NFL FanHouse

Report: Brett Favre Has Told Packers He Would Like to Play This Year

Michael David Smith — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:02:00 EST

Maybe Brett Favre isn't retired after all.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that Favre has told Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy that he has thought about playing this year. Although Favre's comeback talk is apparently in its preliminary stages, Mortensen also reports that Favre's family is encouraging him to play.

Packers cornerback Al Harris appeared with Mortensen on ESPN's NFL Live this afternoon and said that Favre has told him that he "has the itch" to keep playing.

Favre tearfully announced his retirement this off-season, and almost immediately afterward there were rumors that he'd be back.

Report: Brett Favre Has Told Packers He Would Like to Play This Year originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don Imus on Adam Jones: 'What Color Is He?'

Michael David Smith — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Cowboys, NFL Media Watch, Dallas, The Word

Don Imus, the radio jock who was fired last year for calling the Rutgers women's basketball team "nappy-headed hos," has once again put his foot in his mouth in comments related to the world of sports. Pro Football Talk passes along the audio:

When one of Imus's on-air partners, Warner Wolf, discussed Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam Jones' legal troubles, Imus asked, "What color is he." When told that Jones is African-American, Imus said, "Well, there you go. Now we know."

The full transcript is below.

Wolf: "Defensive back Adam 'Pacman' Jones, recently signed by the Cowboys. Here's a guy suspended all of 2007 following a shooting in a Vegas night club."

Imus: "Well, stuff happens. You're in a night club, for God's sake. What do you think's gonna happen in a night club? People are drinking and doing drugs, there are women there, and people have guns. So, there, go ahead."

Wolf: "He's also been arrested six times since being drafted by Tennessee in 2005."

Imus: "What color is he?"

Wolf: "He's African-American."

Imus: "Well, there you go. Now we know."

UPDATE: Al Sharpton weighs in on the story.
UPDATE 2: Don Imus says "I meant he was being picked on because he's black".
UPDATE 3: Don Imus claims he was defending Adam "Pacman" Jones against racist cops.

Also at FanHouse:
Jemele Hill on Her ESPN Suspension
Fox Hires Michael Strahan
Boxer Arrested for Kicking His Brother's Opponent
Ex-Duquesne Players Sue School Over Shooting
Cedric Benson Ordered to Get a Breathalyzer on His Car

Racism and Sports

Mauricia Grant, pictured here working during the Stater Bros 300 in 2006, is suing NASCAR for $225 million, alleging racial and sexual discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination. Click through to see other racially charged incidents from recent sports history.

Mike Basso, US Presswire

In a newspaper nterview in April, Los Angeles Angels star Torii Hunter said he had heard racial taunts from Red Sox fans at Fenway Park in the past.

Lisa Blumenfeld, Getty Images

Kosuke Fukudome has become a sensation in his first season in Chicago, but shirts emblazoned with a stereotypical caricature of Asians and the words "Horry Kow" (a play on ex-Cubs announcer Harry Caray's home run call) offended the Japanese outfielder.

Nam Y. Huh, AP

Earlier this year Golf Channel analyst Kelly Tilghman said on air that other golfers should "lynch [Tiger Woods] in a back alley" to better compete with him. In the aftermath, Golfweek Magazine ran a cover with a hanging noose, for which editor Dave Seanor was fired.

Golfweek / AP

Radio host Don Imus caused a stir in 2007 when he referred to members of the Rutgers women's basketball team as "nappy-headed hos." CBS canceled his long-running show 'Imus in the Morning,' but he returned to airwaves with ABC later in the year.

Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Rush Limbaugh was hired as a commentator for ESPN's NFL pre-game show Sunday Countdown, but he lasted only a few weeks after implying that Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb received great praise mostly because he was black.

Getty Images

Former golfer and current CBS commentator Bobby Clampett made waves at this year's Masters when he referred to golfer Liang Wen-Chong as "the Chinaman" on air.

Mike Powell, Allsport / Getty Images

African soccer players, like Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o, are often the targets of racially charged taunts in Spain. Fans of Real Zaragoza made monkey-like chants at the Barcelona striker during a 2005 match, and he nearly walked off the pitch during a match against the club the next season.

Phillippe Desmazes, AFP / Getty Images

In an interview with HBO's Real Sports last summer, former Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield claimed that manager Joe Torre gave white players preferential treatment during his time in New York and said that biracial shortstop Derek Jeter wasn't "all the way black."

