ACC Referees Absolutely <3 Duke!

Not sure how many of you saw the end of the Duke-Va. Tech game today on ABC, but there was quite a bit of controversy, to say the least. Watch as Jon Scheyer of Duke travels not once, not twice, BUT THREE TIMES in a period of 5 seconds, and not get called for any of them.



Traveling calls are apparently optional when it comes to Duke. Why, you ask? Because Duke + referees = true love forever. Oh, and you can throw in a lacrosse team and a strip club as well. Now we're talking party!

But in all seriousness, if you're a referee and you don't want your Duke bias to be found out by America, do yourself a favor, and CALL TRAVELING!

I Think I Know Who The Lions Are Taking With The First Pick Of The Draft...

Okay, so I'm not breaking anything major here, but it is looking more and more that with the first pick of the draft, the Detroit Lions will select Matthew Stafford. What makes me so certain? Well the Lions traded their only quarterback with remote credibility, Jon Kitna, to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for cornerback Anthony Henry. Via NFL.com:

The Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions swapped veteran players on Saturday, resulting in new addresses for cornerback Anthony Henry and quarterback Jon Kitna.

The Cowboys acquired a veteran backup for starter Tony Romo in Kitna, who started four games for the Lions last season before being placed on injured reserve with a back injury in October. Kitna was deemed expendable by the Lions, who renegotiated the contract of Daunte Culpepper and also own the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

The Cowboys had a need for a backup when they released veteran Brad Johnon on Thursday. Kitna is due a $1 million roster bonus March 3.

So either they're going to draft Matthew Stafford, or it's back to Dan Orlovsky. And we all remember Dan Orlovsky...



And one last thing, going back to the article that I cited, I'm confused. Who is Brad Johnon? This article says he was a Dallas QB that was released, but I've never heard of him. They had a veteran QB named Brad Johnson, who won a Super Bowl a several years ago with Tampa Bay, but I could not tell you the first thing about Brad Johnon? Is he any good?

Update: The hilarity never ends! Dan Orlovsky has just signed a contract with the Houston Texans. Frankly, I'm surprised that no one in the CFL wanted him. He'd be great there.

Brian Dawkins Update

It appears that rumors are conflicting abound as to what is going on with Brian Dawkins. The Dawkins agreement was an agreement in principle only yesterday. Supposedly nothing has been signed, yet, nor has anything been confirmed yet by the NFL, NFL Network, and ESPN. I had read a report there was supposed to a press conference at 10:00 AM this morning (I would assume MT. time, but regardless, it's now past 10 AM everywhere in the country except Alaska and Hawaii), but I have not seen any confirmation that anything has happened. On that note, Consider this your Brian Dawkins live blog of the day. I'll update you as soon as I get word.

Now if you'll excuse me for a bit, I'm going to finish watching Villanova choke to Georgetown and the subsequent declaration by ESPN's analysts that they still have a chance.

2:12 PM: Villanova showed up to the Wachovia Center in the physical sense only. Their heads were not in the game at all as Georgetown beat them 56-54.

2:37 PM: It's official. Dawkins to the Broncos. 5-years, $17 million. It's a shame that the Eagles were only willing to offer him a 1-year deal, as reported by the NFL-Network.

2:47 PM: The news du jour: The Patriots have traded Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel to the Chiefs for a 2nd round draft pick. Good deal for the Chiefs; time will tell how good the deal is for New England (i.e. How will Tom Brady play when he comes back?)

You're One Year Too Late On This One, Andy, Joe, and Jeffrey

Well it's about damn time the Eagles did something we expected them to do. Not too many people projected Stacy Andrews to be an Eagle. Eagle fans were completely blindsided by the leave of Brian Dawkins. However, this move, this trade we expected. Sad part is, we expected this to happen this time last year and had it been done last year, it could have been a blockbuster.

In case you have not figured it out, the Eagles have finally traded Lito Sheppard. He is now a New York Jet. In exchange, the Eagles get.......(drumroll please).......(are you ready to hear our loot?)...........(are you sure?).......(get ready to be blown a way)..........the Eagles have gotten..........A 5TH ROUND PICK IN THE DRAFT! But wait, it gets even better, this deal also comes with a conditional pick for the 2010 draft! Incredible! What a deal! Via Adam Schefter's blog on NFL.com

New York and Philadelphia are completing a trade that will send cornerback Lito Sheppard to the Jets while the Eagles will receive a 2009 fifth-round pick and a 2010 conditional draft pick.

The pick could be as high as a second-round choice in 2010 and as a low as a fourth. But the Eagles will get two picks and the Jets get Sheppard, who will be in New York Saturday for a physical.

OOH! That conditional draft pick could be as high as a second rounder! Brian Dawkins be damned, this is the greatest day in Eagles history!

Sorry for that, but my sadness over the loss of Dawkins has turned into an unrelenting, bitter sarcasm. In all seriousness, this is all the Eagles were going to get for Sheppard at this stage. He was relegated to being our 4th cornerback, behind Joselio Hanson who got a contract extention a few days ago. As I said above, the Eagles were trying to wave him in front of Arizona last year to get Anquan Boldin or Larry Fitzgerald in a trade, now they've happily settled with a 5th rounder this year and a 2010 conditional pick.

And unlike Dawkins, for me, this is a good riddance, and not a sad farewell. I have made no secret that Lito Sheppard is was my least favorite Eagle. Have fun being torched twice per season by Tom Brady!

Why I Don't Like Lito Sheppard Reason #21 (Fire Andy Reid Now!)

Free Agency Recaps

Ugh. If you haven't done so yet, see the below post and you'll understand why I am doing this without a part of my heart.

Sorry for not having the running blog up today, but when I was not in class this morning, I was shoving down my lunch so that I can pack my stuff up and head for home. I'll get to the league updates in a second, but I'll start with the Eagles.

As I mentioned earlier, the Eagles signed offensive linemen Stacy Andrews, brother of Shawn Andrews. Fincancial details of his contract are unavailable although it is reported that it averages to $7 million per year. Unbelieveable, T.J. Houshmandzadeh as all but came out and said that if the Eagles offer him a contract that he's sporting the midnight green, but yet, he is not an Eagle. Unbelieveable. I'm not objecting the signing of an offensive tackle, with Runyan and Thomas uncertain, but for goodness sakes, Andrew Walter Reid, get your star QB the receiver he's always deserved! And stat! Housh should not be in Seattle right now. Ugh, I feel a special comment if the Eagles don't do anything in the coming days.

There is a brief light of hope that maybe, just maybe, the Eagles might get a receiver. There has been talks of a trade with a certain NFC team. However, it's not the Cardinals. According to The Recliner GM's live updates, the Eagles are in talks with the Rams of giving up Reggie Brown and a draft pick for Torry Holt.

The Eagles are also thinking of taking a look at Derrick Ward. They could have kept Correll Buckhalter for a much cheaper price. Aspeaking of Buckhalter, he has also signed with the Broncos. Unlike Dawkins, I called careless about Bucky. Although the date is TBA, that Denver @ Philly game this season is looking like it could be something special. Assuming it hasn't been burned down, that is.

Sean Considine and L.J. Smith are off to Jacksonville and Atlanta, respectively.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh has channeled his inner college basketball fan and named a Final Four. It's down to the Eagles, Vikings, Giants, and Seahawks.

Getting to the rest of the NFL....

Fred Taylor has gone to the New England Patriots. Corey Dillon.....HELLO!

In the big move of the day, Albert Haynesworth is a $100 million man in Washington. Dan Snyder sure knows how to pay his players, but it always seems like when they get to Washington, they can never play.

The Vikings have signed Sage Rosenfels. Nice to see the Vikings know a good QB when they see one...

Kurt Warner is testing the market.

Brian Dawkins is a Bronco.

Brian Dawkins is a Bronco.

Brian Dawkins signed with the fucking Denver Broncos!!! Ugh, I'm still not over that.

The Jets have signed linebacker Bart Scott.

Who would have thought in September 08 that Kerry Collins would be signing a 2-year, $15 million extention with the Titans? Well, that's exactly what happened.

The Bucs are the big winners of the Kellen Winslow sweepstakes. The Browns in return have gotten some Buc draft picks.

If anything happens tonight and tomorrow and so on and so forth, I'll have it up here as soon as I possibly can.

Please Excuse Me While I Go To Philly And Burn Down The Linc

Okay, I am officially nauseous. This is seriously one of the worst days in recent Eagles memory. Seriously. I was working on the updates when I stumbled upon a very disheartening link to the Sporting News. Please be false. Please be false. Please be false. SOMEBODY PLEASE TELL ME THAT THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES DID NOT JUST LET BRIAN DAWKINS GO TO THE DENVER BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After 13 years with the Eagles, safety Brian Dawkins will have a new home.

