Nfl Football - Football Betting

2005-11-07T13:27:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hamlin out for season

Injuries from nightclub fight sideline Seahawks CB

KIRKLAND, Wash. (AP) -- Seattle Seahawks safety Ken Hamlin will be out for the rest of the season because of injuries suffered last month in a fight outside a nightclub. -NFL Football-

Hamlin was placed on the non-football injury list on Tuesday. -NFL Football-

Hamlin is recuperating at his home after fracturing his skull, sustaining a blood clot near the brain and bruised brain tissue in the attack Oct. 17 in which he was beaten with a street sign. -NFL Football-

Police are investigating the nightclub fight, as well as the shooting death of one of the men who had been involved. -NFL Football-

On Monday, coach Mike Holmgren said Hamlin's headaches were subsiding, and doctors have backed off on some of his medications. -NFL Football-

Since the attack, Holmgren has ordered his players to stay out of the Pioneer Square district at night. -NFL Football-

The Seahawks are 5-2 and play Sunday at Arizona. -NFL Football-

2005-10-31T12:20:00.000-08:00

FOX NFL SUNDAY

DON'T GIVE UP, JOEY: Terry Bradshaw on the Detroit Lions benching QB Joey Harrington: "In 1974, I was benched in Pittsburgh, then given the job back, lost it again, and eventually got the job back. I felt sorry for myself, pity, poor me and all that. I think Joey Harrington is doing the same thing. -NFL Football-

"Eventually I got up and asked myself if I was going to allow this to ruin my career, or if I was going to make everybody eat their words for doubting that I can play in the National Football League. Now it's up to Joey Harrington. Don't point fingers. Get up. You will get another opportunity. I believe that Joey Harrington can be a star in this league, but you can't do it if you feel sorry for yourself — I'm not saying that's what's happening — but I expect him to rally the next time he gets an opportunity." -NFL Football-

Jimmy Johnson added: "I think he's going to rally with a different team." -NFL Football-

DIVISION PICKIN': Howie Long shapes up the NFC East: "I think the Dallas Cowboys are the most complete team in the NFC East. You don't know about McNabb's health in Philadelphia, New York's defense is suspect and Washington has a brutal schedule down the road." -NFL Football-

Jimmy Johnson on the NFC North: "Chicago looks like the team that will take the NFC North. Their defense is solid, plus their schedule is a lot easier than Detroit's. Over in Minnesota there are just too many inconsistencies." -NFL Football-

JIMMY WISE ON BRUNELL: Terry Bradshaw on Redskins QB Mark Brunell: "Joe Gibbs has given Brunell time to throw the football and being a veteran he has executed and his confidence has grown. This is my comeback player of the year, possibly going to the Pro Bowl." -NFL Football-

Jimmy Johnson added: "He's doing a nice job, but let's not get carried away. The last two defenses he played against are two of the worst pass defenses in the league." -NFL Football-

CLOSED MIKE: Terry Bradshaw on Rams head coach Mike Martz (who won't return this season due to health reasons) being denied the opportunity to speak to his offensive coordinator during last week's game: "He's still the head coach and should've been able to speak with him. The front office should've stayed out of that. Obviously, he's not going to be there next year. I would suggest Houston because of his great offensive mind. Mike Martz is brilliant offensively and he would be fun to see if that's where he goes." -NFL Football-

PRO FOOTBALL PREVIEW on FSN

FSN Pro Football Preview, with host Chris Myers, NFL insider Jay Glazer and analysts Tim Brown and Jason Sehorn airs at 5:00 and 10:30 p.m. local on Fridays and 10:00 a.m. EST / 7:00 a.m. PST on Sundays. -NFL Football-

PREDICTABLE RESULTS: Jason Sehorn, on the Eagles, who rely on the pass for 80 percent of their offense: "I didn't know you could play in the NFL 80-20 and win football games when everybody knows you're going to pass the football, that you can't run and that you really only have one go to receiver. Take him away and see what they can do." -NFL Football-

ONE-TRICK PONY? Sehorn, on how the Chiefs will do against the Chargers: "Rest assured, the Kansas City Chiefs are watching the game film from last week and they realize one thing that the Eagles did: they took away LaDainian Tomlinson. And the Chargers really had no place to go after that. [Chargers TE Antonio] Gates was kind of a non-factor in that game, the receivers were a non-factor. LaDainian is the engine that runs that car and he was taken." -NFL Football-

MARTZ WON'T WIN AGAINST FRONT OFFICE: Jay Glazer on if Rams head coach Mike Martz will be coming back: "He thinks he's coming back, but under his terms. It's not going to happen under his terms. I don't think he's coming back there. He wants to come back as long as people in the front office are wiped out, that's not going to happen. He will not win that power struggle." -NFL Football-

MEDIA MISSING THE REAL STORY: Jay Glazer on the Patriots chances against the Bills: "Everyone's getting sucked in by the Tedy Bruschi story. That's not the big story here. The big story is Corey Dillon. Corey Dillon has been banged up for the last couple of weeks, his ankle is still not healthy. If Corey Dillon can't go, they have to rely on Amos Zereoue. That really does not spell good news for that offense." -NFL Football-

