, and it will take just a little bit more for them to get their first win. Texans 17, Dolphins 14.
Oakland Raiders at New Orleans Saints. Lane Kiffin was fired so Al Davis could coach the team through Tom Cable, and that means the Raiders will look to JaMarcus Russell to heave a few deep balls against the Saints' vulnerable secondary. If he connects for a couple long touchdowns and the Raiders can turn to Darren McFadden on the ground with a big early lead, they will win, 27-20. But wait, the problem is, as good as Davis thinks Rob Ryan's defense is, it will have trouble stopping Drew Brees and Reggie Bush at any point in the game. Chances are the Saints cut out their mistakes while the Raiders don't. Saints 30, Raiders 14.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos. The Broncos have so far escaped from three barn-burners and turned in an awful performance against the lowly Chiefs, so it's hard to get a read on how good they exactly are. The Jaguars are battling injuries at 2-3, yet all of their games have been decided by a touchdown or less, including four that have been decided in the fourth quarter or overtime. With Denver banged up, it looks like a road game the physical Jags can steal, 24-20. But wait, Jags have struggled to find a consistent pass rush and enough healthy bodies in the secondary, which doesn't bode well against Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall. Broncos 27, Jaguars 24.
Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers. The 2-3 Eagles find themselves in the same position as last season -- looking up at the Giants, Cowboys and Redskins in the NFC East standings. Now Brian Westbrook has fractured ribs, and a whole promising season is breaking. They can easily fall into a West Coast trap and lose, 23-20. But wait, defense can save the Eagles. The Niners have struggled to protect J.T. O'Sullivan, and that will allow the visitors to get key sacks and takeaways. Plus, Donovan McNabb's dinking and dunking will work over San Fran's front seven. Eagles 27, 49ers 17.
New York Giants at Cleveland Browns. Cleveland will be rocking for a rare Monday night game, and the Browns will be very well rested after a Week 5 bye. They actually are playing much better overall defense than last season, and the undefeated Giants seem due for a letdown after some dominant victories. Browns win, 24-23. But wait, the Browns still can't handle the Giants' power running game, or cover Plaxico Burress, or put any pressure on Eli Manning. Shockingly, they also have the league's worst passing game, and the G-Men's pass rush won't offer relief. Giants 24, Browns 10.
Byes of the Week
The Titans have the league's best record at 5-0, and their defense gets a much-needed break for its outstanding, dominant start. Looks like they will get to tee off on Kansas City in Week 7, which sets up a great Monday nighter in Nashville against the Colts. ...
Speaking of the Chiefs, they have looked totally inept when they've lost, and when that happens, Larry Johnson gets shut down. Don't expect them to find much offense against the Titans next with Brodie Croyle returning under center, but Herm Edwards gets a shot at his old team, the Jets, in Week 8. ...
The Bills are no longer in the exclusive unbeaten club with the Giants and Titans after getting burned by Arizona, but that's the kind of low you would expect from a young team that's had plenty of highs so far. The key is the healthy return of Trent Edwards from a concussion. With the Chargers, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots looming, they need their No. 1 quarterback. ...
The Steelers also need their No. 1 quarterback. While Ben Roethlisberger gets a reprieve from all those hits, they need to figure out how to keep him clean to build on their 4-1 record. They have a tough stretch coming up against the Giants, Redskins, Colts and Chargers, sandwiched by their series with the Bengals.
Pacman Jones
Dallas Cowboys have been getting a lot of headlines but not necessarily on the sports pages.
First, it was news that earlier this week that Cowboys running back Marion Barber is likely a victim of the Uptown burglars. Before that, it was the 2006 controversy surrounding Terrell Owens' overdose incident with prescription painkillers. Initially classified as a suicide attempt, it was subsequently reclassified as an "accidental overdose," but only after a huge media feeding frenzy.
Now comes the incident with Mr. Jones and once again Dallas police are in the middle of yet another media maelstorm over a disturbance with Adam Jones. Lt. Vernon Hale, the department's chief spokesman, put out this media release (below) this morning to try to quell the storm.
October 8, 2008
Dallas Police Respond to Disturbance Involving Athlete
On Tuesday October 7th approximately 11:00 p.m., there was a disturbance call made by an employee at the Jewel Hotel at 1530 Main Street. The call stated that there was a disturbance between two black males and a black female arguing and fighting at the location and that the suspects were in the lobby.
Two police elements arrived at the call and it was determined that the disturbance was over and that some hotel employees over heard a scuffle in the men's lobby restroom. According to the reporting officer, there were no witnesses that came forward, at that time, stating that an assault had occurred. The hotel management did point out that a glass light switch plate had been broken but stated everything was OK.
Both of the men, one being identified as Adam Jones and the other as his private bodyguard, stated everything was "OK". Both parties were driven from the location by an acquaintance. The information on the alleged assault by Mr. Jones was obtained after the incident had ended and the alleged victim, (bodyguard), did not want to pursue any action stating that this issue was a private matter.
First, it was news that earlier this week that Cowboys running back Marion Barber is likely a victim of the Uptown burglars. Before that, it was the 2006 controversy surrounding Terrell Owens' overdose incident with prescription painkillers. Initially classified as a suicide attempt, it was subsequently reclassified as an "accidental overdose," but only after a huge media feeding frenzy.
