Tag: NFL

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NHL General

June 19 in Sports History: Sabres get screwed



In the crease

In 1999: Brett Hull of the Dallas Stars scored the most controversial goal in NHL history. Hull whacked home a rebound on his third try past a sprawled Dominik Hasek in triple overtime. The goal clinched Dallas’s first ever Stanley Cup with a 2-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. According to NHL rules at the time, any goal scored with so much as an opposing skate lace in the crease would be disallowed. Video replays showed Hull’s entire left leg was in the offending area as the puck left the crease. The goal stood, and the Stars lifted the Cup, while Buffalo’s championship nightmares continued. The rule was changed the following season.

In 1943: The most bizarre franchise in NFL history was created. Due to a shortage of players during World War II, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles merged their football teams to create the Steagles (which was an unofficial name). The teams split their home games between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, were co-coached by Greasy Neale of the Eagles and Walt Keisling of the Steelers and finished 5-4-1. The marriage would only last one season, with the Eagles keeping their own team in Philadelphia and the Steelers merging with the Chicago Cardinals as Card-Pitt in 1944 (they were jokingly called the Carpets – because teams walked all over them). They went 0-10 before returning as the Steelers after the war.

Categories
Pittsburgh Steelers

Roethlisberger accident update

Roethlisberger is in stable but serious condition following surgery. The doctors said there was no brain, spine, chest, or abdomen injuries, which is great news. People are already speculating that he could be the opening day starter. By all newspaper and television accounts, Ben should be OK.

That being said, what a dumbass. Enough people have criticized Ben for not wearing a helmet and jeopardizing his health, his career, and the Steelers so we won’t go too far down that road. However, we’d like to point out this 2005 interview with ESPN where Roethlisberger talks about his love of riding.


Roethlisberger: I think it can be a risk. It depends on how you ride. I don’t ride a sport bike. If I’m riding a sport bike and trying to do tricks, and going 200 miles down the highway, that’s probably pretty stupid. But when you’re riding a Harley or a chopper and you’re riding with a group of people and you’re not on the highway and you’re cruising, you’re relaxing. I don’t think its as much of a risk as people make it out to be.

Also, let us point out that Ben was riding a 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa when he crashed. According to Suzuki, it is the fastest motorcycle in the world. Seems Ben has upgraded his bikes since the interview.

Links:
[Pittsburgh Channel]: Roethlisberger Undergoes Surgery, Still Hospitalized
[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]: Big Ben failed to heed warnings
[Steeler Blog]: Damn eBayers

Categories
Pittsburgh Steelers

Breaking News: Ben Roethlisberger injured in motocycle accident

[Update: (from Pittsbugh Live) “Roethlisberger lost most of his teeth, fractured his left sinus cavity bone, suffered a nine-inch laceration to the back of his head and a broken jaw, and severely injured both of his knees when he hit the ground, police said.”]

The Pittsburgh Steelers have confirmed that Ben Roethlisberger was injured in a motorcycle accident this morning around 11:30 AM.


[A] witness told WTAE that Roethlisberger “T-boned” a vehicle, struck the windshield, rolled onto the ground and struck his head on the pavement. His eyes were open but he was very confused. He said that he was “okay” and tried to get up.

Still, one veteran police officer told a WTAE reporter that the accident was “pretty bad.”

Last season, the Fox Pre-game show did a feature on Roethlisberger and Drew Bledsoe’s unwillingness to ride their motorcyles with a helmet. Let’s hope Ben is OK and we’ll keep you posted.



(Photo from MSNBC)

Links:

[WTAE TV]: Roethlisberger Involved In Motorcycle Accident
[KDKA]: Steelers: Big Ben Injured In Motorcycle Accident
[Pittburgh Tribune-Review]: Roethlisberger injured in accident

Categories
Seattle Seahawks

Odds and Ends (06.08.06): Seahawks get their "we wuz robbed" rings

The Seattle Seahawks got their NFC Championship rings today in a ceremony in a tent. They were originally supposed to get their Super Bowl champions rings but were robbed by a couple of guys dressed in black and white. (Not quite old wounds, meet scab picking.) The ring itself has the Seahawks logo on a blue volcanic crystallized stone and is surrounded by 58 diamonds. Pretty nifty actually. Let’s hope no one steals it and sells it on ebay.

In other news…

[Fox Sports]: Man those Italian tax police are tough

[MSNBC]: Three known soccer hooligans (as if they were known terrorists) slip into Germany without passports

[Detroit Free Press]: WORLD CUP: It isn’t world peace — it’s more important

[The Hater Nation]: Wait, you can play college ball for 9 years?

[Behind the Jersey]: Results of NHL Fan surveys

[The Puck Stops Here]: NHL just making up the rules as they go along

Categories
Miami Dolphins

Odds and Ends for Mon May 29 2006: Ricky joins the Argos

Continuing with our Canadian and Miami theme today, Ricky Williams practiced with his new CFL team, the Toronto Argonauts today. It might be a holiday for those of us in the States but they’re working hard in Canada and so is Ricky Williams. The Canadian Press is reporting that Ricky is in great shape and showed excellent speed. The Argos are only paying him $240,000 CDN… The minimum rookie salary in the NFL is $275,00 US. Poor Ricky. Literally.

