Yea, let's hear it for those Tennessee Oliers !!! Those enormous 12,000 plus crowds are only half of the evil I wish on Bud Adams.

I thought they werent' supposed to take the Oilers name with them? I feel pretty much the same, like I feel about the Hawks and the football Cardinals leaving St. Louis. I know about boyce feels about the departed Browns.

What a great game between the Packers and the Vikings on Monday Night Football, the game came right down to the last play with Brett Favre making a (failed) attempt at a touchdown pass. It got picked off and the Vikes won. I like both these teams. Any cheeseheads in the crowd?

I loved the Packers punt fake and touchdown throw. Amazing and it worked so beautifully. I am not a cheesehead, but I was rooting for them to win. So close...

I was torn, I like 'em both. I'd have to go with the Vikings if forced to choose.

Jeff George sure has an arm worthy of the best team on the field. I could not believe some of the throws he made Monday night. They definitely deserved to win.

It was a huge game for both teams in the standings. The Vikings had the game within reach, but just couldn't nail it down this time, even with Randy Moss.

Yup....even at home it was not a given that the Viks would win until the last minute. Don't think anyone left early!

Send Page Tuesday - 17:53 12/28/99, EST Cablevision Chief the Top Bidder for New York Jets NEW YORK (Reuters) - Charles Dolan, chairman of media and telecommunications giant Cablevision Systems Corp. (CVC.N), is the highest bidder for the New York Jets football team, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters on Tuesday. The source indicated that Dolan ``is in the process of working out any outstanding issues with the National Football League,'' and confirmed that Dolan offered the highest bid. The team was put on the block by the family of deceased owner Leon Hess, in accordance with his wishes. Hess died in May. The New York Post reported that Dolan's bid was $620 million, although this could not be confirmed. The NFL, which must approve the sale, declined to comment. Sources said potential snarls include Cablevision's ownership of three other professional sports franchises: the New York Knicks basketball team, the New York Rangers hockey team, and the New York Liberty women's basketball team. Cablevision, the nation's sixth largest cable provider, also owns Madison Square Garden, the famous New York arena that houses the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty. Dolan's brother Larry bought the Cleveland Indians baseball team for $320 million in November. The NFL forbids corporate ownership of its franchises, thus requiring an individual such as Dolan to be the owner, as opposed to Cablevision. The Jets deferred comment to Goldman Sachs & Co., the New York investment house that is advising the Jets on the sale, which was also not available for comment. Spokespeople from Cablevision and Dolan's office declined to comment. The newspaper reported that Dolan's price beats a bid of just under $600 million by Robert Wood Johnson IV, great grandson of one of the founders of Johnson & Johnson. (JNJ.N). Johnson was not available for comment. In May, the NFL approved the sale of the Washington Redskins to Maryland communications executive Daniel Snyder for $800 million, a price that includes the stadium in which the Redskins play. Local businessman Alfred Lerner bought the Cleveland Browns expansion team for $530 million in Sept. 1998. Dolan was reportedly an interested bidder in both teams. Leon Hess, who also founded the multibillion dollar oil company Amerada Hess Corp. (AHC.N), was part of a group that controlled the team since 1963, when the team was named the New York Titans. He bought out the other owners in 1977. The Jets, besieged by key injuries this year, have a 7-8 record going into the last game of the season. The team came within one game of reaching the Super Bowl last year.

I found out something very interesting Sunday at church. Tampa buck linebacker Paul Gruber's great, great, great, great, grandfather Franz Gruber wrote the music for Silent Night.

Thanks for putting that here. Most interesting and timely and I am sure it is news to most people. I know you are partial to Tampa Bay, but do you think they stand a chance of making it to the Super Bowl? (Love their new uniforms!)

With this child that they have at quarterback now I think they might have a good chance. Its always hard for me when its between them and the Vikings.

I know...I used to be a Steelers fan and rooted for ABC - Anybody But the Cowboys. Things have changed; I have met real Texans and they have won my heart. I can't believe I am becoming a fan of that team, but until Houston gets their team up and running, I guess I just might be! This year is very odd, though. It is hard for me to decide which team I like anymore!

Who's playing this weekend?

Everybody, I believe. They are not into the playoffs yet! (if you meant the NFL, that is)

Yep.

I'll post it next run-through on telnet. Should be an interesting weekend all round for those who love football - that means me!

What is the telnet? Good game between Tampa Bay and Chicage. Nest week is a bye. Will be watching the Vikings

We did not get that game here (they always give us west coast teams if there is a choice - we saw the Raiders game.) Telnet: the only thing worse than Yapp software (I am kidding...but only a little!) It is the way the internet was before Windows. It is in DOS and the only color is black and white. no graphics, no pretties, no buttons to click on. You have to type commands to go anywhere...it takes some getting used to, but it was the way I learned w a y back when I first got into computers. No mouse, either. Some people, including our brave and handsome leader, Terry uses almost exclusively on Spring. He does no see my updating weather maps. All he sees is my command string which puts the image there. But, it sure has its uses. If there is a problem with my posts I can go in and see what I did wrong and why the graphic did not show up like it was supposed to do. I can then correct the problem in the next post...

Ditka, Staff Fired at New Orleans Saints NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) - New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson has decided to completely revamp his woeful team, firing general manager Bill Kuharich, coach Mike Ditka and his entire staff. Ditka, who guided New Orleans to a 15-33 mark over three seasons, including a 3-13 mark this season, was expected to meet with Benson on Thursday. Instead, the fiery Saints owner returned from vacation a day early and cleaned out the entire front office. The move was not unexpected as Benson promised ``major'' changes near the end of another dismal season. The team has gone seven straight seasons without a winning record and has never won a playoff game in its 33-year existence. ``I was grateful for the opportunity. I'm sorry it didn't work out. We tried and we didn't get it done,'' Ditka said. ``It surprised me. I thought we would get another year.'' Ditka was awarded a contract extension in August 1998 and was under contract through the 2002 campaign. He was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1988, three years after coaching a ferocious Chicago Bears team to a lopsided Super Bowl XX victory over the New England Patriots. Kuharich had been with the Saints since 1986 and was in his third season as to president-GM-chief operating officer. Kuharich and Ditka made the bold move of giving up a plethora of draft choices in order to get the chance to select Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams from Texas. But Williams struggled through an injury-plagued rookie season. ``When you bring Ricky Williams in and it doesn't work out, you have to be realistic,'' Ditka said. ``Life goes on.'' The 60-year-old Ditka retired in 1992 after 11 seasons with the Bears and took a four-year break as an NBC studio commentator before being lured back to the sidelines. As a player, he made the Pro Bowl five times between 1961-66 with Dallas. He earned a pair of Super Bowl rings with the* Cowboys, as a player in 1972 and as an assistant coach five years later.

The Saints bet everything on Ricky Williams, then he got hurt. And they didn't bother shelling out a measly million or so for a decent quarterback which they needed to give Ricky a shot. Look at Edgerin (sp?) James with the Colts, he had a great rookie year as a running back because the Colts had a passing game. Ricky had passing, a great blocking fullback (Ricky Brown), and a great offensive line at UT. He didn't get that at New Orleans.

You're right. I am curious what will happen is San Francisco with their salary cap, too aged and expensive players (Jerry Rice and Steve Young) and they seriously need players who gan get the job done. It should be interesting to watch. Then there is Green Bay...

I grew up in South Florida and was always a Dolphin fan, then a Dolphin and Buc fan and now that we live near Tampa, of course the Bucs are my favorite team at the present time. I was shocked that we beat the Redskins on Saturday. I have an email friend in DC and I had already typed out "Hail to the Redskins..." and was ready to send it! I also have a soft spot in my heart for the Steelers since we lived there for three years. But, my biggest question to all of you football fans is: What do you think is going to happen in Miami with the Dolphins? And, does anyone know if the Steelers will be better off without Tom Donohoe? My guess is that they are willing to take the chance and it's probably easier to get general manager than a good coach. I think Cowher would have been hired pretty quickly by someone. One of the things that I saw that the Steelers did wrong was to let all the free agents go. Pretty soon, the team was de leted of players. I guess things got very ugly there. Anyway... I'd love to read any and all opinions. Joe Theisman, on espn site, predicts a Titan win and would be very shocked if Tampa won. Barbara

oops.. make that depleted of players...

I sent a copy of your posts to my Hilo expert, John. I hope TB wins. Miami is beneath my contempt, thanks to Jimmy Johnson. I am not a big fan of his and when Dan Marino was QB for Pitt, he beat Penn State all the years he started. I just like them a little because they have O.J. McDuffy on the team.

As promised (hoped for, actually)From John Burnett: I have thoughts, but I don't have a crystal ball. My record as a sports prognosticator, quite frankly, stinks. That's why I don't bet, more than any moral outrage over the practice. Still, since my thoughts are just that--thoughts, and I have never been shy about what I think, here goes. Cowher is a fine coach and I'm glad Pittsburgh was willing to stick with him during a lean couple of years. If they get a good football person in the GM position, they will be glad they stuck with Cowher. I can't express how profoundly I admire Dan Marino and hate Jimmy Johnson, despite his record as a winner. Johnson, to me, is the perfect example of a "win at all costs" personality: sportsmanship and citizenship be damned, if need be. He consistently had unsportsmanlike and criminal behavior on his teams as U. of Miami's (Florida) head coach...won three Super Bowls in Dallas with a team that had a rap sheet longer than Capone's and would have put Lawrence Phillips and his well-documented problems with the law and society in general in the backfield if he thought he could control him. I think that Miami is at the cusp of a down cycle. Marino may play another year, but the Dolphins need to find younger talent, at quarterback and at key line positions, linebacker and in the defensive backfield. As for Tampa Bay. I love Tony Dungy. He was passed over many times for head coaching positions when he deserved a shot, mostly because he was black and partially because he comes across as cerebral rather than emotional. I think he has done wonders with this young ballclub. They are defense-minded, no surprise since Dungy is a career defensive coordinator with a great run at Pittsburgh. But I think they are still on the way up and this is not yet their year. Quarterback Shawn King is just a rookie, albeit a fine one and a diamond strike within a vein of tin. They have a bruiser of a back in Alstott. But I think Mr. Theismann is right. It looks like midnight for Cinderella at the fancy ball. St. Louis and Jacksonville look almost unstoppable at this point and I think it will be those two (featuring two guys--Kurt Warner and Mark Brunell--who were backup quarterbacks at Green Bay to Brett Favre)in the final cotillion.

Pumpkin time for Tampa Bay? How disappointing. Wait'll next year!!! Thanks, John...splendid job as usual. Must be great to have profundities pour out of your fingers every time you sit at the keyboard. You, my dear, are wired right!!!

Gosh, Marcia... more than I expected and great comments, John. I hate to be so personal in my feelings but I've always had a strong dislike for JJ since the year they beat us (the Seminoles) by stealing our plays. We are sure they did this. (The Gators also did this to us one year by having someone impersonate a student but don't ask me how JJ accomplished his!!!) I was really sorry to see him go to Miami and felt bad for Dan. I thought Don Shula had a much better plan and that was to take advantage f the talent he had rather than trying to fit the talent into a system the way JJ does. Also, John, what do you think of Kordell Stewart's chances of being the franchise QB? I really had high hopes for him and especially when Cowher kissed him on the sidelines, I thought the team was set. But, you know what happened in the last year and the year before wasn't so great either. Having not read all the press in Pittsburgh, I can't comment too thoroughly but I do believe that Cowher, who has a lovely family, was followed by rumors of affairs, etc. This was a horrible thing for that family to go through. He has two or three daughters who are adorable and a lovely wife. And, I read there were rumors about Kordell, also, similar to the gay rumors about Troy Aikman in Dallas. (noted in the book Hell Bent, by Skip Bayless) I'm glad to talk to another who appreciates Tony D. He is the best thing to ever hit Tampa and a great coach and man. Notice that he did get lots of criticism for not drafting Moss but then, after Moss squirts an official with a water bottle, I'm sure Tony is feeling that he did make the right decision. Plus, Dilfer couldn't get the ball to him, anyway, and we don't throw all that much. (which is frustrating for me because I do love the long passing game.) I'm glad you said "might" be the end for Tampa, because that's what I was thinking last week, and you really do never know. Remember, there is a reason they play the games!!! (I really think this is the end but I want to portray a positive image.) That's all I can think of for the moment!!!! Barbara

I kind of like hometown St. Louis chances this year.