Now comes the incident with Mr. Jones and once again Dallas police are in the middle of yet another media maelstorm over a disturbance with Adam Jones. Lt. Vernon Hale, the department's chief spokesman, put out this media release (below) this morning to try to quell the storm.
October 8, 2008
Dallas Police Respond to Disturbance Involving Athlete
On Tuesday October 7th approximately 11:00 p.m., there was a disturbance call made by an employee at the Jewel Hotel at 1530 Main Street. The call stated that there was a disturbance between two black males and a black female arguing and fighting at the location and that the suspects were in the lobby.
Two police elements arrived at the call and it was determined that the disturbance was over and that some hotel employees over heard a scuffle in the men's lobby restroom. According to the reporting officer, there were no witnesses that came forward, at that time, stating that an assault had occurred. The hotel management did point out that a glass light switch plate had been broken but stated everything was OK.
Both of the men, one being identified as Adam Jones and the other as his private bodyguard, stated everything was "OK". Both parties were driven from the location by an acquaintance. The information on the alleged assault by Mr. Jones was obtained after the incident had ended and the alleged victim, (bodyguard), did not want to pursue any action stating that this issue was a private matter.
Charles Rogers
Former wide receiver Charles Rogers owes the Lions reportedly about $8.5 million because violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy put him in default of his contract, an arbitrator has ruled.
Now the Lions must go though the legal process of collecting from Rogers, who has been out of pro football since the Lions cut him before the 2006 season.
The Lions will receive salary cap credit for whatever they actually collect. But after the Lions originally filed their grievance in 2005, seeking more than $10 million, Rogers said: “It’s going to be kind of hard to get 10.” He laughed and added: “We’ll see, man.”
Chief operating officer Tom Lewand did not respond to messages.
The Lions released the following statement: “On September 24, an arbitrator ruled favorably in our grievance case against former WR Charles Rogers. We thank the staff of the NFL’s Management Council for their considerable efforts on this matter and will now work with them to enforce this judgment. We will have no further comment on this case until it is appropriate to do so.”
Sept. 24 is also the day the Lions fired president Matt Millen.
The Lions sought $10.184 million of the $14 million signing bonus Rogers received in 2003, after the Lions drafted him second overall out of Michigan State.
Rogers’ contract included a clause that said if Rogers was suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, he would have to pay back the bonus prorated for the rest of the contract. Rogers served a four-game suspension in 2005 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
The NFL Players Association argued language in the collective bargaining agreement superceded the contract, and the case took almost three years to resolve.
Now the Lions must go though the legal process of collecting from Rogers, who has been out of pro football since the Lions cut him before the 2006 season.
The Lions will receive salary cap credit for whatever they actually collect. But after the Lions originally filed their grievance in 2005, seeking more than $10 million, Rogers said: “It’s going to be kind of hard to get 10.” He laughed and added: “We’ll see, man.”
Chief operating officer Tom Lewand did not respond to messages.
The Lions released the following statement: “On September 24, an arbitrator ruled favorably in our grievance case against former WR Charles Rogers. We thank the staff of the NFL’s Management Council for their considerable efforts on this matter and will now work with them to enforce this judgment. We will have no further comment on this case until it is appropriate to do so.”
Sept. 24 is also the day the Lions fired president Matt Millen.
The Lions sought $10.184 million of the $14 million signing bonus Rogers received in 2003, after the Lions drafted him second overall out of Michigan State.
Rogers’ contract included a clause that said if Rogers was suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, he would have to pay back the bonus prorated for the rest of the contract. Rogers served a four-game suspension in 2005 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
The NFL Players Association argued language in the collective bargaining agreement superceded the contract, and the case took almost three years to resolve.
Emmitt Smith Diamond Trash
Source: scout.com
Cowboys Respond to Emmitt's "Trash"-ing
In comments to "Sports Illustrated", Emmitt Smith said playing for last year's Cowboys "felt like being a diamond surrounded by trash. ...
football.about.com
Sports Illustrated published comments by Emmitt Smith this past week saying he felt like "a diamond surrounded by trash" with the Cowboys last season. ...
nyg.scout.com
DALLAS COWBOYS Blog | The Dallas Morning News
Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, raised some eyebrows during ... Emmitt lost me with his Diamond surrounded by trash comments before he left ...
cowboysblog.dallasnews.com
SI.com - SI Writers - Peter King - Monday Morning QB - Peter ...
Emmitt Smith plays his first game as a Cardinal, and Bill Parcells ..... was the diamond and his teammates the trash (which is unquestionably the way I feel ...
sportsillustrated.cnn.com
Cowboys Respond to Emmitt's "Trash"-ing
In comments to "Sports Illustrated", Emmitt Smith said playing for last year's Cowboys "felt like being a diamond surrounded by trash. ...
football.about.com
Sports Illustrated published comments by Emmitt Smith this past week saying he felt like "a diamond surrounded by trash" with the Cowboys last season. ...
nyg.scout.com
DALLAS COWBOYS Blog | The Dallas Morning News
Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, raised some eyebrows during ... Emmitt lost me with his Diamond surrounded by trash comments before he left ...
cowboysblog.dallasnews.com
SI.com - SI Writers - Peter King - Monday Morning QB - Peter ...
