NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has insisted that the league will not use replacement players if games start to get canceled. This should be a relief for Sean Payton, head coach of the New Orleans Saints.
Back in 1987, Payton was a star quarterback out of Eastern Illinois. He signed with the Chicago Bruisers of the Arena Football League. That lead to a six week stint with the Ottawa Rough Riders of the CFL.
When the NFL sent out a call for replacement players, Payton jumped at a chance to be a backup on the Chicago Bears to the unforgettable Mike Hohensee.
In three games, Payton was 8 of 23 for 79 yards with one interception and a QB rating of 27.3. In retrospect, Payton credits Bears Coach Mike Ditka with convincing him that his future was in coaching rather than playing.
The 1987 season was Payton's last before he began his long journey that resulted in him winning the Super Bowl in 2010 with the Saints.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Chad Hanging in K.C.
After a five day soccer tryout, Chad Ochocinco has been signed to the reserve squad for the Kansas City franchise of MLS. This version of a taxi squad will allow Chad's publicity stunt to continue.
He claims that he is doing this for fun and conditioning purposes. He posseses some game skills, but I'm sure there are other soccer players out there who are envious that he secured a spot on the reserve squad.
Nobody knows how long this will continue, but I'm sure it will stop if the NFL labor problems get resolved. MLS is embracing his endeavor because the league needs all the attention and publicity it can get.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Fred Wants To Run
I was quite surprised to see RB Fred Taylor say that he wanted to play at least two more seasons. If he does, it won't be with the Pats. After 13 seasons, his wear and tear has shown. He played great at times, but it was difficult to keep him on the field the last two season. The Pats payed him quite well for his lack of production.
His absence from the field was from chronic injuries , but he was counted on for being a big part of the Pats running game. He will end up somewhere. Some team will take a flyer on a back who will be 35 during the upcoming season. He won't be able to play a full schedule, but can be a role player some place for the veteran minimum.
Taylor has spoken candidly about his mortality as a player. He knows the end is near. It must be so difficult to walk away from the game. I'm sure he doesn't want to leave anything behind. He has a chance to move up on the list of all time rushers, if he can stay healthy. I'm sure that is a factor.
His absence from the field was from chronic injuries , but he was counted on for being a big part of the Pats running game. He will end up somewhere. Some team will take a flyer on a back who will be 35 during the upcoming season. He won't be able to play a full schedule, but can be a role player some place for the veteran minimum.
Taylor has spoken candidly about his mortality as a player. He knows the end is near. It must be so difficult to walk away from the game. I'm sure he doesn't want to leave anything behind. He has a chance to move up on the list of all time rushers, if he can stay healthy. I'm sure that is a factor.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Bill Oversleeps
Coach Belichick missed the media interviews at the NFL coaches meeting last week. It gave more time for Rex Ryan to hold court before the assembled media. Belichick's absence got a footnote in today's Boston Globe football column.
Apparently, the coach had a malfunctioning alarm clock which failed to awaken him in time for the meeting. Naturally, the question comes up whether he would accept that excuse from a player. We all know he never would. I bet he just didn't want to go to the interviews. He only does what he is mandated to do by the league when it comes to media interviews.
He has criticized the Competition Committee as a bunch of guys who just get together and talk about things. He has no desire to be part of that. If he really wanted to make the media session, he could have requested a wake-up call from the front desk or use the alarm clock application on his smart phone.
Apparently, the coach had a malfunctioning alarm clock which failed to awaken him in time for the meeting. Naturally, the question comes up whether he would accept that excuse from a player. We all know he never would. I bet he just didn't want to go to the interviews. He only does what he is mandated to do by the league when it comes to media interviews.
He has criticized the Competition Committee as a bunch of guys who just get together and talk about things. He has no desire to be part of that. If he really wanted to make the media session, he could have requested a wake-up call from the front desk or use the alarm clock application on his smart phone.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
From the 25 Yard Line
Coach Belichick was quite outspoken at the recent NFL coaches meeting concerning moving the kickoff to the 35 yard line. He said the decision would take one of the most exciting parts of the game away from the fans.