From John Burnett I don't know what to think of Kordell Stewart. He's a great talent but outside of one good year has been inconsistent (the second coming of Neil O'Donnell). I'm not interested in rumors of sexual preference or infidelity...until someone has proof, rumors are just that. That stuff is for the tabloids. NFL and NBA players have fathered more children out of wedlock than all the sperm banks in America combined. They couldn't do it without willing partners. To me the only issue is once the babies are made, do they take care of them? If the answer is no, then you have a true character issue. Every coach and player in the league who is worth anything respects Tony Dungy. Not because there are no rumors. Because he is a great coach. As a media person, I found Shula haughty, condescending and almost inaccessible, but you can't argue with the results he had in 30 years of coaching...especially in 1972, which made up for being upset in the Super Bowl in 1970 with the Colts. A lot of media people would also give the same appraisal of Joe Paterno, who once quipped, "If I were to get a brain transplant, I'd want the donor to be a sportswriter. Then I'll know the brain has never been used." I don't have to like a person to respect him.

Joe Paterno really said that? I had not heard that, but John's word is Gospel truth to me, so I guess he did...*sigh*

Good for Joe Paterno. It really ticks me off when they sit up there telling what should have been done. Hindsight makes geniuses. Tony Dungy likes the players who are members of the Fellowhip Of Christian Athletes in which he is very active. Don't be too surprised if Sean pulls another one out of the hat. I just hope that Warren Sapp is ready to play.

Marcia, It sounds to me as though Joe P. was joking when he said that about the sport's writer's brain! I would certainly take it that way. John, if you don't mind telling, what kind of media person are or were you? I appreciate your comments. I hope Kordell can get his act together and be the qb that I had hoped he would be. I heard Don Shula on an interview on Sunshine Network Live talking about Dan Marino. He said he thought Dan would definitely remain a Dolphin and would not go to another team if he did indeed play next year. He is heavily rooting for the Bucs, of course, because his son Mike is offensive coordinator of the Bucs. I agree about the rumors but only mentioned them to show the kind of horrible pressures that athletes live with. (and all famous people for that matter.) At least that's what I was thinking when I mentioned them. I'm pretty excited about the games this week end. I hope the Bucs can play with the Rams and don't embarrass themselves by having a lousy game. I really can't make a prediction because my heart is too Buc oriented. Barbara

re Paterno of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Sorry! Could not help myself)He tends to be a dour sort. Whether it is from shyness or something else, he covers it with bruskness and Brooklyn attitude. I would hope he was kidding. John is amongst many things a peerless sports play-by-play man and a writer of rare skill on all thing, but particularly on sports. He has coached and he has participated in sports on many levels (This is necessarily brief just in case he has the time to fill in the gaps I am l aving.)

John Sez Joe Paterno's a great coach. The record speaks for itself. And he's certainly not alone in not liking or at least being uncomfortable around the media. I don't know what his real personality is like. He doesn't show it to the media. Maybe he's a robot. He hasn't aged in 30 years. Of course, we in the media have our own robot: Dick Clark.

John: I'm sure the sportswriter comment was a joke. He is definitely not comfortable with the media, though and will speak to very few. At least he isn't as openly hostile as Bobby Knight or Bob Huggins are.

Bobby Knight. What can I say? I'm sure he's a great coach but as a person... Yuck. Would it have been so hard for him to say something diplomatic about the Steve Alford situation? (I guess so!) IT's sad to me that this is a man so universally admired by so many. Barbara

This might be of interest to Buc fans and to Dolphin fans. There's some speculation about Dan Marino. http://www.sptimes.com/News/011700/Sports/Bucs_fortunate_JJ_sai.shtml Barbara

So, Terry, what is the St. Louis Rams fight song like? (This is in case I have to sing it for you if the Rams win.) Barbara

Interesting sports page with great links. Thanks for posting it. Please don't even think of learning the Ram's fight song...not till after this weekend, anyway! Don't wanna jinx them, huh!

Marcia, Last week, I had Hail to the Redskins all typed out and ready to send to a friend of mine in D.C... So, I was really thinking that if I had the words to the Rams song and could type them in an email, ready to go, then, it just might bring the Bucs the good luck that they are surely going to need! Barbara

Yup! I know the feeling...Hail to the Redskins is the only fight song of a pro team I do know...but it is irrelevant this year. I cannot think of how any of the others sound! Only 24 hours to wait...and I am gonna be up to my ears in rain trying to watch opening day for the UHHilo Softball season. Bring SCUBA and wetsuit!

Speaking of fight songs... here's one I know. Miami Dolphins, Miami Dolphins, Miami Dolphins, Number One... (lots of other words follow... leading up to.... So, when you say "Miami" You're talking Super Bowl... This song was very popular during the undefeated 1972 season and I was totally shocked to hear the same song sung by the... Houston Oilers... with different words, mind you, but the same tune and song. It's cold here in Tampa Bay and I have the heat on. Have a good at the baseball field and give us a report when you get back. Barbara

I don't know the Rams fight song, the Bucs are going to need not only luck but defense, they're going to pit their best defense in football against the best offense. This may be the big game of the year, moreso than the Superbowl.

The semifinal game being better than the Superbowl will not be new to me. It seems it has been that way for about 10 or more years!

The Jacksonville and Titan game should be an interesting one, also. It will be something if the Titans can pull off another win. Sometimes, one team just has another team's number and is able to beat them. Jacksonville was usually able to beat the Steelers every time. That was annoying to me, since it ocurred when we were in PA rooting for PA. The Titans came to Tampa Bay last season and beat us badly. We just could not stop Eddie George and I don't remember the score, but I know it was decisive victory for them and painful for me to watch. This should be a great football day. Good luck to all the teams and may the best teams win!!!! Barbara

...on any given Sunday... I am sure this will be the best football day of them all as far as NFL goes. Have your bean dip shaped football and munchies all ready? Tall cool ones on ice? I am still wondering what to have for breakfast when all of that other more papatable food is sitting there waiting for my consumption of same. The teams who want it the most will win. I just hope none of them are blow-outs. Cheers, and the best team Will win - or they are not the best team...*grin*

Ok, now who're you gonna root for next week? It's the last football game of the year, so we hafta watch...It's the last fix we get till the Hall of Fame game in August or the Kickoff Classic.

Well, they were not blow-outs...they were boring. Too bad the most important one had to hinge on a dubious call.

St. Louis, my hometown.

I thought it was Springfield. OK, Lets root for Terry's team (even though it does not pass the PSDU test. But, neither does Tennessee...)

A new arrival in Hell was brought before the devil. The devil told his demon to put the man to work on a rock pile with a 20-pound sledgehammer in 95-degree heat with 95% humidity. At the end of the day, the devil went to see how the man was doing, only to find him smiling and singing as he pounded rocks. The man explained that the heat and hard labor were very similar to those on his beloved farm back in Tennessee. The devil told his demon to turn up the heat to 120 degrees, with 100% humidity. At the end of the next day, the devil again checked on the new man, and found him still happy to be sweating and straining. The man explained that it felt like the old days, when he had to clean out his silo in the middle of August on his beloved farm back in Tennessee. At that, the devil told his demon to lower the temperature for this man to -20 degrees with a 40-mph wind. At the end of the next day, the devil was confident that he would find the man miserable. But, the man was instead singing louder than ever, twirling the sledgehammer like a baton. When the devil asked him why he was so happy, the man answered, "It's a cold day in Hell! The Titans must be going to the Super Bowl!

Congratulations, Terry. I would sing the Rams fight song for you if you or I knew the words!!! Barbara :)

New York Jets Name Al Groh As Coach HEMPSTEAD, New York (Reuters) - Al Groh has spent a good portion of his career following Bill Parcells. He now follows Parcells as the coach of the New York Jets. Unable to convince Parcells to remain on the sidelines, new Jets owner Robert Wood Johnson IV today named Groh, a 55-year-old Long Island native, as the 14th coach in franchise history. Groh, a linebackers coach the last three seasons, received a four-year contract at undisclosed terms to face the enticing yet daunting task of following Parcells, his close friend who took two different teams to the Super Bowl. The only previous head coaching experience for Groh came at Wake Forest from 1981-86, when he compiled a 26-40 record. Groh was linebackers coach for Parcells with the New York Giants in 1989 and 1990, a term that included a Super Bowl victory. He was defensive coordinator for the Giants under Ray Handley in 1991 after Parcells retired for the first time. In 1992, Groh was an assistant under Belichick in Cleveland before being reunited with Parcells in a four-year run as an assistant with the New England Patriots. When Parcells took over the Jets in 1997, Groh came along. Groh was raised in Manhasset, New York a short drive from the Jets' training complex and has had a transient career that included 12 stops in 32 years. His son, Matt, was a quarterback at Princeton last fall. Groh inherits a team that won seven of its last nine games and will be considered a possible Super Bowl contender with the return of quarterback Vinny Testaverde from a torn Achilles tendon. While he will seek Parcells' advise, he left no doubt who will be in charge.

Chiefs Linebacker Thomas Suffers Fractured Spine KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Reuters) - Kansas City Chiefs star linebacker Derrick Thomas, who suffered two spinal fractures after a car accident on Sunday but was in good condition, will be moved to a Florida hospital for treatment, hospital and team officials said on Monday. ``They will be transporting him later today to Miami,'' said Liberty Hospital spokeswoman Mary Cummings. ``He does have two fractures in his spine, but he is in good condition.'' Cummings said doctors did not know ``to what degree and how permanent'' the partial paralysis is for the nine-time NFL Pro Bowl player. Chiefs' president Carl Peterson and team physicians met with Thomas and his family in making the decision to move him out of Kansas City, Cummings said. Thomas, 33, will be transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, which has a worldwide reputation for the treatment of spinal injuries, team officials said. Team physician Jon Browne said Thomas has ``some neurological impairment, which has continued to evolve'' but has good use of his upper extremities and his upper chest area. Thomas was injured and a friend was killed when a sudden winter storm hit the Kansas City area while he was driving. He lost control of his sports-utility vehicle when it slid on a patch of icy roadway, struck the median and rolled several times, according to Missouri Highway Patrol spokesman John Hotz. Thomas and Michael Tellis, a friend and former business partner, were ejected from the vehicle. Tellis died at the scene. Neither Thomas nor Tellis was wearing a seat belt, the highway patrol said. A third passenger who was wearing a seat belt was slightly injured.

When will people learn to use seat belts? If my long time friends hadn't been wearing them this fall they would both be dead. As it is they are still nursing broken ribs, which take forever to heal. I will be pulling for the Rams. That way I can say that the Buc's were beaten by the best. It was a good game though. I think a lot of people were surprised that the Rams were held to so few points. The Buc's need a better offensive line. I don't know if Jason Odom will be back or not but I hope so.

Wait til the draft and all the trades sort themselves out. Next year and in the following years I think TB will be very hard to beat. Go Rams!!!

The papers are talking about lots of changes in Tampa Bay. I hear rumors but don't know many details. One thing Mike Alstott said on his radio show yesterday was that they play as a team and lose as a team and the offense and defense don't blame each other. This is good and shows what a great coach Tony is. Hopefully, he can make the changes that need to be made and get the players we need to be more competitive. I'm rooting for the Titans in the big game. Sorry, Terry and Marcia, and Lucy... Get the words to that Ram fight song, ready though! Barbara

Here is the Penn State contribution to the NFL http://www.psu.edu/sports/football/history/psunfl.html I note that there are two in TBm Tyoka Jackson and Reggie Givens We have on Tennessee Titans: Mike Archie and Terry Killens There is not one single PSU player on the entire Rams roster. Guess you know what is going on inside my head, but the best team WILL win.