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Dawkins has agreed to terms with the Broncos.

Dawkins, 35, had said during the season that he thought he'd work out a deal to end his career in Philly. It could still happen, but only after a stint with the Broncos.

Words can't describe how I feel right now. Okay, they can, but there are so many that it's impossible to contain them. There are times when I make fun of the Eagles and mock yell at the Eagles for not making certain moves in free agency (see below post). But this....this is taking it to a whole new level, one that I was not prepared to be taken to when I woke up this morning. I was prepared for the typical Andy Reid not getting the big-name wide receiver, but this....all I can say is that I'm more disappointed, upset, angry, and disheartened now then I was when the Eagles lost to the Cards in the NFC Title game. This is the first time something sports related as ever brought tears to my eyes...

We'll miss you Brian Dawkins, and don't worry, you'll come home soon enough. I just know you will.



"You belong with me, now swallowed in the sea". Truer words were never spoken.

THE EAGLES SIGNED A FORMER BENGAL!!! Wait.....What? NOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Sorry, I have very little time so I can't give you an article or site you any sources (this is being typed in 1-minute), but the Eagles have made a move and have signed a Cincinnati Bengal. Meet the newest Eagle......Stacy Andrews!!!!!

Well, they do need an offensive tackle, but for the love of God Andy, GET YOUR QUARTERBACK THE FUCKING RECEIVER HE DESERVES!!!!!!!!!!! SIGN T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH OR TRADE FOR ANQUAN BOLDIN!!!!

Can't you tell how happy I am? I'll have a recap of everything later on tonight.

Boom Goes The Dynamite In Hockey

I was playing around on YouTube typing in various "bad announcing" searches, and I discovered a previously undiscovered video (136 views) that was added a month ago and it's filled with utter hilarity! Meet this unnamed hockey announcer. It's his first time calling a game. In 18-seconds, he will admit that he sucks, put you to sleep faster than Jim Nantz can, confuse you with his unique style of calling the action, and make you think he is related to Brian Collins by quoting a certain phrase that Will Smith quoted at the Oscars on Sunday.



And this guy gives it over to those guys who send it back to that guy over to that other guy and he whacks the puck with his stick and it scores in the net!

I've seen the video 5 times and I still crack up when I see it. So funny, so so funny.

Erin Andrews Has Sex Tape Problems

Well, it's not quite what you think. There's a rumor that there's a sex tape, a rumor that's been debunked, but us guys can all fantasize can't we? Anyway, more to the point, Erin Andrews is possibly suing over false reports of sex tapes. Here is what she said in an interview with ESPN 540 in Milwaukee about internet postings about her.

“There’s been situations where stuff that’s been false has been written. We’ve kinda had to take action on our own. Whether it’s my agents or lawyers or stuff. It’s kind of hard to stay away from it. I’m not as obsessive I think about it as as I was about it when I first started. It’s amazing that people can write the stuff that they write and not be held accountable for it. Can you imagine if you and I went on air or on the radio and said some of the stuff that these people get away with. We’d be fired. It’s unbelievable.“

I don't know about you, but if a bunch of women were constantly posting about me on the internet and writing false rumors that I appeared in a sex tape with Paris Hilton, for example, I guess I would want to sue too? Wait a minute......what am I saying???? That may just be the plan to increase my chances of scoring big. Oh, ladies!.......

And yes, the misleading title is so that I can come up on Erin Andrews google searches...

Erin Andrews Suing Over Sex Tape Rumors? (Sports by Brooks)

The Fun Is Under Way

Well, it may be 12 hours before the official start of free agency, but we already have our first big move of the off-season, as the recently released Oakland free safety, Gibril Wilson has found a new home with the Miami Dolphins. Via Fox Sports.

The Miami Dolphins didn't wait until Friday's start of the free-agent signing period to address their need at strong safety.

Gibril Wilson has agreed to contract terms with the Dolphins, FOXSports.com has learned. The agreement is for a multiyear deal, The Associated Press reported Thursday.

Seems like a logical move for the Dolphins to make. In 12-hours time, their two starting safeties from last year Yeremiah Bell and Renaldo Hill will be unrestricted free agents, so who knows if anyone of them will be back in Phinland next year.

FYI, I was hoping to have a running blog tomorrow of all of the days' events, but sadly it seems like that will not be the case. It's unlikely that I'll be around much of the day. Chances are though that I'll have a recap of the days events by the end of the night. The reason: IT'S SPRING BREAK, BABY!!!

ACC Tournament Going To The Georgia Dome

As I am watching the end of Duke and Maryland, Mike Patrick brought up a very scary thought. The ACC is holding their conference tournament in the Georgia Dome. This is most likely old news to most of you, but either I just heard it now or it just registered with me (I'm too tired to remember if I heard it before). So, what's so big a deal about the ACC Tournament going to the Georgia Dome? Well remember last year, when the SEC Tournament was in the Georgia Dome?

This shot saved a bunch of lives....



....for it was during the subsequent overtime period that an F2 tornado touched ground right by the Georgia Dome. There is little doubt in the minds of many meteorologists that people could have perrished had they been out in the parking lot at that time, instead of watching overtime inside the Dome. And just as a reminder, here is the scene inside the Georgia Dome has said tornado touched ground.



I post this for the irony of the situation that they are going back to the Georgia Dome after what happened last year, not for any comedy regarding the actual situation last year in Atlanta. What happened that day last year was truly a miracle and one of the most amazing things that I have ever seen in my life. If that shot in the first video does not go in, oof, I can't even imagine what could have happened.

Well, Tuesday Has Come And Gone

And Anquan Boldin is still without a contract. So if he's a man of his word, you know what that means, don't you. Anquan is going to demand a trade. That's what he said a few days ago on a radio show, now let's see if he follows through on his word. And if he does so, then the question becomes will the Eagles finally give their starting quarterback what he has always needed and deserved?

It may be February, but we've got some big time drama in Eagles country this week.

The "Oh God" Heard Round America

I'm not sure how many were of you were watching MSNBC last night, but for those of you that were watching, we were given something that has already stirred a great controversy on the internet. Right before Lousisana governor Bobby Jindal delievered his response to President Obama's speech, there was a very distinct, whispered, "oh God" heard on the MSNBC broadcast. The big question is, who was it? I've been looking around and I've read posts where people were certain it was Keith Olbermann, I've read posts where people were certain they heard Chris Matthews' voice, and others are certain it was an MSNBC producer. Here's the video and you can judge for yourself.



When I first heard it, I immediately thought the producer option. But then I heard it more, and I began hearing Keith Olbermann's voice. I then listened to it some more and I'm back to thinking it was an MSNBC producer/director. I don't think it's Matthews for a couple of reasons. For one, Matthews was serving as a guest to the show in Washington and not at the MSNBC studios at 30 Rock in New York. And secondly, try as I might, I just can't get Matthews' voice out of it. In all likelihood it came from Keith Olbermann's mic, but the question is, was it Olbermann who said it or a producer that came running in after Olbermann was off-camera? Was the "oh God" meant as an "oh God, here's a lame-ass Republican speaking" or was there some sort of production difficulty? If it's the former, then someone at MSNBC may be in hot water. If it's the latter, then good luck convincing the right-wing blogs that that is so.

If there's a confirmation of some sort later today, I'll be sure to give it to you.

Update: A recent post on the forum from Olbermann Watch that I linked to below has reported that Chris Matthews will confess tonight to being the one saying "oh God" and it was (allegedly) in reference to the setting that Governor Jindal used in his response, as it was made to look like the East Room of the White House. I still have problems hearing the voice but I guess when you're whispering it's hard to make any sort of distinction. Good times, MSNBC, good times!

Update #2: From the Huffington Post, here is a tidbit of what we can expect to hear from Matthews tonight on Hardball according to an NBC Spokesperson

I was taken aback by that peculiar stagecraft, the walking from somewhere in the back of this narrow hall, this winding staircase looming there, the odd anti-bellum [sic] look of the scene. Was this some mimicking of a president walking along the state floor to the East Room?

Update #3: We have confirmation that it was indeed Matthews. And what do you know, if you click on the Olbermann Watch link below and you'll find that my prediction came true. Now that it's been revealed to have been Chris Matthews, the right-wingers are trying to say that he was just taking a bullet for Keith and that the more and more they hear it, the more and more they think it's Keith Olbermann. Of course last night, they were just as willing to play the guessing game as the rest of us but now that it was not what they had hoped for, they're saying he's taking a bullet for Olbermann.