Mark Mainz, Getty Images

John Rocker's inflammatory comments in a 2000 Sports Illustrated article made him one of the most despised athletes in recent memory. Rocker described riding the New York subway as "looking like you're riding through Beirut next to some kid with purple hair, next to some queer with AIDS."

Matt Campbell, AFP / Getty Images

Don Imus on Adam Jones: 'What Color Is He?' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brandon Marshall After Hurting His Right Arm: 'I'm Still Wiping My Butt With My Left Hand'

Michael David Smith — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:11:00 EST

Filed under: Broncos, Denver, The Word

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall is recovering from a bizarre injury in which he slipped and fell in his home and put his arm through his TV screen. Marshall severed an artery and a vein, damaged a nerve in his right forearm, cut tendons to five muscles and needed surgery to patch everything up.

Marshall now says he's almost fully healed, but in providing that reassurance, he provided way too much information:

"I can do everything with my right hand that I was doing before the accident but I'm still wiping my butt with my left hand," Marshall said. "It's not as strong. My right hand is not as strong."

I really have no idea why Marshall, who lied to the team about how the injury happened in the first place, now feels the need to tell the whole truth about exactly where he is in his recovery. A simple "I can do almost everything with my right hand" would have been fine.

Brandon Marshall After Hurting His Right Arm: 'I'm Still Wiping My Butt With My Left Hand' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:11:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hangin' With Mr. McFadden

Miss Gossip — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cowboys, Raiders, NFL Draft, NFL Video, The Word, FanHouse TV, Video Games

Oakland has a new pro-athlete who sure is fun to hang with, though he's probably too young to get the reference. I caught up with Raiders rookie Darren McFadden at the EA Sports Rookie Madden Bowl in Los Angeles. He had plenty to say to his new fans in the Bay Area. And to me. And to his Arkansas teammate Felix Jones. I know he's already a blogger starlet in the making, but clearly he's ready for video fame. Someone get this guy a reality TV show, stat!

AOL Video link. YouTube link.

Also on FanHouse:
EA Sports Rookie Madden Bowl: Red Carpet
NFL Rookies Battle for Madden Supremacy

Hangin' With Mr. McFadden originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NFL Rookies Battle for Madden Supremacy

Miss Gossip — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 06:20:00 EST

Filed under: Buccaneers, Redskins, Steelers, NFL Video, The Word, FanHouse TV, Video Games

You've seen them talk big on the red carpet of the EA Sports Rookie Madden Bowl, but do these NFL rookies actually have Madden skills? Follow along with underdog Dexter Jackson and overdog (?) Devin Thomas to find out how the tournament panned out. Stay tuned at 0:32 for an embarrassing cameo by Rashard Mendenhall. I ain't mad at you, Rashard!

AOL Video link. YouTube link.

Also on FanHouse:
EA Sports Rookie Madden Bowl: Red Carpet

NFL Rookies Battle for Madden Supremacy originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 06:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA Sports Rookie Madden Bowl: Red Carpet

Miss Gossip — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, Falcons, Jets, Panthers, Raiders, Redskins, NFL Draft, NFL Video, The Word, FanHouse TV, Video Games

EA Sports recently held its second annual Rookie Madden Bowl in Los Angeles. Players competed in a tournament just like the regular Madden Bowl held during Super Bowl week, but this one was just for rookies. Oh how I love rookies! With the exception of whiz kids like Matt Ryan, most of them are pretty goofy and not yet jaded by the media attention. Join me on the red carpet as I talk to Jake Long, Darren McFadden, Devin Thomas, Dexter Jackson, Kevin O'Connell, Andre Caldwell and others before the tournament.

Besides all the smack talking about Madden skills and player ratings, watch at 0:54 to find out if Dustin Keller can handle the heat of Jets questioning ... and make sure to stay for Jonathan Stewart's hilarious ramblings at the very end of the video.

AOL Video link. YouTube link.

Also on FanHouse:
NFL Rookies Battle for Madden Supremacy

EA Sports Rookie Madden Bowl: Red Carpet originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Man Breaks Into Home of Green Bay Packers' Noah Herron. Big Mistake.

Michael David Smith — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:15:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, The Word

On Friday night, an intruder attempted to invade the home of Green Bay Packers running back Noah Herron.

Herron is fine. The intruder is not.

The Green Bay Press Gazette reports that Herron called police Friday night and reported that he heard glass breaking in the lower level of his home, and that an unknown number of people had entered. Looking for a way to protect himself, Herron unscrewed a post from his bed. When an intruder got to Herron's bedroom before the police got there, Herron whacked him with the bed post.