Mike should take some lessons on how to hold on to the ball. How many time did he fumble right at the goal line. I really like Warrick Dunn. He is raising 5 brothers and sisters on his own plus helping low income families get homes by making the down payments on the houses.

Yup! Mile needs pine tar or whatever stickum to make the ball stay in his hands! It is going to be interesting to see Warrick Dunn mature as a player. He can really make a big difference in the world as well as on the field!

I love Warrick Dunn. He's been a favorite of mine since his days at FSU. A funny coincidence but it was Doug Williams who brought Warrick to Bobby Bowden's attention and then, Warrick roomed with Charlie Ward at FSU. It's so sad that his mother was killed when he was so young but he has been such a fine young man. Whenever he gets the ball, I close my eyes and hope no one hurts him. (I know I miss some game action that way, but I can't help it.) It's still a little painful for me to watch the Super Bowl hype and I'm glad it's just one week long. Barbara

Just checked a web site wfts.com and it reports that the Bucs have chosen not to keep Dilfer and he is now a free agent. Barbara

Hate to post a hundred times... but I just read something about Anthony Dorsett. He played at Pitt when we were in Johnstown. Marcia, I'm sure you remember the year the game between Pitt and Penn State was a scoring match and ended with a win by Penn State, of course. Pitt was so lousy but Anthony was one good player. Now he's with the Titans. I hate to admit this, Marcia, but I did root for Pitt only because they were the underdogs and needed a fan more than Penn State did!!! Barbara

Hey, where is it written that you can't root for the team you want to win. This is America and all is forgiven! Pitt was our nemesis when I was there. They beat us consistenetly and thoroughly...which is why I am not a huge fan of Dan Marino even though he deserves better, and really don't like Bear Bryant or Jackie Sherrill. OK how attack me in St Bear's defense... I remember Tony Dorset when he pronounced it DORset...

Oh, if it makes you feel any better, by good buddy John once bet against Penn State and lost. He never bet again!

I'm not a betting person. Once, one of the bag boys at Publix, where I shopped during the Wide right fiascos when FSU kept losing to Miami, bet his whole salary that FSU would lose. Well, I told him not to do it, but would he listen? Nooooo. So, that was one of the years we beat them. I'd never bet against Penn State. There's just too much winning tradition there. Hugs, Barbara

Regarding betting against Penn State, John told me he never would again as he lost the one time he did! I am also not a betting person, and I am never sure about PSU until the game is over. We seem to play our worst when the gods of football and everyone on TV can watch us do it! Why is it I feel responsible for their poor performances?!

Goodbye NFL 97, 98 and 99. Hello NFL 2000.

Excellent! Lots going on pre-draft-wise. Should be a very interesting off-season.

Missing posts from Lucie: Response 73 of 76: Lucille Oftedahl (alyeska) * Mon, Jan 31, 2000 (21:29) * 4 lines I really thought the Titans were going to pull off a miracle. This was the best Super Bowl game in many years. Dante Culpepper was born in prison where his mother is serving time. He was adopted by a little lady who gave him a strict religeous upbringing, keeping him on the straight and narrow. She worked to get him into college and he gives her credit for everything he has accomplished. None of the bigger schools were interested in him when he was seeking a scolarship but when he started setting records at UCF a lot of them tried to get him to change schools. He stayed with UCF because he said his mother had taug t him the meaning of loyality and UCF was the school who gave him his chance. Response 74 of 76: Marcia (MarciaH) * Tue, Feb 1, 2000 (11:33) * 1 lines Wow! Thanks for posting that, Lucie. This Superbowl is fraught with human-interest (there is an animal interest category?) stories. I am impressed with this man! Response 75 of 76: Lucille Oftedahl (alyeska) * Tue, Feb 1, 2000 (20:48) * 1 lines His adopted mother is in her eighties now and has arthritis pretty bad but he make sure she is there when he wins an award or anthing else important in his life.

Bad news for the Minnesota Vikings? VonAppen hired by Vikings Star-Bulletin staff and wire Former University of Hawaii head coach Fred vonAppen was named defensive line coach of the Minnesota Vikings today. VonAppen, who coached the Rainbows from 1996-1998, replaces Andre Patterson, who took a similar position with the Dallas Cowboys. VonAppen coached with Vikings head coach Dennis Green when the two of them were with the San Francisco 49ers. VonAppen was the 49ers defensive line coach from 1983-86, during which time the team won a Super Bowl. VonAppen was 5-31 as head coach of the Rainbows. He spent this past season as a volunteer assistant at the University of Washington.

Any thoughts on this new "Football" League? Expect the worst from WWF's football By Dave Kindred - The Sporting News Here I am, at the dawn of a new millennium, thinking thoughts unthought by any thinker of the old millennium. I'm thinking of Chief Sleazoid Vince McMahon and his World Wrestling Federation's announcement that it will create, in the winter of 2001, a professional football league to be called the XFL, as in Xtreme, Xciting and Xplosive. Personally, I would consider the XFL to be Xcruciating, Xpendable and Xcreta. But it's also inevitable, so we might as well deal with it. It's inevitable because for a decade now the major league sports of football, baseball and basketball have been making the games themselves marginal, selling the Xperience as much as the competition. More and more, my feeling is, the competition itself is sold as secondary to the Xperience. The next step would be to render the games absolutely inconsequential. Now comes the WWF to do just that. "Wherrrre's myyyy fooootballllll?" McMahon moaned shortly after Super Bowl XXXIV left the stage. His press-conference act included a call for "smash-mouth, wide-open football." And he promised, in his most pandering way, that his XFL would "give the fans what they want." His idea of what football fans want, I presume, would be that they want a show, not a sports contest. They'd want the same stuff that McMahon has used to make a silly little regional rasslin' organization into a billion-dollar marketing phenomenon. That stuff would be sex, sadism, violence, racism and homophobia. The scary thing is, it might just work sensationally. By the time the XFL loads its rosters with the NFL's leftovers, the quality of football will be poor. But McMahon's shows have never been about quality; they're cartoons that allow customers to see their fears, prejudices and darkest passions acted out in public. There's an insatiable audience for such stuff; it's just never been sold to an audience as a legitimate sports event. I am reminded of a 1970s movie called "Rollerball." Set in the early decades of the 21st century, the movie transformed the rasslin'-like shtick of Roller Derby into mayhem involving knives, razors and other cutting tools with rules allowing/demanding the ultimate penalty, death. Maybe the XFL will institute capital punishment for kickers who miss field-goal attempts to win in the last second. Heaven knows, many an NFL fan has wanted just that.

I know this isn't the NFL - but at this time of year it will have to do: Arena League Back; Players to Act As Bargaining Unit CHICAGO (Reuters) - The Arena Football League is back in business. Six days after canceling the 2000 season, the league today was notified that an overwhelming majority of players have given the Arena Football League Players' Organization Committee authorization to act as their exclusive collective bargaining unit. Owners had decided to counter the potential formation of a players union by canceling the season. ``We want to thank all of our fans, sponsors and other business partners for their support,'' said Commissioner David Baker. ``The players have spoken, the owners have responded and the fans have won.'' Last week's news demolished the high-paced, indoor league that became even more of an intrigue this season with the emergence of Kurt Warner, who went from Iowa Barnstormers star to NFL hero. Warner was named Most Valuable Player of the NFL and Super Bowl this past season. Arena League training camps will open March 19. The regular season will begin April 13 with a game between the defending champion Albany Firebirds and Nashville Kats televised live on TNN. ``After the tremendous exposure provided by the NFL and Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner, a former Iowa Barnstormer, and the 42 other Arena Football League participants who contributed to the NFL this past year, we expect the 2000 Arena Football season to be the greatest ever,'' Baker said. In a drastic move aimed at countering the players' request to have Local 781 of the Teamsters in Chicago act as their exclusive bargaining representative, league officials wiped out the upcoming campaign on Thursday. On February 4, Arena players filed a class action lawsuit against the league in U.S. District Court in Newark, New Jersey. The suit alleged the league violated antitrust laws by conspiring to keep down salaries. The average salary in the Arena League is roughly $30,000. The suit also alleged the league had no players association or year-round health insurance. Early reports had nearly half of the league's 640 players seeking union representation. With today's news, Arena Football will have two leagues in action this season, with the 16-team minor league, arenafootball2, still scheduled to begin play this year.

Monday Night Football begins overhaul HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Former NBC West Coast president Don Ohlmeyer is returning to his sports broadcasting roots, signing a two-year, seven-figure deal to serve as executive producer of ABC's ``Monday Night Football.'' Ohlmeyer cut his producing teeth on ``MNF'' in 1972-77, serving as producer of the broadcast for several seasons during the legendary era of announcers Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford and Don Meredith. In addition, ABC has sacked ``MNF'' commentator Boomer Esiason after just two seasons, with producer Ken Wolfe and director Craig Janoff also getting pinkslips. The pigskin franchise, which has suffered steady ratings erosion in recent years, will undergo a radical overhaul under Ohlmeyer. ABC Sports president Howard Katz announced the changes late Tuesday. He did not say who would replace Esiason. Play-by-play announcer Al Michaels will remain with the broadcast. Since assuming control of ABC Sports last year, Katz has been on a mission to restore the ABC Sports brand identity to its former glory. In the years following Disney's purchase of ABC, execs had tried to turn the sports unit into an offshoot of Mouse-owned sports cable network ESPN. In an interview with Daily Variety, Ohlmeyer said his job would be to make ``MNF'' a weekly big-ticket broadcast. ``Can you make 'Monday Night Football' something that has more impact than just another football game?'' he asked rhetorically. ``I don't know, but that's what the challenge is.'' Ohlmeyer declined to say who might get the Esiason gig or what other changes might be in the works. He did indicate his intent was not to simply go retro. ``We can't bring Howard (Cossell) back from the grave,'' he said, ``and we can't bring Don (Meredith) back from Santa Fe.'' ``MNF'' had its worst Nielsen numbers ever last season, averaging a 13.7 household rating, down a tad from the year before. Sports industry analysts have already speculated that ABC may attempt to woo former Jets coach Bill Parcells or newly retired Jimmy Johnson into the broadcast booth. John Elway and Steve Young have also been mentioned as candidates. ABC approached Ohlmeyer about returning late last year, but he initially resisted. He ultimately came around, and a deal to bring him back was worked out relatively quickly, insiders said. Ohlmeyer handed over his NBC West Coast president reins to Scott Sassa last June.