MSNBC: "Oh God" and laughter as Jindal began to speak (Olbermann Watch)
MSNBC Welcomes Jindal: "Oh God" (Politico)

Donovan McNabb Wants More Than A Contract Extention

Well so much for everything being hunky-dorey with the Donovan McNabb contract situation. It did not seem like that after the end of last season, that McNabb getting a contract extension would be hardly with a headline other than to state the obvious when it actually happened. Well not so fast, says an ESPN.com report. It seems as if there is a little something extra that McNabb wants. Are you ready for how shocking this grievance? After hearing what he wants, you may never look at Donovan McNabb the same way again. He actually wants...... A PLAYMAKER!

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb and Eagles brass held a lengthy meeting last week, where last season's Week 12 benching and the subject of a contract extension were discussed, a source told ESPN.

Independent of the meeting, the source said that McNabb may hold off on further extension talks until he sees how the Eagles improve themselves in the offseason via free agency and/or trades.

According to a source, McNabb and agent Fletcher Smith quietly met with Eagles coach Andy Reid and Eagles president Joe Banner for several hours last Tuesday at the team's complex in Philadelphia, before Reid and Banner traveled to the league's scouting combine in Indianapolis.

The source said the sides cleared the air once and for all on Reid's Week 12 benching of McNabb in Baltimore. They also held preliminary, informal discussions about a contract extension, the source said. The source said the parties had preferred to keep the meeting confidential as they work through various issues beyond the benching.

Those contract talks may not resume any time soon. McNabb would like the Eagles to add to their already solid core pieces that would make them an even stronger championship contender before engaging in serious negotiations on an extension. McNabb, 32, is under contract for two more seasons.

Although McNabb wants to remain in Philadelphia, if the Eagles aren't successful in significantly upgrading an offense that needs help at wide receiver, running back and offensive tackle (veterans Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas are free agents beginning Friday), not only may McNabb drop his request for a new contract, he may consider going as far as to ask the Eagles to trade him.

I actually secretly instilled a camera in that meeting room, and for the first time ever, I can present to you what was actually said at the meeting. I have not edited anything out, these are the men's words verbatim.

MCNABB: Come on Coach, you know that what we need is a wide receiver to take us all the way to the top.
REID: I do not know what you are talking about. How dare you say that DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, and Jason Avant are not the best 3 receivers in the NFL?
MCNABB: Coach, that's not what I meant. They're good receivers, but none of them actually can be a playmaker by themselves. For them to be effective, they need someone in front of them so that they can get open. Do you know what I mean?
REID: No, I don't actually. All I know is that Gino's just opened and I'm craving a cheesesteak. We'll talk about this later, Donovan, I'm starving. Hang in there, you're a good kid, like the son I've never had.
MCNABB: I've been with you since 2000, I don't think you can call me a kid anymore.
REID: Oh sure, whatever, now can we get the damn cheesesteaks already?

In all seriousness, if the Eagles don't sign either Harrison, Houshmandzadeh or trade for Anquan Boldin, I'm sure that McNabb will be very angry, and I won't be a happy Eagles fan, that's for sure.

Aspeaking of Boldin, today is the deadline he gave the Cardinals to give him a new contract. We'll see what happens.

This Is Flat Out Redunkulous

Okay, um, wow, you can imagine my surprise as I was joining 49er16 in his live blog of the KU-OU game and all of a sudden the SportsCenter Right Now shows a highlight of the end of the Sixers-Nets game. And in case you have yet to see this clip, you will soon find out what the meaning of the word redunkulous is. I'm not sure if you're ready for this. Marv Albert has the call...



That play was indeed ruled a basket and a buzzer beater win for the New Jersey Nets. The Sixers have been the victims of some cruel buzzer beaters this year (click on the Sixers link below and scroll down to see the video the Celtics buzzer beater), but man oh man, that's about as nasty an ending as I have ever seen in basketball.

I mentioned this in the comments section, but look at the bottom of the screen and the YES "bottom line" if you will. Apparently even they don't believe the Nets won that game. Too funny.

The Latest In Whacky Eagles Rumors That Won't Come To Fruition

If I had a penny for every different Eagles off-season rumor that I have seen/read/heard this year, I'd have more money than Jeffrey Lurie, Andy Reid, and Donovan Mcnabb combined. And yes, there have been some that I did not report on here. And just when I was beginning to resign myself to stop reporting here on every major possibility that I came across and just wait for the actual free agency to begin, I came across this gem that really stood out at me and even gave me that giddy feeling in my stomach. The latest possible Eagle.....Marvin Harrison! Via InGameNow

Marvin Harrison is not ready to retire, but as valuable as he is to the Colts, the two parties cannot seem to agree on a new contract. The Colts acknowledge that his services are getting to be too expensive for them to keep, with Harrison taking up $13.4M in salary cap. Harrison has played for the Colts for the past 13 years.

While it appears Indianapolis will be releasing Harrison very soon, the most logical speculation is that he may end up in Philadelphia. He can play in the city where he already lives, while at the same time reunite with his old Syracuse teammate Donovan McNabb.

It does make all the sense in the world that should Harrison indeed be released by the Colts that the Eagles would be a frontrunner to get the receiver. For one thing, the Eagles need a big-time receiver (whether Heckert will admit it or not) and for a second thing, Harrison went to the same school as McNabb ('Cuse) and on top of that, the man still lives in Philly!

However, one has to wonder, would the frivolous gun accusation on Harrison stop the Eagles from making the move? Personally, I always thought he was innocent and now I believe I read somewhere the other day that the man making the accusation was either being tried or in jail for, of all things, lying to police! One also has to question his age. The man is 36-years old, so the question also becomes does he still have it in him to be a stand-out player? I think yes, but I have thought wrong many times before.

To wrap things up, if Harrison does become available, I'd love to see him as an Eagle. That would be awesome, especially seeing as the Eagles may only have one or two more years before they enter a re-building stage that will consist of them sucking for several years.

FYI, I was hoping to put up a Top-10 coach's press conference meltdowns today but the internet in my building has been having tons of problems. It's been down for most of the day, and I've resorted to being in a campus CPU lab to get on the internet (which is where I am posting this from). And sadly, some people in here are actually working so I do not want to play the videos (I have to check to make sure I'm not putting up some guy doing a cheap imitation).

Changing Things Up A Bit

If you've visited the site over the past couple hours, you've probably seen some rather funky things and color schemes going on. That's because I've been playing around, trying to find a new scheme that works for FARN! And I think I've finally settled on this one. For one, that Georgia font was driving me insane. And yes, I know I could switch it at any moment, but other fonts did not really look right to me with the scheme I had going. So seeing as I am bored and feeling a bit under the weather today, I figured, what better time than now to rejuvenate this whole thing and give the blog an entirely different look.

I hope you'll take notice to some of the blogs I added to the "Blogs I Follow" section. There's some good content on all of them, so go check them out. And also, my new favorite feature will be the Poll of the Week. At the start of every week, whether it be Sunday or Monday, I will have a poll for you to vote on, either relating to something that happened the past week, something that is planned to happen the upcoming week, or if I can't find any of the above for that's good for a poll, I may just ask you some random question.

If you do not like this color scheme, please do not hesitate to tell me about it in the comments section (I'd give you guys my email, but I don't want 100 emails in my inbox from spammers who may be lurking). And I tried whatever I could to get the box on the outside of my title picture to go away, but I can't seem to find the trick, nor a matching color to the rest of the template (which I can't seem to find a way to change for some reason).

And just as a long-term future heads up, in the summer I am thinking about making a move over to WordPress. Having visited several WordPress blogs, in comparison with the Blogger blogs, everything about WordPress seems like it is better to me and it seems like I can do more with them. I'll test it out over the next few months and look into making an account and such and see how I like it before I decide if I should make the permanent move. Enjoy the new template!

Eagles' Free Agency This Off-Season Has Gotten Instantly Boring

Well, this was certainly a rather anticlimatic way for the Eagles' hopes this free agency to fade away.

To recap everything that has happened in the past few days:

Panthers have tagged Julius Peppers and re-signed Jordan Gross, both of whom were considered Eagles prospects.

Antonio Bryant has been tagged; he had an outside shot of being an Eagle.

Joselio Hanson has signed a 5-year deal. That will mean bye-bye Lito. If only we would have traded him this time last year, he might have been worth something other than a 6th round draft pick.

The Eagles plan on resigning Tra Thomas and Brian Dawkins.

The only drama left this off-season is will the Eagles get a wide receiver, even after Tom Heckert has said that they will not pursue one. The good news is that Anquan Boldin has publically stated that if he does not get a new contract by this Tuesday that he wants out of Arizona.

Unless the Eagles do sign one of these receivers, it looks like any and all big moves the Eagles will make will come in this year's draft. They have the salary cap room to make a big move, the question is, will they take advantage of it?

