By Jerry Del Colliano

Hey radio, you ought to be doing this.

The NFL Giants and Jets are building a social network around a single event – a football game – that lasts only during the game and that includes only those paying customers who attend.

Interested in getting in on this? I think radio can and should be moving to special event social networking.

When Jets and Giants fans go to East Rutherford, NJ to see their teams play, they will have a second game going on – in their hands, on their iPads and mobile phones. It's fascinating because after paying all that money to buy a ticket to see an NFL game, these fans will have their attention diverted to other media.

You don’t have to look far to see where this is already happening.

Just go to a sporting event – any event, really – no one puts down their cell phones. During the hockey playoffs, every time a player crashed into the glass smashing an opponents face, there was often a fan on the other side of the glass texting. Hey, they’re not going to let two huge hockey players skating right at them at top speed stop them from texting.

The Giants and Jets will offer fans who attend their games a free app for their phones this season so that they will be able to see replays, get stats and view snippets from other NFL games in real-time.

One catch.

The app will only work at the new Meadowlands Stadium and will only work for one game at a time.

A piece in The New York Times previewed what is ahead:

“Over the next few years, stadium officials say, the applications will provide fans with statistics on the speed of players and the ball, and fantasy games that will allow them to pick players and compete against other fans. A real-life game no longer seems to be enough”.

The NFL is dealing with the inevitable which is the best seat in the house at a football game is in your house on an easy chair. The NFL knows if it wants fans to show up, it will have to change and offer more or else they may not continue buying tickets. The NFL is always very smart about these things because the X factor is the next generation which may very well stay home and watch on a mobile device while doing other things at the same time.

The new Meadowlands Stadium has spent, according to the article, $100 million on new technology. They’ve hired a TV exec to oversee game day production for the fans.

For fans who do not have phones (try to find one), 2,200 TVs with 48,000 square feet of screens have been installed around the stadium. Some 500 wireless antennas have been added to handle the demand which is thought to be under 10,000 of the fans. Probably more as it catches on. Other teams will likely follow suit.

NFL attendance was down about 3% last year perhaps recession-related and TV viewership is up.The Jets and Giants are charging license fees for season ticket holders ranging from $1,000-20,000 per seat plus the cost of the tickets which could be $90 to $700 a game.

Cisco and Verizon are providing the technology for the virtual football game experience.

What the NFL is doing is what radio should be doing now. Offering apps for people attending client events that are sponsored by the station and for concerts and other shows.

Where radio once did remotes with vans and air personalities, it may now want to produce a happening using a dedicated app that can only be accessed at the sponsor’s location with lots of useful information changing hands, not the least of which could be winning prizes or getting random buy signals – or what I call, discounts.

In assessing the NFL’s move one thinks of all the technology involved.

But when I look at it, I see all the content that is involved along with promotion, same day production and social networking.

And the opportunities to collect fans’ email, phone numbers, Facebook links and Twitter addresses seamlessly.

That’s what the radio industry does – create content.

I’ve been pushing radio executives into thinking about redefining what radio is. Of course, there is still 24/7 terrestrial broadcasting, but there is also separate content streaming, mobile content, blogging, mobile video and content and social networking.

If you want to be in a growth industry, it is in a sense on the 20-yard line just beginning to move the ball.

I believe this is a game you’ll want to get into.

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NFL TV, involving so many networks and announcers, usually has plenty of offseason shuffles. Not so this year, although the NFL Network rescuing ...

Notes cobbled from the mean streets of VegasVille:

• Word out of the Riviera is that the Riviera Comedy Club is closing. That’s the word inside the Riviera, too.

One comic booked in November has said his scheduled appearance has been cancelled because the club is shuttering, and the box office is not taking ticket orders from Nov. 1-on. The last scheduled performances are Mitchell Walters, Bruce Clark and Bob Gautreau from Oct. 25-31.

The club has been struggling for months, especially when Dice Clay was performing at the hotel from August 2009 through January. Clay’s show was staged at the old “Le Cage” theater, drawing comedy fans to that room instead of the Riviera Comedy Club.

When Clay, who is now headlining at Shimmer Cabaret at the LV Hilton, departed the Riv, the comedy club seemed to earn a last-minute reprieve. But business is sagging to the point where paid attendance has recently been in the 20-30 attendance range. Not a funny outcome for a club that has for decades been one of the city’s best-known comedy venues.

• Speaking of our favorite hotel named for a Mediterranean coastline …

Better news at the Riv is the polished production “Greg London’s Icons.” This stars Greg London, of course, and he performs impressions of … icons. London was big in Reno before latching onto his dream of performing on the Strip. London’s show is pretty middle-of-the-fairway fare, covering all the bases and moving the chains in a ball-control performance (how’s that for a three-sport metaphor?). He’s got a fine backing band, too.

Probably the best comparison of London is of Gordie Brown; if you like Brown, still churning out the impressions at Golden Nugget, you’ll probably appreciate London. I like that he plays the trumpet – a gift from his musician grandfather. London also capably plays guitar and harmonica. As stated, the show is mostly slick and inoffensive, but London does swat Barry Manilow (even as he resembles Manilow more than any of his subjects), changing the lyrics to “I Write The Songs” and slipping in the line, “I write the songs that ev’ry booody haaaates!”

Sammy Davis Jr., Elvis, Neil Diamond, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Michael Jackson, Macy Gray and Tony Bennett are among those sampled. So is Ozzy Osbourne, who is becoming as prevalent in impressionist shows as Elvis. Tickets to London’s show run $40-$70, absent fees, as the Riv just keeps battling on the entertainment front.

• Those of us who feel Las Vegas Hilton’s Superbook is a fair representation of the betting climate in Las Vegas are joined by network TV producers. A crew from “60 Minutes” is shooting B-roll during Sunday’s NFL opening-weekend action at the Superbook and Hilton Theater for an upcoming story about football fandom. Or it might be betting fandom. We’re still awaiting word on what the story is, actually, but a “60 Minutes” crew will be there Sunday and fandom will be shot.

Offered at the hotel’s Football Central party are $1 hot dogs, $2 Budweisers and breakfast sandwiches that are said to be the most effective cure for a hangover, ever.

If memory serves, a $1 hot dog and $2 Bud would usually do the trick, but no matter.

Doors open at 9 a.m. Sunday, and I’m taking the “over” on sightings of fat guys wearing Troy Polamalu jerseys.

• Speaking of the gridiron warfare …

South Point’s Monday night football party is the only such casino event where actual cash is awarded for no entry fee. Organizers are giving away $250 in cash – that’s 250 hot dogs! – after each quarter. Lots of other prizes, including monthly iPad and “Jagerator” giveaways. What’s a Jagerator? It is a refrigerator designed specifically to chill bottles of Jagermeister.

Doors open at 4 p.m. each Monday at the Showroom at South Point, where the iPad meets the Jagerator.

• Speaking of the SP, I’d noted the confusion of many TV viewers tuning in to the “Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon” who were thrown by ads for The Orleans at the bottom of the KTVU Channel 13 telecast. The Orleans was a sponsor for the Las Vegas broadcast, and its news team held court during cutaways from the national show, which was held at South Point. This is all intriguing because The Orleans is a Boyd Gaming hotel, and South Point is owned by Michael Gaughan, who split from Boyd in a business deal to take over the old South Coast – now South Point – hotel.

Thus, there is something of a spirited rivalry today between Gaughan and Boyd officials, and when “Orleans” flashed repeatedly on TV screens during the MDA telecast, some South Point folks went, “Ooooh.” But a South Point spokesman said there was no ill will from that property, that Gaughan was fine with the 40 million or so viewers who tuned in to see the show from his hotel. And really, how can anyone be angry when the Spazmatics are playing every Saturday at his nightclub?

• From our video poker bureau:

Enacted on Sept. 1 and announced Wednesday was The Siegel Group’s partnership with Golden Gaming Inc. to manage Siegel’s gaming operations in Las Vegas. Golden Route Operations, Golden Gaming’s slot-machine subsidiary, has taken over all the machine operations at Rumor, Gold Spike, Siegel Slots and Suites, and The Resort at Mount Charleston.

Siegel had previously been under contract with United Coin, but that contract ended Sept. 1, Golden Route took over that day.

What’s it all mean? I asked Stephen Siegel, founder of The Siegel Group, about this partnership with the company that owns all the Sierra Gold and PT’s taverns in and around Las Vegas. Following is a Q&A, which transpired via e-mail:

J.K.: Why did Siegel Group make the change to Golden Gaming?

S.S.: “Golden Gaming has a very aggressive approach to success that mirrors ours. They have proven themselves and their ability to operate like sized casinos across the country and we feel they will bring this success to our venues. They will also be implementing a one card player tracking and player rewards club that will allow our patrons at our various facilities to accumulate rewards points at all of our facilities on one single card. We feel that this added rewards club is an essential component to our mutual success.”

J.K.: How is this going to improve the company’s overall profitability?

S.S.: “Gaming is an important component to both the overall success and profitability of any casino. With Golden’s involvement, we look to improve gaming numbers, which in turn brings more people through the door on a daily basis resulting in increases revenues throughout the facility.”

J.K.: How is this going to benefit customers?

S.S.: “The single biggest benefit to our customers will be our new one card player rewards club that will hugely incentivize and reward patrons playing in our casinos.”

I love the word “incentivize,” by the way. Sounds vaguely violent. “The incoming troops were incentivized by a blast of napalm.”

And with that, like the Rivera Comedy Club, we close.

Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at twitter.com/JohnnyKats.

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SureWest Kicks Off Football Season With Launch of NFL Network HD MarketWatch (press release) SureWest's Advanced Digital TV offers HDTV at its best, with access to a vast selection of uncompressed channels in crystal-clear quality. ... and more »

SureWest Kicks Off Football Season With Launch of NFL Network HD

PR Newswire — September 8, 2010

ROSEVILLE, Calif., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ — SureWest Communications (Nasdaq: SURW) today announced the launch of NFL Network HD in its Sacramento market, bringing games, commentary and programming to local football fans. The 24-hour professional football network launches to SureWest Advanced Digital TV subscribers in time for the start of the regular season this Thursday, September 9.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050908/SFSUREWESTLOGO)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050908/SFSUREWESTLOGO)

NFL Network HD airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the only network dedicated entirely to the NFL and the sport of football. Programming includes Thursday Night Football, NFL Total Access, Around the League, NFL GameDay, The Coaches Show, Playbook, NFL Replay, The Top 10, NFL Draft, NFL Scouting Combine, CFL games, Hall of Fame ceremony, Super Bowl Classics, The Top 100: NFL Greatest Players and America’s Game.

“The passion and demand for NFL coverage is at an unparalleled high, and SureWest is thrilled to put everything pro football has to offer at the fingertips of our customers, with the launch of NFL Network HD,” said Peter Drozdoff, vice president of marketing for SureWest.