In other news…

[ESPN]: RIP Craig “Ironhead” Heyward

[Yahoo]: Radio mic goes dead exactly when Bonds hits 715

[MSNBC]: Beer is good! Fan waiting in line has Bonds #715 ball drop into his hands

[Sports Hooligan]: Iraqi Tennis Coach and Players Killed for Wearing Shorts

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Chicago Cubs

Odds and Ends for Fri May 26 2006: Barrett gets 10 game suspension

Michael Barrett was suspended for punching A.J. Pierzynski in the jaw after a home plate collision. Most major leaguers would give Barrett a bonus for punching A.J., one of the most hated athletes in sports but MLB decided a 10 game ban was in order.

In other news…

[ESPN]: Amare to change jersey number from No. 32 to No. 1

[Reuters]: Timmy Smith (most rushing yard in a Super Bowl) gets 2 1/2 years in jail for selling cocaine

[Lingering Bursitis]: Liveblogging the disappearance of integrity [both ESPN’s and my own]

[XM MLB Chat]: Bonds fatigue: Even the Giants’ local market cares 37% less than it did 2 years ago

Categories
Miami Dolphins

Lookout underaged girls… Dolphins sign Marcus Vick

Proving once again that with enough talent, somebody is going to take a shot at a reclamation project, the Dolphins signed Marcus Vick as a “slash”. He’s listed as quarterback/wide receiver/specialist but the Dolphins didn’t even work him out at the QB position on the last day of the three day mini-camp so any playing time he gets will be at the WR or kick return position. That is, if he even makes the team.

Nick Saban issued a CYA statement:

I want to make it very clear that we will not condone any behavior issues in the future relative to Marcus Vick. Marcus acknowledges that he has made some mistakes, all of which have resulted in severe consequences for him. They have helped him learn that he will need to make much better choices and decisions in the future or risk similar consequences that could jeopardize his career as a professional.

As an organization, we did an enormous amount of research, including consulting with professionals in detailed, in-depth analysis to feel comfortable that giving Marcus an opportunity as a free agent is a risk worth taking. Marcus has made a commitment to this organization and our fans to represent the Miami Dolphins in a first-class manner.

We think first class means only brandishing firearms outside 4 star restaurants, not McDonalds. Somehow we don’t think Marcus Vick is going to be able to stay on the straight and narrow but if he’s able to have half the career that Antwaan Randle El has had, he’ll be lucky.

Links:
[Miami Herald]: Younger Vick joins Dolphins

Categories
Minnesota Vikings

The Original Whizzinator-er is heading to the CFL

The CFL has become a halfway house for the NFL’s substance abuse violators. “Come up north! We don’t bother with those little details like drug use!” We’re still awaiting Ricky Williams’ next move but Onterrio Smith is joining the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a backup RB.

On the Blue Bombers’ web site, there is no mention of Smith’s drug use that lead to his suspension from the NFL. Only noting his career stats and that he was a teammate of the Bombers QB Tee Martin at Tennessee.


My skill is still there. It’s just a case of coming up there and learning the system. I’ve already been checking through the rule book and getting a feel for the (CFL) game. It’s brand new to me. But it’s football, so I’ll be able to adjust on the run. I’ve got no problem with whatever my role is. I’m not looking to come in and step on any toes. Hopefully everything will work out.

Plus, I keep hearing the BC bud they have up here is unbelievable.

OK… we might have made up that last part.

Links:
[Winnipeg Sun]: Bombers sign Onterrio Smith
[Winnipeg Blue Bombers]: Onterrio heads north to join Blue

Categories
Houston Texans

Casserly is out as Texans GM

Charley Casserly, the guy who drafted Mario Williams instead of Reggie Bush with the #1 pick, resigned today as the GM of the Houston Texans. Casserly was widely ridiculed for picking Williams but Texans owner Bob McNair insists that Casserly was not fired and that he was pursuing a job in the NFL office.

There’s been speculation that the Mario Williams pick was largely orchestrated by head coach Gary Kubiak. So either Casserly feels that he didn’t have the input or perhaps he was indeed responsible for the Williams pick and wants to distance himself as quickly as possible. In any case, this is all based on our assumption (widely supported) that taking Mario Williams #1 was a stupid, stupid move.

Kubiak commented on the next GM:


This is a huge hire for our organization. There’s a lot of good things going on. The key thing is we have to do our homework and make sure they keep heading in that direction. This person has to be a great fit for what’s happening right now with the Houston Texans.

So someone with Roto Rooter on their resume… cause that franchise is going down the toilet. Zing!

Links:
[Yahoo]: Casserly resigns as Texans GM

Categories
Pittsburgh Steelers

Hines Ward talks trash about Peyton

In an unprovoked attack, Hines Ward decided to talk a little trash about Peyton Manning.


This is fun. I love the treatment. When you can walk in and see all the players from other teams, there’s nothing they can say to you. You’re on top that whole offseason. I’ve been all over, to L.A., to Vegas, to Miami and seen all the players from all over. Hey, Peyton Manning, I know you’re great and all, but you don’t have a ring. You can be all this, all world, but you don’t have a ring. I have a ring. There’s nothing you can say to me right now.

Damn, Hines, where the hell did that come from? It would’ve been better if Hines talked trash about Eli and Archie at the same time. Just take the whole family down.

Indy isn’t on Pittsburgh’s schedule this year so perhaps they’ll see each other in the playoffs. Too bad they both play offense.

Links:

[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]: Steelers’ Hines Ward still basking in the MVP glow