Emmitt Smith plays his first game as a Cardinal, and Bill Parcells ..... was the diamond and his teammates the trash (which is unquestionably the way I feel ...
sportsillustrated.cnn.com
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Sage Rosenfels Fumbles Win
Source: Associated Press
HOUSTON (AP) — Peyton Manning turned a colossal collapse by the Houston Texans into a stunning victory for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts scored 21 points in a late span of 2:10 — two touchdowns thanks to fumbles by Sage Rosenfels — then intercepted Rosenfels' last-ditch comeback attempt for a 31-27 win Sunday.
Manning threw two touchdown passes, connecting with Reggie Wayne on a 5-yarder with 1:54 remaining for the decisive points. Linebacker Gary Brackett returned a fumble by quarterback Rosenfels 68 yards for a score in between Manning's TD throws.
Rookie Tom Santi caught the other late score, a 7-yarder to bring the Colts (2-2) within 27-17 with 4:04 to go. It was his first NFL touchdown.
Backup Rosenfels, playing for the ill Matt Schaub, had the winless Texans (0-4) ahead by 17 points before losing two fumbles and throwing an interception. Texans fans had wanted to see Schaub replaced all season, and Rosenfels was nearly flawless for three quarters. Then came one of the most colossal collapses in the history of the young franchise.
After Manning found Santi for his touchdown, Indianapolis attempted an onside kick, but Houston recovered. On the next drive, Rosenfels ran right at defensive back Marlin Jackson, who upended him and knocked the ball loose. Brackett ran it in to make it 27-24.
On the ensuing drive, Robert Mathis sacked Rosenfels and stripped the ball at the Houston 19. Manning hit a leaping Wayne in the corner of the end zone, the play was reviewed, and the call was upheld.
Houston got back the ball with almost 2 minutes remaining, but Rosenfels was intercepted by Melvin Bullitt.
The Texans played the 100th game in franchise history in their hurricane-damaged stadium with the retractable roof open; the roof couldn't be repaired in time for Sunday's game. Houston was supposed to host Baltimore in Week 2 when Hurricane Ike hit, but that game was postponed until Nov. 9.
The rowdy crowd, which waited almost a month to see the Texans, held signs including one that read 'Ike took our roof but not our Texan Pride,' but was stunned into silence in the fourth quarter.
Rosenfels' miscues ruined good days by rookie Steve Slaton and Andre Johnson. Slaton ran for 93 yards and two touchdowns and Johnson bounced back from two poor games with nine catches for 131 yards. Johnson, who had 67 yards in the last two games combined, scored his first touchdown of the season on a 5-yard reception just before halftime for a 17-10 lead.
Mario Williams had two sacks as he stayed in Manning's face most of the day. Manning was 25-of-34 for 247 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
Slaton brought Houston within 10-7 on a 1-yard run early in the second quarter set up when Jackson was called for pass interference on Johnson in the end zone. Slaton's other score came on a 1-yard run early in the fourth quarter that pushed the lead to 27-10.
Houston settled for a 37-yard field goal by Kris Brown to tie it at 10 in the second period after Ahman Green tripped and fell on a direct snap. Green, playing for the first time since Week 1, had 12 carries for 47 yards.
Brown added a 43-yard field goal in the third quarter.
Joseph Addai scored on a 1-yard run that gave Indianapolis a 10-0 lead. That drive was kept alive when Manning found Wayne for a 36-yard gain on fourth-and-1.
Wayne finished with seven receptions for 97 yards and Dallas Clark had five receptions for 81 yards.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Tim Hasselbeck
Source: TVspreadit.org
Tim Hasselbeck Elisabeth Hasselbeck Husband - Tim Hasselbeck’s wife Elisabeth Hasselbeck is adding to the rumor that she might leave the view for her own show on FOX by constantly fighting with her other co-hosts.The Chicago Sun-Times,is reporting that Elisabeth has had enough of Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar.
Tim Hasselbeck Elisabeth Hasselbeck Husband - Tim Hasselbeck’s wife Elisabeth Hasselbeck is adding to the rumor that she might leave the view for her own show on FOX by constantly fighting with her other co-hosts.The Chicago Sun-Times,is reporting that Elisabeth has had enough of Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar.
Tony Mandarich Admits To Steroid Use
Source: Associated Press
Mandarich admits steroid use in TV interview
NEW YORK (AP) — Former NFL draft bust Tony Mandarich says he used steroids at Michigan State and faked a drug test before the 1988 Rose Bowl.
He also said during an interview on "Inside the NFL" that will air Wednesday on Showtime that he did not use steroids in the NFL but was addicted to alcohol and painkillers.
Mandarich, whose autobiography will be released in March, said he provided a fake urine sample to evade detection before the '88 Rose Bowl in which Michigan State beat Southern California 20-17. Mandarich said he couldn't confirm a report that other players did the same.
The offensive lineman was the No. 2 overall pick in 1989 by the Packers. He lasted just three years with Green Bay amid rumors of steroid use.
