Matt Leinart is very good at fake stupid bowling

Matt Leinart is very good at fake stupid bowling
I've seen or met very few people around town this week who actually care about the outcome of the Giants-Patriots game on Sunday. There are a lot of reasons for this: a lot of true fans are priced out of attending the game, media and corporate types outnumber fans, etc.



But an overlooked reason for the apathy is this: Everyone's also been preoccupied with the highly-anticipated MJD vs. Matt Leinart Bowling Showdown I. Vegas has Leinart listed as a 14-pin favorite going in.

Gatorade's promoting the bejeesus out of their (delicious) new G2 drink everywhere this weekend, including having a "G2 Lounge" set up in the media center downtown. I was told that in this lounge, there would be "bowling lanes" and that I was to square off against Matt Leinart on Wednesday afternoon.

So last week, I actually went bowling to shape up my game a little bit. I practiced well. You know, with the 14-pound ball and standard-size, properly oiled lanes, with the appropriate amount of unemployed, mustachioed, middle-aged men and women hanging around. It was a a true bowling experience, and I thrived. I fully intended to go undefeated in the G2 Lounge this week. I even worked out this cool celebration, where I'd roll the ball, pull the pin from a grenade with my teeth, lob it at the pins, and cover my ears until my ball thunderously destroyed them.

I show up at the G2 Lounge, though, and the lanes are about 12-feet long, and the bowling balls are the size of a damn grapefruit.

I saw the set-up and thought to myself, "You've gotta be freakin' kidding me." This was absolute nonsense. It's like Tom Coughlin leading the Giants into the stadium on Sunday, and then Paul Tagliabue telling him to get ready, because he and Bill Belichick were about to decide Super Bowl XLII with a rousing game of 10-Yard Fight on the ColecoVision.

I was not amused. I could take like two steps and kick these pins down. And if I wanted to do my awesome grenade celebration, I'd have to do it with Jackie Chan-like quickness, because the ball gets to the pins in under a second.

And on top of all this, Leinart had been in there bowling for hours, practicing on this little sham of a set-up, not to mention getting all hopped up on G2, the low-calorie off-the-field beverage that still delivers vital electrolytes to your system (and is delicious!). So I'm facing this guy with what may very well be an electrolyte deficiency, while he's goosed up on the G2 like Shawne Merriman.

I shake Leinart's hand, introduce myself, and ask him if he wants to put $20 on the game. He laughs it off and says he's not very good (a damn lie, as it turns out), but I press the issue.

"Come on, man, 20 bucks."

"No," he laughs. "I can't be gambling."

"Come on, we're bowling with grapefuits here."

"I'm bowling with a grapefruit, too."

"That's what I'm saying. How good could either of us be?"

It was a no-go, though. No money would change hands. Someone paid attention at the rookie symposium.

So we get to rolling, and it's immediately clear that I'm outclassed ... much in the same way I would be if I had to play hopscotch against Lance Armstrong, or greco-roman wrestle Richard Seymour tomorrow morning.

He rolls his first ball, and he's got a damn hook going and everything. I'm surprised he's not in there with his own shoes, wristguard, and custom-made ball.

We made a little small talk as he proceeded to embarrass me. I asked him about the things he was doing around town all week (he's listed on the program for damn near everything), and if he planned to sleep at any point during the week.

None of the chat was terribly interesting, to be honest with you ... or maybe it just seemed that way because he was busy rolling his best score of the day, while I was out there like an uncoordinated, unathletic, dumber-than-a-rock 4-year-old, who has the bumpers set up on the side of the lanes, while has dad pushes the ball down the lane for him.

The five-frame final score was 75-36, Leinart.



At the conclusion of this sham of a contest, I bitterly shake his hand, note that I brought out the best in him, and tell him that he should hang out with me all week (imagine the ladies he'd pull then). He laughs it off, and my plan to pick up his leftovers is also foiled.

But, again, I can't make it any clearer how unfair this was. The G2 people make a delicious beverage, but THEY DO NOT RUN A CLEAN BOWLING GAME. The odds were stacked against me from the beginning. Leinart is the G2 golden boy, he's everybody's meal ticket, and they've gotta stack the odds in his favor.

Someday, Leinart, we will meet again, and we will compete at something (I did suggest we thumb-wrestle), and at whatever it is, I will cheat in every way possible until I beat you.

The G2 Lounge record at that point was a 77 from Steven Jackson, so at least it's not like I lost to some chump. And I did take a little bit of solace in the fact that Mike Greenberg had earlier rolled a 35. The "I'm Better Than Greenberg at Fake Bowling" t-shirts are currently in production.

I've got a couple more matches scheduled this week. Obviously, I won't be going undefeated, but I vow that I'm not going winless. I've got another quarterback on the schedule later today, and he's entering a world of pain.

49ers name Tollner QB coach

49ers name Tollner QB coach
The San Francisco 49ers are so concerned about Alex Smith, they're assigning him not one, but two quarterback gurus next season according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

That's the first-blush reaction after the team named Ted Tollner the quarterbacks coach Wednesday. He also will serve as assistant to head coach Mike Nolan. The Niners already had one recognized quarterback expert on staff in Mike Martz, who was hired as offensive coordinator two weeks ago.

Tollner joined the staff late last season in an attempt to save the NFL's worst offense from its weekly No. 32 ranking. He also helped with the quarterbacks, so all this move really does is ensure he's back for another season while giving him a more specific title and job role than his previous description as an offensive assistant.

�

Giants think Gisele is hotter than Jessica
For the second time in three weeks, the New York Giants will face a hot quarterback — and his even hotter girlfriend as reported in the New York Daily News.

The Giants had no problem kicking sand in the face of beach bums Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson, but now they face the power couple of Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen in Super Bowl XLII. There's little debate over who is the better quarterback, and after talking to members of the Giants and Patriots, it seems there's also no contest between the NFL's two most famous gal pals.

"Oh, Gisele!" Giants safety Gibril Wilson said without any hesitation when asked which famous girlfriend he would pick. "Jessica Simpson is an attractive lady, but Gisele is killing it. The whole Brazilian super-model thing ... Brady is a lucky man. Quarterback of the Patriots, dating Gisele. Can't beat that."

�

Tomlinson will skip Pro Bowl

LaDainian Tomlinson said Wednesday he will not play in next week's Pro Bowl, his first definitive announcement that his knee injury will keep him from making his fifth appearance in the NFL's all-star game.

"I'm not going to be able to play," he said. "The Pro Bowl is not a concern. After not playing in the (AFC) championship game, the Pro Bowl is the least of my concerns."

Tomlinson, in Phoenix for Super Bowl festivities as part an endorsement deal, also said his knee injury was worse than previously had been known. He had an additional MRI Tuesday and was told he made the tear in his medial collateral ligament worse by playing in the AFC Championship on Jan. 20.