The offender was injured and remains hospitalized, although he's expected to make a full recovery. The Sheriff's Department released the following statement:

"Noah Herron used necessary, reasonable and justifiable force in protecting his life and property. Herron, the victim in this random home invasion, is cooperating with law enforcement."

In addition to the man Herron hit, a second suspect has been arrested, and police say the two suspects may have been involved in about 20 burglaries in the area.

So, kudos to Noah Herron for thinking fast and acting fast to protect himself and his home, and hopefully put a couple of criminals out of business. And let that be a lesson to all of us: A bed post is a good way to get out of a dangerous situation.

Man Breaks Into Home of Green Bay Packers' Noah Herron. Big Mistake. originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NFL Approves 'Limited Reinstatement' for Cowboys' Adam Pacman Jones

Michael David Smith — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Cowboys, Dallas, NFL Police Blotter, The Word

The NFL released a statement today saying that Commissioner Roger Goodell has approved "limited reinstatement" for suspended Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam Pacman Jones.

The statement reads as follows::

NFL Statement on Limited Reinstatement of Adam Jones
Commissioner Roger Goodell notified Adam Jones today that, effective immediately, he may participate in organized team activities with the Dallas Cowboys, including training camp and preseason games. In a letter to Jones, Commissioner Goodell wrote that a final determination on his reinstatement for the 2008 regular season will be made by September 1. Commissioner Goodell told Jones that his continued participation in the NFL depends on demonstrating that he can conduct himself in a lawful and reliable manner. Jones will be expected to continue the personal conduct program established for him by the NFL and the Cowboys and to avoid further adverse involvement with law enforcement.

Quote from Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones:
"This limited re-instatement is a step in the process. Adam is aware of the things that need to be done in order to take the next step."

Jones, who was traded from the Titans to the Cowboys during this year's NFL draft, has been suspended since April of 2007 after a long history of off-field problems. If he can avoid those off-field problems through September 1, he'll be back on the field when the regular season starts.

NFL Approves 'Limited Reinstatement' for Cowboys' Adam Pacman Jones originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jason Whitlock Was Right: Playboy Botched His Story on America's Prison System

Michael David Smith — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:47:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Media Watch, The Word

Jason Whitlock has an article in this month's Playboy that examines America's prison system and the way our nation's incarceration rate affects both prisoners and the rest of us. It's a powerful, thought-provoking piece that Whitlock has every right to be proud of.

But while the article itself isn't available online, Whitlock has written two columns about that Playboy article that are online, one in the Kansas City Star and one at FoxSports.com. In both cases, instead of reiterating the points he raises in the piece, he has been harshly critical of Playboy's editors for the way they present the article in the magazine.

Whitlock is one of America's most prominent sports writers and one of the few people in the sports media who routinely bites the hand that feeds him, and there may be a natural inclination to see Whitlock complaining about an editor and think that's just the way he operates. But having now read the Playboy article and seen how it was positioned within the magazine, I can say that Whitlock is right: Playboy's presentation of the story is shameful.

Playboy's editors detracted from the focus of the piece by crudely dragging athletes into the story. These athletes aren't in any way the subject of Whitlock's article, but they're mentioned in a sidebar -- a small article of about 250 words within the text of Whitlock's 5,000-word piece. The sidebar has nothing to do with the article, and is ham-fisted at best and offensive at worst.

Whitlock's article is too complex to boil down into a tidy summary, but this paragraph demonstrates his basic thesis:

"In order to fix our prison system, reduce the violent criminal activity of gang members, make our schools safer and purify a toxic culture, we must move beyond our fears. We have to reinstitute rehabilitation and start aggressive (and expensive) drug and alcohol treatment programs in prisons. We need to revamp our drug laws and sentencing guidelines, and, most important, work with gang leaders on neighborhood safety issues."

As you can immediately tell, this is an article with weight to it.

In contrast, the sidebar opens with the words, "Some black athletes are not role models; luckily a few are." I barely know where to start with that, but let's begin with "a few." Does Playboy really mean to suggest that there are only a few black athletes who are role models?

Below that introductory sentence we have a list of four athletes under the heading "Offense" and four under the heading "Defense." The use of those headings suggests is clumsily imprecise and repulsively snarky. (The object of this game is what, to reinforce stereotypes?)