Maryland Upsets UNC!

If there are two teams that I can't stand in college basketball, it's Duke and North Carolina. Both are teams and both teams fans' are spoiled, sanctimonious, and obnoxious. Which is why I take great pleasure whenever one of them lose (except when they play each other, I laugh that one lost, but I can't take satisfaction in one of them winning). Since UNC trounced Duke in their first meeting of the season, all anyone has been talking about is how UNC will be a #1 seed and will win the rest of the games on their schedule. I'm pretty sure that one point or another, every person at ESPN jerked off at this thought. Well, not so fast, guys. UNC may still be a really good team, but they had quite the humbling experience, losing in overtime to Maryland, a team that is still questionable to make March Madness, even with a win today. Courtesy of a video that I found on YouTube, here are the final seconds of the game and the classic rushing of the court in College Park.



Congrats to Maryland, however, I must warn you, you are now Mike Patrick's least favorite division I team.

Aspeaking of Mike Patrick, was I the only one who thought that he was worse than normal, calling the Marquette-Georgetown game earlier today? For an already bad announcer who lives and breaths ACC basketball, calling a Big East game was just a recipe for an announcing catastrophe that we ended up getting at the Verizon Center today.

Welcome To Bizarre-O World: 13-Year Old Alfie May Not Be The Father After All

As a follow up to the story about the 13-year old dad that I told you about a week ago, I am about to do two things that I never thought I would ever do on this blog. The first one is to post a video from Fox News, the second is to agree with Bill O'Reilly. No blockquote this time, but rather I'm going to post this video from a Fox News Mobile update that was posted on Comcast.net.



"Are [the British public] as outraged as the American public about this? You've got the exploitation of a baby. You've got a 13-year-old boy who's ignorant, doesn't know what he's doing. You've got a 15-year-old mother who looks like, you know, total chaos. And you've got almost villanous parents." - Bill O'Reilly

My viewpoints don't always coinside with Mr. O'Reilly, but here I have to agree with him. Obviously O'Reilly could not say this (although I think he wanted to), but the mother seems like she is a total slut. I mean seriously, 5 guys at once???

The pressure is great to have sex as teenagers when you're hormones are running wild, but you somehow have to control them. By having unprotected sex and producing a child like this, you are ruining you're life, you are ruining your partner's life, you are ruining your child's life and it is just sad to see. And completely ignoring the financial situation, these kids can never lead a normal life again. And this does not just go for Chantelle and whomever the father may be, but for young teenagers everywhere who think they are ready to be parents. They're not and from here on out there lives will always be attached to the child they conceive.

It's just a really sad situation all the way around, and it does not help the parents in this situation are greedy and would do anything for publicity and money. I am sorry, you just don't exploit teenage pregnancies like this for money, as it appears to be the case here. It's sad, it's pathetic, and it's wrong.

Two Teams Possibly Interested In Michael Vick

There is little doubt in my mind that even though it won't be with Atlanta, Michael Vick will be in the NFL this season and he will be a starter. And as it turns out, I'm not even that far off with where I think he will end up. The reports have been going around that the San Francisco 49ers would be interested in the services of Vick, but I thought that the Vikings would think about making a run at him as well, and as it turns out, that might actually be true. Via NBC Sports

San Francisco coach Mike Singletary said Vick deserves the chance to play in the league, and believes he will be successful if he returns. He wouldn’t say if the 49ers would pursue him.

“He’s still under contract, you can’t really talk to him or have any contact with him,” Singletary said. “Right now, we’re just going to look at the quarterbacks we have and go from there.” .....

Minnesota coach Brad Childress said the Vikings are looking for someone to challenge Tarvaris Jackson, and are willing to make moves to ensure that it happens.

“We need to put somebody in place that will push him and compete with him,” Childress said. “I think competition is the nature of the game.”

Childress wouldn’t confirm or deny interest in Vick.

“I really don’t get into hypotheticals because I think there’s too much water that’s got to happen. I’d cross that bridge when I come to it.”

I know there are several people who do not want to see Michael Vick back in the league (I'm looking at you, PETA), but my belief is that everybody deserves a second chance. Vick did his crime, did his time, and there is no reason that, assuming he keeps his criminal record clean once out of jail, that he should not be under contract in the NFL. Now how effective will he be after spending nearly 2 years in the pokey is something that will be seen, but he definitley deserves a chance, and whether it ends up being with Minnesota, San Francisco, or somewhere else, in all likelihood he'll get that chance.

Friday Links

Happy Friday, everyone! We are one week away from free agency, over 2 months away from the 2009 NFL Draft, and 23 days away from Selection Sunday. With that said, here are some Friday links you should check out.

Today is a great day for fans of the English language. Emmitt Smith is no longer employed by ESPN. (Pro Football Talk) (Yes, PFT is back up and working fine)

A hilarious compilation of bloopers and stupid people doing stupid things (Keith's Sports Journal)

More on the Eagles possibly trading up (Philly Inquirer)

Bango gets banged hard into the hole. (Awful Announcing)

Eagles have a new executive consultant (Philly Inquirer)

The Chargers have greatly angered Mookie (SS Reporters)

Tim Ruskell had made Mookie a very happy person (SS Reporters)

The Mt. Rushmore Presidents race on ice with hilarious results. (YouTube)

Rutgers @ Villanova Live Blog

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Flyers To Trade For A Goalie?

There's an old-saying that goes if you have 2 goalies, that means you have none, and that's exactly what the Flyers are looking at. When one goalie is not sick with the flu, they are blowing their chance to take the starting job for the Flyers. Biron had the starting job, but before last weekend, he had not won a game since the beginning of January. It was them up to Antero Nittymaki to grab the reigns and had he not given up 5 goals to Ottawa, he very well could be the starter now. However, the fact that all of a sudden Biron got a chance again over the weekend and he is playing like he is capable of, begs the question to ask, do the Flyers trade him anyway to get someone who they feel is more consistent, such as rumored possibilities of Manny Fernandez, Niklas Backstrom, or Nikolai Khabibulin? As the deadline approaches it will be interesting to see what happens, and Biron's play down the stretch, including tonights' game against Buffalo could determine a lot.

Aspeaking of tonight's game, I'm thinking of doing a live blog of the Sabres-Flyers game (even though it's just a local game) and/or Villanova's game against Rutgers. I'll see what I can get to and hopefully I'll see you around tonight.

Update: I'll be live-blogging Rutgers-Villanova tonight at 9. We have John Saunders and Len Elmore on the call, so I would advise not watching the game with a blanket unless you're sick and/or you want to fall asleep. I'll see you hear at 9!

Flyers' Biron needs to maintain torid pace (Philly Inquirer)

Eagles Off-Season Update Du Jour

There were some whispers going around that the Eagles would be interested in acquiring Jordan Gross and/or Julius Peppers from the Carolina Steroid-Users Panthers. Well that won't be the case. Why, you ask? Because the Carolina Panthers have franchised Julius Peppers and signed Jordan Gross to six-year contract.

And while they were both long-shots to be Eagles to begin with, there's a part of me that would really like to have seen Julius Peppers on the other side of Trent Cole. Oh well, defensive-end is not the Eagles primary concern (eh-em, TRADE FOR ANQUAN BOLDIN! or SIGN T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH and DRAFT BEANIE WELLS!) Aspeaking of the draft, an interesting report came out about the Eagles in today's Philly Inquirer. Now while this could all be a misleading smoke screen and even though the Eagles have 2 1st round drat picks, the Eagles are thinking of potentially thinking to move up in the draft. From the Philadelphia Inquirer Blog Zone

Tucked away in this seemingly innocent story about Donovan McNabb was a very compelling bit of draft news that has yet to become mainstream information. The Eagles may have their eye on an offensive lineman way up the draft board. Jason Smith (6-foot-5, 300 pounds) out of Baylor is considered one of the top offensive linemen in the draft, and there is a strong possibility he'll be selected in the top 10. But apparently that's not stopping the Eagles from taking a look at the converted tight end. A solid pass blocker with experience at both left and right tackle, at least one analyst believes the Eagles could try to use their two [first-round picks] to land the prospect. "He can be a good pass blocker on Day 1," said the NFL Network's Mike Mayock. "I think it's the kind of draft that even in the early 20s and the late 20s, you can get some pretty good football players there depending on what you're looking for. Or, typical of Andy [Reid] and Joe Banner, you can package them and move up if there was somebody there that he really liked. And you know Andy, he'll move up or move down. He rarely stays static." . . . Of course the draft is also about misdirection, so it's possible the Eagles have leaked this because there is in fact another top lineman they hope will fall far enough where they can move up and get him.