NFL NEWS - Friday, March 10, 2000 ----------------------------------------------------------- IN THIS ISSUE: 1. Marino Offered Minnesota's Starting QB Job 2. Jets Considering Trading Keyshawn Johnson 3. Trent Dilfer Lands In Baltimore 4. This Week's Transactions +------ Marino Offered Minnesota's Starting QB Job ------+ MINNEAPOLIS - Dan Marino was offered Minnesota's starting quarterback job last week in talks with Vikings coach Dennis Green, according to broadcast reports. ESPN and Fox Sports Net, citing unidentified sources, said Sunday night Green assured the former Miami Dolphins star he would be the starter. Marino, who has not attracted much interest from other teams, also is considering retirement. The 38-year-old quarterback, the NFL's career leading passer, became a free agent last month after voiding his contract with Miami. Minnesota has decided not to re-sign starter Jeff George, and plans to release Randall Cunningham. The Vikings are hesitant to hand over the starting job to Daunte Culpepper, the team's No. 1 draft pick last year. +------- Jets Considering Trading Keyshawn Johnson -------+ NEW YORK - The New York Jets are considering trading Pro Bowl receiver Keyshawn Johnson and have talked to the Baltimore Ravens about acquiring the fifth pick in the upcoming draft. A source familiar with the talks told The Associated Press Monday night that the Jets want Atlanta's first-round pick, fifth overall, which the Ravens own, plus a player or another draft pick. The Ravens have spoken with several teams about the No. 5 choice. New York already owns the 16th and 18th overall choices and is eager to deal into the top three should they obtain the fifth spot. +------------ Trent Dilfer Lands In Baltimore -----------+ BALTIMORE - After six years, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost faith in the abilities of Trent Dilfer this offseason but late Wednesday the veteran NFL quarterback got a chance to revive his career when, according to various published and broadcast reports, he was signed to a one-year, $1 million contract by the Baltimore Ravens. USA Today reported the deal included a $550,000 signing bonus. He understands as he joins his new team that he will be first and foremost the backup to Tony Banks. The Ravens did not confirm his signing. Ironically, Dilfer basically has traded places with Eric Zeier, the Ravens' former No. 2 signal-caller, who is now the backup for the Buccaneers. Dilfer's days in Tampa Bay basically ended when he suffered a broken collarbone in the Buccaneers' 16-3 win at Seattle Nov. 28 and was replaced by Shawn King. He became an unre- stricted free agent this offseason when the Bucs decided not exercise their option on the final two years of his contract, worth an estimated $4.6 million. *.*.*.*.* This Week's Transactions *.*.*.*.* Chicago Bears -- Agreed to terms with free agent safety Shawn Wooden, who had been with the Miami Dolphins, on a three-year, $3.6 million contract. Cincinnati Bengals -- Signed free agent safety Darryl Williams, who had been with Cincinnati Bengals, to a three-year contract. Denver Broncos -- Signed unrestricted free agent quarterback Gus Frerotte, who had been with the Detroit Lions; acquired safety Billy Jenkins from the St. Louis Rams for future considerations; waived safety Darrius Johnson. Green Bay Packers -- Named Darrell Bevell offensive assistant for quality control. Kansas City Chiefs -- Signed wide receivers Scott Cloman, Kirby Dar Dar, quarterbacks Marcus Crandell and Bill Lindquist, fullbacks Chris Gall and Vershan Jackson, punter Nick Gallery, centers Grant Garrett and Brian Waters, cornerback Ray Jackson, guard Rob Murphy, tight end Melvin Pearsall, linebackers Tim Terry and Jason Toren, and guard Donald Willis. Miami Dolphins -- Signed running back Thurman Thomas to a three-year contract; acquired punter Matt Turk from the Washington Redskins for a seventh-round pick in 2001. Minnesota Vikings -- Re-signed fullback Harold Morrow; signed cornerback Paul Bradford. New England Patriots -- Released cornerback Corey Ivey. New Orleans Saints -- Signed center Jason McEndoo and wide receiver Robert Wilson to one-year contracts. New York Jets -- Announced the retirement of offensive lineman John Elliott. Philadelphia Eagles -- Signed unrestricted free agent fullback Stanley Pritchett, who had been with the Miami Dolphins, to a four-year contract; re-signed defensive tackle Kelly Gregg to a one-year contract. San Diego Chargers -- Re-signed unrestricted free agent cornerback Darryll Lewis to a two-year contract; released running back Natrone Means; re-signed unrestricted free agent punter Darren Bennett. Tennessee Titans -- Named Mike Heimerdinger offensive coordinator; promoted George Henshaw to assistant head coach-offense.

When did it stop being a game?! Three Suspended Under NFL's Anti-Violence Policy NEW YORK (Reuters) - Facing a growing public relations problem with off-the-field violence, the NFL suspended three players two games apiece under the league's new anti-crime policy. Guard Matt O'Dwyer and recently retired tackle Jumbo Elliott were each suspended without pay for the first two games of the 2000 season for their involvement in a bar fight last July. Both were members of the New York Jets when the incident occurred, although O'Dwyer signed with the Cincinnati Bengals before the 1999 season. O'Dwyer pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and third-degree assault and was sentenced to probation. Elliott pleaded guilty to harassment and disorderly conduct and was sentenced to community service. Jets tackle Jason Fabini, who was also involved in the fight, was fined $14,000 by the NFL, the equivalent of his salary for one game. Denard Walker, the starting left cornerback for the AFC champion Tennessee Titans, was also suspended without pay for the first two games after pleading guilty to assault on the mother of his son. He was sentenced to probation. The suspensions and fines come after the NFL has come under fire for off-the-field violence involving players. Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and former Carolina Panthers receiver Rae Carruth are facing murder charges.

The NFL pays millions of bucks to field some of the hardest, meanest, most aggressive men in America. It can't be surprising if not all of them change characters completely every time the gun goes off (to end the game).

True...especially when they have been taking "supplements" which increase aggression along with bulk. I think no one is surprised. Is the NFL the only macho group fighting this problem?

NFL NEWS - Friday, March 17, 2000 ------------------------------------------------------------ IN THIS ISSUE: 1. Dan Marino Retires After 17 Years 2. NFL Suspends Four Players 3. Witness Provides Evidence in Ray Lewis Case 4. This Week's Transactions +-------- Dan Marino Retires After 17 Years --------+ DAVIE, Fla. - Dan Marino retired Monday after 17 years as quarterback of the Miami Dolphins. "I'm going to miss it," Marino said, struggling to keep his composure at a news conference. "I'm going to miss everything about it." The 38-year-old Marino wanted to go out like John Elway and retire as a Super Bowl champion. But after parting ways with the Dolphins, he reluctantly rejected an offer to play this year for the Minnesota Vikings. Marino's wife, children, parents and former coach Don Shula were with him for the news conference in the team meeting room - the same location used for departure speeches by Shula and Jimmy Johnson. "This is a day of celebration of a great career," Shula said. Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga said the Dolphins will retire No. 13, build a statue for Marino and name a street after him near their stadium. +--------------- NFL Suspends Four Players ---------------+ NEW YORK - In the wake of growing public relations problems with off-the-field violence, the NFL late Tuesday announced the suspensions of three players for two games apiece under the league's new anti-crime policy. Guard Matt O'Dwyer and recently-retired tackle Jumbo Elliott were each suspended without pay for the first two games of the 2000 season for their involvement in a bar fight last July. Both were members of the New York Jets when the incident occurred, although O'Dwyer signed with the Cincinnati Bengals before the 1999 season. Jets tackle Jason Fabini, who was also involved in the fight, was fined $14,000 by the NFL, the equivalent of his salary for one game. Denard Walker, the starting left cornerback for the AFC champion Tennessee Titans, was also suspended without pay for the first two games after pleading guilty to assault on the mother of his son. He was sentenced to probation. The suspensions and fines are a response to off-the-field violence involving players in recent months. Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Rae Carruth currently are facing murder charges. ---------------------------------------------------------- +------ Witness Provides Evidence in Ray Lewis Case ------+ BALTIMORE - A witness to the brawl that led to murder and assault charges against Ray Lewis has given police clothing that Lewis was wearing when two men were stabbed to death outside an Atlanta nightclub, a newspaper reported Thursday. Jessica Robertson had stored the clothing, which police had been seeking since the day of the killings in Atlanta, The (Baltimore) Sun reported, quoting unidentified sources. Robertson turned the clothing over to Fulton County District Attorney's investigators Monday after receiving a grant of immunity shielding her from charges, such as evidence tampering, that she might have faced for having kept or transported the clothes, The Sun reported. Lewis and two co-defendants have been charged with assault and murder stemming from the Jan. 31 fight outside an Atlanta nightclub. ------------------------------------------------------------ *.*.*.*.* This Week's Transactions *.*.*.*.* Cincinnati Bengals -- Re-signed defensive tackle Andre Purvis to a one-year contract. Denver Broncos -- Named Karl Dorrell wide receivers coach. Miami Dolphins -- Quarterback Dan Marino announced his retirement. Minnesota Vikings -- Signed free agent defensive end Fernando Smith, who had been with the Baltimore Ravens; re-signed running back Moe Williams. New England Patriots -- Re-signed free agent offensive tackle Ed Ellis and wide receiver Sean Morey and assigned both to Barcelona of NFL Europe; signed linebacker John Munch; withdrew their tender offer to cornerback Terry Billups. New Orleans Saints -- Named Pat Mondock eastern scouting supervisor, Mickey Loomis director of football administration and Omar Khan football operations-coaching assistant. New York Jets -- Promoted Mike Tannenbaum to director of player development-contract negotiations. Philadelphia Eagles -- Re-signed defensive end Al Wallace and tight end Kaseem Sinceno to one-year contracts; signed free agent center-guard Eugene Chung to a two-year contract; acquired tight end Jeff Thomason from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for tight end Kaseem Sinceno. St. Louis Rams -- Agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Sean Moran, who had been with the Buffalo Bills. San Diego Chargers -- Re-signed linebacker Gerald Dixon to a two-year contract. Seattle Seahawks -- Signed quarterback Jon Kitna to his tender offer. Tennessee Titans -- Elevated Jim Schwartz to linebackers coach; named Craig Johnson offensive quality control coach and Ronnie Vinklarek defensive quality control coach.

NFL NEWS - Friday, March 24, 2000 +------ Criminal Charges Dropped Against Ray Lewis ------+ BALTIMORE - Veteran middle linebacker Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens, currently facing charges in a high- profile murder case in Atlanta, Wednesday got a break on his home turf when assault charges against him were dropped. The Baltimore Sun reported that a letter written to attorneys in the case by Howard B. Merker, the deputy state's attorney in Baltimore County, led to the decision to drop the second-degree assault charge against Lewis. Upon hearing of Wednesday's decision, the Ravens quickly released a public statement. "After a full investigation of the allegations made against Ray Lewis regarding the alleged incident, we have been advised that the Maryland State's Attorney office, in its wisdom, has decided not to pursue the case. This is an indication that things are often not what they appear to be at first look," the team statement said. "We continue to appreciate and have confidence in the due process that was completed by Baltimore County Police and the State's Attorney office." 24-year-old Catrice Parker had accused the All-Pro linebacker of hitting her and knocking her down while making his way through a crowd of people at a bar. Lewis had claimed he was attempting to protect himself after he was recognized and goaded by some people in the crowd. +----------- Jets Won't Trade Keyshawn Johnson -----------+ HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - Keyshawn Johnson no longer is on the trading block. New York Jets coach Al Groh said Tuesday the team no longer is considering dealing its leading receiver, generally considered the Jets' best player. "While there has been considerable speculation about the possibility of trading Keyshawn, the Jets will not entertain any trade offers at this time," Groh said. Johnson, through agent Jerome Stanley, has expressed his dissatisfaction with his contract, which has two years to run at less than $2 million per season. The two-time Pro Bowl receiver believes that is far under market value-- Stanley has cited the seven-year, $42 million deal Joey Galloway signed with Dallas. +------------- Raiders Sign Anthony Dorsett -------------+ OAKLAND, CA -- The Oakland Raiders shored up their secondary Tuesday by signing unrestricted free agent defensive back Anthony Dorsett. Dorsett, 26, played in all 16 games for the Tennessee Titans last season, starting two games. His biggest start came in Super Bowl XXXIV against the St. Louis Rams, when he filled in at safety for Marcus Robertson and shared the team lead with five tackles in a 23-16 loss. The 5-11, 200-pound Dorsett was named as alternate to the Pro Bowl last season after placing among the league leaders in special team tackles with 17 and a blocked punt. In the Titans' base defense, he had 11 tackles and one interception. *.*.*.*.* This Week's Transactions *.*.*.*.* Atlanta Falcons -- Signed free agent guard Anthony Redmon, who had been with the Carolina Panthers. Carolina Panthers -- Agreed to terms with free agent linebacker Lee Woodall, who had been with the San Francisco 49ers; re-signed free agent defensive tackle Tim Morabito. Chicago Bears -- Signed quarterbacks Clint Dolezel and Mark Hartsell to one-year contracts. Cincinnati Bengals -- Re-signed guard-center Brock Gutierrez to a one-year contract. Denver Broncos -- Re-signed free agent offensive lineman K.C. Jones. Kansas City Chiefs -- Re-signed guard Jeff Smith to a three- year contract. Miami Dolphins -- Signed free agent tight end Rich O'Donnell to a two-year contract; signed free agent running back Lamar Smith, who had been with the New Orleans Saints, to a two-year contract; re-signed safety Calvin Jackson to a two-year contract. New England Patriots -- Signed unrestricted free agent tackle Grant Williams, who had been with the Seattle Seahawks, to a two-year contract; withdrew their tender to linebacker Vernon Crawford. New Orleans Saints -- Named Mark Norelli director of ticket sales. New York Jets -- Signed free agent defensive tackle Shane Burton, who had been with the Chicago Bears; promoted scouts JoTo Wooden and Brian Gaine to the pro player development department. Oakland Raiders -- Signed free agent defensive back Anthony Dorsett, who had been with the Tennessee Titans. Philadelphia Eagles -- Re-signed tight end Chad Lewis. Seattle Seahawks -- Signed free agent center Robbie Tobeck and re-signed tight end Deems May and center Greg Bloedorn. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Re-signed tight end Dave Moore.