And who are the eight athletes they list? Under "Offense" we have Michael Vick, Eddie Griffin, Tank Johnson and Jamaal Tinsley. Under "Defense" are Alonzo Mourning, Magic Johnson, Warrick Dunn and Shaquille O'Neal.

Mourning, Magic, Dunn and Shaq are all fine people who have done good things in their communities, and they'd all be worthy subjects for an article. But it does Whitlock's subject a disservice to hold up their good deeds as some kind of "defense" from the effects of America's prison culture.

For that matter, it's unfair to Griffin, Tank and Tinsley to put them in the middle of this story. All had trouble with the law, but none served the kinds of long prison sentences that Whitlock's article examines. The only athlete whose situation might apply to what Whitlock wrote is Vick, who is serving a 23-month prison term. But whatever value a sidebar about Vick might have provided is lost in the inane words Playboy chose to describe Vick's situation:

"His pot habit was a victimless crime and didn't enhance his performance (unless you believe it slows down the game), but dog fighting is inexcusable. He could have been a Hall of Famer."

That's it. Brilliant insight, huh?

Anyway, Whitlock's article isn't about African-Americans and it isn't about athletes. It's about everyone who lives in the United States. And that brings us to the other objection Whitlock had to his article. The headline reads, "The Black KKK: Thug life is killing black America. It's time to do something about it."

Whitlock didn't write the headline. He used the phrase "Black KKK" in a column about the death of Sean Taylor, a column that was about a completely different subject from his Playboy piece. That column provided a provocative argument. But whatever your opinions are about the original "Black KKK" piece, reasonable readers can agree that the phrase should be used at Whitlock's discretion. It should not be applied by an editor looking to add some oomph to a headline.

The topic deserves better. Playboy took the article and applied some of magazine industries cheapest page-turning tricks. How stupid that Playboy, of all places, wanted to dumb down the material by putting in some pictures of some famous athletes -- even though we already know Playboy readers don't leave any page unturned.

It's an article full of adult stuff, in the best sense, so it's a shame that now the discussions surrounding this piece are mostly about the fight that broke out between Whitlock and Playboy's editor, instead of for the important issues the piece raises. If Playboy can't prove itself equal to a writer like Whitlock, it deserves to be grouped in with the other adult magazines that come in opaque black wrapping.

Jason Whitlock Was Right: Playboy Botched His Story on America's Prison System originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 21 May 2008 09:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big Brown Wins Preakness

Michael David Smith — Sat, 17 May 2008 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing, Baltimore, The Word

Big Brown did it again today, racing to a dominant victory at the 133rd running of the Preakness Stakes and getting one step away from becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years.

Big Brown went off as a huge favorite at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, with the odds reaching an amazing 1-5 as just about everyone bet on the favorite to win. It was justified. Big Brown cruised early and galloped away late, absolutely obliterating the field down the stretch. Although Gayego got off to a good start and had an early lead, there was never a point at which Big Brown appeared to be in any trouble.

He ultimately won by more than five lengths. Macho Again placed and Icabad Crane showed.

Jockey Kent Desormeaux and trainer Rick Dutrow have a great horse, a horse that will now be favored to win a place as one of the greatest in history at the Belmont.

Big Brown Wins Preakness originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 17 May 2008 18:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boston Herald Reporter: 'I Know I Screwed Up'

Michael David Smith — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Patriots, Boston, The Word

Boston Herald reporter John Tomase, who wrote the since-retracted February 2 article saying the Patriots taped the Rams' final practice before the 2002 Super Bowl, has been curiously silent as others have questioned his journalistic integrity.

In a post on the Herald's Patriots blog, Tomase finally broke his silence today, and he vowed to say more soon:

Readers of this space have probably been asking themselves, "Where the hell is Tomase?" over the last couple of days and it's a fair query. Right now I'm just landing from Washington and working on a story about Arlen Specter's press conference regarding his interview with Matt Walsh.

While that is going to have me tied up for the rest of the night, I just wanted to make one thing clear - I know I screwed up on the Rams taping story and I don't intend to hide behind today's apology or an editor's note. In Friday's Herald I will explain as clearly as I can where that story went wrong and begin the journey of restoring your trust in my reporting.

I cannot in good conscience demand accountability of the people I cover and then not provide it myself. So it's coming on Friday. Just be patient.

John

That's certainly a good step in the right direction. I can guarantee that Tomase's article in the Friday paper will be the Herald's most-read article since Tomase's article on February 2. It will be interesting to see how many people accept the apology he's sure to offer on Friday. And it will be interesting to see whether the Herald keeps Tomase on the Patriots beat next season.