I know I've been adament about the Eagles' need for Beanie Wells (DRAFT BEANIE WELLS!), but if the Eagles move up to the Top 10 and pick an offensive linemen, assuming they don't go with one that's a reach (something Andy Reid is famous for), I guess I really can't complain that much. And besides, there is a chance that should the Eagles give up their 21st spot to take an offensive lineman, I would not rule out the possibility that Beanie Wells falls to #28. Running backs are not a big market this draft. But then again, at what point does a team that does not need a running back say to themselves that Wells is just too good to pass up? I'd guess that he won't not make it past New England at #23. That's just my speculation, though, take it for what it's worth.

Panthers franchise Peppers, sign Gross (Comcast.net)

The Latest Projecting The Field

We are officially less than 4 weeks away from Selection Sunday (and exactly 4 weeks from the first day of the first round) from one of my favorite times of year, March Madness. Only on Super Bowl Sunday do I ever stay with one channel as long as I stay with CBS during the day of their March Madness coverage, and seeing as this is my first year in college in The Middle Of Nowhere, PA, I've got the added bonus of having 2 CBS stations from which to choose, which in some cases means I may have two games from which to choose. Lucky me! Of course, MMOD is always available, but still, I'm not really one to watch sports on the computer unless there is no other television alternative.

Anyway, here is the latest CBSSportsline projecting the field. (Click on the image for a more readable version)



Yes, I know that San Diego, and not San Diego State, was the team that pulled the upset in the first round last year, but for the love of all humanity, if this indeed does end up being the bracket and Villanova really is playing San Diego State, PLEASE CBS, PLEASE! DO NOT ASSIGN TIM BRANDO TO BOISE, IDAHO!

A Decision Has Been Made Regarding The Two Teams Involved In The Alabama Basketbrawl

There have been numerous "basketbrawls", before shall we say, most notably the Ron Artest incident a few years ago, but there has been one in my memory where a herd of fans ran onto the court and started fighting each other. In case you have not seen the video before, here it is, and yes, a decision has been made as to who advances into the tournament.



Well then, that was certainly ugly. Now as far as the basketball situation goes, Carver was leading Valley 52-37 with 6:23 to go and a Valley player started a fight. So it would be natural that Carver would advance, would not it, as the game was obviously stopped following the brawl, right? Not so fast. The real winner in this is Talledegga High School who will get a buy into the Final Four of this tournament because neither team will advance. And frankly, I applaud AHSAA for doing this. Even though Carver had a clear lead and a Valley player started the brawl, both teams and both teams' fans were out of control and in the end, neither school deserves to be rewarded for what happened.

Basketbrawl breaks out in Ala. HS playoff game (Sports by Brooks)
AHSAA rules Carver-Montgomery and Valley are out of state tournament; Talledegga in Final Four (AL.com)

Eagles Won't Be Tagging Anyone

My apologies if it seems I have been doing this blog half-assed over the past week or so. I have been very busy with some of my classes (in partiuclar one), and now that what I needed to get done with is, well, done with, I am feeling exhausted. Give me a day or so, and hopefully I'll be back in the complete swing of things.

Anyway, on to the news piece, apparently the Eagles will not be franchise tagging anyone. Which to me is a surprise, considering they have quite a few free agents, most notably Brian Dawkins.

The Eagles will not put the franchise tag on any of their free agents, a team source said yesterday.
NFL teams have until tomorrow to designate a franchise or transition player in advance of the start of free agency Feb. 27.

In 2008, the Eagles designated tight end L.J. Smith as a franchise player. Under the terms of the collective-bargaining agreement, Smith received the average salary of the top five players at his position. But Smith had a disappointing season and the Eagles probably won't offer him a contract.

The source also did not deny the Eagles plan to meet with Donovan McNabb's agent, Fletcher Smith, to discuss a contract extension, and seemed confident a deal will be completed with the 32-year-old quarterback. McNabb has two years remaining on his current deal. Smith could not be reached for comment.

Seeing as the Eagles do have a lot of free agents, it is somewhat surprising that they would not tag anyone. The other free agents this year are L.J. Smith (he's a definite goner), Correll Buckhalter (he may or may not stay, if the Eagles are intent on going after Beanie Wells, then I doubt we will see him again in Philly), Tra Thomas, and Jon Runyan, who have been offensive line staples for as long as I can remember. It is surprising that neither of them have been tagged by the Eagles, who do have lots of salary cap room to make a big move this off-season and get a major draft pick.

Remember Eagles: TRADE FOR ANQUAN BOLDIN! or SIGN T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH! But most important of all, DRAFT BEANIE WELLS!

Eagles won't put a franchise tag on free agents (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Tom Heckert Is Quite Oblivious To One Of The Eagles Big Needs (However, When It Comes To Running Backs, They Might Listen To Me.!)

I am honestly hoping against hope that this is just a smokescreen. I really am. But alas, I am not convinced. Here is the latest chapter in the on-going saga of the Eagles and will they or won't they trade for Anquan Boldin or sign T.J. Houshmandzadeh. From a Fox 29 interview with Tom Heckert

It's an easy out for everyone to say we need a wide receiver but we did get one - DeSean Jackson," Heckert said. Jackson was a second-round pick last season.

Heckert believes Jackson is a prime threat at wide receiver and receivers won't be an issue for the team during the free agent season.

One problem with Heckert's thinking....you need 2 starting wide receivers! Kevin Curtis works best in the slot, Jason Avant is not ready yet, Reggie Brown had his shot and dropped it numerous times, literally. Baskett is not star-caliber, and Greg Lewis has been practically non-existent for 2-years now. Besides, we've all seen what kind of a knucklehead Jackson can be at times (see MNF Week 2 @ Dallas....do I really need to put up the video?)

But on the plus side of things, the Eagles might actually be listening to me! Here's a report from Pro Football Weekly that I came across on Eagles Gab.

The Eagles almost certainly are going to get help for RB Brian Westbrook, we hear. With a banged-up offensive line, no true fullback and no real inside runner to complement him, Westbrook took a beating this past season, and the Eagles know they can’t afford to expose him like that again. One route could be to use one of the team’s first-round draft picks in this area. It’s a good year for backs, and there’s a chance that a good one could slide in Round One because of the lack of teams needing backs that early.

Come on Eagles, you know what you have to do this offseason. It's quite simple.

1. TRADE FOR ANQUAN BOLDIN! or SIGN T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH!
And
2. DRAFT BEANIE WELLS!

That would constitute an epic off-seaon of win if they do that. Sadly, the odds of Andy Reid and the Eagles listening to the fans (in particular, me) are about the same as Andy Reid passing up a Philly cheesesteak. None.

Fred Taylor Has Been Released

Some slightly surprising news coming out of Jacksonville today, and that is they released their veteran running back, Fred Taylor, thus turning the reigns of that offense of the dynamic Maurice Jones-Drew. From NBC Sports via the Associated Press.

The Jaguars released Taylor on Monday, parting ways with their all-time leading rusher after 11 seasons and continuing the team’s offseason makeover.

Coach Jack Del Rio flew to Fort Lauderdale earlier Monday to meet with Taylor and deliver the news. Del Rio made it clear the team has no plans to re-sign Taylor, who turned 33 last month and was scheduled to make $6 million next season.

“We felt like the best thing for this football team is what it has to be about,” Del Rio said. “We feel good about the talented group of backs that we have ... and as you work through it, it’s difficult to come up with a role that’s going to be acceptable for everybody.

“It makes it awkward. It makes it difficult. We came to an agreement on what the best course of action was as a football team.”

In the end, the Jaguars are a team in disarray and are clearly struggling to find an identity. They had it 2-years ago, but then they went all Jerry Jones and signed big names Joey Porter and Drayton Florence and it completely backfired in their face. As far as I see it, they are the worst team in the AFC South and Jack Del Rio is going to have his head on the chopping block real soon.

As far as Taylor goes, there is a part of me that would like to see him sign with the Eagles and another that has seen this happen before and completely backfire in the Eagles' face. Instead of chancing that Beanie Wells falls to you, Fred Taylor would be a great way to sure up a power runner to compliment Westbrook. But at the same time, Fred Taylor is 33-years old and one has to wonder, does he still have it in him to be a force running the ball up the middle, or will he just end up like Lorenzo Booker did for the Eagles. What's that, you say? Lorenzo Booker was an Eagle? As a matter of fact, he was, brought in to do some power running, only no one really noticed him because not only was he seldom used, he was even more seldom effective.

Welcome To Bizarre-O World: Meet The Parents

This has to be one of the most bizarre stories I have ever come across. Meet little baby Maisie and her parents, 13-year old Alfie and 15-year old Chantelle. Seriously. The Associated Press has more.