�

Matt Leinart is a very good at lame, fake, stupid bowling
I've seen or met very few people around town this week who actually care about the outcome of the Giants vs. Patriots game on Sunday. There are a lot of reasons for this, with a lot of true fans being priced out of attending the game, media and corporate types outnumbering fans, etc.



But an overlooked reason for the apathy is this: Everyone's also been preoccupied with the highly-anticipated MJD vs. Matt Leinart Bowling Showdown I. Vegas has Leinart listed as a 14-pin favorite going in.

Gatorade's promoting the bejeesus out of their (delicious) new G2 drink everywhere this weekend, including having a "G2 Lounge" set up in the media center downtown. I was told that in this lounge, there would be "bowling lanes" and that I was to square off against Matt Leinart on Wednesday afternoon.

So last week, I actually went bowling to shape up my game a little bit. I practiced well ... you know, 14-pound ball, standard sized lanes, properly oiled, with the appropriate amount of unemployed, mustachioed, middle-aged men and women hanging around. It was a a true bowling experience, and I thrived. I fully intended to go undefeated in the G2 Lounge this week. I even worked out this cool celebration, where I'd roll the ball, pull the pin from a grenade with my teeth, lob it at the pins, and cover my ears until my ball thunderously destroyed them.

I show up at the G2 Lounge, though ... and the lanes are about 12-feet long, and the bowling balls are the size of a damn grapefruit.

I saw the set-up and thought to myself, "You've gotta be freakin' kidding me." This was absolute nonsense. It's like Tom Coughlin leading the Giants into the stadium on Sunday, and then Paul Tagliabue telling him to get ready, because he and Bill Belichick were about to decide Super Bowl XLII with a rousing game of 10-Yard-Fight on the Colecovision.

I was not amused. I could take like two steps and kick these pins down. And if I wanted to do my awesome grenade celebration, I'd have to do it with Jackie Chan-like quickness, because the ball gets to the pins in under a second.

And on top of all this, Leinart had been in there bowling for hours, practicing on this little sham of a set-up, not to mention getting all hopped up on G2, the low-calorie off-the-field beverage that still delivers vital electrolytes to your system (and is delicious!). So I'm facing this guy with what may very well be an electrolyte deficiency, while he's goosed up on the G2 like Shawne Merriman.

I shake Leinart's hand, introduce myself, and ask him if he wants to put $20 on the game. He laughs it off and says he's not very good (a damn lie, as it turns out), but I press the issue.

"Come on, man, 20 bucks."

"No," he laughs. "I can't be gambling."

"Come on, we're bowling with grapefuits here."

"I'm bowling with a grapefruit, too."

"That's what I'm saying. How good could either of us be?"

It was a no-go, though. No money would change hands. Someone paid attention at the rookie symposium.

So we get to rolling, and it's immediately clear that I'm outclassed ... much in the same way I would be if I had to play hopscotch against Lance Armstrong, or greco-roman wrestle Richard Seymour tomorrow morning.

He rolls his first ball, and he's got a damn hook going and everything. I'm surprised he's not in there with his own shoes, wristguard, and custom-made ball.

We made a little small talk as he proceeded to embarrass me. I asked him about the things he was doing around town all week (he's listed on the program for damn near everything), and if he planned to sleep at any point during the week.

None of the chat was terribly interesting, to be honest with you ... or maybe it just seemed that way because he was busy rolling his best score of the day, while I was out there like an uncoordinated, unathletic, dumber-than-a-rock 4-year-old, who has the bumpers set up on the side of the lanes, while has dad pushes the ball down the lane for him.

The 5-frame final score was 75-36, Leinart.



At the conclusion of the sham of a contest, I bitterly shake his hand, note that I brought out the best in him, and tell him that he should hang out with me all week (imagine the ladies he'd pull then). He laughs it off ... and my plan to pick up his leftovers is also foiled.

But again, I can't make it any clearer how unfair this was. The G2 people make a delicious beverage, but THEY DO NOT RUN A CLEAN BOWLING GAME. The odds were stacked against me from the beginning. But you know how it is ... Leinart is the G2 golden boy, he's everybody's meal ticket, and they've gotta stack the odds in his favor.

Someday, Leinart, we will meet again, and we will compete at something (I did suggest we thumb-wrestle) ... and at whatever it is, I will cheat in every way possible until I beat you.

The G2 Lounge record at that point was a 77 from Steven Jackson, so at least it's not like I lost to some chump. And I did take a little bit of solace in the fact that Mike Greenberg had earlier rolled a 35. The "I'm Better Than Greenberg at Fake Bowling" t-shirts are currently in production.

I've got a couple more matches scheduled this week. Obviously, I won't be going undefeated ... but I vow that I'm not going winless. I've got another quarterback on the schedule later today, and he's entering a world of pain.

Moss is the force behind Pats' record offense

Moss is the force behind Pats' record offense
Malcontent. Selfish. Randy Moss has heard it all. A career year and a Super Bowl appearance changed all that, Mark Kriegel says.

T.O. owes Eagles portion of signing bonus
Terrell Owens should set aside part of his roster bonus from Dallas to pay his old team a debt. An arbitrator ruled in favor of the Philadelphia Eagles last Friday on a grievance that was filed by the NFL players' union on Owens' behalf in 2005, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Tuesday, citing a league source. A team spokesman said the Eagles wouldn't comment. Owens' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, didn't immediately return a phone message. The union disputed the Eagles' effort to recover $1.

ESPN.com has launched many new football widgets that offer scores, stats, and news

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Hit List: Burress, Cassel say the strangest things
Just when Kevin Hench thought Super Bowl media day couldn't get any odder, one amazing woman proved him wrong.

Native Americans nearly hosted Super Bowl XLII
This is the site of Super Bowl XLII. But Greg Boeck explains the nation's biggest sporting event nearly landed on Native American soil.

Crennel signs two-year extension with Browns
Willie McGinest always believed Romeo Crennel would turn the Cleveland Browns into winners. For a long time, though, it seemed like the 36-year-old linebacker was about the only who did. "There was a lot of prejudgment about Romeo," said McGinest, who played for Crennel in New England. "And it was really unfair. It takes time. It takes players, and it takes a coach to do that." Crennel did it.

Owens unhappy with union; not worried about money
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens is unhappy with the player's union: "Honestly, I'm disappointed in the union. The second time that we've kind of used their services, I've been very, very disappointed in that,'' he said on an ESPN radio show from the Super Bowl.

Owens was defended by the NFLPA when he fought the Philadelphia Eagles' suspension of him in November 2005, and in this matter. The Eagles contended that after they suspended Owens for "conduct detrimental to the team,'' he owed them $1.725 million of his $2.3 million signing bonus. They withheld his remaining paychecks, but still fell nearly $800,000 short of the total they'd sought.

"I'm not going to really worry about the money, money doesn't really make me,'' Owens said. "I'm very fortunate to be where I am, and I'll leave that in the past.''