2005-10-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

Week Seven game previews
By PFW staff Oct. 20, 2005
--- nfl ---
Detroit at Cleveland
--- nfl ---
The story of the week in Motown is the culmination of the long-rumored QB controversy. Joey Harrington and the offense are sputtering, and with Jeff Garcia nearly ready to return from a broken leg, the Lions have not ruled out the possibility of a change behind center. --- nfl ---
--- nfl ---
No matter who gets the ball, RB Kevin Jones (2.7 yards per carry) and the offensive line (14 sacks allowed) need to improve. The Browns’ offense is a pass-first system designed to get the ball out of the hand of QB Trent Dilfer quickly. Dilfer doesn’t have great talent around him, and the running game, in particular, is lacking playmakers. --- nfl ---
--- nfl ---
RB Lee Suggs will miss another game with a broken thumb. His replacement, Reuben Droughns, has a long run on the year of 24 yards and an average of 3.8 yards per carry.--- nfl ---
--- nfl ---
Cleveland is one of only three teams (Arizona and Washington are the others) that has yet to score a rushing touchdown this season. The Browns know they’ll have to score plenty to win with a run defense that ranks 29th in the league, yielding 140.2 rushing yards per game. --- nfl ---
--- nfl ---
Yet Cleveland may be without one of its best weapons, rookie WR Braylon Edwards (arm), whose availability is in doubt. And it remains to be seen whether the Lions are capable of capitalizing on the vulnerability of the Browns’ run defense.--- nfl ---

2005-10-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

Vermeil: Chiefs' Sampson 'better' after seizure

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Oct. 7, 2005) -- Kansas City offensive lineman Kevin Sampson was improving a day after being hospitalized in New Jersey following a seizure, Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said. - NFL Football -

"He's better; he's coherent," Vermeil said. "They're not allowing him to speak to anybody. We have no other information, but that seems to be good news."

The coach did not disclose the source of his information about Sampson, but said he was told he was in intensive care. - NFL Football -

Vermeil said he had not been able to talk to the player's family.

"His mother's going there right now," he said.

Vermeil said he did not know where Sampson, in his second year with the Chiefs, was hospitalized. Early reports were that he had been taken to St. Mary Hospital in Hoboken, N.J. However, a spokeswoman said Sampson was not at that hospital. - NFL Football -

The Jersey Journal in Jersey City reported that Sampson called 911 about 10 a.m. on Oct. 6 complaining of not feeling well. An ambulance came to a Hoboken apartment and Sampson, 24, asked to be taken to a hospital, but collapsed.

The Journal reported that Sampson was taken to the emergency room of a local hospital and was passing in and out of consciousness. - NFL Football -

"I'm shocked, I'm praying, and I'm frantically trying to get hold of someone," Joe Linta, Sampson's agent, said Oct. 6. He said he had tried to get information from the hospital but was denied.

Sampson, a 6-foot-4, 312-pound right tackle, started his first game with the Chiefs on Oct. 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at Syracuse, and Linta had been planning to meet him tonight at the Syracuse-Connecticut football game. - NFL Football -

Sampson's collapse was not the result of drugs or steroids, Chiefs director of player development Lamonte Winston said.

Vermeil had given Chiefs players the week off going into their bye weekend after their 37-31 loss to the Eagles on Oct. 2. - NFL Football -

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2005, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

2005-09-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

Cohasset holds on to earn tie with Spellman

By KEITH PEARSON
For The Patriot Ledger

BROCKTON - The Cohasset High School football team found itself in a familiar position Saturday. - NFL Football -

For the second week in a row, the Skippers walked off the field after 40 minutes with neither a win nor a loss following a 14-14 tie, this time coming against Cardinal Spellman in nonleague play at Potvin Field.

The game had been delayed one day because of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis concerns.

The game was a defensive struggle with the Cardinals owning a 222-141 advantage in total offense. - NFL Football -

The decision not to play overtime had one coach satisfied and another wishing they had continued.

‘‘We have 39 players on the roster, playing an extra quarter could be too much. (Not playing overtime) is something our entire league agrees with,'' Cohasset coach Tony Rolfe said. ‘‘I stand by the decision completely.''

‘‘I wanted to play overtime, but they don't do it in the (South Shore) league,'' Cardinal Spellman head coach Peter Ambrose said. - NFL Football -

Spellman (0-2-1) had a shot to break the deadlock in the final seconds of the game, driving to the Cohasset 45. Quarterback Mike Dowd looked for his favorite target, Sean Jackman, with a desperation pass, but Nick Zappalo made sure Cohasset would not go home losers with an interception at the 5-yard line.

The Cardinals tied the game midway through the fourth quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run from Chris Young and the ensuing two-point conversion from Justin Murray (20 carries, 74 yards). The touchdown capped a 13-play, 63-yard drive as Spellman pushed the smaller Cohasset defensive line off the ball.

Shane Dorian (13 carries, 65 yards) had given Cohasset (1-0-2) a 14-6 lead with 2:45 left in the third quarter, taking an option pitch 22 yards for a touchdown. - NFL Football -

Cohasset had a 7-6 lead at halftime with both teams exchanging second quarter touchdowns.