He's 13. He scarcely looks 10. And according to a British tabloid, he's a father. Baby-faced and only 4 feet tall, the boy, Alfie, was just 12 when he impregnated Chantelle, now 15, The Sun reported Friday. Shown in a video posted Friday on the tabloid's Web site, the diminutive Alfie takes the newborn girl in his arms.

Asked what he would do to support the child financially, Alfie asks in a small, high-pitched voice, "What's financially?"

The girl was taking birth control pills but missed one, the newspaper reported. Friends and relatives left the family home near Eastbourne, about 70 miles southeast of London, Friday without speaking to reporters gathered outside. The teenagers could not immediately be contacted.

Wow.....at 12-years old it's unlikely that little Alfie has even reached puberty! And yet, he impregnated a girl? Wow. That's the news angle of it. For a real interesting read, check out the British tabloid, the Sun, that the story was initially reported in. Here are some snippets and I would advise you to click on the link below to read the whole thing. I'd put it all here, but the article is too long.

"The four-footer — who looks no more than eight — said: “I know I’m young, but I plan to be a good dad.” As he went on the PlayStation with 15-year-old girlfriend Chantelle Steadman, he added: “I think we’ll be good parents. I’ll have to work extra hard at school.”"

"Social Services in Eastbourne admitted to “concerns” over the case but vowed to give “all their support”, including intensive monitoring. Police said they had investigated but had decided to take no further action as it was “not in anyone’s interests” to prosecute."

"A family friend said Alfie had been thrilled when he learned he was going to be a dad."

Well then! I honestly don't know how I feel about this yet. I mean, they sound like they are ready but for goodness sakes, Alfie and Chantelle are 13 and 15, respectively, how on earth are they going to care for and afford a child?

The two articles are below. I strongly urge you to check them out and read them, it really is some fascinating stuff.

Playtime for Baby-faced 13-year old (The Sun)
British boy reportedly becomes father at age 13 (AP)

A Few Friday Links

It seems like everyone else does these but me, so I figured why not do them, myself?

1. A heart-pounding trip down memory lane of the key play in Game 5 of the 2008 World Series. (Philly Inquirer)

2. The Super Bowl porn incident is getting the treatment of a national crisis. (Awful Announcing)

3. "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" (Stupid Sideline Reporters)

4. Your tax dollars at work. (Keith's Sports Journal)

I'd give you a few more but I'm in a hurry and I have to be somewhere soon. And FYI, the live blog that I originally planned for tomorrow's Flyers-Rangers game has been cancelled (the live blog, that is, not the actual game itself). Something came up and I won't be able to do it. Don't worry though, the Flyers and Rangers play 2 more times on NBC this year. Nice to see the folks at the Peacock staying original...

The Eagles Are The Frontrunners To Get The Unavailable Anquan Boldin

I'm seriously beginning to think that this saga won't go away until Anquan Boldin is either a). traded or b). the tradeline in October comes and goes. The good news, Philly fans (and Cardinal-haters): The Eagles are the frontrunners to trade for Anquan Boldin! The bad news: Anquan Boldin is not going to be traded. So, if Boldin is not available, what on earth makes the Eagles the frontrunners? Wouldn't the Cardinals then be the frontrunners to keep him. Sigh...here's the article from ALL THINGS PHILLY SPORTS.

Two reports have come out in recent days regarding Anquan Boldin and the Eagles continuing search for a top wide receiver. The reports aren't earth-shattering, it's the typical information and misinformation we have been hearing all along.

The first report is encouraging to Birds fans. According to John Clayton of ESPN, the Eagles are the frontrunners to acquire Anquan Boldin with the Giants the next team in line. Clayton believes it would take a 1st and 3rd rounder to get Boldin, certainly a reasonable price for the Eagles since they have that extra first round pick to dangle.

The second report is not as promising. According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Cardinals have no interest in trading Boldin. Boldin is under contract for 2 more years so Arizona doesn't feel any pressure to move him right now. Despite his requests for a trade, the Cards want to hold on to the disgruntled receiver, much like the Bengals held onto to Chad Johnson despite his many trade demands. Boldin may just have to wait it out and play for his measly 2.75 million next season. He won't have any leverage to leave town unless he holds out during training camp.

Does your head hurt yet? I guess it's pretty straight-forward what's going on here, but all of the reports that are flying out on this story are enough to make you stop and think, "what the hell is really going on here?"

There's certainly no lack of trying on the Eagles' part to get that big name receiver. Last off-season, they waved more money in front of Randy Moss than he ended up signing for with New England and the Eagles continously waved Lito Sheppard in front of the Cardinals in hopes of trading for Larry Fitzgerald. That, was, of course, when Lito was still considered to be a potential starting cornerback.

Now what's really interesting here is what would happen should the Eagles trade for Anquan Boldin. The Eagles have 2 1st round picks this year, surely they would have to give up one of them (and most likely as the article above mentioned, a later draft pick), which puts them in a tough bind. The Eagles have two pressing needs in the early part of the draft and that's running back and offensive tackle. The question becomes which pick would they give up? Personally, I'd rather them lose their 28th pick because I think they need to get Beanie Wells. There is a better chance, in my view, at least, of drafting a future Pro Bowl offensive lineman in the later stages of the draft than a running back. But we all know Andy Reid. He goes after those linemen early in the draft as if they were a Philly cheesesteak. We'll see what happens, but if the Eagles trade for Anquan Boldin (which would be great, no doubt about that), the odds that Beanie Wells becomes an Eagle decrease dramatically to slim to none, and I'm pretty sure slim just left town.

FredEx May Be FedExed To The Pokey

Thanks to 49er16 for the link on this one. I could bore you with my take on the Brett Favre retirement story (he's done for good, I think), but there is not anything that I can say that you can't get from watching 30 seconds of ESPN. Instead, here's an interesting little peace on Ex-Eagle Freddie Mitchell from Pro Football Talk. Apparently the Ex-Eagle may be spending some time in jail for possessing marijuana.

Former Eagles receiver Freddie Mitchell, a 2001 first-round pick whose career flamed out a few years back, could be spending a few years in prison.

He’s reportedly under investigation for accepting a package allegedly containing more than seven pounds of marijuana.

Mitchell reportedly was cuffed briefly but not arrested after signing for the package last week at his Lakeland, Florida restaurant.

This is officially less surprising than Brett Favre's second retirement. Freddie Mitchell is one man an ego that is still in Philadelphia and the date is still January 11, 2004. For that day was both the birth and the death of his career. He was a nobody before it and he was a nobody after it. What was that big day, you ask? I now take you back to January 11, 2004 at Lincoln Financial Field. It's the divisional playoffs against the Green Bay Packers with 1:12 to, the Eagles are trailing by 3 and the down is 4th and 26.



Good times.....gooood times. And as far as Joe Buck's call goes, David Tyree feels Freddie Mitchell's pain.

Marquette @ Villanova Live Blog

What better way to celebrate my 100th blog post then a live blog of a big game between #12 Marquette and #13 Villanova. And while this really is not a rivalry, per se, it still should be a lot of fun.

1st Interactive Tuesday question of the night. Who should be the Big East player of the year? Go to ESPN.com and cast your votes, stat!

Marquette wins the tip. James misses a shot but Nova tipped it out of bounds. Hayward from 3 BURIES IT! Marquette jumps on top early. Nova struggles to keep possession of it but Reynolds gets it, gives it to Clark who DRAINS ONE FROM 3!

ANOTHER 3 BY MATTHEWS OF MARQUETTE! I hope you took the over. Nova inbounds, Reynolds takes one from 3 and ANOTHER 3! THIS ONE FROM REYNOLDS! Good grief! Marquette struggles with the ball and Nova gets a turnover. Anderson misses a 3, but Anderson gets it back and hits a 2. DOMINIQUE JAMES ALLEY-OOPS IT FOR MARQUETTE!

"We've got so many athletes out here." - Len Elmore

Thanks Captain Obvous! Burke tips one in for Marquette off the rebound. Redding misses a 3 for Nova. Missed 3 by McNeal and we have a timeout as Clark is shaking up.

"Nova can't hang with Marquette's guards." - Interactive Tuesday poster

Foul on Anderson and Marquette will shoot 2. THey make 1. Fisher misses the layup but Nova gets the tip in. Nova gets the ball back and Reynolds is fouled.

10-9 Villanova at the media timeout.

DeJuan Blair from Pittsburgh is our poll winner. Reynolds makes 1 out of 2. Butler rebounds Redding's miss. 3-shot from Marquette goes out of bounds and Nova takes over. ANDERSON IS SMOKING HOT! ANOTHER 3! Hayward connects with a basket. Cunningham gets his first of the day and a foul on Villanova at the other end.

