Joe Flacco Skeet Footbal

Real or special effects? You decide.

Ryan Leaf Headed To The Slammer?

Hopefully this isn't just another sad ending to an already sad, sad story. Ryan Leaf, the former #2 NFL draft pick of the San Diego Chargers, who we all know threw away his career due to multiple issues, will surrender on drug and burglary charges in Texas.

Leaf has been coaching the quarterbacks at West Texas A&M in Canyon, TX. Who knows if the team will be better off without him.

I just hope Leaf finally grows up eventually. I like to think of this as a humor blog, and nothing about this story is funny. However Leaf's rookie blowup in the San Diego locker room still gives me the giggles. I think I had one of these tantrums in gym class in the 5th grade.



Leaf will turn himself into police soon according to his lawyer. Should be interesting to see what happens to him.

[Yahoo Sports]

Police Officer Caught Shoplifting WHAT?

This could only happen in Iowa. Eric D. Kennedy, 36, is a Polk County sheriff's deputy. He is an avid football card collector. He is also a shoplifter. You do the math.

Yes, that means he is a cop that shoplifts football cards. At a Casey's General Store (AKA 'Beerland' if you're my buddy Andy. Or if you're out west, kind of like a 7/11) And he got caught. Red-handed.

He now faces a misdemeanor theft charge after a hidden security camera 'allegedly' recorded him stealing the packs of cards by slipping them into his pockets, then of course leaving the store without forking over the cash. And yes, he was ON-DUTY.

The best part. Eric still maintains his innocence. Hey, they camera don't lie! You crazy Iowa corn-husking fools....

Just so you can read it for yourself. [DesmoinesRegister]

What Do You Think About Jay Cutler Bears Fans?

The Bears haven't had a Pro-Bowl quarterback since 1985 in Jim McMahon. Now it looks like the Bears are desperately trying to change that by acquiring Jay Cutler from Denver.

Originally from Illinois, I was shocked to hear this news this morning. The Bears are notorious for having mediocre at best, quarterbacks. Cutler has a great arm, but does he have the intangibles? After this little charade he pulled with Denver, is Cutler the 'T.O.' of quarterbacks?

There are so many questions with this trade. There are about as many opinions with this situation as there are Bears fans. Not to mention all the questions that arise when you 'google image' 'Jay Cutler.' Go ahead and do it....creeeeeeppyy....
Cutler has this big of an ego and he's not even the main result when you 'google image' his name? Pulleeasse.

Good luck Bears fans. That's all I have to say. And I truly mean it! Hey, I hope it works out, but I say there is at best, a 50/50 shot. Which of course is better than it was 24 hours ago!

What do you think Bears fans? Is 2 first rounders, a second round pick and Kyle Orton too much for Cutler?

Bears fans, fill me in!

I will tell you one thing though. I will miss all of the Philip Rivers/Jay Cutler trash talk.

The Most Underrated QB In Recent History!

Sorry Bucs, you lose. And it's your own fault.

The Bucs re-signed quarterback Luke McCown to a two-year, $7.5 million deal this past week, a month after promoting defensive coordinator Raheem Morris to the head coaching position upon firing Jon Gruden, and NOW they have decided to let go 4 time pro-bowler Jeff Garcia.

Now i'm not a Bucs fan, I could care less of what they do, but they are making a HUGE mistake.

I am huge Jeff Garcia and he NEVER gets the respect he deserves. Let me remind you that he is a 4-TIME PRO BOWLER! And since his glory days in San Francisco, he's made stops in Detriot, Cleveland, Phily and TB and played very well for all of them.

Sure, he's 39....but he still has at least a few more years left of play at a high level. They're saying he will probably end up in Minnesota, or back in San Francisco; where he had unbeleibable years from 2000-2003 when he threw for over 13,000 yard and 100 touchdowns!

Garcia says : "I do feel like I have football life in me. I feel I can still contribute. I'm not sure what my role will be with another team. I'm not looking at it like I need to start and be the man ... Hopefully, I'll have some opportunities out there. I'm pretty sure there's going to be something out there for me."

I say to the Ninas... welcome back Garcia with open arms baby! With the given chance, Garcia can still be a top 10 quarterback in 2009. Garcia is overwhelmingly underrated.