After starting slowly while trying to establish a running game, it was the Cohasset passing game that allowed the Skippers to put an offensive drive together. They found success rolling Anthony DiPaolo to the right and throwing on the run. During the drive he was 3-for-3 for 60 yards. The eight-play, 75-yard drive was capped when he connected with Zappalo for a 30-yard touchdown pass. The pair also hooked up for an 18-yard completion on a third-and-10 earlier in the drive.

Spellman also found success with their passing game. They were able to throw short passes for short gains. With 1:31 left in the half at the Skipper 35, Dowd pump faked a pass to the right flat and lofted a high spiral to the back corner of the end zone and Jackman ran under it and made a diving grab to bring the Cardinals within a point at 7-6. - NFL Football -

Dowd finished 10-of-21 passing for 111 yards with a touchdown and an interception thrown.

The Skippers defensive front stuffed Murray on the two-point attempt to hold onto a one-point lead. - NFL Football -

Cohasset will continue their nonleague slate Friday when they host Scituate.

2005-09-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

Saints home schedule set

NFL.com wire reports

(Sept. 12, 2005) -- The New Orleans Saints will return to Louisiana in late October to play four of their last five regular-season home games at Louisiana State University's Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Saints Owner Tom Benson announced.

The announcement was made in Baton Rouge following a meeting there with LSU Chancellor Sean O'Keefe, LSU Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Bernard Boudreaux, and other school officials. Commissioner Tagliabue and Tom Benson also consulted with Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, who was represented at the meeting by Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District Chairman Tim Coulon. - NFL Football -

The specific weekend day and kickoff times of the Saints' remaining home games were not determined today. However, the Saints will return to Louisiana for the first time in Week 8 (Oct. 30-31) against the Miami Dolphins. They also will play at LSU's Tiger Stadium in Week 9 (Nov. 6-7) against the Chicago Bears, Week 13 (Dec. 4-5) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Week 15 (Dec. 17-19) against the Carolina Panthers.

The Saints' other three home games will be played at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, starting in Week 4 (October 2-3) against the Buffalo Bills. The Saints also will play in San Antonio in Week 6 (October 16-17) against the Atlanta Falcons and Week 16 (December 24-26) against the Detroit Lions. - NFL Football -

No decision was made today on the site of potential Saints home playoff games this season.

"We had an excellent meeting this morning and quickly developed a dual consensus," Commissioner Tagliabue said. "The first was to continue to give priority to the needs of the region and the second to the scheduling of Saints games in a way that made sense under the total circumstances. Our deep thanks go to Governor Blanco, Chancellor O'Keefe, and Chairman Boudreaux for their support and guidance. We also appreciate the cooperation of the Alamodome officials and the hospitality of the people of San Antonio for their support of the Saints at this difficult time." - NFL Football -

2005-09-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

The new NFL season: Who wins, who loses

With the start of the NFL season only two days away, the preseason predictions are in. With not many changes in teams, there will not be not many changes in the standings. The only difference between this year and years past: the New England Patriots will not win the Super Bowl.

Starting in the AFC East, not much will change. The Patriots will win by a longshot and get a bye-week in the playoffs. The Jets will get close, but will be one game short. The Buffalo Bills will groom J.P Losman, but will fall short. As for the Miami Dolphins, Gus Frerotte is not the answer.

In the Central division the Baltimore Ravens, led by their defense, will rule. Pittsburgh will get a wild card berth thanks to big Ben Rothlisberger. The Cincinnati Bengals will improve, but not enough. The Browns will have to wait until next season to have a run at this division.

In the South will lay the team to beat, the Indianapolis Colts. The Jacksonville Jaguars will steal the last wild-card spot thanks to a much-improved defense. The Houston Texans will finally get a winning record, but it won’t be enough. Tennessee needs to rebuild drastically next for next season. - NFL Football -

Finally, the West will become the Wild, Wild West. With stellar offenses all throughout the division, the team with the best defense will prevail. That will be the Denver Broncos, followed by the Chargers, then the Chiefs. In last place, the Oakland Raiders have one of the best offenses but a sub-par defense.

In the NFC East, the Eagles are the team to beat. Dallas will attain their best record in years, but Parcells will just miss the playoffs. Washington will again not play to their potential. The Giants still need to address their defense. - NFL Football -

The NFC Central will be the toughest division in the league. The Packers will come out on top one more time for Favre. The Lions are the sleeper that will grab the last wild-card spot. The Vikings’ offense will shine, but they have no defense. Chicago will let their season falter with Kyle Orton behind center.

The South will be won, barely, by the Carolina Panthers, as long as they stay healthy. The Falcons will be led back to the playoffs solely by Michael Vick. Tampa Bay will falter behind a weak offensive line. New Orleans will have the tragedy to deal with much more than football this year. - NFL Football -

The West will again be won by the Rams, who no longer have the greatest show on turf. Another sleeper team will emerge in Arizona. Seattle cannot keep up the speed now in the division. San Francisco’s positive for this year will be that they will get the number one draft pick again next year.

In the playoffs is where changes will happen. The NFC will see the Eagles and Rams in the championship game, played in Philadelphia, won by Philadelphia. In the AFC, a new champion will emerge thanks to home-field advantage. The Colts will beat New England in the championship game. The Super Bowl will be between the Indianapolis Colts and the Philadelphia Eagles, with the Colts coming out victorious on the arm of Peyton Manning, 27-17.