�

Crennel signs two-year extension with Browns

Crennel signs two-year extension with Browns
Willie McGinest always believed Romeo Crennel would turn the Cleveland Browns into winners. For a long time, though, it seemed like the 36-year-old linebacker was about the only who did. "There was a lot of prejudgment about Romeo," said McGinest, who played for Crennel in New England. "And it was really unfair. It takes time. It takes players, and it takes a coach to do that." Crennel did it.

T.O. owes Eagles portion of signing bonus
Terrell Owens should set aside part of his roster bonus from Dallas to pay his old team a debt. An arbitrator ruled in favor of the Philadelphia Eagles last Friday on a grievance that was filed by the NFL players' union on Owens' behalf in 2005, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Tuesday, citing a league source. A team spokesman said the Eagles wouldn't comment. Owens' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, didn't immediately return a phone message. The union disputed the Eagles' effort to recover $1.

Donovan McNabb, Marshawn Lynch, and Hooters
My first official Super Bowl event came yesterday at this exclusive little club called "Hooters." I'm not sure why they call it that. I think they serve owl, and the place is so exclusive because a lot of owls are endangered, including the Common (guess not) Barn Owl.

The party was hosted by the good people at Yardbarker, and Donovan McNabb, Marshawn Lynch, and Dontrelle Willis were expected to be in the house. In another first for me, the Yardbarker crew was good enough to grant me VIP access, which meant that I got to stand in a very special portion of Hooters.



If you're not aware, Yardbarker's a sports community website, and they've got a bunch of athletes with their own blogs over there. McNabb's got a blog there, Marshawn Lynch has a blog there ... it's an interesting project that I think has a bright future.

Anyway, at the party, there was a merchandise stand, where they were selling Super Bowl gear (more on this in a bit), some Giants and Patriots items, a lot of Eagles gear, and also, for some reason, various pictures of girls who seem to like to draw attention to their chests. They didn't have any Bills gear, though ... I was kind of hoping that Marshawn Lynch would take offense to this, and come in there, and destroy the whole set-up. He didn't.

You can see about 1/4th of the face of the gentleman on the bottom right of the picture ... he was very nice. If you recognize that 1/4th of a face around the greater Phoenix area this week, don't hesitate to approach him. He's a sweet man.



The first celebrity in the house was Bills running back Marshawn Lynch. At no point did it appear like Marshawn Lynch was not having the time of his life. I think he's the kind of guy you could put in an Iraqi prison cell, and as long as he had someone there to talk to, he'd be just fine. He's a walking one-man party.

Sitting and doing a radio interview ... big smile on his face.



Learning the finer points of blogging ... big smile on his face.



Also, I think he likes the Oakland A's.

Seriously, I just want to be Marshawn Lynch for a day. I saw him back in the corner of the deck at one point, just dancing with one of the Yardbarker guys, to no music whatsoever. Just celebrating the fact that he has no reason not to celebrate.

At this point, I'm just kickin' it, sitting back, talking to a couple of people and keeping an eye on Marshawn and his boys. It is, for the most part, a loose, chilled-out scene.

And then Donovan McNabb showed up.



Swarm. Anywhere he went, people just flooded the area. A lot of them were autograph hounds (including one toolbox who kept asking people, "How much is his autograph worth on eBay?") ... but mostly, it seemed like people just wanted to see him. They just wanted to be near the guy. Celebrity the caliber of McNabb's has an odd effect on people.

To McNabb's credit, though, he could not have been nicer to the people who were bumrushing him from all angles. I see a scene like that, try to envision myself in it, and I'd be thinking, "What the hell is wrong with you people?" right before I started throwing Anthony Mason elbows.

But D-Mac went above and beyond in trying to accommodate everyone. It's gotta take incredible patience to deal with something like that. He's a smooth cat.

The brunette in the middle here? That is not the same look she gave me when she asked me how I'd like my wings.



And here's Donovan, right before we made out:



I didn't want to. But he walked by, and I said, "D-Mac, that's a nice Coogi." He shyly looked at the ground, gave me a sheepish little smile, and then we ended up kissing. It was strange. But like I said, celebrity has a weird effect on people.

Okay, that didn't happen. But he wanted it to, I could tell. And these girls would have been totally jealous. Of him.



This guy showed up with McNabb. I don't know if he's friend, family, or what, but he had an awesome t-shirt. Here he is, listening to a young woman extol the virtues of Vitamin Water.



Alright, confession time: the guy below was actually the first NFL'er I saw, but I had no idea who the hell he was. Anyone of interest, they got on camera and quizzed them on Super Bowl trivia. They asked this guy to name the last three Super Bowl MVPs, and this student of the game said, "Tom Brady, Tom Brady, Tom Brady."

That's absolutely correct, if by "Tom Brady, Tom Brady, Tom Brady," he meant, "Peyton Manning, Hines Ward, Deion Branch."

But the Hooters girls actually told him that the right answer was "Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Tom Brady," but ... you know, it's not like this was a Stump the Schwab party. You get enough beer and wings in anyone, and they'll tell you that the MVP of the 1982 World Series was Jaleel White.



I found out later that this was reserve Chiefs linebacker Mickey Pimentel (who once did this), and he played his college ball at Cal. Pac-10 football, as it turns out, is much more popular here than it is back on the east coast. But Pimentel seemed like a hell of a nice guy.

Also, I was told that these guys below all played for the Oakland A's. Before someone told me that, though, I had them identified as "Hooters customers." If you recognize any of them, let me know.



My thanks again to the Yardbarker gang for the invite and the assistance, including Pete, Diana, Dewey and Nic. All nice people.

Hit List: Burress, Cassel say the strangest things
Just when Kevin Hench thought Super Bowl media day couldn't get any odder, one amazing woman proved him wrong.

Capers interviews with Cowboys for job as linebackers coach

Capers interviews with Cowboys for job as linebackers coach

The Dallas Cowboys�interviewed former Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans head coach Dom Capers at Valley Ranch on Tuesday according to the Dallas Morning News.

Capers, who was the defensive coordinator in Miami last season, is up for the vacant position as linebackers coach.

A�noted defensive coach, Capers has expertise in the 3-4 scheme. Last week, owner and general manager Jerry Jones said he wanted head coach Wade Phillips to hire coaches who were familiar with the 3-4 scheme. But hiring Capers, the defensive coordinator with Miami the last two seasons, appears to be a sign that the Cowboys want veteran coaches to go with Phillips and to help defensive coordinator Brian Stewart. Stewart, who just completed his first season as coordinator, coached under Capers in Houston.

�

Eagles hire Whipple as offensive assistant

Former UMass coach Mark Whipple — who was out of the league for one year after serving as the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks coach — hooked on as an offensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles according to the Boston Globe.