Instant Replay, Conduct on Table at NFL Meetings PALM BEACH, Fla. (Reuters) - A vote on instant replay and a new policy on off-the-field conduct are the main topics at the NFL annual meetings this week. The NFL competition committee recently voted 6-1 to present instant replay as it was conducted last year with a challenge system for a vote at the meetings. In order for replay to survive, 24 of the 31 teams would have to vote for it. A year ago, replay was brought back by an overwhelming 28-3 vote, with the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals the only dissenters. Facing a growing public relations problem with off-the-field violence, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue will hold a panel discussion with coaches Mike Holmgren of Seattle, Tony Dungy of Tampa Bay and Brian Billick of Baltimore on Wednesday. The issue has taken on a sense of urgency following the murder charges against receiver Rae Carruth of Carolina and linebacker Ray Lewis of Baltimore. The NFL recently suspended three players two games apiece under the league's anti-crime policy. Guard Matt O'Dwyer and recently retired tackle Jumbo Elliott were each suspended without pay for the first two games of the 2000 season for their involvement in a bar fight last July. Denard Walker, the starting left cornerback for the AFC champion Tennessee Titans, was also suspended without pay for the first two games after pleading guilty to assault on the mother of his son. The league is also expected to discuss realignment and a new eight-division format for 2002.

NFL NEWS - Friday, March 31, 2000 +----------- NFL Meetings Held--No Changes -----------+ WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- NFL owners decided Wednesday they had finally come up with a replay system that works and overwhelmingly voted to retain it. Needing approval from 24 of the 31 owners, the system received support from 28. Owners also voted to establish the NFL Internet Network, giving NFL.com and individual club sites a chance to grow. Among the pooled resources -- current and future -- will be game highlights, links, game-day applications, radio broadcasts, advertising, commerce, auctions and photos. Facing the growing public relations problem of off-the- field violence, Tagliabue held a panel discussion with coaches Mike Holmgren of Seattle, Tony Dungy of Tampa Bay and Brian Billick of Baltimore. The issue took on a sense of urgency following the filing of murder charges against receiver Rae Carruth of Carolina and linebacker Ray Lewis of Baltimore. +----------- Modell Sells Interest In Ravens -----------+ PALM BEACH, FL -- At the annual NFL winter meetings Monday, his fellow owners officially approved the sale of 49 percent of Art Modell's Baltimore Ravens to Stephen Bisciotti for $275 million. Bisciotti, a Baltimore businessman, has an option to buy Modell's controlling interest in 2004. Modell, who has had financial trouble since moving the franchise from Cleveland after the 1995 season, made the deal with Bisciotti in January, subject to league approval. "I would call (the sale) a two-fold purpose," Modell said. "It's an emotional meltdown for me. You just don't walk away after 40 years. Also, the Ravens are on the cusp of being a very good team and I want one more shot at the big enchilada." Bisciotti also was happy with the transitional deal. "Art desired to stay on and I desired to stay in the background," he said. +----------- Broncos Release Bubby Brister -----------+ ENGLEWOOD, CO -- Veteran Denver Broncos quarterback Bubby Brister, who was beaten out for a starting job last season by Brian Griese, was released Wednesday. Brister, 37, headed to training camp as the heir apparent in Denver to the retired John Elway, but performed poorly in the exhibition games and lost his job to Griese, a second-year player. His stock plummeted last season and he spent most of the year on the bench, appearing in just two games. Brister clearly had no future in Denver after the Broncos signed free agent quarterback Gus Frerotte, who is expected to battle with Griese for the starting spot. Brister is the second veteran quarterback to leave the Broncos in the last three months. Frequently injured Chris Miller retired on Jan. 3, the day after the regular season ended, not wanting to risk another concussion. Brister, who has expressed a desire to hook up with another team, has played in 97 games in a 13-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets and Broncos. +----------- Carruth Wanted Girlfriend Beaten -----------+ CHARLOTTE, NC -- Former pro football player Rae Carruth offered to pay to have his pregnant girlfriend beaten up so that she would suffer a miscarriage, a North Carolina newspaper reported Wednesday. Carruth and three other men are charged with first-degree murder in the death of Cherica Adams, who was shot four times as she drove through a south Charlotte neighborhood last November. The Charlotte Observer, citing three unidentified sources familiar with the investigation, said one of the three co-defendants was paid $2,000 to break into Adams' home and beat her up. The newspaper said at least one of the men told police that the former Carolina Panthers player did not want to pay child support for the baby, who was delivered 10 weeks prematurely before Adams died from her injuries. *.*.*.*.* This Week's Transactions *.*.*.*.* Atlanta Falcons -- Waived kicker Clay Rush. Carolina Panthers -- Terminated the contract of safety Mike Scurlock. Denver Broncos -- Re-signed defensive tackle Mike Lodish; waived quarterback Bubby Brister and wide receiver Donald Sellers. Green Bay Packers -- Received four compensatory picks in the 2000 draft. Kansas City Chiefs -- Agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent defensive end Duane Clemons, who had been with the Minnesota Vikings, on a two-year contract; signed free agent punter Todd Sauerbrun, who had been with the Chicago Bears, to a two-year contract; re-signed tight end Mitch Jacoby. Miami Dolphins -- Signed linebacker Twan Russell to a one- year contract and tackle Willie Jones to a two-year contract. Minnesota Vikings -- Received four compensatory picks in the 2000 draft. New England Patriots -- Signed free agent linebacker Tedy Bruschi to a two-year contract; released tackle Zefross Moss. New Orleans Saints -- Signed defensive tackle Winfield Garnett, cornerback Shannon Garrett, safety Eric Johnson, offensive tackle Marcus Price, wide receiver Anthony Rodgers, defensive end Bob Setzer and linebacker K.D. Williams; received two compensatory picks in the 2000 draft; signed wide receiver P.J. Franklin, fullback Marvin Powell and running back Dino Philyaw. New York Giants -- Signed free agent guard-tackle Glenn Parker, who had been with the Kansas City Chiefs, to a multi-year contract. New York Jets -- Named Michael Henning as an assistant. Philadelphia Eagles -- Signed free agent linebacker Carlos Emmons, who had been with the Pittsburgh Steelers, to a four-year contract; released linebacker William Thomas. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Re-signed punter Mark Royals to a three-year contract.

Ricky Williams continues to get heat for his Sports Illustrated bashing of his offensive lineman, and the guy that interviewed him said he was the most selfish egotistical interviewee he ever had. Will the real Ricky Williams please stand up?

talk shows are full of it - at least Ricky Williams got them off the hockey stick bashing incident which I got heartily sick of hearing defended!

NFL NEWS - Friday, April 7, 2000 ** Cowboys Owner Regrets Hiring Gailey ** DALLAS - Jerry Jones acknowledges that hiring Chan Gailey and allowing him to install an offense for the Dallas Cowboys that failed to get the most out of Troy Aikman and other Super Bowl holdovers didn't make sense. "It was not my best move," the team's owner told The Dallas Morning News in Thursday's editions. Jones tempered his comments, saying he will always regret that Gailey didn't coach the Cowboys longer and adding that he believes one day Gailey will lead a team to the Super Bowl as head coach. Gailey, now the offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, said in response to Jones' remarks: "I always thought Jerry wanted to win and do the best for the team." Jones fired Gailey in January, two days after his second season ended just like the first: with a one-sided loss in the first round of the playoffs. ++ 49ers QB Leaning Towards Playing Next Season ++ SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young is in the middle of a long, round-the-world honeymoon, but he may have left his football heart in San Francisco. Young's agent, Leigh Steinberg, told the San Francisco Chronicle his Super Bowl-winning client is interested in returning for his 16th pro season - and he would like to do it with the 49ers. Steinberg said Young, who married Barbara Graham March 14, had been undecided on whether he would return. And he didn't know if he would return to the 49ers or seek to go to another team. "When the season ended, it was really unclear to me what he would do," Steinberg said. "And it's starting to be clearer what he wants to do is return and play. When he gets back, we'll sit down with the 49ers and see where he fits into their plans." ** Colts Sign Marvelous Marvin To Extension ** INDIANAPOLIS - The Indianapolis Colts accomplished one of their off season goals today, signing star receiver Marvin Harrison to a contract extension. Terms were not disclosed, but it was said that he was to be the NFL's highest-paid receiver ++ Report: NFL To Suspend Broncos' Carter ++ DENVER - Denver Broncos cornerback Dale Carter will be suspended for one year for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy if he loses an appeal, The Denver Post reported Sunday. The newspaper, citing unidentified NFL sources, said Carter had violated the policy twice in the past three months and had two previous violations during his career. The appeal is expected to be heard in 10 days, the Post said. Carter's agent Mitch Frankel said his client did not fail any drug tests during the three-month period. "He is not up for suspension at this point for failing any drug test," Frankel said. If Carter, who signed with the Broncos as a free agent in 1999, is suspended, he could lose his job as well as the $3.5 million he is to be paid next season. *** Broncos, Rams Open Mon. Night Schedule *** NEW YORK - The Denver Broncos and St. Louis Rams, the last two Super Bowl champions, will open the 2000 NFL season in St. Louis on Monday night Oct. 4. That game and a Sunday night meeting in Buffalo between the Bills and the Tennessee Titans highlight the first weekend of the NFL season. The second game is a reprise of the "Music City Miracle" in the first round of last season's playoffs, won by the Titans on a last-play lateral and kickoff return. They later beat Indianapolis and Jacksonville and went on to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Rams. The Rams' opening game will be their first Monday night appearance since 1991. +++ Giant Changes In Appearance +++ NEW YORK - The Giants have unveiled new uniforms and among the changes is the return of the traditional "nayNY" helmet logo that was used from 1961-74. To view it visit: http://www.nfl.com/Giants/news/000405logo.html *.*.*.*.* This Week's Transactions *.*.*.*.* Cincinnati Bengals -- Re-signed outside linebacker Adrian Ross. Dallas Cowboys -- The Cowboys have re-signed WR Jason Tucker, an exclusive-rights free agent who ended the 1999 season with two-straight 100-yard games. Cowboys also announced they were releasing WR Ernie Mills Green Bay Packers -- Signed free agent linebacker Anthony Harris, who had been with the Miami Dolphins. Indianapolis Colts -- Signed receiver Marvin Harrison to a contract extension. Minnesota Vikings -- Named Daryl Lawrence assistant strength and conditioning coach. Agreed to terms with quarterback Bubby Brister, who had been with the Denver Broncos. New Orleans Saints -- Announced restricted free agent punter Toby Gowin signed an offer sheet, which Dallas declined to match; released punter Tommy Barnhardt. Philadelphia Eagles -- Re-signed wide receiver Dietrich Jells.

http://www.sportingnews.com/voices/nfl_inside_dish/19991227.html NFL Inside Dish Here's the real skinny on why Bubby Brister lost the Broncos' starting quarterback job during the preseason: A number of players told coach Mike Shanahan that Brister would get so flustered and excitable in the huddle that he was unable to complete the play-calling. It wasn't that Brister didn't know the plays; he just lost his composure. . . . Coach Norv Turner is mulling the possibility of leaving the Redskins even if the team makes the playoffs. Even if owner Daniel Snyder doesn't fire Turner, he'll probably try to force him to dismiss defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, the other defensive coaches and special teams coach LeCharls McDaniel. Turner has defended Nolan all season and would be reluctant to get rid of him. . . . The late-season collapse of the Patriots and the impending firing of coach Pete Carroll could prompt SS Lawyer Milloy to test the free-agent market in the offseason. His asking price: $6 million a year. . . . What bothered Bucs coaches about QB Trent Dilfer's decision to go public with some vague criticism of the team's conservative offensive approach was that Dilfer never voiced any complaint to them. Nonetheless, the team plans to bring back Dilfer next season. . . . After making a big splash in free agency in '99, the Rams' main focus in the offseason will be re-signing their players. Their No. 1 target will be unrestricted free-agent CB Todd Lyght. They also plan to redo ontracts for DE Kevin Carter and QB Kurt Warner. With only so many cap dollars to go around, C Mike Gruttadauria or OT Fred Miller could be the odd man out. . . . Look for Bill Parcells to pack it in after this season if he can't keep his coaching staff intact. Jets defensive coordinator Bill Belichick probably will be courted by the Patriots, and linebackers coach Al Groh is a candidate for the head-coaching vacancy at Princeton, where his son is a freshman quarterback. . . . The continuing development of rookie defensive lineman Lamar King will give the Seahawks leverage in contract negotiations with DT Sam Adams and DE Phillip Daniels, who could be unrestricted free agents after this season. The 300-pound King has backed up Daniels but also could play inside. Given that WR Joey Galloway and QB Jon Kitna will want new deals, it's not likely the club can appease Adams and Daniels. King's availability to step in as a starter looms large.