Look for the NFL to start Thursday night as the Patriots take on the Raiders, and let’s get ready for some football. - NFL Football -

2005-08-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

Benson agrees to terms with Bears

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Running back Cedric Benson ended his 36-day holdout, agreeing to a five-year contract with the Chicago Bears.

Benson, the No. 4 overall pick in this year's draft, was the last first-round pick to sign. Terms weren't available but reports said the Bears had offered a contract that contained $17 million in guaranteed money to the former Texas star.

The announcement of Benson's agreeing to terms came on the same day the Bears promoted another rookie, fourth-round pick Kyle Orton, to be the starting quarterback.

Earlier this month, Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said the team had made its final offer to Benson.

Associated Press.

2005-08-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

Pac-10 previews: Berkeley a football mecca?

BERKELEY, Calif. — California coach Jeff Tedford looked out at the Memorial Stadium Field, a place where his very inexperienced football team was beginning a day of summer camp, and then offered a synopsis of life in Berkeley in 2005.
"There's no better place to be than at Cal right now," he said.
Such a statement would have been comical if uttered by former California coaches Keith Gilbertson, Steve Mariucci and Tom Holmoe. After all, except for a couple of blips on the radar screen, Cal has been a second-division also-ran since Dwight Eisenhower was president.
The stadium has needed a major overhaul for years with a visitors' locker room the size of most stadiums' shower rooms, bleachers with splinters sharp enough to penetrate even the thickest Levi's, and coaches' offices without such supreme amenities as air conditioning.
Cal was a place that used to attract the occasional Kyle Boller or Andre Carter but more often than not had to make due with less. Making due meant losing with dignity.
Then came Tedford. - NFL Football -
There still is no air conditioning in the stadium offices and the splinters are just as sharp. A stadium is being planned, but isn't expected to be started until the 2006 season is finished and it won't be completed until 2009. Bureaucracy hasn't changed much on campus, although current athletic director Sandy Barbour and former AD Steve Gladstone finally realized that football drives the athletic program. Paper clips are easier to come by.
But Cal is winning. There have been three straight winning seasons — the first time since Pappy Waldorf's boys had three consecutive winning seasons through 1952.
And around rolls 2005, a season in which Cal lost the nation's leading rusher in J.J. Arrington, a first-round NFL draft pick in quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the university's all-time leading receiver in Geoff McArthur, one of the top tight ends in the conference in Garrett Cross, an All-American defensive end in Ryan Riddle and seven other starters on defense.
The West Coast media promptly picked Cal to finish second in the Pac-10.
"I am 100 percent confident that we have the talent on the field to get it done," he says.
So is Cal reloading the way USC and Washington used to on an annual basis?
The early returns seem to suggest the answer is yes. - NFL Football -
Tedford replaced Arrington with sophomore Marshawn Lynch, who appears on most analysts' Heisman Trophy watch lists. Tedford plucked quarterback Joe Ayoob, a first-team JC Gridwire All-American, to follow in Rodgers' footsteps. DeSean Jackson, a Parade All-American who has looked nothing less than incredible in summer camp, is a freshman who immediately upgrades the receiving corps. Junior college transfer Lavelle Hawkins, originally an LSU signee, will move right into the starting lineup at wide receiver. - NFL Football -
Most of the linebacking corps was wiped out, but the new ones are bigger and faster, including Worrell Williams, younger brother of D.J. Williams of the Denver Broncos.
Sophomore Thomas DeCoud, expected to be the team's starting free safety, grew up in Pinole, Calif., and watched Cal struggle for years. The solid players in the Bay Area wanted to attend USC and Florida State and Notre Dame. Not California. - NFL Football -
That has changed, and DeCoud said he saw it coming when Tedford took over.
"I have always dreamed that I would be part of something special at Cal," DeCoud said. "But I didn't think we would be ranked No. 4 in the nation [where Cal was before losing to Texas Tech in the Holiday Bowl]. I'm glad I believed in coach Tedford." - NFL Football -
Cal believes in Tedford as well, signing him to a five-year, $10 million contract (if he completes all five years and gets the $2 million bonus that Barbour called the "golden handcuffs") following the 2004 season.

Jay Heater
The Seattle Times

2005-08-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

NFL Teams to Use Pill to Monitor Body Heat
Four Years After Player's Death, Vikings and Other Teams Use Pill to Monitor Body Temperatures

MANKATO, Minn. Aug 14, 2005 — A small plaque lies before a tree planted in Korey Stringer's memory at Minnesota Vikings training camp. "In Memory of Big K," it reads, honoring the beloved right tackle who died four years ago from heatstroke. There was no way for trainers to monitor players' core temperatures on that sweltering July day when Stringer collapsed, no definitive way to tell that his massive body was overheating beyond its threshold.
But now there is, in the form of a swallowed capsule that measures core body temperature as it passes through the digestive system, and the Vikings along with a few other NFL teams are using it. - NFL Football -
The Core Temp Ingestible Core Body Temperature Sensor was developed in the late 1980s by HQ Inc., of Palmetto, Fla., as a research tool used for a number of projects, including monitoring how certain pharmaceutical drugs affect the body's core temperature.
The pill has evolved in the past couple of years or so into a protective device for athletes in football, tennis, running and other sports who train in intense heat, according to marketing director Susan Smith. - NFL Football -
The Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles are using the device to gauge the effect of suffocating heat on huge athletes going through intense August workouts in pads and a helmet. Without the pill, monitoring is anything but an exact science.
"We've had some people get to 106 degrees and not have symptoms and some get to 102 and have symptoms," said Rick Burkholder, head athletic trainer for the Eagles. "Some guys' core temperature rises after they come off the field and stand around and other guys, it goes down when they come out. It depends on the individual." - NFL Football -
Such was the case in Mankato on July 31, 2001, with the 335-pound Stringer. The heat index soared to 110 degrees on that day, the hottest day of the year in Minnesota.
Stringer had left practice early the day before. Determined to stick this one out, he labored during his final practice, but didn't summon a trainer until the session was over.

