Other Stuff 05.29.2006 [Archive]

Angry Pope

05-29-2006, 11:41 AM

Blast from the past....

Henry Lawrence (http://www.migrant.net/exhibit/section14/14-6.jpg)

Henry Lawrence:

Migrant Farmworker,
Football Star,
Migrant Mentor

Henry Lawrence, once No. 70, Offensive Tackle on the Oakland (later, Los Angeles) Raiders, earned three Super Bowl rings as a member of this World Champion team. Just as heroic is his own story, as a young migrant farmworker who became a mentor and role model for other migrant children.
Henry first came to western New York from Florida in 1969 with his mother, sister, and two brothers, picking fruits and vegetables. The Center's programs encouraged him to stay in school. He was offered both an academic and a football scholarship to Florida A. & M. University, from which he graduated in 1974. He was drafted by the Raiders that year and played with the team for 14 years.

In 1980, when the Raiders played the Bills at Buffalo, Henry came to a migrant camp near Castile, New York, bringing some teammates. One of them, the Raiders' Captain Gene Upshaw, had himself picked cotton in Texas as a boy with his own migrant family.

The players met with the crew and young people from other camps who were enrolled in the Center's education programs. They gave out 25 tickets to the Raiders-Bills game and other door prizes - clothing, blankets, soap.

Henry Lawrence later spoke out to migrant school dropouts up and down the East Coast, in public service announcements. He urged young people to stay in school, to return to school or get vocational training if they have dropped out, and always reach for their dream. His own life is a shining example.

Angry Pope

05-29-2006, 11:42 AM

Here is an interview with Henry Lawrence from 2002, I believe. The first link is the interview...the second is Henry singing...he has a CD....

Hit it here... (http://www.oldprosports.com/audio/henry_lawrence_8.23.wax)

Hit it here... (http://www.oldprosports.com/audio/henry_singing.wax)

Angry Pope

05-29-2006, 12:17 PM

Here is a video of a press conference with Kelvin Garmon when he was signed by the Cleveland Browns. At least you can hear what he thinks, his personality and his opinion of his play....

Hit it here... (http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news_room/video/rmconsole.php?t=video&f=04_03_31_kelvingarmon.rm)

CrossBones

05-29-2006, 02:20 PM

Well AP you just hit a home run.

Henry "Killer" Lawrence is my all time favorite Raider player. Thanks so much for that interview and the profile. Outstanding.

Angry Pope

05-29-2006, 03:04 PM

In reading about him, that was a great story. He has a good voice to boot.

Angry Pope

05-29-2006, 05:52 PM

An older article on Tim Brown....

Player Profile: Tim Brown

October 19, 2002

By Hannah Gordon

At 10 years old, Tim Brown knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. It was not a professional football player. Not a nine-time Pro Bowl receiver. Not a future Hall of Famer. He wanted to be a father.
"I want to have as many kids as I can afford," the young Brown told his parents. Little did Brown know then just how many that would be. "When I got into the league my mom said, 'Oh lawd! Oh lawd!'," Brown said.

Luckily for Brown's mother (and his wife Sherice), he has abandoned that plan and today has two children and Sherice is expecting twins.

Even without being a father to as many as he could afford, Tim has made possible father-son relationships for hundreds of children at his annual Tim Brown Mentor Mini-Camp. The camp is sponsored by Athletes and Entertainers For Kids, the charity group that Brown chairs. The event matches at-risk boys whose fathers are absent from their lives with mentors from community organizations.

"We show these kids who don't have fathers in their lives that there are some positive men out there," Brown said. "Unfortunately we can't be in their lives every day like their fathers should be, but we let them know you have some people you can call on when you want to go to the ballpark or do something. Hopefully they can be a positive role model in their lives." One might expect Brown must have been inspired to start the camp because he shared the single-parent experience with the kids. But in fact, Brown's commitment comes from his appreciation of the blessings bestowed on him growing up in a two-parent home with five siblings in Dallas, TX.

"It was always a blast. You never had to rely on being outside to have your fun. You could always go inside and have fun, even though I got beat up a lot. My sisters beat me up," he said.

In addition to running two companies together, the family is still so close that they all eat together two or three times a week in the off-season when Brown is home. "People don't understand how we can work together and get along so well every day," he said. Brown realized how unusual his upbringing was when he got to the league and found few players had relationships with both of their parents. "My father is a real man. When I go home today he treats me like I am his son, not like I am 'Tim Brown the Raider football player'."

The biggest step in Brown's own path to becoming a "real man" came in June 1996 after the team moved back to Oakland. Although he had been raised in church, life as a football star in L.A. was a challenge to those values. Brown decided to take the change as an opportunity to transform his own life. "I decided to live my life in a Christian manner. It was time to stop playing around and grow up," he recalled. Brown's maturity, along with his age, has some calling him a father figure in more ways than one. But the 36 year-old Brown just laughs at discussions of age and points to more important numbers than his chronological age. Last season, Brown started all 16 games and ranked first on the team with 91 receptions, the second-most in his career (he had 104 in 1997).

He had his ninth consecutive 1,000-yard season with 1,165 yards, second best in NFL history to his teammate Jerry Rice. He also had an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown doing what many consider a job for young players trying to prove themselves. "People will look at you with cocked eyes because they don't believe you can keep it going even though there is really no reason for our talent to diminish if we stay in shape and do the things we are supposed to do in the off-season," Brown said of himself and his other 30-plus teammates. Brown appreciates working for a team that values the "been there, done that" mentality a veteran brings, a mentality that keeps a team calm through the inevitable ups and downs of a football game. Brown may, in fact, be a better football player today than ten years ago.

"There were times when I would just rely on my physical ability in certain situations. And now with watching film and studying plays I know what guys can and can't do. You can mentally beat guys when you play to their weaknesses and not to their strengths,' said Brown who has beat defenders mentally and physically in the 100 touchdowns of his career. Reaching the 100-touchdown mark in 2001 made Brown the Raiders all-time leading scorer in touchdowns and tied him with Hall of Famer Franco Harris for 12th place in NFL history. Just Tim Brown's reputation can create a mental edge against young corners in some instances.

A few years ago, when the Raiders played the Cleveland Browns, a coach got his young corner hyped up by telling him that Brown had called him soft. "The guy came into the game with the mindset of -- not that he was going to stop me but that he was going to kill me. I ended up getting the better of him over the course of the game. Afterwards, I told him, 'Look, man, don't let people get you so riled up that you come out here and can't play your game.'" Brown recalled. The Raiders all-time leading receiver did not always have such a mystique about him, one which inspires every young corner to try to get the best of the best. Although Brown was the 1987 Heisman trophy winner, people did not seem to think he would be around the NFL for long.

"Athletes from Notre Dame, especially African-American athletes from Notre Dame, had a reputation of taking their education and getting a little money from the league to help them out and then going on about their business. I think it took a while for them to believe I really wanted to stick around and see this thing to the end."

"People thought, 'There is no way this guy can say all the right things and do all the right things, and never give us a moment's problem,'" Brown said. It only took ten years or so to sink in. Even today, people think there is no way he can be 36 and posting 1,000-yard seasons. Brown always seems to good to be true. Yet he is as earnest as he was at ten years old when he decided he wanted to be a father. That role has been his biggest accomplishment in life, but he is not on the field yet. "My biggest football accomplishment is yet to come, I hope -- the championship."

One job down, one to go.

Angry Pope

05-29-2006, 08:59 PM

Here is a short video of Eric Turner....

Hit it here... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=1TK7xTchc6k&search=raiders)

Angel

05-30-2006, 07:34 AM

Thanks Angel.
You're Welcome.....the more players the better!! :)

Angry Pope

05-30-2006, 10:09 AM

Here are Rich Gannon's thoughts prior to the 2004...

08/04/04

Things are going well so far in training camp. We're all getting settled in and learning this new system. And I feel great, physically. I think I'm off to a good start and my arm feels good and I'm just having fun again. I need to move around a lot more. That's why I came into training camp at 203 pounds -- about 10 pounds lighter, and I feel great. I'm running more and moving around, and I feel quicker. I think that's really going to pay huge dividends for me during the course of the season.

I'm really looking forward to competing and trying to help this team win some more games. I feel like my contributions to this organization are out there for everybody to see. I've been to four straight Pro Bowls and was the league MVP before I got hurt a year ago. And now all of a sudden everybody thinks I can't play anymore. To me, I have no idea where it comes from, but that's just the nature of this business. It never fazed me one bit. I knew I was going to be back and be even better. I was going to be stronger and more dedicated and more committed to not only trying to play at the high level that people are accustomed to me playing at, but also doing everything I could to help turn this thing around for this organization.

Angry Pope

05-30-2006, 10:12 AM

Lance Johnstone...

Nickname

Stone

When I finish playing football, I would like to:

When I finish playing football, I would like to do something in marketing.

My hobbies and leisure activities include:

My hobbies and leisure activities include playing video games and cards.

The best advice I have ever received (and from whom) is:

The best advice I have ever been given was: Finish what you start

My motto is:

Never quit

My favorite quotation is:

Good enough is not enough, it's ever the enemy of the best.

What is your favorite food?

steak and seafood

My autobiography would be titled:

Coming From Behind

My craziest ambition is:

My craziest ambition is to own my own football team.

Angry Pope

05-30-2006, 10:14 AM

Lance's thoughts on coming back to Oakland in 2003...

11/14/03

Going back to Oakland will definitely be special for me. I'm going back to a place where I played for five years. It is a little bit different but I still have a lot of friends and family in that area so it will be kind of special to play in front of them. I have a lot of friends on the team too. It is a hard place to play at. The "Black Hole" is what they call it. The important thing is to try and get the crowd out of it early because it is a pretty hard stadium to win in if they have the crowd behind them. We are going to try and not give them too much to cheer about. When you look at film of the Raiders, you see they are playing some pretty good ball. A couple of games if you don’t see the score you can’t really tell who won the game.

Angry Pope

05-30-2006, 03:13 PM

Here is a profile for Asomugha...

Nnamdi Asomugha

Position: Cornerback/Free Safety
College: Cal
Height: 6-2
Weight: 213
Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Has an athletic frame with adequate muscle definition … Breaks on the ball quickly and flashes good closing quickness … Shows good long speed and acceleration on deep routes, and consistently mirrors the receiver's moves … Able to sort out, read and react to threats when operating in zone coverage … Makes plays on the ball with force and uses his power well to fill the alleys and seal the perimeter in run support … Can reach and pluck the ball away from the body's framework … Stays low in his pads and keeps his leg base wide when tackling in closed quarters … Plays on all the special team units … Has sharp change-of-direction skills to keep track of the ball in flight.

Negatives: Has a high backpedal, rarely holding it for long … Played a lot of bracket coverage in the past, struggling to maintain focus on the ball as the receivers kept him turned around … Gets too upright and narrow in his stance working in space, lacking that sudden burst in his transition … Misses too many tackles working in the open, as he lacks proper footwork and technique to be consistent in man coverage … While he has good speed, he's a bit of a long strider who needs to gather himself before redirecting … Does not always go up and compete for the ball at its highest point (questionable leaping ability) … Has had maturity problems in the past, missing meetings that resulted in a suspension in 2001 … Seems to lose focus and intensity when not involved in the play.

CAREER NOTES

An excellent athlete who provided good size and speed in the Golden Bear secondary … Added 10 pounds of muscle during offseason workouts … He has a nose for the football and the Cal coaches noted his intelligence by allowing him to make alignment calls for the secondary … Finished his career with 187 tackles (133 solos), 3 sacks, 19 stops behind the line of scrimmage, 7 interceptions for 96 yards in returns, 15 pass deflections, 2 fumble recoveries and a forced fumble in 41 games.

2002 SEASON

All-Pac-10 Conference second-team selection by The NFL Draft Report … Started at the "rover" position, finishing fourth on the team with 53 tackles (42 solos), including 5 stops for losses of 21 yards … Gained 85 yards on 3 interception returns and led the team with 10 pass deflections … Caused a fumble and recovered 2 others.

Baylor - Began the year with 5 hits and a pass deflection, adding a pair of stops for losses of 6 yards.
New Mexico State - Caused a fumble and posted 8 solo tackles.
Michigan State - Tackled receiver Charles Rogers for a 7-yard loss on a reverse.
Air Force - Added 4 tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage.
Washington State - Totaled 6 tackles (4 solos) and a stop for a 6-yard loss.
Washington - Had an interception, a fumble recovery and 4 tackles (3 solos).
Southern California - Recovered a fumble and posted 4 tackles.
Arizona State - Batted away a pass and returned an interception 85 yards for a touchdown.
Arizona - Followed with 4 tackles (3 solos) and a pass theft.
Stanford - Closed out his career with 5 hits (4 solos) and 3 pass deflections.

2001 SEASON

Played in 10 games, starting 9 contests (benched against Washington and Oregon) at free safety … Recorded 54 tackles (40 solos) with 3 interceptions for 11 yards in returns and a pass deflection … Had 7 stops for losses of 15 yards.

2000 SEASON

Started at free safety, leading the team with 76 tackles (48 solos), including 3 sacks for minus-16 yards and 7 stops for losses of 31 yards … Returned an interception 31 yards and deflected 5 passes … Caused and recovered a fumble.

1999 SEASON

Reserve safety, playing in eight games … Recorded 4 tackles (3 solos) … Missed the final 3 contests after suffering a broken right ankle (fibula) in the Southern California clash.

INJURY REPORT

Sat out the final three games of the 1999 season after breaking his right ankle (fibula) against Southern California … Underwent surgery and did not return to action until 2000 fall drills, sitting out 2000 spring practice.

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS

Timed at 4.48 in the 40-yard dash … 295-pound bench press … 242-pound power clean … 34½-inch vertical jump … 33¼-inch arm length … 9-inch hands … Right-handed.

COMBINE AGILITY TESTS

ARM HAND TEST 40 20 10 225 VJ BJ SHUTTLE CONE
32¼ 9 5/8 24 4.5 2.66 1.6 16 37½ 10'4"

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Narbonne (Los Angeles, Calif.) High … One of the nation's most highly recruited defensive backs in 1999 … First team all-state selection by Student Sports magazine and one of the top 20 defensive backs in the country by SuperPrep as a member of its All-America team … Finished his senior year with 86 tackles and 7 interceptions, returning one 98 yards for a school record … Caused 8 fumbles and recovered 6 others as a senior … Also returned 2 kickoffs and 1 punt for touchdowns … Had 23 receptions for 408 yards and 6 touchdowns on offense … Played some quarterback, completing 14 of 22 passes for 192 yards and a pair of scores … Rated as the No. 16 overall prospect in the Far West by SuperPrep … PrepStar All-American … Member of the Tacoma News-Tribune Western top 100 … Received 6 votes on the Long Beach Press-Telegram Bear of the West poll … Listed by National Recruiting Adviser as the third-best free safety prospect in the nation … Played in the California-Texas Shrine All-Star Game … Also a standout basketball player who earned all-league honors as a junior and senior.

PERSONAL

Business Management major … Son of Lillian Asomugha … His Nigerian name means "Jesus Lives" … Older brother, Chijioke was a cornerback at Stanford … His cousin is California teammate Joseph Echema … Also a cousin of former Cal receiver Iheanyi Uwaezuoke … Born July 6, 1981, in Lafayette, La. … Resides in Los Angeles, Calif.

Angry Pope

05-30-2006, 03:15 PM

Here is an older story on Aso....

Nnamdi Asomugha Feature

Cal Cornerback Provides Defensive Versatility

Nov. 12, 2002

Before this season, it was a bumpy three years of football for senior cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

As a freshman, Asomugha took the field in true form, no redshirt to be taken for the young safety. There wasn't much playing time, but the starts eventually came-as did the endurance to withstand three consecutive losing seasons.

Feelings of frustration for the sport he had always loved would have been understandable. But Asomugha never lost the positive outlook that characterizes the type of person he is both on and off the playing field.

"I'm just the type of person who has expected to do well, every year for some reason," Asomugha said. "In my sophomore year, in my junior year-I've always said that this was going to be our year. But this year before the season, I wasn't the only one saying it. This year, that sentiment surfaced a lot around the team and was an early sign that things were going to be good."

Asomugha's positive attitude has rubbed off on his teammates. Named a team captain at the start of this season, he accepted the leadership role and performs it to the best of his ability.

"Coach (Jeff) Tedford sat down and talked with me before the season and made me realize that a lot of people were looking up to me this year, and that those people wanted me to lead the team because that's what we needed," Asomugha said. "Just from sitting down and talking with him and the coaches, they have been very influential. I feel they have helped me become a better person."

While he might not be the most vocal of the players, Asomugha's leadership on the field transcends his quiet presence.

"I believe in leading by example. One can lead vocally, but that's just not me. I chose to let my actions speak. If you are doing the right things, there will always be someone to follow you," Asomugha said.

Asomugha has done the right things this season. With 44 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries, he has shown his desire to shine in every aspect of the game. He has showcased his versatility this season by excelling in whichever position the coaching staff has placed him. Starting at free safety to begin the year, he moved to a rover position, before settling in at cornerback.

"Nnamdi is a gifted athlete in that he has great speed, great leaping ability and always gets a good jump on the ball," defensive secondary coach J.D. Williams said. "Being the fastest athlete on the team, we've got to put him in a position to cover the most dangerous players on the other team. We think he is best utilized at the cornerback position."

The leadership Asomugha displays on the field has followed him into the classroom. Last semester, Asomugha had a 4.0 GPA and is on target to graduate with an interdisciplinary field studies degree in corporate management and finance. After internships with the financial advisement company, PayneWebber in San Francisco, Asomugha has a plan for the future.

"If there was no football for me after college, I want to go to business graduate school and continue to study finance," Asomugha said. "I like the financial consulting and advising business and I think I've learned many things that will help me down the road."

However, if the future does hold football...

"Hopefully I have an opportunity to play at the next level. I think that is a dream the majority of college football players have, though not many see it come true," Asomugha said. "It has always been a goal of mine and I think my knowledge of the game and experience playing different positions should help me. Plus, I have the best defensive coaches who have taught me so much."

Aosmugha isn't really thinking about that aspect of the future just yet though. He still feels there is much to accomplish during the rest of this season.

"Ensuring a winning season was one of my top goals for this year. As a team we just wanted to ensure a winning season so that we could get to a bowl game," Asomugha said. "The one thing I've asked of this team is that we play hard and have fun. We've stepped up together as a team and we've played hard. And regardless of any goals, having fun is the No. 1 thing and we've done that this season."

Cal is one win away from clinching a winning year and two wins away from finishing the 2002 season with an 8-4 record.

The Golden Bears are also two games away from saying goodbye to one of the finest players the defensive backfield has ever featured.

While his collegiate career is coming to a close, Asomugha believes that he made the right choice in coming to Cal.

"I feel that I am a member of what is the best freshman class to ever come through Cal," Asomugha said. "I'm sure that the numbers say there were better ones, but I personally think that I came in with the best freshman class and that I am leaving with the best senior class. And I wouldn't change a thing."

Asomugha's positive outlook carried him through the lean years and he now feels fully able to enjoy a winning season.

"Sometimes people have to go through struggles to understand the happier side of a situation. Sometimes there must be pain before glory. The past three years have helped me out both on the field and off the field, as far as the decisions I've made and how to overcome trials and tribulations," Asomugha said. "To have this season come after all of that, shows that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. It's not what people would dream for, but it is what people need in order to survive outside of college."

No matter which position Asomugha ends up playing in life after graduating from Cal, success will likely follow him wherever he goes.

Angry Pope

05-30-2006, 05:48 PM

Our Raiders hitting people...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjPruQvoePM&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

05-30-2006, 06:11 PM

Here is a recent article on John Madsen...

Ex-Ute Madsen happy to score with Raiders

By Tim Peterson

May 12, 2006

Former Utah receiver John Madsen is getting a second chance to play football, this time with the Oakland Raiders.

August Miller, Deseret Morning NewsUtah's John Madsen scores a touchdown as Wyoming's Derrick Martin moves in too late. Utah defeated Wyoming 43-13 at Rice-Eccles Stadium Nov. 5, 2005. A week later Madsen was injured. The ex-Ute is hoping to make the Raiders' 53-man roster. The one-time walk-on from Hunter High was having his best season for the Utes until he broke his fibula (leg) and was forced to miss the final three games of 2005. The senior had 55 catches for 672 yards and six touchdowns in nine starts, almost doubling his yardage from 2004. The injury ended his season and his opportunity to further showcase his talents to pro scouts.

"I was disappointed," he said. "A lot of teams wanted to sign me, but I couldn't do anything," he said.

He also missed out on the pro combine in March because his leg wasn't healed. The former Hunter basketball player has some intangibles that make him a legitimate candidate for the NFL.

Utes offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig says that Madsen has potential because of his 6-foot-5 frame and good hands.

"He's got a unique combination of size and ability," Ludwig says. "John can come down with the ball when it's being contested, and that's what makes him good."

Despite the injury, several teams wanted the Ute to compete for a roster spot, including Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles.

About 15 minutes after the final round of last month's NFL draft, Madsen got a call from his agent telling him that the Oakland Raiders intended to sign him as an unrestricted rookie free-agent. The opportunity is all he wanted.

"I was just really excited," said the West Valley native. "I just have to go there and prove to the organization that I can play," he said.

Along with the opportunity to play pro ball, Madsen might find himself doing a little stargazing. The mandatory mini-camp means veterans like Randy Moss and Warren Sapp will be in camp.

Brian Nicholson, Deseret Morning NewsFormer Utah receiver John Madsen is an unrestricted rookie free agent with Oakland. "I've idolized them since high school," he said.

Third-round pick, offensive lineman Paul McQuistan of Weber State, also made an impression with the players. He's been given the nickname "The Mullet" for his retro hairstyle.

The rookie was very impressive in his debut. Madsen and McQuistan could be diamonds in the rough for Oakland. Madsen is physically very similar to former Penn State receiver Joe Jurevicius. Both players are similar in height and weight.

Time will tell if Madsen can be as steady and reliable a receiver as Jurevicius. Madsen said he feels he can be that type of player if he gets the right opportunity.

The next mini-camp will be in mid-June, and training camp starts in late July.

Angry Pope

05-30-2006, 06:26 PM

Here is a video of Randy Moss catches...

Hit it here... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=LpOYkVdCMXU&search=raiders)

Angel

05-31-2006, 09:36 AM

Here are Rich Gannon's thoughts prior to the 2004...
Wow.....just reading that and then his career ending the way it did.....that's really sad :(

Angry Pope

05-31-2006, 09:36 AM

Here is a video of our win against the Chiefs on the last week of the 1999 season eliminating them from the playoffs...

Hit it here.... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=kSL_-PuTjVY)

Angry Pope

05-31-2006, 11:51 AM

Some info on Teyo Johnson...

When I finish playing football, I would like to:

own an ad agency.

My craziest ambition is:

to own an ad agency.

My hobbies and leisure activities include:

watersports, going to movies and reading novels.

My favorite NFL team as a child was:

Raiders.

Who is your favorite musician or musical group?

Outkast

The living person I most admire is:

my father, a Vietnam veteran.

What is your favorite food?
pizza

Growing up, my football hero was:

Lawrence Taylor

My greatest achievement is:

being drafted.

What is your dream car?

I already have it - a Range Rover.

The best advice I have ever received (and from whom) is:

Protect yourself from yourself, from Ty Willingham

What is your favorite movie?

Usual Suspects

Few people know that:

I'm a thrill seeker.

Nickname

Teezo

My pre-game superstitions/rituals are:

take a nap - you could drop a bomb and I wouldn't wake up.

Angry Pope

05-31-2006, 03:41 PM

Here is a video of Robert Gallery performing at the scouting combine....

Aqui.... (http://scothawk.com/flvswfpublish/2004preseasontributes/olineuniversity.swf)

Angry Pope

06-01-2006, 09:45 AM

This is from Doug Jolley in April of 2005 when and how he found out that he had been traded....