Penn State Duo Expected to Go 1-2 in NFL Draft NEW YORK (Reuters) - The last time two players from the same school were selected 1-2 in the NFL draft was back in 1984. Back then it was wide receiver Irving Fryar and guard Dean Steinkuhler of Nebraska who were taken with the first two picks. On Saturday, the dynamic Penn State defensive duo of end Courtney Brown and linebacker LaVar Arrington could hold that prestigious distinction. Brown, Arrington, Alabama tackle Chris Samuels and Florida State receiver Peter Warrick are rated as the four elite players available in this draft and the NFC East champion Washington Redskins, who own the second and third picks, will likely end up with two of them. After using the top overall pick on quarterback Tim Couch last year, the Cleveland Browns will build their defense around either Brown or Arrington with the first selection. Browns director of football operations Dwight Clark is leaning toward taking Brown because of his pass-rushing ability, but is also intrigued with Arrington's impact at outside linebacker. ``You can't lose with either of those players,'' Clark said of the Penn State tandem. ``They're both going to be great players in this league.'' Penn State's Joe Paterno calls Brown the best defensive lineman he has ever coached. The 6-5, 270-pounder set the school record in career tackles for loss (70), career sacks (33) and tackles for loss in a single season (29 in 1999). Arrington is regarded by some scouts as the best outside linebacker prospect since Hall-of-Famer Lawrence Taylor. However, the 6-3, 250-pounder is known for his emotional outbursts and often clashed with Paterno. After the Browns make their selection, the Redskins will be ready to pounce. The second overall pick is the final dividend in the Ricky Williams trade with New Orleans at draft day last season. The other selection comes from Carolina as part of the compensation for the Panthers' signing of defensive tackle Sean Gilbert two years ago. Washington traded that pick to the San Francisco 49ers to move up nine spots to third overall. ``It is an enviable position and we know we're going to end up with two great players, whichever direction we choose to go,'' Redskins personnel director Vinny Cerrato said. The Redskins will take either Brown or Arrington with the second pick and are expected to take Samuels with the third selection. That would leave the explosive Warrick for the Cincinnati Bengals, who own the fourth selection. The addition of Warrick would pave the way for the Bengals to trade receiver Carl Pickens, who criticized the organization for retaining Bruce Coslet as coach. One team interested in Pickens would be the New York Jets, who own an unprecedented four first-round picks after trading Pro Bowl receiver Keyshawn Johnson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 13th and 27th selections. New York also has the 12th pick, acquired Thursday in a deal with San Francisco, and its own 18th selection. The Jets moved up four spots Thursday by sending their second pick in the first round, originally acquired from New England as compensation for coach Bill Belichick, and their second-round pick (No. 48) to San Francisco for the 12th overall choice. ``The acquisition of two more first-round picks (in the Johnson trade) creates many opportunities for us in the draft including more maneuvering,'' Jets coach Al Groh said. However, New York's chances of moving into the top four appear to be remote. Cerrato said the Jets' picks are too low in the round to pique his interest. ``To me, this is a draft where between picks 15 and 40 the players are on the same level,'' Cerrato said. ``If the (Jets) picks were higher, it would be enticing.'' The Baltimore Ravens own two high picks with the fifth and 10th overall selections. The Ravens traded their second-round pick to Atlanta last year for a first-round pick in 2000. It turned into gold when the Falcons lost star running back Jamal Anderson to a torn ACL and had a dreadful season, giving Baltimore the fifth overall pick in this draft. The Ravens sent their second-round pick to the Denver Broncos to move up five spots in the first round from 15 to 10. The Philadelphia Eagles own the sixth pick followed by the Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears. The 49ers (16th and 24th) and the Seattle Seahawks (19th and 22nd) are the other teams with multiple first-round picks along with the Jets, Washington and Baltimore. Dallas, Miami, Tampa Bay, New Orleans, Atlanta, San Diego and New England are the teams without first-round picks. The draft will be held at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. The first three rounds will take place on Saturday beginning at noon EDT. The remaining four rounds will be held on Sunday. There will be 254 selections, including 31 compensatory choices that have been awarded to 14 teams. Teams will have 15 minutes to make their first round picks, 10 minutes for the second round and five minutes per pick from rounds three through seven. The draft will be televised by ESPN and ESPN2.

NFL NEWS IN THIS ISSUE: 1. Keyshawn Johnson Agrees To Bucs Contract, Traded By Jets 2. Bengals Running Back Ki-Jana Carter Injured Again 3. Bam Morris Caught With Huge Quantity Of Pot 4. Packers' Chmura Arrested, Accused Of Sexual Assault 5. Ravens Tackle Suspended Indefinitely - Keyshawn Johnson Agrees To Bucs Contract, Traded By Jets - NEW YORK - Keyshawn Johnson was traded by the New York Jets to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after reaching a contract agreement late Tuesday night. The deal was made official on Wednesday morning. A source close to the deal said the contract is worth $7 million a year and likely will be for eight years, making Johnson the highest-paid receiver in the league +--- Bengals Running Back Ki-Jana Carter Injured Again ---+ CINCINNATI - Ki-Jana Carter, the Cincinnati running back who has missed almost half of his NFL career with injuries since the Bengals drafted him in 1995, has reinjured the knee that sidelined him for the 1999 season. Carter, 26, told the Bengals he injured his right knee during a personal workout Tuesday night near his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was examined Thursday in Miami where Bengals trainer Paul Sparling said the exam revealed a partially dislocated kneecap. Sparling said Carter is considering arthroscopic surgery that could have him ready to play in 3-to-4 months. +------ Bam Morris Caught With Huge Quantity Of Pot ------+ KANSAS CITY, MO - Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Bam Morris, whose career was plagued by recurring bouts with substance abuse, Friday was charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Morris and two co-defendants were charged Friday in U.S. District Court with conspiring to distribute 100 or more kilograms of marijuana. If convicted, Morris faces anywhere from five to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $2 million. Also charged in the case were Dewayne Calvin Bryant, 28, and Robert Corey Myers, 22. Morris announced his retirement after the 1999 season, shortly before it was revealed that he was part of a federal probe into alleged drug and car theft-related crimes. Friday's arrests followed an ongoing investigation by the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service. +-- Packers' Chmura Arrested, Accused Of Sexual Assault --+ HARTLAND, WI - NFL star Mark Chmura was arrested Monday after his 17-year-old baby sitter accused him of sexually assaulting her in a bathroom during a party at which they played a drinking game together. Robert Gessert, a friend of the Green Bay Packers tight end, also was arrested. An 18-year-old woman accused him of sexually assaulting her in a hot tub at Gessert's home at the party after a prom, according to court records. Chmura appeared in court in an orange jumpsuit with his hands bound in chains. Chmura and Gessert were released on $5,000 bail and are due in court May 15. Chmura, 31, and Gessert, 42, have not been formally charged. Police are recommending a charge of third-degree sexual assault, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. +-------- Ravens Tackle Suspended Indefinitely --------+ BALTIMORE,MD - Larry Webster of the Baltimore Ravens has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the league's alcohol and substance abuse policy. The starting defensive tackle, who has been suspended twice before, could be suspended for more than a year if he loses an appeal. "We're going to support whatever sanctions the league will levy," Ravens coach Brian Billick said Tuesday. "We have to let the process play itself out, as usual." Webster twice reportedly tested positive for marijuana when he was with the Miami Dolphins. He was suspended for six games after testing positive during the 1995 season. His last suspension was for the entire 1996 season, a sanction Webster said came after he drank a beer at his bachelor party. NFL rules prohibit drinking alcohol after one substance abuse violation. Webster, 31, started all 16 games last year and finished with 44 tackles for the Ravens.