"I got to the point where it was a struggle to work out three or four times a week because the priority of getting high was above the priority of working out," Mandarich said in the interview.
Mandarich admits steroid use in TV interview
NEW YORK (AP) — Former NFL draft bust Tony Mandarich says he used steroids at Michigan State and faked a drug test before the 1988 Rose Bowl.
He also said during an interview on "Inside the NFL" that will air Wednesday on Showtime that he did not use steroids in the NFL but was addicted to alcohol and painkillers.
Mandarich, whose autobiography will be released in March, said he provided a fake urine sample to evade detection before the '88 Rose Bowl in which Michigan State beat Southern California 20-17. Mandarich said he couldn't confirm a report that other players did the same.
The offensive lineman was the No. 2 overall pick in 1989 by the Packers. He lasted just three years with Green Bay amid rumors of steroid use.
"I got to the point where it was a struggle to work out three or four times a week because the priority of getting high was above the priority of working out," Mandarich said in the interview.
Alonzo Mourning - New Book To Be Released
MIAMI — Alonzo Mourning is an NBA champion, a supporter of many charitable causes, a crusader for better education for students in South Florida and beyond.
And now he's an author.
The book chronicling Mourning's life, "Resilience," is being released Tuesday, and the longtime All-Star center said he's hopeful the 231-page tale can inspire everyday people to overcome whatever challenges they face, much like how cycling champion Lance Armstrong's two books inspired Mourning in his fight against kidney disease.
"Lance was one of the people who inspired me to write this book," Mourning said in an interview with The Associated Press. "He played a big role in my overall approach to coming back and playing the game, reading both of his books, learning more about his life, his experiences and how he dealt with adversity. He motivated millions and millions of people in their lives, and I felt my story could have that same impact."
Mourning went out of his way to ensure that the book wasn't just a chronicle of his years playing college basketball at Georgetown and then his NBA stops in Charlotte, New Jersey and Miami, where he spent the bulk of his career and the team he'd like to return to at some point this season. He's still waiting to determine if he can recover from major injuries to his knee and leg suffered in a fall at Atlanta on Dec. 19, 2007 - the fourth anniversary of the kidney transplant that saved his life.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Virginia | New Jersey | Atlanta | Miami | Maryland | Charlotte | Georgia Tech | Syracuse | Georgetown | Lance Armstrong | Howard | South Florida | Bill Cosby
Mourning has been open about his fight against kidney disease, but the book touches on several other facets of his life, many of which he hasn't discussed at much length publicly before.
Among the highlights:
- How actor, comedian and philanthropist Bill Cosby helped shape his life by paying for an education at Howard for the woman who would eventually become his wife, Tracy Wilson Mourning.
- The tribulations of the recruiting trail as a coveted high school player, when Maryland, Syracuse, Virginia and Georgia Tech all wanted him to sign and wooed him with clothes, shoes, fancy dinners, even a trip to a strip club. "Everyone understood I could have gotten money at any of these places. The message was sent," Mourning wrote.
- The ironic tale of how he was nearly too muscular to get a kidney transplant, because surgeons were having trouble finding a place in his body to put the new organ without cutting copious amounts of muscle. If they'd gone about the procedure that way, Mourning's career would have ended in the operating room.
"Everybody has a story," Mourning said. "And if everybody had an opportunity to put their story on paper, everybody reading those stories would find something that they would connect with. And I know there's so many positive things throughout my whole life that can help inspire and help people overcome certain adversities in their lives."
Mourning said he spent about two years planning and writing the book, some of the proceeds of which will be directed toward kidney transplantation programs and research.
The other words on the cover - faith, focus and triumph - are part of a message that Mourning said believes can be applied by anyone to any situation in life.
"We all are here for one purpose," Mourning said. "We're here to help fellow man and stimulate growth on this earth. That's what we're here for. God created the planets, the trees, the human beings, He put us here to grow and enhance things in a positive way. And there's more to me being on this earth than just being a basketball player. That's not how I want to be remembered."
The Associated Press
And now he's an author.
The book chronicling Mourning's life, "Resilience," is being released Tuesday, and the longtime All-Star center said he's hopeful the 231-page tale can inspire everyday people to overcome whatever challenges they face, much like how cycling champion Lance Armstrong's two books inspired Mourning in his fight against kidney disease.
"Lance was one of the people who inspired me to write this book," Mourning said in an interview with The Associated Press. "He played a big role in my overall approach to coming back and playing the game, reading both of his books, learning more about his life, his experiences and how he dealt with adversity. He motivated millions and millions of people in their lives, and I felt my story could have that same impact."
Mourning went out of his way to ensure that the book wasn't just a chronicle of his years playing college basketball at Georgetown and then his NBA stops in Charlotte, New Jersey and Miami, where he spent the bulk of his career and the team he'd like to return to at some point this season. He's still waiting to determine if he can recover from major injuries to his knee and leg suffered in a fall at Atlanta on Dec. 19, 2007 - the fourth anniversary of the kidney transplant that saved his life.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Virginia | New Jersey | Atlanta | Miami | Maryland | Charlotte | Georgia Tech | Syracuse | Georgetown | Lance Armstrong | Howard | South Florida | Bill Cosby
Mourning has been open about his fight against kidney disease, but the book touches on several other facets of his life, many of which he hasn't discussed at much length publicly before.