The move was seen as an attempt to cut down the violent collisions on return plays. Protests from coaches lead to the dropping of the plan to place the ball on the 25 yard during touch backs. They also struck down the proposal to eliminate the "two man wedge block" on returns.
As vocal as Coach Belichick was against the move, he always attempts to have his kicker put the ball in the end zone and cause a touch back.
Until 1994, the kickoff was from the 35 yard line until the rule was changed. This looks like a rule that will be looked at again after a season of reviews.
The move was seen as an attempt to cut down the violent collisions on return plays. Protests from coaches lead to the dropping of the plan to place the ball on the 25 yard during touch backs. They also struck down the proposal to eliminate the "two man wedge block" on returns.
As vocal as Coach Belichick was against the move, he always attempts to have his kicker put the ball in the end zone and cause a touch back.
Until 1994, the kickoff was from the 35 yard line until the rule was changed. This looks like a rule that will be looked at again after a season of reviews.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Chad Being Chad
There is an on-line poll for Pats fans to decide whether they prefer to have the team sign Randy Moss or Chad Ocho Cinco as a deep threat receiver next season. Both players are free agents and getting up there in years
Chad has tremendous skills, but loves the media attention. I'm not sure how that would play out here. He had his own reality television show last season with Terrell Owens.
He made the news on two fronts this week. He had a four day tryout as part of a publicity stunt with Kansas City of MLS. It was the first I ever heard of Chad having any soccer skills.
A judge in Cincinnati also ordered him to pay $11,717 to a clothing store for an unpaid bill. Items included a $250 T-shirt and a $350 pair of jeans. With expenditures like that, it's easy to see why so many players are broke when their playing days are over.
Chad has tremendous skills, but loves the media attention. I'm not sure how that would play out here. He had his own reality television show last season with Terrell Owens.
He made the news on two fronts this week. He had a four day tryout as part of a publicity stunt with Kansas City of MLS. It was the first I ever heard of Chad having any soccer skills.
A judge in Cincinnati also ordered him to pay $11,717 to a clothing store for an unpaid bill. Items included a $250 T-shirt and a $350 pair of jeans. With expenditures like that, it's easy to see why so many players are broke when their playing days are over.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Impact Player
One of the things that gets lost in the ongoing NFL labor issue is the economic impact on industries and services that derive income from the games being played.
It was amazing to see a study of what gets consumed by Americans on Super Bowl Sunday. This includes 90 million pounds of chicken wings, 13.2 million pounds of avocados for guacamole, 8 million pounds of pop corn, 28 million pounds of potato chips and 49.2 million cases of beer.
According to the National Chicken Council, football fans consume 10 million pounds of chicken wings during Thursday, Sunday and Monday games for each week of the season.
If the games are canceled, it could effect the chicken industry by as much as $10 million for every week lost.
That's just a small segment of the food and beverage industry that sells its products to NFL fans.
Overall, this could have a huge economic impact if it keeps going.
It was amazing to see a study of what gets consumed by Americans on Super Bowl Sunday. This includes 90 million pounds of chicken wings, 13.2 million pounds of avocados for guacamole, 8 million pounds of pop corn, 28 million pounds of potato chips and 49.2 million cases of beer.
According to the National Chicken Council, football fans consume 10 million pounds of chicken wings during Thursday, Sunday and Monday games for each week of the season.
If the games are canceled, it could effect the chicken industry by as much as $10 million for every week lost.
That's just a small segment of the food and beverage industry that sells its products to NFL fans.
Overall, this could have a huge economic impact if it keeps going.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Who Will PLay?
I keep reading and hearing statements from the NFL owners saying they intend to have a football season in 2011.
This sounds like they are confident that a deal will get done that will satisfy both sides. But what if it doesn't? What is the next course of action based on the owners saying there will be football in 2011?
Does this involve replacement players? It happened back in 1987. Nobody wants to see that, but the owners need to put a product on the field in order to satisfy their media contractual obligations.
Fans of the Pats could be following a team of players we never heard of. I don't think anything will get resolved before May at the earliest.