Yesterday I was in Oakland. I went and did workouts in the morning. I came home, my phone rang at about 3:00. It was the Raiders general manager telling me that the Jets had traded for me. About six hours later, I was on a plane headed out here. It was a shock to me, but a pleasant surprise. The Jets are a very impressive team. I remember playing against them, seemed like they had a lot of good guys. Eric Barton is now part of the team. I played with him my first years in Oakland. He's a friend of mine, a very good guy. I have nothing but the highest things to say about the Jets players. I've been to New York a couple times. Both times I loved it. I actually have a brother, Mike, who lives in Brooklyn, has been here for about five years. I know he loves it. He loves living here. He loves Manhattan. Both times I came here, I've loved it. I'm ecstatic about being in New York.

Angry Pope

06-01-2006, 01:59 PM

Ray Guy keeping busy....

June 1, 2006

Danny Hope's Football Camps To Begin This Week

RICHMOND, Ky. – Summer football camps begin this week when Eastern Kentucky University head coach Danny Hope and the rest of the football staff will host the Ray Guy Kicking Academy on June 3-4 as well as a 7-on-7 Passing Tournament from June 5-8.

“This camp is on the cutting edge and is one of the nation’s premier kicking academies,” Hope said. “It is very well organized and offers tremendous instruction. Rick Sang is a national figure and one of the top authorities in place kicking and punting in the United States. Ray Guy, one of the greatest punters in NFL history, is a featured instructor.”

Guy, who played for the NFL’s Oakland Raiders from 1973-86, posted a career punting average of 42.4 yards per kick and put together a streak of 619 punts without being blocked. He led the NFL in punting three times and was selected to seven Pro Bowl teams. The Ray Guy Award, named in his honor, is given to the country’s top collegiate punter each season. In 2004, he became the first punter in NCAA history to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Sang, who has over 20 years of experience as a kicking instructor, played on both of the Colonels’ NCAA Division I-AA national championship teams. A former punter at Eastern, Sang was a college roommate of Hope and formerly coached at EKU and Arizona State. He is currently the director of The Ray Guy Kicking Academy and also runs the web site, prokicker.com.

The 7-on-7 Passing Tournament is a four-day event featuring over 35 teams. Competition is the focus of this camp where each day eight to 10 teams compete in a round-robin or bracket tournament format. The games are played on half fields and the offense is limited to pass-only plays.

“This is a great opportunity for high school coaches to bring their teams to EKU,” Hope said. “We have more teams than last year signed up for this very, very competitive camp. One of the best features for the teams is they can practice on both natural grass and field turf.”

Other football camps that are coming up in the near future include Instructional Day Camp (June 10), Senior Day Camp (June 11), Linemen Camp (June 15-17) and Team Camp (July 24-28 and July 31-Aug. 4).

For more information, or to register, contact the EKU football office at 859-622-2146.

Angel

06-01-2006, 03:27 PM

Here is a video of our win against the Chiefs on the last week of the 1999 season eliminating them from the playoffs...

Hit it here.... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=kSL_-PuTjVY)
Not funny AP :(

CrossBones

06-01-2006, 03:51 PM

Not funny AP :(Oh no, mon amour...it was perfect! :D

Angry Pope

06-02-2006, 08:47 AM

Here is Mark Van Eeghan's daughter...

Hit it here... (http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/4232/vanny0si.jpg)

Angry Pope

06-02-2006, 10:15 AM

Nothing too exciting but this is an article on Brad Badger's brother-in-law....

John Paul Cisneros graduates high school, looks toward future

Web Posted: 06/02/2006 12:00 AM CDT
Marina Pisano
Express-News Staff Writer

The Starbucks on Medical Drive, a popular caffeine loading terminal for bleary-eyed medical school students, is noisy and full this afternoon, but the tall, slim, dark-haired young man at the counter seems right at home, even though he has just ordered a juice drink, not a latte, and he's not actually a med student — at least not yet.

John Paul Cisneros graduated from Health Careers High School on Wednesday night, one of 177 seniors in the Northside Independent School District magnet school who walked across the stage at Paul Taylor Field House to receive their diplomas. His famous father, former mayor and Clinton administration cabinet member Henry Cisneros, mom Mary Alice and sisters Teresa and Mercedes were on hand for the milestone.

But, seated at a corner table several weeks before graduation, John Paul already is looking four years ahead to his college graduation. He enthusiastically reports that his childhood dream of becoming a physician has moved much closer with his acceptance into the University of Southern California's elite Baccalaureate/MD program, which ensures that after completing four undergraduate years, he'll have a position waiting for him in USC's Keck Medical School in 2010.

"It's the insurance that the program provides," the 18-year-old says. "You don't have to be scared about not getting into medical school. That's the beauty of it."

"We're very proud of him," says Henry Cisneros, chairman of CityView, a real estate development company. "Of course, we owe a lot to Health Careers. He decided to go there, and it turned out to be the best decision we could have ever made. Health Careers is very rigorous. It's an excellent education." The decision was a big departure from the Cisneros family tradition of boys attending Central Catholic High School.

John Paul applied to several California colleges, but with acceptance at USC-Keck in Los Angeles, the choice was a no-brainer. About 800 applied for the Bac/MD program, as it's called, and John Paul was one of only about 35 accepted. All this is not a license for slacking, though. The med school slot is guaranteed if participants maintain at least a 3.3 grade point average in the sciences and score at least the national average in the MCAT, the Medical College Admission Test.

Beyond those requirements and required pre-med courses lies a world of flexibility and opportunities, says Erin Quinn, associate dean for admissions at Keck and Bac/MD program director. "It's a humanities-medicine program. Our students can major in English literature, cinema history, whatever they want. We want them to explore, take time and take chances. They can do a semester or year abroad to broaden their education, and they just grow so much from doing that. Some programs get you through faster, but this is not about being in a rush. It's about enjoying the undergraduate college experience in the full four years."

Another plus in the program, when students graduate from USC in four years, they can decide to attend a different medical school. Their assured slots would simply go to other applicants. Each year, Keck gets about 6,000 applications for 170 medical school positions.

Quinn says that in addition to John Paul's academic grades and extracurricular activities, his application essay on life experiences made a strong impression. "As a young boy, he had a heart condition, and he wrote about how intrigued he was by hospitals and physicians and what an impact they made in his life. That's what first got him interested in pursuing a career in medicine. It was so very real and so very touching. I was struck by how genuine he was."

San Antonians have long followed John Paul's life with interest because as a baby and a child, he had to undergo extensive treatment and surgery for a rare and serious congenital heart condition.Cisneros says that his son's health right now is very good. "This (acceptance to the medical school program) truly has dimensions of Providence about it when you consider that the night he was born, they said he wouldn't be able to live and there was nothing that could work. He spent his young life around cardiologists and doctors, and he concluded very early — I remember at about 6 years old that he told me he wanted to be a doctor. He's been very single-minded, and in the end he gets into a very select program."

While an undergraduate at USC, John Paul will have the opportunity to do clinical rotations in medical specialties at area hospitals and to shadow physicians. He'll work in a community health center and even do some research.

He has had a taste of that at Health Careers. As a junior, he went through hospital clinical rotations in several specialties. This past year, he was a hands-on student laboratory researcher working on an orthopedics study at the health science center, an experience that impressed interviewers at USC. He's considering cardiology or orthopedics as specialties.

In all, "It's been a very saturated environment with a high concentration of incandescently bright kids," he says of his high school experience.

Nancy Ramos, John Paul's biology teacher, remarks on his leadership and inquisitiveness in class and the lab. But, she's more impressed with him as a person. "With all the public attention around him as he has grown up, it hasn't gone to his head. He's extremely humble. He bends over backward to please others."

John Paul drew notice two years ago when he led a teen organ transplant educational campaign enlisting youths in awareness-raising community activities. He has been too busy to work on it this year but says other students will continue the effort. On a lighter side, several weeks ago, John Paul was crowned Health Careers senior prom king.

Looking ahead to campus life, he'll live in a dorm, moving in mid-August with classes starting Aug. 21. "My dad and I are going to drive my car out a few days before so I'll have it. He'll fly back."

While he savors the independence he'll have living away from home, John Paul also appreciates his core support system in California. He and his family lived there until he was in seventh grade while his father headed the Spanish language broadcast network Univision and he's kept in touch with some friends. Then too, his sister, attorney Teresa Burton, and her husband, Sean, also an attorney, and their two children live not far from USC, and sister Mercedes Badger, a teacher, and her husband, Oakland Raiders football player Brad Badger, and their child live up the coast. His real estate business takes Henry Cisneros to Los Angeles regularly.

Cisneros predicts the empty-nest syndrome will hit him hard as his youngest child leaves. "Mary Alice is looking forward to it because she wants to do the City Council race next year (she's considering a run for the District 1 seat). I am going to miss (John Paul) tremendously because we have study rooms next to each other at home, and we listen to classical music late into the evening as we're working. We work out together. We play basketball. I'm going to miss him, big time."

Like the young coffee drinkers around him, poring over laptop screens and textbooks, John Paul is amazingly focused on studies. But in the summer lull before the crunch, he plans to visit Teresa and take a two-week tour of Italy and the Mediterranean region with his parents.

"It's just going to be a time with family. I need to chill before college and get ready to do the best I can do over my four years at USC."

Angry Pope

06-02-2006, 10:18 AM

Some info on Kirk Morrison...

When I finish playing football, I would like to:

be a counselor and coach

My hobbies and leisure activities include:

cooking, pets, cars

My favorite NFL team as a child was:

Oakland Raiders

Who is your favorite musician or musical group?

Too Short

My favorite quotation is:

You can't soar with the eagles if you're running with the pigeons

The living person I most admire is:

my mother

What is your favorite food?

seafood

Growing up, my football hero was:

Walter Payton

My greatest achievement is:

being drafted to the Oakland Raiders

What is your dream car?

Rolls Royce

What is your favorite movie?

The Program / Gladiator

Few people know that:

I'm a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

My pre-game superstitions/rituals are:

listen to relaxing music before the game

Rupert

06-02-2006, 11:10 AM

Here is Mark Van Eeghan's daughter...

Hit it here... (http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/4232/vanny0si.jpg)
Hit it here? Benedict, that was a dirty trick. I thought there'd be a phone number and a schedule of when she'd be in my neighborhood. Maybe they were selling tickets or something.

Dirty trick.

Angry Pope

06-03-2006, 09:05 AM

Hit it here? Benedict, that was a dirty trick. I thought there'd be a phone number and a schedule of when she'd be in my neighborhood. Maybe they were selling tickets or something.

Dirty trick.

LOL....sorry....:p

Angry Pope

06-03-2006, 09:06 AM

Here is some info on Andrew Walter...

When I finish playing football, I would like to:

Maybe get into politics. The idea of making a positive change in the community interests me.

My hobbies and leisure activities include:

family, friends and golf.

My favorite NFL team as a child was:

I didn't have any one team - I was an overall fan.

Who is your favorite musician or musical group?

The Beatles and Paul McCartney

The living person I most admire is:

my mom and dad

What is your favorite food?

steak

Growing up, my football hero was:

Joe Montana

My greatest achievement is:

graduating from college

What is your dream car?

anything my brother can sell me (he's a car salesman)

The best advice I have ever received (and from whom) is:

Be yourself

What is your favorite movie?

The Natural

Few people know that:

I'm going to run for governor in a few years

Nickname

Drew, Scott Broadway

Angry Pope

06-03-2006, 09:09 AM

Some info on Jon Ritchie...

What is your favorite movie?

Fight Club

My hobbies and leisure activities include:

listening to and playing music, traveling

The best advice I have ever received (and from whom) is:

Treat others as you would wish to be treated. -my mother

My motto is:

Practice.

My favorite quotation is:

You men need two things to succeed: training and opportunity. -Colin Powell

What is your favorite food?

appetizers

Few people know that:

I have an unusually good sense of smell.

Who is your favorite musician or musical group?

Jimi Hendrix

Growing up, my football hero was:

Walter Payton

My craziest ambition is:

to be a rock star someday

My autobiography would be titled:

Never Not Imperfect

Angry Pope

06-03-2006, 09:19 AM

Not a very good memory but here are two videos of our AFC Championship game against the Ravens....

Hit it here.... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=qQI_6ETajC8)

Hit it here... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=fu1qoa3U3Sw)

Angel

06-03-2006, 09:26 AM

Oh no, mon amour...it was perfect! :D
Well if you're a Raider fan maybe :)

Rupert

06-03-2006, 08:47 PM

Angel

06-04-2006, 11:11 AM

I watched that shit in person. Thanks for the links, but I'm not watching it again.
Aw.....why not Rupert? :p

Angry Pope

06-05-2006, 12:14 PM

Here is a video of using a compilation of old school Raider clips....not very long...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMijyWI6wZo&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-05-2006, 12:17 PM

Here is another new video with the end of the 1976 Raiders season...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cL2JuQ9r8Y&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-07-2006, 10:46 AM

Our Raiders in the AFC Wildcard game in 1993 against the Broncos...

Hit it here... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=Hrs1k72AG54)

Angry Pope

06-07-2006, 02:23 PM

If you are still a Tory James fan, here is some info on him....

Tory James

My craziest ambition is:

to own an NFL team

My hobbies and leisure activities include:

golf

Who is your favorite musician or musical group?

Mary Mary

The living person I most admire is:

my mom

My greatest achievement is:

being baptized

What is your dream car?

360 Modena

What is your favorite movie?

"Braveheart"

Nickname

Toe

Angry Pope

06-07-2006, 02:32 PM

Here is a video of Tyler Brayton getting a sack....

Hit it here..... (http://www.raidermecca.com/albums/Highlight-Reels/tb_oak_brayton_pass_rush.mpg)

Angry Pope

06-07-2006, 02:34 PM

Here is some information on Marcellus Rivers....

Marcellus Rivers

My hobbies and leisure activities include:

cooking, fishing, acting, cars, baseball, basketball

My favorite NFL team as a child was:

Chicago Bears

Who is your favorite musician or musical group?

all R&B and rap

The living person I most admire is:

my wife

What is your favorite food?

soul food, Italian food

Growing up, my football hero was:

Mike Singletary

My greatest achievement is:

making it to the NFL

My motto is:

"Never let people dictate how you should live your life. Your life is yours and yours alone"

The best advice I have ever received (and from whom) is:

"Keep God first"

Nickname

Cellus

Angry Pope

06-08-2006, 05:36 PM

Here is a new video clip of Aaron Brooks...

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vNWLWWBRSI&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-09-2006, 12:37 PM

Here is a video of our team against the Titans in 2004...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTeVs3oy9xU&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-09-2006, 12:39 PM

Here is a highlight video of our receivers in 2004...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK8rXiSUNSU&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-09-2006, 12:41 PM

Here is our rematch of the Super Bowl against Tampa Bay....

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eNutyOx99w&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-09-2006, 12:43 PM

Here is our game in the snow against the Broncos....

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoANcpWms00&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-09-2006, 12:45 PM

Last one....our game against the Bills showing our defense....

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9VAvZDDvIc&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-09-2006, 12:57 PM

Courtney Anderson a speaker at a banquet...

June 09, 2006

Prep banquet

We honored 110 prep athletes are our annual prep sports banquet Thursday at the Concord Hilton. This is a great event for us to host because we see so many remarkable high school athletes. The keynote speaker was Courtney Anderson, the fine young tight end for the Oakland Raiders and a graduate of Richmond High School. He has an amazing success story to tell, which he told well during his address to the athletes. You should have seen his mom beaming at her boy as he talked about the path the traveled to get to the NFL. He talked about his mom and her influence on his life, and you could tell from watching her how proud she is of him. His speech made the evening because he was so real in telling his story growing up in Richmond.

Angry Pope

06-10-2006, 03:27 PM

Here is a video of Hawthorne at the Combine...

Hit it here.... (http://play.rbn.com/?url=nfl/nfl/open/chiefs/demand/av_draft05_dt_antajhawthorne_350_04072005.rm&proto=rtsp)

Angry Pope

06-12-2006, 09:41 AM

Fathers and sons who have played in the NFL....

ADAMLE

Tony LB-RB 1947-51, 1954 Cleveland Browns
Mike RB 1971-72 Kansas City Chiefs, 1973-74 New York Jets, 1975-76
Chicago Bears

ADAMS

Julius DE 1971-87 New England Patriots
Keith LB 2001-02 Dallas Cowboys, 2003-05 Philadelphia Eagles, 2006 Carolina Panthers *

ADAMS

Sam, Sr. G 1972-80 New England Patriots
Sam, Jr. DT 1994-99 Seattle Seahawks, 2000-01 Baltimore Ravens, 2002 Oakland Raiders, 2003-2005 Buffalo Bills, 2006 Cincinnati Bengals *

ALDRIDGE

Allen, Sr. DE 1971-72 Houston Oilers, 1974 Cleveland Browns
Allen, Jr. LB 1994-97 Denver Broncos, 1998-01 Detroit Lions, 2002 Houston Texans

ALFORD

Bruce WR-DB 1950-51 New York Yanks
Bruce K 1967 Washington Redskins, 1968-69 Buffalo Bills

ANE

Charlie T-C 1953-59 Detroit Lions
Charlie C 1975-80 Kansas City Chiefs, 1981 Green Bay Packers

BARBER

Marion, Jr. RB 1982-88 N.Y. Jets
Marion, III RB 2005-present Dallas Cowboys *

BARBER

Rudy LB 1968 Miami Dolphins
Kantroy RB 1998 Indianapolis Colts, 1999 Miami Dolphins

BELL

Bobby, Sr. LB-DE 1963-74 Kansas City Chiefs
Bobby, Jr. LB 1984 New York Jets, 1987 Chicago Bears

BELSER

Caeser DB 1968-71 Kansas City Chiefs, 1974 San Francisco 49ers
Jason DB 1992-2000 Indianapolis Colts, 2001-02 Kansas City Chiefs

BERCICH

Bob S 1960-61 Dallas Cowboys
Peter LB 1995-99 Minnesota Vikings

BETTRIDGE

John RB-LB 1937 Chicago Bears, 1937 Cleveland Rams
Ed LB 1964 Cleveland Browns

BRADLEY

Ed G-DE 1950, 1952 Chicago Bears
Ed LB 1972-75 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1976 Seattle Seahawks, 1977-78 San Francisco 49ers

BRADLEY

Harold G 1928 Chicago Cardinals
Harold, Jr. G 1954-56 Cleveland Browns, 1958 Philadelphia Eagles

BROCK

Clyde T 1962-63 Dallas Cowboys, 1963 San Francisco 49ers
Matt DE 1989-94 Green Bay Packers, 1994-96 New York Jets

BROCK/DIXON (See Dixon/Brock)

BROWNER/STARKS

Ross DE 1978-86 Cincinnati Bengals, 1987 Green Bay Packers
Max T 2004-present Pittsburgh Steelers *

BUDDE

Ed G 1963-76 Kansas City Chiefs
Brad G 1980-86 Kansas City Chiefs

BULLOUGH

Hank G 1955, 1958 Green Bay Packers, (1956-57 military service), (Head Coach: 1978 New England Patriots, 1985-86 Buffalo Bills)
Chuck LB 1993-94 Miami Dolphins

CAMPBELL

Ken WR 1960 New York Titans
Scott QB 1984-86 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1986-90 Atlanta Falcons

CANNON

Billy TE-RB-WR 1960-63 Houston Oilers, 1964-69 Oakland Raiders, 1970 Kansas City Chiefs
Billy LB 1984 Dallas Cowboys

CAROLAN

Reg TE 1962-63 San Diego Chargers, 1964-68 Kansas City Chiefs
Brett TE 1994-95 San Francisco 49ers, 1996 Miami Dolphins

CARTER

Rubin DT 1975-86 Denver Broncos
Andre DE 2001-2005 San Francisco 49ers, 2006 Washington Redskins *

CASSADY

Howard RB-WR 1956-61 Detroit Lions, 1962 Cleveland Browns, 1962 Philadelphia Eagles, 1963 Detroit Lions
Craig DB 1977 New Orleans Saints

CHICKILLO

Nick LB-G 1953 Chicago Cardinals
Tony DE-DT 1984-85 San Diego Chargers, 1987 New York Jets

CLARK

Monte T-DT-DE 1959-61 San Francisco 49ers, 1962 Dallas Cowboys, 1963-69 Cleveland Browns (Head Coach: 1976 San Francisco 49ers, 1978-84 Detroit Lions)
Bryan QB 1982-84 San Francisco 49ers, 1984 Cincinnati Bengals

CLINE

Tony DE 1970-75 Oakland Raiders, 1976 San Francisco 49ers
Tony TE 1995-97 Buffalo Bills, 1998 Oakland Raiders

COADY

Rich C-TE 1970-74 Chicago Bears
Rich S 1999-02 St.Louis Rams, 2002 Tennessee Titans, 2003-04 St. Louis Rams, 2005 Atlanta Falcons

COLQUITT

Craig P 1978-1981, 1983-84 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1987 Indianapolis Colts
Dustin P 2005-present Kansas City Chiefs *

CORDILL

Ollie RB-DB 1940 Cleveland Rams, (1941-45 military service)
Ollie DE-WR 1967 San Diego Chargers, 1968 Atlanta Falcons, 1969 New Orleans Saints

CORNISH

Frank DT 1966-70 Chicago Bears, 1970-71 Miami Dolphins, 1972 Buffalo Bills
Frank G-C 1990-91 San Diego Chargers, 1992-93 Dallas Cowboys

CRONIN

Bill RB-WR 1927-29 Providence Steam Roller
Bill TE 1965 Philadelphia Eagles, 1966 Miami Dolphins

CROWDER

Randy DT 1974-76 Miami Dolphins, 1978-1980 Tampa Bay Bucaneers
Channing LB 2005-present Miami Dolphins *

CUMMINGS

Ed LB 1964 New York Jets, 1965 Denver Broncos
Joe LB 1996 San Diego Chargers, 1998-99 Buffalo Bills

DE LONG
Steve DT-DE 1965-71 San Diego Chargers, 1972 Chicago Bears
Keith LB 1989-93 San Francisco 49ers

DENNERY

Vince OE-DE 1941 New York Giants, 1942-45 military service
Mike LB 1974-75 Oakland Raiders, 1976 Miami Dolphins

DIXON/BROCK
Zachary Dixon RB 1979-84 Denver-NY Giants-Philadelphia-Baltimore-Seattle
Raheem Brock DE 2002-present Indianapolis Colts *

DORSETT

Tony RB 1977-87 Dallas Cowboys, 1988 Denver Broncos
Anthony CB 1996-99 Houston/Tennessee Oilers-Titans, 2000-04 Oakland Raiders

DOTSON

Alphonse DT 1965 Kansas City Chiefs, 1966 Miami Dolphins, 1968-70 Oakland Raiders
Santana DT-DE 1992-95 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1996-01 Green Bay Packers, 2002 Washington Redskins

DUNSTAN

Elwyn T 1938-39 Chicago Cardinals, 1939-41 Cleveland Rams
Bill DT 1973-76 Philadelphia Eagles, 1977 Buffalo Bills, 1979 Los Angeles Rams

EATON

Scott DB 1967-71 New York Giants
Tracey S 1988-89 Houston Oilers, 1990 Phoenix Cardinals, 1991-93 Atlanta Falcons

EDWARDS

Stan RB 1982-86 Houston Oilers, 1987 Detroit Lions
Braylon WR 2005-present Cleveland Browns *

EMBREE

John WR 1969-70 Denver Broncos
Jon TE 1987-88 Los Angeles Rams

ERLANDSON

Tom, Sr. LB 1962-65 Denver Broncos, 1966-67 Miami Dolphins, 1968 San Diego Chargers
Tom, Jr. LB 1988 Buffalo Bills

FARMER

George WR 1970-75 Chicago Bears, 1975 Detroit Lions
Danny WR 2000-03 Cincinnati Bengals, 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

FARR

Mel, Sr. RB 1963-73 Detroit Lions
Mel, Jr. RB 1989 Los Angeles Rams
Mike WR 1990-92 Detroit Lions

FAUST

George RB-LB 1939 Chicago Cardinals
Paul LB 1967 Minnesota Vikings

FLANIGAN

Jim, Sr. LB 1967-70 Green Bay Packers
Jim, Jr. DT 1994-2000 Chicago Bears, 2001 Green Bay Packers, 2002 San Francisco 49ers, 2003 Philadelphia Eagles

FOREMAN

Chuck RB 1973-79 Minnesota Vikings, 1980 New England Patriots
Jay LB 1999-01 Buffalo Bills, 2002-04 Houston Texans, 2005 Oakland Raiders, 2006 New Orleans Saints *

FREITAS

Rocky T 1968-77 Detroit Lions, 1978 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Makoa G 2003-present Indianapolis Colts *

FRITSCH

Ted RB-LB 1942-50 Green Bay Packers
Ted C 1972-74 Atlanta Falcons, 1976-79 Washington Redskins

GAFFNEY

Derrick WR 1978-87 NY Jets
Jabar WR 2002-2005 Houston Texans, 2006 Philadelphia Eagles *

GILLETTE

Jim RB-DB 1940, 1944-45 Cleveland Rams, 1941-43 military service, 1946 Boston Yanks, 1947 Green Bay Packers, 1948 Detroit Lions
Walker WR 1970-71 San Diego Chargers, 1972-73 St. Louis Cardinals, 1974-76 New York Giants

GOODE

Irv G-C 1962-71 St. Louis Cardinals, 1972 Buffalo Bills, 1973-74 Miami Dolphins
Conrad (Stepson) T 1984-85 New York Giants, 1987 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

GORBAL

Alex FB-WB 1923 Rock Island Independents
Ken DB 1950, 1953-54 Cleveland Browns, 1955-56 Chicago Bears, 1956 Green Bay Packers, (1951-52 military service)

GRAHAM

Tom LB 1972-74 Denver Broncos, 1974 Kansas City Chiefs, 1975-77 San Diego Chargers, 1978 Buffalo Bills
Daniel TE 2002-present New England Patriots *

GRAYSON

Dave DB 1961-64 Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs, 1965-70 Oakland Raiders
David LB 1987-90 Cleveland Browns, 1991 San Diego Chargers

GREEN

Joe DB 1970-71 New York Giants
Barrett LB 2000-03 Detroit Lions, 2004-2005 New York Giants, 2006 Houston Texans *

GREGORY

John G 1941 Cleveland Rams
Jack DE 1967-71, 1979 Cleveland Browns, 1972-78 New York Giants

GRIESE

Bob QB 1967-80 Miami Dolphins
Brian QB 1998-02 Denver Broncos, 2003 Miami Dolphins, 2004-2005 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2006 Chicago Bears *

HAMILTON

Wes G 1976-84 Minnesota Vikings
Ben C 2001-present Denver Broncos *

HANNAH

Herb T 1951 New York Giants
John G 1973-85 New England Patriots
Charley T-G-DE 1977-82 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1983-88 Los Angeles Raiders

HARVEY

Richard DB 1970 Philadelphia Eagles, 1971 New Orleans Saints
Richard LB 1990-91 New England Patriots, 1992-93 Buffalo Bills, 1994 Denver Broncos, 1995-98 New Orleans Saints, 1999 Oakland Raiders

cont'd....