"Bill Cowher and I talked about him last year when I thought maybe I would lose [quarterbacks coach] Pat [Shurmur] about maybe coming in and working with the quarterbacks and Bill told me that, when he came back [to the NFL to be a head coach], that would be the first guy that he would hire. I said, 'Wow, I've got to really look at this guy.' "

New England's victory parade could be on Super Tuesday
A Super Bowl win for the New England Patriots on Sunday would set up a big-league conflict between politics and sports in a city that is obsessed with both: The victory parade would have to be on Super Tuesday, when Massachusetts votes with 21 other states in critical Democratic and Republican presidential primaries the Boston Globe reported.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino said�Monday that there is no choice. The players would not be able to get back from Phoenix early enough for a Monday parade. And a number of Patriots have to travel to Hawaii Wednesday for the Feb. 10 Pro Bowl.

City officials have been planning a route that would skirt polling places and are putting extra police officers on call. More than 200 officers are needed to guard ballots each election day. Hundreds more are typically needed to control massive crowds during victory rallies.

�

Brady's minor ankle sprain becomes an issue
His right ankle was so heavily taped, it could have been mummified according to the New York Daily News. When he moved, he walked with what was described as a "slight limp."

It's official now. Tom Brady's "minor" high ankle sprain is an issue, even if the Patriots keep treating it as if Gisele just broke a fingernail.

The good news for the Pats was that yesterday Brady took every snap during their first practice of Super Bowl week, an hour and 40-minute session. He's definitely playing. And the Giants' pass rush can definitely start thinking about how this injury might affect him and whether any hits could take him out of this biggest of games.

�

ESPN.com has launched many new football widgets that offer scores, stats, and news

ESPN.com has launched many new football widgets that offer scores, stats, and news

Visit the ESPN Widget Center.

Attorneys agree to extend Moss restraining order
Lawyers for Randy Moss and the woman who accused him of battery agreed to extend a temporary restraining order she obtained against the New England Patriots wide receiver, his agent said Monday.

Ready to do it for New York
The Giants have seen how local fans treat winners. Steve Serby says they plan to give those fans a Super show in Glendale.

Ryan staying on as Ravens' defensive coordinator
Rex Ryan, the Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator the past three years, will stay on in the same capacity under new head coach John Harbaugh, the team announced Monday.

Ravens rehire Ryan as D-coordinator
Rex Ryan is back with the Baltimore Ravens, this time with a new title. Ryan, fired as defensive coordinator Dec. 31, was hired Monday as the team's assistant head coach/defensive coordinator. Ryan, 45, was given the position by new coach John Harbaugh, who planned to make a formal announcement at a news conference later Monday. Ryan and the rest of the coaching staff were fired along with coach Brian Billick following a 5-11 season.

For Belichick, it's the disinformation age
Don't expect anything juicy out of the Pats this week. Alex Marvez says Bill Belichick controls the flow of information better than anyone.

Hitler furious over Cowboys loss to Giants

I came across this on youtube today and thought it was too funny to pass up. Damn those Cowboys!

Redskins fire assistant, coach candidate Williams

Redskins fire assistant, coach candidate Williams
The Washington Redskins fired assistants Gregg Williams and Al Saunders on Saturday, promoted Greg Blache to lead the team's defense and announced that a head coach would likely not be in place for at least another week.

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Burress says Giants WRs better than Pats

Burress says Giants WRs better than Pats
Plaxico Burress has made some amazing catches. And this amazing statement: His Giants may have better receivers than the Patriots' very deep group of Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Donte' Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney. The response from New England? No laughter, no putdowns, no he-said-what? Just check out what happens on the field.

Burress says Giants WRs better than Pats

Burress says Giants WRs better than Pats
Plaxico Burress has made some amazing catches. And this amazing statement: His Giants may have better receivers than the Patriots' very deep group of Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Donte' Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney. The response from New England? No laughter, no putdowns, no he-said-what? Just check out what happens on the field.

Umenyiora putting Pats lineman in spotlight
Osi Umenyiora's comments about Matt Light's tactics just might give the Giants' defensive lineman an edge, Steve Serby says.

Thurman gets permission to work out with Bengals
The NFL cleared linebacker Odell Thurman to resume working out with the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, a step toward reinstatement from his two-year suspension. Thurman will be allowed to work out with the training staff at Paul Brown Stadium. He's hoping for full reinstatement before the team's minicamp in April. "We see it as a positive," agent Safarrah Lawson said Saturday in a phone interview.

Hall of Famer Moon to be arraigned on DUI charges
Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon will enter a plea Feb. 5 on charges of driving under the influence, court officials said. The charges stem from an arrest Dec. 28, when a Medina police officer saw Moon's vehicle on the Highway 520 Bridge at about 2 a.m. and noticed it had an expired registration tab, said Medina police Lt. Dan Yourboski. Moon had a valid Texas driver's license, but his driving privileges had been revoked in Washington, Yourboski told the Seattle Times.

Seahawks hire Solari to coach offensive lineman

Seahawks hire Solari to coach offensive lineman
The Seattle Seahawks hired Mike Solari as offensive line coach Thursday, two days after coach Mike Holmgren said he was going to replace Bill Laveroni.

Seymour Butts, Says Nick Hardwick

Seymour Butts, Says Nick Hardwick


Chargers center Nick Hardwick is still talking about Richard Seymour ... and while he might have a point this time, I still wish someone would serve him a nice tall glass of shut the hell up..

Hardwick accused Seymour of head-butting a Chargers assistant coach, and video evidence exists that kinda sorta backs it up. It's from the Patriots pregame intro, and for some reason, Seymour is over at the Chargers bench area, jawing with Marcus McNeil. An assistant coach appears to try to separate them, and then Seymour gets in his face.

Now, I don't think there's anything that qualifies as a head-butt in there. There may have been some light facemask-to-face contact, but I'm guessing that if Richard Seymour really wanted to head-butt that coach, the coach would still be in critical condition right now with a fractured skull.

Still, there's no reason for Seymour to be over there during the introductions ... and there's even less reason for him to get in a coach's face like that.�

But perhaps most importantly, there's no reason for Nick Hardwick to still be talking about any of this. Calm yourself, Hardwick. Stop talking for a while. Accept your loss, and move on ... and if you still feel the need to do something, just show up at Seymour's house and fight the guy. But please, leave the rest of us out of it.

• Seymour Head-Butt Caught on Tape? / Pro Football Talk
• Did Patriots' Richard Seymour Head Butt a Chargers Assistant Coach? / FanHouse

Redskins #21 will be at the Pro Bowl
The NFL deserves a patronizing pat on the head this morning for allowing a little bit of flexibility in their normally unreasonably rigid uniform rules. Redskins Pro Bowlers Chris Cooley and Chris Samuels will be allowed to wear Taylor's #21 at the Pro Bowl on February 10th.

Taylor, of course, was voted posthumously to the Pro Bowl by coaches, players, and fans. It's a nice gesture from Cooley and Samuels to see to it that the #21 will be represented in Honolulu, and I can only hope that they'll represent Taylor with the same dignity, decorum, and class as the people in the beginning of the first video here.

Of course, if you want to honor Sean Taylor in the Pro Bowl, there's always another way of going about it ... you can go out there and decapitate a punter.