JON KRAWCZYNSKI
Associated Press

2005-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Marino and Young Enter Football Hall
Four Quarterbacks, Led by Dan Marino and Steve Young, Enter Pro Football's Hall of Fame

CANTON, Ohio Aug 7, 2005 — The eyes that stared down defenses betrayed Dan Marino on Sunday. They were wet with tears as he took his place among the legends of football.
Marino, the NFL's most prolific passer, joined Steve Young, Fritz Pollard and Benny Friedman in the Hall of Fame. - NFL Football -
Marino suspected he might break down and cry during his emotionally charged acceptance speech. He did so even before then, after his oldest son Daniel's introduction.
None of that on-field stoicism for the Miami Dolphins great, at least not on this sun-splashed day in front of thousands of fans in No. 13 jerseys, and amid chants of "D-A-N-N-Y."
"I'll remember this day for the rest of my life," Marino said.
Then he capped it by throwing what else? a perfect spiral into the audience to his former receiving partner, Mark Clayton. - NFL Football -
"Go deep, Mark," Marino said as he licked the fingers on his right hand, a trademark of his 17-year career. - NFL Football -
Paying tribute to his Western Pennsylvania roots, Marino noted that John Unitas, Joe Namath, Joe Montana and Jim Kelly all came from the region. All are Hall of Famers.
"When I was younger, there's no doubt I thought about being Joe Namath," Marino said, adding that joining them in the Hall "definitely makes an impact on you."
Young suggested it was the first time only quarterbacks entered the Hall in one class, and he was partly right. Pollard was a running back who sometimes played QB.
"I'm proud to be part of this with Dan and the Pollard and Friedman families," Young said. "We are quarterbacks and that's what is neat about this position."
While Marino and Young had diverse styles, they both spent years at the top of their profession. Marino set NFL marks of 4,967 completions, 8,358 passes, 61,361 yards (nearly 35 miles) and 420 touchdowns. His record of 48 TD passes in the 1984 season, when he was MVP, was broken by Peyton Manning last year. - NFL Football -
He also owned 21 NFL marks when he retired, including most seasons with 3,000 yards or more passing (13); most yards passing in one season (5,084 in '84, the only year he won a conference championship); and most games with 300 yards or more passing (63).

BARRY WILNER

2005-07-26T06:37:00.000-07:00

Star rusher apologizes for walking out on NFL teammates

DAVIE, United States (AFP) - Ricky Williams apologized to teammates, coaches and fans of the
Miami Dolphins' at training camp, one day after returning to the American football club he walked away from a year ago. - NFL Football -
The star running back stunned the National Football League team last July by announcing his retirement. The Dolphins were 4-12, their worst record since 1969, and coach Dave Wannstedt resigned after a 1-8 start.
"There were some things in life I wanted to explore outside of football," Williams said. "I realize making the decision to walk away from football affected the team in a negative way.
"I realize I hurt the team and the fans and am very regretful that people were hurt in the process. I can see how leaving the team to experience things outside of football came off as being selfish, so I offer an apology to all the people that were negatively affected by my decision."
Williams faces a four-game suspension at the start of the season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. He admitted failing a drug test for marijuana after leaving the club last July. - NFL Football -
"I wasn't comfortable with being an NFL player," Williams said. "I've had a problem with some of the (NFL) rules. But I've learned a lot in the last year.
"I had a different concept about freedom. I used to think freedom was doing what you wanted whenever you wanted. Freedom having the strength to be in any situation and be content. I see this as a great opportunity to work on that."
Pressed on his marijuana smoking, Wiliams replied, "I told (teammates) that I wouldn't let the media become a distraction. Talking about my marijuana use becomes a distraction."
Williams said marijuana helped him once he stopped using the anti-depressant drug Paxil because it didn't agree with his diet. - NFL Football -
Nick Saban replaced Wannstedt as coach this season and said he thinks Williams can return to the team with no lingering animosity from those he abandoned a year ago.
"He apologized to the team and I haven't noticed any resentment from the players," Saban said. "We will try to support him in every way. I don't think there's any question he has shown the ability to play effective football." - NFL Football -
Williams, 27, said he felt welcomed back into the Dolphins fold by his once and future teammates, calling his reception "surprisingly positive."
"I spent two years with these guys. I could tell a lot of guys care about me and are happy to have me back," he said. "I'm back to work. I'm 100 percent committed to this or I wouldn't be here. I never stopped loving football." - NFL Football -
Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas was willing to forgive and forget.
"At first it was a little uncomfortable, but then once we started to talk everything was fine after that," Thomas said. "He did a great job putting himself out to the whole team.
"It was probably pretty hard for him to come out and apologize, but you could tell he wasn't just doing it because somebody told him to do it." - NFL Football -
Miami defensive end Jason Taylor had just as simple a notion - judge not lest ye be judged.
"I told him not to worry about proving anything to me, just do what you do," Taylor said. "He didn't have to explain anything to us. Some guys play for money, for fame, or because they love it. I can't judge someone for what their motives are." - NFL Football -
Williams rushed for 3,225 yards and 25 touchdowns in two seasons with the Dolphins after being obtained From New Orleans. Last season, Miami ranked next-to-last in the NFL in rushing with only 83.7 yards a game. - NFL Football -
Williams decided to return to the NFL last February after an arbitrator ruled that he owed the Dolphins more than 8.6 million dollars in incentives and signing bonus money. He also has three children to support.
"I have that settlement chasing me," Williams said. "I can't say that didn't play into my decision." - NFL Football -
Williams, diagnosed in 2001 with social anxiety disorder, led the NFL in rushing with 1,853 yards in 2002 and followed with 1,372 yards in 2003.