Angry Pope

06-12-2006, 09:42 AM

cont'd...

HASSELBECK

Don TE 1977-83 New England Patriots, 1983 Los Angeles Raiders, 1984 Minnesota Vikings, 1985 New York Giants
Matt QB 1998-2000 Green Bay Packers, 2001-present Seattle Seahawks *
Tim QB 2002 Philadelphia Eagles, 2003-04 Washington Redskins, 2005-present New York Giants *

HIGHSMITH

Walter G-T-C 1968-69 Denver Broncos, 1972 Houston Oilers
Alonzo RB 1987-89 Houston Oilers, 1990-91 Dallas Cowboys, 1991-92 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

HILL

J.D. WR 1971-75 Buffalo Bills, 1976-77 Detroit Lions
Lonzell WR 1987-90 New Orleans Saints
Kahlil WR 2002-03 Atlanta Falcons, 2004 San Francisco 49ers

HOUSE

Kevin, Sr. WR 1980-87 Tampa Bay-LA Rams
Kevin, Jr. CB 2002-04 San Diego Chargers, 2005 Seattle Seahawks

HOWFIELD

Bobby K 1968-70 Denver Broncos, 1971-74 New York Jets
Ian K 1991 Houston Oilers

HUDSON

Dick G-T 1962 San Diego Chargers, 1963-67 Buffalo Bills
John C-G 1991-95 Philadelphia Eagles, 1996-99 New York Jets

HUMPHREY

Tom C 1974 Kansas City Chiefs
Jay T 1999-01 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Denver Broncos, 2003 Jacksonville Jaguars

HUNTER

James DB 1976-82 Detroit Lions
Javin WR 2002 Baltimore Ravens

IRONS

Gerald LB 1970-75 Oakland Raiders, 1976-79 Cleveland Browns
Grant DE 2002 Buffalo Bills, 2003-present Oakland Raiders *

JOHNSON

Ron, Sr. DB 1978-84 Pittsburgh Steelers
Ron, Jr. WR 2002 -04 Baltimore Ravens, 2005 Chicago Bears, 2006 Washington Redskins *

JOLLEY

Gordon G-T 1972-75 Detroit Lions, 1976-77 Seattle Seahawks
Doug TE 2002-04 Oakland Raiders, 2005-present New York Jets *

JONES

Dub RB-DB 1950-55 Cleveland Browns
Bert QB 1973-81 Baltimore Colts, 1982 Los Angeles Rams

JONES

Terry, Sr. DT 1978-84 Green Bay Packers
Terry, Jr. TE 2002-2005 Baltimore Ravens, 2006 San Francisco 49ers *

KEMP

Jack QB 1957 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1960-62 Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers, 1962-69 Buffalo Bills
Jeff QB 1981-85 Los Angeles Rams, 1986 San Francisco 49ers, 1987-91 Seattle Seahawks, 1991 Philadelphia Eagles

KIICK

George DB-RB 1940, 1945 Pittsburgh Pirates/Steelers, 1941-44 military service
Jim RB 1968-74 Miami Dolphins, 1976-77 Denver Broncos, 1977 Washington Redskins

KLECKO

Joe DL 1977-87 New York Jets, 1988 Indianapolis Colts
Dan DT 2003-present New England Patriots *

KNAFELC

Gary E 1954 Chicago Cardinals, 1954-62 Green Bay Packers, 1963 San Francisco 49ers
Greg QB 1983 New Orleans Saints

KOWALKOWSKI

Bob G 1966-76 Detroit Lions, 1977 Green Bay Packers
Scott LB 1991-92 Philadelphia Eagles, 1994-2002 Detroit Lions

KRAKOSKI

Joe DB 1961 Washington Redskins, 1963-66 Oakland Raiders
Joe LB 1986 Washington Redskins

KRAMER

Jerry G 1958-1968 Green Bay Packers
Jordan LB 2003-04 Tennessee Titans, 2005 Atlanta Falcons

KUMEROW/PYLE (See Pyle/Kumerow)

KUPP

Jake G 1964-65 Dallas Cowboys, 1966 Washington Redskins, 1967 Atlanta Falcons, 1967-75 New Orleans Saints
Craig QB 1991 Phoenix Cardinals, 1991 Dallas Cowboys

LAZETICH

Bill RB-DB 1939, 1942 Cleveland Rams, 1943-45 military service
Pete DE-DT-LB 1972-74 San Diego Chargers, 1976-77 Philadelphia Eagles

LEEUWENBURG

Richard T 1965 Chicago Bears
Jay C 1992-95 Chicago Bears, 1996-98 Indianapolis Colts, 1999 Cincinnati Bengals, 2000 Washington Redskins, 2001 Denver Broncos

LEGGETT

Earl DT-DE 1957-65 Chicago Bears, 1966 Los Angeles Rams, 1967-68 New Orleans Saints
Brad C 1991 New Orleans Saints

LOONEY

Don WR-DB 1940 Philadelphia Eagles, 1941-42 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1943-45 military service
Joe Don RB 1964 Baltimore Colts, 1965-66 Detroit Lions, 1966-67 Washington Redskins, 1968 military service, 1969 New Orleans Saints

LOTT/NECE
Ronnie S-CB 1981-90 San Francisco 49ers, 1991-92 Los Angeles Raiders, 1993-94 New York Jets
Ryan LB 2002-present Tampa Bay Buccaneers *

LYLE

Garry DB-HB 1968-74 Chicago Bears
Keith S 1994-2000 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, 2001 Washington Redskins

MAC AFEE

Ken WR 1954-58 New York Giants, 1959 Philadelphia Eagles, 1959 Washington Redskins
Ken TE 1978-79 San Francisco 49ers

MACKEY

Dee TE 1960 San Francisco 49ers, 1961-62 Baltimore Colts, 1963-66 New York Jets
Kyle QB 1984 St. Louis Cardinals, 1986 Philadelphia Eagles, 1987 Miami Dolphins, 1989 New York Jets

MANGUM

John DT 1966-67 Boston Patriots
John DB 1990-98 Chicago Bears
Kris TE 1997-present Carolina Panthers *

MANNING

Archie QB 1971-82 New Orleans Saints, 1982-83 Houston Oilers, 1983-84 Minnesota Vikings
Peyton QB 1998-present Indianapolis Colts *
Eli QB 2004-present New York Giants *

MARINOVICH

Marv LB 1965 Oakland Raiders
Todd QB 1991-92 Los Angeles Raiders

MARION

Jerry WR 1967 Pittsburgh Steelers
Brock S 1993-97 Dallas Cowboys, 1998-03 Miami Dolphins, 2004 Detroit Lions

MATTHEWS

Clay, Sr. DE-DT 1950, 1953-55 San Francisco 49ers, 1951-52 military service
Clay, Jr. LB 1978-93 Cleveland Browns, 1994-96 Atlanta Falcons
Bruce G-T-C 1983-01 Houston/Tennessee Oilers-Titans

MC ALISTER
James RB 1975-76 Philadelphia Eagles, 1978 New England Patriots
Chris CB 1999-present Baltimore Ravens *

MC CLOUGHAN
Kent CB 1965-70 Oakland Raiders
Dave DB 1991 Indianapolis Colts, 1992 Green Bay Packers, 1993 Seattle Seahawks

cont'd...

Angry Pope

06-12-2006, 09:42 AM

cont'd...

MC COLL

Bill WR 1952-59 Chicago Bears
Milt LB 1981-87 San Francisco 49ers, 1988 Los Angeles Raiders

MC CUTCHEON

Lawrence RB 1972-79 Los Angeles Rams, 1980 Denver Broncos, 1980 Seattle Seahawks, 1981 Buffalo Bills
Daylon CB 1999-present Cleveland Browns *

MC MILLAN

Ernie T 1961-74 St. Louis Cardinals, 1975 Green Bay Packers
Erik S 1988-92 New York Jets, 1993 Philadelphia Eagles, 1993 Cleveland Browns, 1993 Kansas City Chiefs

MESSNER

Max LB 1960-63 Detroit Lions, 1964 New York Giants, 1964-65 Pittsburgh Steelers
Mark LB 1989 Los Angeles Rams

METCALF

Terry RB-WR-KR 1973-77 St. Louis Cardinals, 1981 Washington Redskins
Eric RB-WR-KR 1989-94 Cleveland Browns, 1995-96 Atlanta Falcons, 1997 San Diego Chargers, 1998 Arizona Cardinals, 2001 Washington Redskins, 2002 Green Bay Packers

MONDS

Wonder DB 1978 San Francisco 49ers
Mario DT 2001-03 Cincinnati Bengals, 2004 New York Giants

MOORE

Richard DT 1969-70 Green Bay Packers
Brandon T 1993-95 New England Patriots

MOOREHEAD

Emery TE 1977-1979 New York Giants, 1980 Denver Broncos, 1981-1988 Chicago Bears
Aaron WR 2003-present Indianapolis Colts *

MORAN

Jim DT 1964-67 New York Giants
Eric T-G 1984-86 Houston Oilers
Rich G-C 1985-1993 Green Bay Packers

NECE/LOTT (See Lott/Nece)

NESSER

Ted C-T-G 1920-21 Columbus Panhandles (player-coach)
Charles RB 1921 Columbus Panhandles

NIX

Emery QB-DB 1943, 1946 New York Giants, 1944-45 military service
Kent QB 1967-69 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1970-71 Chicago Bears, 1972 Houston Oilers

PIFFERINI

Bob LB-C 1949 Detroit Lions
Bob LB 1972-75 Chicago Bears, 1977 Los Angeles Rams

PITTS

Elijah RB 1961-69, 1971 Green Bay Packers, 1970 Los Angeles Rams, 1970 New Orleans Saints
Ron DB 1986-87 Buffalo Bills, 1988-90 Green Bay Packers

PYLE/KUMEROW
Palmer Pyle G 1960-63 Baltimore Colts, 1964 Minnesota Vikings, 1966 Oakland Raiders
Eric Kumerow LB-DE 1988-90 Miami Dolphins

PYNE

George II T 1931 Providence Steam Roller (grandfather)
George III DT 1965 Boston Patriots (father)
Jim C 1994-97 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1998 Detroit Lions, 1999-00 Cleveland Browns, 2001 Philadelphia Eagles, 2002 Indianapolis Colts (son)

RENFRO

Ray WR-RB 1952-63 Cleveland Browns
Mike WR 1978-83 Houston Oilers, 1984-87 Dallas Cowboys

RUUD

Tom LB 1975-77 Buffalo Bills, 1978-79 Cincinnati Bengals
Barrett LB 2005-present Tampa Bay Buccaneers *

RUDOLPH

Jack LB 1960, 1962-65 Boston Patriots, 1966 Miami Dolphins
Coleman DE-DT 1993-94 New York Jets, 1994-96 New York Giants

SALAAM/WASHINGTON (See Washington/Salaam)

SAUER

George, Sr. RB 1935-37 Green Bay Packers
George, Jr. WR 1965-70 New York Jets

SCHWEDES

Gerhard RB 1960-61 Boston Patriots
Scott WR 1987-90 Miami Dolphins, 1990 San Diego Chargers

SCOTT

Fred WR 1974-77 Baltimore Colts, 1978-83 Detroit Lions
Freddie WR 1996-97 Atlanta Falcons, 1998 Indianapolis Colts

SHULA

Don DB-RB 1951-52 Cleveland Browns, 1953-56 Baltimore Colts, 1957 Washington Redskins (Head Coach: 1963-69 Baltimore Colts, 1970-95 Miami Dolphins)
David WR 1981 Baltimore Colts (Head Coach: 1992-96 Cincinnati Bengals)
Mike QB 1987 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

SIMMS

Phil QB 1979-93 New York Giants
Chris QB 2003-present Tampa Bay Buccaneers *

SISK

Johnny RB 1932-36 Chicago Bears
John DB 1964 Chicago Bears

SKIBINSKI

Joe G 1952 Cleveland Browns, 1953-54 military service, 1955-56 Green Bay Packers
John FB 1978-81 Chicago Bears

SMITH

Billy Ray, Sr. DT-DE 1957 Los Angeles Rams, 1958-60 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1961-70 Baltimore Colts
Billy Ray, Jr. LB 1983-92 San Diego Chargers

SMITH

Charlie RB 1968-74 Oakland Raiders, 1975 San Diego Chargers
Kevin TE 1992-95 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, 1996 Green Bay Packers

SMITH

Ed DE 1973-74 Denver Broncos
Alex TE 2005-present Tampa Bay Buccaneers *

cont'd...

Angry Pope

06-12-2006, 09:43 AM

cont'd...

SMITH

Steve T 1966 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1966-67 San Francisco 49ers, 1968-70 Minnesota Vikings, 1971-74 Philadelphia Eagles
Brady DE 1996-99 New Orleans Saints, 2000-2005 Atlanta Falcons

SPRINGS

Ron RB 1979-84 Dallas Cowboys, 1985-86 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Shawn CB 1997-03 Seattle Seahawks, 2004-present Washington Redskins *

STARKS/BROWNER (See Browner/Starks)
STONEBREAKER

Steve LB 1962-63 Minnesota Vikings, 1964-66 Baltimore Colts, 1967-68 New Orleans Saints
Mike LB 1991 Chicago Bears, 1994 New Orleans Saints

SUHEY

Bob Higgins WR 1920-21 Canton Bulldogs (Maternal grandfather of Matt Suhey)
Steve G 1948-49 Pittsburgh Steelers
Matt RB 1980-89 Chicago Bears

TATUPU

Mosi RB 1978-1990 New England Patriots, 1991 L.A. Rams
Lofa LB 2005-present Seattle Seahawks *

TAYLOR

Roosevelt DB 1961-69 Chicago Bears, 1969-71 San Francisco 49ers, 1972 Washington Redskins
Brian RB 1989 Chicago Bears, 1991 Buffalo Bills

THOMAS

Aaron TE-WR 1961-62 San Francisco 49ers, 1962-70 New York Giants
Robb WR 1989-91 Kansas City Chiefs, 1992-95 Seattle Seahawks, 1996-98 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TONER

Ed DT-LB 1967-69 Boston Patriots
Ed RB 1992-94 Indianapolis Colts, 1995 Pittsburgh Steelers

TUIASOSOPO

Manu DT 1979-83 Seattle, 1984-86 San Francisco
Marques QB 2001-present Oakland Raiders *

WALTON

Frank G 1934, 1944-45 Boston/Washington Redskins
Joe WR-DE 1957-60 Washington Redskins, 1961-63 NY Giants (Head Coach: 1983-89 NY Jets)

WASHINGTON/SALAAM

Teddy Washington RB 1968 Cincinnati Bengals
Rashaan Salaam RB 1995-97 Chicago Bears, 1999 Cleveland Browns, 2003 San Francisco 49ers

WASHINGTON

Ted LB 1973-82 Houston Oilers
Ted NT-DE 1991-93 San Francisco 49ers, 1994 Denver Broncos, 1995-00 Buffalo Bills, 2001-02 Chicago Bears, 2003 New England Patriots, 2004-2005 Oakland Raiders, 2006 Cleveland Browns *

WHITE

Wilford RB 1951-52 Chicago Bears
Danny QB-P 1976-88 Dallas Cowboys

WILCOX

Dave LB 1964-74 San Francisco 49ers
Josh TE 1998-99 New Orleans Saints

WILLIAMS

Clancy DB 1965-72 Los Angeles Rams
Clarence RB 1993 Cleveland Browns

WILLIAMS

Howie DB 1962-63 Green Bay Packers, 1963 San Francisco 49ers, 1964-69 Oakland Raiders
Gardner DB 1984 Detroit Lions

WILSON

George WR-DE 1937-46 Chicago Bears (Head Coach: 1957-64 Detroit Lions, 1966-69 Miami Dolphins)
George, Jr. QB 1966 Miami Dolphins

WILSON

Tommy RB 1956-61 Los Angeles Rams, 1962 Cleveland Browns, 1963 Minnesota Vikings
Steve DB-WR 1979-81 Dallas Cowboys, 1982-88 Denver Broncos

WINSLOW

Kellen TE 1979-1987 San Diego Chargers
Kellen II TE 2004-present Cleveland Browns *

WYATT

Alvin CB 1970 Oakland Raiders, 1971-72 Buffalo Bills, 1973 Houston Oilers
Antwuan WR 1997 Philadelphia Eagles

YOUNG

Willie T 1966-75 New York Giants
Rodney S 1995-98 New York Giants

Angry Pope

06-12-2006, 09:52 AM

Here is what is happening with Hank Williams Jr and MNF...

Hank Jr. To Kick Off Monday Night Football For 16th Year

HANK WILLIAMS JR. ASSEMBLES ALL-STAR BAND FOR MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Hank Williams Jr., who has sung the theme for Monday Night Football (MNF) for the last 16 years, has signed on to kick off this season, as well. Based on his hit song, "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight,"

Williams will perform "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Monday Night" for the first time with an all star jam band representing musical influences from country and classic rock 'n roll to hip-hop. Those special guest musicians include guitarists Chris Burney of Bowling for Soup, Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band; keyboardists Little Richard and Parliament Funkadelic's Bernie Worrell; fiddler Charlie Daniels; saxophonist Clarence Clemons of the E Street Band; bassist Bootsy Collins of Parliament Funkadelic; and drummer Angela Webster of The Believers).

The MNF opening video will feature team-specific lyrics and visuals each week based on the 17 regular season ESPN match-ups. Filming is taking place Tuesday (June 13th) at House of Blues Orlando with all of the musicians.

The Monday Night Football video will debut prior to kickoff of ESPN's Monday Night Football regular season-opening doubleheader on September 11th with the Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins (7 p.m. ET) and San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders (10:15 p.m. ET).

Williams said, "Bocephus ain't hard to find. ESPN is now officially one of my rowdy friends -- hold on to your hats, it's going to be an exciting season."

Angry Pope

06-12-2006, 10:53 AM

Here is a video on Rich Gannon's career...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2_pV_vCS24&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-12-2006, 10:59 AM

Here is a video on our defense in the past....

We Own The Field.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h6C_vXeXic&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-13-2006, 09:54 AM

Rice tries something new....

Rice gets SIRIUS for NFL comeback

NEW YORK — Jerry Rice has been added to the roster of SIRIUS NFL Radio.

Rice will co-host "The Afternoon Blitz" with Adam Schein starting today. Rice will be heard three days a week throughout the year.

Rice played on three Super Bowl winners with the San Francisco 49ers, appeared in another championship with the Oakland Raiders, and broke nearly every receiving record.

Angry Pope

06-13-2006, 02:17 PM

Here is a story on Tony Bryant...

Making the most of a second chance

By Chris Pika, June 13, 2006; 3:00 pm

Jun 13, 2006 – 3:00 pm

It happens several times in every football game from pee-wee leagues to the NFL. A running back makes his way through a hole in the line, where he is tackled by an opposing defensive player. For Saints defensive end Tony Bryant, a simple tackle was a life-changing experience.

On November 3, 2002, Bryant was playing for the Oakland Raiders in a game at home against their cross-town rival, the San Francisco 49ers. In overtime, Bryant closed in on 49ers fullback Fred Beasley on a fourth-and-one situation in Raiders territory and was in the process of bringing him down for his sixth tackle of the game.

"In overtime, I came down on a stunt and the running back (Beasley) and I came together in a normal, everyday tackle," Bryant said. "We hit and all of the sudden, my whole body went numb."

He had suffered a neck injury on the play and while waiting to determine the extent of what occurred, the minutes moved slowly for Bryant. During that time, his thoughts were not on himself, but on his family.

"My daughter and her mother were in the stands and my family was home watching the game (in his hometown of Marathon, Florida)," he said. "I wanted them to know that, even though I was immobilized, I was getting my feeling back, so I gave a thumbs up to the cameras as I was being taken off the field on a stretcher."

He went on Reserve/Injured a month later with a bulging disk in his neck and his season was officially ended.

"It was very tough," he said about what it took to come back. "I had to go home and be with my family. I went back to Marathon, hired a personal trainer and started working out in January, trying to strengthen my body -- mainly my neck and my muscles there. I was around the people who love and care about me."

The 6-6, 282-pound lineman out of Florida State got back to the Raiders and participated in the first day of training camp, but was he was admittedly not ready to return and was released from his contract. . The thought of retiring went through his mind, but the former second round selection in the 1999 NFL Draft ultimately decided to get back to the field. Bryant credits his family and his faith in getting another opportunity to play.

It was pretty tough, sitting home and looking at the game," he said about his time off. "Once I started to get my confidence back, I got re-motivated, like I did out of high school and when I made the NFL," he said. "When I got hurt, I went right back down and was around my family who would support me 100 percent in whatever decision I made. I started working out, training, I prayed and I put it in God's hands and I got a second chance."

That opportunity was provided by the Saints when he was signed the day after Christmas in 2003. He was not active for the regular season finale two days later in the Superdome vs. Dallas, but he was back in the league.

"I was still really nervous from what had happened to me," he said about his joining the Saints. "When I came to the last game in New Orleans, I was relieved, but I didn't know if I was ready for it."

That internal fear went away as he went through the offseason workouts and set his sights on the start of training camp, when the pads would be on and he would make his first real contact on the field.