SureWest HD customers who subscribe to the Digital Choice package or higher have immediate access to NFL Network HD with no package upgrades or separate subscriptions. These customers make up 64% of SureWest’s Advanced Digital TV customer base. The remaining Advanced Digital TV customers can upgrade to HD or the Digital Choice package for access to NFL Network HD and its 24-hour NFL coverage, in-depth commentary and breaking news.

NFL Network HD airs on SureWest channel 624.

SureWest’s Advanced Digital TV offers HDTV at its best, with access to a vast selection of uncompressed channels in crystal-clear quality. To learn more, visit www.surewest.com/change.

About SureWest.

SureWest Communications (www.surewest.com) is one of the nation’s leading integrated communications providers and is the bandwidth leader in the markets it serves. Headquartered in Northern California for more than 95 years, the company expanded into the Kansas City region in February 2008 with the acquisition of Everest Broadband, Inc. and offers bundled residential and commercial services that include IP-based digital and high-definition television, high-speed Internet, Voice over IP, and local and long distance telephone. SureWest was the nation’s first provider to launch residential HDTV over an IP network and offers one of the nation’s fastest symmetrical Internet services with speeds of up to 50 Mbps in each direction on its fiber-to-the-home network.

Contacts: Ron Rogers SureWest, Director of Corporate Communications 916-746-3123 r.rogers@surewest.com

Anne Chacon SureWest, Manager of Corporate Communications 916-786-1235 a.chacon@surewest.com

SOURCE SureWest Communications

Subject Codes: PC/t.100908191918804, PT/lang.en, PC/ticker, IN/CPR, IN/ITE, IN/WIC, IN/TLS, IN/TCS, IN/SPT, SU/PDT, RE/California, PC/priority.r, PC/category.f, PC/class.1240, PC/WAVO_….c., PC/APT_….c, PC/trade_c, PC/wavo5_c, PC/class.1278, PC/class.1268, PC/WAVO_…7.., PC/APT_…7., PC/region_7, PC/wavo4_7, PC/DataFeat_calif, PC/port_32, PC/Billing_IRW, PC/Billing_NCA, PC/Billing_RWB, PC/Billing_SEV, PC/Billing_TNW, PC/1stAcc_138066, PC/bureau_SF, PC/port_01, PC/port_96, PC/port_31, PC/port_19, PC/port_91, PC/contact, PC/website, PC/photo, PC/id_SF61802

Company Codes: NASDAQ-NMS:SURW

In a recent segment on the NFL Network (Around the Table) , Michael Irvin and various other ex-NFL players and coaches predicted their Super Bowl 45...

NFL Network adds Kurt Warner as latest analystUSA TodayThe NFL Network announced on Wednesday it has added the former Arizona Cardinals QB to its roster of analysts for its NFL Total Access nightly show. …and more » More: continued here

*Not only are they on the same NFL team, but Cincinnati Bengals receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, have launched their own weekly TV talk show together called “The T.Ocho Show.” It debuted on the Versus cable network Tuesday, Sept. 7, as a segment on “The Daily Line,” a nightly sports highlight, news, and interview [...]

NOLAlicious Newsletter #35 September 7 to 13, 2010 Dear Friends, Every week as we hunt for the best to see, do, eat and more around town to share with you, we also look for [13]jobs. We started the job section because we constantly heard from people that jobs weren't available in New Orleans, or that the only jobs were entry-level and internships, and so we set out to prove otherwise! Thus, we're perpetually on the job hunt, in a way. We can infer when a company is in a new fiscal year and is opening the doors to newcomers, when they have the money to spend on hiring new employees, or when a company is in trouble when they're facing big problems but only list internships. This week's news? BP public relations seems to have had enough! They listed three positions this week in the public and community affairs and government relations departments, all paying over $100k, all related to Louisiana. Frankly, they gave us mixed feelings, because spending money on public and community affairs can feel like money that should be spent on the cleanup. But let's face it, these positions have been created, and budget has been allocated, so what can we do? Let's get OUR people in those jobs. Let's get someone who lives in Louisiana or is passionate about understanding the complexities of Louisiana in those roles. Let's get one of you (or your friends) hired. Along with postings at the U.S. Navy and The Oceans Conservancy, new jobs are headed this way, and we promise to keep sharing the best we find. Now it's your turn to apply and get your foot in the door! Looking back on 2010 is bittersweet since so many of our memories (and newsletters) have been shaped by the oil spill disaster. After all, we've released an special newsletter about the Gulf Coast Oil Spill special #02), supported the Audubon Institute (#27), Gulf Restoration Network (special #03), St. Bernard Project (#2), Catholic Charities of New Orleans (#33), Act Now For The Gulf (#29), Gulf Aid (#19) and Gulf Coast Benefit fundraisers (#24). Inescapably, it's been been woven into the stories of our lives. We'll keep sharing our stories from the year, but we'd also like to help share your stories: submit a photo to the NOLAlicious photos section. A picture can tell a thousand words, right? Ever yours, Sloane PS: Want to see what else we've featured this year? Check out the index, which lists every pick this year. http://nolalicious.com/index View this newsletter on the web to see and download this week's picture: http://nolalicious.com/news/35 NOLAlicious Picks _GO_ Welcome to one of the best weekly dance party’s in New Orleans, [25]80’s Night at One Eyed Jacks. Every Thursday they host a major dance party that never disappoints! The venue and atmosphere are totally unique to New Orleans and the staff are always top notch. It’s a great place to go with local friends or out-of-towners. Also a fanatic place to show off your mad dance skills and meet new people. Every Thursday at One Eyed Jacks, located at [26]615 Toulouse Street. Show begins at 10 PM. $5 cover. Links: 25. http://www.oneeyedjacks.net 26. http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&rls=en&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=one+eyed+jacks&fb=1&gl=us&hq=one+eyed+jacks&hnear=New+Orleans,+LA&cid=0,0,15682356743844491431&ei=B4iFTMm1EIS8lQfAq-GODw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=2&ved=0CCYQnwIwAQ _EAT_ [27]Delachaise, how we love thee, let us count the ways! Great food at a reasonable price. Amazing beer and wine selection. Knowledgeable staff to help put the two together. Open 7 days a week with late night dining until midnight. Gastropub atmosphere and complimentary music in the background, setting a nice tone for the venue but not so loud that you can't hold a conversation. Did we mention the extensive scotch, bourbon and gin offerings? We think that just about covers it! Can we take you home and introduce you to our parents? Located at [28]3442 Saint Charles Ave. Average entree price is $12. You can also find them on [29]Facebook. Links: 27. http://www.thedelachaise.com 28. http://maps.google.com/maps/place?um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=delachaise+new+orleans&fb=1&gl=us&hq=delachaise&hnear=New+Orleans,+LA&cid=16176468836372328704&pcsi=16176468836372328704,1 29. http://www.facebook.com/delachaise _DO_ We'd like to extend a warm welcome to [30]Joy Ride Bike Rentals, a new delivery bike rental service in the city New Orleans. All of the bikes are Globe (made by Specialized - for non-bike geeks this is a good thing) Carmel 1-speeds; the men’s bikes come with a rear rack and the women’s bikes come with a convenient basket (perfect to tote home groceries from the nearby Farmers Market or a place to store souvenirs if visiting New Orleans for the weekend). Joy Ride is committed to the local New Orleans economy and has developed a working relationship with Bayou Bicycles, which supply and build all of Joy Ride's bikes. Fall is approaching, so get out there and ride! Rates are $30/day with discounts offered for additional days ($80/3-day and $130/5-day). You can find them on [31]Facebook and [32]Twitter too. Ride on, friends! Links: 30. http://www.joyridebikerentals.com 31. http://www.facebook.com/joyrideNOLA?ref=ts 32. http://twitter.com/joyrideNOLA _DO_ We love a good volunteer opportunity, especially one that involved exercising and rising money for a good cause. This year the [33]NO/AIDS Walk hopes to raise over $200,000 for the prevention, care and support services of NO/AIDS Task Force and other Louisiana AIDS service organizations through the Walk Share Grant Program. The Walk is one of the largest HIV/AIDS fundraisers in Louisiana, which helps improve the lives of thousands affected by this disease. Honor a loved one. Walk to commemorate the life of someone who has lost their battle with HIV/AIDS or walk in support of someone living with the disease. Registration opens at 8 AM and The Walk kicks off at 10 AM on Sunday the 12th in [34]Audubon Park. Links: 33. http://www.noaidswalk.com/site/TR?fr_id=1070&pg=entry 34. http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&rls=en&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=audubon+park&fb=1&gl=us&hq=audubon+park&hnear=New+Orleans,+LA&ei=8oaFTKOgGcGclgfZ3tjDDg&sa=X&oi=local_group&ct=image&resnum=4&ved=0CEkQtgMwAw _SEE_ Did someone say Who Dat? Obviously this week is the kick off to the official [35]Saints Season. You’d have to be living under one huge rock not to know that. We just felt like we couldn’t NOT mention it. Find a bar, find a friend's house, hell, find a ticket if you can and let’s show our boys how much love we have. If you won’t be at the Super Dome, be sure to participate in the [36]Krewe of NFL Kickoff Parade. There will be special NFL floats and throws (beads) in the parade. The Parade will feature Blaine Kern Studios's signature floats, the area’s finest marching bands, local residents, local chefs and former NFL greats from around the league. BLESS YOU BOYS! Links: 35. http://www.neworleanssaints.com 36. http://www.nfl.com/kickoff/story/09000d5d8199fc33/article/dave-matthews-band-swift-to-help-kick-off-2010-season _LAGNIAPPE_ Get a little love, give a little love. That’s the way we feel about writing NOLAlicious for you every week. So many awesome local publications have given us a shout-out in the past few months and we want to pay the kind words forward. If you’re not already signed up for it, be sure to check out the [37]Arts Council of New Orleans weekly newsletter. It’s one of the best ways to keep up with art and culture in the city. With so many events planned for the fall, you’re going to need a concise and reliable source to keep track of them all. Support the arts and keep abreast to every event happening. You can also be their fan on [38]Facebook. Links: 37. http://www.artscouncilofneworleans.org 38. http://www.facebook.com/joyrideNOLA?ref=ts#%21/pages/Arts-Council-of-New-Orleans/124378984264608?ref=ts _JOBS_ [39]Director, Public and Community Affairs - Louisiana, BP [40]Director of Government Relations, BP [41]Manager of Public and Community Affairs, BP [42]Strategic Communications Consultant, Booz Allen Hamilton [43]Antiterrorism Officer, Department of the U.S. Navy [44]Communications Manager - Gulf Restoration Program, The Ocean Conservancy [45]Web / Mobile Application Developer, Zehnder Communications [46]ACT Instructor, Kaplan Test Prep Links: 39. https://careers.bpglobal.com/2057/ASP/TG/cim_jobdetail.asp?jobId=24281&partnerid=25078&siteid=5012&codes=IND 40. https://careers.bpglobal.com/2057/ASP/TG/cim_jobdetail.asp?jobId=24282&partnerid=25078&siteid=5012&codes=IND 41. https://careers.bpglobal.com/2057/ASP/TG/cim_jobdetail.asp?jobId=24377&partnerid=25078&siteid=5012&codes=IND 42. http://www.boozallen-jobs.com/job/New-Orleans-Strategic-Communications-Consultant-Job-LA-70112/891470/?utm_source=Indeed&src=JB-14400 43. http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=90505419 44. http://www.justmeans.com/jobs/-ocean-conservancy/19831.html?&byjobsearch=1 45. http://www.linkedin.com/jobs?viewJob=&jobId=1109965&trk=indeed 46. http://www.insidehighered.com/career/seekers/search?post_id=144983 View this newsletter on the web to see what we're reading and listening to this week: http://nolalicious.com/news/35 © Answer With Action, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sent to <<Email Address>>. Unsubscribe: http://nolalicious.us1.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=e7429f6d3330b00989188358d&id=4bcad1565f&e=[UNIQID]&c=6e514426b0 Update Profile: http://nolalicious.us1.list-manage.com/profile?u=e7429f6d3330b00989188358d&id=4bcad1565f&e=[UNIQID] You are receiving this e-mail because you've opted in to the Nolalicious Newsletter. You'll receive a weekly digest of places to go, things to do, and more in New Orleans, LA. Our mailing address is NOLAlicious, 5500 Prytania St., #111, New Orleans, LA, 70115