After 2 Marquette free-throws, Anderson makes a great 2-pointer for Villanova as Dave Pasch goes crazy! Cunningham gets called for a travel as he stumbled to the ground.

Next question. What title team was a better Cinderella story? 77 Marquette or 85 Villanova?

James of Marquette makes somewhat of an underhanded basket! That was interesting to look at. Cunningham gets a basket after a pair of Nova misses. HAYWARD DRILLS ONE FROM 3! Reynolds from Marquette can't connect. MCNEAL GETS HIS FIRST BASKET OF THE GAME AND IT'S A 3! Timeout Villanova.

Does it get any more boring than Len Elmore? (SSReporters)

No, not really. Although he is not that bad of an analyst, I just would never want him to teach a physics class.

James airballs a free throw. How on earth do you do that? The next one is off the rim. JAMES ATONES FOR IT WITH A 3! Marquette knocks it out of bounds. Reynolds gets fouled as he tried to split the defense.

Anyone watching Duke-UNC tomorrow?

MATTHEWS WITH A 3! COREY FISHER ANSWERS FROM 3 AT THE OTHER END! Travelling on Marquette. JAMES HITS A 3! Marquette has hit 9 in a row. Reynolds was stripped but Nova was able to recover. Anderson misses. McNeal misses from 3! He should be benched immediately.

35-27 Marquette

Anderson gets one out of the 1-and-1. Foul on Anderson, as he picks up his 2nd and the 4th for the Wildcats. James connects with a basket. FISHER FROM 3! 2-straight misses for Marquette and Nova has a chance to get back in it.

Redding misses a wide open 3. McNeal misses a 3 at the other end and Redding comes in 1-on-2 and gets called for an offensive foul! Can't say I disagree though.

"New record coming tonight for most 3's ever." -Some poster

Although he may not be too far off as Cunningham connects! Badly missed shot and it goes out of bounds off Nova. Can't say that I agree with that one.

Both sides miss as Reynolds connects with a beautiful layup as he slips and he gets fouled! And-1! Timeout Marquette.

Nice to see Nova staying in the game and not giving up(see Norte Dame). (49er16)

Reynolds misses his free throw. There's a foul at the other end and Matthews makes 1 of 2. REYNOLDS TIES IT WITH A 3! Out of bounds at the other end, last touched by Fisher. Easy basket on the inbounds as I think a few Wildcats fell asleep. Basket by Nova, miss by McNeal, and a few shots for Nova and they can't get it to fall. Foul on Villanova.

We're tied at 40 at the media timeout.

I missed who said it, but someone just said that Digger Phelps would be the next coach to 1,000 wins.

Next poll: Who will win Carolina-Duke? (I knew this one was coming).

Marquette makes a free throw as they follow it up by swatting a Villanova pass out of bounds. Cunningham has given Nova the lead with that jumper! McNeal gives Marquette the lead right back with his jumper. Fisher is fouled as he shoots from 3! It's James' first foul of the evening.

Fisher goes 3-for-3 from the line! 2-point lead for the Wildcats. A wideopen lay up by James ties it up. They get the ball back but turn it over. FISHER CONNECTS DEEP FROM 3-LAND!

I think we may reach my final predicted score by halftime. Offensive foul on McNeal! 57.4 seconds to go in the half. Reynolds from 3 is short and Hayward rebounds it nicely. James loses it! Loose ball scramble and it's out of bounds on Marquette! 10-seconds to go. Cunningham loses the ball but it goes off a Marquette player and with 4.5 to go the Wildcats wil have a nother chance. Fisher finds STOKES WHO DRILLS IT FROM 3 TO END THE HALF!

50-45 Villanova at the half. I'll see you in this thread at the other side of the break.

Ooh! A special halftime question. Who will be the next coach to reach 1,000 wins? Coach K, Jim Boehiem, Jim Calhoun, or Bob Knight? If I were a betting man, I'd put my money on Coach K.

Nova starts the half with the ball and Cunningham sinks a jumper. McNeal misses and there's a whistle as Anderson is down. Turnover for the Wildcats. James misses one behind the backboard as he claims he was fouled. Steal by James, pass to McNeal who connects with a beautiful layup! Cunningham takes a jumper and he just makes that shot look easy! Hayward is a house of fire, connecting with another jumper, this time from 2-land.

Cunningham to Reynolds to the hoop. If only every basketball game was like this. This is fun to watch. Fisher has his shot blocked. Missed hook shot by Marquette and Redding at the other end misses a wide open 3-shot!

America agrees with me in that Coach K will get 1,000 wins next. REYNOLDS HITS A 3! 10-POINT LEAD FOR THE WILDCATS!

Wes Matthews gets 2 back but Reynolds takes that one away with 2, giving him a game high of 20. Timeout Marquette.

Some Poster: "MU is going to run these guys out of the gym." Yeah, that's why they are down by seven. (49er16)

I love it when posters like that get pwned. And now the question is who is the best dressed coach in college b-ball and I'm just shocked that Bruce Pearl is not an option. Reynolds picks up a foul.

Media timeout, 61-51 Wildcats.

Big East basketball game = 50-45 at the half. Big Ten basketball game with 3:22 left in the game = 45-38 (Via SSR)

It's always good to know there are absolutely no differences between Big 10 football and Big 10 basketball. Matthews makes both free-throws. Pena with a beautiful hook over Hayward. Foul called on Shane Clark. Another foul on the inbound we've got double Ts on Pena and Hayward, respectively, as a hockey match has broken out. And now they are saying team those are team Technicals.

Foul on Cunningham after the free throw. Hayward makes one from 2 as Marquette is trying to creep back into it. Fisher misses from downtown. Foul on Fisher. McNeal makes a free throw as the Wildcat lead is now only 6.

"nova wants it more tonight....unfortunaltely" - Some Marquette fan.

FISHER FROM DOWNTOWN AGAIN! Marquette misses at the other end and Fisher takes it all the way to the basket! HAYWARD DRAINS A 3! Out of bounds on Villanova. Butler is blocked by Redding. And Rick Pitino is the best-dressed coach in college basketball, according to 1,600 people. Marquette misses a freebie. And Corey Stokes goes unmolested to the hoop and it's back to a 10-point lead! Marquette gets 2 back on what could have been a travel. Foul on Marquette.

Tv timeout time, Nova leads 70-62.

Michigan State is about to clinch a win over Michigan. (Via SSR)

That's good news for Penn State, who will be in need of a few breaks and a hot-stretch down the road if they want to make the tournament. As of now, they are in Joe Lenardi's "Next 4 out". Although as a Big 10 team, if they do make it, my hopes are not high. For the reason, that, well, they're in the Big 10.

Quick 2-on-1 and Marquette pulls back within 6. CLARK FROM 3 KNOCKS IT DOWN! Foul on Cunningham. Marquette misses. REYNOLDS FROM THE PARKING LOT! 12-point lead for the Wildcats.

Timeout Marquette. Offensive foul on Matthews. Cunningham extends the lead to 14! DOMINIQUE JAMES WITH A BEAUTIFUL ONE-HANDED JAM! McNeal jams it down and all of a sudden it's back to a 10-point game. James picks up a foul for the Golden Eagles. McNeal picks up his 3rd foul.

Next question: Who will win tomorrow's Syracuse-UConn game?

My money is on UConn. Fisher misses his first but makes his 2nd. 8:31 to go in the game. McNeal from downtown is no good. McNeal gets the ball back and Stokes is called for a blocking field.

79-68 Villanova leads with 7:59 to go at the TV timeout.

ESPN Interactive Tuesday has to go....NOW! (Via SSReporters)

Yeah, it's, um, kind of pointless. Oh, this was the last question. What a shame. 80% of the people who voted picked UConn. McNeal misses his first free throw. Wow, hty're only 50% on the day. And true to form, McNeal finishes 1 for 2. Cunningham has a wide-open jumper rim out. Foul on Nova and McNeal will go back to the line.

Cunningham gets benched. McNeal stays true to form with the free throw. Clark again connects from inside and Hayward is called with an offensive foul! Everything is going the Wildcats' way.

Marquette kicks it out of bounds. Reynolds makes a wideopen layup off the inbounds pass and it's a 13-point Villanova lead. MCNEAL HITS FROM 3 AND HE NOW HAS 20!

The Wildcats have shot 70% from the floor this half. Do you know when they will go cold? It will be March, as always. Reynolds goes 1 for 2. MCNEAL FROM 3 AND HE'S THE ALL-TIME LEADING SCORER IN MARQUETTE HISTORY!