• Pro Bowl Redskins to wear jersey No. 21 to honor Sean Taylor / Yahoo! Sports
• Sean Taylor LEVELS a punter / YouTube

Tony Romo's going to need a new excuse
Just for fun this morning, let's take the word of OK! Magazine as pure and undisputable truth (if you're wondering, they also claim that Britney Spears has Herschel Walker disease). OK! says that Tony Romo sat Jessica Simpson down, gently took her hands, and said to her, "Honey, welcome to Dumpsville. Population: You."

The New York Daily news quotes OK! Magazine, who quotes a friend of Jessica, who said:

"Tony is now starting to blame her himself. Before dating Jessica, he was Texas' golden boy. Now he's become a joke."

"He said he thought it was better if they went back to being friends."

"It was the moment he realized it wasn't going to work with Jessica in the long term"

Well, I for one, think it's a shame that they broke up ... at least before they had an opportunity to get a sex tape out there.�

Any notion that it was Jessica Simpon's fault that the Cowboys lost to the Giants is absurd. If the relationship had any effect on his performance (which I doubt), that's still Romo's fault, not hers. And if his head was screwed up by Simpson, it would have been screwed up by any young strumpet with whom he shared bodily fluids ... famous or not, or spectacular jugs or not.�

• Tony Romo punts Jessica Simpson / NY Daily News

Falcons make Jags' Smith new coach

Falcons make Jags' Smith new coach
Sources said the Falcons have hired Mike Smith as coach.

There are many different ways to fill an opening

There are many different ways to fill an opening
Two teams are being particularly active today in their search for a head coach.� One team believes in never doing anything low-profile, and the other has had just about enough high-profile to last them for the rest of eternity.

Word is that the Falcons have offered their head coaching position to a fellow named Mike Smith. The hire is as exciting as his name, but again, after enduring a year in which your quarterback gets tossed in jail for dog genocide and your head coach bails in the middle of the night for a college job, going low-key might be the way to go.��

Smith has been defensive coordinator of the Jags for the last five years ... and the Jags had a pretty good defense this year, unless you count the secondary. Before that, he was the linebackers coach with the Ravens. So if nothing else, the Falcons linebackers should be, from this point on, quite proficient in stabbing.

As for the Redskins, they appear to be targeting Giants reject Jim Fassel, who they almost hired back in 2004. It seemed for a while like they'd go with current defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, which would seem to be a perfectly reasonable choice and an easy transition. Some owners, though, seem more interested in making a splash than making the sensible hire.

And Redskins fans out there seem really excited about it.

• Falcons offer coaching job to Smith / Yahoo! Sports
• Former Giants coach Jim Fassel becomes favorite for Redskins job / Yahoo! Sports
• Jim Fassel the Next Skins Coach? Kill Me / Mr. Irrelevant
• A Timeline of the Redskins Coaching Search / Kissing Suzy Kolber

Pats' Seymour responds to Hardwick's criticism

Pats' Seymour responds to Hardwick's criticism
One day after Chargers center Nick Hardwick had some choice words for Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour, the New England veteran had some criticism of his own.

Back-to-back 'Super' sons for Archie
Archie Manning's boys are trying for consecutive Super Bowl titles. Steve Serby says he's a happy but humble father these days.

Brady sheds walking cast for night out in New York

Brady sheds walking cast for night out in New York
Has Tom Brady given the boot to the boot? Hours after being photographed with a walking boot on his right foot as he followed girlfriend Gisele Bundchen into her New York apartment on Monday, other pictures showed the New England Patriots quarterback wearing black shoes - and no boot - when he showed up at a New York hotspot. The Web site PageSix.com had two photos - credited to INFDaily.com - that showed Brady wearing blue jeans and a black sweater with the black shoes and no boot.

NFL asking to be dropped from Pacman lawsuit
The NFL is citing the same jurisdictional grounds the Tennessee Titans used to get out of a lawsuit by a man paralyzed in a shooting outside a strip club minutes after a melee involving suspended player Adam "Pacman" Jones.

Redskins' mystery coaching candidate revealed
Two days after FOXSports reported a mystery candidate in Washington, his identity can now be revealed.

Bucs coach Gruden, GM Allen receive extensions
In the wake of the franchise's second division title in three seasons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday rewarded general manager Bruce Allen and head coach Jon Gruden with three-year contract extensions through the 2011 season.

Holmgren returning as Seahawks coach in '08
Mike Holmgren has decided to return as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

Dorrell, Henning, Pasqualoni mulling Miami offers

Dorrell, Henning, Pasqualoni mulling Miami offers
Former UCLA coach Karl Dorrell is expected to be named the wide receivers coach of the Miami Dolphins at some point this week, as Dorrell is believed to have chosen Miami over Kansas City acording to the Miami Herald.

Dorrell, who coached the wide receivers in Denver before jumping back to the college ranks, recently was fired by UCLA. If indeed he chooses Miami, the team is considering hiring former NFL head coach Dan Henning to serve as the offensive coordinator. The mind-set would be to groom Dorrell as Henning's successor to run the offense -- a transition that would likely be a rapid one since Henning is 65 years old.

Meanwhile, several Cowboys assistants are likely to decide Tuesday whether to join the Dolphins or stay in Dallas. Linebackers coach Paul Pasqualoni, defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers and secondary coach Todd Bowles all have contracts that will expire Tuesday.

�

Wife of ex-Cowboy Springs sues for malpractice
The wife of former Dallas Cowboys running back Ron Springs is suing two doctors who she accuses of letting her husband slip into a coma last October.

Is Kiffin in trouble in Oakland already?

One of the rumors making the rounds at the Senior Bowl practice sessions is that there's trouble still brewing in Oakland. Coach Lane Kiffin has discovered he me may the the head coach of the Oakland Raiders but Al Davis runs all things black and silver.

Citing a league source, Profootballtalk.com is reporting Kiffin and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan are not on speaking terms. Davis wants Ryan. Kiffin doesn't. Several weeks ago, there were reports that the Raiders were preparing to fire Ryan. It also was reported that Ryan would be landing with the New York Jets. The team issued a strong denial, and all has been quiet since then.

It could be that Kiffin is in trouble, and that Davis is waiting for the dust to settle as to other head-coaching jobs or offensive coordinator positions at the NFL and NCAA level before cutting Kiffin loose.

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Dungy decides to remain Colts' coach
Tony Dungy will coach at least one more season with the Indianapolis Colts, the team said Monday.

Holmgren to return as Seahawks coach in 2008
Mike Holmgren has decided to return as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

Former Titans DT Long critical following car crash
Former Titans defensive tackle Rien Long was in critical condition after he crashed his sports car into a rock wall while driving onto an interstate.

Bucs coach Gruden, GM Allen receive extensions
In the wake of the franchise's second division title in three seasons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday rewarded general manager Bruce Allen and head coach Jon Gruden with three-year contract extensions through the 2011 season.

Jones will pay $3 million bonues to keep Owens in Dallas

Get the popcorn ready! Terrell Owens will be returning to the Dallas Cowboys according to Foxsports.com. Owens might even get misty about it.