The retired Kurt Warner has added another job. The NFL Network announced on Wednesday it has added the former Arizona Cardinals QB to its roster of...

Sports Gab Network Editor Matt Loede previews the NFL Week one matchup between the Bengals and Pats in New England.

... ] Kevin Durant, blowin’ up. [ USA Today ] Why isn’t Money Mayweather taking more heat for his racist rant? [ ESPN ] Umpire tosses fan? The guy had on a cool t-shirt. [ Joe Sports Fan ] “During the 61 days leading up to the Jan. 4 announcement that six juniors on UNC’s football team would stay in school rather than enter the NFL draft, university phone records show that Blake and...

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In a recent segment on the NFL Network (Around the Table) , Michael Irvin and various other ex-NFL players and coaches predicted their Super Bowl 45 winner.

When it gets to Irvin’s turn to decide, he chooses the San Diego Chargers. Before he can even get out his reasons why, he is heckled by Deion Sanders and Marshall Faulk, asking why he isn’t picking Dallas to win it all.

Irvin’s response: "I won’t take Dallas until Dallas has whatever it needs to stop playing 10 versus 11. And with Roy Williams on the field, the Cowboys are playing 10 versus 11. Now, if they put the young boy Dez Bryant in, you better believe I’ll take Dallas."

There are two things that are immediately obvious from Irvin’s comments.

Firstly, Irvin obviously believes that Roy Williams’ talent, or lack thereof, is going to hold the Cowboys back from winning the Super Bowl.

And secondly, he has a massive man-crush on Dez Bryant.

Dez Bryant is a great talent, yes, but this is a receiver that is coming off a high ankle sprain, and didn’t play a single snap in the preseason.

Will he be able to make some plays this season? Yes, but a huge impact is unrealistic.

Williams is not going to stop the Cowboys from winning a Super Bowl.  It is true that he hasn’t been the receiver Dallas thought he would be when they traded for him in 2008 (and that’s putting it lightly). However, he can still have a role in the Cowboys offense. He will always be a threat in the red zone with his size (6’3", 210lbs), and showed, at times last season, that he can be a capable possession receiver – which is something the Cowboys are now lacking with the loss of Patrick Crayton.

Irvin was right in saying that the Cowboys will be able to go further with Bryant on the field. But was dreadfully wrong in saying that Williams won’t just be ineffective, but will, in fact, hold the Cowboys back from achieving their Super Bowl aspirations.

The Bills are expected to name rookie RB C.J. Spiller as their starting running back for Week 1 vs. Miami, according to NFL Network. Spiller had 26 carries for 122 yards and three touchdowns in three preseason games along with three catches for 35 yards. He's expected to see a bit more work at the start of the season with veterans Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch dealing with injuries. fr

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With Troy Smith coming to the Niners, the team has released third string QB Nate Davis. The 49ers released third-string quarterback Nate Davis on Monday after just one season, according to an NFL Network report. Davis never played as a fifth-round pick last season, but developed a following of fans who wanted to see him compete with Alex Smith for the starting job this past offseason. Niners coach Mike Singletary made clear that was not going to happen during training camp. He came down hard on Davis after the second exhibition game, questioning his work ethic in the offseason and declaring him not ready to compete for so much as the backup job with David Carr. Davis completed 23 of 44 passes for 301 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in four exhibition games.

Filed under: Sports Business and Media

Rich Eisen, the signature anchor of NFL Network since it premiered nearly seven years ago, has signed a new multi-year deal to remain, the channel announced Tuesday.

Eisen, formerly of ESPN , is the host of the channel's Total Access nightly analysis and highlight show, as well as the main anchor on the draft, Super Bowl and other big events. He will add hosting NFL Network's NFL GameDay Morning, the Sunday morning pregame show, replacing Spero Dedes, who moves into the CBS booth.

In addition, Eisen will get his own podcast, The Rich Eisen Podcast, which will drop each week on NFL.com.

 

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When we last left amateur Favrologist Peter King, he was picking the Steelers to win the Super Bowl (Apegasm!), testing the oatmeal at Caribou Coffee (surprisingly oaty!), and wishing Tess Quinlan all the best at Marquette. Who is Tess Quinlan? Only the mother of Peter’s bastard half-gnomic love child, if you must know.

So what about this week? How far up Favre’s driveway will Peter get? Because usually, Favre is the one parking in HIS driveway, if you catch my drift (DRIFT: They’re gay!). Should you avoid Matt Leinart in fantasy? Peter has a take on it that will shock and inform you. And will spunky little Willie Cornblatt ever find a father figure as valuable as the man who made him fetch 16 Illys a day? READ ON.

Before I get to the Cutdown weekend news, I want to focus on Pittsburgh for a few paragraphs. Yes, the Steelers.

Oh, the Steelers? I thought you’d be discussing the Pittsburgh Catamounts.

In the wake of the team’s preseason game Thursday, and the injury to presumptive starting quarterback Byron Leftwich, and the four-game suspension Ben Roethlisberger begins today, there might just be a little hometown-boy-makes-very-good fairy tale being written.

And this is the part of the story where Peter makes the idea of Charlie Batch temping for four games try and sound like something loftier than Charlie Batch temping for four games.

Batch last started a game on opening day 2006, with Roethlisberger out after an emergency appendectomy. He completed 15 of 25 passes that day, three for touchdowns in a 28-17 victory over the Dolphins. That made him 3-0 as a replacement starter for the Steelers over a two-year period, something Tomlin might consider in deciding whether to start Batch and bring in Dixon as a changeup pitcher. Or he could give the job to Dixon. Neither would be a surprise. But if it’s Batch, it would be the football gods saying, “Son, you deserve this.”

When I visited Steelers camp in Latrobe, Pa., this summer, Batch told me about all of (his charity works), and I said to him, “You could easily be like so many other players — just take your money, live the good life, buy a house in Boca and move there. Why didn’t you do it?”

Charlie, you easily could have just been a greedy slob who steals foul balls from children and curses out hotel clerks when free coffee isn’t provided at certain designated hours. Why didn’t you? YOU CAN’T IMAGINE HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO BE KING.

Also, Rooney Mara is going to raped in a movie soon. I have no question.

Who Is Max Hall?

Man. Father. Husband. Spy. Traitor?!!!!

This is what you need to know about Max Hall,

He’s the guy who beat Oklahoma last year with BYU, right? I like that Peter’s column is written for people who don’t actually watch any football at all. It’s as if Phyllis George was given her own column.

who — you heard it here first — will start at least one game at quarterback for Arizona this fall:

Wait a second. Are you telling me Arizona might have QB issues during the course of this season? GTFO. I’ll give you this, King. You are BOLD, as bold as a man in oversized cargos and a Red Sox hat can be.

a. He is Danny White’s nephew.

Which is almost as good as being a coach’s kid! Very much looking forward to hearing about how Max “grew up around the game” unlike other QBs, who all grew up in Holland.

b. He’s the grandson of Arizona Sports Hall of Famer Wilford White.

THE Wilford White? Holy smoking shit! Get this man a bust in Canton.

c. As a three-year starting quarterback for Brigham Young, he once threw seven touchdown passes in a game (against UCLA in 2008).

d. He threw 94 touchdown passes in his BYU career, 38 more than Steve Young did for the Cougars.

Why, that’s quasi-Detmeresque!

e. Hall served seven months as a Mormon missionary in Des Moines, the same city in which Kurt Warner played Arena Football. He played no football in 2005 or 2006.

Are you beginning to see the parallels, people? Plays for Arizona. Very religious. Was in Iowa. Was away from the game for a while. Check this man’s scrapbook for a picture of an ugly wife and this man could very well lead the league in reincarnation.

Who is Arian Foster?

The son of a mill worker?

The beer Russell Crowe drank in “Romper Stomper”?

Harry Crumb’s nephew?

On the road for much of the past month, I bet I got approached by 50 fans asking me for fantasy advice.

FAN: Peter, what do you think of Arian Foster?

PETER: Whoa, you know about Arian Foster? You must be a real gridironhead!

(Foster said) ”Coach Koob [Kubiak] wrote in my letter, ‘The biggest jump for a player in the NFL comes between year one and year two.’ That struck me to my core. So I came in focused to become better at every aspect of my game. Everyone wants someone to believe in him, and I feel with me that’s Coach Koob.”

Pretty interesting that Foster’s on a nickname basis with his boss.

This player has a nickname for his coach. Draft him immediately with your first pick, then sit back and pop the Freixinet.

Anyway, Foster’s a bright kid. Majored in philosophy.

Philosophy? Oh, bump him up another three rounds. I never would have taken him high if he’d been a kinesiology major. I want a running back who can not only find the hole, but also is willing to ask why the hole is THERE.

Majoring is so important when judging a football player. Just knowing Dante Stallworth majored in psychology makes me feel so much better about that time he flattened a day laborer.

Like sister-in-law Elisabeth, Matt Hasselbeck loves to go to his right.

Also, he likes to go to Mandingo parties.