(AFP)

2005-07-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

Research center turns to ex-49er in new game plan
Kovach's playbook includes $100 million in funds, quadrupling of staff

The Buck Institute for Age Research is turning to a former NFL linebacker to help tackle an ambitious expansion plan, which calls for $100 million of investment to double its space and nearly quadruple its staff over the next 10 years. - NFL Football -
The Novato-based research institute named James Kovach as its new president and chief operating officer. Kovach, who ended his seven-year football career with a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers in 1985, holds medical and law degrees. He also brings to the institute experience in the biotechnology industry and expertise in university technology transfer.
"If you went out to a headhunter and said you want a person who knows about stem cells, has a J.D. and an M.D., understands research, has worked in the biotech arena as well as universities, understands intellectual property, can deal with the administration and has the commitment and desire of an NFL linebacker, they would laugh at you," said Dale Bredesen, CEO of the Buck Institute. "There are many points of fit, and more than I ever expected to see in a COO candidate. Jim's a unique individual."
Though Kovach replaces COO Carla Dingillo, who is stepping down after eight years, he becomes the institute's first president. - NFL Football -
The change in executive structure reflects a need to spread executive responsibilities as the institute grows. - NFL Football -
The institute is building out its existing 188,000 square feet of space over two buildings. That space will allow the institute to expand to a staff of 250 from 150 during the next couple of years and increase the number of labs to 22 from 12. Construction is expected to be completed by January 2007, when the institute will be fully staffed.
Bredesen said the growth will allow the institute to reach a "critical mass" to become relatively self-sufficient and benefit from an economy of scale. - NFL Football -
During the next 10 years, the institute plans to add three buildings to its campus, bringing the total space to 360,000 square feet. When completed, the institute will boast a staff of 550 and 45 labs. - NFL Football -
The addition of Kovach will allow Bredesen to focus more of his attention on research while Kovach takes responsibility for administrative work.
"He will be directing the orchestra and I will be writing the music," Bredesen said.

Daniel S. Levine
American City Business Journals

2005-07-11T15:21:00.000-07:00

Brother of ex-NFL star to join Hawai'i

The younger brother of former All-Pro running back Jamal Anderson will join the University of Hawai'i football team.
"I'm looking forward to playing for the Warriors," said Jazen Anderson, a 5-foot-11, 220-pound running back from Moorpark (Calif.) College. - NFL Football -
Anderson said he will earn an associate degree this month, fulfilling an NCAA eligibility requirement for an incoming transfer, and report to the Warriors' training camp on Aug. 4. He will have three years to play two seasons.
"I know it's going to be a great experience for me," he said. "My other choices were Utah and Arizona State. Utah is where my brother attended school, but I wanted to make a name for myself. I knew (UH) coach (June) Jones was the way to go because my brother was telling me great things about him." - NFL Football -
As the Atlanta Falcons' head coach in 1994, Jones selected Jamal Anderson in the fifth round of the National Football League draft.
Anderson rushed for more than 1,000 yards in four of his nine seasons, leading the NFL with 1,846 yards in 1998. He also set an NFL record with 410 carries that year.
"My brother was the guy who ultimately helped me decide," Jazen Anderson said. "He told me coach Jones is a great guy, and I would love the way he coaches." - NFL Football -
He said he delayed choosing a school because "I wanted to see where I fit in best."
Although he did not visit UH, he said, "I know I'm going to be comfortable there."
Jazen Anderson will compete to be the lone back in the Warriors' four-wide offense. At Moorpark, he played fullback, a role he believes will prepare him for the Warriors' schemes.
"I'm not a natural fullback, but my coach (at Moorpark) needed somebody, and I was the only person to step up," he said. "Let me tell you, it's a load blocking those 250-pound linebackers. There's nothing pretty about it. But it will help me when I have to block in the backfield in (UH's) run-and-shoot offense. My brother said you never block so much in your life."
Jazen said his unique name is a hybrid of his parents' names — James and Zenovia.
James Anderson was chief of security for personalties such as Jack Nicholson, Muhammad Ali, Donna Summer, the Jacksons and Mike Tyson. - NFL Football -
In his free time, Jazen plays the Madden video football games. He placed second in a national competition using the Xbox system. "I rode with the Falcons because of (Michael) Vick," he said.
Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

2005-07-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

It's nice to see the University of Pittsburgh football program on its way back to national prominence.