Among the highlights:
- How actor, comedian and philanthropist Bill Cosby helped shape his life by paying for an education at Howard for the woman who would eventually become his wife, Tracy Wilson Mourning.
- The tribulations of the recruiting trail as a coveted high school player, when Maryland, Syracuse, Virginia and Georgia Tech all wanted him to sign and wooed him with clothes, shoes, fancy dinners, even a trip to a strip club. "Everyone understood I could have gotten money at any of these places. The message was sent," Mourning wrote.
- The ironic tale of how he was nearly too muscular to get a kidney transplant, because surgeons were having trouble finding a place in his body to put the new organ without cutting copious amounts of muscle. If they'd gone about the procedure that way, Mourning's career would have ended in the operating room.
"Everybody has a story," Mourning said. "And if everybody had an opportunity to put their story on paper, everybody reading those stories would find something that they would connect with. And I know there's so many positive things throughout my whole life that can help inspire and help people overcome certain adversities in their lives."
Mourning said he spent about two years planning and writing the book, some of the proceeds of which will be directed toward kidney transplantation programs and research.
The other words on the cover - faith, focus and triumph - are part of a message that Mourning said believes can be applied by anyone to any situation in life.
"We all are here for one purpose," Mourning said. "We're here to help fellow man and stimulate growth on this earth. That's what we're here for. God created the planets, the trees, the human beings, He put us here to grow and enhance things in a positive way. And there's more to me being on this earth than just being a basketball player. That's not how I want to be remembered."
The Associated Press
Monday, September 29, 2008
Terrell Owens Comments
Source: NFL Internet Network
IRVING, Texas - It should come as no surprise wide receiver Terrell Owens said he didn't get the ball enough in the Cowboys 26-24 loss to Washington Sunday. In fact, T.O. told everyone it was coming.
The week before the game, when asked whether he minded only having two catches in the Week Three contest at Green Bay, Owens said he didn't mind so long as the team was winning. But if they were losing it would be a different story.
It's no matter Owens was targeted 18 times through the air, and handed the ball twice. Like any successful athlete, he's bound to want it more. His comments didn't surprise coach Wade Phillips in the least.
"I think all good players want the football," Phillips said. The coach downplayed any notion the Cowboys forced the ball to him in the second half to the detriment of the team. "We still had 24 points, 300 yards passing. It wasn't a great game for us because we've had better games. I would like for it to have been different, but it wasn't."
While Owens' history dictates his media attention will be greater than any of the Cowboys other players, the offense's weaponry means he isn't the only guy who wants the ball. Last week, Tony Romo said Jason Witten lobbied for the ball as well.
"We try to get the ball to our best players as much as we can," Phillips said. "We have quite a few good players, though. We didn't get the ball enough to Marion Barber, the week before we didn't get it enough to Terrell. It's a good problem to have, but we need to be able to rectify it by controlling the ball more."
If anyone on the offense has a legitimate gripe from Sunday, it's either Barber or rookie Felix Jones. Barber had just eight carries, and Jones had none after breaking a team record by scoring his first three games as a rookie.
Turnovers Suddenly A Problem
Of the first 47 games played in the NFL this season, the team with a negative turnover differential won only eight times. Of those eight, the Cowboys did it three times.
With Tony Romo on an interception-per-game pace, and a Cowboys defense that has not recorded an interception yet, the Cowboys were good enough to defy the odds for three weeks. Sunday, the negative turnover margin finally caught up to them.
Romo threw his fourth interception of the season in the third quarter Sunday on a lazy pass toward Miles Austin on the right sideline, with Redskins safety Chris Horton stepping up to snatch it. The Redskins would go on to kick a 33-yard field goal on their ensuing drive. Those final three Washington points were the eventual difference in the game.
"Of course, it wasn't a problem the first three games, but it was this game," coach Wade Phillips said. "You need turnovers. We've only turned it over six times offensively, which isn't bad, but when you have a minus-four, it isn't good."
The Cowboys have recovered two fumbles so far, but forced just one themselves, on Green Bay's first possession a week ago. Philadelphia handed the Cowboys the ball once on a botched handoff in Week Two. As a coach who prides himself on creating takeaways, Phillips would like to see the defense be more active. Does it bother him personally? Phillips said yes.
Of course, with some of the pressure the Cowboys have put on quarterbacks, it would seem an interception would be the natural result, at some point in time.
"Some of them are tips," Phillips said. "Some of them are the quarterback getting hit, getting interceptions, some of them are individual plays. We've hit the quarterback quite a bit and rushed him quite a few times. If they're in the right spot, they can make plays. We've got guys who've done it before."
When asked whether more man coverage could result in more interceptions, the coach said no. Typically, he said, man coverage can result in fewer passing yards, while interceptions are often the result of defensive backs reading the quarterback while in zone coverage.
The Cowboys will run some of both, depending on the situation.
Tough Game For Watkins
Sunday was just not Pat Watkins' day. As a fill-in starter for the injured Roy Williams (arm), Watkins had little impact in Week Three against Green Bay. When Washington came to town it was a different story.