"We got to the first day of pads and we started hitting and I said to myself, 'OK, I've got this, I'm back'."

Since then, he has been a contributor on both defense as an integral member of the defensive line rotation and is a cog up front on special teams. He has played in all 32 games in the past two seasons with six sacks -- including four last season -- seven pass defenses and played a big part in a final-game victory with a blocked kick.

On January 1, 2005, New Orleans battled Carolina on the road with both teams' playoff hopes on the line. Panthers K John Kasay went out for a 60-yard field goal attempt to tie the game. The trajectory of Kasay's kick was low and Bryant slapped the ball out of the air as time expired and the Saints won, 21-18.

Bryant, who was not sure he was ready to play in the season's final game a year earlier, picked up the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.

"I like to say that I am a field-goal blocker," the jovial Bryant said when he was asked about his role on special teams. "When they put me in the game, I try to block a kick. Last year, I played on the field goal unit and the field goal block team. When I am on the field goal unit, those defensive guys are taking it out on me, so when I am on the block team, I am trying to take it out on them."

"I try to make the best of the moments when I get into the game," Bryant said about the impact he tries to have on the field. "When I first got into the league, I was a starter at defensive end. Now, since it was almost taken away from me in one play, I take advantage of every play in practice, every rep and every day in the locker room being around these guys."

"I appreciate all of this a lot more than when I did when I first came into the league," he continued. "People don't understand that it doesn't last long. It's here today and tomorrow, it's gone. When I was at home, I missed the camaraderie with the guys -- I missed everything. Now, every day is a blessing for me whether it's in the locker room, or when I get on the field."

Rupert

06-13-2006, 04:07 PM

Nice story about Tony. The guy was a solid contributor when he was here. I always wanted a little more from him, maybe the injury has given him the motivation.

I'm glad he's healthy again, the neck injury had me worried about his future, and not just as a player.

Angry Pope

06-14-2006, 09:29 AM

Here is an article on one of our UDFA.....

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Brown now in silver and black

BY CHRIS HUGHES | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER

Ricky Brown found out quickly life in the NFL is no ordinary life.

The Elder High School and Boston College graduate signed a two-year deal as a college free agent with the Oakland Raiders when he was not chosen in the league's draft in late April because he felt Oakland gave him the best opportunity to make the team.

"It's a business," Brown said. "I got a taste of that pretty quick when I saw what happened to the guy who was going to be my roommate."

His roommate's stint with the Raiders was over before it ever began.

"He showed up to sign his contract, but during the physical they found fluid in his knee," Brown said. "Then they let him go. He got nothing."

A little knee fluid is just one of the many hurdles that can trip up a college free agent.

A lack of hustle, a mental error or a coach's personal preference is all it takes for a player on the fringe of making a team to lose out on the big money of a NFL contract.

In Brown's case that contract could be worth as much as $635,000.

He already received a $3,500 signing bonus. But if he makes the team the Raiders will owe him $275,000 for the first season and $360,000 for the second season.

If Brown does not make the team it won't be due to a lack of effort.

"I'm going to be a smart football player," Brown said. "No one will outwork me."

Brown admits life in the NFL is good despite the unstable job security.

"It's pretty fun," he said. "If I make the team my first big purchase is going to be two Playstation 3s. One for me and one for my brother."

Brown said one of the most interesting aspects of being a Raider is the number of colorful personalities on the team.

"Warren Sapp is pretty funny," he said. "He (Sapp) says I'm the whitest guy on the team but have the blackest name.

"Randy Moss is 'phenom ... but he's a big trash-talker. He never shuts up," said Brown.

The Raiders are notorious for its rowdy fan base that congregate in a section at the Oakland Coliseum called the black hole, but Brown is unsure any group of fans will be able to match the intensity of the Elder cheering section at the Pit.

"The college fans weren't as good as high school ... I don't know if any fans are as good as Elder," Brown said.

Brown believes the support he received from Elder was instrumental in his success.

"I feel the coaching I got at Elder was some of the best I ever got," said Brown.

Brown is well aware of a potential homecoming on Dec. 10 when the Raiders visit Paul Brown Stadium to play the Cincinnati Bengals.

Angry Pope

06-14-2006, 09:32 AM

Here is a story on Ray Guy...

Kickers and punters learning from a master

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

SCOTT DUNCAN
News staff writer

Ray Guy remembers people telling him that kickers and punters weren't really football players.

He heard it during his college years at the University of Southern Mississippi, even after booting a 61-yard field goal and a 93-yard punt.

He heard it after the Oakland Raiders made him the first punter in NFL history to be drafted in the first round.

And after finishing a 14-year NFL career without missing a game, he still heard it.

"I have too many broken bones for someone to tell me that," Guy said. "Kickers and punters are some of the most underrated people on football teams."

Twenty years after retiring from the NFL, Guy, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, is developing the next generation of punters and kickers with his Ray Guy/Prokickers.com Kicking Academy.

The Kicking Academy made a two-day stop at Hoover High School June 5-6. Guy said 35 to 40 players - kickers, punters and long snappers - attended. The camp was held at Hoover for the first time in the 13 years the Kicking Academy has been running.

Guy said the uniqueness of the positions of kicker and punter can cause these players to get lost in the mix during football season. He said the most important aspect of the camp is helping players learn how to coach themselves.

Growing up in Thomson, Ga., Guy taught himself how to punt by mimicking the styles of NFL punters. Guy's punting form is captured on the Ray Guy Award statue, which is given to the best collegiate punter each season.

"Kicking and punting is a lot like golf and tennis," Guy said. "It's an individual thing. Even though you're working with a group, from a standpoint of a football team, it's still individual. Kickers and punters almost have to become their own personal trainers."

But at the same time, Guy encourages the camp participants to be more than just a kicker or punter.

"We tell them to lift weights just like the other guys do," Guy said. We tell them to go through the conditioning programs, work (hard) like everyone else and interact during practice."

Along with the instruction at the camp, the Kicking Academy operates a "National Talent Search." After players go through the camp, instructors evaluate them and come up with a list of who they believe are the top high school kickers, punters and long snappers in the country.

According to Guy, while he and other instructors do not actively help individual players with college recruiting, the list is used by college coaches.

Jordan Means, a kicker who transferred from Pelham High School to Hoover last semester, was on the 2005 list.

Means will be a senior in the fall.

This camp was the fifth Ray Guy Camp he has attended.

"The best thing they do here is they videotape us on the first day and focus on what we need to improve," Means said. "And then we just go through a lot of repetitions."

Last year, Means set the camp's national record with a 60-yard field goal at the camp in Hattiesburg, Miss. His longest in a game is 56 yards. Several colleges are seeking his talents.

His top choice right now is Auburn, but he is also interested in Clemson, North Carolina State and Ole Miss.

Although full scholarships are not abundant for kickers and punters, Guy said in recent years coaches have contacted him more regularly about recruiting these specialists.

"Everybody has a gift, and for some that gift is kicking a football," Guy said. "You have to find what that gift is and then make it happen."

Angry Pope

06-14-2006, 07:53 PM

Here is a very short video on The Autumn Wind....

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kOs0PVmLsA&search=raiders%20nfl%20football)

Angry Pope

06-15-2006, 10:30 AM

Here is what is going on with McMahan...

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Time to celebrate Mr. Irrelevant

By JEFF OVERLEY
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

As the gloriously irrelevant 255th and dead-last choice in this year's National Football League Draft, Kevin McMahan becomes the toast of the coast for Irrelevant Week's five days of comedy-filled, libation-laced, present-packed hysteria in Newport Beach.

Here's the lowdown on the man of the hour, plus a look at all the shenanigans, hoopla and faces that have punctuated the 31-year-old salute to the underdog.

IRRELEVANT WEEK

A slightly abbreviated Irrelevant Week means there’s once again no “Runnin ‘n’ Gunnin” golf during this year’s festivities.

But the Oakland Raiders have given McMahan five days away from training camp – up from a measly two days allowed last year by the New England Patriots – and so there’s still plenty of action.

THURSDAY, JUNE 15: McMahan will be guest of honor at a banquet, where he’ll be roasted by sports stars and presented with the not-so-coveted “Lowsman Trophy.”

The bronze Lowsman – a spoof on the Heisman Trophy given to college football’s top athlete – depicts a clumsy player fumbling a football.
Tickets for the banquet are $100.

FRIDAY, JUNE 16: McMahan’s madcap day begins with a quest for the ultimate roller-coaster ride at Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure and Knott’s Berry Farm.

That night, the goal switches from whirls to girls, as McMahan begins a “Pub Crawl,” appearing at six local watering holes in pursuit of “Miss Irrelevant.”
The public is invited; for $20, guests get food and VIP drink service. The event starts at Baja Sharkeez, 114 McFadden Place.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17: Though McMahan is staying in shape and doesn’t drink, he’s given a day of rest – sunbathing, volleyball, swimming at the beach – to recover from the Pub Crawl mania.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18: McMahan attends the Angels-Padres baseball game, joining the grounds crew during the seventh inning to rake the infield. The public is invited to a tailgate party, with food, for $20 per person.

MONDAY, JUNE 19: McMahan is honored with an “arrival party” (it’s irrelevant that he’s even been here the past week) on the beach at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. He’s showered with a ridiculous amount of gifts, ostensibly as consolation for his meager odds of making it in the NFL. Cost is $15 per person.

Information and tickets for all events: 949-263-0727 or www.irrelevantweek.com.

To see what’s become of past
Mr. Irrelevants and the gifts McMahan will receive, go to www.ocregister.com

TRINKETS AND TCHOTCHKES

In the event McMahan’s NFL career doesn’t work out, he can take solace in the boatload of tubular trinkets, gaudy gadgets and tacky tchotchkes showered on him during Irrelevant Week. Gift donations of absolutely anything are welcome; call 949-263-0727.

Here’s a taste of the haul so far:

Watch from Traditional Jewelers valued at more than $4,000 (past honorees have received Rolex and Tag Heuer).

Gift from every NFL team, including football signed by every member of Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Set of golf clubs.

“Millionaire for a Day,” otherwise known as one day’s interest on $1 million in a savings account. Comes to about $23.

R&B and rap music collection.

Name placed in U.S. Congressional rRecord.

Year’s supply of toothbrushes
.
Handmade quilt “in case he gets cold sitting on the bench,” says Melanie Fitch, CEO of Irrelevant Week.

Shot-glass checker set and bottle of Jack Daniel’s
.
Road maps of Oakland.

WEB ONLY, PAST MR. IRRELEVANTS

Year chosen Name Where they are now

2005 Andy Stokes Signed with Rhein Fire in NFL Europe.
2004 Andre Sommersell Signed with Edmonton Eskimos in Canadian Football League.
2003 Ryan Hoag Signed with Minnesota Vikings in NFL.
2002 Ahmad Miller Cut by Houston Texans, assigned to New York Giants practice squad.
2001 Tevita Ofahengaue Cut by Arizona Cardinals, picked up by Jacksonville Jaguars. Now out of NFL.
2000 Michael Green Has played 81 games in six seasons with Chicago Bears. Traded this year to Seattle Seahawks.
1999 Jim Finn Has played 90 games in six seasons with Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants.
1998 Cam Quayle Played in NFL Europe, eventually leaving to attend dental school.
1997 Ronnie McAda Left NFL, moved to Texas and married.
1996 Sam Manuel Cut in training camp. Played in NFL Europe and XFL.
1995 Mike Reed Played four seasons in NFL and NFL Europe. Now a coach with Philadelphia Eagles.
1994 Marty Moore Played eight seasons with New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns.
1993 Daron Alcorn Played in NFL Europe, setting record for most punts in a World Bowl championship.
1992 Matt Elliott Played for four NFL teams. Eventually worked for ABC Sports and moved to Indiana.
1991 Larry Wanke Cut in training camp. Eventually started own business, Wanke Realty.
1990 Demetrius Davis Played several years in NFL Europe.
1989 Everett Ross Cut in training camp and joined Army.
1988 Jeff Beathard Cut by Los Angeles Rams and later joined the team's scouting staff.
1987 Norman Jefferson Played two seasons with Green Bay Packers. Returned to school and later played in Canadian Football League.
1986 Mike Travis Cut by San Diego Chargers. Enjoyed Irrelevant Week and returned for two more years of it. Moved to Georgia.
1985 Donald Chumley Cut in training camp. Played in Canadian Football League. Became high school teacher in Georgia.
1984 Randy Essington Cut by Los Angeles Raiders. As of 2002, lived in Southern California.
1983 John Tuggle Cancer ended his career in 1984 and took his life two years later.
1982 Tim Washington Played off and on in NFL. Died of pneumonia at 32.
1981 Phil Wilson Cut in training camp, Wilson eventually moved to Maryland.
1980 Tyrone McGriff & Kevin Scanlon McGriff was the last draft pick but chose not to attend festivities. Scanlon took his place. McGriff died in 2001; Scanlon lives in Arkansas.
1979 Mike Almond Cut in training camp. Lives in Florida with wife and daughter.
1978 Lee Washburn & Bill Kenney Washburn was last pick but couldn't make it; Kenney took his place. Washburn was cut in training camp. Kenney played eight NFL seasons and was later elected to state office in Missouri.
1977 Jim Kelleher Cut in training camp, Kelleher continued to attend later Irrelevant Weeks. Owns promotional company in Colorado.
1976 Kelvin Kirk Played seven years in CFL. Died of heart attack in 2003.

Angry Pope

06-16-2006, 09:22 AM

Some, not too exciting, Michael Husted information....

Ex-kicker launches Web recruiting service

By: STEVE SCHOLFIELD - Senior Sports Columnist

When kicker Michael Husted was searching for a new job in the NFL, he discovered a new way for colleges to recruit players.

Husted, a Solana Beach resident for six years, had a nine-season career kicking in the NFL. He spent his first six seasons as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' full-time field goal kicker. After one year with the Oakland Raiders in 1999, he found work became tough to get.

He played in four games with the Washington Redskins in 2000, did not play at all the following year and closed out his career with six games with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2002.

The last field goal of his career was a 38-yarder that enabled the Chiefs to beat the Chargers 24-22 in Arrowhead Stadium.

"I remember that game well because it was the last field goal of my career, let alone the first one in two seasons," Husted said. "It was an excellent way to end my career. As the saying goes, 'You are only as good as your last kick.' So, I can live with that."

It was during the time when he was looking for another employer in 2000 that Husted came up with an idea that could eventually benefit hundreds of players seeking college scholarships and change the way coaches do their recruiting.

"Instead of sending out tapes to 32 teams, which can get expensive, I thought about creating an Internet Web site so the coaches could see my workouts," Husted said.

Now, he believes that same kind of Web site will be able to introduce college coaches to some unknown talent.

He and fellow NFL kicker Doug Brien entered into a business partnership with the Kicking.com combine series to conduct 24 regional kicking and punting competitions throughout the country.

One is at 11 a.m. Saturday at Helix High. Another is at 10 a.m. Sunday at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo.

"The combine series will be powered by iPlayers.net, which is the Internet company I co-founded," Husted said. "This site has a super friendly user interface that allows film to be viewed online, frame by frame with perfect clarity.

"This technology will revolutionize how college teams recruit athletes. It's like an athletic MySpace.com."

His goal is to tutor high school age kickers, punters and long snappers to get them ready for college and maximize their exposure in the recruiting process. To accomplish that goal, Husted is taking advantage of the latest computer technology.

Husted explained how it works: "Throughout the event series, iPlayers will be on hand filming every kick, punt and snap. Immediately following the event, each athlete's performance will be posted online in a unique iPlayers profile, searchable by player name, player age, event or region."

If an individual chooses to use his service, Husted said, he could add film clips from games during the season.

Husted's idea appears to be sound.

So how does one get on the Web site? Either by participating through the Kicking.com combine series or directly through iPlayers.net.

The price is $260 for the service that includes three months of membership at iPlayers.net. That might be a sound investment if it brings even a partial college scholarship.

Husted sees his idea expanding to other areas of football and other sports. For more information, call (888) 702-0682.

Rupert

06-16-2006, 09:49 AM

Cole Ford was leading a more interesting life.

Angry Pope

06-16-2006, 11:24 PM

Here are a couple of Randy Moss videos...both with the Vikings...

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk6X1ZWynfM&search=raiders)

Here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY3TGusUFDA&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-17-2006, 09:14 AM

Roland Williams and McMahan....

'Mr. Irrelevant' surprised

By Jason Jones -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:01 am PDT Saturday, June 17, 2006

ALAMEDA -- The line for autographs was long at the Raiders Youth Skills Camp last weekend.

Rookie receiver Kevin McMahan from Maine, feeling sympathetic for those who had to wait awhile, signed for youngsters in line.

McMahan knows about waiting. He was the last player picked in the 2006 NFL draft, No. 255 overall, earning the title "Mr. Irrelevant." McMahan is in Southern California this weekend for ceremonies in his honor. The festivities include a banquet and the awarding of The Lowsman -- a trophy with the football player fumbling.

The 49ers, the team he had heard from the most, called and said they probably wouldn't take a receiver with the 254th pick. They drafted safety Vickiel Vaughn.

"Finally I get a phone call from the Oakland Raiders, and I was so shocked," McMahan said. "I thought they were playing a joke on me. I hadn't even heard from the Raiders."

Wide receiver wasn't a need position in the draft, but the Raiders like McMahan's size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds), and he was happy a team wanted him.

"If I was going into free agency and I was passed over in the seventh round by a team like the 49ers that had a chance to take me, then why would I have chosen to go (to San Francisco) as a free agent?" McMahan said. "It's like, Man, how bad do they want me?"

Being wanted and drafted by the Raiders is an accomplishment for a player who didn't play football until his senior year of high school.

The Rochester, N.Y., native was a basketball player at Aquinas Institute before meeting former Raiders tight end Roland Williams at a football camp. Williams encouraged McMahan to try football.

"Being able to look at Randy Moss and Jerry Porter and see how they do it has really helped me a lot," McMahan said. "(Receivers coach) Fred Biletnikoff has so much information to give me on how to get better, and I'm just in his ear all the time."

Angry Pope

06-17-2006, 09:34 AM

Sounds like fun...

Raiders, 49ers to collide ... on court

Can't wait until Oct. 8 for that 49ers-Raiders game? You don't have to.

Tonight (Saturday, June 17), the teams will square off on the basketball court to raise money for the Richmond Steelers, a championship youth football team from the improverished city. The team faces a yearly struggle to meet its budget needs.

The charity basketball game will take place at Piedmont Hills High School (1377 Piedmont Road in San Jose) at 6:30 p.m. Among the players expected to play for the Raiders are Courtney Anderson, Ronald Curry, Doug Gabriel, Michael Huff and Zack Crockett. For the 49ers, organizer Mike Rumph will be joined by Vernon Davis, Marcus Maxwell, Otis Amey, Vickiel Vaughn and Onye Ibekwe.

Angry Pope

06-17-2006, 03:25 PM

Here is Stabler and Biletnikoff on Lester Hayes and stick'em....

Hit it here.... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=NL4DxkVS2hc)

Angry Pope

06-18-2006, 10:20 AM

Here is another video of Curry...

Hit it here.... (http://www.ron-c.com/2004week12a.html)

Angry Pope

06-18-2006, 10:20 AM

Curry with an assist from Rice...

Hit it here... (http://www.ron-c.com/2004week3.html)

Angry Pope

06-18-2006, 10:21 AM

We welcome Curry with open arms...

Click here... (http://www.ron-c.com/2004week2.html)

Angry Pope

06-18-2006, 10:21 AM

More..from college...great run from the QB spot....

Hit it here.... (http://www.ron-c.com/peachbowl.html)

Angry Pope

06-18-2006, 10:22 AM

Curry dunking a basketball..I already posted, I think.

Angry Pope

06-18-2006, 10:30 AM

Here is Johnnie Morant making a great catch in college...

Hit it here... (http://espn.go.com/media/2001/m12/ncf_011229cuse4v.avi)

Angry Pope

06-19-2006, 09:29 AM

Here is what Randy Moss is up to...

LeBron event already on roll
Nearly 2,000 register for second bikeathon

By Paula Schleis
Beacon Journal staff writer

At face value, it's just a bike. A metal frame supported by a couple of wheels.

But LeBron James has tapped the humble bike for a higher purpose.

He will use it to thank his hometown for years of support. To fund programs that reach inner-city kids. To help families bond. To stress the importance of exercise.

On Saturday, as many as 3,000 bike riders are invited to help James realize those lofty goals in the second annual LeBron James King for Kids Bikeathon.

``I am most proud of the fact that the bikeathon brings together the entire community to ride and raise money in support of children and families in need,'' James said.

Proceeds will go to the James Family Foundation, which will distribute the money to the Akron Area YMCA and Akron Urban League.

``I have always believed that it is my obligation to give back to the community, and this is a great way to get everyone involved in an important cause while breaking a sweat and getting a good workout.''

New this year is a ``family-friendly route'' that kids as young as 8 can ride.

And, as last year, there will be a 1-mile ride for preselected youngsters and the 8-mile main event for riders 12 and older.

James and his celebrity friends, of course, will be leading the tour.

The lineup includes Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets); Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat); Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards); 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year Chris Paul and teammate J.R. Smith (New Orleans Hornets); and Amare Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns).

James' own team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, will be represented by head coach Mike Brown and players Larry Hughes, Eric Snow, Drew Gooden, Donyell Marshall, Ira Newble and Damon Jones.

Also expected to ride are the Oakland Raiders' Randy Moss, and Reuben Droughns and Braylon Edwards of the Cleveland Browns.

First ride at 9:30 a.m.

The event will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with a 1-mile ride for 300 kids selected by Akron's Recreation Bureau, Akron schools and the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority.

The youngsters, ages 8 to 11, will be riding new bikes and wearing new helmets donated by Schwinn.

The main bikeathon will begin at 11 a.m., starting in front of Canal Park and setting out in groups of 100. The 8-mile trip will weave through downtown and the near-west side.

As soon as the last of the main bikeathon participants depart, those who have signed up for the 3-mile family route will begin. They will loop the Y-shaped All-America Bridge and return to Canal Park.

The family route was added because ``we wanted to include more kids,'' operations manager Kent Starks said. ``We don't want to leave any demographic out.''

After the run, riders and the public are invited to Lock 3 Park off South Main Street for a community celebration. There will be food, games, award presentations and other activities, Starks said.

The rules

First off, helmets are required. And that goes for James himself -- who took some knocks for not wearing one last year.

The 8-mile bikeathon is open to ages 14 and older, although 12- and 13-year-olds may ride if they are accompanied by an adult.

Children ages 8 to 11 may ride in the 3-mile family event as long as they are accompanied.

All participants under age 18 must have a waiver form signed by a parent or guardian.

Preregistration has closed, but walk-ups will be accepted Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. until the limit of 3,000 is reached. Look for the registration booth at Main and Exchange streets.

The entry fee is $25 a person or $75 for a family of up to six members.

Riders are encouraged to collect $100 in pledges, although no specific amount is required.

Registered riders will receive an official T-shirt to be worn on the ride. Goodie bags will be dispensed according to the amount of money collected by each rider. (Those who raise at least $500 get Cavs game tickets; $2,000 in pledges is worth a basketball autographed by James.)

In addition to the bikeathon, there is a celebrity billiards event Friday night at Tangier, featuring James and his celebrity friends. Call the foundation at 330-376-2935 to inquire about $200 tickets to that activity.

Event is growing

This year's event is already bigger than last year's. Nearly 2,000 people have already registered, compared with 1,100 bike riders in 2005.

But with a year of experience under their belts, organizers have found the event easier to put together.

``We have a committee that's been established since last year between the city of akron and our sponsorship partners... and everyone knows their roles and responsibilities and what to expect,'' Starks said.

The foundation has talked of expanding the bikeathon to other communities around the country.

Those conversations are under way, although Starks said he couldn't be more specific.

James has also tossed about the idea of starting other events in Akron, such as an annual softball game.

But they won't replace the bikeathon.

``Riding a bike is something everyone in a family can do, and it doesn't matter if you are good at sports,'' James said. ``We want as many people as possible to participate and have a fun time.''