Congrats to him as Clark connects again. Hayward can't connect and an inside feed to Stokes who buries! Out of bounds on Villanova and the refs missed that one, I think. Hayward has it taken away. Pena gets fouled and nearly had an and-1 situation. It rimmed out, though.

Antonio Pena misses both fee throws. Matthews scres and Marquette is down by 11. BEAM ME UP SCOTTIE! ANOTHER 3 FROM REYNOLDS AND IT'S A 14-POINT VILLANOVA LEAD! Timeout Marquette.

Redding has a steal but bodies start hitting the floor and Marquette gets the ball on the out of bounds call. Pass inside to Hayward and we'll have to wait until after the break to sort this one out.

92-78 Wildcats over the Golden Eagles at the TV timeout.

The refs could call any number of things here. Foul, shot clock violation, travel, you name it, it could be called here. Hayward makes both free throws, and perfection has been a rarity for Marquette from behind the foul strike. Cunningham misses the lay up. Matthews capitalizes on McNeal's pass and Marquette just won't go away. Hayward misses, tries the tip in, misses again, and a foul on Marquette!

Both teams are in double bonus territory. Redding goes 1 of 2. Hayward actually misses a basket. That has not occured too often. Redding is fouled by Butler who now has 4. Redding goes 1 of 2 again and both of these teams are shooting free throws like Memphis last year.

Bonus question! What's the better meal? Brats or cheesesteaks?

CHEESESTEAK FOR THE WIN! Timeout Villanova as they can't inbound.

Dave Pasch looks like a real waiter holding that food. And the fans go with cheesesteak.

"Only 900 people voted." - Dave Pasch
"The rest of the country probably does not know what a brat or a cheesesteak is." - Len Elmore

The fact that there was only a minute to vote, combined with the fact that you already said that the question before it was the last question, may have a bit to do with it. Stokes goes 2 for 2 from the line and they are 4-points away from breaking 100. Marquette misses and that may have been their last chance to get back into the game. Foul on Marquette.

Cunningham makes the first but misses the second. They rebound the miss, though and Nova will get another chance! Matthews fouls.

Oh yay, Villanova plays West Virginia on Friday the 13th. That should be....interesting.

One more free throw and the Cats are 2 away. Marquette misses and the wildcats rebound. 1:18 to go. Marquette looks like they are content wih losing this one. CLARK FROM 3.......OFF THE RIM AND IT BOUNCES IN! THAT'S 101 FOR THE WILDCATS!

Chants of "Overrated!" from the crowd in the Pavilion, as the Wildcats may very well be the dark horse to win the Big East.

101!!!!!!!!! FREE CHEESESTEAKS! (Via SSR)

Reynolds leaves the game with 27 points on the game.

"Villanova has the second most talent in the conference behind UConn." - Some poster.

Nice grammar.

And that's it! Villanova puts up their second straight 102-point game, this time beating Marquette 102-84. Thanks for joining me tonight!

Marquette @ Villanova Live Blog Pre Game

What: Interactive Tuesday
Who: Marquette and Villanova
Where: The Pavilion, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania
When: 7:30 EST
What Channel: ESPN2
Announcers: Dave Pasch and Len Elmore
Prediction: Nova 78, Marquette 72

Feel free to leave your thoughts and predictions here and I hope you'll join me for all of the Interactive fun beginning at 7:30.

Reasons Behind The Sell Of The Phantoms

As I was perusing through this morning's Inquirer articles online, I came across an interesting article on why the Phantoms were sold, and the answer is not just because the Spectrum is being torn down. And seeing as other than the A-Rod story that I refuse to shove down your throats any more than is already done by TV news everywhere and other websites, I figured I would share it with you.

The plucky Phantoms minor-league hockey team had trouble earning profits in recent years as attendance dipped, and the franchise faced other economic issues.

The team needed a new ice arena, which would cost $60 million to $80 million.

Meanwhile, the team hadn't found a critical mass of cable viewership because the franchise competed with the popular Flyers in the local television market, a sports media executive close to the situation said.

The most pressing problem was the fact that the Phantoms' home, the famed Wachovia Spectrum, is expected to be torn down for a development of stores, clubs and hotels in 2010.

Peter Luukko, president of Comcast-Spectacor, said yesterday a new ice arena would need public assistance and "there wasn't a local municipality prepared to spend that kind of money and we did not politic for it."

The Phantoms' attendance slipped somewhat in recent years and a modest profit had become a small loss, Luukko said.

Comcast-Spectacor announced last week that it had reached the agreement to sell the Phantoms franchise to the Brooks Group of Pittsburgh. It is not known where the team will move.

Comcast-Spectacor, which owns the Flyers and 76ers, brought the Phantoms to Philadelphia in 1996, when the Flyers' and Sixers' new arena opened in South Philadelphia. The minor-league team put the Spectrum to use for about 40 nights a year. Other events in the Spectrum included the circus, concerts, college basketball and Kixx soccer.

With an average ticket price of about $11, the Phantoms offered hockey fans a cheap alternative to the Flyers. Luukko said he was pleased with the Phantoms and he probably would have kept the team going for a few years in Philadelphia if it weren't for the Spectrum redevelopment.

Sorry for the length of that blockquote, I just felt that there was a lot of good stuff in there and I could not really think of a place to cut it off until deep into it. It will be interesting to see where they eventually end up locating and I will follow that story for you and give you word as soon as I find out in the coming months or so.

Why The Phantoms Were Sold (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Make Room For Big Ben's Ribs, Canton, Ohio

Sigh....get ready for ESPN's talking heads to go gaga over Big Ben's great courage and toughness. Because right now, sitting next to Curt Schilling's bloody sock and Jamie Moyer's toilet, is Big Ben's ribs (or seeing as they were broken, the lack thereof). That's right, Big Ben played in the Super Bowl with broken ribs. From Yahoo! Sports.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have no knowledge that Ben Roethlisberger played the Super Bowl with two broken ribs, as the quarterback told a Web site.

According to SI.com, Roethlisberger said his fractured ribs did not show up on X-rays taken before he led the Steelers to a 27-23 win over Arizona on Feb. 1, but were revealed only during a MRI test he had last week.

“Luckily, in the game, I didn’t take any big hits to make ‘em hurt,” Roethlisberger told SI.com. “But I knew all along there was something wrong. There wouldn’t have been anything that could have been done about fractured ribs anyway. It was just suck it up and play.

Roethlisberger did not miss any practices before the Super Bowl, although a pool report from the Wednesday practice said he attempted during the middle of the workout to stretch his torso. He missed one practice during the off week before the Super Bowl because of what the team said was a back injury.

Big Ben has a history of exaggerating his injuries so the claim may not be entirely true. However, if the MRI revealed broken ribs, then there's no disputing that. Once the A-Rod story has subsided a bit, be prepared for non-stop Roethisberger gushing on ESPN.

FYI, I'll be live blogging Marquette @ Villanova tonight at 7:30. Not only is it a big game for both teams, but it's also ESPN Interactive Tuesday! Which means be prepared for stupid poll questions and even stupider fan comments. Don't miss out on the big fun!

Ryan Howard Has A New Contract

I must say, this has been one of the busiest days I've ever had as a blogger. This story came about yesterday afternoon, but with the live blog last night, my classes this morning and early afternoon, and all the other bizarre headlines that have been breaking today, I have not got around to this at all. Therefore, it is doubtless that I am not telling you anything here that you don't already know, but Ryan Howard has signed a contract extension with the Phillies! Really. It's true.

Howard will earn $15 million in 2009, $19 million in 2010 and $20 million in 2011. He also has a clause in his contract that would require the Phillies to pay him $1 million if they trade him before Nov. 1, 2010.

Then there are the incentives, which could really send Howard's paycheck into orbit. His base salary would increase by $1 million in 2010 and 2011 if he was named MVP in the preceding season and he would get a $1 million bonus if he wins the MVP Award in 2011. If he finishes second in any year, he'll get a $500,000 bonus. A World Series MVP gets Howard $100,000, NLCS MVP $50,000, Gold Glove $50,000, Silver Slugger for $100,000, and $50,000 for an All-Star selection.

“We're very pleased to have avoided the arbitration process, not just for this year, but also for the next two,” general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement released by the team. “Ryan is clearly one of the top power hitters and run producers in the major leagues and is a very important part of our championship club.”

And the constant headache of Ryan Howard arbitrations every year has finally ended. The Phillies are a young, home-grown team that has kept their core intact this off-season, with the only major loss being that of Pat Burrell, which should not have been a surprise to anyone. If I remember correctly, the person that the Phillies got to essentially replace him, Raul Ibanez, had a higher batting percentage last year than any of the Phillies. They've definitley made the right moves thus far (getting Ibanez, locking up Hamels and Howard, etc.), let's hope it translates into another World Series title!