The Cowboys played more base defense Sunday, with the Redskins using more two back, or two tight end packages than the Packers did. Since moving into the starting job, Watkins comes off the field in extra-receiver sets.
While some people wondered whether Williams' injury would be a good thing for the Cowboys, Watkins had them second-guessing that theory Sunday.
First, when the Redskins scored their first touchdown on a three-yard flare pass to James Thrash on the right side, cornerback Terence Newman said Watkins was supposed to make an adjustment to pick up Thrash. Newman had slipped while trying to stick with the Redskins receiver in motion.
Of course, Watkins was also involved in a crucial mistake later in the game, as the 12th man on the field, drawing a flag and extending what would eventually be the drive when Washington put the game out of reach. The Cowboys initially called their base defense, but changed to a single safety high look, where cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones replaces Watkins. For one reason or the other, Watkins never subbed out.
The third-year safety also suffered a stinger during the game, the fourth time he has suffered the same injury in as many games. Watkins said the pain is in a nerve between his neck and right shoulder. Monday, Wade Phillips said he was concerned about his safety and special teams ace's durability.
"We're going to keep checking on him," Phillips said. "I am concerned. We're going to look at that this week and see how he is."
Short Shots
Receiver Santana Moss has built some fame as a "Cowboys killer," but it's running back Clinton Portis who has really whipped the Cowboys lately. Only one running back has run for over 100 yards against the Cowboys in the last 20 games: Clinton Portis. He's now done it twice, Sunday and Dec. 30, 2007 . . . With some talk that a loss can be good for a team, Wade Phillips had the line of the day when he said, "It's not good for your record, I know that." . . . With an interception in each of this season's games, Tony Romo has now thrown a pick in eight straight games, going back to the Dec. 9, 2007 at Detroit. Before that, he threw an interception in five consecutive games.
IRVING, Texas - It should come as no surprise wide receiver Terrell Owens said he didn't get the ball enough in the Cowboys 26-24 loss to Washington Sunday. In fact, T.O. told everyone it was coming.
The week before the game, when asked whether he minded only having two catches in the Week Three contest at Green Bay, Owens said he didn't mind so long as the team was winning. But if they were losing it would be a different story.
It's no matter Owens was targeted 18 times through the air, and handed the ball twice. Like any successful athlete, he's bound to want it more. His comments didn't surprise coach Wade Phillips in the least.
"I think all good players want the football," Phillips said. The coach downplayed any notion the Cowboys forced the ball to him in the second half to the detriment of the team. "We still had 24 points, 300 yards passing. It wasn't a great game for us because we've had better games. I would like for it to have been different, but it wasn't."
While Owens' history dictates his media attention will be greater than any of the Cowboys other players, the offense's weaponry means he isn't the only guy who wants the ball. Last week, Tony Romo said Jason Witten lobbied for the ball as well.
"We try to get the ball to our best players as much as we can," Phillips said. "We have quite a few good players, though. We didn't get the ball enough to Marion Barber, the week before we didn't get it enough to Terrell. It's a good problem to have, but we need to be able to rectify it by controlling the ball more."
If anyone on the offense has a legitimate gripe from Sunday, it's either Barber or rookie Felix Jones. Barber had just eight carries, and Jones had none after breaking a team record by scoring his first three games as a rookie.
Turnovers Suddenly A Problem
Of the first 47 games played in the NFL this season, the team with a negative turnover differential won only eight times. Of those eight, the Cowboys did it three times.
With Tony Romo on an interception-per-game pace, and a Cowboys defense that has not recorded an interception yet, the Cowboys were good enough to defy the odds for three weeks. Sunday, the negative turnover margin finally caught up to them.
Romo threw his fourth interception of the season in the third quarter Sunday on a lazy pass toward Miles Austin on the right sideline, with Redskins safety Chris Horton stepping up to snatch it. The Redskins would go on to kick a 33-yard field goal on their ensuing drive. Those final three Washington points were the eventual difference in the game.
"Of course, it wasn't a problem the first three games, but it was this game," coach Wade Phillips said. "You need turnovers. We've only turned it over six times offensively, which isn't bad, but when you have a minus-four, it isn't good."
The Cowboys have recovered two fumbles so far, but forced just one themselves, on Green Bay's first possession a week ago. Philadelphia handed the Cowboys the ball once on a botched handoff in Week Two. As a coach who prides himself on creating takeaways, Phillips would like to see the defense be more active. Does it bother him personally? Phillips said yes.
Of course, with some of the pressure the Cowboys have put on quarterbacks, it would seem an interception would be the natural result, at some point in time.
"Some of them are tips," Phillips said. "Some of them are the quarterback getting hit, getting interceptions, some of them are individual plays. We've hit the quarterback quite a bit and rushed him quite a few times. If they're in the right spot, they can make plays. We've got guys who've done it before."
When asked whether more man coverage could result in more interceptions, the coach said no. Typically, he said, man coverage can result in fewer passing yards, while interceptions are often the result of defensive backs reading the quarterback while in zone coverage.
The Cowboys will run some of both, depending on the situation.