Note: The Herald typically allows reader comments on its blogs but does not allow them on Tomase's blog, as the comments section is always overrun by readers insulting, threatening and otherwise expressing outrage toward Tomase.

Boston Herald Reporter: 'I Know I Screwed Up' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 14 May 2008 20:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arlen Specter Calls for Mitchell Report-Like Investigation of Patriots Spygate

Michael David Smith — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:07:00 EST

Filed under: Patriots, Boston, The Word

U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter said today that an independent investigation is needed of the New England Patriots' practice of spying on their opponents.

"There ought to be an impartial investigation, an outside investigation, like the investigation that baseball had with Senator George Mitchell," Specter said.

Specter said he first became interested in the Patriotgate story in November, when he first heard that the NFL had destroyed the tapes the Patriots turned in to the league. He said the NFL was not responsive to his requests for more information, and he suggested that the league is trying to sweep the issue under the rug.

Whether Specter gets his Mitchell Commission or not, there's no question that despite the talk this morning that the Spygate story is over, Specter doesn't think it should be -- and U.S. senators have a way of keeping stories alive.

Arlen Specter Calls for Mitchell Report-Like Investigation of Patriots Spygate originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 14 May 2008 12:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boston Herald Apologizes for Spygate Story

Michael David Smith — Wed, 14 May 2008 05:37:00 EST

Filed under: Patriots, NFL Media Watch, Boston, The Word

The Boston Herald has apologized for its article saying the New England Patriots videotaped the St. Louis Rams' final walk-through practice before the 2002 Super Bowl. The apology reads in full:

On Feb. 2, 2008, the Boston Herald reported that a member of the New England Patriots' video staff taped the St. Louis Rams' walkthrough on the day before Super Bowl XXXVI. While the Boston Herald based its Feb. 2, 2008, report on sources that it believed to be credible, we now know that this report was false, and that no tape of the walkthrough ever existed.

Prior to the publication of its Feb. 2, 2008, article, the Boston Herald neither possessed nor viewed a tape of the Rams' walkthrough before Super Bowl XXXVI, nor did we speak to anyone who had. We should not have published the allegation in the absence of firmer verification.

The Boston Herald regrets the damage done to the team by publication of the allegation, and sincerely apologizes to its readers and to the New England Patriots' owners, players, employees and fans for our error.

The February 2 Herald story, written by John Tomase and headlined, "Source: Pats employee filmed Rams" has not been removed from the newspaper's web archive.

Previously on FanHouse:
Boston Herald Owes Its Readers an Explanation on Patriots Spygate Story
Will Patriots Owner Bob Kraft Sue the Boston Herald Over Spygate Story?
Chris Mortensen: ESPN Had Rams' Walk-Through Story, It Didn't Meet Our Standards

Boston Herald Apologizes for Spygate Story originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 14 May 2008 05:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tom Brady Rips ESPN

Michael David Smith — Tue, 13 May 2008 20:16:00 EST

Filed under: Patriots, NFL Media Watch, Boston, The Word, ESPN

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady ripped ESPN today for its coverage of the Patriots' Spygate scandal.

Appearing on the Boston radio station WEEI, Brady suggested that the reason Patriotgate has stayed in the news is that the media in general and ESPN specifically are looking to fabricate a controversy.

"I think it's a way to really sell newspapers, and all the ESPN stations, they've got to fill the air, too," Brady said.

When it was pointed out to Brady that many of the ex-NFL players who work at ESPN were harshly critical of the Patriots and suggested that they gained a huge advantage from stealing signals, Brady said, "It's just kind of the environment right now, though. I think that's the way that guys make it. They just say the craziest things. That's what ESPN has become. ESPN, to me, is like MTV without the videos, ESPN is without the highlights."

ESPN is the 800-pound gorilla in American sports, and a lot of athletes wouldn't want to take the boys in Bristol on. But Brady is one of the few athletes popular enough to take on the Worldwide Leader and not have to worry about repercussions. It will be interesting to see whether ESPN reports Brady's comments.