According to the website Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday that he will pay Owens a $3 million bonus due in March, essentially guaranteeing the wide receiver a spot on the team's 2008 roster.

"Yes, we're going to have Terrell back," Jones said after a morning Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

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Will Cameron or Shurmur be Ravens' offensive coordinator

Ousted Mimai Dolphins coach Cam Cameron could have his next NFL job by the end of the day Tuesday.

An NFL source informed The Palm Beach Post that Cameron is close to becoming the next Ravens offensive coordinator. The Ravens on Friday named Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach John Harbaugh their new head coach. But another league source said there still is a decision to be made in Baltimore, confirming Cameron was a finalist along with Eagles quarterbacks coach Pat Shurmur.

Harbaugh is said to be interested in filling his coordinator positions as quickly as possible, preferably Tuesday. Rex Ryan, the former Ravens defensive coordinator who interviewed to replace Cameron with the Dolphins, is a candidate to return.

�

Holmgren could make announcement on future Tuesday

The Seattle Times is reporting Mike Holmgren could annouce a decision on his coaching future as soon as today. Holmgren and his wife Kathy have returned from an Arizona vacation and sources indicate Holmgren has already been seen at the team's headquarters.

If Holmgren, who has one year left on a contract that was extended before the 2006 season, decides to leave, assistant head coach and defensive backs coach Jim Mora is widely considered to be the top candidate to replace him.

Eli, Giants will probably prove me wrong

Eli, Giants will probably prove me wrong
Terry Bradshaw says he'll probably pick the Pats, but Eli Manning and the Giants may very well defy the odds again.

Is it inevitable Rosenbloom will sell Rams?
As St. Louis Rams owner, Dale "Chip'' Rosenbloom will�not�become a hands-on owner like the Washington Redskins' Dan Snyder. Those who know Rosenbloom say he feels a great sense of responsibility in making it work in St. Louis, and he wants the team's fans to know that ownership cares.

But because of his film-making career and family interests in Los Angeles, it may be inevitable that he sells the team. Those who know Rosenbloom say he would be in no hurry to make a decision and that a sale won't be forced upon the family.

If the team is put up for sale, minority owner Stan Kroenke has the right of first refusal. Kroenke owns 40 percent of the Rams, a franchise valued at $908 million, according to Forbes. But because Kroenke now owns the NBA's Denver Nuggets and the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, the NFL's cross-ownership rule would prevent him from taking majority ownership of the Rams.

Steeler's girlfriend arrested after standoff

Steeler's girlfriend arrested after standoff
Read full story for latest details.

Girlfriend of Steelers WR arrested after standoff
The girlfriend of Steelers wide receiver Cedrick Wilson was arrested after a standoff.

Jacksonville Jaguars fire pro personnel director

Jacksonville Jaguars fire pro personnel director
The Jaguars fired pro personnel director Charles Bailey Saturday and promoted college scouting director Gene Smith.

Brady flying high, and far from finished

Brady flying high, and far from finished
Tom Brady is two wins from joining the exclusive four Super Bowl club. Amazingly, he's not even close to finished, Mark Kriegel says.

Rivers 'optimistic' he can play Sunday
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers returned to the practice field Friday and remained "optimistic" his sprained right knee would heal enough for him to play in the AFC championship game against the New England Patriots. Chargers coach Norv Turner took a more cautious approach. He listed Rivers as doubtful and said it would be a gametime decision Sunday. "We want him to be able to move well enough to protect himself," Turner said. Rivers took about one-third of the snaps in practice.

Rams continue makeover, dismiss two assistants
The remaking of Scott Linehan's staff in St. Louis has continued, with the Rams dismissing two more assistant coaches.

Chargers' Rivers optimistic he'll return vs. Patriots
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers returned to the practice field Friday and remained "optimistic" his sprained right knee would heal enough for him to play in the AFC championship game against the New England Patriots.

Vikings' Frazier to interview for open Falcons job
With two of their top three candidates eliminated, the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday expanded their search for a new head coach, as ESPN.com has learned that club officials met here with Minnesota Vikings' defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.

Frigid weather awaits NFC foes, naturally
Warm up (or cool down) the 'frozen tundra' imitations and puns. Alex Marvez is prepared for epic cold Sunday in Green Bay.

Ravens introduce new head coach Harbaugh
All the time he spent in the background as an assistant paid off for John Harbaugh, who welcomed the "opportunity of a career" Saturday after being introduced as the new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. Harbaugh brings 24 years of coaching experience with him, even though he has never been in charge of an offense or a defense. That only intensified the excitement he derived from becoming the third head coach in the 12-year history of the franchise. "I'm a football coach.

Titans' FS Hope has surgery to repair neck injury
Tennessee Titans starting free safety Chris Hope, who missed five games in 2007 finished the season on injured reserve, has undergone neck surgery to address the spinal cord injury that knocked him out of action.

Rams owner Frontiere dies at 80
The St. Louis Rams say owner Georgia Frontiere has died at age 80 in Los Angeles after being hospitalized for several months with breast cancer.

Ravens will introduce Harbaugh as coach Saturday

Ravens will introduce Harbaugh as coach Saturday
The Baltimore Ravens will introduce John Harbaugh, the 45-year-old Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach, who comes from a football family, during a news conference at noon Saturday according to the Baltimore Sun.

Harbaugh, who has never been in charge of an offense or a defense in the National Football League, made a name for himself as a special-teams coach.

"It's not a well-traveled path, but we'll prove special-teams coordinators can coach," Harbaugh told Philadelphia radio station WIP a half-hour after being hired. "But a football coach is a football coach. I guess the Ravens saw something they liked."

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Right fit crucial to coaching success

Right fit crucial to coaching success
Although the four coaches left in the playoffs are the toast of their towns now, Michael Smith says that wasn't always the case.

LT will be close to 100 percent for Chargers

Three days of treatment and rest for his hyperextended left knee had LaDainian Tomlinson feeling a lot better Thursday.

The San Diego Chargers running back did not practice�Thursday but said he expected to "go as fast as I can" in Friday's workout. He said he had no concerns regarding his participation in Sunday's AFC Championship Game at New England.

"I'll be ready to go," he said. "I'll feel just fine by game time, and so I expect to be close to 100 percent."

�

'Skins talk to Meeks; Mora yet to leave D.C.

'Skins talk to Meeks; Mora yet to leave D.C.
Read full story for latest details.

L.T. returns to practice for Chargers

L.T. returns to practice for Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are slowly getting back their injured players ahead of the AFC championship game Sunday against the undefeated New England Patriots. Although quarterback Philip Rivers sat out for the second straight day with a sprained right knee, two-time NFL rushing champion LaDainian Tomlinson returned to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday to rest his hyperextended left knee. "I think we're making progress," coach Norv Turner said. "L.T.

Manning can define himself with one win
Eli Manning is 60 minutes from ending doubts over whether he can ever be "The Man" in New York sports, Mike Vaccaro says.