NFL NEWS - Friday, April 21, 2000 +---------- Russell Maryland Signs With Packers ----------+ GREEN BAY, WI - The Green Bay Packers announced Thursday they had signed Russell Maryland, likely ending any chance they will bring back massive defensive tackle Gilbert Brown. Maryland, who was released by the Oakland Raiders on March 31 in a salary cap move, agreed to a multi-year contract at undisclosed financial terms. The Packers have been looking for a replacement for the 350-pound Brown, whose play has slipped over the last two seasons. Brown so far has attracted little interest as a free agent. The Packers already have lost defensive linemen Keith McKenzie and Vaughn Booker to free agency. +------------- Redskins Waive Rodney Peete -------------+ ASHBURN, VA - Eight days after signing Jeff George, the Washington Redskins Tuesday waived veteran quarterback Rodney Peete. As a backup for the Redskins last season, Peete appeared in just three games and completed 8-of-17 passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. His days in Washington appeared numbered when the Redskins signed Jeff George to a four-year contract worth $18 million on April 10 to back up starter Brad Johnson. Casey Weldon is Washington's third quarterback. The Redskins acquired Peete from the Philadelphia Eagles last season for a draft pick. +-------------- Panthers Sign Natrone Means --------------+ CHARLOTTE, NC - The Carolina Panthers found a backup for running back Tim Biakabutuka by signing veteran Natrone Means. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The 5-foot-10, 245-pound Means is an eight-year veteran out of North Carolina. He was released by the San Diego Chargers for the second time on March 6. +--------- Exhibition Season Coming Attractions ---------+ NEW YORK - The NFL's exhibition schedule features a Super Bowl rematch, a meeting of last weekend's top two draft picks and two games on foreign soil. St. Louis plays at Tennessee on August 14 in a rematch of the Rams' 23-16 victory over the Titans in the Super Bowl on January 30. The first two picks in Saturday's draft, defensive end Courtney Brown and linebacker LaVar Arrington, will meet for the first time as pros on August 19 when the Cleveland Browns play host to the Washington Redskins. On August 5, the NFL returns to Japan when the Atlanta Falcons take on the Dallas Cowboys. *.*.*.*.* This Week's Transactions *.*.*.*.* Atlanta Falcons - Signed defensive linemen Doug Miller; claimed wide receiver Kamil Loud off waivers from the Buffalo Bills. Carolina Panthers -- Signed unrestricted free agent running back Natrone Means, who had been with the San Diego Chargers; released safety Brent Alexander; signed punter Brandon Kale; acquired linebacker Spencer Reid from the Indianapolis Colts for running back Fred Lane. Chicago Bears -- Announced cornerback Terry Cousin and defensive end Bryan Robinson have agreed to one-year contracts; waived defensive end Marlon Chambers and wide receiver Donald Sellers; signed wide receiver Corey Bridges. Cincinnati Bengals - Agreed to terms with the following 15 free agents: wide receivers Lavelle Boyd, Marvin Chalmers and Tony Hartley; fullback Ricky Brown; linebackers Alan Buckwalter, Tarrell Knauls and Armegis Spearman; center Doug Dorley; defensive linemen Dave Fleischhauer and Mike Willetts; tackle Joe Hattendorf; punter-kicker Tim Morgan; guard Roger Roesler; and safety Gary Tompkins. Green Bay Packers -- Agreed to a multi-year contract with free agent defensive tackle Russell Maryland, who had been with the Oakland Raiders; waived defensive end Jon Harris. Kansas City Chiefs -- Signed defensive linemen Thomas Washington and Kevin Sluder, wide receivers Brock McGrew and Arland Bruce, tight end Kirk McMullen and safety Earl Riley; signed the following rookie free agents: wide receivers Joe Perez and Germaine Stringer, tackle Josh Rawlings, defensive tackle Thomas Washington, cornerback Brian Hinton and safety Percy King. New England Patriots -- Signed the following rookie free agents: wide receivers Matt Bumgardner, Ryan Shaw, and Martinez Williams guards Adam Davis, Rob Gatrell and Terrance Beadles, tackle Ryan Tujague, tight end Chris Eitzmann, defensive linemen Maurice Anderson and Reggie Grimes, defensive end Scott Pospisil, linebackers Roshaun Matthews, Maugaula Tuitele, Jamel Smith and John Eskridge, cornerback Robbie Duncan, kickers James Kibble and Chad Holleman, and long snapper Lonnie Paxton. New Orleans Saints - Agreed to terms with linebacker Terrence Miles, punter Bill Lafleur, defensive end D.J. Cooper, cornerback Carlos Posey, safeties Pete Destefano and Amp Campbell, defensive tackles Robert Brannon and Demond Gibson, linebacker Jamal Brooks and tackle Chase Raynock; signed free agent cornerback Steve Israel, who had been with the New England Patriots, to a three-year contract. New York Giants -- Signed the following rookie free agents: defensive ends Jomo Cousins, Lavell Ellis, Cedric Pittman and Frank Ferrara, defensive tackle Carl Hansen, cornerbacks Reggie Stephens and Fred Lewis, linebackers Vernon Strickland and Jack Golden, wide receivers Anthony Tucker and Jeremy Watkins, tight ends Adam Young and Mark Thomas, guards Scott Kiernan and Mark Nori, and safeties Tawambi Settles and Tinker Keck, offensive tackles Chris Bober, Pita Elisara and Chris Ziemann, quarterback Bill Burke, and running back Cordell Mitchell. New York Jets -- Re-signed cornerbacks Buddy Crutchfield and Del Lee; signed linebacker Courtney Ledyard; signed the following rookie free agents: wide receivers Cory Peterson and

NFL NEWS - April 28, 2000 http://www.shagmail.com IN THIS ISSUE: 1. NFL Suspends Denver CB Carter 2. Beathard Retires As Chargers GM 3. Eagles Release Veterans 4. Chiefs Add Depth With Serwanga 5. Patriots Sign CB Antonio Langham 6. This Week's Transactions +------------ NFL Suspends Denver CB Carter ------------+ DENVER, CO - Denver Broncos cornerback Dale Carter will sit out the 2000 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Details of the suspension were not disclosed, but the Denver Post reported earlier this month that the cornerback was banned for violating the league policy twice within the past three months. According to the report, Carter's first offseason offense occurred in a January drug test, which resulted in an initial four-game suspension. His repeat offense came in February, mandating a one-year suspension. Before last season, Carter had two previous confidential violations, the newspaper reported. The four-time Pro Bowler is eligible to apply for reinstatement in February 2001. "Unfortunately, we had to anticipate being without Dale for the 2000 season and have planned accordingly," the Broncos said in a statement Tuesday. "It is our hope that in the next year Dale will do what is required of him, so that he will once again be able to play in the NFL." +------------ Beathard Retires As Chargers GM ------------+ SAN DIEGO, CA - Bobby Beathard, who built Super Bowl teams on both coasts in his 37-year NFL career, retired as general manager of the San Diego Chargers Tuesday. The 63-year-old Beathard had a hand in seven Super Bowl teams in jobs ranging from scout to GM. Instead of naming a new GM, Ed McGuire, was named vice president of football operations and player personnel director Billy Devaney was given responsibility for all player acquisitions. +---------------- Eagles Release Veterans ----------------+ PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Philadelphia Eagles trimmed their roster Tuesday by releasing three veterans - center Steve Everitt, kicker Norm Johnson and tight end Jamie Asher. The Eagles, 5-11 last season, made the moves in an attempt to go with younger players. A first-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in 1993, Everitt followed that franchise to Baltimore before joining the Eagles as a free agent in 1997. The Eagles had a 1,000-yard rusher in each of Everitt's three seasons. The 29-year-old Everitt started 45 games, including the last 29, the longest current streak on the club. The Eagles, however, plan to use five-year pro Bubba Miller at center next season. Philadelphia was the fourth team for the 39-year-old Johnson, whose 1,736 points trail only George Blanda, Gary Anderson and Morten Andersen on the NFL's all-time list. Johnson joined the Eagles last summer and he converted 18-of-25 field goals and all 25 of his PAT attempts. David Akers, who made three of five field goal attempts last season, will take over as the regular kicker. Asher signed as a free agent with Philadelphia a year ago but missed the entire season after suffering a dislocated and fractured left ankle in a preseason game. He started 48 games for the Washington Redskins from 1995 to 1998. +------------ Chiefs Add Depth With Serwanga ------------+ KANSAS CITY, MO - Chiefs president Carl Peterson announced that the club had agreed to terms on a two-year contract with second-year cornerback Wasswa Serwanga. Serwanga joins the Chiefs after spending the entire 1999 campaign with the San Francisco 49ers. The Kampaia, Uganda native worked on the 49ers practice squad before being promoted to the club's 53-man roster last year. He saw duty in nine games for San Francisco during the 1999 campaign. Serwanga originally entered the NFL ranks as a rookie free agent with Chicago in '98, but was released prior to the start of the regular season. He went to camp with San Francisco in 1999 and joined the club's practice unit after being one of the 49ers final cuts. +----------- Patriots Sign CB Antonio Langham -----------+ FOXBORO, MA - The New England Patriots Tuesday signed cornerback Antonio Langham, a former first-round pick of the Cleveland Browns. Langham, who has struggled the last two seasons, will compete with Tebucky Jones and Kato Serwanga for the starting job at left cornerback with New England. Steve Israel, the starter there the last two seasons, recently signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints. After being claimed in the expansion draft by the new Browns, Langham was penciled in as the starting right cornerback last season. However, he was quickly replaced by rookie Daylon McCutcheon and saw limited time as a nickel back. A first-round pick out of Alabama in 1994, Langham played two years with the Browns in Cleveland before the franchise moved to Baltimore. He was with the Ravens for two more years and had a career-high five interceptions in 1996. *.*.*.*.* This Week's Transactions *.*.*.*.* Buffalo Bills -- Agreed to terms with the following free agents: defensive backs Askari Adams, David Byrd, Reggie Durden, Jay Hill and Courtney Jackson, offensive tackles Jon Carman and Shane Cook, wide receivers Kwame Cavil, Corey Jones and Corey Sullivan, linebackers Dustin Cohen, Fred Jones, Keith Kelsey and Kenyatta Wright, running backs Jason Corle, Phillip Crosby and Josh Roth, tight end Ivan Gustafson, defensive end Jarrett Procell, center Spencer Riley, quarterback Phil Stambaugh, guard Mike Tosaw and defensive tackle Nathaniel Williams. Carolina Panthers -- Signed unrestricted free agent tackle James Dexter, who had been with the Arizona Cardinals; signed the following rookie free agents: quarterbacks Paul Failla and Shawn Snyder and kicker Eric Meng. Kansas City Chiefs -- Agreed to terms with cornerback Wasswa Serwanga on a two-year contract; agreed to terms with linebacker Jonathon Jackson. Miami Dolphins -- Announced defensive end Jason Taylor signed his one-year tender as a restricted free agent; signed the following 12 free agents: cornerback Trent Gamble, guards Jason Grain and Steve Herndon, linebackers Tommy Hendricks, Kyle Shipley, Jeff Snedegar and Scott Zimmerman, fullback Elmer Hickman, tight end Carlos Nuno, defensive end Adewale Ogunley, wide receiver Quinton Spotwood and kicker Jay Taylor. New England Patriots -- Signed the following rookie free agents: linebacker Matt Beck, wide receiver Shockmain Davis, center Seneca Gray, cornerbacks Evan Howell and Mike Woods and safety Rodney Rideau. New York Giants -- Signed fullback Brian Atkins, tackle Jim Goff and defensive tackle Carl Hansen. Philadelphia Eagles -- Released tight end Jamie Asher, center Steve Everitt and kicker Norm Johnson. Seattle Seahawks -- Signed defensive back Omar Evans, quarterback Kevin Feterik, fullback Anthony Green, defensive back Warner Herndon, safety Maurice Kelly, linebacker Mac Morrison and safety Yaphet Warren, tackle Tim Conley, center Chris Gilbert and long snapper Scot Osborne.

What's Doug Fluties future with the Bills?

Likely will not be decided till fall practice, He's still on the team as far as I know.

The Cowboys have a great pair of wide receivers with Rocket and the new guy, forget his name right now.

...but still no Penn Staters on the Cowboys. Did we do something to offend the Texas gods of football?