This sounds like they are confident that a deal will get done that will satisfy both sides. But what if it doesn't? What is the next course of action based on the owners saying there will be football in 2011?
Does this involve replacement players? It happened back in 1987. Nobody wants to see that, but the owners need to put a product on the field in order to satisfy their media contractual obligations.
Fans of the Pats could be following a team of players we never heard of. I don't think anything will get resolved before May at the earliest.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Another Former Player Dies
Former NFL players continue to die at an unacceptable rate. The latest victim was Drew Hill who spent 14 years in the league from 1979-1994.
The former standout WR was drafted by the LA Rams in the 12th round of the 1979 draft. From 1985-1991, he was one of the key players in the "run and shoot" offense of the Houston Oilers lead by Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon. He played his final two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.
Hill made the Pro Bowl twice. During his seven seasons with Moon, he had five seasons of 1,000 yards. He finished his career with 634 receptions for 9,831 yards and 60 TD's.
Hill suffered two strokes the other day in Atlanta and passed away at the age of 54. It would be interesting to see if his brain showed any trauma from concussions received during his playing career.
Back in those days, concussions were merely viewed as "having your bell rung" or "getting the wind knocked out of you".
Whenever a former NFL player dies, they never succumb to old age. They always seem to be under the age of 65. The league really needs to pay more attention to this, but in the end, they will only do lip service.
The former standout WR was drafted by the LA Rams in the 12th round of the 1979 draft. From 1985-1991, he was one of the key players in the "run and shoot" offense of the Houston Oilers lead by Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon. He played his final two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.
Hill made the Pro Bowl twice. During his seven seasons with Moon, he had five seasons of 1,000 yards. He finished his career with 634 receptions for 9,831 yards and 60 TD's.
Hill suffered two strokes the other day in Atlanta and passed away at the age of 54. It would be interesting to see if his brain showed any trauma from concussions received during his playing career.
Back in those days, concussions were merely viewed as "having your bell rung" or "getting the wind knocked out of you".
Whenever a former NFL player dies, they never succumb to old age. They always seem to be under the age of 65. The league really needs to pay more attention to this, but in the end, they will only do lip service.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Morey On Money
Sean Morey was able to last 10 years in the NFL after getting drafted by the Pats in the 7th round of the 1999 draft. He played mostly on the practice squad through the 2000 season during Coach Belichick's first year as head coach.
He has taken a high profile role in the NFL labor talks by criticizing owners for not releasing financial statements about their teams. He refuted the notion that teams are losing money. He said that profits might be down, but teams are still making money. The owners want to cut payroll.
Morey doesn't need to fear being blackballed by the owners. His career ended prior to the 2010 season. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent, but was forced to retire from the cumulative effects of 15 concussions.
Morey represents one of countless players whose lives will be effected down the road by their traumatic brain injuries. He has already stipulated that his brain and spinal cord be donated for medical research upon his death.
Players and owners continue to squabble over money, but not enough attention is being given to making the game safer or taking care of former players after they develop disabilities from their playing days.
He has taken a high profile role in the NFL labor talks by criticizing owners for not releasing financial statements about their teams. He refuted the notion that teams are losing money. He said that profits might be down, but teams are still making money. The owners want to cut payroll.
Morey doesn't need to fear being blackballed by the owners. His career ended prior to the 2010 season. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent, but was forced to retire from the cumulative effects of 15 concussions.
Morey represents one of countless players whose lives will be effected down the road by their traumatic brain injuries. He has already stipulated that his brain and spinal cord be donated for medical research upon his death.
Players and owners continue to squabble over money, but not enough attention is being given to making the game safer or taking care of former players after they develop disabilities from their playing days.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Game Changers
The NFL Competition Committee is meeting this week to review some rule changes that could dramatically effect the play on the field. Some of this comes in response to the serious problem of concussions in the league.
They are considering changing the kickoff to the 35 yard line in order to create more touch backs and avoid the violent collisions on returns. This is a huge change and would alter the way the game is played. The Pats currently try to kick as many touch backs as possible.