Source: ESPN

The Super Bowl Shuffle Celebrates Anniversary

It's officially been 23 years since the Bears hit the studio and released their "Super Bowl Shuffle" following their Super Bowl win over the Patriots in 1986. To this day, it has to be one of the greatest sports videos of all-time, if not the greatest. And i'm not even a Bears fan.

So in honor of the anniversary, here she is! The Super Bowl Shuffle. (Also be sure to watch for Maury Buford's cowbell. Righteous)


My inspiration came from this blog http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/

5 Reasons To Root For Da' Cardinals In Super Bowl XLIII

Who will you be rooting for this upcoming Super Bowl? Ze' Arizona Cardinals? or those pesky Pittsburgh Steelers?

You can probably tell by my last statement that I am definitely pulling for Arizona, and here's why you should too...

1) The Underdog Factor. The Cardinals have never won a Super Bowl. Pittsburgh has won 5. Arizona's last championship came in 1947 when they were in Chicago. The only other pro team to go that long without a championship are the Cubs!

2) Kurt Warner. Seriously. How can you not like this guy. He was once stocking shelves at a grocery store just a few years before he won the Super Bowl with the Rams. He always gives glory to God when appropriate. He's making his third trip to the Super Bowl. Team leader. Heck of a nice guy. Enough said. Boo-ya.

3) Team Mascot/Colors. I mean c'mon. What is a Steeler anyway? The Cards got it goin on with better team colors and the great, classic Cardinal head logo.

4) You're a 49er/Cowboy Fan and Don't Want To Be In 2nd Place. That is 2nd in Super Bowl wins. The Niners and Cowboys have 5 each along with the Steelers. Who wants to see Pittsburgh win number 6 to lead the league all-time? Not me. (I'm a 49er fan btw :/ .....)

5) You Don't Mess With Todd Haley Foo! Did you see Anquan Boldin go off on the offensive coordinator in the middle of the NFC Championship game against Philly? He doesn't take any prisoners and he showed Anquan who's boss! Any coach like that is worth rootin for.
If you can read lips, it looked as if Haley was saying "Don't call me that!"... over and over...

USC's Sanchez Going Pro

USC quarterback Mark Sanchez decided to go pro today, skipping his final year to enter the NFL draft. Mark was happy, but his head coach Pete Carroll had mixed feelings (to put it lightly!)

Tebow Heading For NFL Draft? Wait! Not So Fast!

Tim Tebow surprised a lot of us on Sunday when he announced that he is staying at Florida for his senior season. With one Heisman Trophy and two national titles under his belt, simply another good season at UF will ensure his status as one of the greatest, if not the greatest college football player of all-time.

They're saying that if he were to enter the NFL draft this spring, he wouldn't be taken until the 3rd of 4th round. Smart move Tim. Another, smart move. The last great player that I can remember that actually stayed for his senior year was ANOTHER guy named Tim, last name Duncan, you know the HOF forward who played at Wake Forest.

He did have us played though. You're sneaky Tim Tebow! If you get to see the raw footage, Tim just keeps repeating about how Florida has given him so many great "memories." As if he is not coming back. Then, as he is walking off stage, he pivots, comes back to the center of the stage, then finally announces that he is, IN FACT, coming back for another season. Well done Tim. Welllll done! And I'm not even a Florida fan.

Oh, and look for the girl in the Orange top. The last guy to make this many girls go nuts at one time was probably John Stamos during his Full House years, but only when he had the mullet.

Utah Utes: 2009 National Champions!

That's right. I said it. The UTAH UTES are National Champions. Not Florida or USC or Texas, but Utah.

It's ridiculous how we still have teams that are in Division-I, that go undefeated, and still have no shot to be called "national champs." If they are in D-I, and are IN our nation, then shouldn't they have a right to play for it like everyone else? If not, then don't put them in Division-I!

It's funny how calling for a playoff was taboo for years, until just recently when Barack Obama backed the option. Now everyone, from announcers to zebras on the sidelines are pushing for it. They say it's "fair." Well of course it's fair. It took us nearly one hundred years to figure that out!? Golly jeesh.

The only reason we have the BCS is because of greedy people (and universities) that are money hungry. Well I say they're full.