Mr. Starwood Preferred Travel Note of the Week

This happened on the Delta Shuttle flight from LaGuardia to Boston last Wednesday at 8:30 p.m.: The flight had open seating, other than the first four rows of first class on the A319 aircraft, and when the flight was called, we were told to take any seat we liked. I settled into my exit row seat on the fairly empty flight (when’s the last time you’ve been on one of those?) when the man in line behind me in the boarding process watched me sit down, then looked at his ticket, and looked up and down the rows.

“Where is ‘Y?’ ” he said. “Do you know?”

“What do you mean?” I said.

” ‘Y,’ ” he said, showing me the ticket.

As on my ticket, the seat part of his boarding pass read, “Y.” Who knows why, but everyone was just taking any seat.

“Oh,” I said. “It’s open seating.”

He looked at me, confused, about to ask another question.

“You can sit anywhere,” I said.

“Ohhhhhh,” he said. “Thanks!”

Fascinating. Join us next week, when Peter helps a confused man locate the nearest Starbucks drive thru. You see, the man thought the drive thru was on Lincoln St. Turns out it was on Harwood Way! I SWEAR THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED.

I think the hidden story behind the Sage Rosenfels deal by the Vikings might be money. Might.

Possibly. Maybe. We shall see. Was he traded because of money? I THINK I THINK I MAY HAVE THOUGHT SO. Was he traded because of politics? Are oil companies run by a secret board of hybrid owlmen? Does the skin of a Jew turn black if you press against it? MAYBE.

I think the Pat White story — Miami cut White, its second-round pick, after a terrible spring and summer of trying to make him a real quarterback — is a great example of what happens when teams judge a player more for what he does in the winter than in the fall.

BUT I STILL LOVE HIM AS A FANTASY SLEEPER!

I think these are the best nuggets…

And trust me. I’m a licensed nuggetologist.

from the enlightening America’s Game 2009 New Orleans Saints show, airing on NFL Network Wednesday at 9 p.m. EDT:

Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams showed his players nature videos of animals pouncing on their prey and devouring their victims … to get them in the mood for the way he wanted them to attack quarterbacks.

KILL KILL KILL!

On the Peyton Manning interception that Tracy Porter intercepted and ran back for a game-icing touchdown, NFL Films has a good iso camera on Reggie Wayne… I don’t see Wayne on an iso camera running routes often, but this one was rounded and lazy and not run with the speed that could have had Wayne cutting off Porter. All in all, I’d credit Porter for a great football play, but I’d also criticize Wayne for his route and, to a lesser degree, Manning for making a throw that Porter saw coming a hundred miles away.

So, just to make it clear. It’s more Wayne’s fault for running a bad route than it is Manning’s fault to telegraphing the route and throwing a shitty pass. Please do keep this in mind as every analysis and columnist in the universe spends this year sucking Peyton’s dick and pretending that play never happened.

Coffeenerdness: On the 76 miles of backroads down to Cape Cod Saturday night, I counted the number of Dunkin Donuts stores. Thirty-two. Saw one Starbucks. It’s New England.

WE LOVE OW-AHHHHHH DUNKIN’! WE AHHH ALL FAR THE DUNKINIZATION OF AMERICA!

Nice knowing you, Jonathan Papelbon.

Yeah, you fuckface. WHAT HAVE YOU EVAH DONE FAR PEDROIA NATION?!!!!

This week, KSK is raising money for Livestrong and the Wounded Warrior Project through Captain Caveman’s participation in Fight Gone Bad. To learn more, click here. To donate, click here.

Steelers legend Jerome Bettis discusses Dennis Dixon, Ben Roethlisberger, his own Hall of Fame prospects and fantasy expectations for the upcoming season.

Jerome Bettis, the NFL's 5th all-time leader in rushing yards, could enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame following this season. SB Nation had an interview with Bettis discussing the immediate future of his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as some of his thoughts about the upcoming season and his HOF prospects.

SB Nation: So you're doing the rounds for something called the Guinness Pro Challenge competition. Why don't you tell me a little bit about that.

Bettis: It's a competition where fans post their boldest athletic moment on the Guinness website. The winner and three of their friends get to come to Dallas to challenge me in a competition to pour the perfect pint of Guinness. Basically, someone wins the right to come to Dallas to get beat.

SB Nation: So it'll be the week of the Super Bowl, right?

Bettis: The week of the big game, yeah. I can't use the specific term you said, but you can.

SB Nation: Ah yes. The trademark stuff. Of course.

So... let's talk about some NFL stuff. Your former team is going to be going with Dennis Dixon starting for at least the first week of the season. Obviously, the guy came around a few years after you retired, so you don't have firsthand impressions of playing with him, but have you talked with any of your former teammates about his progress?

Bettis: I haven't yet. I talked with the offensive coordinator, Bruce Arians, about [Dixon] during the off-season. This was well before the decision was made to start him. Arians said he was making progress in OTAs. It was hard to say at the time that he was at the point of being ready, but they were bringing him along. I'm sure they've had to accelerate that process now with him having to start.

SB Nation: At the end of last season, Arians reportedly came very close to being let go by the team. The most common criticism from fans has been that there wasn't enough of a commitment to the running game. After he was retained, that was the promise, that the running game was going to be a bigger focus of the offense. Obviously the team will have to run the ball more with Dixon starting, but do you see that emphasis continuing even after Roethlisberger returns?

Bettis: I think so. By the time Ben returns, that will be the identity of the offense. The Steelers have had more and more a passing offense ever since Ben came into the league. The last time it was really about the run were my last few seasons with the team. The suspension is gonna lend itself to making the identity more about the run. That's a little different with Dixon or Ben at QB, but that focus will already be in place by the time the suspension is over.

SB Nation: It came out over the weekend that Roethlisberger wasn't elected as one of the Steelers captains on offense. What does that mean? Does it mean he might have lost the trust of some of the players in the locker room?

Bettis: I don't think so. The captain of the football team is different from the leader of the team. The captain is the face of the team. With what happened in the off-season, you couldn't really expect Ben to be the face of the team, you know? When he's in the huddle, there's no question that Ben is still the leader, but right now the players must have felt that he shouldn't be the face of the team.

SB Nation: Are you involved with fantasy football at all?

Bettis: I don't play it, no, but I discuss it a lot and people are usually asking me for my thoughts on certain players.

SB Nation: All right. In that case, which running backs do you see having a big year? Aside from the obvious Chris Johnsons and Adrian Petersons of the world.

Bettis: I like Frank Gore to have a standout year. With Alex Smith making some strides, I think that is going to open things up even more for Gore and the running game. He's always been a solid guy and this looks like it might be the best year of his career.

SB Nation: You're up for possible Hall of Fame induction at the end of the season. What are your thoughts on that? Are you expecting to get in?

Bettis: You really can't expect anything. I've certainly got my fingers crossed but it's up to the voters to decide. From my standpoint, you can only hope. The writers are all savvy guys, but you can't base your expectations one way or the other.

SB Nation: If you do in fact get in, have you given any thought to who would give your induction speech?

Bettis: I haven't given that much thought. Maybe my brother because he was a big Steelers fans growing up while I was a big Cowboys fan. I think that would be interesting.

SB Nation: Does it bother you not to be on the NBC network show anymore?

Bettis: It was one particular stage of my life. I still do a local NBC show in Pittsburgh and have a column for SI. It was a good opportunity and I'm glad I got a chance to do it, but I'm still moving forward with my life and doing other things.

SB Nation: All right, Bus, thanks for taking a moment to talk.

Bettis: Thank you.

MLive.com

Fantasy Football Bust Alert? Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford Bleacher Report With the first week of the NFL season approaching, fantasy football geeks across the nation are gearing up to take on their opponents. ... Fantasy Football: Matthew Stafford Is A Sophmore SleeperFakeTeams (blog) Can You Trust Detroit Lions On Your Fantasy Football Team?Sports Page Network (satire) (blog) all 34 news articles »

Natalie Nunn, her BFF Trina and The Million Dollar clique was spotted outside of Benihana’s over the weekend in Miami. Natalie, who is dating NFL Baller Vernon Davis, is currently filming a new show for the Oxygen Network. Vernon Davis is suppose to be a part of the new show. She tells Radar: He is [...]

The 2009 BCS National Championship game showed us the potential of 3D sports broadcasts but now it's 2010 so while Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow have taken their game to the NFL, ESPN 3D has made it a reality for viewers at home. Last night's Boise St./Virginia Tech matchup was the first of 13 the network plans to air including the next BCS Championship game so we didn't waste any time plugging in a 3DTV and taking a look. Check after the break for our impressions and a bit more explanation on 3D technology (Still not up to speed? Check out our post-CES breakdown of 3D tech for the home right here.)

Continue reading ESPN 3D review: college football kickoff

ESPN 3D review: college football kickoff originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I thought Fox News was bad until I had the unfortunate circumstance of turning on the Fox Business Channel this Labor Day weekend and catching some of Eric Bolling's Money Rocks show on that network. Apparently the highly trained investigative reporters working for his show managed to find three union workers sleeping on the job working for the New York MTA and they're really not happy that some of them made too much overtime for the year.

I would argue that maybe if some of them weren't working that much overtime, and they hired enough workers to fill those positions and cover all the shifts, maybe those evil union workers would not be falling asleep on the job since they would not be dead tired. Given the numbers they laid out here, I'm surprised it is only three of them they found falling asleep.

And since when is it the worker's fault that they are under staffed and they have the need to be paying that much overtime in the first place? Yeah, it's the evil union worker's fault for accepting the overtime, not the fault of the department that is offering it in the first place. Look at all the money they're making! The horror! Give me a break. I wonder if any of these people have ever worked a job where there was overtime required in their life and understand what kind of toll that takes on your health and your family life. Those workers are putting a whole lot of hours for a whole lot of days during the year to be making that much in overtime. Do these "pundits", and that's about the nicest thing I can think of to call most of them think they should be working all of those extra hours for straight time, or volunteering their lives away out of the goodness of their hearts?

I don't know about anyone else but this show reminded me of a cross between an NFL Sunday show and an episode of the Sopranos with bad actors replacing the regulars.

The NFL Network debuted a weekly series last Friday night, "The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players." The first installment counted down to No. 91. Don't think statistics are going determine the order, either. No. 100? Joe Namath.

Tannen Maury Associated Press file, 1995 Jerry Rice was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. Will the former 49er be the No. 1 player in NFL history? An NFL Network program is currently counting down its top 100.

The NFL Network debuted a weekly series last Friday night, "The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players." The first installment counted down to No. 91. Don't think statistics are going determine the order, either. No. 100? Joe Namath.

Tannen Maury Associated Press file, 1995 Jerry Rice was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. Will the former 49er be the No. 1 player in NFL history? An NFL Network program is currently counting down its top 100.