Angry Pope

06-19-2006, 09:37 AM

A familiar name in next April's NFL draft....

Chad Upshaw, a tight end from the University of Buffalo, is the nephew of Gene Upshaw, who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is the Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association.

Angry Pope

06-19-2006, 10:43 AM

Howie's son is a senior this year....

Chris Long

Class:

Junior

Hometown:

Ivy, Va.

High School:

St. Anne's-Belfield School

Height / Weight:

6-4 / 278

Position:

DE

Experience:

2L

WORTH NOTING: Impressive defensive line prospect ...very fast and strong ... one of 10 true freshmen to see action last fall ... expected to see significant playing time this season.

AT VIRGINIA: 2004--Promising lineman who provided valuable depth along the defensive line ...played in six games overall ...saw limited action in the first three games before missing five games in the middle of the season due to illness ... saw action in the nickel package upon his return in November ...five tackles, but two were for loss ... had one sack ...made his first career tackle in the North Carolina game ... had another the next week vs. Akron before being sidelined for five games ...recorded his first tackle for loss in his return game against Miami ...career-high two tackles, including his first sack, in a road win over Georgia Tech ... lettered.

HIGH SCHOOL: Star on both the offensive and defensive lines at state champion St. Anne's-Belfield, where he was coached by John Blake ... had his jersey retired ... SuperPrep All-American ... PrepStar All-American ... #74 on Tom Lemming's list of the top recruits in the nation ... 4-star player by Rivals.com and 3-stars by TheInsiders.com ... #6 Strongside Defensive End in the nation according to Rivals.com ... ranked as #8 defensive end by Tom Lemming and #11 by Collegefootballnews.com ... the #20 defensive tackle by TheInsiders.com ... #26 on SuperPrep's list of the top defensive linemen in the country ... #19 player on TheInsiders.com's Atlantic Hot 100 list and 24th on the Atlantic East Amazing 80 by Rivals.com ... honorable mention All-South by the Orlando Sentinel ... 2003 Gatorade Player of the Year in Virginia ... rated as the second-best player in Virginia by the Charlottesville Daily Progress "Gold List," #3 by the Roanoke Times and #4 by SuperPrep and Rivals.com ... three-time first-team All-State selection on both offense and defense ... Central Virginia Defensive Player of the Year by the Daily Progress as a senior ... three-time first-team All-Central Virginia defensive lineman by the Charlottesville Daily Progress ... earned first-team All-Central Virginia honors his senior season as an offensive lineman as well ... conference Defensive Player of the Year his final two seasons ... was in on 91 tackles, including 44 solo tackles, as a senior to help lead his team to an undefeated season and the state championship ... had 23 tackles for loss and 15 sacks that season ... recorded 72 pancake blocks on offense ... Student Sports Junior All-American in 2002 ... had 85 tackles as a junior with 12 sacks and more than 20 tackles for loss ... three-time first-team All-Conference ... finished his career with 43 sacks and 66 tackles for loss ... also played basketball, lacrosse, and baseball during his high school career ... won the 2003 YMCA Slam Dunk Contest for high school students.

PERSONAL: Christopher H. Long ... born 3-28-85 in Santa Monica, Calif. ... son of Diane and Howie Long ... has two younger brothers, Kyle (16) and Howie (15) ... father was an All-American defensive end at Villanova and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1981 ... he played in the NFL for 13 seasons and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame following seven Pro Bowl appearances, two defensive player of the year awards, and a Super Bowl ring ... interested in writing.

Angry Pope

06-19-2006, 11:59 AM

Here is an article that talks about zone blocking...

Linemen are in a zone

Jagodzinki shares secrets of Packers' new blocking scheme

By LORI NICKEL

Posted: June 18, 2006

Green Bay - The minute offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski joined the Green Bay Packers, the buzz started over his plan to have the offensive linemen employ zone blocking. It soon became clear that the Packers' linemen will have to be athletic in this scheme. The running backs will have more options but will have to be choosy.

Any high school football player knows what zone blocking is. But with the final week of the June minicamp finally here, it seems like a good time to go back to Football 101 and review exactly what zone blocking is in order to understand why the Packers seem so genuinely excited to install it as a permanent part of their offense.

While Jagodzinki was the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, he learned first-hand how to implement, teach and perfect zone blocking from Alex Gibbs, and he was willing to share some of those philosophies and rules in an interview with the Journal Sentinel.

Broken down to absolute plain terms, an offensive lineman can be assigned a defensive player and block him man-to-man or he can block an area in zone blocking.

Zone blocking's No. 1 priority is to prevent penetration and eliminate lost yardage.

When offensive linemen take their typical positions - from left to right, tight end, left tackle, left guard, center, right guard, right tackle and tight end - the spaces beside them are defensive gaps.

Keeping that line and the eight gaps in mind, there are three basic rules of zone blocking for the offensive lineman to follow: On, play side gap, second level (linebacker).

On: The lineman blocks the defensive man lined up across from him, and this is his first responsibility.

Play side gap: If there's no defender in front of the lineman, he blocks his play side gap (the direction the ball is going), helping another lineman with a double-team. That's the second duty.

Second level: The offensive lineman moves beyond the defensive linemen to block the linebackers.

Following those covered and uncovered rules, here's an example of what right tackle Mark Tauscher would do in zone blocking:

A defensive end is lined up on his inside left shoulder. Standing to his left could be right guard Jason Spitz. Tauscher blocks the defensive end, following the first rule, and Spitz joins him in a double-team, play-side gap, which follows the second rule. After the double-team, Tauscher can go to the second level and block a linebacker, following the third rule.

"You stay on (the double-team) until the second-level player flashes over the top," Jagodzinski said.

Zone blocking is used for running plays only. The rules apply to everyone: the tackles, guards, center and tight ends. It doesn't affect quarterback Brett Favre's responsibilities.

It covers either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense and can withstand a blitz because it secures the eight gaps, no matter which defenders start or end up in them.

"Zone scheme allows us to emphasize the execution and fundamentals of the technique," Jagodzinski said. "When you make a commitment to it, it's sound schematically. This zone scheme allows our players to be physical without any restrictions. They know where they're going, and that's why we drill so fast.

"And it allows us to secure the line of scrimmage without any penetration."

But the most beneficial part of zone blocking is that it gets the best production out of all five linemen working together.

"You can do it with lesser talent," Jagodzinski said. "In Atlanta, I had three seventh-round picks, the left tackle, center and right guard, and at one time last year I had a fifth-round at left guard. And Barry Stokes was a free agent. So three sevens, a five and a free agent."

Nearly every team runs some zone blocking, but the Packers are committed exclusively to the scheme, just like Denver and Atlanta.

"What people try to do is everything," Jagodzinski said. "They want to be a gap-scheme team, a zone team. What you emphasize is what you get. If you try to do everything, you'll be good at nothing."

What Jagodzinski especially likes about zone blocking is the collective effort required by all the linemen.

"When you zone block, you're dependent on the whole group," Jagodzinski said. "When you man block, you're dependent on each individual. Now would you rather depend on one individual, or the whole group, when it's concerning the team sport?

"Man blocking, you're dependent on single blocks. So you get one guy missing his block, the play is blown up."

It also means the linemen have to be in top shape. Taking Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz and Tony Moll in the draft, the Packers specifically targeted players who could move and not just guys who tipped the scales.

"We want them lean," Jagodzinski said. "All that stuff around the midsection that's hanging over your belt? That just doesn't help the player. You can't be a guy that can't move, so that's why I put such a premium on guys not being heavy, for two reasons.

"One, they can't get there and, two, they're more susceptible to lower-leg injuries. If they have a weight issue, having those guys recover from injury takes a lot longer, too. Plus, if you're really heavy, you're going to shorten your career. I want to extend these guys' careers as long as I can."

The critical factor in zone blocking is the running backs' primary and secondary reads. Although they will have more options because they have vertical and lateral movement within the offensive line, they'll get only one glimpse of daylight.

"He's only allowed one cut. One," Jagodzinski said. "That's all he gets. It puts a real premium on the running backs having vision."

Ahman Green, Samkon Gado and Najeh Davenport have all mentioned this spring how much they like the options of zone blocking, but they won't have time to dance around or wait for a hole to materialize at the line. They've got to make a read and run with that choice.

Jagodzinski isn't concerned that the rest of the National Football League already knows that the Packers have committed to zone blocking.

"How we do it and how we teach it, that's what's different," Jagodzinski said.

Angry Pope

06-20-2006, 08:48 AM

Kevin McMahan...

Time of arrival was irrelevant

IRRELEVANT WEEK: Raiders' draft pick showered with gifts, attention as `Arrival Party' wraps up festivities.

By Dominic Perrone
(Published: June 19, 2006)

NEWPORT BEACH -- Tack on another irrelevancy to Irrelevant Week XXXI.
For the first time in the history of the week-long event that celebrates the player selected with the final pick in the NFL Draft, the Arrival Party happened on the final day instead of the first day.

"We just said 'Hey, it's irrelevant,' " Irrelevant Week CEO Melanie Fitch said.

Blame it on the Oakland Raiders as to why wide receiver Kevin McMahan, the team's second seventh-round draft pick in April, was showered with gifts and attention Monday at the Newport Dunes on what should have been the opening of the week's festivities.

McMahan also wanted to miss the least amount of practice time.

The Raiders, who had the final selection in both 2004 and 2003, said McMahan could take part Thursday through Monday instead of the typical Monday through Friday. The team was practicing last week and throughout this week. McMahan flew down from Oakland following Monday's practice.

And since everything was already set for a Monday Arrival Party, the organizers stuck with it and the theme of irrelevancy grew.

Much of the treatment McMahan received was far from irrelevant. McMahan, who played for the University of Maine, arrived in the custom party bus and was led out by Los Alamitos High cheerleaders and carried in by members of the Orange County Breakers of the National Women's Football Assn. as the Maine fight song played in the background.

Shortly thereafter McMahan was introduced to the crowd by Norm Witt, a Commodore with the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. Many in the crowd had gotten to know McMahan in the previous four days of festivities.

Nevertheless, Witt told of how McMahan was the first player out of Maine drafted into the NFL since 1990, how he caught 59 passes including 13 touchdowns for the Black Bears. He also said McMahan is one of 13 receivers on the Raiders' roster.

McMahan talked about his football experiences with the Raiders, how the team's newly acquired quarterback Aaron Brooks took him to dinner and how star wide receiver Randy Moss pulled him aside to make sure everyone in Newport Beach was treating him well.

"He's a really good guy," McMahan said of Moss. "He has been a great mentor to the young guys."

As for Newport Beach and Orange County, which McMahan toured with a pub crawl, surfing, sailing, a baseball game and a trip to Knott's Berry Farm, McMahan had nothing but praise.

"Everybody is very nice," said McMahan, a Rochester, N.Y. native. "It's almost weird being around so many nice people. California is a lot different than what I thought. All I had experienced of California was Oakland. That's not what California is like."

When McMahan mentioned how he was impressed by the retractable roof of a local pub, it prompted Witt to ask if McMahan was sick after visiting four pubs in one evening.

"Not until we went sailing," McMahan replied.

Part of the reason organizers felt this year was such a success was because of McMahan's personality. Sitting up on his lifeguard stand McMahan smiled throughout as Irrelevant Week founder Paul Salata reeled off jokes with each gift presented to McMahan. Salata, who has taken part in all 31 events, was in rare form.

"Most of the givers are friends of mine," Salata said. "You have to pick on them."

Of the pile of gifts McMahan received a $1,500 watch, a PlayStation Portable and laptop computer.

"He told me he really wanted a laptop computer," Fitch said. "He had never owned a computer."

McMahan also received a key to the city from Mayor Don Webb, who made an official proclamation welcoming McMahan.

He also received a "get out of jail free" card courtesy of the Newport Beach Police Department, but because of the scheduling, it expired Sunday. Good thing it's irrelevant.

McMahan's mother, Margaret McMahan-Izzard was also presented with gifts, as was his grandmother Ruby McMahan.

"It's fabulous," McMahan-Izzard said. "I'm very, very proud of him. I know he'll make it. He's dedicated and always loved football."

And after the pictures, the autographs and the attention was all over, McMahan hurried off to catch a flight back to Oakland for practice today. In the rush he forgot his suit in the hotel. But hey, it's irrelevant.

Angry Pope

06-20-2006, 09:19 AM

Not Raider related but I got a chuckle out of it....

Hit it here... (http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/denver/drew/archives/drew0531toon.gif)

Angry Pope

06-20-2006, 09:30 AM

A couple more cartoons....

Hit it here... (http://denver.rockymountainnews.com/drew/020106drew.gif)

Hit it here... (http://denver.rockymountainnews.com/drew/012306drew.gif)

Angry Pope

06-20-2006, 09:49 AM

New video game NFL Head Coach...

Hit it here... (http://movies.teamxbox.com/xbox/nflheadcoach/nflheadcoach_producer.wmv)

CrossBones

06-20-2006, 11:39 AM

This one you posted AP was my fav...bwahahahahahaha. Thanks.

http://denver.rockymountainnews.com/drew/012306drew.gif

Angry Pope

06-20-2006, 11:55 AM

Here is a video where a guy in background keeps yellin "GO RAIDERS.." while the other team players are bein interviewed after the game...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoiEFBT77g0&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-20-2006, 04:36 PM

Here is a short video of some highlights for our team....

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLisZ3ZYC0k&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-20-2006, 05:50 PM

Bill Callahan has a son and he will be doing some coaching of sorts...

2006 B2G Elite Preview: QB's

David Potts By: Brandon Huffman

Date: Jun 20, 2006

Though small in numbers, the group of quarterbacks scheduled to attend the 2006 Beyond 2000 Elite Football Program, which begins this Friday in Thousand Oaks, will have plenty of opportunities to throw and will have several talented receivers, tight ends and backs to work with.

It will be a small group of quarterbacks at the B2G Elite Football Program in Thousand Oaks, Calif., this weekend, but though they may be small in numbers, they will get plenty of opportunities to throw the ball to a talented group of receivers, tight ends and running backs.
The group of 65 players will be comprised of four quarterbacks: Monrovia (Calif.) quarterback David Potts and Vancouver (Wash.) Columbia River quarterback Evan Mozzochi, both heading into their senior year, plus Carson (Calif.) quarterback Dominique Blackman and Santa Monica (Calif.) Ryan Katz, both set to begin their sophomore years.

Potts and Mozzochi are still waiting on their first offers respectively, but both relish the opportunity to attend B2G.

“It’s the most prestigious camp available, only the top 65 players (in the West), so it is going to be good competition. It’s important for me to go because I still don’t have an offer so I’m just going to prove myself,” said Potts, no stranger to camps or combines this spring, attending a half-dozen since January.

Mozzochi is coming down from the Pacific Northwest, and is eager to show his skills at the camp.

“The small numbers and the high quality of play and the players that have a high skill level was what stood out to me,” said Mozzochi. “It’s my first trip down there (to California), so I’m looking forward to it.”

Coaching the quarterbacks will be former Concord (Calif.) De La Salle and UCLA quarterback Brian Callahan, who is the son of former Oakland Raiders coach and current Nebraska coach Bill Callahan, himself an offensive guru.

“The individual coaching stood out too,” said Mozzochi, himself no stranger to the camp and combine circuit. Thus far, he has gone to a camp at Oregon State, the Stanford and Eugene Nike Camp, Oregon’s 1-Day Camp and is traveling to B2G immediately following the Linfield team camp with his teammates.

Mozzochi will be the only quarterback who is coming without a teammate, as Katz will be joined by his favorite target, receiver Cameron Collins and Blackmon will have teammate Michael Evans, a defensive back in attendance.

Meanwhile, Potts will have plenty of familiar faces to throw to over the course of the weekend, as running backs Tyler Thompson and James Davis and tight end Eric Brooks all will be at B2G. This will be the third time the four have been at a camp together, having all traveled to the U.S. Army All-American Combine in San Antonio and the Scout.com Combine in Los Angeles last month.

“Once I found out they were going, I definitely wanted in,” said Potts, who will be attending his last camp of the summer

Angry Pope

06-20-2006, 07:34 PM

Best turnarounds for first year coaches....

Coach - Team - Year - W-L... Prev. Year - Win Increase

Al Davis OAK 1963 10-4 1-13 +9
Ted Marchibroda BAL 1975 10-4 2-12 +8
Bobby Ross SD 1992 11-5 4-12 +7
Jim Haslett NO 2000 10-6 3-13 +7

Many Tied +6

Angry Pope

06-21-2006, 09:04 AM

Sapp opening up soda shops...

June 21, 2006 10:15 AM

All-Time NFL Great Warren Sapp Signs HipHopSodaShop Development Deal with H3Enterprises, Inc.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 21, 2006--H3Enterprises, Inc. (OTC: HTRE) today announced the signing of an Area Development Agreement with Super Bowl Champion Warren Sapp of the Oakland Raiders to open HipHopSodaShops throughout Central Florida and Jacksonville.

H3Enterprises (www.h3inc.com) is the creator of the HipHopSodaShops, which combine the urban swell of hip-hop music, Pro-Ball, healthy fast food, CyberSports, merchandising, and pre-loadable cash cards into the hottest phenomena to hit America since the cultural evolutions of Planet Hollywood(R), Hard Rock Cafe(R), and Starbucks(R).

"The HipHopSodaShops can be one of the most positive things to ever happen to our communities," stated Sapp. "I can't think of a better way of giving back than putting my money to work on my own turf for my own people while helping H3's powerful new enterprises flourish all over the world."

Mr. Sapp is the latest member in an impressive list of cultural heroes that include Ben Gordon, Juelz Santana, Joakim Noah, and Juvenile. They signed on to create the best in food and entertainment for the HipHop Generation as well as a wealth of new jobs and educational opportunities. NBA star Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls and HarlemHipHop sensation Juelz Santana recently became the principal partners in the flagship HipHopSodaShop store in Harlem. The grand opening will be this summer in New York City.

Founder and president of H3Enterprises, Brian "H3" Peters stated, "Warren Sapp brings a tremendous amount of energy and financial strength to TeamH3. His level of commitment to bringing joy and hope to all of our people is truly gratifying, and all of us associated with HTRE really look forward to working side-by-side with such a charismatic and influential personality. Warren Sapp is a champion in every sense of the word."

"It is my job and good fortune to make Brian's dream a reality throughout my home state, and to further promote the HipHopSodaShops to all of my friends and fellow athletes," Sapp concluded. HTRE has tapped into 5 different multi-billion dollar markets and has already created a phenomenon that can only expand dramatically from its cultural epicenter.

Safe Harbor: Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking'' statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, such as statements relating to plans for future expansion and other business development activities. Such forward-looking information is subject to changes and variations which are not reasonably predictable and which could significantly affect future results and other factors discussed in filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Angry Pope

06-21-2006, 09:42 AM

Here is Schweigert making an interception...

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84QiLnXMeuA&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-23-2006, 12:50 AM

Here is another Michael Huff video...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ceyjki1ccd8&search=raiders)

CrossBones

06-23-2006, 08:26 AM

Here is another Michael Huff video...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ceyjki1ccd8&search=raiders)Cool! I think he's gonna be just what the doctor ordered.

Angry Pope

06-23-2006, 01:53 PM

Grand opening Randy's new business...

Randy Moss opening Charleston business

June 23, 2006

CHARLESTON — Inta Juice, owned by hometown NFL star Randy Moss, has its grand opening today.

Moss, a former Marshall University All-American now with the Oakland Raiders, is scheduled to appear at the opening from noon to 3 p.m. Moss is an executive and shareholder in the company.

The store address is 4002 MacCorkle Avenue SE.

Inta Juice has 31 stores operating or scheduled to open in eight states selling fruit smoothies, healthy snacks and food products.

Angry Pope

06-23-2006, 11:27 PM

Our game against the Patriots...sounds of the game...

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZFkCbGV5y8&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-24-2006, 01:36 PM

Our game against the Chiefs last season...NFL week two...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtRhEbQOpvE&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-25-2006, 12:25 AM

Here are pictures of Randy working his new business...

Oakland Raiders wide receiver and Inta Juice store owner Randy Moss, right, hugs Nazza Skaff of Charleston, W.Va., during the grand opening of his newest store Saturday, June 24, 2006 in his hometown of Charleston, W.Va. Skaff lives in an apartment next door to the new Inta Juice location and said she came over to see what all the commotion was about.
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/c4312610-544e-4bc5-a74e-663ce3dafe3e.jpg)

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss, left, hands a fruit smoothie to Shannon Henry, 8, of Charleston, W.Va., at the grand opening of his newest store Saturday, June 24, 2006 in his hometown of Charleston, W.Va. The Kanawha County native, who is a partner in Fort Collins, Colo.-based juice bar franchise Inta Juice, said he plans to open additional stores in West Virginia, Florida, Louisiana and North Carolina.
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/7b2ab5a6-8368-4496-9051-db1845411d26.jpg)

Oakland Raiders wide receiver and Inta Juice store owner Randy Moss makes a fruit smoothie at the grand opening of his newest store Saturday, June 24, 2006 in his hometown of Charleston, W.Va. The Kanawha County native, who is a partner in the Fort Collins, Colo.-based juice bar franchise, plans to open additional stores in Florida, Louisiana and North Carolina.
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/ccfae767-89d1-49ea-8321-b438267e1e26.jpg)

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss mixes a fruit smoothie at the grand opening of his newest Inta Juice store Saturday, June 24, 2006, in his hometown of Charleston, W.Va. The Kanawha County native, who is a partner in Fort Collins, Colo.-based juice bar franchise said he plans to open additional stores in West Virginia, Florida, Louisiana and North Carolina.
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/db48e9a1-ece8-4730-b525-8ec366534a64.jpg)

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss and Inta Juice store owner makes a fruit smoothie at the grand opening of his newest store Saturday, June 24, 2006 in his hometown of Charleston, W.Va. The Kanawha County native, who is a partner in the Fort Collins, Colo.-based juice bar franchise, said he plans to open additional stores in, Florida, Louisiana and North Carolina.
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/b67eab58-6ae1-416d-af3b-a264f28b13ab.jpg)

Angry Pope

06-26-2006, 10:37 AM

Not football related but you can see it coming....

Eternal Image and Major League Baseball Sign Licensing Agreement for Urns and Caskets

Date : Friday, June 23, 2006

NOVI, MI -- (Market Wire - Jun 23, 2006) -- Baseball fans, some of the most devoted in all of sport, will soon be able to proclaim their loyalties in a whole new way. Eternal Image, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: ETIM), a public company engaged in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of customized designer caskets and urns, today announced it has signed a licensing agreement with Major League Baseball (MLB).

Under the terms of the licensing agreement, Eternal Image is authorized reproduce the names and logos of all 30 major league teams on a new line of caskets and urns. The products are in the development phase and delivery is planned for 2007.

"Millions of Major League Baseball fans wear caps, t-shirts and jackets to show their loyalties each day, while others have customized license plates on their cars, and linens, artwork and collectibles such as bobbleheads in their homes," said Clint Mytych, CEO of Eternal Image.

"The trend of including baseball in major lifecycle events is growing vastly: from birthdays to bar mitzvahs, weddings to anniversaries, fans incorporate baseball in nearly every aspect of life. This new line of team-specific funeral products opens a whole new market for our company -- a market that is just waiting for a way to make team loyalty a 'final' statement of a great passion in their lives," Mytych added.

Eternal Image remains committed to growing its line of licensed-brand funeral products. For more information, visit http://www.eternalimage.net.

"Safe Harbor" Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Statements in this press release relating to plans, strategies, economic performance and trends, projections of results of specific activities or investments, and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking information is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, which include but are not limited to, risk factors inherent in doing business. Forward-looking statements may be identified by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "expects," "plans," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," forecasts," potential," or "continue," or similar terms or the negative of these terms. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. The company has no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Investor Contact:
Integrity IR Services
Peter McGoldrick
integrityir@optonline.net
Phone: 516-825-6516
Fax: 516-825-2254

Media Contact:
Robbie Tarpley Raffish
a.s.a.p.r.
410/883-2000 (office)
410/430-9705 (cell)

Angry Pope

06-26-2006, 03:35 PM

Here is a video of our game in 1985 at Denver where we won 17-14...