Utah was the only team to go 13-0, beat 4 top 25 teams, and totally destroyed Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, a team that was ranked #1 for weeks during the regular season.In all words of fairness, Utah, just like the 2004 undefeated Auburn team, deserves a shot to play for a title like anyone else. And if you don't like it, then give us a playoff. It's as simple as that.

You have to read this article by Rick Reilly. Great writer. He feels exactly the same way I do...

"Some gifts people give are pointless: Styling mousse to Dick Vitale. An all-you-can-eat card to Kate Moss. The BCS Championship given to Oklahoma or Florida.

It means nothing because the BCS has no credibility. Florida? Oklahoma? Who cares? Utah is the national champion.

The End. Roll credits."

Read Rick's Article Here On ESPN.com.

Rick Reilly's National title trophy for Utah!

USC's Rose Bowl Monopoly

It really is ridiculous how good USC is year in and year out. If they didn't have their annual once a year "screw-up" (Oregon State in 2008, Stanford in 2007. etc.) then they would have a possible monopoly over the entire NCAA. But for now, it's the Rose Bowl. Which is still pretty amazing.

Thursday night they won their third straight, being in it 4 straight. I covered it last year, but this year I was able to get reaction on the field right after the game as they were celebrating. It was a good time. I even got some texts from friends saying they saw me on ESPN. Too funny.

Rose Bowl Atmosphere Is CRAZY!

I'm up in the press box right now for the Rose Bowl game, and based on the pregame atmosphere alone, this game is probably going to be one to remember.

Check out my pregame stories I shot this morning. I love these fans!

Rose Bowl Matchup Has Nat'l Title Feel

If you think the Rose Bowl is a one day event, you are definitely mistaken. The media days started on Saturday and run through tomorrow before they even kick off the glorious parade through Pasadena.

I've interviewed many of the players and coaches and so far, this seems to be the most complete preview of what everyone truly thinks. Overall this game seems to be a classic matchup between two really good programs. The media may seem to be hyping this game up for a reason, it's sure to be a good one! The players think so too.

Penn State vs. USC

USC Trojans Tell Us What THEY Want For Christmas

Last time I was at practice I had to find out what college football players want for Christmas, not to mention what they get for going to the Rose Bowl! Here's what they had to say.

Auburn Fans Acting Out Against New Head Coach Hire

Evidently I wasn't the only one that didn't understand Auburn's new hire, Gene Chizik. (The former Iowa State head coach went 5-19 over 2 seasons.)

Technically the hire isn't official yet, but the video below is a small taste of how Tiger nation is feeling right now. When Saban landed in Tuscaloosa 2 years ago, he was welcomed like the Second Coming! This video shows the UNwelcoming Chizik got in Auburn on Sunday. Pretty shocking.

Auburn Fires Tuberville For This Guy?

Auburn has hired a football coach that has only won 5 games in the past two years.

Gene Chizik will officially be announced as the new head coach at Auburn on Monday, and if you're like me you're probably wondering who in the heck that is?!

Chizik has a horrible 5-19 record at Iowa State over 2 seasons. I guess the only reason he's getting the job is because he was defensive coordinator at Auburn when they went undefeated in 2004. But guess what folks.....so was Tuberville!

I still don't get it. Fire a good football coach after one bad year, and hire a new coach that is 5-19 with only 2 years experience, and who learned under Tuberville???!!

Ohh, Auburn... oh how the tables have turned so quickly.

Go ahead and drink it in Bama fans. Things aren't lookin too hot in the plains right now.

You can read the full article below.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ap-auburn-chizik&prov=ap&type=lgns

Top 10 Drama Kings In Sports

In light of all the Manny Ramirez and Terrell Owens drama back in the news, it got me thinking about all the controversies regarding narcissistic athletes over the past 10 years.

Whether it be off the field distractions, the selfish need for attention, or just flat out being a huge jerk, here is my list of the top 10 worst drama-causing teammates since 1998. These guys are sure to ruin team chemistry or single-handedly bring down an entire organization all-together. In other words; you probaaaabbly don't want these guys in your locker room.


10 Ricky Williams - Seems harmless. Pretty nice guy. He's just a loner that is always quitting on his team and wants to get high all the time.