The 49ers released third-string quarterback Nate Davis on Monday after just one season, according to an NFL Network report. Davis never played as a...

Sports Gab Network Editor Matt Loede previews the NFL Week one matchup between the Vikings and Saints at the Superdome.

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Filed under: NFL Media Watch, Sports Business and Media

Joe Theismann will be back in the broadcast booth as part of NFL Network's Thursday night telecasts, the league announced on Monday.

Theismann, who led the Washington Redskins to a Super Bowl victory in 1983, has worked sporadically since he was replaced as an analyst for "Monday Night Football" after the 2006 season. Theissman will call the games alongside Bob Papa and Matt Millen when the NFL Network begins its eight-game run at midseason.

"It's great to be back in the booth and joining Matt and Bob on NFL Network's primetime games," Theismann told USA Today. "We have a great schedule of games and I can't wait for them to begin."

 

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Former NFL quarterback and longtime pro football television analyst Joe Theismann will join Bob Papa and Matt Millen on the telecasts of NFL Network's eight primetime games in 2010, the network announced Monday, per a report on NFL.com.

NFL Network is scheduled to air seven Thursday-night games this season, beginning with Ravens-Falcons on Nov. 11. The network's regular-season slate ends with Cowboys-Cardinals on Saturday, Dec. 25.

Theismann's broadcast work includes a 16-year run as an analyst on ESPN's "Sunday Night Football," and he also appeared on the network's telecasts of "Monday Night Football" in 2006.

 

For authoritative coverage and analysis of NFL news, free agency and fantasy football, visit ProFootballWeekly.com.

[Haynr8dr]Mahalo, brah! I just checked it out - that's channel 613 for DirecTV customers![/] yup, got my sports pack and my ESPN gameplan. i was able to catch most of UH's games last year and I'm hoping this year is no different. they also offered me a super sweet deal to add NFL Sunday Ticket for almost free! i'm gonna OD on football this season.

Joe Theismann, a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback, will become the third man in the NFL Network booth for its eight-game schedule of Thursday-night prime-time games beginning Nov. 11 with Baltimore and Atlanta. Theismann, who will join Bob Papa and Matt...

Drew Magary: WHAT THE FUCK NFL NETWORK ADDED THEISMANN TO THEIR BOOTH?!!! I will fucking burn league HQ and shit on it.

(By @drewmagary - Columnist - Deadspin, Sports)

Deadspin: NFL Network Adds Theismann To The Booth Because They’re Assholes http://deadspin.com/5631171/

(By @deadspin - Blog Feed - Deadspin, Sports)

Starbucks Does Not Equal Savvy AT the 1896 Democratic convention,STEVEN JACKSON jersey, a backwoods, religious no-name rose to speak.) with 2 tds in 2002 regardless of missing 5 sport with a knee injury. "Great cities," argued William Jennings Bryan, "rest upon our broad and fertile prairies.(* comprises nfl combine) carolina panthers kris jenkins completed the 2002 time of the year with 60 undertakes and 7 dismisses, en path to an alternate look on the nfc's pro bowl group, where he restored an hurt warren sapp. Burn down your cities and leave our farms, and your cities will spring up again as if by magic; but destroy our farms, and the grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country. he subsequent tweeted it was time to wake n bake," a quotation to marijuana." The reaction of the crowd to Bryan's gospel of populism was electric; delegates stood on chairs to cheer and throw their hats.0 backyards per punt). The reaction of elites in the great Northeastern cities was less enthusiastic.0 1,895 16 9 1992 127 219 58. A New York Times headline referred to the convention as a WILD, RAGING, IRRESISTIBLE MOB.0 1,609 7 4 professional career nfl draft following his older time of the year, mark mark brunell was chosen by the green bay packers in the 5th around of the 1993 nfl draft. Elite opinion on Bryan was eventually summarized by H.”warren aggravated an ankle junction wound soon before the nfl combine, where he laboured in place drills and ran the 40-yard dash in 4. L.0 dismisses, three broken-up passes, and three compelled fumbles. Mencken: Bryan was a "peasant come home to the barnyard.0 dismisses, two compelled fumbles, and one fumble recovery." Bryan never won the presidency in three tries.,michael oher jersey, has been chosen to five pro bowls and has been an all-pro six times. But his populism transformed the Democratic Party and informed the New Deal, making him perhaps the most influential presidential nominee never elected to office.) with 23 tds while catching 13 passes for 200 backyards (15. The closest I have ever come to witnessing a Bryan moment was Sarah Palin's speech at the Republican convention―the triumph of another backwoods, highly religious populist., where he teamed with erron kinney and assisted the patrick henry patriots to the 1994 state football championship. Palin praised the honesty and sincerity of small towns; pressed her credentials as a hockey mom, member of the PTA and small-town mayor; and railed against the "Washington elite," "power brokers" and (a little close to home) "reporters and commentators., the family dwelled in daleville, alabama, where tony excelled as a three-sport letterman in football, basketball, and pathway & field." If hats had been in style,Chad JOHNSON jersey, they would have been thrown.” at the 2008 nfl combine, o'connell ran the 40-yard dash in 4. The response in some quarters to the selection of Palin was sneering.1 rtg),Dennis Dixon jersey, eighth in the homeland in tallying protecting against (16. An Obama spokesman immediately called her the "former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign-policy experience.12, following the jets' bye on oct." But claims about the importance of experience are inherently complicated for both parties in this election.0 undertakes for decrease, 6. If Palin's governing résumé is thin, Barack Obama's is thinner.1 backyards per game (second best in conference usa) and had five 100-yard obtaining sport, which was the most in a lone time of the year at ecu. If Palin's lack of experience is meaningless, Obama's case to be commander in chief is strengthened.1 choose on attack undertake d'brickashaw ferguson in an effort to rebuild their attack line. But the accusation here is not really that Palin lacks experience; it is that she lacks the right experience.2008 season in late february,Joe Flacco jersey, the jets swapped mlb jonathan vilma to the new orleans saints, and david harris was entitled the starter at inside linebacker for the 2008 season. She attended the University of Idaho, entered a beauty contest, joined the NRA and a church where people speak in tongues and was elected to govern a state with few Starbucks.2008 mark sanchez went into jump perform after the 2008 time of the year as the front-runner to conquer the beginning quarterback place, but faced powerful affray from arkansas-transfer and previous razorback starter mitch mustain and redshirt freshman aaron corp; mustain, like sanchez a year previous, was the peak quarterback in the territory approaching out of high school in 2006. Obama rose quickly from Columbia to Harvard Law, taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago and joined the most exclusive club in America, the Senate.2008 season as the beginning cornerback for the jets in his second time of the year,darrelle revis established himself as an all-pro cornerback after being joined for second amidst interception managers through week 15 of the 2008 nfl time of the year with five picks. Even with no governing experience, he can claim what might be called "elite experience.2008 season mike devito glimpsed considerable more playing time seeming in all 16 sport and notes not less than one undertake in 14 games." And this is enough for elitists.2008 on march 3, 2008, pace and the new york jets came to periods on a six-year, $42 million deal that encompasses $22 million in assured money. Both the conservative tradition and the liberal tradition contain elements of elitism, along with elements that oppose it.2009 season marquice cole made 7 undertakes all through the 2009 season. Traditional conservatism, with its British, aristocratic roots, has often maintained that the "best men"―people of property,Tony Romo jersey, education and accomplishment―should govern.2009 nfl season sione went into the 2009 time of the year a back up defensive tackle. But modern U.2009 season in early september mike devito marked a 3-year agreement elongation to stay with the new york jets through 2012.S.2009 season clowney apprehended 14 passes for 191 yards in new york jets. conservatism has generally been a populist revolt against liberal cultural and political elites.2009 season kenwin cummings was marked to the hardworking roster throughout the 2009 time of the year but did not take part in any games. Liberalism is also divided on elitism.2007 mark brunell underwent surgery on january 8, 2007, to fix a impaired labrum in his throwing shoulder, but returned in time for teaching camp. Progressivism put great faith in modern bureaucratic techniques and in educated social engineers who would implement them.2007 in drop perform before usc's 2007 time of the year, sanchez smashed the thumb in his throwing hand,Tom Brady Jersey, missing the first game contrary to idaho; he returned the next week and the redshirt sophomore afresh assisted as the prime backup to older john david booty. But modern liberalism, influenced by leaders such as Bryan, also has a strong strain of populist trust in the wisdom and decency of common people―a belief that simplicity is not always foolishness, just as sophistication is not always wisdom.2007 nfl draft darrelle revis broadcast he would decline his older year at pittsburgh to go in the 2007 nfl draft; he was advised one of the peak 3 cornerbacks available—along with leon hall of michigan and aaron ross of texas—,and was one of the 30 to be drafted. Presidential historians count experience as one possible contributing element to presidential success―but there are others.2 backyards a play for one touchdown, two interceptions,Chris Johnson jersey, and was dismissed three times. "Experience matters," historian Robert Dallek has said, "but its importance is terribly overstated.16 backyards per rec." Predicting the ideal combination of background, skills and values in a successful president―or VP―is no easy task.19, 2006 by david carr of the houston texans). And it cannot be argued that elite experience is somehow the key.15 seconds vertical jump = 32. Americans who support Palin are not fools, peasants or theocrats.2006 on september 24, 2006, mark brunell smashed the nfl record for most successive completions in lone game when he accomplished his first 22 passes contrary to the houston texans (which, incidently,Eric Berry Jersey, was joined eight weeks subsequent on nov. They have reasons, which elites may not agree with, but cannot dismiss.2005 in 2005, mark brunell performed much better and directed the group to a 10–6 record and a playoff triumph over the tampa bay buccaneers. Many are attracted to her because she embodies the values of the American West, which they find superior to the values of coastal elites.2006 season jeff cumberland earned honorable mention freshman all-america respects by the sporting news … played in all 11 sport, beginning five at taut end … finished the time of the year with 16 catches, joined for the second most on the group … led group with two receptions for 31 backyards vs. This was part of the appeal of Goldwater and Reagan―a log-splitting, range-riding conservatism that emphasizes freedom.2004 chauncey washington was directed academically ineligible for the 2004 time of the year and was redshirted. (Palin adds moose hunting to the list.2007 david clowney was marked by the new york jets on october 3,JAY CUTLER jersey, 2007.) It's not irrational or simplistic for voters to prefer candidates who reflect their deepest values.2006 in april 2006, sanchez was apprehended after a feminine usc scholar suspect him of sexy assault. To others Palin represents a different kind of feminism―feminism without liberalism.2 or 3 receiver who can impact a game by moving the chains or getting deep on an opponent's nickelback. Many women seem enthusiastic about supporting a woman leader who struggles with the balance of work and family, takes on the old-boy network and yet rejects the agenda of the National Organization for Women.2 yards-per-reception. And Palin appeals to many voters as a pro-life symbol, with a family―including a son with Down syndrome―that exemplifies a culture of life.2 in the coaches poll and no. Elites may dismiss this as trivial or backward.2 grading in the coaches poll and no. But there's no deeper question of political philosophy than this: whom do we count as a member of the human family and protect as our own? Palin welcomed a disabled child―the kind of child often targeted for elimination through eugenic abortion.2 million agreement with the new york jets on march 14, 2010. It's not irrational for Americans to support a candidate who is willing to protect the weak.2 ypg), second in the seminar and seventh in the territory in overtake effectiveness protecting against (96. Bryan, it turns out, also criticized eugenics―particularly the sterilization of the mentally disabled.' he has abounding of arm. His defense of the common man led him to oppose a social Darwinism in which "the strong crowd out and kill off the weak. bo bo smith what they're saying: showing a lot of natural skill and giving effort on the field,bo smith is an aggressive cornerback with good upside." But the sophisticated Mencken supported eugenics―and was an anti-Semite with a demeaning attitude toward women, African-Americans and working-class whites.martin tevaseu height:6-2 weight:325 age:22 college:nevada-las vegas experience:r team:new york jets martin tevaseu (dt/6-1/310/nevada-las vegas/boonville, ca) was before marked as an undrafted free agency by the cleveland browns on may 17, 2010, and was issued on june 15. Elitists can be badly wrong.2007 season on sunday, october 28, 2007, david harris noted his first nfl start,Ndamukong Suh Jersey, producing 17 undertakes (10 solo) and 1 dismiss in week 8 contrary to the buffalo bills. Populists can be resoundingly right.2008 in the 2008 preseason game clowney directed all receivers with four receptions for 163 backyards and two touchdowns. It is values that often make the difference.2007 season jeff cumberland moved from taut end to receiver midway through the time of the year of new york jets… caught three passes for 37 backyards contrary to usc in the rose bowl … had a vocation game contrary to northwestern,Sam Bradford Jersey, catching four passes for 131 backyards and a touchdown – the first 100-yard obtaining game by an illini since 2005 – and hurried one time for 18 backyards … exploded at minnesota with a vocation high-tying four catches for 53 backyards and a touchdown, as well as a 24-yard run … caught his first overtake of 2007 at syracuse, a 22-yard touchdown on illinois’ first propel of the game. Topics related to the article: http://www.ukseoforums.com/showthrea...5129#post25129 http://forums.thamazigh.com/showthre...0353#post10353 http://www.cbslaw.org/vb/showthread....7101#post57101