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPJN6Km86Z4&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-26-2006, 03:45 PM

Here is a video of our game in 1985 at Denver where we won 17-14...

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPJN6Km86Z4&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-26-2006, 03:46 PM

Here is an NBC football show talking about the above win...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3pBOP2HDSg&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

06-26-2006, 03:46 PM

Here is a video of our game last season against the Eagles...

Hit it here... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=jrgE_QNw4-g)

Angry Pope

06-26-2006, 11:18 PM

Moss has ideas...

June 27, 2006

Moss has ideas for more Valley endeavors

Mitch Vingle

Sports Editor

John Robertson, manager of Charleston’s Civic Center, may want to forward a resume to Randy Moss.

Because if Moss, an NFL star and Rand native, has his way, Charleston will someday soon have a new sports coliseum.

Moss visited the Kanawha Valley this weekend to open a juice bar called Inta Juice in Kanawha City. And during that visit he mentioned a desire to help Charleston build a new sports venue.

“He wasn’t misunderstood,’’ said Tim DiPiero, Moss’ agent. “That’s not to put down [the Charleston Civic Center Coliseum], but he would love to see a newer one.’’

DiPiero said Moss was overwhelmed by the support for his juice bar venture near home.

“It went great guns,’’ said the agent. “People kept coming through the doors.’’

The early success apparently has sparked Moss’ interest in future Valley endeavors.

“He’s got a lot of big ideas,’’ DiPiero said of the Oakland Raiders wide receiver. “He would love to see a new coliseum in Charleston. From time to time he’s said he’d like to get together with [Miami Heat guard and former DuPont High teammate] Jason Williams on some projects.

“He’s talked about a learning center or something for kids. He hasn’t figured that out yet, but he wants to do something that involves kids. He has some big ideas.’’

DiPiero admits funding a new coliseum would be a huge undertaking, even for his wealthy client.

“That’s a biggie,’’ said the agent. “But it’s a neat idea. He has lots of ideas. Now whether they come together or not is another thing, but he wants to do some things [in the Kanawha Valley].’’

DiPiero said Moss remained around Charleston on Monday, but was leaving for his home in Boca Raton, Fla., to begin preparations for the NFL season.

“He’s in great shape, but he wants to be in better shape,’’ DiPiero said.

Angry Pope

06-26-2006, 11:47 PM

Madden gets a new ride....

John Madden, who travels by motor coach, got a new one shortly after he went from Fox to ABC, and now has another new one as he heads into his first season at NBC. It features a master bedroom / bathroom with a steam shower, full kitchen with granite flooring and countertops, high-definition plasma TV screens, and a TracVision mobile satellite TV antenna.

“We used to have to stop to set the satellite antenna to watch TV,” Madden said. “Now the TV is on all the time.” A pair of aces

Angry Pope

06-28-2006, 10:04 AM

Here is a video of Fabian Washington at the Scouting Combine...

Hit it here.... (http://play.rbn.com/?url=nfl/nfl/open/chiefs/demand/av_draft05_db_fabianwashington_350_04072005.rm&proto=rtsp)

CrossBones

06-28-2006, 02:24 PM

Fabs is my favorite current Raider player. :D

Angry Pope

06-29-2006, 11:36 PM

Vann McElroy's son...

Versatile McElroy picks BU

Friday, June 30, 2006

By Jerry Hill

Vann McElroy calls Baylor’s latest football commitment “as explosive a player as I’ve ever been around.”

Since Uvalde’s V.J. McElroy is Vann’s son, “you can take it with a grain of salt,” the dad said. But the younger McElroy turned down an offer from SMU and was getting recruiting attention from Nebraska, Texas A&M, Duke and Colorado State.

“All the measurable stuff like speed, strength and vertical jump, he’s at the top of the charts,” said Vann McElroy, an all-American safety at Baylor in 1981 who played seven years in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks.

“They have him penciled in at (rover), but he does offer them options. Because he can play corner or inside receiver and he can certainly return punts and kickoffs.”

V.J. gave head coach Guy Morriss his commitment Thursday after a campus visit that included a trip to the business school and meetings with defensive coordinator Bill Bradley and safeties coach Larry Hoefer.

“We sat down, me and my dad, and went over where I wanted to go,” V.J. said. “And it kind of all fell into place.”

McElroy is the 14th commitment for the 2007 recruiting class and the second legacy. Cedar Hill linebacker Chris Francis is the son of former all-America linebacker James Francis.

“His pictures are all over the place,” V.J. said, “but it doesn’t really bother me that much.”

“My biggest thing was making sure it was his call,” said Vann, a sports agent with Houston-based Select Sports Group. “We had a lot of schools come through and there was a lot of interest. But when it’s all said and done, I wanted him to feel good about his decision.”

Although he’s being recruited as a defensive back, V.J. is a two-year starter at quarterback for Uvalde and has earned all-district honors the last two years as a kick returner.

McElroy threw for 1,200 yards and six touchdowns last year and added 1,056 yards and 10 TDs rushing.

He also finished fifth in the 200 meters and sixth in the 100 at the district track meet and earned all-district honors in baseball, hitting .324 with 21 RBIs and 17 stolen bases.

At last summer’s SMU football camp, McElroy earned MVP honors and posted a 4.32-second time in the 40-yard dash.

Vann McElroy, part of Baylor’s 1980 Southwest Conference championship, said he is excited about the direction of the program.

“I think if you really analyze it, you have to feel that way,” he said. “Last year, they were competitive in every game. That hasn’t always been the case. And if you look at the recruits they’re bringing in, they’re getting a ton of speed. I really like the coaching staff there”

Angry Pope

06-30-2006, 10:01 AM

Here is a video of our game against the Giants....

Hit it here.... (http://www.giants.com/player/?file_300=http%3A%2F%2Fplay%2Erbn%2Ecom%2F%3Furl%3 Dnfl%2Fnfl%2Fopen%2Fnflfilms%2Fdemand%2Fs2005%2Fte am%2Fgiants%2Fnfln%5Fgow%5Fgiants%5Fraiders%5Fdef% 5Fstop%5F300k%2Erm)

Angry Pope

07-01-2006, 05:16 PM

Here is a Randy Moss and Jason Williams commercial...

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD73dT__Hto&search=randy%20moss)

Angry Pope

07-04-2006, 09:19 AM

HOF game is sold out...

HOF Game sold out

Tuesday, July 4, 2006

CANTON - Tickets for the AFC-NFC Hall of Fame Game between the Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 6 at Fawcett Stadium have sold out.

The good news is that although a sellout for the enshrinement ceremony is anticipated, a limited number of tickets remain available.

The Class of 2006 – Troy Aikman, Harry Carson, John Madden, Warren Moon, Reggie White and Rayfield Wright – is scheduled to be inducted at 1 p.m. Aug. 5 at Fawcett Stadium.

This year, the Enshrinement Ceremony and the supporting Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival events will include a larger-than-usual contingent of returning Hall of Fame members. For only the third time, the Hall of Fame has invited all previously enshrined members to return to Canton for the festivities.

So far, 68 Hall of Famers have confirmed that they plan to be in Canton during the enshrinement weekend. Among them are Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Jim Brown, Dick Butkus, Jim Kelly, Gale Sayers, Howie Long and Roger Staubach.

Tickets also remain for the Timken Grand Parade and the Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable. The parade kicks off at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 5 in downtown Canton, while the roundtable with the Class of 2006 is 12:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at Canton Memorial Civic Center. Call (330) 458-2048 for information on those events.

Angry Pope

07-06-2006, 10:16 AM

Willie Brown football camp..

Willie Brown pro foootball camp starts tomorrow

From staff reports

The Willie Brown/Oakland Raiders Pro Camp is approaching quickly. The camp will be held July 7 and 8 at DeRidder High School beginning at 7:30a.m. The cost is $30 per camper and is for ages 7-18 (boys and girls; no graduates). Registration will take place tomorrow morning from 8am-10:30am at Fausto's Chicken in DeRidder.

There will be a late registration on July 7 and 8 from 7:00-7:30am for $30.

There will be a CDNC/Willie Brown NFL Pro Football Meet and Greet Reception on July 7 at 7pm at Carver Elementary on Martin Luther King Drive. General Admission is free and there will be a silent auction, autograph signing and photograph session.

For more information, contact Cecil Stewart, President, 462-2777 or Cynthia Taylor, camp coordinator, 462-5261 or 348-9744.

Angry Pope

07-06-2006, 10:22 AM

Greatest athletes from Gary, Indiana...

GARY'S 15 GREATEST ATHLETES

(In alphabetical order)

* Charles Adkins, Roosevelt (1950) ... As an injured 20-year-old alternate, emerged to win the light welterweight title at 1952 Helsinki Olympics with 2-1 decision over Viktor Mednov in first-ever boxing match between the United States and U.S.S.R. ... Was a former NCAA champion at San Jose State College.

* Dick "Sleepy" Barnett, Roosevelt (1955) ... Led Tennessee State to three consecutive NAIA basketball championships and was a two-time MVP ... Played alongside Hall-of-Famers Elgin Baylor and Jerry West on the Los Angeles Lakers, then helped lead the New York Knicks to their only two NBA championships in team history (1970, 1973) and had his jersey retired.

* Lee Calhoun, Roosevelt (1951) ... Considered Gary's greatest track and field talent ... 110-meter hurdles champ at 1956 Melbourne Olympics (13.5) and 1960 Rome Olympics (13.98) ... Shortly before Rome, tied the world record of 13.2 at a meet in Bern, Switzerland.

* Opal "Shag" Courtney, Roosevelt (1932) ... Had few equals in football, basketball and track during his prep career ... Attended Kansas State Teachers College on track scholarship, but left after two years due to restrictions prohibiting whites and blacks from engaging in any sports activities that promoted bodily contact ... Played with Harlem Globetrotters from 1934-36.

* Bobby Eskew, Froebel (1964) ... Attended University of Wyoming on a football-basketball scholarship, then transferred to Tennessee State, where he lettered three times in football and once in basketball ... Played four seasons in the NFL, two each with the Falcons and Los Angeles Rams ... An accomplished concert pianist.

* Tom Harmon, Horace Mann (1937) ... Earned 14 varsity letters at Mann and led Horsemen to 1936 mythical state football championship ... Won state track titles in the 100-yard dash and 200-yard low hurdles ... Nation's leading scorer at Michigan in 1939 and 1940, winning the Heisman in 1940 ... Made the covers of Time and Life magazines ... No. 1 draft pick of Chicago Bears in 1941.

* Gerald Irons, Roosevelt (1966) ... Starred at outside linebacker and on special teams in seven NFL seasons with the Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns.

* Ron Kittle, Wirt (1976) ... His 35 home runs and 100 RBIs earned him 1983 American League rookie of the year honors with White Sox ... Also played for the Yankees, Indians and Orioles before recurring injuries ended his career ... Belted 176 homers in 10 seasons, averaging one every 15 at-bats.

* Lloyd McClendon, Roosevelt (1977) ... Was a member of four division-winning teams with the Cubs and Pirates ... Later managed Pittsburgh from 2001-2005 ... Currently Detroit Tigers bullpen coach ... Led his Gary team to the 1971 Little League World Series, during which he hit five home runs in five swings and later struck out 12 in eight innings in the championship-game loss to Taiwan.

* Davage Minor, Froebel (1941) ... Partially credited with introducing the jump shot ... Became the fourth black player in the history of the NBA, starring for the Baltimore Bullets and Milwaukee Hawks in the 1950s and later signing with the Harlem Globetrotters.

* Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson, Roosevelt (1991) ... All-time career scoring leader at Purdue, NCAA Player of the Year in 1994, and No. 1 overall pick of the Milwaukee Bucks in '94 NBA draft ... Has career averages of 20.8 points and 6.1 rebounds in 10 seasons with Milwaukee, Atlanta and Philadelphia.

* George Taliaferro, Roosevelt (1945) ... Was an all-American at Indiana, the first black quarterback in NFL with Baltimore Colts (1953), first black drafted by Chicago Bears (1949) ... Also played for Los Angeles Dons, New York Yanks and Dallas Texans of now defunct All American Football Conference.

* Willie Williams, Roosevelt (1950) ... In 1956, became the first to break Jesse Owens' 20-year-old world record in the 100 meters with a 10.1 on a cinder track in Berlin ... Led off the United States' gold-medal 400 relay at 1955 Pan American Games in Mexico ... Two-time finalist in the 100 at the 1952 and 1956 Olympic trials.

* Fred "The Hammer" Williamson, Froebel (1956) ... Two-time Pro Bowler played eight seasons with Oakland, Pittsburgh and Kansas City ... Started for Gary coaching legend Hank Stram in Super Bowl I, when the Chiefs lost 35-10 to Green Bay ... Retired in 1967 and now acts/directs in Hollywood.

* Tony "Man of Steel" Zale, Froebel (1934) ... Middleweight champion of the world from 1941-47 -- beating Rocky Marciano two of the three times they met ... Retired in 1949 with record of 70-16-2 (46 KOs) ... Inducted into Boxing Hall of Fame in 1981.

(Compiled by Times staff writer Al Hamnik and the "Breakfast Club" -- a group of Gary Old-Timers that includes former athletes and coaches)

Angry Pope

07-09-2006, 08:53 AM

Here is what Kaufman is up to...

Handing off the skills

By David Carrillo Penaloza/Sports Writer

Sixty kids lined up by 8 a.m., eager to perform any football drill at Huyck Stadium. Some were on a football field for the very first time.

Even after three hours of 40-yard sprints, jumping ropes, learning different positions and catching balls, the kids were still paying attention.

It helped that Sheldon Canley and Napoleon Kaufman were sticking around to sign autographs Saturday afternoon.

The former Lompoc High star running backs signed T-shirts, cards and anything the kids could get in front of the two former NFL players at the Second Annual Sheldon Canley Football Camp.

“Remember guys, you'll have to wear the same shirt come tomorrow,” Canley told the kids taking off their camp T-shirts sporting Canley's No. 20. “You guys better come ready to go.”

Telling from the kids simultaneous nods, they don't plan to miss the final day of today's camp, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Canley, a 1986 Lompoc graduate, couldn't help but smile at the fervent kids ranging from ages 6 to 15.

“It's a chance for me to give back,” said Canley of founding the camp two years ago. “I was never fortunate enough to go to a football camp (as a kid) because my mom couldn't afford it. I said when I was done playing the game of football I always wanted to come back to Lompoc and (offer) some football camps and give these kids a chance (to attend).”

Canley, 38, has followed through with his word.

Even those who couldn't afford the $80 camp registration were allowed to participate. Canley's wife, Virginia, said twenty scholarships were awarded, some given on the day of the event.

The children are the reason why Canley is able to get former Brave standouts like Kaufman (1991 graduate) and Rich Cornford (1987 graduate) to return to Lompoc to volunteer their time and expertise.

The kids know of their credentials because they are households names in town.

Jamel Whitaker, a 13-year-old heading to Lompoc next year, knows that Canley, playing for San Jose State in 1990, once scored an NCAA Bowl game record five touchdowns in the California Raisin Bowl.

So when Canley, who played for the San Francisco 49'ers, New York Jets and Denver Broncos, offered Whitaker advice Saturday, Whitaker said he absorbed it because he “went pro, so you'll learn. I like how Sheldon runs it.”

Another player the campers were in awe of was Kaufman, the Brave who brought Lompoc its first CIF football championship in 1990.

But when Kaufman started teasing some of the campers, a couple of shot back. Someone called the former University of Washington and Oakland Raiders tailback “Grandpa” when he glided through a 40-yard dash.

Kaufman, 33, laughed while trying to figure out who called him “Grandpa.” No one stepped up.

“It feels great to be back home,” said Kaufman, who's a senior pastor at The Well in Dublin, Calif. “I just like to come out and have fun with the kids. I think for me just seeing the kids who have come back (is gratifying). I watch them now and I see them growing and I see them getting better.”

One player standing out to Kaufman was Andrew Stears. The two were horse playing after a pushups exercise, and Kaufman expects to see improvements out of the 12-year-old at next year's camp.

“Just meeting Napoleon Kaufman and getting advice from him (was great),” said Stears, who along with the other campers received NFL merchandise, ranging from team stickers to wristbands. “He's telling me I'm doing good.”

From station to station, the kids received positive feedback.

One popular aspect of the camp was the linebacker drills introduced by Cornford, 37, who attended the camp for the first time.

Cornford, who as coach at West Bakersfield High guided the school to the Central Section Division II title last year, plans to make the camp an annual event.

“I was telling the kids that I grew up on these same fields dreaming about playing Lompoc football,” said Cornford, who was part of the Braves' 1985 and 1986 league championship teams before moving on to play linebacker at Baylor. “It's nice to finally get a chance to come back and coach the future Braves.”

Kaufman said returning to your roots and giving back to the community is what it's all about.

Canley said he plans to donate $1,000 to Lompoc High, just like he did last year. He added that he might make the camp bigger and open it up for the entire Central Coast next year.

For now Kaufman is just happy Canley has a summer camp for the kids of Lompoc.

“It's one thing to have somebody else come (and start a camp) that is not part of the community,” said Kaufman, adding that Canley inspired him at Lompoc, where he rushed for 86 touchdowns and more than 5,000 yards. “But it's another thing to have someone who is home grown come back and do something like this is a blessing.”

Angry Pope

07-09-2006, 11:20 PM

A former Raider...

Nutrition store franchise is muscling for locations

Brian Bandell

After pumping up its size in California, the Max Muscle franchise of nutrition and sports fitness stores wants to throw its weight around South Flor-ida, with plans for 30 to 40 locations in the next five years.

The company is looking for business owners with rock-hard biceps and some heavy change to open stores.

The first takers in South Florida were husband and wife Ron and Susan Meijernik, who opened Max Muscle's first Florida location at Dadeland Plaza in Miami on June 15.

They hold the franchise rights to Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Lee, Hendry and Collier counties. They already sold off two franchise packets of three locations each.

"In California, they're doing extremely well, and I think South Florida could be an excellent copy of that," Ron Meijernik said.

The Dutch national lived in Jamaica for 19 years, working in supply chain management for hotels, before moving to Miami in 2005 with Susan, a psychology student at Florida International University. They looked at 112 franchise models and Max Muscle caught their attention. The company, co-founded by former Oakland Raiders linebacker Joe Wells, is planning a 500-store expansion in the next five years.

Max Muscle sells a branded line of nutritional supplements that it develops and manufactures, along with branded fitness clothing, exercise gear and publications. It also sells 3,500 third-party products from 150 companies.

What separates it from the General Nutrition Center (GNC) chain, which has more than 5,000 locations, is Max Muscle's consultation with customers to design a nutritional program and workout schedule, said Marc Kiekenapp, its VP of franchise development.

The Miami store's manager is a certified sports nutritionist that can advise people how to lose or gain weight. Stores feature a company-designed computer program to help set up a meal and exercise plan.

The advice is initially free, but a guided meal plan is $35 a week for 10 weeks.

"GNC is like the general shoe store and Max Muscle is the footlocker of the supplement business," Ron Meijernik said.

He plans to open two more stores. The targeted locations are between 1,000 and 1,500 square feet in shopping centers also housing gyms, tanning salons, spas and other businesses that draw the body-conscious crowd.

The Meijerniks' contract with Max Muscle calls for them to create 40 locations in South Florida in the next 10 years, with the couple getting a percentage of the franchises it licenses. Their goal is to have 30 to 40 locations in the next five years.

The franchise rights are sold for a combination of ZIP codes where the population totals about 100,000. The Meijerniks sold the rights to two stores in Fort Lauderdale and one in Pompano Beach to New York transplant Stace Houk. His first location will be in Gateway Plaza, at Sunrise Boulevard east of U.S. 1 in Fort Lauderdale.

Olive Garden store manager David Cuffe bought the franchise rights to locations in Naples, Fort Myers and Cape Coral.

Franchise owners must have $250,000 in liquidity with at least $50,000 of that in cash, Ron Meijernik said. Adding store setup and inventory to an initial franchise fee between $18,000 and $30,000 brings the startup cost to between $154,000 and $233,500, according to the company's Web site. The Meijerniks' store has a full-time manager and two part-time workers.

The average Max Muscle store has revenue of between $40,000 and $50,000 per month, Ron Meijernik said, adding that he expects positive cash flow in six months.

Angry Pope

07-09-2006, 11:23 PM

Madden's HOF induction...

Presenting John Madden

July 9, 2006

One of the toughest decisions for a newly elected member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Hall of Fame to make is who will serve as his presenter. The presenters for this year's class - legendary Raiders head coach John Madden, Troy Aikman, Harry Carson, Warren Moon, Reggie White, and Rayfield Wright - include two sons, a former pro coach, a former college coach, a longtime friend and business associate, and a team owner.

Raiders owner Al Davis is no stranger to the Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony. Not only was he inducted in 1992, but he has presented more Hall of Fame members for enshrinement than any other person. When he presents Madden this summer, it will mark the ninth time he has served in that role.

Madden, who will become the 15th modern era coach enshrined in Canton and the 21st overall, led the Team of the Decades to a 103-32-7 regular season record in his 10-year tenure. His .759 regular season winning percentage is the highest in the history of professional football among head coaches with at least 100 career victories. At age 42, he became the third-youngest coach to reach 100 wins, behind only fellow Hall of Famers George Halas and Curly Lambeau.

The formal enshrinement of the Hall of Fame's 2006 class will take place on Saturday August 5, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. ET, on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium. The stadium is located directly across the street from the Hall of Fame. More than 70 previously enshrined Hall of Fame members are expected to be in Canton during the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Celebration. A limited number of tickets for the enshrinement ceremony remain available. Enshrinement tickets may be purchased ($50 for field level seats, $25 for sideline and end zone seats) online by visiting the Hall's website at Profootballhof.com or by calling 1-800-913-9788. Tickets for two popular community events the Timken Company Grand Parade and the Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable - are also on sale for the public. Call 330-458-2048 for more information.

CrossBones

07-10-2006, 06:08 AM

Cool. I want to watch Al introduce John Madden.

John was the orginal "unmade bed" on the sidelines -- what a great personality and he got players to play hard for him in those days. It's all about chemistry.

Angry Pope

07-10-2006, 08:58 AM

Here is another cartoon....

Hit it here.... (http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/denver/drew/archives/drew-0707toon.gif)

CrossBones

07-10-2006, 09:02 AM

Here is another cartoon....

Hit it here.... (http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/denver/drew/archives/drew-0707toon.gif)AP....LOL.

Angry Pope

07-10-2006, 11:30 PM

Here are a couple of pictures of our boys signing autographs recently...

Brooks...Fabian...Kirk.... (http://www.raiders.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/BGKKEOJAKEIG/062606image4.jpg)

Fabian...Kirk.... (http://www.raiders.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/BGKKEOJAKEIG/062606image5.jpg)

Angry Pope

07-13-2006, 10:28 AM

Here is a video of our Raiders with a Stars Wars theme...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUovg28rixo&search=raiders)

CrossBones

07-13-2006, 11:37 AM

AWESOME!!!

I love this stuff.

Angry Pope

07-17-2006, 10:10 AM

Here is a video of Randy Moss' catches...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3dPMB0DjWM&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

07-17-2006, 10:31 AM

Here is a video on Ronald Curry...with music that you can air drum to....

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTAmJjZoLYI&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

07-18-2006, 11:14 PM

A former player...

Former Aggie, current Miami Dolphin being investigated for assault

By Geoff Grammer/Sun-News Sports Editor
Las Cruces Sun-News

Former New Mexico State football star and current Miami Dolphin Siddeeq Shabazz is being investigated by Las Cruces Police after a 20-year-old man said the former Aggie punched him in the jaw Sunday night, leaving the man hospitalized.

The alleged victim, a Las Cruces resident, checked into MountainView Regional Medical Center late Sunday due to excessive swelling of his jaw, according to a police report.