NFL News - May 5, 2000 +--------------- Emanuel Signs With Miami ---------------+ MIAMI, FL - Veteran wide receiver Bert Emanuel, a salary cap casualty in the wake of the recent Keyshawn Johnson signing in Tampa Bay, Tuesday hooked up with another Florida-based team as he signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. Financial terms were not disclosed, but it is likely Emanuel signed an incentive-laden deal with a base salary close to the NFL minimum of $440,000. After the Buccaneers acquired Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowl receiver, from the New York Jets, and signed him to a lucrative multi-year contract last month, they waived the 29-year-old Emanuel, who was in the middle of a four-year, $16.4 million deal. Emanuel was hampered by persistent hamstring problems and missed 11 games in his two seasons with Tampa Bay. The 5-10, 180-pounder also drew interest from Kansas City and New England. He joins a receiving corps which features starters O.J. McDuffie and Tony Martin and reserves Oronde Gadsden, Lamar Thomas, Yatil Green and Nate Jacquet. Gadsden missed minicamp last weekend because of a contract dispute. +--- Browns Player Hires Cochran For Possible Lawsuit ---+ CLEVELAND, OH - Browns offensive tackle Orlando Brown, hit in the right eye by an official's weighted penalty flag last season, has hired attorney Johnnie Cochran for a possible lawsuit against the NFL. "Johnnie is going to be working with Orlando. We just don't know in which capacity yet," Cochran's publicist, Rachel Noerdlinger, said Wednesday. Cochran and Brown have talked several times on the phone about a possible lawsuit but didn't meet until Tuesday night when Brown visited the celebrity attorney's New York law firm, Noerdlinger said. They haven't decided whether to file a lawsuit, she said. "We're going to be doing research. We're still investigating," she said. Brown's agent, Tom Condon, said through a spokeswoman Wednesday that he was unaware of Brown hiring Cochran. +----------- Joyner, Byars To Retire As Eagles ------------+ PHILADELPHIA, PA - Seth Joyner, a three-time Pro Bowl linebacker, and Keith Byars, the most profilic pass-catching running back in NFL history, will end their careers like they started them -- as Philadelphia Eagles. The two Monday signed contracts with the Eagles in order to officially retire in the same city where their careers began in 1986. Joyner, who collected 1,210 tackles and 52 1/2 sacks with the Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos, will be going out on top. His final game came on Jan. 31, 1999, when he helped the Broncos win their second consecutive Super Bowl title. "Seth was a pro's pro," said Broncos Coach Mike Shanahan. "I really liked the way he handled himself on the field and off the field, especially in the locker room setting. He handled himself like a true professional." Byars was the 10th selection in the '86 draft and spent seven seasons with the Eagles before spending time with three AFC East Division teams: the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and New York Jets. He is the only running back to catch at least one pass in over 100 straight games and his streak of 131 consecutive games with a reception ranks fifth in league history. He became the NFL's all-time leading receiver among backs when he passed Marcus Allen's 587 catches in 1998. "Keith was one of the most versatile players in football," said former Jets and Patriots coach Bill Parcells. "You think of him as being capable of doing one thing and it turns out he's able to do a lot of other things. He was a consummate professional in his preparation and helped set a good example in the locker room for the younger players." +----------- Jets Get Mo Lewis Under Contract -----------+ HEMPSTEAD, NY - The New York Jets accomplished one of their major offseason goals Wednesday by signing Pro Bowl outside linebacker Mo Lewis, who was designated as their franchise player when the free agent signing period began on Feb. 11. Terms of Lewis' signing were not disclosed but, as the Jets' franchise player, Lewis was guaranteed a minimum of $4.2 million, the average of the top five salaries at his position. Retaining the services of Lewis for the long term was a high priority for the Jets, who recently traded star wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, at least in part for salary cap concerns. "Today is as significant as draft day because the status of a Pro Bowl-level performer has been solidified for our team," said new Jets Coach Al Groh. "Mo has a great appetite to win and tremendous capacity for work," Groh added. "Combine those qualities with his play- making ability and it makes me very happy to see Mo back." +-------- Greene To Present Rooney At Hall Of Fame --------+ PITTSBURGH, PA - Believing his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a tribute to the great Steelers teams, players and fans, Steelers president Dan Rooney selected as the presenter for his Hall of Fame induction ceremony the one player who has epitomized Steelers players past and present-- Joe Greene. Rooney announced that Greene, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle for the Steelers and current defensive line coach of the Arizona Cardinals, will introduce him at the Class of 2000 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony July 29, 2000 in Canton, Ohio. "First, Joe Greene is a very good friend and did so much for the Steelers during his playing and coaching days with the team," Rooney said. "This induction is a celebration of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the great fans. I felt (the presenter) should be a Steeler, and Joe was always on my mind. Joe really represents the Steelers players and is indicative of what we represent." "Probably the last time I felt this good was when we won the Super Bowl," said Greene. "If I hadn't been sitting down when he asked, I would've fallen over. I'm truly honored. Truly honored." *.*.*.*.* This Week's Transactions *.*.*.*.* Atlanta Falcons -- Named Mark Fuhrman director of corporate sales and Mark Olson pro personnel assistant. Chicago Bears -- Signed guard Todd Perry to a one-year contract. Cincinnati Bengals -- Released linebacker Tarell Knaulls; signed defensive end Jevon Langford, punter Josh Boise to a two-year contract; waived offensice tackle Joe Hattendorf; Green Bay Packers -- Signed kicker David Purnell; placed kicker Travis Brawner on waivers. Kansas City Chiefs -- Named Bill Kuharich director of pro personnel. Miami Dolphins -- Signed wide receiver Bert Emanuel to a one-year contract; named Rick Spielman vice president- player personnel. New York Giants -- Signed fullback Dawud Rasheed and wide receiver-kick returner Kevin Prentiss. New York Jets -- Signed wide receiver Laveranues Coles and linebacker Brent Naccara, linebacker Mo Lewis; waived guard Semisi Heimuli and defensive tackle Dan Gibbons. San Diego Chargers -- Agreed to terms with restricted free agent tight end Freddie Jones on a five-year contract. Seattle Seahawks -- Released wide receivers Dee Miller and Phil Savoy and safety Yaphet Warren.

NFL NEWS - Friday, May 12, 2000 +----------- Steve Young Tampering Explored -----------+ DENVER, CO - Amid persistent offseason rumors that Denver will be the next employer of Steve Young, a report in the Rocky Mountain News Wednesday quotes San Francisco 49ers General Manager Bill Walsh as saying he has been contacted by the NFL office about possible tampering by the Broncos. The veteran quarterback made a surprise visit recently to a 49ers minicamp but did not participate. He has had talks with the 49ers about his future, but nothing was worked out. "I know the National Football League is very sensitive to (tampering) in this case," Walsh told the paper. "The league is watching it closely. It wouldn't be us (the 49ers) that would charge the Broncos with tampering. The league is looking at it on its own. I know that. They've called here." Despite Walsh's claim, an NFL spokesman told the paper that the Young situation is not being monitored. The league stipulates stiff penalties for tampering, including fines and loss of draft choices. Young has not yet officially announced his plans for the future, but has given every indication that he wants to play in 2000, if he can get medical clearance. His history of concussions may make that very difficult. +---------- Cowboys' Johnston Plans Retirement ----------+ IRVING, TX - Dallas Cowboys fullback Daryl Johnston said in an interview Wednesday that he expects to retire this year. Johnston, who was playing in the Byron Nelson Pro-Am golf tournament in Irving, said he will likely retire because of a neck injury that has plagued him for the last three years. Johnston had surgery for a bulging disc in 1997. He played one game in 1999 before reinjuring his neck. "I had an agreement with my doctor when we had the surgery done in 1997, and because of the injury last year, it looks like I'm going to be forced to retire," Johnston said. Johnston had never missed a game, playing in 149 straight for the Cowboys until the neck injury in 1997. +------------- Parcells To Stay With Jets -------------+ HEMPSTEAD, NY - Former New York Jets coach Bill Parcells, now the team's director of football operations, said Friday he would remain with the organization for an indefinite period of time and definitely through the 2000 season. Parcells retired as Jets coach on Jan. 3. There had been speculation that he would enter broadcasting, but he said his goal for the foreseeable future is to help make the Jets a winner. "I indicated some time ago that I would not abandon this franchise," Parcells said. "I look forward to working with (owner) Woody Johnson and (coach) Al Groh in a collective effort to try to bring a championship to New York. I view my job very simply, to try to get good players for the coach." Johnson and Groh are both new to their positions and expressed happiness over the fact that Parcells, who coached in three Super Bowls during a Hall of Fame career, will be remaining with the Jets. "I am obviously delighted that Bill Parcells has decided to stay with the New York Jets," Johnson said. "Our sole objective since the purchase of the team has been to create a winning organization, attitude and team. Having Bill around to help us through this period is an enormous advantage to the franchise." +------------- Raiders' Turner Seriously Ill -------------+ LOS ANGELES, CA - Oakland Raiders safety Eric Turner is suffering from what is termed a "serious stomach illness," according to a report Thursday in the Los Angeles Daily News. The paper said Turner's alleged ailment is believed to be career-threatening. Team officials were not available for comment. "It's a terrible, terrible situation," a high-ranking Raiders official told the Daily News. "We're going to respect the family's wishes on this, but people should really be concerned for this kid. It started out as an ulcer and it's developed into something worse." Turner, 31, missed the Raiders' recent minicamp for personal reasons, the paper said. The report also stated it was the second such camp Turner skipped and that he has not been treated by team doctors since the end of the 1999-2000 season. "The last time I saw him at the end of last year, he told me he was having trouble keeping food down," said Willie Shaw, Oakland's defensive coordinator last year. "He told me he was going to get it checked out." According to the report, Turner is believed to be at an unnamed hospital in Ventura County, Calif. +-------------- Jets Sign Ward and Johnson --------------+ HEMPSTEAD, NY - The New York Jets Tuesday re-signed restricted free agents, wide receiver Dedric Ward and running back Leon Johnson. The club also re-signed special teams standout Chris Hayes. Ward, 25, had 22 receptions for 325 yards with three touchdowns in 1999 and also returned 38 punts for a 7.6 average. In three seasons, Ward has 63 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. Ward should assume a larger role in the Jets offense this season after the club traded star wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson to Tampa Bay in April. Leon Johnson, 25, is returning after tearing both the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee in the opening game of last season against New England. He is expected to be at full strength for the upcoming season. In three seasons, he has rushed for 345 yards on 90 attempts with four TDs. He has also made 29 catches for 364 yards and two touchdowns. Hayes, who has played his last three seasons for the Jets after playing one season in Green Bay, tied Jerald Sowell for the special teams lead in tackles in 1999 with 19. +------------ Marino Joins HBO As Commentator ------------+ NEW YORK, NY - Dan Marino, the most prolific passer in NFL history, will join HBO's "Inside the NFL" as a commentator. The announcement of Marino's hiring was made Tuesday by Ross Greenburg, the vice president and executive producer of the cable network. Marino, 38, retired in March after playing his entire 17-year career with the Miami Dolphins. He is the all-time leader in passing yards (61,361), touchdowns (420) and completions (4,967). *.*.*.*.* This Week's Transactions *.*.*.*.* NFL -- Named Roger Goodell executive vice president of business properties and club services and Tom Spock executive vice president of league and football development. Cincinnati Bengals -- Waived punter Tim Morgan. Green Bay Packers -- Waived tackle Rod Manuel, linebacker Jermaine L. Smith and safety Gana Joseph; signed free agent linebacker Mike Morton, who had been with the St. Louis Rams; named John Dorsey director of college scouting. Miami Dolphins -- Re-signed cornerback Ray Hall; signed wide receiver Damon Savage. New England Patriots -- Signed linebacker Barrin Simpson and free agent defensive end Jon Harris; waived quarterback Brian Kuklick and cornerback Robbie Duncan. New Orleans Saints -- Released safety Tyronne Drakeford. New York Jets -- Announced Bill Parcells will stay on as director of football operations for an indefinite period; re-signed free agent receiver Dedric Ward, running back-returner Leon Johnson and safety Chris Hayes, and Jonathan Eaton; signed defensive back Tony Scott. San Diego Chargers -- Signed free agent tight end Wendell Davis to a one-year contract. Seattle Seahawks -- Named Scott McCloughnan director of college scouting; signed free agent long snapper Jean-Phllippe Darche. Washington Redskins -- Signed free agent punter Tommy Barnhardt, who had been with the New Orleans Saints.

Chmura Charged With Third-Degree Sex Assault WAUKESHA, Wisconsin (Reuters) - Green Bay Packers tight end Mark Chmura was charged Monday with felony third-degree sexual assault after his 17-year-old babysitter alleged he had sex with her at a party. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine upon conviction. Chmura was in court this afternoon and a preliminary hearing was set for May 30. A two-time Pro Bowler, Chmura was arrested along with his friend, Robert Gessert, and booked at Waukesha County Jail on April 10 after two teenage girls went to Hartland police to accuse the men of ``inappropriate sexual contact'' with them. According to the police report, the babysitter claims Chmura had sexual intercourse with her in a bathroom. An 18-year-old accused Gessert of fondling her in a hot tub. Gessert, the host of the party, was also charged with sexual assault and was cited for providing alcohol to minors at the party. Chmura was also charged with failing to prevent underage drinking. The Packers have remained mum on the matter, but they selected Miami tight end Bubba Franks with their first-round pick in the draft last month. Chmura's arrest stunned the team and the community. He and his wife, Lynda, are long-time workers for the NFL's United Way and participate in numerous charities. Chmura, 30, missed most of last season due to a career-threatening neck injury. He suffered a neck stinger and temporarily lost feeling in his arms during Green Bay's 23-15 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week Two and missed the rest of the 1999 season. The Boston College product, who signed a five-year contract extension with the Packers after the 1998 season, has played his entire nine-year career in Green Bay. He emerged as one of the league's premier tight ends in 1995 when he caught a career-high 54 passes for 679 yards and seven touchdowns.

Rush Limbaugh on Monday Night Football? Can he keep his agenda out of it or will he even try?

I cannot even imagine - can he keep his EGO in check ?!