Joe Theismann is returning to the NFL TV booth. The former ESPN Monday Night Football announcer will call games on the NFL Network this season,...

per Richard Deitsch, SI writer:


NFL Network has confirmed that Joe Theismann will join Bob Papa & Matt Millen in the booth for its game coverage this season.



--------------------

Better than Gumbel.

All I got.

Joe Theismann will be back on air this season calling NFL games. NFL Network spokesman Dennis Johnson confirmed Sunday that Theismann, dropped ...

Spider-Man: Total Mayhem and The Settlers HD Climbs to the Top of the App Store Rankings

PR Newswire — September 6, 2010

PARIS, September 6, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Gameloft(R), the leading developer and publisher of downloadable video games is pleased to announce the instant success of its latest two games launched on Apple platforms. Barely 24 hours after launch, Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem was the number one best-selling iPhone game* and The Settlers HD for iPad ranked between first and third place, depending on the country.

With more than 1,000 developers working on Apple platforms, Gameloft has established itself as one of the very first publishers on the App Store. Since July 2008, Gameloft has developed and published 75 iPhone games and 25 iPad games. By the end of the month, eight new titles should be added to Gameloft’s App Store catalog, including Real Golf 2011, NFL 2011 HD, Prince of Persia Warrior Within HD and Gangstar: Miami Vindication.

For the latest information about Gameloft, follow us on:

http://www.twitter.com/Gameloft_France, http://www.facebook.com/gameloft, http://www.youtube.com/Gameloft.

To learn more about Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem and The Settlers, visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiqPdADtqiU&hd=1 http://www.SpiderManTotalMayhem.com About Gameloft

Gameloft is the worldwide leader in developing and publishing downloadable video games. Gameloft is now positioned, after 10 years, as one of the most innovative companies in its field. The company designs games for mobile phones, smartphones, iPhone, iPod touch and iPad for which the number of units should exceed four billion in 2012. As a pioneer in the new downloadable game console market, Gameloft publishes games for WiiWare, DSiWare, Microsoft Xbox LIVE Arcade and PlayStation Network. Partnership agreements with major licensors allow Gameloft to associate the strongest international brands with such games as Uno, Ferrari, Shrek, CSI, Iron Man, Spiderman and Sonic. The company also has its own brand portfolio with established franchises such as Real Football, Asphalt and Cerebral Challenge. Gameloft has locations on all continents, distributes its games in 100 countries and has its own production studios with over 3,500 developers. Gameloft is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN: FR0000079600, Bloomberg: GFT FP, Reuters: GLFT.PA).

For more infomation, please contact: Aude Fouquier European Communications Director Tel +33-1-58-16-21-55 Mail: aude.fouquier@gameloft.com

SOURCE Gameloft

Subject Codes: PC/t.100906030002182, PT/lang.en, PC/ticker, IN/CPR, IN/NET, IN/STW, IN/CSE, SU/PDT, RE/France, PC/priority.r, PC/category.f, PC/WAVO_….7., PC/APT_….7, PC/trade_7, PC/wavo5_7, PC/Billing_TNW, PC/Billing_USD, PC/Billing_RWB, PC/Billing_FC1, PC/1stAcc_916650, PC/port_26, PC/port_01, PC/port_19, PC/port_91, PC/port_32, PC/port_30, PC/port_33, PC/port_31, PC/prnpriority_P2, PC/contact, PC/id_UKM813

Company Codes: GLOFF, GLFT.F, GLFT, GLFT, GLOFF

Late Sunday Night NFL network reports that Darrelle Revis has reached a deal with the Jets and according to Jason LaCanfora will be ready and be in the lineup for them week one.

Coach Rex Ryan met with Revis in Florida and sweet/smooth talked him? 

Rex Ryan smooth sweet, hmm.

Jason LaCanfora reported:

"They have a long time deal sorted out and Revis should be in NY to sign the contract Monday."

As to the length of the contract he said

"The deal could be 3-4 years could be 7 years we'll have to wait and see."

 From Darrelle himself via twitter:

"it not has only been hard on u guys but it has for me too. I just want to tell yall that I'm sorry for this process"

and "To my family, neil, & john I love u guys I'm comin home baby!!! Revis Island LET'S GO."

The Jets have their main man back and just began to look all that more dangerous again!

 

 

 

 

 

So I had tennis on one network, WNBA playoffs on another whcih was kind of interesting (I thought a few of the girls on the Mercury were cute), and my Fox affilitate was airing the movie "Cujo" and I watched some of that and fell asleep and had nightmares. Also had nightmares that I played for New Mexico that lost 72-0 to Oregon (what kind of matchup is that and who makes out these NCAA schedules?) I am ready for the NFL to start!

Goodell packs a lot of power - The Denver Post
If Ben Roethlisberger had his rights protected by the Major League Baseball union, he would be the Pittsburgh Steelers' opening-day quarterback next Sunday.

Questions about offensive line go into opener - The Denver Post
The Broncos kept nine offensive linemen when finalizing their 53-man roster Saturday, but perhaps no position starts the regular season with more questions.

Broncos trade CB Alphonso Smith to Detroit for TE Gronkowski - The Denver Post
The Broncos used disappointing cornerback Alphonso Smith to fill a need at tight end by acquiring Dan Gronkowski from the Detroit Lions today.

Broncos cut Stokley, Green, Reid - The Denver Post
This is indeed a sad day at Dove Valley as Brandon Stokley, one of the most popular and professional players to ever wear a Broncos uniform, is in the process of having his contract terminated.

Branson release caps surprising day | All Things Broncos
Add the release of tight end Marquez Branson and guard Seth Olsen to the bizarre developments that also included the release of defensive end Jarvis Green, and trade of second-year cornerback Alphonso Smith to the Detroit Lions in exchange for receiving tight end Dan Gronkowski and a draft pick.

Thoughts on Matt Leinart's Arizona demise - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Releasing Matt Leinart seemed unthinkable when the Arizona Cardinals opened training camp.

St. Louis Rams name Sam Bradford as starting quarterback - ESPN
No. 1 overall draft pick Sam Bradford will start at quarterback for the St. Louis Rams in the regular-season opener at home against the Arizona Cardinals next weekend.

Seattle Seahawks release veteran WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh - ESPN
Receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was sent packing from Seattle on Saturday, cut by the Seahawks after just one season as coach Pete Carroll continued his roster purge.

Injured Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed to miss first 6 weeks - ESPN
Safety Ed Reed will miss the first six weeks of the NFL season after being placed on the reserve physically unable to perform list by the Baltimore Ravens.

Pittsburgh Steelers cut center Justin Hartwig - ESPN
The Steelers released former starting center Justin Hartwig on Saturday after efforts to try to trade him failed.

Derrick Burgess among New England Patriots cuts; Brandon McGowan on IR - ESPN Boston
The New England Patriots made a flurry of moves Saturday to reach the NFL's 53-man roster limit, and none was bigger than the release of veteran Derrick Burgess, a projected starter at an outside linebacker position that is one of the team's biggest question marks.

Philadelphia Eagles add DE Antwan Barnes - ESPN
The Philadelphia Eagles acquired defensive end Antwan Barnes in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens.

NFL cuts roundup: Michael Clayton released by Tampa Bay Buccaneers - ESPN
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Michael Clayton, who didn't play in the team's final preseason game earlier this week, was cut on Saturday.

NFP Sunday Blitz | National Football Post
It was interesting to see Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett get paid last week. But what most people don’t realize is there was an egg that preceded that chicken.

Report: Seahawks won't cast a line for Matt Leinart | National Football Post
Matt Leinart and Pete Carroll are not going to be getting together to hum the USC fight song any time soon. Not in Seattle anyway.

Eagles have wild day of deals, cuts | National Football Post
Turns out when the Philadelphia Eagles traded for veteran guard Reggie Wells on Friday it was with another move in mind.

Titans cut Chris Simms, Myron Rolle to reach 53 | National Football Post
Chris Simms was beaten out by rookie Rusty Smith as the Tennessee Titans third quarterback as the team got down to 53 players.

Rams whittle their way down to 53 | National Football Post
The St. Louis Rams are probably not done working over their roster, but they got down to 53 today by trimming a couple notable players.