There is even some thought to eliminating the return game. I find this to be rather drastic. The game needs to be made safer, but eliminating an aspect of the game is going too far.
The real problem lies in the fact that players are so much bigger and quicker. Bad results can only come from some of the high speed collisions during play.
They are considering changing the kickoff to the 35 yard line in order to create more touch backs and avoid the violent collisions on returns. This is a huge change and would alter the way the game is played. The Pats currently try to kick as many touch backs as possible.
There is even some thought to eliminating the return game. I find this to be rather drastic. The game needs to be made safer, but eliminating an aspect of the game is going too far.
The real problem lies in the fact that players are so much bigger and quicker. Bad results can only come from some of the high speed collisions during play.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Randy Is Talking
A local sports talk station had excerpts from an interview with former Pats WR Randy Moss and a radio station in Minnessota.
He was almost over the top with his praise of Tome Brady and Bill Belichick. He didn't hide his love about playing here.
Perhaps he is motivated by the fact that no team is willing to offer him any type of long term contract. If he plays in 2011, it might be for the minimum for a vertean with his years.
Would he come here for $1 million in 2011 after grousing about his contract and saying he was treated with a lack of respect. Will he even be on a roster ?
Experts can find fault in his game. The Past went 11-1 without him. Would he have made a difference in the playoff loss to the Jets? We will never know, but I think Randy has realized that his age of 34 is working against him. He might be in a situation where he can't be selective about where he lands.
He only needs to check with Terrill Ownes to realize that options are limited as one gets older.
He was almost over the top with his praise of Tome Brady and Bill Belichick. He didn't hide his love about playing here.
Perhaps he is motivated by the fact that no team is willing to offer him any type of long term contract. If he plays in 2011, it might be for the minimum for a vertean with his years.
Would he come here for $1 million in 2011 after grousing about his contract and saying he was treated with a lack of respect. Will he even be on a roster ?
Experts can find fault in his game. The Past went 11-1 without him. Would he have made a difference in the playoff loss to the Jets? We will never know, but I think Randy has realized that his age of 34 is working against him. He might be in a situation where he can't be selective about where he lands.
He only needs to check with Terrill Ownes to realize that options are limited as one gets older.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
A Profound Idea
There appears to be a long battle ahead between the owners and players for a new CBA. I thought it sounded rather disengenuous when some teams announced that they will refund money to season ticket holders if games are canceled.
One would think that would happen without question. You can't charge someone for an event that is not held.
Naturally, most teams require fans to pay for their tickets well in advance. Teams keep all of the interest earned on that money.
When the strike is settled, the league needs to reach out to fans. They need to thank them for putting up with all of the nonsense.
One would think that would happen without question. You can't charge someone for an event that is not held.
Naturally, most teams require fans to pay for their tickets well in advance. Teams keep all of the interest earned on that money.
When the strike is settled, the league needs to reach out to fans. They need to thank them for putting up with all of the nonsense.
Monday, March 14, 2011
The Gap of the Cap
There is enough blame to go around for owners and players with the recent work stoppage. Both sides are trying to put a positive spin on a scenario that has frustrated fans around the country.
One thing that can't be overlooked is a proposal by the owners to cut salaries for 2011. They proposed a salary cap of $141 million for each team. That would be a significant cut from the last capped year in 2009 when it was $149 million. The cap would have been $154 in 2010 if the owners had not opted out of the CBA.
The net effect of the owner's proposal would be to cut salaries by $416 million for 2011. No negotiator would ever give up that much and expect their membership to agree with it.
The sides are rather far apart on this item. I don't see the players giving up one dollar over what was spent on salaries last season.
One thing that can't be overlooked is a proposal by the owners to cut salaries for 2011. They proposed a salary cap of $141 million for each team. That would be a significant cut from the last capped year in 2009 when it was $149 million. The cap would have been $154 in 2010 if the owners had not opted out of the CBA.
The net effect of the owner's proposal would be to cut salaries by $416 million for 2011. No negotiator would ever give up that much and expect their membership to agree with it.