Latest NFL Photos

Seattle Seahawks' Matt Hasselbeck throws a pass as the Seahawks opened mini-camp at the team's practice facility in Kirkland, Wash. on Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Seattle Seahawks' Matt Hasselbeck throws a pass as the Seahawks opened football mini-camp at their facility in Kirkland, Wash. on Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, left, calls signals during football mini-camp at the team's practice facility in Kirkland, Wash. on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck stretches as the team opened mini-camp at their football practice facility in Kirkland, Wash. on Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck watches as the team opened mini-camp at their football practice facility in Kirkland, Wash. on Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Seattle Seahawks' linebacker Julian Peterson, left, and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck run through drills as the NFL football team held minicamp at the team practice facility in Kirkland, Wash., on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, center, prepares to throw as the NFL football team held minicamp at the team practice facility in Kirkland, Wash., on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

** FILE ** In this July 27, 2006 file photo, Cleveland Browns linebacker Willie McGinest stretches during morning practice at the Browns football training camp in Berea, Ohio. Browns linebacker Willie McGinest says the 2008 season will be his last. McGinest told SI.com for a story Thursday, May 8, 2008, that he wants to finish his career on one last playoff run. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan, File)

Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, left, puts his helmet as they opened mini-camp at the team's football practice facility in Kirkland, Wash. on Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

** FILE ** This July 26, 2007 file photo shows Michael Vick leaving the federal courthouse in Richmond, Va. A federal judge ordered imprisoned quarterback Michael Vick to repay more than $2.4 million to a Canadian bank for defaulting on a loan, Wednesday May 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, Pool, File)

Via PFT.

Tom Brady Rips ESPN originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 13 May 2008 20:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roger Goodell: 'There Was No Rams Walk-Through Tape'

Michael David Smith — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Patriots, Boston, The Word

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with former Patriots videotape assistant Matt Walsh and Walsh's lawyer today, and Goodell made clear afterward that he believes the issue of New England taping the St. Louis Rams' final walk-through practice before the 2002 Super Bowl is over.

"There was no Rams walk-through tape," Goodell said. "No one asked him to tape the walk-through. He's not aware of anyone else who taped the walk-through. He had not seen such a tape. He is not aware of anyone who knows of such a tape."

Goodell did say there are two potential NFL rules violations that Walsh disclosed: Walsh apparently had a tape of a player practicing while he was on injured reserve, which is against NFL rules, and he said he was aware of players scalping Super Bowl tickets. Goodell indicated that he will investigate both accusations, but that neither is considered a major offense.

All indications are that the NFL will not further sanction the Patriots.

"The fundamental information that was provided today is consistent with what we knew last September," Goodell said.

Roger Goodell: 'There Was No Rams Walk-Through Tape' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 13 May 2008 12:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Matt Leinart Hot Tub Photos on 'Jeopardy!'

Michael David Smith — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:10:00 EST

Filed under: AZ Cardinals, Phoenix, The Word

They started on a gossip web site, got picked up by blogs and were then a fixture in the mainstream media. But if there was any question that the infamous pictures of Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart partying with co-eds had made the big-time, those questions have been answered now that the pictures have been the subject of a Jeopardy! answer:

Under the category "The Brat Fest" (I have no idea what that means), Alex Trebek offered, "This Heisman-winning Cardinals quarterback was sacked in the off-season by photos of his hot tub party."

It's college tournament time on Jeopardy!, and the contestant from Michigan correctly responded, "Who is Leinart."

Previously on FanHouse:
Matt Leinart: 'The Internet Is a Bad Thing'
Matt Leinart, Alex Smith Pics at TheDirty.com: The Future of Sports Media?
Another Matt Leinart Photo; Cardinals Coach Ken Whisenhunt Will Love This One
Cardinals Coach Ken Whisenhunt Disappointed in Matt Leinart Photos

Matt Leinart Hot Tub Photos on 'Jeopardy!' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 12 May 2008 21:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marvin Harrison Accused in Shooting

Michael David Smith — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:53:00 EST

Filed under: Colts, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, NFL Police Blotter, The Word

Anthony Gargano of WIP radio in Philadelphia is reporting on ESPN that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison is accused of being involved in a recent shooting at a bar Harrison owns in his home town of Philadelphia.

According to Gargano, police have uncovered a gun registered to Harrison in connection with the incident. Gargano reports that a fistfight broke out when Harrison escorted a man out of his bar, called Playmakers. When the man fled, gunfire was exchanged. The man's car was struck by a bullet and his hand was grazed, and a young girl suffered a minor injury when broken glass hit her, Gargano reported.

Neither Harrison nor anyone else has been arrested in connection with the incident. Gargano reports that police are awaiting witnesses coming forward, but that one witness is prepared to testify that Harrison was the shooter.

Harrison is generally known as a quiet, reserved person who does not get involved in off-field trouble.