Panthers go with Pike as 3rd QB after cuts | National Football Post
The Carolina Panthers picked rookie quarterback Tony Pike to be their No. 3 behind Jimmy Clausen. That much was made clear when the club announced that Hunter Cantwell was one of the cuts.

Lions clean house in secondary in cuts to 53 | National Football Post
The Detroit Lions have one defensive back on their roster from the 2009 season, promising safety Louis Delmas.

Raiders cut Colt Brennan, William Joseph, down to 53 | National Football Post
The Oakland Raiders cut their roster down to the NFL limit of 53 players, including quarterback Colt Brennan and defensive tackle William Joseph.

Redskins trim RB Willie Parker on the way to 53 | National Football Post
The Washington Redskins have a way of devaluing their draft picks come draft time.

Saints trim Clancy as they get to 53 | National Football Post
The New Orleans Saints brought in defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy for a close inspection and then made him part of the team’s final cuts today.

Bears looking to sign some linemen to practice squad | National Football Post
The Chicago Bears are expected to try to re-sign a handful of offensive linemen to the practice squad following final cuts.

Colts cut QB Tom Brandstater, get down to 53 players | National Football Post
The Indianapolis Colts got down to the NFL roster limit of 53 players, cutting quarterback Tom Brandstater.

NFL.com news: Seahawks O-line coach Gibbs retires 8 days before opener
A team source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora that some players only noticed Gibbs was gone when discovering his office was empty. They were informed the coach was no longer with the team and told it was for "health" reasons. Given the timing of the move, so close to the opener, that reason is being met by some skepticism within and outside the organization, the source said.

NFL.com news: Patriots acquire Page from Chiefs to replace ailing McGowan
The New England Patriots' beleaguered secondary took another hit Saturday when the team had to place safety Brandon McGowan on season-ending injured reserve.

NFL.com news: Receiver-thin Vikings release Walker, could seek help elsewhere
The Vikings cut 20 players, including five wide receivers, on Saturday, leaving them with just four players at that position on the active roster. Recently signed Javon Walker and training-camp standout Logan Payne were waived, and Taye Biddle, Freddie Brown and Marquis Hamilton also were let go.

NFL.com news: Bengals acquire safety Nelson from Jags for CB Jones, pick
The Cincinnati Bengals acquired former first-round draft pick Reggie Nelson from the Jacksonville Jaguars in a trade of defensive backs Saturday.

NFL.com news: No Revis in sight as Jets cut roster to 53 players
"Darrelle's not here, and we've planned accordingly," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. "We've said that all along that, organizationally, we have to move forward. We're playing Baltimore in a little over a week, and that's what we're prepared to do."

Saints place Sharper on PUP list, Casillas on IR - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
All-Pro safety Darren Sharper’s(notes) goal of helping the Saints compete for a second consecutive championship remains intact, even if it isn’t working out quite as he’d planned.

Eagles send right guard Stacy Andrews to Seahawks - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles traded starting right guard Stacy Andrews(notes) to the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday in exchange for an undisclosed 2011 draft pick.

Leinart never learned NFL isn't Hollywood - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Those who have watched quarterback Matt Leinart(notes) go through the motions of his college and pro career consistently come to the same basic conclusion about him.

How it all went wrong in Arizona for Leinart - NFL News - FOX Sports on MSN
Quarterback Matt Leinart’s disappointing Arizona Cardinals career ended with him being released Saturday as part of the team’s final cutdown to 53 players, the widely anticipated conclusion after FOXSports.com’s Jay Glazer reported that the franchise which drafted him 10th overall in 2006 had actively shopped the quarterback around the NFL by calling potential suitors.

NFL's Cardinals botched QB situation - NFL News - FOX Sports on MSN
Sometimes, the best trades are the ones you don't make, and that could be the case in New England.

Cowboys cuts pointing towards long-term Miles Austin deal
Since April, the Cowboys have lopped off $16.124 million from their 2010 payroll by either cutting or trading veterans.

iTunes 10 is out and the big addition is the newly added PING music social network and feature … personally, I have not activated it but you don’t have to to use iTunes 10. Otherwise, it looks pretty much the same – there is a new album view setting and the columns are slightly more [...]

Seattle traded for Eagles OG Stacy Andrews on Saturday, but lost offensive line coach Alex Gibbs, according to an NFL Network report.

The Seahawks reportedly gave up only a seventh-round draft choice for Andrews, who became expendable when the Eagles traded for Arizona OG Reggie Wells on Friday. Andrews spent only one season in Philadelphia, where he played in 10 games and started two last season.

The departure of Gibbs, 69, was surrounded by mystery. When some players noticed that his office was empty, they were told he was no longer with the team because of "health" reasons. A team spokesman said Gibbs was "worn out."

New Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll had talked Gibbs out of retirement this offseason, calling Gibbs the "guru of the zone-blocking scheme," according to SeattlePI.com.

 

For authoritative coverage and analysis of NFL news, free agency and fantasy football, visit ProFootballWeekly.com.

WNBA president Donna Orender didn't want to talk about poker in her brief visit to KeyArena on Thursday, handing out the MVP and Coach of the Year trophies before jet-setting back home. Despite a recent report stating ESPN2 has done well with its viewership for WNBA games, declining for other programming, the entertainment network still opts to air NFL exhibition games or poker instead of the WNBA postseason.

The Redskins released veteran running back Willie Parker on Saturday, The Washington Post reported, citing a league source. NFL Network insider Jason...

As it turns out, former Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount caused more damage to himself after he punched Boise State's Byron Hout square in the jaw last season.

The right cross came in the postgame of Oregon's season opener loss at Bronco Stadium, and the return of Blount following a suspension in 2008. Once again, Blount would be suspended and ultimately go undrafted.

Looking back at his junior year with the Ducks, Blount displayed running ability after rushing for 17 touchdowns, a single-season school record.

At the same time, Blount displayed character malfunctions after being suspended for "not following team rules" and another for "failing to fulfill team obligations."

Entering his senior season, early projections had Blount, an ideal 6-foot, 240-pound prospect, having second-round value in April's draft.

But after the incident, Blount blemished his resume worse to the point where NFL clubs refused to reach for Blount on Draft Day.

Teams considered themselves playing it safe by not calling Blount's name. It is the Age of Roger Goodell where the NFL is cracking down more than ever on disciplinary issues. The NFL is a business that guys like Blount would seem destined to fail in.

Apparently, Tennessee Titans head coach, Jeff Fisher, thinks differently.

After the Titans traded LenDale White during the draft, Blount met with Fisher and agreed to a contract.

"Basically, Coach Fisher told me that he wants me to be on the active roster so I can play," Blount told NFL Network during a feature interview as part of the program's On the Fringe series. "He wants to get me on the field and put the ball in my hands."

Currently, Blount competes in Tennessee's busy backfield. Once 2,000-yard man Chris Johnson's contract dispute is settled, he will take the unquestioned helm of the running back committee.

Behind him on the depth chart sits last year's All-American draftee, Javon Ringer. The team also came to terms with Stafon Johnson, the undrafted back from USC who is best remembered for his injured neck from a weightlifting accident.

Blount could add a different dimension to the Titans' running attack. His size could be used in short-yardage situations. Blount could fill the role that White once played on the team.

Of course, before anything, Blount actually has to make the 53-man roster.

On his road to redemption, Blount must pave a new path, one that leaves the ugly past behind, one that never crosses the even uglier blue turf of Boise State.

A tribute to Brett Favre and his wonderful 2009 Regular Season as a Minnesota Viking. Video property of the NFL, NFL Network,