The sides are rather far apart on this item. I don't see the players giving up one dollar over what was spent on salaries last season.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Not Time For Gino
The NFL Network has a great documentary on the American Football League. It tells a remarkable story about the formation of the league and its early stars. The league was certainly colorful before it merged with the NFL.
One thing that is truly missing is the lack of AFL players in the Hall of Fame in Canton. There is no excuse why players are not given consideration by the electing officials.
Gino Cappelletti is often sited as one who is overlooked. I don't think it will anytime soon before he makes it to Canton. He was a great receiver and kicker for the Pats, but he will never get his due.
One thing that is truly missing is the lack of AFL players in the Hall of Fame in Canton. There is no excuse why players are not given consideration by the electing officials.
Gino Cappelletti is often sited as one who is overlooked. I don't think it will anytime soon before he makes it to Canton. He was a great receiver and kicker for the Pats, but he will never get his due.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Meter Is Running
It was inevitable that there would be a lockout of the players by the owners. Last summer, this day seem so far away,with the 2010 season on the horizon. This day was always looked as a Dooms Day.
We will never know how the negotiations went. There are way too many lawyers involved now. Hopefully, things will get resolved soon, but there is not great sense of urgency from the legal counsel on both sides.
The meter is running and the lawyers are now in charge. Nobody wants to be the one to stop it.
We will never know how the negotiations went. There are way too many lawyers involved now. Hopefully, things will get resolved soon, but there is not great sense of urgency from the legal counsel on both sides.
The meter is running and the lawyers are now in charge. Nobody wants to be the one to stop it.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Trouble At Safety
When I first heard the story about Brandon Merriweather, it sounded rather bizarre. He is accused of being involved in a shooting a couple of weeks ago in Florida. All of a sudden, the news is coming out from the two victims who claim they were shot by Merriweather during an altercation at a party.
Merriweather is not stranger to controversy from his college days in Florida. The Pats took a chance on his questionable background, drafting him in the first round in 2007.
Law enforcement officials have not considered him a suspect, which makes this all the more puzzling.
I'm sure the teams is keeping a close eye on this as it evolves. If he is arrested for the shooting, I predict that the team will release him. Owner Robert Kraft has been quick to release players who bring dishonor to the team by their personal behavior.
Merriweather may soon join a growing list of NFL players who have seen their careers derailed by fooling around with guns and engaging in reckless behavior.
Merriweather is not stranger to controversy from his college days in Florida. The Pats took a chance on his questionable background, drafting him in the first round in 2007.
Law enforcement officials have not considered him a suspect, which makes this all the more puzzling.
I'm sure the teams is keeping a close eye on this as it evolves. If he is arrested for the shooting, I predict that the team will release him. Owner Robert Kraft has been quick to release players who bring dishonor to the team by their personal behavior.
Merriweather may soon join a growing list of NFL players who have seen their careers derailed by fooling around with guns and engaging in reckless behavior.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Spygate Checks In
It might take forever before the Spygate scandel is put to bed once and for all. It made the news again this week after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider a class-action lawsuit filed by a New York Jets season ticket holder who is also a practicing attorney.
His suit sought financial damages from the Pats and Coach Belichick by claiming the secret video taping deceived the paying customers over the quality of the product on the field.
The case was dismissed without any additional comment by the court. It might take a long time, but I bet that Spygate will be brought up again in the future. This case will never die.
His suit sought financial damages from the Pats and Coach Belichick by claiming the secret video taping deceived the paying customers over the quality of the product on the field.
The case was dismissed without any additional comment by the court. It might take a long time, but I bet that Spygate will be brought up again in the future. This case will never die.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Playing For the Money
Most players who attempt to return to the NFL after retiring are doing it for financial reasons. Some will insist that they retired too early and they miss the game. Others want to have another shot at going to the Super Bowl.
Former New York Giants RB Tikki Barber has filed papers with the NFL to start his return . He claims that he misses the game and still has gas left in the tank after seeing how much fun his twin brother, Rhonde had with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past season.
Barber retired after the 2006 season with two years remaining on his $8.3 million contract. He will turn 36 next month. The Giants and Jets have declined interest in signing a player who has been away from the game for four seasons.