UPDATE: Agent: 'Marvin Harrison Was Not Involved in Any Shooting. The Report Is Erroneous'

Latest NFL Photos

Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland, left, and Bill Parcells, executive vice president of football operations, stand on the field during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in Davie, Fla., Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne, a second-round NFL football draft pick, steps back to pass during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in Davie, Fla., Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jake Long (79), the Dolphins' top pick in the NFL football draft, puts on his helmet during rookie minicamp in Davie, Fla., Friday, May 2, 2008. At right is offensive tackle Daren Heerspink. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jake Long (79), the Dolphins' top NFL football draft choice, stretches during rookie minicamp in Davie, Fla., Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano, center, walks past offensive tackle Jake Long (79), the Dolphins' top NFL football draft choice, during rookie minicamp in Davie, Fla., Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

New England Patriots third-round draft pick Shawn Crable talks with reporters during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp Friday, May 2, 2008, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Washington Redskins rookie quarterback quarterback Colt Brennan, center, comes off the field with rookie defensive end Rob Jackson (98) and rookie tight end Fred Davis (86) after a football practice at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va., Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

New England Patriots first-round draft pick Jerod Mayo talks with reporters during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp Friday, May 2, 2008, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick walks on the field as players stretch during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp, Friday, May 2, 2008, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme reacts to a question on how many passes he threw during the first day of the NFL football team's three-day minicamp, Friday, May 2, 2008, in Charlotte, N.C. Delhomme is recovering from elbow surgery. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)

Marvin Harrison Accused in Shooting originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 02 May 2008 15:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redskins' Cheerleaders Visit India, Some Locals Think They Show Too Much Skin

Michael David Smith — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:42:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, Washington, DC, The Word

The Washington Redskins' cheerleaders are spending a couple of weeks in India on a goodwill tour to help create a cheerleading squad for a cricket team that the team says will be the first cheerleading squad in Indian history.
The reception they're getting is mixed. The Washington Post reports that some fans welcomed the cheerleaders enthusiastically:

"The cheerleaders are heroes in their ability to make people excited," exclaimed the merry Kerala, a 30-year-old doctor of traditional ayurvedic medicine, as friends crowded around him, cheering in agreement. "They have great spirit."

"They're the only reason I am here. I wanted to treat myself," declared Setty Bishum, 55. The crowd swept him along, but he shouted back one more observation: "It's a new era for cricket -- hooray for American cheerleaders!"

But the Post also reports that some think women should dress more modestly, adding, "Some TV pundits pointed out that the Redskins cheerleaders are showing more skin on the cricket pitch than most Indian men will see before marriage."

Those opponents aside, is there any doubt that this will catch on? Said Indian sports commentator Boria Majumdar, "Sexuality and cricket is the way forward."

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SAN ANTONIO - APRIL 05: The UCLA Bruins cheerleaders perform as their team takes on the Memphis Tigers in the first half during the National Semifinal game of the NCAA Men's Final Four at the Alamodome on April 5, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas. (Streeter Lecka, Getty Images)
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A Kansas Jayhawks cheerleader performs in the first half of their NCAA Men's Final Four semi-final basketball game against the UNC Tarheels in San Antonio, Texas, April 5, 2008. (Jeff Haynes, Reuters)
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North Carolina Tar Heels cheerleaders perform during the second half of their NCAA Men's Final Four semi-final basketball game against the Kansas Jayhawks in San Antonio, Texas, April 5, 2008. (Jeff Haynes, Reuters)
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A Memphis cheerleader smiles during the first half of this semifinal game against Memphis at the college basketball Final Four, Saturday, April 5, 2008, in San Antonio. (Charlie Neibergall, AP)
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DETROIT - MARCH 28: Cheerleaders from the Wisconsin Badgers perform against the Davidson Wildcats during the Midwest Regional Semifinal of the 2008 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at Ford Field on March 28, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan (GregoryShamus, Getty Images)
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DENVER - MARCH 20: The Washington St. Cougars cheerleaders perform during the first round game of the East Regional against the Winthrop Eagles as part of the 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Pepsi Center on March 20, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. The Cougars defeated the Eagles 71-40. (Doug Pensinger, Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - APRIL 08: The mascot and cheerleaders from the Tennessee Lady Volunteers celebrate after their 64-48 win against the Stanford Cardinal during the National Championsip Game of the 2008 NCAA Women's Final Four at St. Pete Times Forum April 8, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