That's what happens when you bring in a coach like Dave Wannstedt, a former NFL head coach and an alum of Baldwin High School and Pitt.
It doesn't hurt that some of the players Wannstedt inherited from former coach Walt Harris are making national news.
Wide receiver Greg Lee recently was named to The Sporting News second team All-American squad and is listed as the No. 3 receiver in the country.
Kicker Josh Cummings and punter Adam Graessle have also been listed No. 3 nationally at their respective positions.
But that's not all. - NFL Football -
Junior linebacker H.B. Blades and junior quarterback Tyler Palko are preseason candidates for some of college football's most prestigious awards.
Blades is on the watch list for both the 2005 Bronco Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award, while Palko, a West Allegheny graduate, is on the watch list for this year's Maxwell Award, presented to the nation's most outstanding player.
In his first year as a starter last fall, Palko threw for 3,067 yards and led the Panthers to the Big East title and a spot in the Fiesta Bowl.
The program's return to prominence has caught the eye of the television networks. Every Pitt road game in 2005 will be on national television.
ESPN2 will broadcast the Sept. 9 game at Ohio University and the Sept. 17 showdown at Nebraska is slated for ABC. - NFL Football -
The Sept. 30 game at Rutgers also is scheduled to air on ESPN2, while ESPN will broadcast the Louisville game on Nov. 3 and the Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving night) Backyard Brawl against West Virginia.
But is all this hype really merited?
Yes, Wannstedt has generated some excitement and he landed a handful of Western Pennsylvania recruits - Duquesne's Shane Brooks, Pittsburgh Central Catholic's Shane Murray and Seton-LaSalle's Bill Stull - but let's not forget the Panthers finished 8-4 last season and are coming off an embarrassing 35-7 loss to Utah in the Fiesta Bowl.
Now I'm not saying Panthers fans shouldn't be optimistic about the future of the program, but let Wannstedt and his staff coach and win a game first. - NFL Football -
All this persuasion hype reminds me of two seasons ago when the Panthers opened the season ranked No. 15.
Quarterback Rod Rutherford, receiver Larry Fitzgerald and running back Brandon Miree were supposed to help coach Walt Harris restore the Pitt glory years.
Pitt never lived up to the expectations, and limped to an 8-5 record after a 7-2 start.
Fitzgerald didn't disappoint, eventually becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist. In just 26 games over three seasons, Fitzgerald - now a member of the Arizona Cardinals - had 161 catches for 2,677 yards and a school record 34 touchdowns. Only Antonio Bryant and Latef Grim had more receptions. - NFL Football -
Rutherford is an NFL backup in Carolina and Miree didn't play as a rookie with the Denver Broncos last year.
What I'm saying is all of this publicity could come back to haunt a young team trying to build a championship-caliber program just as it did in 2003.
The Panthers weren't able to handle the spotlight two years ago and it could be tough this season. One loss to a team they're supposed to beat - such as that humiliating setback at Toledo in 2003 - could cost them not only this year, but for years to come.
Wannstedt has come home with hopes of building a national championship team. He should be careful what he wishes for.

The Daily News

2005-06-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

Columnist Jeff Haney: Dissecting Week 1

It's already pro football season at the sports books

We're a little late -- yes, late -- in analyzing the point spreads of the first week of National Football League games.

Sure, the season's kickoff is more than two months away -- but a couple of Las Vegas casinos have had Week 1 lines posted for the past 2 1/2 months.

The Plaza downtown and the Las Vegas Hilton were the first to place NFL Week 1 betting lines on the board, and several others have since followed suit.

You can bet that shortly afterward, gamblers got busy creating their own betting lines using a basic formula some of them swear by (see sidebar below for explanation).

Using the results of that linemaking formula, here's a breakdown of the entire card of the first week of the NFL's regular season:

Patriots (minus 7 points on the early line at the Plaza) vs. Raiders:

Lay the 7 now, as this line is going nowhere but up. We see New England winning 10.75 games and put Oakland at 7.5 wins. Factor in the Patriots' 4-point home-field advantage, and the line on this game comes in at between 9 1/2 and 10 points. We see it steaming to 10 in some shops. It's 7 1/2 at the Hilton.

Redskins (minus 5) vs. Bears:

We think the correct line is between minus 3 and minus 3 1/2, though that could be skewed a little by Washington's rather low home-field value of just 1 point. It's 4 1/2 at the Hilton.

Broncos (minus 4) vs. Dolphins:

We have this game lined at 6 points, so if you don't mind laying more than a field goal on the road (usually a dangerous proposition) with Denver, the favorite could offer some value. Early money evidently disagrees with us, as the line moved to 4 after opening at 4 1/2 at the Plaza. It's 3 1/2 at the Hilton.