Some team will give him a shot in training camp. Under the old CBA, he would be paid the minimum of at least $865,000. A team could throw some incentives in, but I think he is a long shot to make a roster.
When he left the game, he stated that he wanted to retire in good health. He landed a job with NBC on the Today Show and was an analyst on Football Night in America.
That all came to a crashing end when he was linked to a 24 year old NBC intern while Barber's wife was pregnant with twins. NBC invoked a behavior clause and terminated his contract. He now serves as a football analyst with Yahoo!Sports.
It seems rather coincidental that he is talking about a comeback while his ex-wife is fighting him in court over their divorce.
In the end, it's all about the money.
Former New York Giants RB Tikki Barber has filed papers with the NFL to start his return . He claims that he misses the game and still has gas left in the tank after seeing how much fun his twin brother, Rhonde had with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past season.
Barber retired after the 2006 season with two years remaining on his $8.3 million contract. He will turn 36 next month. The Giants and Jets have declined interest in signing a player who has been away from the game for four seasons.
Some team will give him a shot in training camp. Under the old CBA, he would be paid the minimum of at least $865,000. A team could throw some incentives in, but I think he is a long shot to make a roster.
When he left the game, he stated that he wanted to retire in good health. He landed a job with NBC on the Today Show and was an analyst on Football Night in America.
That all came to a crashing end when he was linked to a 24 year old NBC intern while Barber's wife was pregnant with twins. NBC invoked a behavior clause and terminated his contract. He now serves as a football analyst with Yahoo!Sports.
It seems rather coincidental that he is talking about a comeback while his ex-wife is fighting him in court over their divorce.
In the end, it's all about the money.
Monday, March 7, 2011
More Problems For L.T.
Hall of Fame LB Lawrence Taylor should serve as the poster boy for players who squander their reputation and fortune during their retirement. His lawyer recently filed a petition in New Jersey family court to reduce the $456 weekly payment for the care of his ailing 13 year old daughter.
His lawyer cited the financial costs of Taylor's recent legal case involving sex with an underage teenage prostitute. Taylor claims his only income is payments from personal appearances.
Given his recent arrest and past legal problems, it's easy to see why he might be having problems getting work from any source. His reputation does not add positive value to any event at this point.
His lawyer cited the financial costs of Taylor's recent legal case involving sex with an underage teenage prostitute. Taylor claims his only income is payments from personal appearances.
Given his recent arrest and past legal problems, it's easy to see why he might be having problems getting work from any source. His reputation does not add positive value to any event at this point.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
One More Week
The NFL owners and representatives from the NFLPA have their work cut out for them in the week ahead. They decided to extend their negotiations through next Friday in the hope of working out an agreement for a new CBA.
This seems like posturing on the part of the owners. By doing this, they don't look as bad if they pull the plug on everything next Friday if no agreement is reached.
The NFLPA can also save face by saying they went as far as they could. No matter what happens, everyone looses in the end, especially the fans. Both sides have made patronizing statements about the fans as if they cared about them.
As most analysts agree, its the billionaires against the millionaires and nobody seems to care about the lives of the former players. That is a whole other issue that I don't think will be addressed to the satisfaction of all.
This seems like posturing on the part of the owners. By doing this, they don't look as bad if they pull the plug on everything next Friday if no agreement is reached.
The NFLPA can also save face by saying they went as far as they could. No matter what happens, everyone looses in the end, especially the fans. Both sides have made patronizing statements about the fans as if they cared about them.
As most analysts agree, its the billionaires against the millionaires and nobody seems to care about the lives of the former players. That is a whole other issue that I don't think will be addressed to the satisfaction of all.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Obama Passes
Even President Obama has weighed in on the negotiations for a new CBA. He has declined to get involved. He mentioned that he had a lot on his plate with the crisis in the Middle East and the possibility of the federal government shutting down. It's nice to see he has his priorities in order.
They don't need presidential intervention. The mediators from the National Labor Relations Board are doing a good job keeping the sides talking. It's obvious by the mutual decision to extend the negotiating deadline another week.