Tough Game For Watkins
Sunday was just not Pat Watkins' day. As a fill-in starter for the injured Roy Williams (arm), Watkins had little impact in Week Three against Green Bay. When Washington came to town it was a different story.
The Cowboys played more base defense Sunday, with the Redskins using more two back, or two tight end packages than the Packers did. Since moving into the starting job, Watkins comes off the field in extra-receiver sets.
While some people wondered whether Williams' injury would be a good thing for the Cowboys, Watkins had them second-guessing that theory Sunday.
First, when the Redskins scored their first touchdown on a three-yard flare pass to James Thrash on the right side, cornerback Terence Newman said Watkins was supposed to make an adjustment to pick up Thrash. Newman had slipped while trying to stick with the Redskins receiver in motion.
Of course, Watkins was also involved in a crucial mistake later in the game, as the 12th man on the field, drawing a flag and extending what would eventually be the drive when Washington put the game out of reach. The Cowboys initially called their base defense, but changed to a single safety high look, where cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones replaces Watkins. For one reason or the other, Watkins never subbed out.
The third-year safety also suffered a stinger during the game, the fourth time he has suffered the same injury in as many games. Watkins said the pain is in a nerve between his neck and right shoulder. Monday, Wade Phillips said he was concerned about his safety and special teams ace's durability.
"We're going to keep checking on him," Phillips said. "I am concerned. We're going to look at that this week and see how he is."
Short Shots
Receiver Santana Moss has built some fame as a "Cowboys killer," but it's running back Clinton Portis who has really whipped the Cowboys lately. Only one running back has run for over 100 yards against the Cowboys in the last 20 games: Clinton Portis. He's now done it twice, Sunday and Dec. 30, 2007 . . . With some talk that a loss can be good for a team, Wade Phillips had the line of the day when he said, "It's not good for your record, I know that." . . . With an interception in each of this season's games, Tony Romo has now thrown a pick in eight straight games, going back to the Dec. 9, 2007 at Detroit. Before that, he threw an interception in five consecutive games.
Alexei Ramirez Keeps White Sox In Playoff Hunt
Source: CBC Sport
Ramirez keeps White Sox in playoff hunt
The Tampa Bay Rays will sit around another day before learning their first-round playoff opponent, thanks to Alexei Ramirez.
His sixth-inning grand slam highlighted a five-run sixth inning for the Chicago White Sox en route to an 8-2 rout of the visiting Detroit Tigers in Monday's makeup game.
The win moved the White Sox into a first-place tie with Minnesota, which visits Chicago on Tuesday (6:30 p.m. CT) for a one-game playoff for the American League Central Division title.
Tuesday's winner will travel to Florida to open a best-of-five AL Division Series against the East champion Rays, who are making their first playoff appearance in the team's 11-year history.
Chicago suffered a three-game sweep at Minnesota last week and has dropped 10 of 18 meetings against the Twins this season, but holds a 7-2 edge at home.
Ramirez keeps White Sox in playoff hunt
The Tampa Bay Rays will sit around another day before learning their first-round playoff opponent, thanks to Alexei Ramirez.
His sixth-inning grand slam highlighted a five-run sixth inning for the Chicago White Sox en route to an 8-2 rout of the visiting Detroit Tigers in Monday's makeup game.
The win moved the White Sox into a first-place tie with Minnesota, which visits Chicago on Tuesday (6:30 p.m. CT) for a one-game playoff for the American League Central Division title.
Tuesday's winner will travel to Florida to open a best-of-five AL Division Series against the East champion Rays, who are making their first playoff appearance in the team's 11-year history.
Chicago suffered a three-game sweep at Minnesota last week and has dropped 10 of 18 meetings against the Twins this season, but holds a 7-2 edge at home.
Detroit Tigers
Source: Associated Press
DETROIT — Boosted by the big deal for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, the Detroit Tigers started the season as a popular pick to contend for a championship.
They'll finish it competing only for the dubious distinction of being baseball's biggest bust.
Team owner Mike Ilitch approved a payroll of about $139 million, getting outspent by only the New York Yankees, trying to get back to the postseason after missing it in 2007.
Instead of repeating their run to the World Series from two years ago, the Tigers limped home in the AL Central.
"We're embarrassed. I'm embarrassed," manager Jim Leyland said. "Mr. Ilitch stepped to the plate. When you get paid big, you're supposed to play big and manage big. That's just the way it is. When it doesn't happen, people have the right to call you on the carpet."
Leyland will be back for at least another season, but two of his pitching and bullpen coaches - Chuck Hernandez and Jeff Jones - were fired. The team has decided not to exercise its option to bring back shortstop Edgar Renteria, choosing to give him $3 million instead of $11 million to return.
That move adds shortstop to the list of needs that includes finding a catcher or two and pitching help, particularly in the bullpen.
Leyland said Brandon Inge will be the regular third baseman next season after starting this year as a utility player and Carlos Guillen will be shifted from third to left field.
"We've got a big job in front of us," Ilitch said. "I know in a year, year and a half, I'll be OK. But I'm just concerned about this next year, making sure that we make the right decisions to go forward with who we have, and then we'll go from there."