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SAN ANTONIO - APRIL 07: Kansas Jayhawks cheerleaders smile after their team defeated the Memphis Tigers 75-68 in overtime during the 2008 NCAA Men's National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 7, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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SAN ANTONIO - APRIL 07: The Kansas Jayhawks cheerleaders perform while their team takes on the the Memphis Tigers during the 2008 NCAA Men's National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 7, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

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SAN ANTONIO - APRIL 07: The Memphis Tigers cheerleaders perform before the start of the 2008 NCAA Men's National Championship game against the Kansas Jayhawks at the Alamodome on April 7, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

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Redskins' Cheerleaders Visit India, Some Locals Think They Show Too Much Skin originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bryant Gumbel Leaves NFL Network

Michael David Smith — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Media Watch, The Word, NFL Network

Bryant Gumbel is leaving his position as the play-by-play voice of live games on NFL Network, it was announced today.

Both parties said it was Gumbel's decision to step aside. Gumbel released the following statement through NFL Network:

"I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to call NFL Network games the past two years, which was a new experience for me," said Gumbel. "But we've agreed that we'd all be better served going in different directions. There are a lot of talented people at NFL Network. I thank them, I wish them well, and I have no doubt that they will be very successful going forward."

NFL Network President and CEO Steve Bornstein released a statement calling Gumbel "One of the great broadcasters of our time." But he had never worked in play-by-play before he was tapped for NFL Network, and many viewers and critics thought he struggled to learn on the job.

NFL Network will begin looking for a replacement to call play-by-play on its eight live regular-season games immediately. Cris Collinsworth is expected to remain as the network's primary color commentator.
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Latest NFL Photos

BOSTON - APRIL 08: Past and present members of the NHL's Boston Bruins, the NBA's Boston Celtics and the NFL's New England Patriots carry the Boston Red Sox' 2007 World Series rings onto the field before the Red Sox MLB baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on April 8, 2008 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Red Sox players and coaches were presented their 2007 World Series rings during the pre-game ceremonies. (Photo by Brian Snyder-Pool/Getty Images)

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NEW YORK - APRIL 6: NFL wide receiver David Tyree attends the 51st Annual New York Emmy Awards Gala at the Marriott Marquis April 6, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images)

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FORT WORTH, TX - APRIL 06: Mike McCarthy, Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers, stands by a pit box prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 6, 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - APRIL 05: NFL Player LaDainian Tomlinson and Muhammad Ali onstage at Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XIV at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on April 5, 2008 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night)

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - APRIL 05: NFL Player LaDainian Tomlinson and Muhammad Ali onstage at Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XIV at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on April 5, 2008 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night)

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - APRIL 05: NFL Player LaDainian Tomlinson and Muhammad Ali onstage at Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XIV at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on April 5, 2008 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night)

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WASHINGTON - APRIL 4: Hall of Famer Dan Marino (C) accepts the JB Award for Lifetime Acheivement from co-hosts Bill Cowher and James Brown (R) during the NFL Players Gala at the Washington Hilton on April 4, 2008 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images for PLAYERS INC)

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WASHINGTON - APRIL 4: Warrick Dunn of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winner of the 42nd annual Byron "Whizzer" White Award, during the NFL PLAYERS Gala at the Washington Hilton on April 4, 2008 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images for PLAYERS INC)

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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - APRIL 03: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys watches as Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a match against Andy Roddick during day eleven of the Sony Ericsson Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on April 3, 2008 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - APRIL 03: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys watches as Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a match against Andy Roddick during day eleven of the Sony Ericsson Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on April 3, 2008 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

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Bryant Gumbel Leaves NFL Network originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dolphins Negotiate With Michigan's Jake Long

Michael David Smith — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:41:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, NFL Draft, Miami, The Word

With more than two weeks to go before the NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins are negotiating with Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long to be the first overall pick and could agree to a contract with him before the draft takes place, Jeff Darlington of the Miami Herald is reporting.

As the owners of the first pick, the Dolphins are the only team permitted to engage in contract negotiations with draft prospects, and as I've written before, I think the smart move is to begin those negotiations in advance. Reaching a contract agreement before the draft is the only way to ensure the first pick won't hold out all through training camp, the preseason and into the regular season, as Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell did last year.

According to Darlington, the Dolphins have had contract talks with Jake Long but not with Virginia defensive end Chris Long, strongly suggesting that Jake Long is the top prospect on their draft board.

Dolphins Negotiate With Michigan's Jake Long originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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