If Arlen Spector still sat in the U.S. Senate, we would have heard from him by now. He enjoyed getting involved in the NFL. Just ask Coach Belichick. File under Spygate.
They don't need presidential intervention. The mediators from the National Labor Relations Board are doing a good job keeping the sides talking. It's obvious by the mutual decision to extend the negotiating deadline another week.
If Arlen Spector still sat in the U.S. Senate, we would have heard from him by now. He enjoyed getting involved in the NFL. Just ask Coach Belichick. File under Spygate.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Bowled Over Financially
College football teams look forward to going to a bowl game. They see it as a financial windfall for the program and a great way to bolster alumnae loyalty.
It didn't quite work that way for UConn after they went to the Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Day. The school received a $2.5 million payment for their contest against Oklahoma.
However, they reported $4.3 million in expenses, resulting in a $1.8 million loss. Apparently, UConn fans don't like to travel to bowl games. The school was allotted 17,500 tickets, but only sold 2,771. This caused the school to eat almost $3 million in tickets sales.
Maybe next year, the school should say "thanks, but no thanks". By not going to a bowl, they will save money.
It didn't quite work that way for UConn after they went to the Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Day. The school received a $2.5 million payment for their contest against Oklahoma.
However, they reported $4.3 million in expenses, resulting in a $1.8 million loss. Apparently, UConn fans don't like to travel to bowl games. The school was allotted 17,500 tickets, but only sold 2,771. This caused the school to eat almost $3 million in tickets sales.
Maybe next year, the school should say "thanks, but no thanks". By not going to a bowl, they will save money.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Stephen Neal - 10 Seasons
I was so glad to see that OL Stephen Neal was able to retire from the game after 10 seasons. It is a fitting conclusion to a career that few could imagine.
He never played college football, but was a two-time NCAA wrestling championship at Cal State- Bakersfield. He won the Don Hodge Award, the wrestling equivalent of the Heisman.
He was truly a "project" in his first three years after being signed as a free agent in 2001. He was cut and re-signed several times and also had a stint on Injured Reserve. After becoming a starter on the 2004 Super Bowl team, he remained a solid part of the offensive line until now.
In recent years, injuries have chipped away at him. He missed the last five games of the 2010 season with a shoulder injury.
He had spoken after the last three season about retirement. At least he didn't get released by the team in training camp or suffer a career ending injury.
He never played college football, but was a two-time NCAA wrestling championship at Cal State- Bakersfield. He won the Don Hodge Award, the wrestling equivalent of the Heisman.
He was truly a "project" in his first three years after being signed as a free agent in 2001. He was cut and re-signed several times and also had a stint on Injured Reserve. After becoming a starter on the 2004 Super Bowl team, he remained a solid part of the offensive line until now.
In recent years, injuries have chipped away at him. He missed the last five games of the 2010 season with a shoulder injury.
He had spoken after the last three season about retirement. At least he didn't get released by the team in training camp or suffer a career ending injury.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Combing the Combine
The NFL Network is doing a great job showcasing the athletic talents of the future players in the league. The 40 yard run by defensive backs was truly a thing to watch.
After watching various segments of the Combine, I must admit that my knowledge of college players is very poor. When the analysts discussed their Top 10 selections by position, I felt very uninformed.
I can't change that as I have a hard enough time following the Pats and the rest of the NFL. The college game is too big for me other than UMass and Boston College.
In spite of their skills at the Combine, some never make it to the NFL or have a short career if they get there.
The network loves to show the Combine workout of Tom Brady in the 40 yard run, bench press and weigh-in. He looked like a high school career in a phys ed class.
After watching various segments of the Combine, I must admit that my knowledge of college players is very poor. When the analysts discussed their Top 10 selections by position, I felt very uninformed.
I can't change that as I have a hard enough time following the Pats and the rest of the NFL. The college game is too big for me other than UMass and Boston College.
In spite of their skills at the Combine, some never make it to the NFL or have a short career if they get there.
The network loves to show the Combine workout of Tom Brady in the 40 yard run, bench press and weigh-in. He looked like a high school career in a phys ed class.
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