NFL to return to Britain in 2008
The NFL will return to Britain next season. The league, which held its first regular season game outside North America in London last October, said Thursday it would come back again in 2008. The teams, date and venue will be announced during Super Bowl week late this month or in early February. The New York Giants beat the Miami Dolphins 13-10 in front of 81,176 fans at Wembley Stadium on Oct. 28.

O.J. released, only after angry judge raises bail

O.J. released, only after angry judge raises bail
An angry Las Vegas judge doubled O.J. Simpson's bail to $250,000 Wednesday for violating terms of his original bail by attempting to contact a co-defendant in his armed robbery case.

Ex-Falcons coach Mora interviews for Skins' job
Redskins owner Dan Snyder is once again taking a meticulous approach as he seeks a successor to Joe Gibbs, who resigned last week.

Man arrested after taping Packers jersey onto son
Upset that his 7-year-old son wouldn't wear a Packers jersey during the team's playoff victory Saturday, a man restrained the boy for an hour with tape and taped the jersey onto him.

O.J. out of jail after posting $250K bail
O.J. Simpson again walked free from a Las Vegas jail late Wednesday, hours after a judge blistered him for "arrogance or ignorance" for breaking bail terms in a robbery case. Simpson posted bond and was released from jail just after 11 p.m. He walked out by himself and quickly got into a white Mercedes and was driven away without comment to the dozen members of the news media on hand.

Chargers' Rivers rests knee, defends active mouth
Philip Rivers rested his knee in practice but defended his mouth.

Dolphins hire Dallas' Sparano as head coach

Dolphins hire Dallas' Sparano as head coach
Read full story for latest details.

Garrett turns down Ravens; Philly's Harbaugh could get offer
When Jason Garrett didn't accept the Baltimore Ravens' head coaching offer and left team headquarters Tuesday, the Dallas offensive coordinator likely opened the door for Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach John Harbaugh, a league source told the Baltimore Sun.

While the Ravens are still making a run at Garrett and are continuing to negotiate with him, the team understands that landing its top candidate might have become more difficult because he is being pursued by the Dallas Cowboys and the Atlanta Falcons.

According to the source, the Ravens are ready to hire Harbaugh as head coach over the next couple of days if Garrett is unavailable. Harbaugh, 45, was the only candidate interviewed by the Ravens who was neither a coordinator nor an assistant head coach. He became the Eagles' secondary coach after spending nine seasons as the special teams coach.

Pacman accused of hitting a woman at club

Pacman accused of hitting a woman at club
Read full story for latest details.

Pacman allegedly punches woman in strip club
WSB-TV in Atlanta reports that Tennessee Titans cornerback Pacman Jones allegedly punched a woman on January 3 in a North Atlanta strip club. The story was posted on the website Profootballtalk.com.

And the woman whom he punched is a lawyer.

The incident allegedly happened on January 3. The lawyer, Wanda Jackson, alleges that Jones entered a manager's office, accusing the club among other things of stealing money from him. She says that, during the meeting, Jones lunged at her several times. She also alleges that, in a hallway after the meeting, he reached around a security guard and punched her.

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USC's Carroll refuses to address NFL rumors
On a day when USC's football team met for the first time since the Rose Bowl, Coach Pete Carroll refused to answer reporters' questions about a possible return to the NFL according to the Los Angeles Times.

Carroll's name had been linked to at least two NFL openings last week while he was on vacation in Hawaii. He reportedly spoke with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank at least once about the team's search for a head coach. He also has been mentioned in media reports as a possible candidate to succeed Joe Gibbs with the Washington Redskins.

"I'm not talking about anything," Carroll said Monday upon his arrival at Heritage Hall. "I'm not commenting about anything."

Redskins to interview Caldwell, Meeks, Mora

Redskins to interview Caldwell, Meeks, Mora

The Indianapolis Colts recently granted permission for the Washington Redskins to meet with assistants Jim Caldwell and Ron Meeks, among Colts head coach Tony Dungy's top lieutenants, once its season ended, said a team official speaking on behalf of Colts President Bill Polian.

Washington is scheduled to interview Seattle assistant Jim Mora this week, according to league sources. Mora could be a candidate to replace Seattle Coach Mike Holmgren, should he step down according to the Washington Post.

�

USC's Carroll refuses to address NFL rumors
On a day when USC's football team met for the first time since the Rose Bowl, Coach Pete Carroll refused to answer reporters' questions about a possible return to the NFL according to the Los Angeles Times.

Carroll's name had been linked to at least two NFL openings last week while he was on vacation in Hawaii. He reportedly spoke with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank at least once about the team's search for a head coach. He also has been mentioned in media reports as a possible candidate to succeed Joe Gibbs with the Washington Redskins.

"I'm not talking about anything," Carroll said Monday upon his arrival at Heritage Hall. "I'm not commenting about anything."

Ravens could name Garrett as soon as Tuesday
Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett took a major step toward becoming the Baltimore Ravens' next head coach, flying to Baltimore last night to interview with team officials for a second time, two league sources told the Baltimore Sun.

If the meeting is a success, there is a chance Garrett could be named the third coach in Ravens history as early as Tuesday, one source said.

Garrett has long been considered the front-runner to land the job with the Ravens, who fired Brian Billick on Dec. 31.�The source said the Ravens are ready to interview another candidate, most likely Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach John Harbaugh, if it doesn't work out with Garrett.

Will Miami hire Sparano this week?

Will Miami hire Sparano this week?

The Miami Dolphins have interviewed several candidates. They have satisfied the Rooney Rule. And the Dallas Cowboys' season has ended. Does that mean Tony Sparano's hiring is inevitable?

With Dallas eliminated, the Miami Dolphins are expected to bring Sparano to South Florida at some point this week, possibly as early as Wednesday the Miami Herald reported.

Miami already has interviewed two other candidates�and Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is still scheduled to interview in South Florida on Monday.

�

WVU's Slaton to skip senior season for NFL draft
West Virginia junior running back Steve Slaton said Sunday he will enter the NFL draft.

Pack, McCarthy closing in on contract extension
Packers coach Mike McCarthy is closing in on a contract extension as his team prepares to host the New York Giants in the NFC championship next weekend.

Redskins will interview Colts' Meeks, Caldwell

The Washington Redskins are expected to attempt to interview Indianapolis assistant coaches Ron Meeks and Jim Caldwell this week now that the Indianapolis Colts have been eliminated from the playoffs according to the Washington Post.

NFL sources continue to maintain that Redskins assistant Gregg Williams is the front-runner for the job. A source close to Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who has also been interviewed, said the Redskins are expected to love quickly in naming a head coach.

Both Meeks and Caldwell are candidates to replace Tony Dungy in Indianapolis should he retire.

�

Chargers QB Rivers questionable for Sunday
Read full story for latest details.

Sparano leads four candidates for Miami job
Read full story for latest details.