According to the report filed by officer Luis Astudillo, the alleged victim told investigators he was shopping with his family at Wal-Mart, 571 S. Walton Blvd., around 10 p.m. when Shabazz approached him and began talking about how he didn't appreciate the alleged victim talking to Shabazz's fiancee while Shabazz was out of town.

"(The alleged victim) stated that there were a couple of words that were exchanged between (the two) when Mr. Shabazz then punched him with his right hand, causing (the victim) to lose his balance," the police report states.

When the alleged victim regained his balance, he said Shabazz was gone.

Reached by telephone late Monday, Shabazz said he thinks he might be a target.

"I don't know, but there's a lot of craziness going on right now," said Shabazz, who is scheduled to report to training camp with the Dolphins on July 27. "It kind of seems like someone's trying to make something out of nothing. I've already contacted a lawyer to protect my interests and that's all I'm going to say about it for right now."

LCPD Officer Wallace Downs said the case is under investigation, but could not elaborate further.

The alleged victim told police he and Shabazz had no other physical contact other than the punch. He also stated he "did not know why Mr. Shabazz would be so upset" for just talking to his fiancee.

Shabazz signed with the Dolphins in January, his fifth NFL team since his rookie year in 2003 when he was drafted in the seventh round by the Oakland Raiders. He has also spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. He also starred this past season in NFL Europe with the Rhein Fire, where he teamed up with another former Aggie, offensive lineman Tony Wragge.

A Gadsden High School graduate, Shabazz was a two-year starter at NMSU, an All-Sun Belt Conference first team selection in 2002 and a three-time academic All-Conference honoree.

Shabazz pleaded no contest to false imprisonment and battery against a household member in March 2001 and had a felony kidnapping charge dropped as part of the plea. Those charges were dismissed in November 2005 when he completed his probation in the case.

He also received a deferred sentence and a fine in October for a charge of public affray, which was dismissed in January.

Angry Pope

07-19-2006, 10:25 AM

Another Raider fan (there is also a tennis player, Murray who is a Raider fan)...

Bromberg conquers darts while toughing out greater fight
By Rob Miech <rob.miech@lasvegassun.com>, Las Vegas Sun
Las Vegas Sun

As Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days" roars on the jukebox, Stacy Bromberg gently rubs an Oakland Raiders pendant that hangs from her necklace and insists that they will return. ¶ Don't get her started about silver-and-black glory days. ¶ Over the twang of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "That Smell," she explains how law school taught her to despise the legal profession. "Mexican Radio" jangles as she details the ever-expanding open aviary behind her Summerlin home. ¶ The weird lady with the birds, neighbors call Bromberg.

The country's top female darts thrower marvels about flying over Ayer's Rock in the middle of Australia en route to a tournament as Marvin Gaye serenades the smoky lounge with "What's Goin' On?"

Four hours after a weekly recreational league started, CD's Lounge has nearly emptied. Bromberg sits on a barstool for more than five minutes for the first time all night.

The music stops.

She revealed how a tumor - larger than an orange, smaller than a grapefruit - in the middle of her back makes sleeping difficult. Flying in an airplane is rarely comfortable. On a scale of 1 to 10, the pain she usually feels is a 5.

"Some days, it's 11," she says. "Doctors say there's one chance in 10,000 that it's not benign. I'll take those odds."

It was first detected in 1986. She underwent an operation, "but they didn't do a very good job," she says. It began growing again 10 years ago.

Tending to the mass hasn't been a priority because she has had bull's-eyes to hit and fundraisers to organize. At the recent Las Vegas Desert Classic, Bromberg was a dervish for three days at Mandalay Bay.

She coordinated, sometimes begged, the top darts throwers in the world to drop by CD's, if only for 10 minutes, to participate in her annual Make-A-Wish event.

Thirteen-time world champion Phil "The Power" Taylor, the Englishman considered the best darts thrower ever, headlined the record turnout of 120.

Bromberg won a tournament in Tucson over the weekend, and she is now competing in an America's Cup event in Barbados.

"If you don't play darts with passion, you don't reap the rewards," she says. "I give it my heart and soul, and I've gotten a lifetime of experiences and friendships. I love the hours.

"And my boss is great - me."

Ron Dove's first words to Bromberg, when she was throwing darts in a Los Angeles bar in 1989, encouraged her to perfect her skill.

Dove (pronounced Doe-VAY), a semipro golfer and now Bromberg's husband, said her grit allows her to battle through the constant back pain and throw her 26-gram darts at such a high level.

"She hasn't had to change her throw or her stance," he said. "Mentally, she's overcome it."

Four years after throwing her first dart, Bromberg won her first American Darts Organization women's points title in 1991. She successfully defended it, and she has claimed that title every year since 1996.

Various injuries and ailments sidetracked her in the mid-1990s.

"She was never off because she played bad," said Dove, 65. "They were all personal reasons."

In 1998, she defeated Canadian two-time world champion John Part in an exhibition game of "501" at a tournament in Montreal. He missed three chances at double-14 to close out the match.

Bromberg nailed her first shot at double-20 to end it.

"They're graceful when they win and when they lose," Jill Bailes, a former pro from England, said of Part and her good friend Bromberg. "That distinguishes you."

Bailes saw Bromberg at her best when she won the Las Vegas Desert Classic in 2003.

"It was good for her and good for Las Vegas," Bailes said while watching Bromberg throw last week in the rec league. "It wasn't good for Britain. She beat a Brit."

Bromberg's rough exterior apparently masks her soft interior.

"You have to be hard (outside) to be that good," Bailes said.

Bromberg makes no apologies for being politically incorrect. She will never compete in France, since that country distanced itself from the U.S. in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedies.

She bristles as she recalls a perceived personal attack.

"Do not ever call me a liar, cheater or thief," Bromberg says. "I will destroy you as a human being."

At CD's, she was quick with a smile and a high-five for every fellow darts thrower who entered and left the lounge.

Exchanging letters with sick children, planning visits to hospitals and coordinating fundraisers, "that's the soft part," Bailes said of the woman known as "The Wish Granter."

In 1997, a $100-an-ace endeavor by former tennis champion Pete Sampras inspired Bromberg to start a $5-per-180 (triple-20 on all three darts, a perfect throw) program that has morphed into something much bigger.

She has raised about $80,000, including $10,000 at the event that packed CD's a few weeks ago, for Make-A-Wish.

Bromberg spent $1,000 to install mirrors on an entire living-room wall, centered with six Make-A-Wish thank-you trophies shelved in the shape of a pyramid.

"My crown jewels," she says, "my personal claim to fame."

CD's will be the site of Bromberg's "surprise" birthday party July 28. She turns a milestone age the previous day - think points for a bull's-eye - but she already knows about the bash.

She promises that it will be a rum fest.

Bromberg also vows to address her medical situation very soon, mainly because slipping in and out of her white 1997 Mustang GT, with the eight cylinders and super sound system, has become so challenging.

When she washes the rig, she sees to it that even the inside of the wheel wells get cleaned. The top of the license plate frame reads, "I'm America's," the plate is "A1DARTR" and the bottom of the frame reads, "Want to play?"

"I'll get rid of the tumor," Bromberg says, "before the car."

Angry Pope

07-19-2006, 10:27 AM

Some event...

Montana, Rice among big names at QB Shootout

By staff reports

BUCKINGHAM -- Get ready to rock 'n' roll at the 10th annual Pepsi Celebrity Quarterback Shootout.

Sponsored by Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa and Konocti Presents, the Celebrity Quarterback Shootout once again returns to Buckingham Golf and Country Club ... just a long tee shot down the road from Konocti Harbor ... on Aug. 26, when yesterday's heroes of the gridiron, including such superstars as Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, team up with their amateur foursomes for a fun morning and afternoon of golf.

The kickoff to the Shootout is a day earlier, on Aug. 25, with the traditional Pool and Pairings Party at Konocti Harbor. Garratt Wilkin and the Parrot Heads will perform during a poolside luau for the amateur golfers and the celebrities. That will be followed by a blind draw as the amateur foursomes find out who they will be paired with the following day at Buckingham during nine-hole morning and afternoon flights. The morning flight tees off promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Montana, Hall of Fame great from the San Francisco 49ers, heads a star-studded 10th anniversary field. Montana, who led the 49ers to the first four of their five Super Bowl victories, returns to Buckingham for the eighth time and is a two-time Shootout champion.

Rice, the legendary 49ers wide receiver who will join Montana in Canton in just a few years, is making his second appearance in the Shootout.

Other 49ers in the field are running back Roger Craig, wide receiver Dwight Clark, tight end Russ Francis, defensive backs Dwight hicks and Eric Wright, running back Wendell Tyler, quarterback Steve Bono, fullback Tom Rathman, wide receiver John Taylor and quarterback John Paye.

Die-hard fans of the Silver & Black will have plenty to cheer about too as Shootout favorites Ken Stabler, Daryle Lamonica, Cliff Branch and Art Thoms, all of the

Oakland Raiders, return to Buckingham.

Another Shootout regular and favorite, former Cowboys and Broncos quarterback Craig Morton, also returns along with Dan Pastorini, former quarterback for the Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders, and Roman Gabriel, former quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles.

After the Pool and Pairings party on Aug. 25, it's up to the Konocti Field Amphitheatre for the opening-night kickoff with another Hall of Famer rock 'n' roll legend Lynyrd Skynard.

Shootout day on Aug. 26 begins with the sunrise champagne breakfast at Konocti Harbor, where fans can catch a shuttle to Buckingham for the 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Shuttle buses operate continuously between the sites (there is no public parking at Buckingham).

Following a fun-filled day of golf at Buckingham, it's back to Konocti Harbor for the awards show and sports memorabilia auction to benefit charity. This year, the awards show will be held outdoors in the Oasis, adjacent to the Konocti Field Amphitheatre, and will feature a sunset barbecue. After the awards presentation, Lynyrd Skynyrd will provide an encore performance at the amphitheatre.

Tickets for the pool and pairings party are $69 and include admission to the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert. Gallery tickets for the Shootout are just $10.

Tickets to all Shootout events are available by calling (800)-660-LAKE.

and you can also log on the Konocti Harbor's Web site at www.konoctiharbor.com to get more information on Shootout events.

Angry Pope

07-20-2006, 09:34 AM

Randy Moss...

The Centre Daily Times reports Oakland Raiders WR Randy Moss put his two cents into the ongoing WR Terrell Owens- QB Donovan McNabb feud in an ESPN radio interview Wednesday, July 19. Moss said Owens was too worried about the money Moss made and said the Eagles quarterback was too worried about losing the spotlight. "McNabb in a certain sense didn't want to share the fame," said Moss on the "Dan Patrick Show." "And I really believe that. And by T.O. putting in his book and coming out of his mouth and saying it, I think it's believable." Moss was puzzled that anyone would want to break up the great Eagles connection of McNabb to Owens. "Any person worrying about the other man's money means you're not focusing on what you need to be focusing on," said Moss.

Angry Pope

07-21-2006, 09:34 AM

Here is what Dave Casper is upto....

Casper returns as role model for Wave

Sporting green suspenders that hugged his broad shoulders, Dave Casper made his first appearance at a St. Edward High School football camp in more than three decades.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame member returned to Elgin — where he spent the better part of his youth — to speak with Green Wave campers Monday. A spirited question-and-answer session carried the conversation as Casper replied freely to inquiries from an attentive audience at the Elgin Sports Complex.

Casper, who moved with his family to Wisconsin after his junior year at St. Edward, didn't sugarcoat anything — making known his disdain for practice during his 11-year professional career as an All-Pro tight end with the Oakland Raiders, Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings.

"I had more fun playing in the pros than I did in high school," said Casper, whose Chilton (Wis.) prep team didn't allow a point during his senior season. "But I never liked to practice, hated running sprints and couldn't stand doing calisthenics."

Casper recently moved from California to the north suburb of Vernon Hills and heads the Casper Group, an affiliate of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. Some of his red hair has turned gray, but "The Ghost" still appears fit enough to handle himself.

"I can still do this," said Casper, fluidly bending at the knees. "Not a lot of (former NFL players) can."

The five-time Pro Bowl selection offered this advice: "I always just did what I was told. I practiced probably as hard as anybody, even though I didn't like it. And I never did what I wasn't supposed to do."

Asked about playing for former Raiders coach and current television analyst John Madden, Casper said, "He never talked to me much. I guess that meant I wasn't doing anything wrong."

Having said he made "millions" during his playing career, the former All-America from Notre Dame told the campers, "I've got a house and a car and a boat, so I've got a place to live, drive and float."

Green Wave quarterback Ryan Gilbert was among the players who attended.

"We went to the same grade school (St. Mary's) and now the same high school, so it gives you hope," said Gilbert.

Although none of the campers was born during Casper's playing days (he retired after the 1984 season), the former Green Wave tight end/linebacker/punter left an impression.

"I think the parents and coaches might have been a little more awestruck than the kids," said St. Edward varsity coach Mike Rolando.

Casper recalled his days in Elgin, when fishing for carp in the Fox River and ice skating at the Lords Park lagoon were regular activities.

"I was a kid just like you guys," he said. "And the best times I had as a football player were after practice with my friends."

After wrapping up his dialogue, Casper headed off the field. Asked if he was familiar with how the St. Edward program had struggled in recent years, he said, "So, we struggled when I was here, too. You've still got to go out there and play, don't you?"

As an Illinois resident again, Casper said he might be able to keep tabs on the Green Wave a little bit better.

"You never know," he said. "I just might be able to get to a game this fall."

Angry Pope

07-21-2006, 09:40 AM

This was cool...

Commitment to Customer Service

July 20, 2006

By Mario Andrews

The Oakland Raiders welcomed hundreds of McAfee Coliseum game day staff to their Alameda facility for a casual meet-and-greet in the form of an Ice Cream Social on the Raiders Practice field.
In attendance were individuals who work at the Coliseum on Raider game days - ushers, parking lot attendants, ticket takers, private security, Oakland Police and Alameda County Sheriff's officers, vendors and concessionaires.

Oakland Raiders Chief Executive Amy Trask, Hall of Fame center and Raider Legend Jim Otto, Oakland City Council President Ignacio de la Fuente and Alameda County Supervisor Gail Steele and dozens of Raiders staff were also among those in attendance

The purpose of the meet-and-greet was to build a rapport and understanding between all game day staff members and the Oakland Raiders front office in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. The Raiders took this opportunity to share their vision and expectations with the Coliseum personnel, all of who are important components of the Raider game day experience.

"Our vision is that at each and every home game our fans in attendance will feel as though they are our personal friends and family who are being graciously welcomed into our home," said Trask.

Trask announced that the Raiders would implement a Reward Program for all game day personnel. The program will involve secret fans (much like secret shoppers), which will look for Game day personnel who exemplify a "Commitment to Excellence" and offer Raider fans customer service of the highest caliber.

When asked about the Reward Program, many employees where thrilled. Brenda Pope, a new usher at the Coliseum, said "This is a great incentive for both the old and new employees." Michelle Wiggins also an usher, cried out "I'm going to win!"

All of those involved in the event expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming season and to providing superior customer service to those in attendance at Raider games.

Angry Pope

07-23-2006, 09:20 AM

Timmy sells his home...

'Mr. Raider' closes California chapter

Tim Brown, the 1987 Heisman Trophy winner who played for Notre Dame, just sold his Manhattan Beach town house for $975,000.

The 40-year-old, who had a birthday Saturday, retired last year as a wide receiver and moved to Texas, near Dallas, where he was born. He does not need a 1,937-square-foot second home in California for the occasional commentary he does for Fox Sports, he has said.

So he sold the tri-level town house he had owned since 1989. He had used the three-bedroom unit, built in 1984, for most of his 17 years in the NFL. He played for the L.A. Raiders from 1988 to 1994, then moved to Oakland with the team in 1995. After that, the town home was used primarily by extended family.

He called himself "Mr. Raider" for his many years with the L.A. and Oakland football team. He may be working now on becoming "Mr. NASCAR," through his Tim Brown Racing team.

Brown sold the unit to Robbie Davis, a Laker trainer, and his wife, Wendy, a Clippers Spirit Dance Team member and now a realty agent who represented herself and her husband through Century 21 in Santa Monica.

Dana Wall of South Bay Brokers, Manhattan Beach, and John Corrales of Northwest Realty, Manhattan Beach, represented Brown in his sale, along with Leonard Marsaw, Brown's brother-in-law, of the Michael Group in Texas.

Angry Pope

07-23-2006, 10:09 AM

Here is a Jon Gruden video...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBQ2Cp6eVHQ&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

07-24-2006, 09:20 AM

Rumson man chosen MDA vice president

Rumson man chosen charity's vice president

Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 07/24/06

RUMSON: Resident Phil Villapiano, 57, was re-elected a national vice president of the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the group's recent meeting in Los Angeles.

Villapiano will serve a one-year term as a voluntary leader of the group, which works to eradicate neuromuscular diseases. Villapiano, a retired professional football player with the Oakland Raiders and the Buffalo Bills, has chaired MDA's Field of Hope gala locally for several years.

Angry Pope

07-24-2006, 09:28 AM

Ron Stone opens restaurants...

Former Raider opens new restaurant

Ron Stone, offensive lineman, introduces Wingstop, chain in Hayward selling chicken wings

Ricci Graham

HAYWARD — You have to figure that any man who stands 6-foot-5 and tilts the scales at 325 pounds has to know a thing or two about good food.
Which brings us to Ron Stone, an offensive lineman who was waived by the Oakland Raiders in March.

Perhaps recognizing that the end of his 14-year career in the National Football League is either over or nearing its end, Stone has set up a new business in Hayward, one that rates among the faster growing ventures in the country.

Stone and his wife, Roxanne, have opened up a restaurant called Wingstop, an aviation-themed business that sells a variety of chicken wings and other dishes.

Wingstop is one of the fastest-growing chains in the nation. In fact, it was rated 13th in Restaurant Business Top 50 Growth Chains, based on the percentage increase in the number of units.

The chain was also ranked as the No. 1 chicken wing chain by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2005.

Stone hopes to introduce his own touch to his restaurant, which recently opened at the Circuit City Plaza at 2488 Whipple

Road, just off the Whipple Road exit on Interstate 880.

Im going to bring my on-field ethic to Wingstop, Stone pledged. That should translate into a great, long-lasting relationship in the city.

The restaurant is Stones first major business venture in the Bay Area. But it may not be the last. Stone said he hopes to open other local Wingstop restaurants in the future.

A three-time Pro Bowl offensive guard, Stone spent the past two years with the Raiders. Before signing with Oakland prior to the 2004 season, he spent two years with the San Francisco 49ers, six with the New York Giants and three with the Dallas Cowboys.

Angry Pope

07-24-2006, 09:50 AM

Here is a video of Raider commercials...

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N6mfNzr978&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

07-24-2006, 10:05 AM

Here is another Bo Jackson video...

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YIwt_wfLYY&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

07-24-2006, 10:07 AM

Randy Moss training camp interview in 2005....

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5oQ5FIyJy0&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

07-24-2006, 10:09 AM

Here is Bo Jackson's first NFL carry...

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2cBHmO1mI0&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

07-24-2006, 10:10 AM

Here is a video of Tim Brown highlights...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCoDx_fzTKc&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

07-27-2006, 09:59 AM

About Brock Williams...

Pawn shop offers Olympic medals, Super Bowl ring

By RON KANTOWSKI
July 26, 2006

It was a few minutes before 10 a.m. when I pulled into the parking lot of the Gold & Silver Pawn shop on Las Vegas Boulevard South - and immediately regretted not buying one of those anti-theft clubs for my steering wheel.
Turning to my right, it appeared that Showgirl Video, with its promise of "Live Nude Girls," was doing brisk business. Ditto for the tattoo parlor and the "We Buy Gold" exchange store just down the battered sidewalk that is slowly turning black, either from years of neglect or from used chewing gum and cigarettes being discarded there.

A woman wearing a tight lime-green halter top and tight lime-green shorts strolled by. I guessed her to be about 15 years too late and 15 pounds too heavy for that outfit. But that didn't stop the guy on the yellow scooter and his pal in the ball cap from noticing and talking like spies as she went on her way.

Other than Jim Kelly's finger, this might be the last place on Earth you'd expect to find a Super Bowl ring.

I walked inside where single moms were haggling over the worth of an "heirloom" that will help them pay this month's rent, when I immediately noticed it. There among the brooches and the bracelets and the old wristwatches that took a licking and kept on ticking was a diamond encrusted ring so large and ostentatious that I couldn't even imagine the late Liberace wanting to wear it.

It had the New England Patriots logo on top and the number and name of the player it belonged to on the side.

No. 28. Williams.

That would be Brock Williams, a seldom-used defensive back from Notre Dame who spent the 2001 and 2002 seasons with the Patriots. He never got into a game for the Pats, who beat the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. Williams also played for the Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders, appearing in 12 NFL regular-season games, making nine tackles.

It is not known if Williams lives in Southern Nevada or was passing through. Rick Harrison, who runs Gold & Silver Pawn with his father and son, didn't profess to know much about Williams' whereabouts, either.

"He came in and needed money," Harrison said, adding he would have loaned up to $25,000 on the ring, although Williams didn't need that much. The only reason Harrison said he was breaking the sacred trust between pawnshop lender and pawnshop customer is that Williams never showed to reclaim the ring and that his name is on the side of it for all to see.

"I've loaned money on Super Bowl rings before," Harrison said. "In fact, I've got a Padres pennant ring right now." But the other owners always claimed them.

Harrison said pawn items are kept in hock for 120 days, and he usually gives their owners an additional three-week grace period before taking ownership. Time ran out on Williams' ring last week.

It was immediately put in the jewelry case with a $100,000 price tag. Williams says he already has had a couple of $50,000 offers for the ring. He said he wouldn't sell at that price. Or maybe not at any price, because it's "such a cool thing to have."

No doubt, I agreed. I started to think out loud about something to compare it to when Harrison interrupted.

"... like my Olympic medals?" he said, directing me toward another case where he had two Olympic bronze medals displayed, one from the Barcelona Games in '92 and one from Atlanta in '96.

Harrison said those once belonged to Joe Greene, who attended Ohio State and is one of only two men to win two bronze medals in the long jump, finishing behind Carl Lewis both times.

Harrison said he didn't know much about Greene's story, either.

"He said he had gotten injured and lost his sponsors and didn't want to give up his lifestyle," Harrison said.

"I guess it was all sort of falling down around him."

Harrison said that doesn't make Greene much different than the guy who comes in with a stereo receiver or a power tool or what Harrison claims to be an authentic Renoir (selling for $8,000) or a framed photograph of the not-so-authentic Elvira, Mistress of the Dark ($10).

But he said next to a collection of gold records hanging on the wall and an IBF championship belt that supposedly belonged to Leon Spinks, the rings and medals are among the most intriguing.

"I also had one of Diego Corrales' belts," Harrison said of the boxer who makes his home in Las Vegas, adding he knew Corrales wouldn't be coming back to reclaim it.

"When the 120 days were up, he was in prison."

Just then, a man with a mop of gray hair dressed in Johnny Cash all-black sidled up and introduced himself. It was Richard Harrison Sr., who had been eavesdropping on the conservation I was having with his son.

He extended his hand and told me I was welcome anytime. Sort of.

"Come back when you can buy something," he said.

He wasn't being mean or cracking wise. So I actually thought about plunking a $10 bill on the pockmarked jewelry case and taking that Elvira portrait off his hands.

Instead, I just opened the door and stepped back into the oppressive heat of the other Las Vegas. A Las Vegas where middle-aged women in lime-green outfits walk the streets and Super Bowl dreams don't last nearly as long as they should.

Angry Pope

07-28-2006, 10:43 AM

Here is a video on Romo...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJPalrHiWug&search=raiders)

Angry Pope

08-01-2006, 09:09 AM

Believing in Biletnikoff
Son of legendary Raiders receiver turning around the Central Valley Coyotes' fortunes.