Ilitch recently said he's not afraid to spend money, but this might not be the offseason to throw millions around like he did last winter.
"I don't know if this year is the year to go after people," Ilitch said.
The Tigers know they have some position players to build around.
They gave Cabrera a $152-plus million contract after acquiring him last winter and the 25-year-old first baseman responded by leading the AL in homers, driving in well over 100 runs and hitting nearly .300 while playing almost every game.
"We have one of the most dynamic young players I've ever seen," Leyland said.
Curtis Granderson, a 27-year-old outfielder, became the first Tiger to lead the league in triples since Ty Cobb did it nine decades ago.
Outfielder Magglio Ordonez followed up his AL batting title with another strong season offensively and second baseman Placido Polanco was solid again in the field and at the plate.
Rookie right-hander Armando Galarraga came out of nowhere to be the team's best starter, going 13-6 with a 3.68 ERA.
"There have been some good things," Leyland said. "But not enough."
The bad outweighed the good, no doubt, for the Tigers.
Ace Justin Verlander was 11-17 with a 4.84 ERA after becoming the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter, start a World Series game, be a Rookie of the Year and an All-Star in his first two full seasons.
Willis, acquired along with Cabrera, was 0-2 with a 9.38 ERA and spent much of the season away from the team trying to figure out how to throw strikes.
Pitchers Jeremy Bonderman, Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney had their seasons stunted by injuries. Nate Robertson, Kenny Rogers and Todd Jones simply didn't pitch as well as they had previously for the Tigers.
The Tigers ranked among baseball's best offensively, but among the worst on the mound and in the field.
"If you summed everything up, pitching and defense is the name of the game and we haven't been good at either one," Leyland said.
Tampa Bay pitcher Troy Percival, a former Tiger, said what happened in the Motor City proved baseball games can't be won with dollars and cents.
"You can buy a talented team, but you can't guarantee anything beyond that," Percival said.
The Associated Press
DETROIT — Boosted by the big deal for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, the Detroit Tigers started the season as a popular pick to contend for a championship.
They'll finish it competing only for the dubious distinction of being baseball's biggest bust.
Team owner Mike Ilitch approved a payroll of about $139 million, getting outspent by only the New York Yankees, trying to get back to the postseason after missing it in 2007.
Instead of repeating their run to the World Series from two years ago, the Tigers limped home in the AL Central.
"We're embarrassed. I'm embarrassed," manager Jim Leyland said. "Mr. Ilitch stepped to the plate. When you get paid big, you're supposed to play big and manage big. That's just the way it is. When it doesn't happen, people have the right to call you on the carpet."
Leyland will be back for at least another season, but two of his pitching and bullpen coaches - Chuck Hernandez and Jeff Jones - were fired. The team has decided not to exercise its option to bring back shortstop Edgar Renteria, choosing to give him $3 million instead of $11 million to return.
That move adds shortstop to the list of needs that includes finding a catcher or two and pitching help, particularly in the bullpen.
Leyland said Brandon Inge will be the regular third baseman next season after starting this year as a utility player and Carlos Guillen will be shifted from third to left field.
"We've got a big job in front of us," Ilitch said. "I know in a year, year and a half, I'll be OK. But I'm just concerned about this next year, making sure that we make the right decisions to go forward with who we have, and then we'll go from there."
Ilitch recently said he's not afraid to spend money, but this might not be the offseason to throw millions around like he did last winter.
"I don't know if this year is the year to go after people," Ilitch said.
The Tigers know they have some position players to build around.
They gave Cabrera a $152-plus million contract after acquiring him last winter and the 25-year-old first baseman responded by leading the AL in homers, driving in well over 100 runs and hitting nearly .300 while playing almost every game.
"We have one of the most dynamic young players I've ever seen," Leyland said.
Curtis Granderson, a 27-year-old outfielder, became the first Tiger to lead the league in triples since Ty Cobb did it nine decades ago.
Outfielder Magglio Ordonez followed up his AL batting title with another strong season offensively and second baseman Placido Polanco was solid again in the field and at the plate.
Rookie right-hander Armando Galarraga came out of nowhere to be the team's best starter, going 13-6 with a 3.68 ERA.
"There have been some good things," Leyland said. "But not enough."
The bad outweighed the good, no doubt, for the Tigers.
Ace Justin Verlander was 11-17 with a 4.84 ERA after becoming the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter, start a World Series game, be a Rookie of the Year and an All-Star in his first two full seasons.
Willis, acquired along with Cabrera, was 0-2 with a 9.38 ERA and spent much of the season away from the team trying to figure out how to throw strikes.
Pitchers Jeremy Bonderman, Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney had their seasons stunted by injuries. Nate Robertson, Kenny Rogers and Todd Jones simply didn't pitch as well as they had previously for the Tigers.
The Tigers ranked among baseball's best offensively, but among the worst on the mound and in the field.
"If you summed everything up, pitching and defense is the name of the game and we haven't been good at either one," Leyland said.
Tampa Bay pitcher Troy Percival, a former Tiger, said what happened in the Motor City proved baseball games can't be won with dollars and cents.
"You can buy a talented team, but you can't guarantee anything beyond that," Percival said.
The Associated Press
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