Panthers (minus 5 1/2) vs. Saints:

It looks safe to lay the 5 1/2 at the Plaza, as the line is 6 points at the Hilton and our formula yields a 7. We rate Carolina at 9.25 wins with a home-field advantage of 3 points, and New Orleans at 7.5 wins.

Jaguars (minus 3) vs. Seahawks:

An even matchup, with Jacksonville's home-field value accounting for the 3-point spread.

Steelers (minus 7 1/2) vs. Titans:

With Pittsburgh "lined" at 9.5 wins and Tennessee at 6.5, a point spread of 9 1/2 looks more accurate to us.

Bengals (minus 3) vs. Browns:

This is one of the few games on the Week 1 card in which our line varies significantly from the posted point spread. We have Cincinnati at 7.5 wins and Cleveland at 4.5 wins with a minuscule home-field advantage of 1 point, which makes the Bengals a 7-point favorite. At least the early money agrees with the general concept, having pushed the Bengals from minus 2 1/2 to minus 3.

Bills (minus 5) vs. Texans:

We have the betting line closer to Buffalo by 6. It's 5 1/2 at the Hilton.

Chiefs (minus 3) vs. Jets:

The point spread reflects an even matchup plus Kansas City's home-field advantage. But we have the Jets rated slightly higher, at 9.25 wins, than the Chiefs, at 8.75, which yields a betting line of Chiefs minus 1 1/2 points. So we'll take a shot with the Jets plus 3 points here.

Vikings (minus 5 1/2) vs. Buccaneers:

We'll lay the points with Minnesota, tabbed at 9.25 wins, against Tampa Bay, which we project to win 7 games. Our formula yields a point spread of between 7 1/2 and 8, making the 5 1/2 at the Plaza and the 6 at the Hilton look like bargains. The line is heading up, having opened at 4 1/2.

Giants (minus 2 1/2) vs. Cardinals:

We have the line on this game at pick 'em and figure there's value in Arizona plus the small number. The Hilton lists the Giants favored by 2.

Chargers (minus 4 1/2) vs. Cowboys:

We like Dallas and the points at this number, as we think the spread should be no more than 3 points. This line is more likely to drift toward 3 than toward 7. It was 5 1/2 earlier.

Rams (minus 3 1/2) vs. 49ers:

The road favorite could offer value, as our point spread is about 8 -- though this is due in part to San Francisco's anemic, make that nonexistent, home-field advantage of zero points.

Lions (minus 2 1/2) vs. Packers:

We thought the wrong team was favored in the opening line, which had Green Bay by a point, and early money agreed. The current line seems more accurate, though we figure the Lions to be a 3-point favorite.

Colts (minus 3) vs. Ravens:

With Indianapolis rated at 11.5 wins and Baltimore at 9.5, the Colts favored by 3 on the road looks just about right.

Monday Night Football, Sept. 12, Eagles (minus 3) vs. Falcons: We concur that Philly, with 11.5 expected wins, should be favored by a field goal at Atlanta, tabbed at 9.5 wins. The line is 2 1/2 at the Hilton.

Boogie with Stu

The S2 Art Center at 1 East Charleston Blvd. (Main and Charleston) will host a celebration Friday evening honoring the late Stu Ungar, three-time World Series of Poker champion.

Larry Grossman and Craig DeThomas will preview their new signed and numbered lithographs of Ungar, and author Nolan Dalla will sign copies of his new book (with Peter Alson), "One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stuey 'The Kid' Ungar, the World's Greatest Poker Player." Family members and friends of Ungar are also scheduled to attend.

The event, scheduled for 6-9 p.m., is part of the Las Vegas Arts District's First Friday festivities.

Jeff Haney's sports betting column

NFL FOOTBALL HISTORY

2005-06-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

Takavitz Joins Bengals

CINCINNATI, Ohio — University of Cincinnati offensive lineman Kyle Takavitz has signed a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, becoming the 10th senior from the 2004 University of Cincinnati football team to join the NFL Football.

The 6-4, 311-pound native of Powell, Ohio earned first team All-Conference USA honors in each of the past two seasons and was named to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Award. - Nfl Football

Takavitz was a three-year starter, serving as UC’s left guard in 2002 before moving to left tackle for the 2003 and 2004 campaigns. A two-time team co-captain, he closed his career with a streak of 38 starts.

Other members of the 2004 Bearcats who will be in NFL training camps this summer:

Trent Cole, defensive end – Philadelphia Eagles
Jamar Enzor, linebacker – Jacksonville Jaguars
Andre Frazier, defensive end – Pittsburgh Steelers
Gino Guidugli, quarterback – Tennessee Titans
Tyjuan Hagler, linebacker – Indianapolis Colts
Daven Holly, cornerback – San Francisco 49ers
Clint Stickdorn, offensive tackle – Cleveland Browns
Hannibal Thomas, wide receiver – Atlanta Falcolns
Mike Wright, defensive tackle – New England Patriots

In 2004, eight former Bearcats were on NFL Football Rosters: Anthony Chatman, wide receiver, Green Bay; Troy Evans, linebacker, Houston; Jason Fabini, offensive tackle, New York Jets; Artrell Hawkins, cornerback, Carolina; Mario Monds, defensive tackle, Miami; Zach Norton, cornerback, Baltimore; Antwan Peek, linebacker, Houston; and Robert Tate, cornerback, Arizona.