By Anthony Galaviz

(Updated Tuesday, August 1, 2006, 4:36 AM)

Biletnikoff file

Fred Biletnikoff Jr.
Age: 40
Hometown: Pleasanton
Family: Wife, Cynthia
Education: Fresno State, master's kinesiology, 2002; Cal State-Hayward, B.A. kinesiology, 2000; Chabot College, A.A., 1998
Playing background: Central Florida, 1986
Coaching background: Central Valley Coyotes head coach, 2004-present; Fresno Frenzy, wide receivers coach, 2002; Fresno City College, wide receivers and running backs coach, 2000-2005; Chabot College, wide receivers and running backs coach, 1993-1999
Coaching record: Overall -- 22-15 (2004: 2-3; 2005: 8-8; 2006: 12-4).
Fresno State football will finish second in the WAC this season ... according to the media and WAC coaches. Does Fresno State need any more motivation to win the conference?

Edward said: Just like dave was trying too tell ever one. Remember before #22, and #34 there was Wright. If Wright would...
[Join the talk!] All it took, apparently, for Fred Biletnikoff Jr. to turn around the fortunes of the Central Valley Coyotes was a little more focus.

During his first two seasons as head coach of the Arenafootball2 franchise, Biletnikoff doubled as an assistant coach for the Fresno City College football team.

This year, the 40-year-old son of a Hall of Fame NFL receiver decided to leave Fresno City and devote his time to the Coyotes, and the results have been record-breaking.

Biletnikoff has led Central Valley to its first postseason with a 12-4 record, good for second place in the West Division of the National Conference. The Coyotes will host the Bakersfield Blitz in the AF2 playoffs at 8 p.m. Friday at Selland Arena.

Biletnikoff is grateful the Coyotes brought him in to take over midway through the 2004 season and removed the interim coaching tag before the 2005 season.

"I'm blessed the way they have treated me," Biletnikoff says. "The last four years I made a lot of friends."

Kevin Thomas, one of six directors on the board of the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi-Yokut Tribe that owns the Coyotes, is not surprised Biletnikoff has turned around the Coyotes.

"His skill as an offensive coach is exactly what is needed in the AF2," Thomas says. "In his second year to go 8-8, we had a lot of expectations for this year and Fred delivered."

Did he ever.

Fresno's AF2 history was bleak before Biletnikoff took over.

The Fresno Frenzy went 4-12 in 2002 and folded after one year. In 2004, the original Bakersfield Blitz moved to Fresno and changed their name to the Central Valley Coyotes. Biletnikoff took over for Cree Morris, who resigned after the team got off to a 1-10 start, and coached the Coyotes' final five games, winning their last two.

Biletnikoff's success is no surprise to Fresno City coach Tony Caviglia, who hired Biletnikoff as his offensive coordinator.

"He's a good football coach," Caviglia says. "He understands the game, he knows how to evaluate talent. He's a great motivator."

Biletnikoff learned football from his father, Oakland Raiders wide receivers coach Fred Sr., who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988 after a standout career in Oakland.

Fred Biletnikoff Jr. inherited a team with a 1-10 record when Cree Morris resigned during the 2004 season. Biletnikoff promptly won two of the next five games.
Kurt Hegre / The Fresno Bee
Thomas says he knew what Biletnikoff would bring to the Coyotes.

"Fred has been a tremendous boost to this organization," Thomas says. "Not only as a coach, but as a person as well. He was just a gift waiting to be opened, and we did that in 2004. I credit the team success to him and his entire staff, on and off the field."

Coyotes defensive lineman Donyell Booker, who played against Caviglia's and Biletnikoff's Rams in the 2002 Northern California championship for Reedley College, agrees.

"Great guy," Booker says. "What else can I say? I like him, he's a good coach and kind of crazy."

Crazy as in his occasional sideline histrionics. He put a finger to his mouth to hush the Stockton crowd last weekend after Scott Rislov thew a second-quarter touchdown pass to Marvin Brown in the Coyotes' 62-49 victory. In that game, Rislov set the AF2 and Arena Football single-season touchdown passing record with 106.

"He get's real crazy on the sideline," Booker says. "He's really fun to play for."

Receiver LaMonte Jones, a former Fresno High and Fresno City standout, remembers when he received a call from Biletnikoff asking if he wanted to try out for the Coyotes.

"He called me the same day we met each other and it didn't take long," Jones says. "He brought in everyone who wanted to play. He knows a lot of ins and outs."

Receiver Wes Borba (Chowchilla High) credits Biletnikoff for helping his game.

"He means a lot," Borba says. "He gave me a chance at the arena level. He's kind of like a mentor. He has a lot of knowledge on defense and offense. You want to do your best for him."

Despite the interest success breeds, Biletnikoff doesn't plan to leave Fresno anytime soon. He is focused on getting his team through the playoffs and earning a spot in the ArenaCup championship game in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

"It's come a long way since the Fresno Frenzy season," Biletnikoff says. "I made a commitment to the team when I took over in 2004 that we're going to turn this thing around. It's satisfying to turn this around. It's very, very rewarding. The season ain't over."

Angry Pope

08-01-2006, 09:21 AM

Inta Juice sponsoring No. 66 Haas entry

Haas CNC Racing officials say Inta Juice will sponsor the team's No. 66 Chevrolet during the upcoming Allstate 400 weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Randy Moss, the Oakland Raiders wide receiver and Inta Juice executive, will be on the quarterpanels of the car for the NASCAR Nextel Cup weekend.

Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Angry Pope

08-02-2006, 10:14 AM

Here is a video of Randy's greatest TDs...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JFJBVbdLqA&search=raiders)

CrossBones

08-02-2006, 01:38 PM

Here is a video of Randy's greatest TDs...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JFJBVbdLqA&search=raiders):eek: :eek: :eek:

:)

Angry Pope

08-03-2006, 05:48 PM

Randy advertising.....

. ... The face of Oakland Raiders receiver Randy Moss will adorn the side of Jeff Green's car this weekend at Indianapolis. Moss' smoothie and juice bar franchises will be a sponsor on Green's car for this race.

Angry Pope

08-08-2006, 10:54 AM

Here is a Bronco cartoon....

Hit it here.... (http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/denver/drew/archives/Drew0805.gif)

Angry Pope

08-09-2006, 09:15 AM

Grambling great Albert Lewis returns to help coach secondary

By Nick Deriso

GRAMBLING — He got out of his car, this unassuming figure in a gold T-shirt, and walked onto the practice field.

Then former Grambling State great Albert Lewis started working with the defensive backs.

Just like that, the game changed.

“Having him around was amazing,” said cornerback Bakari Guice, the zippy former Wossman wide receiver. “He’s somebody who can immediately help us dominate in the secondary.”

Tuesday afternoon’s conversations with players focused on the basics, then Lewis happily dove into breaking down practice video and sketching out defensive looks with the staff.
“It’s my first day, so I’m still getting a feel for the scheme,” said Lewis, who gave no timetable for how long he’d be on hand during these fall sessions.

“I mostly worked with them on technique,” he said, “but after I get in some more film work, I’ll delve into the terminology.”

Lewis, inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame two years ago, recorded a staggering 42 interceptions, 123 passed defensed, 13 sacks and 13 forced fumbles during a 225-game NFL career at Kansas City and then Oakland.

Lewis later began a successful career breeding quarter horses before becoming an assistant with the San Diego Chargers.

He has some working knowledge of the current group of GSU defensive backs, having dropped in on the program’s practice sessions last spring.

Starter Greg Fassitt is still rounding back into day-to-day duty from a late-season hamstring injury, as he was back then. Grambling’s No. 1 unit on Wednesday included Guice and LSU transfer Jeffrey Jack on the corners along with DeMichael Dizer and Zaire Wilborn in the safety positions.

The secondary is expected to become that much more competitive with the arrival later this week of Virginia transfer Phillip Brown, who should be eligible.

Each will get a rare chance to learn from a local legend, in an age-old tradition that dates back to former Grambling coach Eddie Robinson’s celebrated tenure.

“Back in the day, Coach Rob had guys come back to work with the younger players,” said GSU coach Melvin Spears. “This is part of what’s always gone on here. We’re blessed to have him.”

Lewis earned first-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference honors playing for Robinson in 1981-82, and led GSU in interceptions in 1981 — picking off seven passes for 86 yards.

A late bloomer who didn’t start playing football until late in his high school career, Lewis got even better once he got to the pros. He had four or more interceptions in his initial four NFL seasons — including eight picks in 1985.

After more than a decade with the Chiefs, Lewis played his final five NFL campaigns with the Raiders. There, he started in all but five games and notched eight of his 13 career sacks.

He also added four interceptions, before finishing with a flourish: Moved to free safety in 1998, his last year in the league, Lewis returned an interception 74 yards for a touchdown against Seattle.

“You can’t talk about Grambling defensive backs, without talking about Albert Lewis,” Spears said. “He’ll be working with the players, but he’ll be working with the coaches, too. It will be a learning experience for all of us.”

Lewis, who always had an easy relationship with his fame, is predictably low-key about his role.

Joking around afterward with defensive line assistant Charlie Lewis — a former Grambling teammate in the early 1980s — Albert Lewis could have been a jovial passerby, one of the dozen or so fans who always cluster around following the practices.

But the players seemed to immediately grasp what he’d accomplished, and what Lewis in turn could help them accomplish.

“The thing about him is, he’s played and coached at the highest level,” Guice said. “It’s going to make everybody better.”

Angry Pope

08-09-2006, 10:06 AM

Here is a video of our Raiders with some Raiderettes mixed in...

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDaaI1UArO4)

Angry Pope

08-10-2006, 09:30 AM

Bryant gets new life with Saints

By Michael Wallace

JACKSON, Miss. — If he were looking for them, New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Tony Bryant could easily find a number of things to complain about each day during training camp.
He could start with the fact that he's a proven veteran sitting behind two younger, less experienced ends on the depth chart.

He could point out how he's fighting through swelling and stiffness in his right knee to stay on the practice field, pushing through the same discomforts that have kept other players on the sideline in camp.

And despite his 6-foot-6, 282-pound frame, Bryant could feel somewhat slighted from slipping under the radar although he finishing second on the team in sacks last season.
The former Copiah-Lincoln Community College star is back in the Magnolia State hoping his hard work will once again propel him to dominance.

Nearly 10 years ago, Bryant left the two-year college in Wesson and transferred to Florida State, where he was one of Division I-A football's most productive pass rushers.

After posting 87 tackles and 14 sacks in two seasons, Bryant was drafted in the second round by the Oakland Raiders.

Now four seasons removed from a career-threatening neck injury, Bryant is back in the state he refers to as his source.

His source of motivation.

His source of appreciation.

What could have been the last snap of Bryant's professional career took place Nov. 3, 2002, late in an overtime game between Bryant's Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers.

"It was either third-and-1 or fourth-and-1 and we were trying to jam the middle to stop the run," Bryant recalled. "I was leaning into the middle and the running back came through th0e line and collided with my helmet. First, everything went numb. Then it went dark."

Bryant was done for the season, one that ended with the Raiders advancing to the Super Bowl.

A promising career was in jeopardy for Bryant, who started 40 games in his first four seasons with Oakland before the injury.

The Raiders released Bryant in July of 2003 and he signed with the Saints that December.

After posting 23 tackles and two sacks in 2004 as a reserve, Bryant's numbers jumped to 34 tackles and four sacks last year while backing up Will Smith and Charles Grant.

Through two weeks of training camp under the Saints' new coaching staff, Bryant is showing signs of the player he was in Oakland.

"Tony showed flashes of being a great pass rusher last year," defensive tackle Willie Whitehead said. "But you can see more and more of his game coming together now."

Saints coach Sean Payton said he's been impressed with what he's seen from Bryant in camp, but that he doesn't want the lineman to overextend himself right now.

"I like the player he is," Payton said. "He's tough. He's got great strength and good experience. The key is keeping him fresh and keeping him rested. We've got to do a good job monitoring his snaps and keeping him rested."

Bryant's role will be one of a platoon pass rusher. He'll see action at both end spots on first and second downs and move to tackle on third-and-long situations.

"He brings a lot to the table and is probably the most versatile of all of them," defensive line coach Marion Hobby said of Bryant. "I have not seen any hesitation from him in terms of being aggressive on that line of scrimmage or anything."

Bryant can make an even bigger impression in the Saints' preseason opener Saturday at Tennessee. He figures to see significant playing time because injuries have created a lack of depth along the line.

Bryant said he approaches the game a lot differently now than he did before the neck injury. Back then, he relied on strength, quickness and talent to blow past an offensive lineman. Now, it's more about technique and strategy.

One thing that hasn't changed is Bryant's determination to dominate again.

And he insists he'll savor every snap along the way.

"When I first signed with the Saints, I drove back to Wesson to remind me of where I started and why I do this," he said. "That's why I'm out here every day now. I don't want to be over there riding a (stationary) bike or exercising. Now that I can do this again, I'm giving it all I've got every change I get."

CrossBones

08-10-2006, 09:40 AM

I always liked Tony Bryant and wanted him to be successful with the Raiders. He just couldn't get it done.

Wish him well with the Saints.

Rupert

08-11-2006, 06:31 AM

Bryant was often one-step slow. Now we've got Tyler Brayton who's OSS. Hope Brayton can make the improvement that Bryant couldn't. Notice there's only one letter difference in their last names? Coincidence or what?

Angry Pope

08-12-2006, 06:54 AM

Raiders fan finds victory in blaze
Despite heavy damage to home, man manages to rescue season tickets

By Angela Hill

James Blackwell is kind of a little bit of a Raiders fan.

How do we know? Well for one thing, in 1997 he named his baby daughter Silver Ann. That's Silver Ann Blackwell. As in the infamous Silver and Black of the Oakland Raiders. (Silver Ann is 9 now, and loves her name, by the way.)

And just this week, when his house in Jackson caught fire in the middle of the night, embers cascading around him like a meteor shower, flames sailing off the roof like so many Hail Marys from hell, Blackwell — clad only in a robe (silver, with little black checks all over it) — charged into the burning building with the ferocity of a Marcus Allen. Did he want to

rescue family photos? No. His clothing? No. His financial information? No.

His season tickets.

Oh, and the family and dogs got out too and everyone was fine.

"When we got out, I thought, 'What do we get out of the house?' And my wife said, 'James! Your Raiders tickets are in there!' So I ran in and grabbed everything off this one shelf where I keep important stuff, which was my wallet, my cell phone, some papers and my season tickets," he said. "I burned my feet on embers on the way out, but it was worth it."

Sadly, the house was heavily damaged and the family lost everything, including Blackwell's Raiders shrine, a collection the lifelong fan had built up since he was a kid and while he lived in El Sobrante. He had tons of autographed jerseys, lots of Jim Otto memorabilia, signed photographs and all things Raiders, from blankets and mini helmets to dishware and sofa pillows.

Everyone in the small community of Jackson knows the Blackwells. James is the main AT&T installation guy for the area, and his wife, Wendy, owns a local beauty salon with a silver-and-black sign out front. She's a Raiders fan too. Kinda has to be, doncha think?

So friends and neighbors are holding a benefit concert at the town's amphitheater tonight, and they even contacted the Raiders to donate some items for a fundraising auction.

"We know how big a fan James is," said friend Jake Woods, who is helping to organize the fundraiser. "He is such a fan that he converted me from a Niners fan to a Raiders fan. And he's a great guy, so we wanted to do everything we could."

Woods did reach the Raiders organization on Friday. The Raiders were more than happy to help out.

"We are delighted to participate in the fundraising efforts to help the Blackwells get back on their feet," said Raiders CEO Amy Trask. "We're working on getting autographed memorabilia sent up there for the raffle, and we're putting together a package of clothing for the family.

"James is a passionate, passionate fan," she said. "He is a wonderful member of the Raider Nation, and we are so thrilled he and his family made it out safely."

She was a little alarmed that he would run into a burning building for his football tickets, however. "When I talk with him, I'm going to tell him, 'Do not risk your safety for tickets ever again!' We would have been happy to assist him with his seats," she said.

Trask called Blackwell on Friday. "I was pretty emotional about it, to hear from Amy Trask herself," Blackwell said. "I just thank them so much. And everyone here has been so great too. People have been donating bags of clothes and someone offered a kitchen table. We may have a place lined up that we can rent."

He even has a positive attitude about his Raiders collection. "After the fire was out, we were able to pull out the Jim Otto signed jersey," he said. "It was all smoky and water damaged, but I might be able to get it restored. I did lose all the autographed photos, signed helmets and stuff. But it'll be OK. I can start my collection again."

Friends have established a fund to help the family regroup. Checks made out to the Blackwell Family Fire Fund may be mailed to the Bank of Amador, Box 908, Jackson 95642. Or call Jake Woods at (209) 223-9120 for more information.

Angry Pope

08-12-2006, 07:07 AM

Defensive Driving
Brayton heads to quarter-mile when he's not rushing quarterbacks

By ERIN LAWLEY
Saturday, August 12, 2006 1:16 AM PDT

Whether heâ€™s on the football field or shifting into fourth gear, Tyler Brayton likes to get his adrenaline pumping.

Not only is he the Oakland Raidersâ€™ starting defensive end this year, but the drag-racing aficionado also muscles his 1964 Chevelle down the quarter-mile at over 100 miles per hour as often as possible.

Braytonâ€™s quickest time is an 11.51-second run at 115 mph at Sonomaâ€™s Infineon Raceway â€” powered by his small block Chevy engine.

â€œItâ€™s two different things: drag racing is that real quick rush, that little bit of nervousness when youâ€™re pulling up to the line and then just the feeling when youâ€™re going down the track,â€ Brayton said from Raiders training camp at Redwood Middle School on Wednesday.

Oakland Raiders defensive end Tyler Brayton, pictured this week at training camp at Napaâ€™s Redwood Middle School, enjoys drag racing in his free time. Jorgen Gulliksen/Register

â€œWhereas in football, when you make a big play, itâ€™s all the same feeling. But itâ€™s two different things.

â€œTheyâ€™re similar in the fact that playing defensive line is all about your reaction. As soon as that ball even moves a quarter of an inch, youâ€™ve got to be gone. Itâ€™s kind of the same thing, when the lights are coming down. Theyâ€™re kind of different because drag racing is just a hobby, relaxing for me.â€

A fan of most muscle cars, though â€œpartial to Chevys,â€ Brayton prefers driving his car over working on it. He a big fan of the NHRA but was unable to go to the races in Sonoma last month due to that pesky summer training camp at Redwood. But he did watch some of it on TV.

Though he has a passion for fast cars, he hasnâ€™t put a whole lot of thought into trying to drag race professionally.

â€œNot really, I donâ€™t think so,â€ Brayton said. â€œI want to have a family and I donâ€™t want to tour around the whole country and do that stuff.â€

Brayton will stick to watching favorites such as Larry Dixon, John Force and the Pedregon brothers, Cruz and Tony.

â€œFor some reason, (the Pedregons) always seem to be the underdogs but always do really well,â€ Brayton said. â€œI respect that.â€

Cruz Pedregon is a huge Raiders fan and actually dons a silver and black helmet with Raiders stickers at many of his races. He was knocked out during the first round at the Fram Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon last month but Tony took second place in the finals after a faster run from Force teammate Eric Medlen.

â€œIâ€™m such a big NFL fan, but I love the Raiders,â€ Cruz Pedregon said Thursday on the phone.

He added that in anticipation of the Raidersâ€™ second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday that heâ€™ll wear his Raider helmet this weekend in the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, Minn.

Brayton recently tuned in to â€œDriving Force,â€ a new reality show that features John Force, his wife and his three dragster-racing daughters.

â€œItâ€™s cool,â€ Brayton said about the show that can be seen Monday nights at 9 p.m. on A & E. â€œIt seems like heâ€™s just as intense with his family as he is with his drag racing.â€

Brayton started all 16 regular season games with the Raiders in 2005, initially lining up at outside linebacker and then moving to defensive end halfway through the season. He notched 16 total tackles and added a sack.

In Oaklandâ€™s first 2006 preseason game, Brayton started at defensive end and recorded one tackle.

Perhaps one day â€œThe Cruzerâ€ and Brayton will be able to meet and share their two biggest passions.

Angry Pope

08-12-2006, 11:42 AM

Here is another video...

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAGzmP513Ic)

Angry Pope

08-14-2006, 09:12 AM

Fargas...the highlighted part...

Several Gulls are honored

RICK McGOWAN COLUMN

Some local sports stuff while hoping the New England Patriots and wide receiver Deion Branch can find an olive branch sometime soon ...

u The Newport Gulls earned six mentions when the New England College Baseball League announced its annual awards for the 2006 regular season.

Jim Murphy (Washington State) was named the 12-team loop's Most Valuable Player, the all-league first-baseman and the batting champion (.358).

Mike Coombs took Manager of the Year honors for leading the Gulls to the Southern Division championship and to a 32-10 season, the most wins in league history.

Pat McAnaney (Virginia) is one of four pitchers named to the first team. The left-hander had a 7-0 record and a 1.74 earned run average.

Right-hander Mike Lynn made the second team as the closer. Lynn, who has transferred from Louisville to the College of Charleston, had nine saves and a 1.04 ERA.

u Running back Justin Fargas, Newport's roundabout contribution to the National Football League, had a relatively productive game in the Oakland Raiders' 16-10 exhibition win against the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.

He had six carries for 15 yards and two catches for 39 yards. Fargas, 26, was a soccer standout at Thompson Middle School in the mid-90s before moving to California and becoming a high school football star. He became a standout at the University of Southern California for one year after transferring from the University of Michigan.

Fargas, hobbled by an injury-plagued career, saw his numbers decline in each of his three previous seasons with the Raiders. He had just five carries and one catch in 2005.

The Raiders brought in LaMont Jordan from the New York Jets. He had 272 carries for 1,025 yards and nine touchdowns ... and still complained about insufficient touches. That may change under Art Shell, who was hired for a second time as Raiders head coach in February. Shell had a Hall of Fame career as an offensive lineman for the Silver and Black.

"We're finally going to have an identity on offense," Jordan told reporters during training camp.

If it's run-oriented, Fargas figures to at least improve on his carries and catches from last year. He already surpassed them in one outing at the Hall of Fame. Oakland takes on the Minnesota Vikings tonight in its second preseason contest.
u Liam Coen, the son of Portsmouth High School football coach Tim Coen, began preseason practice last week as the starting quarterback at the University of Massachusetts.

Coen as a red shirt freshman took over as signal caller of the Minutemen in the third game of the 2005 season. He threw for 2,175 yards and completed 63.9 percent of his passes, which was second among freshmen nationally in Division I-AA.

"He really came of age last season when we asked him to take a lot of responsibility," said Minutemen head coach Don Brown on the school's website.

Coen, a former all-state pick at La Salle Academy in Providence, was 9-of-9 passing in the UMass spring game.

"The sky is the limit for Liam," Brown said.

But it might not be cloudless. Coen, who suffered some concussions last season, weathered the competition at quarterback from a Division I-A transfer, Taylor Humphrey from Hawaii, who has left UMass.

Now comes Joe Sanford, another I-A transfer. He joined the Minutemen last week after sitting out 2005 as a red shirt walk-on at the University of Virginia.

Brown told the Springfield Republican that Sanford, who like Coen is listed at 6-foot-2, seems to be a real solid athlete. "How fast he can pick up the offense and how quick he can compete with Liam and (backup) Scott Woodward, I'm excited to see how that plays out."

u The University of Rhode Island softball team apparently plays hardball when it comes to recruiting in the Ocean State.

The Rams recently announced their signees for the 2010 class: two each from Pennsylvania and Washington state and one each from California and Massachusetts.

Only shortstop Jamie Plamondon from North Providence was a Rhode Island high school product on the 15-player squad this past spring.

u Herb Dreher from Natick, Mass., has sailed in 38 straight national championships in the 110 class.

He kept his streaking going in the 2006 nationals last week in Newport. This weekend he will be competing in a national championship for miniature sailboats, where the skipper is on shore with a remote control.

Thus, Dreher, 71, has a voice of experience to heed, be it heard when he's at the helm on sea or on shore.

Or on ice.

"I found my ice boating improved my light-air sailing because in an ice boat you really don't hear, you don't hear water noise," he said. "You have to feel a change. I got more sensitive."

That latter's a line another iceman, Walter Matthau, certainly never uttered in Grumpy Old Men.