LB Lofton, Sooners' leading tackler, turning pro
Oklahoma linebacker Curtis Lofton, the Sooners' leading tackler this year, said Monday he has decided to enter the NFL draft.

Michigan's Manningham decides to enter NFL draft
Mario Manningham will skip his senior season at Michigan to enter the NFL draft.

Marvez: Romo can't deliver

Marvez: Romo can't deliver


Packers ready to reward McCarthy
Fresh off a playoff win, the Packers have decided to reward Mike McCarthy. Jay Glazer has the latest on the coach's contract.

Giants stun Cowboys in Big D

Colts hope Dungy decides to return once again

Colts hope Dungy decides to return once again
Colts owner Jim Irsay will do what it takes to keep coach Tony Dungy.

Sources: Bills VP is top candidate to replace Levy
Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson will stay in-house to fill its top front-office vacancy, ESPN.com has learned, and Bills executive vice president of business operations Russ Brandon has emerged as the frontrunner.

Falcons hire Patriots' Dimitroff as new GM
Read full story for latest details.

Snow job: Favre, Pack rout 'Hawks
Read full story for latest details.

WVU's Slaton to skip senior season for NFL draft
West Virginia junior running back Steve Slaton said Sunday he will enter the NFL draft.

Pack, McCarthy closing in on contract extension
Packers coach Mike McCarthy is closing in on a contract extension as his team prepares to host the New York Giants in the NFC championship next weekend.

Turner carries Bolts to playoff upset
So, how did the Bolts pull off a 28-24 shocker over Indy without L.T. or Rivers in the end? SI.com's Jim Trotter credits an unrelenting D, three backup stars and a go-for-broke coach.

Patriots exec Dimitroff hired as Falcons' new GM
Tapping into the wealth of talent in the New England personnel department, the Falcons on Saturday evening reached an agreement with Patriots director of college scouting Thomas Dimitroff to be the team's new general manager.

Colts hope Dungy decides to return once again

Colts hope Dungy decides to return once again
Colts owner Jim Irsay will do what it takes to keep coach Tony Dungy.

West Virginia star RB Slaton to enter NFL draft
Mountaineers star running back Steve Slaton will skip his senior season and declare for the NFL draft, his father, Carl Slaton, said in a report by the Philadelphia Daily News. The departure of coach Rich Rodriguez to Michigan played a major factor in Slaton's decision.

Williams interviews for Redskins job

Gregg Williams was interviewed for the Washington Redskins' head coaching vacancy Saturday, according to sources with knowledge of the situation, while numerous NFL executives and agents continue to say they believe he is the favorite to get the position the Washington Post reported.

Williams, Washington's assistant head coach-defense, spent the past four years on Joe Gibbs's staff and has strong support from players and coaches at Redskins Park.

The Redskins would like to interview two coaches still involved in the playoffs — Indianapolis's Jim Caldwell (offense) and Ron Meeks (defense), according to a source with knowledge of the situation — and will ask for permission to contact both. But they are not eligible to interview until the Colts' season ends, or, should Indianapolis reach the Feb. 3 Super Bowl, until the bye week before that game.

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Chargers stun defending champs
No L.T. No Philip Rivers. No problem. The Chargers stunned the defending champion Colts while relying largely on their reserves.

Pack whitewash 'Hawks, earn NFC title berth

Pack whitewash 'Hawks, earn NFC title berth


Scheining Moments
Romeo Crennel led the Browns' turnaround with help from QB Derek Anderson. Adam Schein says both deserve new deals.

Linebacker Suggs wants to play in Arizona?

According to the East Valley Tribune, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs told an Arizona television station that he would love to play for the Cardinals, although no quotation is attributed to�Suggs�according to a report in the Baltimore Sun.

Though Suggs is a pending free agent, the Ravens are expected to keep the former Arizona State star with either a franchise tag or a long-term contract.

Ellis voted Comeback Player of Year
Players entering their 10th season, coming off a major injury and in the midst of a position change rarely make an impact. Greg Ellis made a major impact for the Dallas Cowboys at outside linebacker and on Saturday was voted The Associated Press 2007 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Ellis went from nonfactor in Dallas to a Pro Bowler in his new position after spending most of his career as a defensive end.

Sources: Falcons tab Dimitroff as new GM
The Falcons have found the man to rebuild their roster.

Packers thump Seahawks to advance
The Packers dug an early hole vs. the Seahawks, but rebounded in a big way to earn their first trip to the NFC title game in 10 years.

Ravens approach Marty Schottenheimer
The Baltimore Ravens have recently talked with veteran NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer about their head coaching vacancy, Schottenheimer's agent said Friday.

"There's been some discussion but nothing substantive," said Trace Armstrong, a former NFL player who represents Schottenheimer.

Schottenheimer, 64, is expected to wait until the Ravens are done with the first round of interviews before speaking with them again. The hiring of Schottenheimer would entail the least amount of risk in replacing Brian Billick.

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T.O. says he'll play Sunday

T.O. says he'll play Sunday
Read full story for latest details.

Focus Factor
Dr. Z doesn't want to read into the tabloid reports on Tony Romo, but he's worried about the Dallas QB's recent performances and thinks he may struggle against the Giants.

Simpson back to Vegas, accused of violating terms
A court official says O.J. Simpson is in custody in Florida and will be brought before a judge next week on allegations that he violated terms of his bail in a Las Vegas armed robbery case.

Browns fire defensive coordinator Grantham
Read full story for latest details.

Broncos' Graham arrested for harassment
Read full story for latest details.

Browns defensive coordinator Grantham fired
Just seven months after signing him to a two-year contract extension, the Cleveland Browns fired defensive coordinator Todd Grantham.

Giants-Cowboys: All-pros vs. all-Joes?

Osi Umenyiora is in Hawaii the week after Super Bowl Sunday, he will outnumber by members of the Dallas Cowboys 12-to-1 the New York Daily News reported.

"I'm not sure that they have that many better players than we do,'' Umenyiora said.

Antonio Pierce is looking at the game in Dallas on Sunday as "an All-Pro team vs. an all-Joe team." And with his tongue in his cheek and a burr in his saddle, Pierce said the Giants will just be trying to hold their own against "the Golden Child of the league."

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Owens: "Get your popcorn ready''
Terrell Owens isn't allowing any gray area regarding his status for Sunday's NFC divisional playoff game against the New York Giants according to the Dallas Morning News.

"I'm going to play," the Dallas Cowboys receiver told the NFL Network's Deion Sanders, who asked what level Owens will play at. "At a high level. I'm not worried about nothing," Owens responded before adding his trademark line, "Get your popcorn ready."

Owens' comments ended a day of wild speculation at Valley Ranch. All week, Owens had been expected to play, and that hope that was buoyed by his return to practice Thursday after missing the team's Wednesday workout.

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Ex-Bucaneers assistant Valero joins Rams' staff
Former Tampa Bay Bucs assistant head coach Art Valero has signed a contract with the St. Louis Rams.

His position on coach Scott Linehan's staff is yet to be determined.