9 Milton Bradley - Great athlete, only he's said to be a headcase. Tried to take out an announcer after a game last year when he ran up to the booth to say "hello" after the commentator made some slightly negative comments about him over the air. He may or may not deserve to be on the list, but it's said that he is very moody and tough to deal with.

8 Manny Ramirez - Manny is Manny. Still a top 10 player last year and the Sox still got rid of him. That says somethin.

7 Chad Johnson - Gotta love the TD celebrations over the years. Just needs too much attention. Proof: he changed his name legally to Ocho Cinco.

6 Allen Iverson - Practice? We talkin about Practice?... No, J/K. We are talking that he will never win a ring because he's too selfish on the court. One of the games greatest all-time scorers though.

5 John Rocker - Remember when the Braves had to fire him? And believe it or not, it actually wasn't because he wore this shirt.

4 Ron Artest - Rising star until he rocked Detroit, and not with a guitar. Teams gamble by adding him to the roster.

3 Terrell Owens - Has ruined every franchise he's been a part of. Good person with a good heart, he just has to surround himself with some sort of controversy at all times. The Cowboys are going nowhere with him on the team. Drama King.

2 Barry Bonds - Isn't there something funny about this picture? Barry metamorphed over the years, and not just physically. Towards the end it was the Giants, then Barry in the clubhouse. Two seperate entities. The Giants are happy to move on.

1 Latrell Sprewell - Well let's see, physically attacked his coach at Golden State, helped the Knicks completely fold, then turned down a multi-million dollar deal with the T'wolves because he "has a family to feed." Pretty sure he's now bankrupt.

Should There Be An NCAA Playoff?

8 teams may be too much to ask. The Bowls simply make too much money.

However if we did have an 8 team playoff, check out the possible playoff that would be sure to blow your mind!

1
8
4
5

3
6

2
7

I decided to put Boise State in the playoff instead of Texas Tech, because I believe in the purity of an undefeated season. Doing so should give you the right to go play for a national title.

With this format, I think it would still be a Florida/Oklahoma national title game, or Florida/Alabama, could even be a USC/Alabama or USC/Oklahoma if you want to take alternative picks.

The main point is, we will never know unless we play the games.

What do you think about a playoff? Who would you have winning?


ESPN.com has great coverage of the upcoming Bowl Season.

USC Content With Roses, But Wish For Playoff

The USC Trojans are headed to the Rose Bowl for the 4th year in a row. Check out my latest I talk with the men of Troy about playing in the BCS, and how they wish they could compete in a new NCAA playoff format.

NCAA Coaching

It really is a shame how quick boosters, administrators, athletic directors, and even fans and the media are to point the blame at an NCAA head coach and determine to make a cut.

Head coaches in the pros don't get very long, that is a given. Pete Carroll calls the NFL, "Not For Long," But in the NCAA when you are expected to be given time to recruit, it is only fair to be given 4 or 5 years to get your program running.

This week has been a little different in that instead of an inexperienced or new coach getting canned, another tenured head coach got fired. A really good head coach in my book that had an undefeated season a few years ago and more than 10 years under his belt at the same school. However, 1 mediocre season followed by one bad one...and BAM....he's done.

It blows my mind!




And I know if you're reading this you already know who these men are... but look at these stats and tell me which coach you would KEEP.


Coach A : 46-16 record past 5 years. (.741 winning %)

Win versus rival 6 years in a row. 6-1 past 7 years.

2008 Key Loss - @ Ole Miss 17-7


Coach B: 28-21 record past 4 years (.571 winning %)

4-4 record versus key rivals

2008 Key Loss - Vs. Syracuse 24-23



So coach A or B?





Tommy Tuberville is coach A from Auburn University. He got fired this week.








Charlie Weis is coach B from Notre Dame University. He still has a job.




Justice? Hardly.



Not that I am heartbroken, because I am a UofA fan. That's my alma mater (who is also playing for the SEC title tomorrow which I am totally STOKED about).

But it's just crazy how a really good coach can lose his job after only one bad year.


Auburn: Probably not a smart move. I guess we'll see.


Tennessee: Probably got rid of Phil Fulmer too late! haha.