Yesterday ESPN announced nominees for its 2010 ESPY awards. Fans vote for winners until July 10. The network will broadcast half-hour a nomination show today at 8p.m. ET. Winners will be announced during The 2010 ESPYs, televised LIVE Wed, July 14, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN HD. The complete list of categories with female nominees: BEST FEMALE ATHLETE Maya Moore, NCAA Basketball Helped lead UConn to back-to-back national championships. Averaged 28.5 PPG and 11.5 RPG in the two games at the Final Four. Averaged team-high 18.9 PPG and 8.3 RPG during 2009-10 regular season. Diana Taurasi, WNBA Named WNBA MVP for 2009 regular season and playoffs. Led WNBA in scoring during regular season (20.4 PPG). Helped Phoenix win the WNBA championship. Lindsey Vonn, Skiing Capped a historic season with her third straight overall World Cup title. Won gold medal at Olympics in downhill, becoming the first American woman to do so. Won the final super-G race of the season for her 33rd World Cup win, eclipsing Bode Miller as the most decorated American skier. Serena Williams, Tennis Earned number one world ranking at the end of the 2009 season. Won 2010 Australian Open, becoming the first woman to successfully defend her Aussie title since Jennifer Capriati in 2002. Tied Billie Jean King for 6th on the all-time women’s Grand Slam titles list (12). BEST BREAKTHROUGH ATHLETE Brittney Griner, Baylor Women’s Basketball Averaged 18.4 PPG and 8.5 RPG as a freshman. Totaled 223 blocked shots, an NCAA-record. Registered an NCAA Tournament record 40 blocks in five 2010 tourney games, which includes tournament single-game record 14 vs. No. 13 Georgetown. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans Improved from 1,228 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns as a rookie to 2,006 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns in the 2009 season. Led the league in rushing with 2,006 yards and became the sixth player in league history with 2,000 rushing yards in a season. Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals Became the first pitcher to record at least 14 strikeouts and zero walks in his MLB debut. Struck out the final seven batters he faced in his debut and fell one shy of the record for strikeouts in a MLB debut of 15 by Karl Spooner (1954 Dodgers) and J.R. Richard (1971 Astros). John Wall, University of Kentucky Basketball As a freshman, led the Wildcats in scoring (16.6), assists (6.5) and steals (1.8) while setting the school single-season assist record with 241. Recorded five double-doubles on the season as Kentucky went 35-3 and made it to the Elite Eight. BEST RECORD-BREAKING PERFORMANCE Usain Bolt, 100 and 200-meter World Records Shattered 100 and 200-meter mark at World Track and Field Championships. Ran 100 meters in 9.58 seconds, 0.11 seconds faster than the mark he set in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics. Set a world record of 19.19 seconds in the 200 meters at the world championships. Brett Favre, NFL record for consecutive starts Set an NFL record for consecutive starts at 271, passing the old mark of Vikings DL Jim Marshall at 270, which ran from 1961-1979. Began his consecutive starts streak 17 years ago. Roger Federer, Most Grand Slam singles titles Won 15th Grand Slam singles title, eclipsing Pete Sampras by winning Wimbledon 2009. Won the finals in an epic battle against Andy Roddick, capturing the fifth set 16-14. Served 50 aces in the record-breaking victory. Connecticut Women’s Basketball, Longest winning streak in Women’s NCAA Basketball History Undefeated season extended their record 78-game winning streak. Won second straight national championship in 2009-2010 season. Made women’s college basketball history with NCAA- record 71st straight win, a 59-44 victory over No. 6 Notre Dame in the semifinals of the Big East tournament. Isner vs. Mahut at Wimbledon, Longest Match in Professional Tennis History Tied 59-59 in the fifth set when match was suspended due to darkness. Played for ten hours until match was stopped, which is nearly three and a half hours longer than the previous record. BEST UPSET Frankie Edgar over B.J. Penn, MMA Dethroned the long-time lightweight champion, winning the title with a unanimous 50-45, 48-47, 49-46 decision at UFC 112. Became Penn’s first loss at lightweight since 2002. Hawaii softball upsets #1 Alabama, NCAA Softball Defeated Alabama 5-4 on a two-run, walk-off home run by Jenna Rodriguez in the bottom of the seventh in the deciding game of the Tuscaloosa Super Regional. Advanced to the Women’s College World Series for the first time in school history. Northern Iowa shocks No. 1 Kansas, NCAA Men’s Basketball Advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history, making Kansas the first No. 1 seed to lose before the Sweet 16 since Kentucky and Stanford both did it in 2004. Northern Iowa hit nine three-pointers in the stunner. Y. E. Yang stuns Tiger Woods, PGA Championship The 110th-ranked player in the world became the first player to beat Tiger Woods in a major when Woods had at least a share of the 54-hole lead. Shot a two-under-par 70 in the final round, while Woods was +5 (75). BEST MOMENT Phil Mickelson, 2009 Masters Finished 16 under par with a bogey-free final round for the fourth-lowest winners’ score in tournament history. Had back-to-back eagles in third round. Celebrated with his wife Amy, who was battling cancer. Joannie Rochette, Winter Olympics Earned a bronze medal in Olympic skating just days after her mother died. Rochette’s mother passed only a few hours after arriving in Vancouver to watch her daughter compete. New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl XLIV Tracy Porter’s interception helped New Orleans wrap up Super Bowl win over the Colts. Brees finished with a record-tying 32 completions in 39 attempts for 288 yards and two touchdowns as New Orleans captured its first NFL championship, winning 31-17 over the Colts. Landon Donovan World Cup vs. Algeria With the U. S. on the verge of elimination from group play, Landon Donovan converted a rebound from eight yards out in the 91st minute. Helped the U. S. beat Algeria, 1-0, to advance to the knockout stage. Was the first World Cup win for the U.S. in eight years, placing the Americans in first place in Group C. BEST TEAM Alabama Football Won its first national championship since 1992. Earned its eighth major poll championship after going 14-0, with 12 games decided by more than a touchdown. Won BCS championship with 37-21 win over Texas. Chicago Blackhawks Won the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1961. Only the New York Rangers had more time between Cups (53 seasons). Had 52 regular-season wins, second-most in the NHL during 2009-10 season. Connecticut Women’s Basketball Completed their second straight perfect season, the second basketball team to do that in Division I history, joining the 1971-73 UCLA men. UConn has won 78 straight games, 10 shy of UCLA’s Division I record. The Huskies beat Stanford by 6, their first single-digit win of the streak, to win their seventh National Championship. Los Angeles Lakers Won 16th NBA championship in franchise history. Won the final two games of the series to beat the Celtics in seven games for its second consecutive championship. 57-25 in regular season; best record in Western Conference. New Orleans Saints Set a franchise single-season record for wins and consecutive victories; captured Super Bowl XLIV. Ended the regular season with the NFL’s No. 1 ranked offense. Scored 31 of the game’s final 38 points to bounce back from a 10-0 deficit and win Super Bowl XLIV, the first Super Bowl championship in the franchise’s 43 seasons. Became the first team to win in its Super Bowl debut since the 2002 Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII. New York Yankees Won their record 27th World Series championship by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in six games. Had an MLB-best 103–59 record during the regular season. Led MLB in runs scored with 915. Capital One Best College Athletic Program (not included in voting module) BEST COACH/MANAGER Geno Auriemma, Connecticut Women’s Basketball Led UConn. to back-to-back national championships and perfect 39-0 records. Won his seventh national championship. Joe Girardi, NY Yankees Led the Yankees to their 27th World Series in his second year as manager. Became the first manager to win a World Series title for the same team for which he had played on a World Series champion since Billy Martin. Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers Won his 11th NBA title after leading the Lakers to the franchise’s 16th championship. Passed John Wooden for most championships by a major basketball coach. Mike Krzyzewski, Duke Men’s Basketball Took a team ranked eighth in the preseason ESPN/USA Today poll and led them to the national championship. Blue Devils finished the season with a 35-5 record. Joined John Wooden (10) and Adolph Rupp (four) as only men with at least four national championships. Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints Led Saints to 13-0 start en route to the Super Bowl championship. The Super Bowl champions set a franchise single-season record for wins and consecutive victories. Nick Saban, Alabama football Led Tide to BCS championship with win over Texas. Became the second head coach to win two BCS national championships, joining Urban Meyer of Florida. Became the first head coach in major college football history to win a national championship at two different schools. BEST COMEBACK (Not featured in voting module) Kim Clijsters, Tennis Made history to become the first unseeded woman to win the Open. Beat both Serena and Venus Williams as well as seeded players Caroline Wozniacki and Na Li en route to the championship. The first unseeded player to win the US Open and is just the second unranked player to win a major since the inception of computer rankings in 1975, joining Evonne Goolagong at the 1977 Australian Open. BEST WNBA PLAYER Tamika Catchings, Indiana Named WNBA defensive player of the year. Led her team to the WNBA finals in the 2009 season. Becky Hammon, San Antonio Finished second in regular season in scoring (19.5 PPG). Finished third in the regular season in assists (5.0 APG). Lauren Jackson, Seattle Finished third in scoring during the regular season (19.2 PPG). Tied for 10th in rebounding (7.0). Candace Parker, Los Angeles Averaged 13.1 PPG during the regular season. Led the league in rebounding with 9.8 RPG. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Led WNBA in scoring during the regular season (20.4 PPG). Named MVP for the regular season and playoffs. Helped Phoenix win the WNBA championship. BEST FEMALE GOLFER Cristie Kerr Had 13 top 10 finishes in 25 events played in 2009. Helped USA team win Solheim Cup. Lorena Ochoa Won three LPGA tournaments and finished second four times. Had 13 top 10 finishes in 22 events. Led LPGA in scoring average (70.16). Jiyai Shin Was top money winner on LPGA Tour with over $1.8 million. Earned Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year honors. Won three LPGA tournaments in 2009. BEST FEMALE TENNIS PLAYER Kim Clijsters Won 2009 U. S. Open. Became the first mother since Evonne Goolagong at 1980 Wimbledon to come back and win a Grand Slam singles title. Became the first unseeded woman to win the Open, beating both Serena and Venus Williams en route to the championship. Serena Williams Set the record for single-season prize money in women’s tennis by topping $6.5 million in 2009. Won 2009 WTA season-ending championship in Doha, Qatar. Won 2010 Australian Open. Venus Williams Finished 2009 season as the sixth-ranked woman’s player. Moved up to #2 in world rankings by the start of the 2010 French Open. BEST FEMALE COLLEGE ATHLETE Tina Charles, Connecticut Women’s Basketball Averaged 18.2 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 61.8 field goal pct in under 28 minutes per game Helped lead the Huskies to a National Championship and a 39-0 record for a second consecutive year. Became the school’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder. Megan Hodge, Penn State Volleyball Led her team to its third straight NCAA championship title, winning 102 straight matches. Led the Big Ten with an average of 4.67 kills per set (560 kills total). Megan Lagenfeld, UCLA Softball WCWS Most Outstanding Player as UCLA won its 12th national softball championship. Batted .527 with 20 home runs and 58 RBI in 61 games during season. Posted 14-1 record with 1.53 ERA as a pitcher. Maya Moore, Connecticut Women’s Basketball Helped lead UConn to back-to-back national championships. Named Most Outstanding Player at 2010 Final Four. Averaged 28.5 PPG and 11.5 RPG in the Final Four and a team-high 18.9 PPG and 8.3 RPG during the regular season. BEST FEMALE ACTION SPORT ATHLETE Torah Bright, Snowboarding Won gold at the Winter Olympics in the halfpipe. Ashley Fiolek, Motocross Won Super X gold at the 2009 X Games and her second straight WMX season title. Jen Hudak, Freestyle Skiing Won 2010 Winter X Games SuperPipe gold and the 2009-2010 AFP World Tour Championship. Stephanie Gilmore, Surfing Has won the world title in all three of her seasons on the Women’s ASP World Tour. Ashleigh McIvor, Freestyle Skiing Won ski cross gold at the Winter Olympics and earned Skier X silver at the 2010 Winter X Games. BEST FEMALE ATHLETE WITH A DISABILITY Linnea Dohring A gymnast without the lower half of her right arm and hand, she consistently scored in the 8.1-8.5 range in both the vault and floor exercises during all regular season meets. Was a three-year starter and co-captain on Grandview’s varsity Soccer team. Alana Nichols Won two gold medals (sitting downhill, sitting giant slalom) among four total medals at 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Amy Palmiero-Winters Became the first amputee to qualify for a U.S. national track and field team. Competed in the 24-hour world championships in May 2010 in Brive, France. Won the AAU Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete. Stephani Victor Won gold in the sit-ski super combined to earn her third medal of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. BEST BOWLER Kelly Kulick Became the first woman to win a PBA Tour title when she defeated Chris Barnes to win the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas. Bill O’Neill Finished second in points (208.2). Won Lumber Liquidators U. S. Open. Walter Ray Williams Jr. Led PBA in points (229.1), earnings ($152,670), scoring average (222.9) and match play appearances (15). BEST FEMALE US OLYMPIC ATHLETE Hannah Kearney, Skiing Won a gold medal in freestyle skiing moguls. Scored 26.63 points to win by .94 — a wide margin in a sport often decided by tenths and hundredths. Julia Mancuso, Skiing Won two silver medals in alpine skiing. Her silver in the downhill marked the first time the U.S. has captured the top two spots in alpine skiing since 1984 (and 3rd time overall). Lindsey Vonn, Skiing Won a gold medal in the women’s downhill, marking the first gold medal by an American woman in the Olympic downhill. Also won a bronze medal in the women’s super-G. BEST TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETE Usain Bolt Shattered the world record, running 100 meters in 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Track and Field Championships. Set a world record of 19.19 seconds in the 200 meters at the world championships. Allyson Felix Won the 200-meters at the 2009 World Track and Field Championships. Sanya Richards Won the 400-meters at the 2009 World Track and Field Championships with a time of 49 seconds.